Date: Thu, 13 May 2010 21:50:40 -0600
From: dnrock@rock.com
Subject: Arden 64

Arden
by:  dnrock(dnrock@rock.com)


64:  New Things Undertaken

1320, 2nd month, 4th day:

Today I received the first shipments into our secure storage.  These were a
number of wooden and leather chests.  Most bound by iron chains and
securely locked.  We do not have the key to these locks, as we did not even
wish to know what was in the chests.  Each chest was marked by a number.
That number identifies the owner but not directly.  Each owner is assigned
a number which he puts on his chests.  A list is kept of the owner's name,
his number and what space he pays for.  A separate list shows how many
chests are in each space.  Each cell or space is locked by special locks
that have very complex tumbler, pin and ward arrangements.  Each key is
different and both keys are needed to open the door or gate.  One key is
given to the client the other is kept by us.  The keys must both be
inserted and turned at the same time.

A spare set of keys is kept well hidden and secure at the Eastern Estate,
under the protection of the Elite Marines.  Each key has a serial number
and a separate list of cell numbers and which serials are needed for it, is
also kept.  Each group of cells or spaces is also secured by a locked door
as is the secured area.  Only I and one trusted aid know the name of the
account owner and his number.  Another list shows which account number has
which cell number.  The key, account number and his secret password must
all be presented for access to be granted.  The password is attached to the
key serial, not the other information.

About half of our spaces are rented, all on a five year term.  Receipts are
issued for each chest or delivery.  These are also recorded in a log book.
If a chest is removed a receipt is also issued.  The receipts only show
account number, date and number of items and their identification number or
name should, one be provided.  More shipments are expected over then next
few months.

We had a meeting with the Argoanuts to look at the art they were
commissioning.  Five of them were now sculptor apprentices and for their
final project, wished to carve a life size relief of all ten princes.  The
relief would be placed on the wall of the bath.  The five apprentices were
assembled with their masters, proudly showing us the sketches they had
made.  I noticed right off that four things were different about this
relief.  One, we were all smiling, not just that classical half smile of
the Hellenistic style but full toothed grins.  Two, one of each twin set
was facing away but turning his head, looking over his shoulder.  This
showed their ever so lovely butts.  Three, we all displayed erections.
Four, we were all placed in a natural pose, gesturing or placing a foot on
a bench and so on.  Like many, if not most sculptures of this nature, it
will be painted in vivid colors, eye, hair and any clothing or objects.
Our skin will be left in the natural color of the marble.

Uncle Iason put it clearly, "Karyakos' penis head should be the brightest
red of all, as it is truly so."

Father commented, "as long as our penises do not have wings attached, I
think the artists should have full license." (TN: This is a reference to
one of the symbols of the Dyosianians.  Except for gods that had a
connection to fertility, they are never portrayed erect or execrated, out
of respect.)

Lysandros will be quite thrilled that he is being included.  I know he has
been a bit at ends since mother died.  I was so glad that Uncle let him
move into our apartments.  It has complicated Alex's duties.  He is mostly
under the care of Herakleides.  Aunt Lucia had wanted him to come and live
with her and our cousins but Uncle decided it was best to keep him close to
his older brothers, mostly Helladios and himself.

That means many more young boys visit.  I find my family tolerates them
better then I thought they would.  It seems they are often under foot and
often making much noise, as well as into pranks.  From what I can see we
have some excellent palace boys in the making.


1320, 2nd month, 6th day:

Lyuben and Panther are now firmly established as aids to the princes.
Lyuben is now 16 and a level one knight.  He has proven himself in the
Elite Marines.  I remember him telling me he would be the best Argonaut
ever.  He has never wavered from that effort.  He is a mighty fighter, even
at 16 and I am sure when older he will be the most formidable in Parga.

Dios and Helo came storming into our quarters telling us we should go to
the balcony to see a most interesting sight.  At their urging we all
followed them.  It was a most interesting sight, as they proudly pointed
out.

Thoren was riding Alsexo with what looked like a boy.  What was interesting
was two young men were walking ahead of them being herded by the old horse
and the occasional proud from Throne's cane, being wheedled by the boy.
Using the "far see" to look at them, it was clear the boy was small and
probably no more than 11 or 12.  The two young men appeared to have been in
some kind of battle and where both wounded with torn tunics and one limped
slightly.

