Date: Mon, 7 Jan 2013 15:45:11 -0700
From: dnrock@rock.com
Subject: Arden's Saga 33

Arden's Saga
by:  dnrock(dnrock@rock.com)

This is a narrative.  It is a work of historical fiction.  If the sexual
nature is offensive or you are disqualified due to age or location, don't
read it.  You have been warned.  I hope you like what you read and find the
characters and their exploits/adventures interesting.

Don't forget Nifty needs financial help.  Please make a donation if you
can.  http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html

33:  Before We Travel, Two


1318, 3rd month, 22nd day:

The council has not met for some time now.  We will meet in the morning,
tomorrow but today is a sports day.  The resident Argoanuts and Eagles have
organized a youth sports festival.  It is for boys and girls in and around
the city.  The schools have all closed for the day and most apprentices are
also free to come.  The house Eparchos was able to get a number of solders
to assist as group organizers, referees and judges.  In the morning the
youngest ones competed, this was the 6 to 11 year olds.  They were in 8
divisions, boys and girls, 6 & 7 or 8 & 9 and 10 or 11.  The youngest ones
were not very competent but they were the most delightful to watch.  We
princes were mostly assiting as starters of races and tasks like that.

The Argoanuts and Eagles did not compete, they were all assigned
organizational tasks.  Their advisors made the presentations to the
winners.  I saw our coaches and teachers at every event, making sure they
were being run properly.  Arden's boys and girls seemed to be employed in
making sure events like javelin and archery were safe and no one got in the
way.  (TN: crowd control) A few of the 10 and 11 year olds were competing
with the 12 to 14 group but very few.  Dios did in running.  He is still
hampered by short legs in the sprints but his exceptional stamina and
natural style allowed him to be truly competitive in the longer distances.

All of the pages were on hand to cary messages and the castle Stentorian
announced the events and the names of the winners.  For the younger ones we
had first, second and third places.  For the older boys and girls just
first.  Many of the apprentices stopped myself and the others to thank us
for the help and support we have given them over the years.  The players
and performance people put on little plays, juggling, music and so on,
between the events.

We could see the children were all having fun.  At one point I saw
Helladios and his gang of boys making mischief, causing his sister and the
girls she was with, much distress.  They would run into their group, pull
the girls hair or grab their clothing and run off again.  I thought it best
to put a stop to his behaviour.  Being much faster than him, I ran up
behind the group and picked Helladios off the ground, his little legs were
still running as I held him in the air.

"Not fair Arden, your bigger than me."

I laughed.  If that is the only thing that is unfair in the world, it would
be a very fair place.  Alias, it is not.  Fairness has nothing to do with
princely behaviour, Helladios.

"If being a Prince means I can't have any fun, I think I will just not be
one."

I shook my head.  Little brother, you have no choice in the matter.  You
don't get to choose your parents in this world.  Yours just happens to be
Royal and you are stuck with it.  I somehow believe, it is less having fun
or being a prince that prompts your behaviour.  I suspect you are in need
of something to do with your time.

"Are you going to spank me?"

No, I am not.  I think you should be forced to stay with me for the
remainder of the day.  The kid looked at me and his face lit up like my oil
lamp, in a dark room.

"You mean it Arden, you want me to stay with you?"

Yes, I want you to be my assistant for the remainder of the day.

The poor boy was beside himself.  He knew he would not be having fun with
his friends but he so desperately wanted to be accepted by his older
brothers, it seemed to take the sting out.  I think he is just starved for
older male attention.  He wants recognition of Helladios, not prince.  I
set him down and extended my hand.  He hesitated, not wanting to appear to
young to walk without an adult's hand but he wanted my attention and that
was a sure sign he would get it.

As the day went on I got him to start races and help me to hand out awards.
He also met and talked to hundreds of older boys and girls and men and
women too.  I think he was most impressed that few adults spoke to him in
the diminutive.

