Date: Thu, 31 May 2012 20:47:08 -0600
From: dnrock@rock.com
Subject: Arden's Saga 8

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

This is a narrative. It is a work of historical fiction. The operative word
in that sentence is fiction. A list of characters will be provided
(Separate File) as some come and go and the time span may be lengthy
between appearances, in the serialized presentation, I thought it might
prove useful. Sex between males, males and females, between females, of
both contemporaries and intergenerational is common. I am sure, not common
enough for some and to common for others. Some of the descriptions are
graphic, others not, still others are only statements of happening or just
illusions to occurrences. The main characters are male and most of the sex
is between them.

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.

Nifty and I hold the copyright so posting it or making money from it
without permission or sharing, is unethical. That said, if you wish to
quote reasonable length passages please be kind enough to sight them. You
will find a few quotations or only slightly edited passages in some
chapters. References are provided in the text.

Help keep Nifty on line if you can, please donate.

8: Return to Koalhurst

1312 the 9th month 26th day:

(TN: We pick up the story a week later. Abrith is the given name of Arden's
birth father. Arden does not explain himself so we have no idea why he
writes this way but it is surely not from a lack of respect.)

Today we did not need to work on Abrith's farm as we did for the past
several.  Iason and I managed to complete Abrith's vineyards along with the
help of my sisters. Abrith and Abernath finished in the olive grove. They
will be able to harvest the lentils, beans and peas between them. Iason was
quite taken with my youngest sister Zosimos, as she is very friendly and
much like his own sister.

Mother was most taken with Iason, much as the Princess seems taken with
me. Damao, Heron, Pyrros and Volos all worked along side of us and
Abernath, things went much quicker and they managed to assist several of
the neighbours as well. I liked that, as all of us boys could then take
advantage and spend a pleasant afternoon at the swimming place.

We had traveled here with Thanatos and several of his men. Our four were
not happy about this, feeling they were qualified to do their service, I
guess Father had other ideas, he did not say. After this stay I am sure
Perum will have more than enough coin to wed my sister and set up a
household & business for himself.

My family took Iason in as another son and brother. I was happy about
this. We were overwhelmed with questions and spent many hours explaining
life in the city and castle. Father had insisted I bring presents for my
family, which I did. I got a fine new flute for Abernath, a fine long dress
for my mother, selected for me by Darkon's mother, rich cloth for my
sisters and several books made on Archimedes' new printing press, for
Abrith. On our way from the castle we passed a number of pack trains all
laden with koal from the near by mines. I took it this was destined for the
forges at the castle.

Iason and I shared Abernath's bed at night. We also shared his body. I
never dreamed my older brother was such an accomplished lover. He was shy
about it and claimed just natural talent not experience. Iason and I did
not care. His cock was stiff and long and his ardor mighty. He filled us
both and gave us pleasure equal to that which he received. I must say it
only took him a short time to accept Iason as brother, not Crown Prince,
about ten minutes in bed. I'm glad of that. He would always treat me as
brother not Prince, I think it is good he treats my betrothed the same.

The neighbours and all of Koalhurst's people were more than surprised to
see two princes working in vineyards and orchards. I know the older girls
were more than impressed when our four guardians, when they removed their
tunics displaying their well developed muscular bodies. I know mother and
Abrith were most impressed by them too. Not for their physical beauty,
which is great but for their devotion to us and willing service to them and
our neighbours. I was also impressed by the show of support and
appreciation of all Koalhurst toward Iason and I. They expressed great
pride in my having been chosen as the Crown Prince's Consort. I am sure we
honoured them by visiting. I also think we enriched the community by
bringing much coin into the local economy.

A goodly number of the boys from Koalhurst expressed a strong desire to
join us at the castle, when old enough. It would appear from the way
everyone was acting at the swimming place that our guardians had already
begun to recruit several of them.

At first it was a bit awkward. They knew me already, as Arden not Prince
Arden. They were in awe of the Crown Prince. I looked over at Iason and he
smiled, we pulled off our tunics.

"There is no prince here now, just two hot and dirty boys that need a swim
and playmates," Iason announced.

That was all it took for everyone to get naked and into the water,
frolicking for the remainder of the afternoon. On the return trip we were
all riding two and three to a horse; one of my old playmates sighed and
said it was now quite late and his father would be angry that he had stayed
away so long.