"It would appear Thoren has had an adventure of his own, I can not hold
long to hear this new tail," Lyuben exclaimed.

We all assembled in the court yard to see just what this was all about.
Thoren and his little troop came through the gate.  He took them into the
guard house, I assume to sign them in and then lead everyone to the
stables.  Shortly he returned with the young boy.  The lad was pleasant
looking, not very tall and walked with a distinctive limp.

We were all assembled on the landing, at the top of the steps, just before
the main doors.  They were almost at the steps when a heard of boys came
running across the courtyard; shouting that Thoren had brought them a new
playmate and without ceremony swept the poor lad into their midst and
disappeared into the castle.

By the time we arrived in the baths Thoren had told us his story.  It was
quite an adventure.  He stopped in a small village, about 1 hours walk from
the Castle.  He was sitting under a tree telling the children stories,
while Alsexo rested.  The lad Stephnos, sat next to him the entire time.  A
farmer with a cart load of apples was just passing when his wheel came off.
Thoren and the children went to assist him.

Stephnos told the farmer that he saw two older boys doing something around
the cart, earlier in the day.  The farmer said those two were often
implicated in mischievous behavior.

"I give the farmer a couple of coppers, purchasing apples for the children
and a few for Alsexo.  Just as I was about to go with the children over to
Alsexo, Stephnos told me the same two boys were doing something to his
saddle.  When we came in that direction they ran off.  He told me only a
short distance.  I sent one of the children to the farmer, asking for his
assistance.  While Stephnos fed the apples to Alsexo, I inspected my saddle
and found the synch had been loosened.  If I had tried to mount him I would
have been dumped on the ground," Thoren said.

The farmer and one of the older children had circled around behind the
boys.  He grabbed them and forced them forward.

"When one came within reach I grabbed his ear and twisted it.  I suggested
it might be funny to see the blind man fall off his horse, but not for that
man.  I asked the children it they would like to see a sighted boy do the
same, all the while twisting his ear.

They were much in favor of it but I did not want the hassle.  I admonished
them about what is funny and what is not.  I pointed out pranks that did
not hurt anyone were acceptable but ones that hurt others or caused damage
were unacceptable.  When questioned further they admitted to having
loosened the locking pin on the cart's wheel.  The wheel was not broken but
would need some repair.  After the farmer tightened the synch strap on my
saddle we marched them to the cart.  I made the boys unload the apples and
cary the wheel to the wheel right.  He was able to repair it quickly and I
gave him two slivers.  One for each boy.  They then reloaded the cart.  I
took them to their parents, who were both unable or unwilling to give me
the silvers, so I brought them to the castle.  They will now work for me
until the silvers are repaid.  Kleitos feels a week of grooming Alsexo and
other tasks around the stable will pay the silvers and their food."

We wanted to know more about Stephnos, the lame boy.

Thoren said he liked the boy right off and the lad was glade to be his
eyes.  "His parents were reluctant to let him come with me but he wanted
and was not shy about saying so.  I did need his eyes.  I assured his
father that he would be well cared for and returned soon.

While we road to the castle I realized he was not only likable but that he
wanted to be a story teller and poet like me.  I think it was the feelings
that he generated in my crotch, as my arms wrapped around him, that were
most important.  I made him my apprentice.  That is acceptable?"

We assured him it was and congratulated him on his swiftness of action and
decision making.  Panther volunteered to go the next day to the village and
make arrangements with Stephnos' parents.

We arrived in the bath to see, Stephnos had already gained a following,
that included all the boys, Uncle Iason and Father.  He was sitting on
Uncle's lap relating his adventures.  All the boys immediately surrounded
Thoren demanding his version be told.  While he was telling his story I saw
Uncle Iason whispering in Panther's ear and both were laughing.

Panther are you to share Uncle's joke?  He smiled, "He did not say it was
in confidence so I shall, but I think it should be in our confidence.  When
he learned I was to see Stephnos' father in the morning, he told me that
the boy's mother is his cousin and that should make my task simpler, as it
is she that runs that family.  Then he added, she was a wild one as a young
woman, who favored men with prodigious members.  If she resists, smile and
say `your cousin sent me to offer my special inducements,' draw your finger
along your arm between the elbow and the palm."  With that he smiled, as
did we all, for that is about the length of his erection, slightly over one
foot long.