Dios and Odo came along with Solon and Kalkrates.  With them were a number
of palace children, all leading a companion.  They had found a number of
blind children and were guiding them and describing what was happening.  I
got the idea, that they too could race, if we organized it correctly.  I
sent Helladios, accompanied by Volos to find a small but loud bell.  If we
kept striking the bell, they could run toward the sound.  If we spaced them
out on the running track and kept them to the straight part, they would not
crash into each other.  (TN: The track Arden is talking about is not unlike
our modern tracks.  The ancient Greek tracks were long and straight with
starting blocks or stones at each end and 600 feet long.  I have seen a
number of them all built in BCE times. The Romans had curved tracks for
some things like chartist races.  Since the Greeks ran them as well I
assume they too had curved tracks.  Arden never mentions track
charestricts. He does mention laps and straight parts at least 600' long.)

I explained my plan, the children, both boys and girls were very interested
in giving it a try.  When Volos returned I asked Pyrros to get the
Stentorian, he would call the start after Helladios began ringing the bell.
There were 15 blind in all, so we would run three races of 5, three times.
I organized them by approximate size, mixing both boys and girls.  They did
not seem to mind in the least.  I think they were just glad to be included.
I numbered each so when they crossed the finish line we could call to that
number to stop running.  Each guide lined up and positioned his charge at
the start line.  They were spaced out, one person apart, the guide stood
next to his runner.  I didn't realize until they began running, they could
hear the foot falls of those around them, so they would not crash into each
other.

Many of the sighted runners were still near the track and Odo went to fetch
them.  We placed them along the track on both sides, so the blind runners
would know where the edges were, by the noise they were making.  I don't
know what he told them but they sent up a mighty cheer as each group
finished the distance, which is 1 stadia (TN: 600 Parga feet).  The
Stentorian raised his hands and asked for quiet.  I was pleased that the
onlookers quieted down, so the little bell could be clearly heard.  He
called: one, two, run and the first group tore down the stretch, as
Helladios rang his bell in a steady rhythm.  The first race was a great
success but was hard for me to stop them all.  One of the Argoanuts, seeing
what was happening found the place judges and brought them to the finish
line.

I could see Odo was gesturing to the crowd, urging them to cheer.  As the
races went on more and more people came over to see what was happening.  It
turned out that everyone was awarded a ribbon for at least one of the three
races they ran and two of the girls placed first.  I was very pleased with
the results and said so.  One of the older boys asked if some way could be
found for him, and I guess others, to train, as he really liked to run.  I
told him we would find a way.  The boys name is Thoren, he is about 14 and
very pleasant to look at.  More to the point, he is truly beautiful to look
at.  Normally, he used a cain to navigate in places he knew something
about, but had none with him.  I judged him very quick of mind and very
articulate.

Helladios surprised me, suggesting Thoren spend his remaining time with us
and to use him as his guide.  As we walked around, Thoren's hand on Hello's
shoulder, both of us would describe what was taking place.  That is when I
learned he had memorized all of Odo's songs and poems, along with the poems
of others.  After a while he very humbly asked if he could touch my face,
to gain an idea what I looked like.  Obviously telling him what colour my
hair and eyes are would mean nothing.  Even dark and light have no meaning
to one who have never seen either.  Yes.  I took his hands in mine and drew
them to my face.  His fingers inspected me, forehead, nosed, mouth, chin,
cheeks, ears, hair, neck and shoulders.

"I think you are most beautiful Prince.  Your skin is so soft and smooth.
Every feature is clearly defined.  Long eye lashes and moderate eye brows.
Mostly you smile a lot, he said."

I find your touch most gentle Thoren, perhaps we should more closel inspect
each other, in privet?

"I would most like that Prince."

"Are you going to feel what I look like Thoren," Helladios asked, in that
little boy voice no one can resist?

"Of course, Prince."  He held out his hands and Helladios pressed them
against his face.  Helladios was giggling as I guess his fingers tickled
him.

"Arden you must liberate me from my mother's apartments to assist Thoren in
his training.  He needs me as a guide.  I'll bet you can tell me lots of
stories, can't you Thoren?"

