Date: Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:40:31 -0600
From: dnrock@rock.com
Subject: Arden 36

Arden
by: dnrock(dnrock@rock.com)

36:  A Princess Apparent

1319, 2nd month, 1st day: (TN: This begins a new book which appears to be
in tact.)

We four have been in our classes for almost a month now.  I am very glad to
be so.  Uncle Tertius told us Iason's bride was to arrive in the castle on
the 4th day of this month.  I think we are all just a little excited by the
prospect.  I hope she is prepared for all of us brothers.  I know she is
aware of me and my relationship to Iason and soon herself.

Panther returned from a visit to the Prince Arden.  He insists we accompany
him for the sea trials of the newly installed Kannons.  These are large
bronze tubes, that use explosives to force a heavy projectile against enemy
ships.  They are said to be much more powerful and of greater range than
the giant cross bows or catapults.  The Prince Arden is now fitted with 16
of these devices, 8 on each side.  In addition, the smaller kannons have
been replaced with slightly larger versions and their number increased to
8, four on each end.

I know that the ingegneres are experimenting with kannons of even greater
size and I think durability, made of iron.  From what I understand the
problem they must solve is finding or building iron works, with large
enough capacity.  At this time, the only places capable of such large
capacity are England or France and they are both so concerned with each
other and the potential for war between, that is just not possible.

From what I observed last summer, I doubt their ingegneres are as advanced
as ours and I suspect we are loth to give away our military secrets.  Both
places have had military adventures near us and not all that long ago.

I know these things are very costly and can only wonder where the treasure
needed will come from.  The last thing I want to see happen here, is for us
to become over taxed as Edward II has had to do or in great debt, as the
Danish find themselves.  Father insists the treasure needed is available
and in hand.  Parga is not Athens and we do not have great silver mines to
finance ourselves, as they once did.

I know that production of everything, food through clocks, is greater now
than ever before in our history.  That may be so but I remember him telling
the council that this increased productivity was the means of financing the
civil service and university.

It is true, the Argoanuts have been so successful, they are now completely
self financing.  They grow a surplus of food, sell herbs and fruit, grow
all the flax, hemp and wool required by themselves and then some.

Today Kastor was officially placed in charge of organizing and implementing
the Civil Postal Service.  Each town or village will have a post master.
Kastor will see that a franking system is also developed.  The council was
ambivalent about the idea of safe deposits for coin.  They left the
decision up to Kastor.  I know Kastor is in favour of the idea.  I also
know he will be closely advised by Father and Uncle.  Janus' riders will
probably carry the mail pouches from one post office to the next or to the
capital.  If the volume is large enough, a separate courier system will be
needed.  I know Kastor has already been talking to Janus and Kleitos about
these things.

Poly and I have been talking to the paper and writing supply guilds.  It is
important that these supplies are made available through out the land.  Now
that paper made from hemp and other plants is manufactured here and its'
cost is not overly great, Kastor is sure his new postal service will be
well used by the public and not just the government.

Since the first month, Helladios has enjoyed more freedom and earned more
responsibilities, than I ever thought possible, for one so young.  He and
Dios have taken young Alfred as their special project.  Since Thoren no
longer needs a guide, Helladios found a new project.  Ikaros had arranged
for Alfred to be placed with Kalkrates' mother.  He told Iason she was a
very loving, kind and patient woman, who would teach him many skills.  The
lad still holds Iason in a state of reverence and desires both social and
physical contact with him, in preference to all of us other men.  Iason for
his part seams glad for this and I am sure will make a excellent father.
He does have a good example to follow.

Last night Iason was in a most amorous of moods.  Not that he is anything
but amorous where we are concerned but last night it was special.  I think
he has some doubts about his future wife and our relationship.  We made
love in the most sensuous of ways.  He was clinging to me as greatly as in
his grief from Zoe's death.  At least he no longer feels guilty for not
being by her side.  He had come to care greatly for her as I care for
Euthalia.  I know he wonders if he will fall in love with this new woman.
I gave him the same advice he gave me, all those years ago.  Just let it
happen and enjoy the fun of the process.