I can not say his is the largest or longest in Parga but it must be close
to that and we know he is skilled in application.


1320, 2nd month, 10th day:

While Panther is making a name for himself with the palace women, it is
Lyuben that seems to enjoy sex with them the most, except perhaps for
Ikaros.  I still father more boys than anyone else but I think Lyuben will
soon out do me.

Umar, Akakios, Zoe and Aisopos returned from Apollo's Temple with Euthalia.
All are well and Umar is once again happy.  I am happy to report that
William and Alfred have become close friends of Umar and Akakios.  The two
singers especially so.  Alfred has not shown any specific talent as yet.
That does not seem to hinder his and Umar's friendship.  Alfred is still
most attached to my beloved Iason.  I though Dios would become jealous but
that has not happened.  Dios seems to understand the lad's need for Iason's
fatherly affection.

All of the boys seem to enjoy running and other sports as well.  Dios is
still the finest runner of his group.  Hilarus and the others are all doing
well but Dios is much like I was at that age and I feel he will one day
replace me.  If breading in men is as important as in horses, then I think
many of my sons should have that ability and I hope will.

I am still amazed by the male beauty displayed in our apartments every day.
We are all shapes and sizes.  We are all fit and healthy.  We all have well
developed muscles and proudly display ourselves to each other.  Except for
the identical twins, we are each different but all seem to stimulate lust
in the others.  We all love the others but we are not all in love with each
other.  The love and respect we share is enhanced by our unselfish
willingness, to share physically with the others.  I see few other groups
and none as large as ours, that have so great a common purpose or
gentleness between.

We are not without rivalry nor are we without dissection.  Everything is
openly and freely debated.  Games and sports are played with intensity.
Each has some skill that he excels in.  These are celebrated by the
paramount and by all the others.  Our competitions are intense.  When one
prevails he is celebrated.  The celebrated seems to be as willing to
encourage and celebrate the attempts of others as they are his victory.
All of us older men give full encouragement to all of the boys.  We are
truly a brotherhood.

Disagreement is common, dissection rare.  Harsh words almost never spoken
but teasing and chiding frequent.  I think we are often envious of our
brother's endowments, skills or mastery but never jealous.  Given other
conditions we would certainly not all be close friends.  Given our almost
constant sexual interactions and the beauty displayed be each, we have
become that and more.

What is most heartening, is our mutual desire to share our love physical
and emotional, with each other.  We seem to enjoy not just the actions but
the observations of love between ourselves and others.


1320, 2nd month, 14th day:

The other day one of Kastor's postal riders begged entrance to our evening
meal.  The guards did not want to admit him, saying he should come to
Kastor's office in the morning.  When Kastor became aware of this he sent
the young guard to bring the rider back.  Kastor was most gentle in the
doing.  Thanking the guard for his concern but saying he was sure this must
be important or the rider would not have come at such a late hour.

When the young man arrived we made space for him and the young guard at our
table, and insisted he have food and drink before anything else.  He was
most surprised and I think much gladdened by our hospitality.  I know he
was both surprised and heartened by our response.

"My name is Iason, after the King," he said.

"My name is Iason too, also after the King," my beloved said thrusting out
his hand to the rider.  This little bit of humor was all that was needed to
place the young man, probably no more than 17, at his ease.

"When I made my way through Ambelonia I noticed an old man sitting next to
one of his olive trees.  It had been chopped down and the man was crying.
I could not stop, that is not permitted, I know something was very wrong.
That man would not have chopped down his oldest and most productive olive
tree.  I know from passing several times a week how much pride the old
farmer has in his olive grove and that old tree.

I have heard rummers of a gang that extorts protection money from the
farmers in that area.  I could not get the look of sorrow and pain in that
farmer's face, out my mind.  I know something terrible has happened.
Prince you must..."

Iason stopped in mid sentence, as Darkon and Silas were already pulling the
young guard to his feet.

I pointed to the kitchen and Nikias immediately ran off.

"Now draw a map to this farmer's house," Poly said pushing a paper and
charcoal toward the young Iason.  I was about to send for the Elite Marines
but thought better of it, as we will need refuse most who would accompany
us as it is.  I know my brothers and myself.  This will be a grand
adventure.  Just as I was about to summon Odo, he appeared dressed in light
armor and carrying much of ours along with our chamber boys and Justus and
Joulous.  Nikias returned with Dios and Helladios and their guardians, The
younger princes were protesting greatly at being herded by an older
brother.