"Well yes but I think the Princess will not want you to be liberated, as
you put it."

"I'll see what I can do little brother," I said.

"If you come and tell stories to me and Lysandros, mother will be very
happy, please say you will?"

"Of course I will Helladios.  That is what I am being trained to do.  Blind
men have few other opportunities to earn a living.  I am no Homer but I do
know most of his poems."

Just them Alexandros came to us, obviously wanting to take Helladios back
to the Princess.  I assured him he was needed here, being Thoren's trusted
guide.  We would see him returned before bed time.  He protested that Volos
and Heron could do that.

"Not as well as I do," Helladios said.

I made an introduction of Thoren to Alexandros.  When Thoren thrust his
hand into empty air, Alexandros realized he was blind and became very red
with embarrassment.  He clasp his hand.

"I guess that will be fine, I will tell Princess Elpis, the young prince is
being cared for by Arden, who tells me he is needed at his station."

Remind her also Alex, he is not like Iason or Nikias, he is more like Arden
and needs his mother's understanding of that.  I have need of him, mother
will understand.  Alexandros turned to Thoren.

"Thoren, I see you have been captured by my brothers, as I was.  Your life
has changed, a change you will not regret, as I have not.  Those stories
that Odo writes, poems and songs about the princes are true.  Also many he
has not been permitted to publicize."

Alexandros shook his hand again and departed with Volos and Pyrros both
laughing.

"Does that mean I get to live with my brothers?"

No Helladios, it means you have only been partly liberated.  I am sure I
can arrange for you to be Thoren's castle and sports filed guide.  I am
sure Thoren will be able to tell the children his stories.  You must also
try and make some accommodation for mother's desires.  You must promise
that you will not use Thoren as an excuse for or object of mischief."

"I promise, but what did Alexandros mean by us capturing Thoren?"

"When the princes of Parga identify a young man or boy of talent, they have
this magic way of pulling them into our family," Volos added.

"But I still don't understand why Dios gets to live with the pages and I
can't?"

"The simple answer is his father allowed it and your mother will not.  Also
Dios is not Helladios.  Your time will come brother.  You already have
freedoms your older brothers did not achieve until they were 12."

The day was finishing.  We headed into the castle, stopping at the
carpenter's shop to pick up a temporary cain for Thoren.  We called in at
the stables to see Zephyros and Helladios' pony.  I was quite surprised at
how Zephyros reacted to Thoren.  He just seemed to know the boy couldn't
see him, he remained very still while he was near.  With his cain and his
hand on Helladios' shoulder, it was clear to others that Thoren was blind.
I was amazed that as we encountered people they immediately identified
themselves.  When we came to our baths Helladios amazed me again.  He just
took Pyrros' hand and said, "Come with me to my bath uncle Pyrros, then
they will let me come with you to dinner."  Pyrros smiled and was lead
away.

The door to our bath is straight ahead, I told him.  The two guards came to
attention and I introduced them to Thoren.  We entered.  I described the
room and found a bench for us to place our clothing.  He tapped his cain on
it to get a sense of position and size.  We were standing naked when most
of the pages and the other boys came pounding down the stairs.

"Arden who is your friend," one called out?  "He must be your brother,
since he is as beautiful as you.  Yes he is, see how red he gets.  Just
like you."

That was true, he is truly a beautiful boy.  His body is very well shaped
and he has the most wonderful genitals.  Thoren, these are my pages and
other boys that live with my brothers and I.  Line up and greet our new
friend.  Each one took his hand and identified himself.  Thoren placed his
hands on the boy's shoulders and head to gauge is approximate size.  I
found he had a marvellous memory for voices and immediately knew every name
from the sound of his voice.

Once in the water we began washing our bodies and each others.  Thoren
inspected me even more completely than I inspected him.  We both like what
we found between each others legs.  We didn't need to speak this, as our
immediate stiffness gave that signal.

