Date: Thu, 7 Oct 2010 21:50:50 -0600
From: dnrock@rock.com
Subject: Arden 84

Arden
by: dnrock(dnrock@rock.com)


84:  End and Epilogue


It was about a week later, while on the King Iason, that Paul told me,
except for his uncle, we were the first people he had ever encountered who
did not care that he was a bastard.  None in the castle will care in the
slightest, since for many of them their parents were not married, I assured
him.  In Parga we do not use or have family names, just our given names.
At times it is necessary to state who our mother or father are, avoiding
confusion with other having the same name.  Not a problem I have ever
faced, however I know many children are now named Arden.

"I know my official fathers are now King Iason and Prince Karyakos but will
Sir Kleitos be my daddy, like you are Umar's?"

I am sure of it, however should he not, we have plenty of men in the castle
and on this ship, that would be delighted to be your daddy.  Kleitos and I
have been friends since we were small children.  You will see he is the
kindest, gentlest and most earnest of knights.  He is keenly aware how
important it is for a boy to have a daddy in his life.  You should also
remember that the King and Prince are more than official.  They know the
name and face of every ward, they know how well they perform in school or
on the job, they arrange marriages and are grandfather to the children.
You, like my self or any other ward, are not only free to, but expected to,
seek their help and advice.  Ask any of the Elite Marines, they are almost
all Royal Wards.  If you are to be Helladios' companion for the next two
years you will see more of them and of us then you ever dreamed.


1320, month 8, day 20,

Our visit to France was as eventful as that to England.  The events were
much different.  We had been told to disembark at the port of Rouen.  The
Admiral was less than pleased with this.  He did not like this port being
in such a narrow river so far from the open ocean.  He would not take the
Prince Class ships into it.  Instead we moved to the Princess Elpis.  He
took on fresh water and food.  The fleet would not stay here but sail to
Cherbourg.  He was more comfortable with the large, open harbor and quick
access to the sea, in that place.  I was not comfortable in Rouen either.
The local bishop was openly inhospitable to us, he referred to Parga as a
heathen land.  He held the Eastern Church is rather high detest and our
open defiance of the Pope in even higher.

Fortunately Phillip had told him straight out that the Pargians were his
personal guests, that we should be treated as such and given all the
privileges our rank and diplomatic status required.  He sent several
knights to welcome us and assist in our overland travel to his summer
residence.

To be fair, Rouen is a most pleasant city.  It is large and very
prosperous.  The King holds much of his court here.  He spends time in
Paris, but moves most of his court here, as has been the custom since the
11th century.  I see a great cathedral is under construction, the old one
was destroyed by fire about 35 years ago.  The Chateau Bouvereuil is quite
some place.  It is much more elaborate than our castle but has much less
utility.

Phillip was most gracious and generous to us.  He is less than pleased with
his bishop.  "The bishops and other cannons of Rouen have a long history of
being both outspoken and difficult to control."  He laughed saying, "so
have the nobles of Normandy.  Even those of us who are relatively recent".
Once behind closed doors he proved to be all that and more.

Edward and the others spent many hours in the King's gardens finding
several plants new to them and many significantly different varieties of
herbs.  Phillip's people were most interested in what they were doing and
how they were doing it.  Nikias was most excited when the local gardeners
and herb-ologists not only agree with his concept of a collection but
straight away began building one.

For us this was a very relaxing time.  We played sports and games and
taught them our newly developed ones.  Parga Polo quickly became very
popular.  We traveled to several rural areas and spent time in Paris.

Like Edward, Phillip never mentioned the difficulties between themselves.
That is not to mean others were quite on the subject.  Kastor had forbid
any of us from making comments and all inquiries were refereed to him and
our Ambassador.  Phillip is not musical himself.  He greatly enjoys music
and the playing of the court musicians.

I find him to be a good family man.  He has 4 lovely daughters.
Unfortunately he his only sons died while still small children in 1317.  He
is 8 years older then Iason and myself, yet he is a active and youthful as
we are.  I find him pleasant to look at, with long slightly curled light
brown hair and a roundish face with large, wide set blue eyes.  His mouth
appears small.  I say appears, as it easily accommodates our erections.  He
is clean shaven most of the time.  Phillip is strong and of average
stature.  He is well trained with a sword but is not an archer or runner.

We talked much about his attempts to reform government.  I could tell from
his expressions he longed for a compact place like Parga in this aspect.
He has spent much time and energy to standardize weights and measures.
From what he had told me, with some measure of success at least in
Champagne, Burgundy and Normandy.

"I come by my determination from my father.  He was the most inflexible man
I have ever known.  Not only was he inflexible but he was determined to
strengthen the state and I think his and now my own, power.  Father
established our professional bureaucracy.  To that end he was successful.
During the turmoil of my brother's death followed by my infant nephew's, a
scant year later, all functioned as normal.  My brother was almost as
inflexible, I think it fair to say, not half the wit of father.  He left a
mess that I am still trying to finish straightening.

