Date: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 20:14:14 -0700
From: dnrock@rock.com
Subject: Arden 52

Arden
by:  dnrock(dnrock@rock.com)

52:  Normal Again?


1319, 9th month, day 27:

Our running coaches held a large meeting this afternoon with all of the
athletes.  They now have sufficient time and distance information for each
to begin developing plans and goals for improvement.  I have set the time
standard or perhaps the goals for all distances.  In the shorter distances
my competition is as close as 1 second but in the longer races as much as
minutes.  For the longer races the coaches point out that I run the same
speed within a very narrow tolerance on every lap.  It is a good pace but
not the same or as great as in the short distances.  While some others may
start out quicker then I do, after 3rd or 4th lap they begin to slow.  My
time for six stadia is 2 minutes that means each stadia need be run in 30
seconds or one half minute.

To defeat me they must run the first 3 or 4 laps in 29 seconds or less and
the last couple in 30 but no more.  Knowing the time for each lap is
important for keeping the runner on his planned schedule.  For the one and
two stadia races it is just go as fast as you possible can.

I can see the young boys showing the most improvement, as they now run
against the clock and not another older boy.  Having competition on the
track is also important, it provides incentive.  I know there is nothing
that causes me to run harder than the well shaped buttocks of a young
runner ahead of me.

I am thinking that we should organize across country races for groups like
the Elite Marines.  I think running across fields, down roads, crossing
streams and the like would be great fun.

Hesiodos told me, word from our people in Bejaia had come.  It was a short
and cryptic message that said, "heads are rolling from the palace to the
customs house".  I have never seen Hesiodos laugh so long and hard.  He
thought our little visit was to pay dividend and praised the efficiency of
the operation.  He has interviewed all that participated, including the run
away slave, they brought back.  He is preparing a full report that will
examine what was done well and what improvements could be made.  He was
greatly impressed with Hadi and the other volunteers, praising them highly
as did the navy and marine officers.

Hesiodos thought that this little act of mischief would gain the notice we
desired.  He also suggested the solders that were killed had not been
linked to Parga.  I hope he is correct.  It would be better for all if this
impasse can be breached by good will alone.  Further conflict will
accomplish little in the long term.  I am afraid my advisors are correct,
that should we extend our power to Bejaia, the world will know not only
that we can and will but what that power is.  This will speed its spread,
something not in our interest.

That does not mean I would not like to attack Bejaia with so much might
they will never again be capable of attacking us or anyone else.  This may
be my personal dream but it is little else than that.  To do so is to be no
better than the barbarians we believe them to be.

It is my duty to protect Parga in both the present and if possible the
future.  I must always do what is best for my people.  Having thought more
on it, Kastor is most correct.  We must take care not to place the sultan
in a position that offers him no face.  If it is true that he personally
had little or nothing to do with causing the present situation, we need be
patient and let him solve his internal problems.  It is possible the velvet
glove is all that is truly necessary.  If by providing him with a little
mischief and information about what people do in his name, we give him
opportunity to reestablish his authority, all the better.

1319, 10th month, day 1:

Eight more days until Iason's wedding day.  I know he has trepidation.  He
has been the most agreeable and pleasant of person.  I know it is partly
due to his intense involvement with the theater of it.  I think that is why
I love him so.  He throws himself into what ever is required, in the most
intense way.  The exaltation of the doing makes him most agreeable, as if
my beloved could be any other way.

Sophia, Alexandros and Eudoxia are all showing signals of their own
trepidation.  It is understandable and I try not to pay any attention to
their short temperedness.  Even Uncle and Father give them a wide road.
Mother will not tolerate any of this behavior and they must spend much time
with her.

I have been very busy myself, given the treasury and military to look
after.  Kastor and Polydeukus are dealing with just about everything else.
The three terrors have been most helpful of late.  Justus and Joulous are
helping greatly with the Achemedia and Nikias has been at my side on all
military matters.

He and the Argoanuts have installed some special torches at the base of the
Ganymede of Parga statue.  These torches use the special fuel made from
koal and lime.  They light them at nightfall and they burn until morning.
The light they give is very bright.  They have installed parabolic
reflectors, made of polished copper, to direct the light against the
statue.  It positively glows.  I have noticed that many citizens come to
the little plaza and enjoy walking among the flowers that still bloom or
sit on the benches and enjoy the night air, now that some light is
provided.  I think we should place more of these lamps in the plaza.  They
need not burn all night like the lights by the statue but they can burn for
several hours.  The Ganymede reflects on the dark calm waters of the harbor
and makes a most interest and wondrous sight from my balcony.  I am sure
our guests will all be impressed with this.  I have asked the twins to see
about making this happen.

When I spoke to the General and Raffaele about my further thoughts on
military action against Bejaia they were most pleased.  The General told me
that military action must not be the first but the last effort to resolve
differences with other states.  He was glad I had reached the conclusions I
had reached.  "Parga must defend itself if and when attacked.  It must use
any and all means to do so and the doing must always be, as in the past,
absolute.  It is most unwise to demonstrate your military power in any way
except defense.  In Parga you command the high ground.  As in the past you
must make your enemy come to you.  You must only in the most desperate
situations go to him.