When we came up the stairs I found all the others naked and in an
exceptionally happy mood.  Before we had a chance to dress and find Thoren
some clean clothing, Helladios and Pyrros arrived.  He immediately began
taking off his kilt, until Ikaros stopped him, we were all getting dressed.
Instead of joining his brothers, who were now returning from the bath, he
stayed by Thoren, after all he was his official palace guide.

Ikaros suggest we send a message to Thoren's parents, that he is staying at
the castle tonight.  Odo wrote it for him and one the older pages took it,
after getting directions to his home.  Thoren measured everything in steps
and right or left from different landmarks.

When we came into the knights dining room, Father and Uncle Iason were
already seated and telling jokes to all around.  On seeing Helladios, he
bid him bring his friend and sit with himself and Karyakos.  Everyone moved
a bit and they placed Helladios at his right and Thoren between them.  We
were at the other end of the table with several knights between us and our
fathers.  I could only hear part of what was being said.  I think I would
have been just a little upset had I got it all.

Helladios told the king that I had appointed him Thoren's official palace
guide and had hired him to be story teller for the children and would teach
him how to run races without seeing the track.  I did hear Uncle ask if his
mother knew where he was.  He responded that Arden told Alexandros to tell
her I was needed here and would be back in her apartments by bedtime.  I
heard Karyakos ask whose bedtime, his or yours?  Uncle Iason was shaking
his head and giving Karyakos that same look I give Iason, for he knew I had
meant Helladios' but Helladios answered Arden's.  Father smiled and Uncle
Iason had that look of, "How am I going to explain this to Elpis."

I could also hear them testing Thoren, he was reciting the Ganymede myth
for the two servers.  From the smiles on everyone's face he must be doing
well, I thought.  I was also impressed with Helladios' quick wit.  I could
see from the look on his face he knew Uncle Karyakos had given him an
opportunity and he was taking it for all it was worth.  Over at the page's
table the three terrors were complaining, Helladios was getting privileges
they had not until they were 12.  Iason leaned over and told them, any
privileges he gets he has earned, otherwise Arden would not have granted
them.

I could see that we were to have a new bed partner tonight and so could
Iason.  I am sure he was looking forward to it, as was I.  After the meal
was finished, Uncle Iason took his young son to the boy's mother.
Helladios knew better than to protest.

As we headed for our apartments, Father asked me when Thoren would be
taking up residence in the castle.  I stammered and Iason jumped in.  "As
soon as he can get his affairs in the city in order and Ikaros makes a
place for him."

"I want you four at your stations in the council tomorrow along with all of
the Argonaut officials.  I don't know how you do it Arden but you boys have
the most amazing talent for finding talent."  Then he put his arm around
Thoren's shoulders.  I welcome to our family."  He kissed the boy on the
cheek.  "Has my son made arrangements with your family?"

"No Sire, we have not had time to do that yet."

We just had time to send a message that he was staying the night, I added.

"I will go myself, I take it the page knows the way."

I was about to protest that I was capable of this.

"Arden, Thoren's parents have been more protective of him than those you
have had dealings with in the past.  I will speak to his father as your
father, not as a prince.  I hope you have been well warned Thoren, about
the kind of influence we princes will have on your life?"

`Yes sire, I have been told my life will never be the same again and it
will only be for the better.  Alexandros made that very clear."

"If anyone is to know, it is him.  Since we are a family and you are now
part of it, you must call me uncle Karyakos when we are not in official
situations.  The same for all of us, your princes are now your brothers."

"Uncle will Helladios be in any trouble with his mother because of me?"

"Absolutely not.  Arden may need explain himself to his mother.  Something
that comes with being the older brother.  Like all mothers, she wants to
keep her children close to her as long as is possible.  She may loose
Helladios sooner than she would like.  A mother knows her children and
their needs.  His are different than his older brothers were.  Iason and I
recognize this, as I suspect does Arden.  He is not yet ready to completely
leave her, some transition time is yet required.  We will talk about this
in the fall when the princes return.  For the next six months you can let
him be your guide and young companion."