Perhaps it is the difference between being first born and later born or a
middle brother.  Lou, Louis hated it when I called him that, he thought he
was Father.  He was not even close.  I bridged between him and Charles,
moderating their squabbles.  You know him from your last visit.  He is the
handsome one of the family.  I would like to have followed your advice and
my experience by keeping him close to me and preparing him for leaderships.
That is not possible as he married and now lives with his wife.  He claimed
the Kingship of Navarre as birthright from my late mother.  Perhaps that
will be good training, for none of us know what comes in the future."

We talked about many things during our stay.  We found many places were the
French and ourselves do things on the surface the same.  Phillip was
building his government service along the same general model as Parga but
the philosophical foundation is not the same.  It would never work as
efficiently as in Parga because of the size required.  It would never quite
work as hoped, because he assumed all in France were in his service.  In
Parga the king and everyone else serve the people.  That is the difference
between leading, administrating and ruling.  Most modern governments and
the Christian Church(s) are built on the old Roman Imperial system.  They
both find it convent to reinforce each other.  Modern Parga is built on the
old Greek Demokratia system.  It is a matter of power and resource
delegation.  In France, England and other places, the sovereign leader
delegates only what he feels he must or is forced.  In Parga the people
delegate only what is needed.  The church is also imperial, it delegates
little and continues to consolidate and concentrate power with the pope or
patriarch.  In Parga we are loved and respected, I should add we young
princes are even indulged, because we represent what the citizens would
like to think they are or should be.

Phillip was polite but realistic in his agreement with this analysis.
Unlike Edward he could not envision a time when that might change.
Although the people of Normandy have been guaranteed certain rights and
liberties by his brother in 1315 (TN: the Charte aux Normans) not unlike
England.  He also was more willing to admit he needed to be political in
keeping his vassals under control.  He realized great care was needed or he
could find himself out of a job.

I learned from our spy network that one of the greatest sources of friction
between the English and French, is their willingness to try and undermine
English power by secretly supporting the Scots and others.  This is in an
attempt to cease the Barronages that the English nobles still held on the
mainland.

Kastor was loth to mention this to either side as he did not wish them to
know we knew what we knew.  He did suggest that the French Corsairs
operating from Brittany and the south needed to be more tightly controlled.
Pirates or privateers when unleashed as a temporary measure have the
potential of becoming both a threat to the host and impediment to peace.
Phillip admitted he had some problems with controlling them but also his
revenue from their activities was important.  He went on to explain how
they came to be stationed in St.Malo and the origin of Letters of Mark.
Since this has gone on since the 1100's it was difficult for him to just
stop.

Iason asked if it was the absence of such license that caused the corsairs
we encountered to run off as quickly as possible.  Phillip, who by this
time had a complete report of this incident, just laughed.  "I would like
to think that is the reason.  My better judgment tells me it is the fear of
Prince Arden breathing fire on them and the large number of marines it has,
more likely."

The situation has improved here since the years of famine and food
production is returning to normal in this part of France.  That does not
mean everyone always has enough to eat.  Having lost almost one quarter of
the population there are far fewer to feed but fewer to work the land as
well.  I wrote about this several volumes back and we covered it completely
in our joint journal on our last trip.

Phillip tells me in the more northern lands they still suffer harsh
winters.  In most of his lands some farm areas have been lost, the soil is
gone.  Here they are much less advanced from us in keeping supplies in
storage for such events.  They do not have the storage methods as well
developed either.  Animal herds and beasts of burden have not yet fully
recovered.  Meat and cheese are in short supply.  Much wool must be
imported.  Fewer people means less food is required.  This suggests the
recovery is not a rapid as they would have us think.

While the average age of our citizens is approaching 30 years and the
average of those over 20 years old is now 38 years, it is much less here
and in England.  The average of well off people such as the royal family or
high nobles is only 29 years here.  Averages are just that of course and
few among us believe they are average.  I know I am not.

One of his nobles told us to take great care on our journey to Cherbourg.
"Much of the lawlessness that resulted from the years of famine are still
with us," he said.  He advised us not to go overland as we had planned but
to summon our ships to Rouen.

Kastor and I debated this, looking at the different options.  We took it,
the reason Phillip insisted we go to Paris on river boats, must be partly
this.  It would not be to his advantage if we were forced to fight bandits,
being his guests.  It is not that our Elite Marines are spoiling for a
fight, they do feel bandits would not present them any real difficulties.
Iason and Poly were disappointed they wanted to see the country side.  I
sometimes think my beloved is just a little too cavalier.