I lay on my side and he wrapped his arms around me and filling my anus with
his penis, began giving me the pleasure of his ardor.  He fucked me with
long slow movements, filling me to the limit and retreating almost out,
this combined with his kisses and whispers of devotion.  He begged me to
keep control and on filling my bowl with his seed rolled over, got on his
knees and pleaded I should take my satisfaction in him.  "Ravish my ass,"
were his exact words.  Ravish I did.

Later, as we lay in each others embrace, he confided his trepidation.  I
assured him my love would always be a constant in his life, as would that
of the others.  This morning our boys visited us, as they have almost every
day since our return.  I am still absolutely amazed, how we men can love so
much and so many and in such different ways.  We love our boys and look
forward to their visits to our beds and impaling themselves on our
erections.  Since Helladios has been running with Dios and Thoren, his legs
and stamina are even greater than before, they seam to ride our swards with
complete abandon and much enjoyment; as much for themselves as for us.

We are brothers and each other's lovers, we love our boys, our other
brothers and male family, we love our ladies and our children, parents and
friends.  As much as I enjoy and desire sex with all but a few, like our
mothers and sisters, it is Iason that gives me the greatest pleasure.  It
matters not if my penis or his is being engaged, every time is as the
first, every kiss sends shivers down my spine.  His kisses are the only
ones I can not live without.  It is his touch that I crave more than
anything.

I ramble now more than before.  I think it is Thoren's influence.  He tells
the most wonderful stories.  Not only myths and poems but modern stories.
Since he has taken up with his mentor, we do not see as much of him in our
bedchamber, as we would like.  His beauty only grows and now that he runs
and rides, his most attractive asset are his perfectly formed, round
buttocks.


1319, 3rd month, 3rd day:

Yesterday was mostly uneventful: university classes, Council meetings,
running, sports, archery and riding; as was today.

I spent yesterday evening and night with Euthalia, our son Aisopos and
daughter Zoe.  Between the two they take all the milk Euthalia can produce
and then some.  Fortunately one of the wet nurses is available to assist
her.  Iason has come a few times to see his daughter.  I know he was more
than pleased, when he learned she had been named for her mother.  I was
more than pleased that Euthalia so willingly took on raising two babies,
only weeks apart in age.  Zoe had been her friend.

I must keep Iason at bay, lest he become to involved in what he should not.
I must be his real friend, the one who knows the song in his heart and can
sing it back to him, when he forgets the words.

I learned last summer, in most other places, one in four mothers die giving
birth.  In Parga it is less than 1 in 5 but experiencing the loss of a
friend and my beloved's female lover, has stirred strong feeling within me.
I am determined to further reduce this carnage.  I will meet with the
midwifes guild soon.  Something must be done about this.  We do not see
animals suffering such losses and we humans are animals too.

I had no idea how thrilling it would be for me to hold my children,
helpless and smiling at their daddy.  It is so interesting to watch them
grow and form their unique personalities.  I can understand now why men
give up so much to be a parent.  Poly assures me that both babies, being so
close in age and growing up together, will be like twins.

Today we had an opportunity to measure the progress that Edward and William
are making.  William is being fostered by one of the knights and his
family, who have several boys, one close to him in age.  Edward has settled
in with the other young palace boys but has expressed some dislike for the
urban life.  He misses the rural setting.  I will take him to Koalhurst
next month and ask Abernath and Ajax to foster him, as an apprentice for 6
months or a year.  Let us see where his interests and talents lay.  Perhaps
it will be with the Argoanuts and perhaps not.  I hope my mother can tutor
him, his reading and writing skills are still not at his age standard.

Since the first month, as noted in several pervious entries, Ikaros and
Panther have organized our family life, giving much more structure to our
social time together.  Now that two months of experiments have gone on,
Ikaros assures me we can all settle into some kind of regularity.  Every
third day we will all assemble in our family bathing pool.  This includes
all of us men, the pages who are not working and our boys.  Some of the
place boys, our fathers and friends of the pages also will be invited.