When we returned to our apartments Ikaros gather everyone together and
forbid anyone from moving anything or leaving anything out of place, for as
long as Thoren is staying here.


1318, 3rd month, 23rd day:

Last night we kept Thoren between us and made love to him, as he had never
experienced before.  I don't know where he gained his experience but he was
that.  He gave as good as he got or tied.  His hands are like magic and his
ardor as great or greater than ours.  Being placed between us we managed to
bring him to ecstasy several times before Hypnos claimed us.

At breakfast he met mother and the other children.  Helladios was at his
side as we entered the room, taking his role of guide with full serious
attention.  I was pleased, so was Iason and of course mother.

Helladios had his morning lesson and we had our duties as well.  I left
Thoren with Ikaros after explaining how he would be paid and what was
expected of him.  I know he was most surprised that his remuneration was so
high and that his main duty for the next two years was to study with the
scholars and of course tell stories to the palace children on a regular
basis.

In the council, the first order of business was to praise the Argoanuts and
Eagles for such a successful youth sports day.  Special praise was given
for having found ways to include those with disabilities (TN: Arden wrote
difficulties and impairments).  Kleitos was called forward and asked to
examine ways of training animals to work with citizens that had different
infirmities.  Several of the coaches were also asked to develop training
methods for them as well.

"If the blind can run races, the lame can be archers, the one armed throw
javelins and so on," Uncle Iason suggested.

The next item was the situation in Epirus.  King Iason gave a signal and
Eutukos was shown into the room.  He was dressed as a lieutenant in their
army.

"You all remember Lt. Eutukos from his last visit.  I fear this visit will
become more permanent.  Lt. Eutukos please tell us your story," Uncle Iason
said.

"The day before yesterday, news came from the capital that Thomas was dead
and that Nikholas had assumed the position of Despot.  He is demanding
loyalty from the army and others.  We were told he had murdered Thomas and
freed his wife from prison.  This is with the blessing of the church, as he
changed from Western to Eastern.  My commander knows I am little interested
in politics but he also knows my feelings about loyalty; he suggested that
I should take my leave for Polykarpos' wedding that very day; presenting me
with the order of leave dated the previous day and paid my salary, owing to
that point.  I did that in Polykarpos' father's fishing boat.  I can not
serve a sovereign that gains his position by treachery.  I will not go back
to Epirus."

"Do you seek employment here Eutukos," Karyakos inquired?

"Yes Sire, I do."

"When we are finished here, please report to Consus the Captain of the
Palace Guards.  Once settled, you should send a letter of resignation to
your commander."

Several knights ask questions of Eutukos but he was not able to answer most
of them, as Karavostasi is not a village with good communication links to
the Court.  King Iason ended this by saying, "We do not feel comfortable
commenting on the happenings in other Courts.  We did not know Thomas all
that well, having only met him some years ago and at that time he was only
a child.  In our dealings with him, over the past few years, he was always
honourable and reasoned.  At times his position seemed weak or weakened but
not by his doing.  We are saddened that he was murdered.  It seems
reasonable to continue our border restrictions.  However, should any
Epirusian seek political asylum, we will not out of hand refuse."

The other business went quickly and we were released.  I was not surprised
that Nik murdered his uncle, after all he was not above having assassins
attack us.  I can not help but wonder how long he will be able to keep in
power, before someone murders him.  For us, the very thought of someone,
other than one of our clan members, taking control of Parga, is beyond
comprehension.

I think, if we had some manageable way of allowing all citizens to vote, on
every issue of policy, we would be happy.  Given our numbers and the
distances between us, that is just not possible.  It worked in ancient
times as the city states were small and the number of voters, the male
citizens, were relatively few.  The present system of a council of knights,
which are elected from each small district, appears to work.  Not every
knight wishes to be a part of the council, of course.  The only problem I
see is a knight must have military training, which means he is probably not
a scholar or tradesman.  Parga is then run by the military.  All knights
are not active solders of course.  In fact, our standing military is highly
professional and quite small.  Almost every farmer or tradesman is also a
part time solder as in the Hoplite traditions of old.