Iason stood, "We four, our guardians, Lyuben and Odo will ride tonight.  I
know you all wish to come on this adventure.  Kleitos, Panther and
Miltiades can escort all that our father gives permission in the morning."
All the while Father and Uncle had been sitting at their table observing
us.  With that they came over to our table, each siting next to young
Iason.  I was sure the boy would faint when Uncle put his hand on his
shoulder and said, "You know my name is also Iason, also after a king.  We
think you should join us while these young men go off to right wrongs and
make Parga a safer place to live."  As they lead him to their table
Karyakos told the pages, "If any of you dream of accompanying the King and
I in the morning, a good night's sleep would be best secured."  They all
disappeared faster then I could run one stadia, producing much laughter
from the entire dining room.

We road all night arriving before first light.  We held off until we could
see the landmarks on the map.  The old farmer was shocked as we entered his
yard.  Iason introduced us.  At first he did not want to admit what had
happened but when Kastor told him we knew about the loss of his prize olive
tree, which we knew took many years to grow, he gave us his story; fighting
tears the entire time.

We learned who was behind this attempted extortion and where they were to
be found.  It appeared their were five.  The farmer thought one or more
older men were behind them but he did not know for sure.  He told us they
had habit of having breakfast at the public house each morning.  We quickly
went into the town, hiding our horses and literally taking over the public
house.  We would need to sleep someplace anyway.

When the five came in, we four and Heron were seated at their favorite
table.  Lyuben was assisting the landlord and the others were out of sight.
We had hidden our weapons and our armor, turning our tunics inside out.
All of us needed a shave and we allowed our hair to look unkempt.

The five entered with a swagger and air of confidence.  Seeing us at the
table they desired, one demanded we immediately move.  We said nothing.  I
could see this was not setting well.  Another demanded the landlord have us
move.  He simply said no.  With that, one started toward him saying he
would pay for this insult.  Lyuben stepped from his hiding place,
confronting the man with his drawn sward.

"I think not.  I think you should apologize to the landlord."

The man stopped short and laughed.  "Do you think this boy can help you
landlord?"  The landlord said nothing.  The man backed away a step or two.

Seeing he was unarmed Lyuben said. "Perhaps you should politely ask these
guests if they would mind moving."

The man grunted and turned toward us.  Lyuben put his sward in its'
scabbard.  When the man saw this he hesitated and wheeled around to strike
Lyuben, who was expecting just such a move.  Lyuben ducked and moved,
kicking the man in the groin, the shins and hitting him in the face.  He
crashed back into his friends.  They began moving but before they made more
than a step or two we were up and on them.  The one nearest me had
obviously had some training.  He fainted with his right and began to swing
his left leg around.  This puts him off balance for a brief moment.  I
moved to my right and grabbed his right hand with both my hands pulling him
toward me.  Drawing my left knee to his groin in the same motion.  My long
powerful legs give me a great advantage in this kind of fighting.
Something this fellow quickly learned.  He doubled over but I still had his
hand in mine.  I pushed it to my right and brought my right knee to contact
his jaw.  This sent him backward onto the table.  By the time the fight
ended several tables and benches were destroyed.  The door knocked from its
hinges and the five of them were laying in the dust of the street, begging
for mercy.

It was not long after, we cleaned ourselves up and turned our tunics around
showing our office, when the mayor appeared, wanting to know what all this
was about.  On seeing us he proceeded to announce to all assembled who we
were and welcomed us to his humble community.

Volos searched the five and found enough coin to pay the landlord for the
damage that was caused.  I told the mayor why we had paid his humble
village a surprise visit.  I also told him I would hold a trial that
afternoon and that my brothers would function as the inquisitors.  He
should work with them to assayable witnesses and list any additional
complaints.  We would hold the trial, in the heat of the day, immediately
after the mid day meal.  The proceedings would be open to the public.

Lyuben went about assisting the landlord to putting his establishment back
in order and I interviewed the five.  These seemed like the most
recalcitrant criminals I had yet encountered.  They simply refused to say
anything.  Since one of them appeared to be their leader, I thought he
should be the target of our efforts.  I got the distinct impression they
were working for someone and that someone had convinced them they would be
protected.