This is like the ancient gymnasiums.  I can see why that was such a popular
tradition for so long a time, one Iason and I will do all in our power to
keep alive in Parga.  Not everyone engages in sex at these bathing parties
but most do.  Some only with their life partner, most like me, with others.
Odo often leads us in singing and playing, frequently he writes new words
to old songs or poems, that makes light of ourselves and the sex we are all
enjoying.  This is a true celebration of our greater union, as well as our
friendship and our bodies.  Every one of us: prince, guardian, mentor, boy,
page or steward are proud of our bodies and proud to display them.  I am
most so and would go naked all the day, if it were my will alone, sadly it
is not.

I was quite amazed to witness Edward and Panther putting on a display of
oral sex.  Edward was taking Panther's prodigious length entirely into his
mouth and slowly releasing it.  I could see he has been toutered by the
three terrors, I could see the immense pleasure on Panther's face.  This
was highly enjoyable to watch, however I did not get a chance to see all,
three of the older pages engaged my attention: anus, penis and lips.

Once each month, each of us brings our fraternity brothers, those that wish
to come of course, for a night of lust and physical indulgence.  We princes
do attend our Argonaut brothers several times a month as well.  This is
always most pleasurable an event, that begin with a communal meal, much
dancing and music which end in sharing our bodies.  The Argoanuts
frequently have a number of ladies in attendance as well, this too is
highly pleasurable.  It is a most exciting and pleasurable to have your
penis in a vagina and another in your rectum at the same time.  It is also
most amusing when the younger princes, other pages and palace boys manage
to attend these orgies.


1319, 3rd. month, 5th day:

We learned from our Triangle friends yesterday, on our way to our classes,
that Iason's betrothed has arrived and we will meet her in the family
dining hall at our evening meal.  Her parents and several younger brothers
will also be in attendance.  It turned out that the woman was her
stepmother and the several brothers were a brother and sister.

On our return from the sports filed we were ushered directly into the baths
and told by Dysme to make our time short.  Two barbers came in and cut our
hair and trimmed our beards.  My hair is long and light brown while Iason
is golden blond with many curls.  His hair is shorter but he wares it like
a crown of ringlets.  He is so beautiful and am loth to share him with this
woman.  I trust she will be worthy of his affection and my friendship.  I
am prepared for that to take some time in coming about.  Dysme told us we
were to report to our fathers in one hour.

He had our finest dress laid out for us.  I wondered what the others were
doing, from the noise, I guessed they too were being made ready for such a
formal setting.  As we dressed with the help of Dysme and Kalkrates, I
could see Iason was becoming much agitated.  Much like his father in that,
I thought.  The actors call it stage fright but they tell me once on it the
nervousness seams to disappear.  Kastor and Poly were their usual congenial
and self confident selves, through all of this.

Father and Uncle Iason sat us down and reviewed what was expected of us and
our brothers.  Tertius was giving the others instructions, at this very
moment.  "Iason," the king said, "you must give every effort to make Sophia
comfortable here and a part of our family.  You have been prepared for your
role since your birth, Arden, since you came to the castle, almost 7 years
ago.  She has been prepared to be a wife and mother but not a princess.
She has not been prepared to share her husband with another lover or the
people of Parga.  You must give her time to adjust.  Polydeukus, Kastor you
too will be a great help to her, as she will not see either of you as a
threat to her relationship with Iason.

Her name is Sophia, she is 15.  Her father is Sir. Sosigenes, her mother
Melitta.  Sir Sosigenes is one of the more jovial and pleasant knights we
know from the council meetings.  He is from the north and east part, about
a half day's ride from the castle.