As I understand the situation, in most, if not all of the known world, some
kind of nobel or non elected leader is heading things up.  The Christine
church is a good example of this.  Sure the pope or patriarch is elected
but by other church leaders, who are appointed by that same office.  In
other places, power and titles are inherited.  Sometimes they are given but
mostly they are inherited from the gifting onward.  The Italians have a mix
of systems and non are truly democratic; although, in some like Venice, the
leader is elected by his council but that council is not elected.

The English are the only ones who seem to have any kind of ongoing charter
or law, that limits the power of the nobility.  From what I can see, we do
have copies in the University Library, these limits are minimal and weak.
Our code is much wider and limits the crown and the council.  Our courts
are ongoing and like the English, and attempt to be both fair and
procedural.  Punishment can only be a result of process.  Here, murder is
against the law.  Even the king can be brought to justice if he brakes the
law.

Parga's democracy is sui generis (TN: unique to itself).  It works here
because we are all citizens, of equal stature before the law, we are a
small place, we are all one clan and we have no state religion.  Our
nobility, of which I am a part, is appointed, based on merit, maintained
based on performance and understands it is the guardian and representative
of the peoples sovereignty, not its own.

Because we are small and not wealthy, we have never sought to expand or do
the bidding of others.  During the time of Iason the 4th the English were
bankrupted by foreign wars, being waged at the bidding of the Pope.

We have been told, in no uncertain terms, not to engage in political or
religious debates when visiting.  That is not to say we should not answer
questions or ask them.  We must learn as much as we can, about how other
places do things and if possible, understand why.

Karyakos visited us, just before our evening meal, to tell Thoren that he
had made a contract with his father.  Since his family lived in the city,
he was expected to pay frequent visits.  He also suggested that he take
several Argoanuts with him, to help bring his personal possessions on his
next visit.  Karyakos brought his favourite cain.

Ikaros had not only found him some very nice clothing but given him a
haircut.  Solon and Kalkrates will assist him dressing each morning and
make sure his hair is brushed and combed.  Helladios, Dios and Thoren
arrived at the running track shortly after I did.  I was flying around,
getting a little practice, when I saw them.  Helladios was describing my
efforts but I could not hear what he was saying.

As I walked over to them, Pyrros joined me.  We were not speaking but
Thoren said, "Arden and Pyrros, I hope your day is as good as mine."

"How did you know it was us," Pyrros asked.

"Oh that is easy, by the sound of your foot falls.  Every one makes a
different sound when he walks or runs."

Our day has been good and I think getting better now that we can run.  I
did not know everyone had a distinct foot fall, though.

"The difference are subtle but if the only source of information is sound,
you learn to listen very carefully.  It is not always accurate but for the
most part good.  Dios tells me he is the second best runner in Parga, you
Arden are first."

Dios is anything but modest.  He is quite good for his age and regularly
runs against boys 2 and 3 years his senior.  Are you here to train with
Thoren or just to watch, Dios?

"I am here to train with him.  Since he can tell so much about a person by
the sound of his footfalls, I thought I could run just ahead of him and he
might be able to follow me around the turns.  That way we won't need a bell
or be limited to the straight part.  If you run behind or next to him, then
you can tell him how to improve his style, like you do me."

Pyrros thought this a good idea, so did Helladios, who would also run with
us.  He is a competent runner for a boy of 10, perhaps this will help him
to improve as well.  Alexandros was sitting in the shade a short distance
away and Pyrros went to join him.

We walked out to the track and positioned ourselves.  Now, Dios go about 2
orgyia ahead and hold for my signal.  Don't go to fast for the first round,
let us work on style not speed.  Helladios took a position, about 2 orgyia
behind us.  On the count of three: one, two, go.  We started in a slow even
pace.  Thoren's longer legs wanted to catch up to Dios but he seemed to
adjust to the sound, keeping about 2 orgyia distance behind him.  Stretch
your legs out more, longer strides.  Try and land on the ball of the foot,
don't quite set the heal down, that's correct.