I told him that we now have two princes and five guardians. His father
would understand. He was not convinced. I suggested that when we stop at
his home, he should kneel before us and kiss our hands and I would tell his
father that his tardiness was at our instance. Iason leaned over from his
horse saying, this is a game that Arden is learning to play very well. All
of us were giggling like girls until we put on our little show. His father
was less than impressed, however. While it was clear he would not
discipline him in front of us, it was also clear he would make my friend's
life less than pleasant, once we departed. I think the presence of our 4
guardians had some strong influence on this. I could see the look of abject
fear in Kleitos' eyes, so could Iason. I had no choice but to act firmly
and swiftly. I was not sure just how far my Princely authority extended but
Father and Uncle would understand, I was confident, and stand behind my
action. I may get several long lectures, I can live with them. This was my
thinking at the time.

"Kleitos, it would appear that our apology has only been accepted out of
custom, not in the spirit it was presented. What price for Kleitos' service
to the Crown Prince and his Consort," I asked.

I knew that he had referred to Kleitos, in the past, as worthless but he
dare not say so now.

"Ten gold coins," was his reply.

I reached into my purse and pull out five. "I think five is a more
appropriate number."

Holding out my hand. Five is all I had and I did not know how many Iason
had. I had not even asked him if he would support this. Phokas thought for
a moment and realized I had probably not forgotten his attitude or comments
about Kleitos. He took the money. The look on Kleitos' face was a mix of
joy and bewilderment. He immediately knelt down again and began kissing my
hand. I had to stop him.

"Kleitos, you should visit Abrith and get official papers from him. It has
been a pleasure to do business with you sir." I nodded to Phokas and bid
Kleitos rise. "Go and get whatever belongings you have, kiss your mother
good by, we will hold here until you return."

The other boys were all shocked but I know they wanted to cheer. Iason took
up the thread next. He said, "If any of you desire to enter our service and
can get permission from your fathers, tell Abrith and he will make full
arrangements." They all mobbed us swearing to do so.

We all walked to the inn where our horses are stabled. Kleitos wanted to
care for Zephyros but I would not let him. I did let him help.

"Kleitos you are in our service, you are not our servant. Iason and I must
care for our horses, just as our guardians must care for their own
horses. You can help us if you choose but it is not a requirement."

I pulled off my tunic and Jason pulled his off too. A signal the game was
over and the princes were no more. He embraced me, holding me tight. I
could see tears in his eyes. I knew those tears and those feelings. Iason
and the guardians crowded around us. All giving Kleitos assurances he would
not regret coming into our service.

When we arrived at Abrith's he was surprised but said nothing when I told
him what I had done and asked him to do up the contract for Kleitos'
father. He told me five coins was not sufficient. Iason give him five
more. He smiled and praised us. He turned to Kleitos and informed him that
he would give these five coins to his mother. "It will help to ease her
pain." The smile on Kleitos' face was so wide and so radiant, I am sure the
sun became briefly jealous. I told him of our offer to the others and he
just smiled. "I will see that is done and I am sure the numbers will be
greater then you think," he said.

I asked him if he thought I had acted correctly in this matter? Abrith
smiled.

"Son, you did what you believed was the correct and proper thing. It is
what I would have done in the same situation, if I had the same means. I do
not know Prince Karyakos or King Iason well enough to say they would
completely agree, they will be proud that you did what you thought was
correct and honourable. You have cemented the life long loyalty of Kleitos
and earned a new respect for the Crown from him and the entire
community. For that alone your new father and uncle will be pleased.

While this was all transpiring, I later learned, a message rider had
arrived at the inn. We were being summoned back to the Castle. Kleitos
would accompany us of course. Zephyros would just have to carry
two. Thanatos took Kleitos to the inn with him for the night. The Castle is
a long day's ride from Koalhurst. By the pace Thanatos was setting I
figured it would be a short day. Since Iason and I had spent all of our
coins, Abrith was kind enough to advance us a few silvers each.

Just before our mid day meal, which would be near a small village over half
the distance to the castle, we encountered a medium sized lad of about 15,
hobbling along the road. He had obviously sustained some kind of injury, as
his leg was covered with blood and he used a crooked stick to assist his
walking. Pyrros galloped ahead to render assistance. I could see the others
were much more cautious fearing some kind of trap perhaps. Pyrros had
dismounted and was examining the lad's leg when we came along side.