"Arden," father said to me, "When Princess Elpis came to the castle I was
jealous at first, since Iason's full attention had always been given to me,
as mine to him.  Plato advised me as I am advising you.  Think of Sophia as
a new sister and treat her as such, just as you treat your sisters now.  We
all have our role to play in running this state.  Each of us makes his or
her contribution as our talent dictates.  Just as you are not jealous of
your brother bedding your sister in law then be not jealous of your
brother/lover bedding your new sister in law.  She will be alone here or
feel so, you and your sisters and brothers must try and make her feel
welcomed and a part of us all."

We collected our brothers, Eudoxia and guardians proceeded to the family
dining room.  Already seated were mother, Lysandros and Melitta,
Alexandros, Lady Lucia, her children and several female guardians, nurses
and ladies that accompany our mother.  As each of us entered, Sir Sosigenes
introduced us to Sophia and his wife Lady Melitta.  Everything was very
formal: King Iason, Prince Consort Karyakos, Crown Prince Iason, Crown
Prince Consort Arden, Prince Kastor and so on.  Some how Helladios managed
to get into our line up.

The seating arrangements were also very interesting.  Iason and Sophia were
across the table from each other.  I was next to Iason and the King on his
other side next to Princess Elpis and so on.  The younger princes and
princesses were at another table, with Sophia's younger brother and sister.
Kastor and Polydeukus were across from Karyakos, Lady Lucia and Tertius on
the other side of Princess Elpis.  Princess Eudoxia was next to Sophia
across the table for me.

I could see that the young princes, princesses and cousins were making
friends with these new children quickly, by their laughing and telling
stories, I was sure about Iason and Sophia.  Our conversation was pleasant
and just a bit formal, until one the pages rushed into the room and knelt
down behind me.  He carried a folded piece of paper.  It just said: 4
apprentices seriously injured, asking for one of the Princes.  I dropped
the paper and began to rise.  Iason picked it up, read it and I could hear
him say, as I crossed the room., "Arden must go, his presence is need
elsewhere.  He begs your forgiveness."  I was not to the door when Pyrros
and Volos were at my side with the page hurrying behind.

I am told, Iason explained by reading the note.  Karyakos had to stop
Kastor and Polydeukus from following.  Sophia asked why only Arden went.
Her father explained, "I told you these princes were exceptional, the note
asked for a prince and one has responded.  Had it been given to one of the
others, he would have done the same.  Even Iason, I strongly suspect."

"Yes, however they would not have let me go, since I have a guest," Iason
told her.

Darkon brought news, four apprentices were badly burned, as a vat of hot
dye exploded.  They are not expected to live long.  Sophia turned to Sir
Sosigenes and insisted he send for some of the bog waters, that flow on
their estate, which have the power to heal burns.  "Arden will not hear of
that," Iason said, "he will go himself to fetch it.  Sir Sosigenes can you
give him clear directions, he will be leaving as soon as he learns of
this," Iason paused, "In about 40 minutes."  He then explained, we brothers
know each other so completely, my actions would be that predictable to him.

Kastor had our horses saddled and a paper with the directions, ready for
us, when we returned to the castle, in about 40 minutes.  I know I am
predictable, as are my brothers, I had no idea that much so.

We had run down the hill to the hospital.  I found four young men,
apprentice dyers, had been badly burned by a ruptured vat of hot dye.  The
doctors did not expect them to live long.  I spoke to each, assuring them I
would do everything in my power to ease their pain and make them well
again.

One of them told me they had warned the dye master that this would happen
but he refused to take any action.  I was livid and Volos had to restrain
me.  Pyrros went to find the dye master and warn him, saying, "pray to any
god or gods you chose, for if any of those apprentices died, my prince will
not rest until you atone."

Another page came and told us about the bog waters.  Then we must go and
fetch them as quickly as is possible.  I told the apprentices, I would
return by morning with these waters and they were to be brave and hang on
to life until then.  We ran back to the castle, finding Kastor with our
horses at the ready.  He gave us the instructions.  On each of our horses
were several goat skins that should be filled.  Kastor handed us our riding
cloaks and gave each of us a kiss.  Telling us, this was Sophia's idea and
the kiss was from her, as well as himself.  I think Kastor will make an
excellent diplomat when we require one.