We were about half way around, I called to Dios, just a bit faster now.
Thoren increased his speed a bit.  I kept giving him instructions and a few
to Dios too.  Helladios was right behind us all the way around.  I couldn't
see if he was learning from my instructions to the others or not.  Pyrros
assured me he had.  By now, others were arriving at the track and making
their runs.  They kept to the outside and often passed us.  I could hear
their coaches calling instructions.  We went about 5 times around and I
could see Dios was beginning to tire, so I called it a day.  As we headed
for the stables one of the coaches stopped us.  He thought Thoren and
Helladios showed not only good progress but much promise.  Coach, would you
like to help with this experiment.  I will be traveling soon and these boys
will need help to improve while I am away.  He assured me he would gladly
do so.

Kleitos met us and taking Thoren hand lead him to a very large, white
stallion.  This one is very old but very well trained.

"I think he will make an excellent mount for you Thoren.  Have you ever
ridden a horse before?"

"No, never, how can I?"

"You just get into the saddle and leave the rest to me and Alexo here.
Alexo, I want you to meet your new master, Thoren."  He placed his hands
over Alexo's eyes.  "Thoren can not see like you Alexo, so you must be his
eyes.  Thoren has never ridden before, so you must be very gentle with him.
Since he can not see you must stand very still when he is near you.
Thoren, I want you to reach out and touch Alexo.  Feel along his body, get
to know your mount."

Thoren handed Kleitos his cain and did just that, feeling all along his
body, front to back.  "It is not a good idea to walk behind him Thoren,
come back to the front and go around him to the other side."  And so it
want, until Thoren had inspected most of his animal.  Found the saddle and
the bridal, his nose and his lips and so on.  Kleitos gave Thoren several
carrots and an apple.

"He likes carrots and prizes apples above all.  Give him a reward of a
carrot for having stood still for so long.  Just hold the carrot by its end
and stretch your arm in the direction of his mouth, use his breath to
guide.  Thoren did just that.  Alexo ever so gently took the carrot in his
lips and when he judged it was free of Thoren's hand, into his mouth.  He
bent his head down a bit to receive a pet but Thoren did not know this, so
the horse ever so gently moved his nose to the boy's hand and pushed.

"He wants a pet or two.  Give it and tell him how pleased you are and
another carrot."

Thoren did that petting his mussel with both hands.

Kleitos sent us off to run our animals but kept Thoren and Alexo in the
paddock, after we boosted him into the saddle, that is.  Kleitos walked
beside, giving both instructions on how to communicate.

I could hear him say, "if you want him to turn right or left just touch him
with your knee in the direction and he will respond.  If he does not, he
realizes that signal is incorrect for the situation.  Trust him Thoren.  He
is trained as a knights war horse, in battle they must form a team, with
complete trust in each other.  Their lives depend on it."

When we returned, we held at the paddock gate to observe.  Alexo was
trotting around and Thoren was laughing and giggling like a small child.  I
could see Alexo was also enjoying himself, his head was high and proud to
again have work and purpose in his life.  I called to Thoren and he looked
in my direction and said something to Alexo, the horse immediately trotted
over to us, stopping just short of Zephyros.

We helped Thoren dismount and when he found his cain took Alexo's lead and
tapping his way down the line, to the fifth stall on the right.  Alexo
walked slowly behind, I noticed the lead was always slack and the horse
seemed keenly interested in what Thoren was doing.  "Is this the correct
one Alexo," he asked.  Alexo's head draped over his left shoulder and
gently pushed him right.  In they went.

On the way to the baths we chided Helladios, Thoren learned so quickly he
will soon be out of a job.  He just blushed as Iason rubbed his hair,
giving the older brother approval Helladios so desperately sought.  Thoren
could talk about nothing else except his first riding lesson and his wonder
mount.

"I thought you said the blind could not ride," Polydeukus commented.

"It is easy with such a wonderful animal.  I had no idea riding could be so
much fun.  I learned a lot today and not just about riding.  The most
important thing is, anything is possible if one puts a little effort and
thought into it, given the opportunity.  I just hope I will be able to ride
him in the future."