At least we are not seeing so many desperate and starving people, as we did
on our last visit.  Then we had any number of volunteers wishing to
accompany us; this time only a few.  One of those few is a bright lad of
16.  He has made friends with Odo.  Like Agapios he has bright red hair and
his beard, when it arrives, will also be red.  He does not have as many
freckles but when embarrassed he turns redder than I do.  I rather like
him.  He is not shy but very polite and considerate of others.  I have the
feeling that quality is used by others, not for his advantage either.  He
does not have a regular duty here except to fill in for the sick or assist
when extra hands are needed.  Charles is his name and he told me his father
was one of the King's guardians and he was the 5th son with few prospects.
Phillip's steward had assigned several young men to us as servants.  He was
the only one to complain that we did not give him enough to do.  The
complaint was less that, than a request for more.  Odo quickly took him to
his side to learn the local Normandy language, with is mix of tongues
including French.  I suspect he had other desires as well but never said.
Ikaros is still instant that we all take as much responsibility for
ourselves as is reasonably possible.  Living as close as we do, with so
many, one needs look after his personal things and his person, as well a
lend help with the common living space.

I asked Kastor how this should be handled.  He thought he should ask the
King to release Charles to our service only after he obtained his father's
permission.  Damao will speak to the man as one King's guard to another.
Kastor started to reach into his purse.  Damao stopped him, "if my son
feels Charles should become part of our family it is I who should offer
something of value for his service."  Damao patted his sward.

It did take that to get the lad's services.  His father approached Phillip
and got his agreement.  Apparently the king did not even know his name or
any of his qualities.  I do not know them either, except he wanted more to
do, nor did Damao.  If Odo recommended him, that was enough for us.

This puzzles me.  I can not imagine Father or Uncle not knowing everyone
who works in the castle.  It is a very large number.  They make a point of
knowing everyone in their direct employment.  They know, not just their
names, but what they do.  It is not below them to praise good work and
encourage better efforts, if that is needed.  They realize that things
happen because people make it so.  Things are built or clean, because
someone did that work.  Even when I win a race I must acknowledge the
coaches, other runners, those who prepared the track.  None of us truly act
alone.

When we arrived on the King Iason, Agapios immediately took Charles to
himself.  Another red haired boy!  Charles told us many in Normandy have
red or reddish hair, as do many in England.  In Parga it is anything but
common.  Charles had never been more than a few leagues from Rouen.
Everything from our language, food and dress were new to him.  Paul was
much the same.  He had never been away from his home until he accompanied
us to Stonehedge.  His leg was now healed and Agapios had been teaching him
about sailing.  Paul and Charles quickly became friends.


1320, 9th month, 30th day.

We arrived home three days past.  I have been just to busy to even think
about writing in this journal.  I am sure it will be another week or more
before I will find any time to myself.

All was well when we returned.  I know we were missed, Zoe and Aisopos
seemed not to want me out of their sight.  Euthalia was most glad to see
me.  I will be sure to keep her bed filled for some weeks yet.  Hy was
beside himself.  He seemed to have missed me more than anyone.

We were met at the quay by a huge gathering of citizens and palace
residents.  We walked to the castle.  I was overwhelmed by the fragrances
that wafted across my path.  Suddenly I was transported back in time.  It
was like being 12 again and marching between the plaza and the castle.  I
knew that smells or fragrances often are the impetus of the strong
memories.

As I expected, Paul was immediately accepted by Kleitos.  Between
Helladios, Kleitos and Miltiades he will be more than well cared for.  We
have assigned Charles to Lyuben and Panther.  I know these new boys were
overwhelmed by our reception.  I doubt either ever experienced such a crowd
of well-wishers before.  I don't think they ever dreamed a prince, their
Prince is as loved as we are by the people.  One of the most prominent was
Grandmother Daphne, she was also most thrilled, we princes all lined up to
kiss her as we passed.  Helo introduced Paul to her as his companion.  She
welcomed him to Parga by kissing his cheek.

The funniest thing happened as we walked toward the plaza.  The little girl
Pyrros and I pulled from the earthquake rubble came running after us,
calling Prince Pyrros, Prince Arden.  Pyrros picked her up and we both gave
her a kiss.

Then she saw the two sets of twins.  "Are they princes too?"

Yes we told her would you like to meet our brothers?  She nodded so we went
to them.  This is prince Kastor, I said.  He kissed her and she smiled and
giggled.  Then she saw Polydeukus.

"Are you Prince Kastor too?"

"No, I am Prince Polydeukus his twin brother."

"No, you must be trying to fool me."

Kastor turned around and put his face next to Poly.

"See, little one we are twins, I am Kastor,"

"I am Polydeukus."

She still looked confused, Poly gave her a kiss and Pyrros put her down.
Then she saw Joulous and Justus.  They played the game too.

