Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2012 23:32:45 -0600 From: dnrock@rock.com Subject: Arden's Saga 2a Arden's Saga by: dnrock (dnrock@rock.com) This narrrative is a work of historical fiction. The operative word in that sentence is fiction. It is a modest revision and error correction of my earlier story Arden. Sex between males, males and females, between females, of both contemporaries and intergenerational is common. I am sure, not common enough for some and too common for others. Some of the descriptions are graphic, others not, still others are only statements of happening or just allusions to occurrences. The main characters are male and most of the sex is between them. Most of these characters are bisexual (although that term is modern and the Greeks of 1300 had none for it, sex was sex.) or think of themselves as such but not quite in the sense modern readers might assume. You will find most are homosexual in our terms, in the language of the day it is men who love men. The term homosexual may have Greek roots but it is a modern invention. If that offends or is illegal for the reader then it is up to the reader to self censor. You have been alerted, that is as far toward censorship as this author is prepared to go. The reader is reminded that historical fiction, when set in some past time and space, adopts the conditions, sensibilities, morality and other trappings of civilization that existed at that time and place. This story is fiction informed by historical scholarship. The operative word here is informed. The author makes no claim to be a historian or a language scholar for that matter. If the sexual nature is offensive or you are disqualified due to age or location, don't read it. You have been reminded. I hope you like what you read and find the characters and their exploits/adventures interesting. Feel free to correspond with comments and if you spot errors please point them out. I would also remind everyone that your financial support to Nifty is appreciated and is needed to keep the stories flowing. Please help if you can. 2. Introduction Continues I was given my first of many gifts, a fine gelding. This is a magnificent steed to be sure, with fine tack and Father said well trained. I was not sure what to do at first. I desperately wanted to make friends with my new gift. I also thought it my duty to care for Father's horse, as I had been doing these past couple of day. Suddenly I was handed a fine leather kilt and tunic by Ouranos, who handed like dress to the others, including Father. We took off our uniforms and standing naked, in view of the remaining villagers, dressed for work. "Arden, a knight's most valuable possession is his steed. In battle his life depends on him. Your first lesson is this: your horse is cared for before yourself and by yourself. He is called Zephyros. Do your duty son." I was stunned at first. No one had ever given me anything of great value before. Father patted my butt, I did and so did the others, even father. I could see that his horse was even more fond of his attention then he had been of mine. As I groomed Zephyros I realized just how great a test I had been given. If his horse was as important to him as he said, then my grooming tasks were not so much designed to test my skills and knowledge but my dedication to duty and my feelings towards animals. A father must be able to trust his son with his most valuable and meaningful possessions. He was gifting me his name, family honour and this fine animal because he knew I will do them well and proud. (TN: The name in this case is "son of Karyakos". Family names were not used in Parga until much later.) I was just a little confused as to why he and I were called Prince. Then it struck me, if he is the King's Consort, he can have no lesser a title and if I am to be betrothed to the Crown Prince, then no less for me. I was still confused about all this. When we finished we removed our tunics and using a small tub of water cleaned ourselves. I could see, not only was Father the most handsome of men, but as well constructed as the other two. (TN: Arden means well built) My guards were young, I guessed 16 at best but they too were very strong and handsome. Father has a small beard but my guards had only some slight blond stubble. I could see too that all of us were ramped and fully erect when we put on our uniform kilts. I was just a bit confused about this male sex. I like it and am greatly excited by my father/lover. I could see clearly that all these men were experienced in those arts. They seemed to fondle and play with each other and father but not me. I wondered what the rules of this game were. I knew the innkeeper and his family. His second oldest son is Perum just 16, a close friend of my brother. I compared him to my guards, while he was serving us our dinner. Yes, they must be about 16. I could see Father's guards were not the least bit shy in feeling him under his kilt or patting him on the ass. He did not seem to mind, although I am sure he was told to put up with it, the King's men pay well and in gold. I did not speak to him, we did exchange nods when our little group entered the dining area. Not much was said while eating. After, Father called for more wine and when Perum came between Ouranos and Thanatos to pore it, they bid him set the flask down and pulled him onto the bench between them. I could see they both had a hand below the table and I assumed under his kilt by the way he was acting. It was obvious he was more accustomed to this than I though, for he was smiling. After a bit of teasing Perum obviously wanted to address me. I could see it in his eyes but he did not quite know how. I could feel Father's hand on my knee it slowly moved up my leg but not as far as my crotch. I didn't quite know what to do should I speak to Perum or react to Father. Volos solved my problem. He asked, "You must be acquainted with Prince Arden are you not?" "Yes sir," he said, lowering his eyes. Father squeezed my knee, rather firmly. I got the message and piping in, Perum and I have often swam together. Perum, this is my Father, Prince Karyakos, he has adopted me this very afternoon. Perum was about to rise so he could kneel but Thanatos stopped him. Karyakos said, "it is a great pleasure to have you act as Ganymede these past days." He reached out across the table and pressed several coins in Perum's hand. "That is for you and you alone son. Thanatos, Ouranos and I will go and settle with your father. You and Arden should talk a while." Thanatos and Ouranos got up and both bent down each kissing one of Perum's cheeks and followed Father into the kitchen. Volos and Pyrros did not move, nor did Perum. It took me some moments to realize they would remain at my side as if held by a tether. I looked at them. "Prince Arden, we can not leave your side. It is our duty. We are also bound by an oath of silence. You may talk to your friend as if we are not here, it is no offence or disrespect." Perum and I immediately began a conversation. He was interested in my sister and since I was leaving the community he could test the waters. He did. I could see out of the corner of my eye the faint smiles on Volos' and Pyrros' faces from time to time. Father called and we all rose to depart. I gave Perum a strong embrace and promised to come home for my sisters' weddings. Volos and Pyrros also gave Perum a kiss on his cheek as we departed. I understood they must all have enjoyed his boy charms over the past several days. Once we were outside, Thanatos commented, "a few more visits from us and that lad will have enough gold to buy this place." I think he has his eye on my oldest sister. I have seen his endowments and surely will make her happy if that should come about, I added. That raised a good laugh from the others. I was surprised that we were leaving so late in the day. I would have thought the morning since it will be dark before long. I saddled Zephyros and Ouranos packed up the two pack horses, off we rode into Arden's adventure of a lifetime.