Volos, Heron and Damao deployed themselves on either side of us. Heron took
the pack horse's lead from Thanatos who also dismounted. Pyrros took up his
position and Iason, Kleitos and I stayed on our mounts. I could not hear
all that was said but it appeared the boy had been in some kind of accident
and his leg was broken. He was in great pain. Thanatos had us dismount and
Kleitos held the reins of all our horses. Iason and I went to assist. The
boy's name was Alexandros and he seemed quite embarrassed at his
situation. I could not understand why.

Iason got some water and a cloth to clean the blood from Alexandros' leg
while I secured some leather thongs and some strips of cloth from Thanatos'
saddle bags. Volos was sent into the near by thicket to secure some stiff
branches. I did not know what this was for but soon learned. Thanatos told
Alexandros that his leg was broken and that the bone must be properly
set. To do that he would need to move it into the proper position, it
should have a binding above and below the break and the poles Volos was
fetching would form a splint. Once secured in the splint, it would have a
chance to mend but that mending would take some time. The setting would be
painful and Iason and I were told to hold Alexandros firmly on the
ground. He gave him a small piece of leather to bite on during the most
painful parts.

Iason was most impressed with Alexandros' courage and fortitude. It was
painful but he did not cry or even speak out. He did bite very hard on the
leather between his teeth.

When that was done and the pain had lessened, Pyrros brought some wine and
Damao some cheese and flat bread for Alexandros.  Kleitos now had all of
the horses under his control. I noticed he did very well at this and seemed
to have a natural way with the animals. We all took our midday meal.

Once refreshed, Alexandros realized who it was that had stopped to render
him assistance. He at once inquired why we had done this for a poor orphan
as himself. Iason just replied, he obviously needed help and we seemed to
be the only source of that help in the vicinity. He told us he had been
climbing a large fig tree and fallen out of it. Now he realized why the
figs were still on those top most branches. Damao offered more food which
he accepted but only after we assured him we had plenty and it was surplus
to our needs. Jason looked at me, with that same look I had looked at him,
the day before.

"Alexandros, do you have anyone near here to care for you," he asked?

"Yes and no."

He had a place to sleep with the animals, at a near by farm. He worked
there for his food and clothing. I was not impressed, since he was very
thin and not at all well dressed, even for a farm worker. Thanatos reminded
him that for the next several weeks he would not be able to work and that
he could not stand on his leg until it had healed. He did not know how to
respond, I could see by his face and mannerism, he was disheartened.

"Then it is settled," Iason said with a flip of his hand, "You will come to
the castle with us where you can recover."

"How can that happen if I can not walk?"

"You will ride with me on my horse," Iason said.

"I can not ride with this on my leg." Iason looked at Thanatos for help.

"It can be done. It may not be comfortable but it can be done."

He had Volos and Heron move most of the packs from one of the horses to the
others. The four guardians, two on each side, lifted him in the air and up
over the animals hind quarters setting him on the pack frame. They tied his
legs to the frame. The other older guardians, stayed on duty positioned on
either side of us during all the activity.

As we rode into the little village he told us where the King's
representative lived. That is Abrith's job in Koalhurst. Thanatos called
the man out and asked if he knew "this boy". The representative said he
did. Thanatos asked him why an orphan was living in such conditions in his
village. The man did not answer.

"Alexandros, as an orphan with no living relatives, is automatically a ward
of the King, my father will be less than pleased to learn his ward has been
so badly treated, that he suffered injury just to get enough food to
prevent starvation."

"And I suppose you are the Crown Prince?"

Yes, this is Crown Prince Jason and I am Prince Arden, Crown Prince Consort
and this is, Alexandros one of King Jason the 7th's children, therefore our
brother. I trust this is the first and only time you have failed in your
office. I was liking this feeling of being able to say my mind and knowing
it was being listened to.

"We must not tarry here long," Thanatos interjected, "you have been
informed that Alexandros is accompanying us to the castle."

He did not hesitate but nodded to us and we rode off in a great hurry. Once
out of sight he slowed and Kleitos moved from my horse to assist Alexandros
on the one he was tied to. As we approached the castle it was almost dark.