Demonstrating the real threat of extending your power outside Parga by
mischief and pranks is acceptable but must be done sparingly.  If that
works to achieve your political goals, all well and good.  If not some
other way must be found.  It is inconsistent for you to take offense at
others like Florence, to use military power against Parga, if you are
prepared to uses it against others.

You have been successful in the past using political means to achieve your
diplomatic goals.  Notice that your neighbor, the Despot learned his
lessons, perhaps this sultan is just duller.  It may take a little longer,
that is all."


1319, 9th month, day 12:

The weddings are finished the couples are doing what newly wed couples do.
We do not expect to see them for some days perhaps weeks.  That is
exaggeration.  Iason is expected to be working again in a week and
Alexandros in ten days.  Eudoxia and Sophia in about two weeks.  Alex and
Iason are expected to live with their wives for most or all of their first
year.  After that they will begin to spend more time with us.

I have called in several times to see the Triplets.  They are growing fast
and now recognize Philon and most of us.  Edward spent several days here
with my birth family.  He showed me his journal and I am most impressed
with his careful records and his insights.  When he met Philon they seemed
to immediately like each other.  I am glad of that, for I think they will
make a good team and do much valuable work together.

Abernath has agreed to hire a local Koalhurst lad, to cary on with Edward's
experimental garden.  I agreed to send him back in the spring, to assist in
getting it started up and providing direction to Abernath and the new
assistant.  I also arranged to increase Abernath's stipend, to cover the
cost of the employee and the use of his land.  Kastor believes these
agricultural experiments should be placed under the direction of the
Achemedia and that a systematic study of plants should be undertaken by a
new professor of Horticulture (TN: the English word horticulture was not
invented until the 18th century.  Arden used a compound noun consisting of
the infinitive `to cultivate' and plants.)  Edward and Philon should study
under this new professor, when we are able to find one.

Iason's theater was most wonderful and I am so proud of him.  I am proud of
all that assisted and they are many.  This was quite spectacle and very
costly.  Fortunately we only have one Crown Prince to marry every 20 years
or so.  Uncle Iason said little, leaving the arrangements to Iason and
Princess Elpis.  Karyakos did tell me to give them what ever money they
requested.  We did save some, as it was a double wedding.  Princess Eudoxia
will keep her title as requested of the council by the King; Alexandros
will be know as Sir Alexandros, Princess Eudoxia's Consort, Knight 3rd
Class, Captain Royal Guard.  None of Uncle's sisters desired to keep their
title, so none did.

I think Eudoxia feels she can make greater use of her talents having the
title.  Polydeukus will become the primary administrator of the Castle,
sharing his power with Princess Elpis and Princess Sophia as well as the
stewards.  All must come to me for the money.  Next year Melitta will
become a junior page. Helo will become a page in the spring along with
Dios.

Alfred and Helo have taught Umar and Lysandros along with a number of
others how to climb up and down ropes.  I am not comfortable with it, Uncle
keeps reminding me, we must not stifle the younger children.  "Let their
mothers do that."

I learned today, at the winter soloists two more Heroes of Parga will be
named, one is a young man from the south and the other a young woman from
the east.

I hope we have been an inspiration to others but it matters not.  I hope
the Hero of Parga awards will inspire others but that too matters not.
What matters is the recognition the society gives to its citizens.  I am
glad to see that we are a modern state, that is beginning to recognize the
contribution women make to our society.  The most ancient people seemed to
understand this.  The early Greeks and Romans did as well.  I believe we
need move our society to a better balance between the two views.


1319, 10th month, day 13:

We received an envoy from Bejaia today, who met with us in privet.  I was
quite surprised but never the less glad, that some kind of official meeting
was taking place.  He is an older, pleasant man, with obvious diplomatic
experience.  Odo joined us but the man's Greek was in fact quite good.  I
take it he must have translated our earlier messages, as he was most
familiar with them.

He presented his credentials and when that was satisfied he presented the
ensign of Bejaia, saying, "the Sultan was most pleased that Prince Arden
had given him a gift of his ensign and hopes you will accept his in
return."  Which I did.  I immediately asked a page to see that this ensign
flies from our castle for the time the envoy remained with us.  This is a
custom we do when ever non resident diplomats or representatives of foreign
states visit us.  He was most impressed with this and said so.  Uncle
assured him that we harbored no hostility toward the Sultan or Bejaia.
This polite chat went on for a bit.  The envoy asked after Prince Iason.
Father said the Crown Prince was with his new bride and we did not expect
to see him for several more weeks.

Dysme came in offering tea and wine along with sweets and fresh fruit.  As
we sat around the table the atmosphere became much more relaxed and less
formal.  "The Sultan was most impressed by the flag and delivery method, as
well as your printing process."  I know I blushed at the mention of the
stealth mission and he just smiled in recognition.  I guess nothing more
need be said about it.  Kastor brought a book to the table for the envoy's
inspection.  And so it went.