We rode like the wind for several hours, reaching the estate in darkness.
After waking the steward, he showed us the place and we filled our skins;
took a little food while resting our mounts and rode back, reaching the
hospital just at the first light of morning.

We did not notice, due to the darkness, the color of this water.  It was
brown but clear.  The physicians bathed the burns and draped a thin almost
transparent cloth over the beds, on which they lay.

Kleitos met us in the stables and insisted his grooms would tend our
horses.  After a quick bath, the three of us found our beds and much needed
sleep.  I did not wake until almost mid day.  Nikias was laying next to me.
He was so concerned that he refused to leave me.  I didn't mind, it is
wonderful to wake up and receive kisses from one you love and one who loves
you.

Once awaked and dressed, I asked for news of the four victims.  All four
are doing better then expected and even resting.  The waters we brought
seam to be doing miraculous things.  They were being bathed every hour and
more of this bog water was being brought from Koalhurst, there they do not
call it so.  In Koalhurst, their is a spring that drains from a thin coal
seam, which lay on the top of the ground, just under the soil, it too is
said to have healing powers for things like burns. (TN: I think he means on
top of the bedrock.)  It too is light brown and clear.  [Translator's Note:
these waters were apparently rich in humic acid, rich being in the 1 to 10
% range.  Your translator is aware of this substance.  If you doubt look
up: Leonardite, Humalite, Humate, Dr. A. G. Leonard.  Arden or people of
his time, could not have know this but they obviously knew a useful thing
provided by nature, when they stumbled upon it.]  I was also told waters
from Apollo's Temple are being brought.  Not only to be bathed with but
also to drink, as is the water from Koalhurst.

Volos, Pyrros, Nikias and I made quickly for the Knight's dining room, in
search of food.  The meal had already started and the room was very full.
Before we even had a chance to find a place, the King's table was emptied
and we were directed to it.  I thought that odd.  King Iason, Karyakos and
Sir Sosigenes were all that remained.  When I did not see my brothers, this
oddity suddenly became a bit clearer.  Iason was at his theatrical business
again and I was the target.  My guardians and I sat as directed.  It was
then I noticed Nikias had vanished.

Uncle asked for a report on our all night ride.  We gave him a review.
Just as Volos finished, I saw two ropes dangling behind our fathers from
the balcony.  Their guardians also saw them and from the smiles on their
faces I guessed the source.  I did not want to look up, which would have
allured the royal couple.  Suddenly Helladios, Alfred, Dios and four other
boys appeared.  All were descending the ropes at the sailors did on the
Prince Arden.  Many of the knights also saw this but none said anything.
King Iason, without turning or giving any signal, told them to sit on the
floor quietly, which they all did.  Now I knew some kind of theatre was
about to happen.  I still did not know what it was.

We were invited to take the other side of the table.  The boys all gave us
a little wave and huge smiles, but sat quietly as requested.  This gave the
servers an opportunity to clear the table and for us to see the room.  The
balcony was now lined with palace staff.  The doors opened and four
trumpeters entered, sounding a Harold, announcing a distinguished visitor.
We all rose as a sign of respect.

A group of four ladies escorted by Eagles, followed by Argoanuts escorting
several older men from the dyer's guild, followed by our brothers and all
the other pages, followed by Princess Elpis, Sophia, Melitta and several
others, escorted by their guardians.  Last but not least was Thoren and his
mentor Olympos.  That is when I heard a small voice say "father".  Without
turning, King Iason nodded and Helladios streaked down the lie way,
presenting himself to Thoren as his guide.  Olympos is quite capable but
for him, it was his way of making a contribution to what ever it was that
was about to happen.  Thoren was seated on a bench facing the audience.
Helladios whispered something to him and went to sit with his friends.

The King rose and raised his hands to get quiet.  He asked that those who
had seats to take them.  I noticed several knights made places for the
Princess and the ladies who I did not recognize.  From their dress they
were ordinary citizens.