Once inside the castle gates several solders assisted us in taking
Alexandros up to our bedchamber, where Ikaros bathed him. Dysme came to
assist in preparing a sleeping places for him and Kleitos.

After our evening meal Father and Uncle Jason returned to our bedchamber
with us, to meet the two new boys and learn how they came to be with us. I
know that Thanatos gave his report. They knew the facts and I am sure had
already ordered a review of at least one representative's work.

Kleitos and Alexandros were both most taken by the King and Consort coming
to meet them on the very night of their arrival. They were both totally
overwhelmed by how informal and loving a meeting it was. Alexandros was
welcomed as a ward. What was most surprising to him was that he was thanked
repeatedly for having allowed the young princes to assist him.

Kleitos was also thanked for having accepted my offer of employment. They
were both encouraged to tell their stories. Father and Uncle listened
attentively, asking a few questions and chuckled at the humorous parts. It
was decided that Kleitos would join the Palace Boys the next
day. Alexandros would remain with us until his leg has healed. The tutors
would call on him each day so his lessons could begin as soon as
possible. Ikaros was instructed to make sure the physician called on him
soon and as often as needed.

Iason and I accompanied out fathers to their bed chamber. Nothing was said
about our adventures or about why we had been summoned. Our mentors took us
to their bodies, showering us with kisses and tender touches. We both had a
ride on our mentors shaft. It is much like posting in the saddle, except
this saddle is much softer, warmer and has a stiff arrow that fills our
anuses and gives us immeasurable pleasure. As we lay in the dark enjoying
the effects of that immeasurable pleasure, Uncle Jason whispered many
things to me. Mostly how much he loved me and proud he was of my
progress. He told me Iason and I were becoming men faster than he ever
imagined possible. He suggested that in future it would be wise to seek
permission before bringing new people into our household. I began to beg
forgiveness but he would have none of it, kissing me until I stopped.

"Arden, your authority is as great as, but no greater than, your
responsibility. Kleitos is the fifth person on your personal staff. Their
primary allegiance is to you and Iason as men, not your office. You two
must now take on full responsibility for him just like your guardians. I
know it is not to great a responsibility for one that learns so quickly."

I realized what the meaning of his words were. Iason and I are only boys
and we now had the responsibility of five other boys, four older then
ourselves. Unlike much in our lives, this was not a game or a lesson, it
was the future and lives of real people.


1312, the 9th month, 30th day:

These past days have been filled with happenings and have caused us much
anxiety. We were recalled to the castle as several events unfolded during
our absence. Two of our small fishing villages had supposedly been raided
by pirates. Several of our people were killed and homes destroyed in
each. All of the coastal villages have been temporarily abandoned. The
people have been moved in land and the boats sailed along the coast to the
main harbour. It is believed these were only probes to test our defences
and readiness for battle. Our coast is steep, very rocky and the water
shallow. The few fishing villages along it have only the most difficult
passage inland, all easily defended from the high ground. Our war ships
chased the invaders away before any real damage could be done. By
abandoning the villages, invaders will believe we have fewer eyes to see
their activities.

Word has also come from the east that a large force is gathered, just
before the high mountain pass; this is the only easy land access from
another state. A few men have entered the country across the steep
mountains on the north and south. Most of them have been killed or
captured. Father believes they will try and coordinate an attack close to
the full moon, which gives them some light for night movement and provides
the highest tides. The eastern pass is almost always closed by the 12th
month from deep snows.

He figures they will try and draw our forces to the coast with a series of
small raids and then attack by land. When we rush reinforcements east they
will attack in force from the sea. They had probably hoped to surprise us
but it is now obvious they know we are aware of the situation.

We pages were very busy. Messages were flowing to every part of the castle
and I could see the riders were leaving and arriving as almost a steady
stream. Janus managed to find a short time to visit with us between his
rides. He told us that when he rides east, 5 mounted solders accompany
him. The council is meeting almost continuously and our sports and
schooling has been suspended.

The council decided to employ our fastest but smallest war ships to carry a
message to the neighbouring state. We already knew the recent coastal raids
had been launched from there.