We had a little conference.  Iason and Kastor reported that everyone seemed
afraid of these five.  They could find no one willing to press charges.
Polydeukus reported that the old farmer, innkeeper and one other were
willing.

A little later Odo came to us with about 10 children.  The children were
more than willing to tell us what they knew.  I thanked them and ask Odo to
speak with the local school teacher.  I wanted the older children to be
present, to witness the trial and thought he should also attend with them.

I must say I was beginning to get very tired, not having slept.  The others
must be tired too.  It was now late morning and just as I was nodding off
six Elite Marines came riding into town.  On seeing us they come to the
public house.  I was surprised to see them.

"Princes, the King, Consort, many pages and your foster sons and Prince
Lysandros, ride here now.  We are at least two hours ahead to them.  Twelve
more of our unit escort them."

We welcomed the lieutenant and his men.  In a few minutes they assumed our
guard duties and we all retired to sleep a few hours.

I remember embracing my Iason and then nothing until Father's gentle hand
touched my face.  No sooner had I aroused than Umar and Akakios were in my
arms.  Father chuckled and kissed the top on my head and departed.  Once
their uncles stopped tickling them we learned about their little journey.

When we came down the landlord set a lunch for us.  Umar and Akakios joined
Lysandros and the pages, both female and male.  Odo wanted them to meet the
local children.  Our fathers were with the mayor, three local knights and
the old man.  Miltiades and Kleitos were now interviewing the
accused. Several Elite Marines were escorting an older man.

At the appointed hour we all took our positions and the mayor welcomed the
citizens, the King and Consort and all the Princes.  The King was next to
speak.  He thanked the mayor and then launched into one of his stories.

"Yesterday evening a young man, also named Iason, named after me you know,
come to our dinner table.  He is a very pleasant fellow and a dedicated
citizen of Parga.  Citizenship has both privileges and responsibilities.
This young man saw something in your community that he believed was wrong.
He knew it was his responsibility to correct that wrong.  He knew what
every citizen should know, that he has access to government.  Our senior
princes, lead by Prince Arden, Captain Pyrros and Captain Volos already
Heroes of Parga, were on horseback and riding for Ambelonia, before Iason
had an opportunity to even finish his meal.

Their purpose was to investigate this wrong and if possible correct the
situation.  No law abiding citizen need live in fear.  In Parga we live by
the rule of law, not fear or intimidation.  Those who brake those laws will
be found and punished.  On arriving, just before first light, they went to
the location of this supposed wrong and found that in fact it was so.
Prince Karyakos and I are proud of our sons and their guardians.  You too
should be proud of them.

They acted swiftly and responsibly to come here and ascertain what the
matter was and as we will soon see, correct, as best they can, the
situation.  They did not seek our permission or the permission to the
Council.  They acted in their capacities as chief law enforcement officers
of Parga.  Like young Iason they did not hesitate to discharge their
responsibilities and duties.  They act not in my name but in the name of
Parga.  In the name of Parga's citizens; you, the people of Ambelonia.
They apprehended six without bloodshed and I am told personally engaging
those that offered resistance.

I must correct one common misconception.  You will notice that all of the
senior princes of Parga are Third Class Knights, the three ranks come by
merit and testing.  It is a title earned and a title deserved.  I give you
Prince Arden, your chief adjudicator."

Thank you Sire.  I am Prince Arden.  Prince Iason will be the senior
inquisitor and Princes Kastor and Polydeukus will be the court recorders
and scribes.  Please state your name when you begin speaking.  We should
all go slowly, as being scribes is new to my brothers.  Justice will be
done here today and you will all be wittiness to it.  If anyone wishes to
address the court on any matter, please stand and I will recognize you.

Before I could sit the teacher rose. "Prince, I have several students who
would very much like to assist the court if that is possible?"  I think
that an excellent idea teacher, please send them forward.  Two boys and a
girl came.  I had them sit next to me and called my brothers up.  They were
introduced and their names recorded.  I ask them to stand and each state
their name.  I reminded them they were bound by their word to serve the
people of Parga to the best of their ability and they must try and be
impartial, looking at the evidence presented and holding until each side
had been heard, before making a decision.  I declared them junior adductor
advisors to the chief justice.  I suggested they signal me should any of
them wish to ask questions of the witnesses or the inquisitor.