"Today is a proud moment for us.  We are about to proclaim the first and
highest non military honer in Parga, Hero of Parga.  This honer is besotted
for heroic and exemplary service by any citizen, on behalf of other
citizens.  The idea for this award came from four citizens who partitioned
the council, to honer just such a deed.  The council had much debate about
the rules and but little of the merit and none of its first recipients."
Karyakos took over, "It is may greatest of pleasures to besot these
handsome medallions on three so deserving.  Now they will protest, they did
nothing extraordinary and that it was nothing more than performance of
duty.  They will say, any citizen seeing the need, would have done the
same.  The four ladies that partitioned the council would disagree.  Their
parents also disagree, as would the ones on whose behalf they acted.

Thoren, our court story teller has been asked to tell the story of this
heroism and from that, you will understand why Prince Arden, Sir Volos and
Sir Pyrros are to be so honored."

Thoren stood and began our tail.  I must say it was highly accurate in
detail.  I think just a little dramatic, that is the purview of the poet,
is it not.  In my view, it is Thoren that should be given honors.  His
story was in the best of the Homeric traditions, it was wonderful poetry
and spoken with great skill.  When finished Uncle Iason asked, "Deserving
or no?"

With one voice rose up deserving.  Sophia was give the honor of hanging the
medallions around our necks.  In the chaos that followed, we did get to
meet the ladies, who turned out to be the mothers of the four apprentices.
They were most glade of our help and said so, over and over.

The men from the guild made us honorary members for life and assured us
much change would soon be taking place.  Every apprentice in the guild,
many journeymen, and apprentices from other guilds are at this moment
marching and leaving flowers at the Ganymede of Parga.  That told me at
least this group got the message.

Volos, Pyrros and I are deeply honored but at the same time, we do not feel
our midnight ride was deserving of this or any other honor.  The
appreciation of those apprentices, well expressed by them to us, is
sufficient.  Following our sports and our baths, we three walked over to
the hospital.  On the way we passed the statue and were amazed at the
number of flowers that had been left there.  I was not sure exactly what
this was to symbolize.  I am sure, in some way, it was done to support the
spirits of the injured.  I think it must also go deeper than that.  Perhaps
it is a demonstration of their realization, that in the eyes of their
princes, they are truly valued.  That is my hope, as it is true.  Volos is
sure that any of them would have done the same as us, would they the means
or opportunity.  I also hope he is correct and not just for their fellow
apprentices but any citizen, as we are all neighbours in such a small place
and clansmen too.

Pyrros feels that people need symbols and examples.  It is important for
them to have someone or something to look up to.  We just happened to be
that someone.  He feels every boy in Parga wants an adventure of this kind.
They will dream of being a Hero of Parga, like their prince and his
knights, he added with some pride.  We did not go 10 more feet, when
several of those young boys came running up to us.  When they got close I
could see their courage beginning to flag.  I knelt down and holding my
medal out, asked if they would like to inspect it.  They were a little
hesitant but came closer and once one of them touched it, all were willing.
They came with us the short distance to the hospital, adding more, it
seamed with each few steps.  I could hear several saying to their friends,
some day I will earn such an honor.  We of course had to stop many times to
allow inspections.  I guess it is important to have symbols.  If we inspire
only hand full, we have been successful.

On entering the hospital we were greeted with many cheers.  The doctor told
us if they live for two more days they will mend.  "Medicine is still more
art than science, your coming here will do more than all my skills
combined."  We could say little but to ask the injured to be brave and not
give up hope.  The treatment with the bog water seamed to be helping.  If
nothing else, the waters eased the pain.  Even I could see the less
seriously injured areas were beginning to heal.  I told them I would return
tomorrow and expected to see them improved.