Uncle Iason dictated his message, four scribes were put to recording it. He
started out with his usual greetings. "Our port and border were closed on
the 15 day of the 8th month for a period of 90 days. They will be reopened
on the 15th day of the 11 month. Our states have been friends and allies
since any of us were founded. We have always come to each others aid when
needed. This is one of those times. This kingdom needs the assistance of
its neighbours. What is requested is simply your cooperation and nothing
more. The Bishop of Florence and his allies are planning military action
against us. Should they be so foolish as to implement these plans they will
be crushed. The cost will be very high in the lives of those attackers. You
can assist us by denying this unholy alliance access to your territory and
ports during their preparations and any sanctuary as they reiterate. It has
come to our attention that many of the mercenaries the Bishop has hired
come from places ripe with pestilence..."  Three messages were signed and
sealed by King Iason and dispatched forthwith. Janus carried one to the
east. The knights all gathered around the big map table to discuss the
battle plans. We could not see very well from our position, no one invited
us closer, so all of us stood on our benches. One of the knights pointed to
a place on the map. We know that they have sent spies into this area and
this area over here. These men found exactly what we wanted them to
find. The ones that found their way here and were killed, their information
died with them.

We know they have 4 encampments eastward down the valley from the pass. The
furthest is a two, hard day's march, the closest is about a half day's
march. We believe the 4th camp are reserves . We have spotters high up on
the northern ridge line that will signal us when a substantial number move
forward.

They will expect us to defend as the Greeks did at Thermopile and this time
there is no secret way around. In that they are partly correct but only
partly. The way around is not a secret, it is difficult and dangerous
across a glacier with many crevasses. The valley on our side is very narrow
with a fast river and sheer walls. They can march no more then 4 abreast
and the cavalry is limited to two abreast at best. Our archers will line
the gap on both sides. If they send the cavalry in first we will stop them
in the gap. It they send foot solders first we will let them pass into an
area that is wider but where the river is against the vertical rock
cliff. The other side is a high, steeply sided, terrace from which we can
prevent them over topping. Where this wider spot narrows again a fast river
cuts across it to a narrow opening. We have set up a defensive line across
this point made of earth works and large boulders. "Knights, the invaders
shall not pass," one said.

Along our defensive line are the cross bows and long bows, in the Welsh
style, backed by cavalry and foot solders. Our other archers are all along
the ridge line. Our cavalry is positioned behind the archers in both
places. We appear to be outnumbered by about 5 to 1 but each defender on
higher ground is worth 10 on the move and in the open. If it appears that
their calvary might break through we will cause a rock slide to block off
the narrowest part of the passage, trapping them and preventing
reinforcements.

"Are you prepared to deal with a mass surrender," Uncle Iason asked?

"Yes Sire, there is a small blind canyon not far away where prisoners can
be detained for a few days. The nights are getting colder as the season
advances and we are already seeing snow on the mountain tops. Food and
medical supplies are in readiness."

Karyakos spoke next. "I fear this is a grand ruse on the Bishop's part. He
must be aware of what happened when the Roman Legions tried the same
move. The river ran red with their blood for days and they came in mid
summer. No Roman made it west of that narrow passage. I wonder if they will
attack at all from that way. I suspect they are threatening so, to keep a
large portion of our small army occupied. They must know we can not just
withdraw as long as they have a strong presence at our eastern gate.

I am told that in the Frankish and Saxon lands much rain and cool weather
has settled in for over a month now. Much of the harvest is rotting in the
fields there. As you say the snow is falling on the mountain tops now,
which is more than a month early, is that correct scholars?"

The scholars had a mini conference and one answered, "it is Sire. We have
no record of snow at this time of year."

"When the snow comes how long can we remain at our posts," the King asked.

"No more than two weeks Sire."

"Then let us pray for much snow to fall in the next two weeks. At the first
sign of snow on the ground have the border guards tell their counterparts
that they have instructions to withdraw when the snow reaches a man's knee
in depth. I assume they are on friendly terms with them. Make sure they
play the game to the end. These men are not our enemy but our
neighbours. When the snow reaches that depth you can withdraw half of your
forces, taking most of the archers and all of the foot solders. As more
snow falls continue to withdraw forces leaving only the normal contingent
at the snow line barracks. Try to maintain the lookouts as long as possible
but do not keep men in dangerous situations needlessly.