Volos and Damao were not to let this pass without some fun at Pyrros'
expense.

"Since when have you been elevated to the station of Prince." the demanded
to know.  This was all being played out before a large audience.  "Who made
you a Prince?"

That girl did on the day of the earthquake, I said.

Iason chimed in at that point.  "The title prince is about as common as
Captain of the Royal Guard but much simpler to acquire."  He got that line
from reading my journal.  "All you need do is to have rescued a five year
old from an earth quake damaged home or have the right parents."

That received a good laugh from everyone who was close enough to hear it.

Paul asked me if everyone in Parga was like these people.  I had to admit
not all, but most are.  Being a Prince or one of our associates is not a
difficult job in Parga, our citizens make it easy and enjoyable.  It is not
our people or our fathers that demand of us, we demand of ourselves.

The End.


Your author has had enough of this.  I must take my leave, at least for
now.  I love Arden like my own son but like my flesh and blood son, when of
age I need to let him go.  So for now anyway, the ride is over less the
Epilogue. I sincerely hope you readers have enjoyed Arden's adventures.  I
have had a great time in writing them.  I know many pages of this story,
especially in the earlier chapters, suffer from proper editing.  I must
apologize for that.  If you liked the story and want to read more of my
work, all very much shorter I might add, go to the "prolific authors" item
on the nifty intro page, scroll down, and look up DnRock.  I have no idea
why it is different then dnrock but that is the way nifty did it. dnrock

Epilogue:

Arden and Iason lived for many years to come.  They had trials and
tribulations, exhalations and tributes.  The people in their lives died and
others came to take their places.  Parga faced difficulties as did other
states.  Arden filled many volumes recording such.

It was on Iason's death that their sons became King.  It was not long after
that Nikias also scrummed to a fever, Arden then retired to his Koalhurst
home.  Arden lived on for a goodly number of years.  His writings by this
time had become almost completely philosophical in nature.  He never
commented on his physical health, except to say how much he missed being
able to run.  Arden outlived Euthalia, his guardians, most of his children
and most of the other princes.  The passing of each that he loved so much,
took its toll on him.  His spirit never diminished in the slightest, his
focus shifted from political to social.

After Arden retired from government he remained surrounded by a throng of
admirers, friends and family.  His greatest delights were the many children
and young people that seemed to gather around him at every opportunity.  He
tells us of his delight in telling his stories to them.

He wrote until his hand became unsteady.  His great grandson Iason,
Agapios' oldest boy's son, became his last scribe at age 12.  Prince
Helladios and his son Arden were his personal physicians and were with this
younger Iason, at his side, when he failed to awaken from an afternoon nap;
at the 14th hour of the seventh day, in the seventh month of 1370.  It is
clear from his last dictation that he never did arrive at a satisfactory
understanding of human love.  The only thing he knew for sure was he did
and he was, both greatly so.  This much he knew and this much was all the
solace he needed.

Young Iason wrote a brief final entry: "... His body was transported from
Koalhurst to the castle, on a cart, pulled by his beloved Argonauts and
Eagles... Every league along the way was lined with mourners.  They stood
shoulder to shoulder from the youngest to the most elderly.  They did not
sing a dirge or cry out in anguish.  All sang his songs of hope and
renewal, telling and retelling their personal stories of how this prince
had touched their lives.

His decedents are many, his family is everyone.  Great Grandfather Arden's
ashes are entered under the Spirit of Parga.  It was at the Ganymede statue
that his memory was most publicly celebrated.  King Iason 9th and Prince
Societies lead a procession from the Spirit to the Ganymede.  We sang his
songs as we went.  Prince Societies lead us in singing "We Rise Again".  We
all knew he did not want us to morn him but to celebrate his having lived.
None can look upon his statues or paintings, or sing his songs, without in
some small way, doing just that.  Many say my face and stature do just
that.

I could not write for several days.  I could not bring myself to put these
closing words down.  I had been his scribe for the past five years, taking
that position from my aunt Euthalia.  I needed to run and run I did, until
exhausted and I could go no further.  Then and only then, could I end Great
Grandfather's written chronicle.  Great Grandfather Arden, Iason 8 and the
other princes of their time, set a standard that all after them must now
strive to meet.  For me I have need to capture his last remaining running
record, that of the long distance race.  This is my goal, one chosen by
myself and for myself.  His hope was that I should some day hold the Prince
Arden Chair of Philosophy.  True to himself he never once suggested that.
I know this as sure as I know myself.  My father tells me, "His fire burns
in your heart Iason.  Your spirit is his spirit."  Standing before the
Spirit statue I realized the truth of father's words.

Great Grand Father Arden has done for me what he did for so many.  He has
given me opportunity.  Now it is up to me, Iason Apollo of Koalhurst, to
see what I can make of it.