One asked the fait of their master.  I told them we had been made life
members of the guild, it was an hoary position but we would insure he was
treated fairly.  If they lived, I was sure less harshly than if they died.
He responded that the man was good and had trained them well and they
wished him no ill.  Then it is best you all fight hard to heal.  I am still
curious as to why they asked for a prince and not a parent or religious
figure.  I thought it best to keep that question open for a while yet.  I
doubt they anticipated us to arrive, command them to keep alive until our
return and rush off seeking the treatment waters.

As we returned to the castle a young boy 11 or 12 came running after us.
"Prince Arden," he called.  He has black curly hair, a long thin face,
bright eyes and a very determined stride.  I immediately thought with a
little training he would make a fine runner.  His legs seamed long and
indeed when he stopped beside us, I could see he was rather tall for his
age.  He was not breathing hard at all, I knew he must run far and often.
I recognized him as one of the boys that came to look at our medals.  He
introduced himself as Hilarus, son of Seneca the olive merchant.  "I will
be 12 next week and want to be a page."  That was up front and to the
point.  My brother, Prince Kastor is in charge of the pages you need talk
to him, I replied.  I could see a look of desperation in his eyes so
decided to probe a bit.  Is their some reason to rush, Hilarus?

"Yes Prince Arden, I am the third son and my father intends to apprentice
me to the cheese merchant," he pointed across the plaza.  "I do not like
cheese and if I eat more than a little, I do not feel well at all.  Father
thinks I am being foolish.  I really want to be a page, being a merchant or
shopkeeper is not very interesting."

Volos understood, he does not eat cheese either.  "I would think not eating
cheese would make it very difficult to be a good merchant of it.  I can not
eat it either, I know your discomfort.  Maybe we should purchase some
olives Prince," Volos gave me a wink?

I turned to Hilarus, I can not guarantee a pages position immediately but I
can offer you meaningful employment at the castle.  It will mean you must
come and live there and you must continue with your education.

"I am a good student and I will prove myself, if I have the chance."

You will have more than a chance Hilarus, shall we go?  When we go in, I
want you to sell Volos and Pyrros some olives.  I will arrange for your
service.  Does your father know you desire to be a page?

"Yes and he thinks I am being foolish, only children of the important
people can be pages.  He thinks I should be a humble merchant like himself
and my brothers."  I see.....

Pyrros told him, "When Prince Arden gets that far away look on his face and
stops talking, he is formulating a plan.  Often we get some fun from them,
always Prince Arden gets his way.  Be not at all surprised if he asks you
some questions, for which he already knows the answers.  Just play the game
son and page you will become." (TN: this may rhyme in English but is does
not in Greek) Pyrros is correct in this.

We entered the shop, Hilarus immediately began selling olives to Volos and
Pyrros.  I engaged the shop keeper Seneca in conversation.  I commented on
how proficient Hilarus was and suggested he must be proud of his son.
Which he was.  I asked if the boy was to stay in the olive business.
Seneca replied no, he was to apprentice with the cheese merchant.  Having
helped Abrith in his olive groves for several seasons, all of us knew
quality olives.  I asked which were the finest.  Hilarus pointed to a
barrel, "these Prince are the finest and the most costly, they are from
Kefallinia," he replied.  I tasted one and commented that I agreed they
were very fine, perhaps as fine as those grown by my birth family in
Koalhurst.

I began fumbling with my new medallion saying, Hilarus, your father tells
me you wish to apprentice with the cheese merchant.  Volos poked him, "Oh
no Prince, he wishes that, I dislike cheese, it makes me ill."  Volos piped
in saying cheese made him ill too, he could not bear to work around it.  I
turned to Seneca again, still fumbling my medallion, you know Seneca we
have a very great interest in the well being of all the apprentices of
Parga, not just dyers or those that have been injured.  Why would you
apprentice your son to a trade he is not suited for?

"He is suited to be a merchant, you said so yourself."  Yes I did say he
did a fine job and was knowledgeable of olives, how will he do that job or
be knowledgeable about something he neither enjoys or can even eat?  I
started laying coins on the counter.  Stop me when I have exceeded the
cheese merchants offer.  He signaled at 8.  "The cheese merchant also
offered his daughter's hand to Hilarus."