Archimedes has given you a secret weapon to cause avalanches to further
block the pass should they attempt some kind of winter invasion. I doubt
they have the will or heart for it."

(TN: Arden did not appear to know about this weapon before and he has no
idea what it was, but given what we know today, it was some combination of
"Greek Fire" and gunpowder. The exact formula of "Greek Fire" has been lost
but we do know it would burn in the presence of water and in fact some
formulations seemed to need water to get it started. The gun powder we know
about. Both of these things must have been known about by the scholars of
this time. He speculated also that Karyakos was underestimating the enemy.)


1312, the 10th month, 2nd day:

The highest tide of the month was due in 10 days time. Our work as pages
was a little reduced today so we took the opportunity to bring Kleitos to
our bedchamber. I knew him reasonably well but Iason did not. I had never
had sex with him or any of the Koalhurst boys before. When we arrived
Ikaros was between Alexandros' legs, his head was bobbing up and down
giving some relief. Alexandros is average in size and skinny, being so
underfed, his penis looked huge for a boy of 15 years. He was already
longer then most of the men I had seen. Jason and I wanted that cock in our
butts just as soon as we could arrange it. From the look on Ikaros' face he
was enjoying his task. Kleitos was just a bit taken aback at this. Iason
and I lead him over to the chairs by the window. He was not stupid and he
realized that sex among us boys was a probability now that he was in the
Palace Boy's program and how open things in the dormitory are. Once Ikaros
finished with Alexandros he went to fetch some wine for us. I guess he knew
how to get Kleitos more comfortable.

We joined Alexandros by moving our chairs over to his bed. He was laying
naked and seemed most comfortable being so. Iason and I removed our tunics
and kilts. The physicians had given him a proper splint made of staves with
wide leather straps that wrapped around his leg and the staves. The staves
extended just below the foot. He told us that in a week or so he was told
he could walk around using a crutch like device.

Ikaros returned and gave each of us goblets of wine. I noticed this was not
children's wine but full strength. After a bit I got Kleitos to lay on our
bed so Ikaros could give him a massage. Kleitos was a bit reluctant until
Alexandros told him how good Ikaros was as did Iason and myself. In no time
at all Kleitos was not only naked but begging Ikaros not to stop. I could
see we would very soon have our way with him.

Kleitos' body glistened with the oil Ikaros was using and he seemed almost
asleep as Iason and I move, one on each side of him. Ikaros moved off and
Iason and I took over, letting our hands drift along his smooth, slick
skin. Our touch is different but no less satisfying. Where Ikaros worked
his fingers, and even his elbows into the boy's muscles we let our fingers
play along the surface stopping in every erotic place either of us had come
to know.

My favourite place are the round globes of his buttocks and the cleft
between. Iason favours the underside of the upper leg. Soon Kleitos was
laying on his back and my mouth was engulfing his erection. Kleitos was
attempting to utter his sounds of contentment but Iason kept kissing him
and pushing his tongue into his mouth. Soon I could feel his hands
responding by grasping my masculinity and ever so carefully fondling it. He
erupted and I drank all his offering. Iason complained I did not share so
we switched positions.

Before long Kleitos rolled to his side and I moved around so we could
please each other with more oral pleasure. Iason was paying much attention
to his anus and I could feel Kleitos stiffen as he was invaded for the
first time by fingers and then by penis. Once Iason was spent he rolled
Kleitos toward him and I began ministering to his love place. Sliding my
stiff penis to its limit on the first try.

Suddenly we were surrounded by naked bodies. Father, Uncle and Dysme joined
us. Dysme positioned himself on his knees and we assisted Kleitos to his
fucking position and with minor encouragement slid right in. Dysme loves to
receive more than to give and kept saying so, giving Kleitos much
encouragement. Uncle got behind me and Father behind Iason and demonstrated
for Kleitos just what he should be doing to Dysme. I doubt that he needed
the demonstration, I think fucking is one thing all animals just know how
to do.

Iason and I were carried by our lovers into their bedchamber. I could see
that Ikaros and Dysme were preparing to keep Kleitos company and noticed
that while all this was going on Thanatos and Ouranos were paying much
attention to Alexandros. I found this a bit strange since I had never seen
those two have sex with anyone, other than each other or Karyakos.