"Why would you not," Kastor asked?

"He is not my horse and I have no the means to keep him if he were."

"Would you like him to be yours," Helladios asked?

"Yes, of course but I still lack the means."

"You do not need ownership to have exclusive use.  Who pays for his keep
now," Polydeukus asked?

"I do," Zokitos announced as he entered the pool.  "I take it, this is the
young man I saw riding him earlier today."  We made introductions.  "I must
say Alexo has not held his head so high or shown as much pride for many
years.  If he serves you Thoren, half as well as he has served me these
years, you can ask for nothing more.  If exclusive use is what you desire,
then you have it.  Alexo deserves to spend his remaining days in meaningful
service of someone who can appreciate his many talents.  You seem like just
that person.

It was a very difficult decision for me to retire him, after so many years
of outstanding service.  He is just to old to continue with me.  I could
see today he trotted as he did 20 years ago.  That son, is all the reward I
need."

Thoren was speechless.

Helladios jumped in.  "Uncle Zokitos tell us how you came by Alexo."

"I was the most undisciplined and rebellious page in your grandfather's
court.  I am not proud of that, it is true.  I think he feared for my
future.  It was grandfather Plato that found a way for me.  Alexo was the
most difficult of three year olds in the military training school, for
young horses.  I think the training master was about to send him into
service pulling wagons.  Plato came to me with a challenge; if I could
train the animal, he would make me a gift of him.  I was not sure until he
was brought to the castle.  I had never seen such a magnificent animal.  I
took the challenge and you see the results.  He is the best of the best and
I am a famous general.  We trained each other.  In battle, he has saved my
life more than once.  In peace, I have cared for him.  Thoren, he will care
for you as he did me.  All he asks in return is love, friendship and a few
apples, for he dearly loves them.  And now you have not only your own horse
but a new story to tell the children."

"How can I ever thank you?"

"Simply by sharing your life and your adventure with him.  He knows nothing
else but service to his rider.  He enjoys showing off too.  You must be
indulgent of him in that.  No animal in the kingdom is better at the equine
military arts.  Let him perform for you and others.  It will be all the
sweeter as you are blind and he knows that.  He will know how proud you are
to be astride of him.  I do not know how he knows this, I just know he is
and I always was."  He looked right at Helladios.  "You are much like your
grandfather, Helladios, it is like having him, well a much younger version
of him, among us again.  Like that horse, Iason the 6th knew only service.
For him it came naturally.  For others it comes with work and training but
not him.  He just had to be always doing something, the only something that
was meaningful to him, was service to his people.  Now it is time for you
to go to my sister."  He patted him on the butt and he departed without any
suggestion of protest.

Later, when we four princes were alone with Zokitos, he praised us for both
our good judge of character and our indulgence of Helladios.  Then he asked
me if I had found a mentor for Thoren.  I told him we had not thought about
that.  He suggested we look to one of the younger scholars, perhaps one
that is studying for an advanced degree.  Someone who would fully
appreciate the boy's physical attributes as well as his keen mind.  He is
correct, Thoren does have a most desirable butt and genteel manor.

At our evening meal, the two knights were again paying close attention to
Lyuben.  Lyuben was obviously enjoying all this attention.  I wondered what
Adonis would say but he was not around.  Knowing Adonis, he would not be
jealous, he knows his lover.

As our departure grows closer, I notice that Nikias is becoming more and
more attentive to me.  I also notice he and Dios are closer friends.  They
both know Iason and I would have it so.  The twins have each other.  Me
thinks Lyuben and Thoren will become friends.  Lyuben still learns mostly
by hearing, as his reading skills are yet to be honed.  Thoren too, as he
can not read script, only letters carved into something or raised from the
surface.

I know we all love stories and none more than our boys.  Thoren keeps them
all captivated as he recites Homer and others, changing his voice with the
characters.  He also recites plays as if several actors are on the stage.

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