What of her Hilarus?  "I hardly know the girl and we are both to young
anyway."  What would you do at the castle?  "I would be a page Prince."
His father looked askance.  You realize pages must study very hard and work
at the same time?  "Yes and I am prepared to do what ever is required, pass
any test and suffer any hardship, except eat cheese."  If you become a page
your father can still arrange a marriage for you.  "If I can be a page then
I will not object, if that be the price, I shall pay it."

Seneca, I said, the scribes will send a contract for you to sign in a few
days.  It will be under my brother Prince Kastor's seal, as he is in charge
of the pages.  While Sir Volos and Sir Pyrros pay for their olives you
should go and gather your belongs, as your duties began a few minutes ago.
It is always a pleasure to do business with enlightened men such as you
Seneca.  I placed two more coins on the counter.  He looked at me with a
most questioning expression.  For the next few years, Hilarus will be very
busy and he will not have many free days to visit his family, even though
you are close in distance.

"What if he fails."

"That is not possible.  It is possible he may find being a page is not as
attractive as he thought or that he is unsuited.  Some other profession
will be found for him.  Opportunities at the castle are great.  Prince
Arden has attracted many to royal service, since he was Hilarus' age, he
has never been wrong in his judgement.  What ever talent lay hidden with
Hilarus, the Princes of Parga will find it and it will shine.  Your
agreement today has done a great service for the boy and for my Prince; in
addition to selling very nice olives," Pyrros said, placing one in his
mouth.

What Pyrros did not say, as long as the boy is in our service, his marriage
will be by permission of the King.  Iason 7th will not give it, unless
Hilarus so desires.  He is very sensitive to having marriage forced on
anyone and arranged without his consent.  I think it is because his was.
That is not to say he has ever expressed any dissatisfaction with his wife.
Quite the opposite, but like my Iason he had no choice and I think believes
others should at least be consulted.

I am much taken by this boy.  I was so at his first approach.  He is polite
and well mannered.  I could see he judged us and the situation quickly.  He
was straight forward, giving only what was needed to be clearly understood.
I am sure he could give young boy reasons for wanting to be a page.  I
strongly suspect they have less to do with cheese than the profession of
merchant.

It was clear that he could probably sell what ever he put his mind to
selling.  His father must also realize this.  Hilarus, I am sure, believes
becoming a page will allow him to escape the merchants business, without
the need to disobey his father.  Perhaps politics is his calling.

I must be honest with myself too.  I was impressed with his running and
would coach him.  I see much potential.  I am also much taken by his body
and desire it.  I will let Nikias and Dios prepare him for my bed.  Iason
will be pleased as will my boys.  I expect he is some advanced to other
boys, as Iason and I were.  As we walked back to the castle I was stopped
many times by citizens, wishing to see my medallion or just to share a few
moments.  I could overhear Volos and Pyrros telling him about his immediate
future and eating the olives they had just purchased.  I think they too are
taken by him as their attitude is much less professional and more friendly.

When presented to Kastor, I could see both the boy and the prince were
immediately attracted to each other.  Kastor lead him by the hand into the
bath, asking for a proper uniform to be brought for his newest page.  I
looked in to see the most desirable round buttocks imaginable, atop long
and strong legs.  Yes this will be a fine runner and a fine bed partner.  I
also saw Kastor bathing him with as much care as he baths his infant son.

............................

[Note: Your translator is a bit incredulous at this point.  Having
translated these many pages of Arden's writing the continued use of such
formal language is almost to much.  I can not believe that in the
conversation reported above, no pet names or terms of endearment were used.
He speaks of his love and his passion for Iason.  Yet we know the language
of lovers, the language of the poets, is unchanged from then to now.  Pet
names and nick names, terms of endearment were as popular in 1319 as they
are today.  About as far as he ever goes is Poly for Polydeukus and Odo,
which he was asked by the boy to use.  Even for Iason or his own children
he uses mostly formal references.]