After we finished our tea we continued to talk informally.  Nothing was
said about Umar or our past hostilities.  We talked about world affairs and
trade, avoiding any mention of political or religious philosophy.  He did
mention that the sultan had many children from numerous wives.  Uncle said
he only had one wife and eight children.  He then mentioned that all
orphans without other family were wards to the crown and that he and
Princess Elpis were now parents to over 600, many are adults with families
of their own but once a parent, always a parent.  He then asked after us
princes.  Kastor and Polydeukus told him they were betrothed to twin girls,
both pages who would be of marriageable age in about a year.  Iason he
already knew about.  "And you Prince Arden?"  I am not allowed to have a
wife by virtue of my office but I have sired a number of children, all of
whom are recognized and I have taken one ward.  A boy named Umar.

Our mid day meal was served.  When finished I excused myself as I was
scheduled at the running track.  Later that afternoon I noticed the envoy
and Kastor observing.  I had just finished my middle distance running and
joined the young boys and their coach.

We now have about 25 boys under 12 that come to run several times a week
and a small group of Argoanuts that act as their coachs.  In addition to
running on the track they play tag games.  It is much more game playing
than training.  Boys need to run and be free.  That was always one of the
great joys of living in a small village in the country, I could just run
for no other reason than the joy of the doing.  In my view it is more
important at this age for the boys to have fun and learn to enjoy sports,
running specifically.  If they learn anything about the art, all the
better.  I find little else as wondrous to behold, as a group of naked boys
frolicking on the playing field or at the swimming place.  Being a cooler
time of year, swimming is not pleasant but running is.

Just as we were finishing Helo, Umar and Lysandros came to me.  "Why is the
flag of Bejaia flying from the parapet," Helo asked?  That is because an
official visitor from Bejaia is here and while he remains his flag flies.
"Oh," Umar said, "Have they come to try and take me away?"

No that is not the reason for the visit nor will it ever be.  I am not
about to give up any of my children, for any reason.  "See I told you,"
Lysandros sang.

It would be polite, I think, to say hello to Uncle Kastor and our visitor
don't you?  Lysandros, Alfred, Helo and Umar took off on a dead run.  I was
right behind them but much slower, as not to overpower them with my longer
stride.  Shortly after the introductions Hilarus came running across the
sports field with a message for me.  The boys ran off to join their friends
and Hilarus went to fetch my clothing, as I was being summoned to another
meeting.  I think I spend most of my life these days in meetings.

"Umar is certainly prospering here in Parga and it is obvious those boys
dote on you Prince," the envoy commented.  I know I turned bright red.

"My brother is easily embraced by the truth, only our brother Iason has a
better way with children," Kastor said.

He is completely at home as you can see.  The artists have tested him and
assure me he has great talent, as does Lysandros with music.  Perhaps that
is why they have become such good friends.

"My brother has many talents, as is obvious.  His greatest lay in
identifying and drawing out the talent of others and then inspiring them to
excel.  Polydeukus and I had no thought to being princes, we were satisfied
just being pages.  Arden and Iason had other ideas.  I remember the King
overhearing Arden once say, `are not five princes equal to one king.'  The
king could not let such an error stand and corrected Arden's
misconception. `Each of you are my equal,' and he looked right at Arden,
`some my better, never forget that.'  Arden tries to deny but we will not
let him.  He is the most beloved prince in Parga.  The rest of us command
full respect of office and a good measure to love but Arden commands a full
measure of love and respect to himself plus the office.  Even criminals
that he must sentence, as judge in the court, thank him for doing so.  I do
not exaggerate, I have seen it with my own eyes.  We once needed volunteers
for community service and when told Prince Arden needed men, it was those
who he had sentenced that were the first to volunteer.  Now he is even
redder than before, but it is true.

He is not magic or divine, he bleeds as I do.  What he does, I think
without even realizing, is set a standard of performance that no ordinary
mortal can meet; then he extends his hand and helps you do just that.

Umar loves him completely and unquestionably.  Arden is his daddy.  Not
because he is the lad's foster father but because he loves Umar with the
same intensity and dedication he gives to his running.  Young children may
lack guile and experience but they do recognize love, the one commodity
they can also return."

I needed to depart so I took my leave but I am sure the envoy was regaled
with one Prince Arden story after another.  I am truly embraced by all
this.  I know my brothers and the others will only speak the truth, as they
see it.  It may be just a bit colored by their allegiance to me.  The envoy
will understand that.  I feel for him, as he must no doubt report to his
sultan what he has learned.  How he tells the man that Umar is treated more
as prince in Parga than he ever would be in Bejaia or that he receives
greater love from his foster parents than he did from is birth parents, I
do not know.  I truly believe, continued efforts to recover him to Bejaia
is a disservice to the boy.  I think the envoy realizes this.  He is a
skilled and experienced diplomat and obviously highly political, he will
find a way.

Our differences with Bejaia and theirs with us are not in the best interest
of either state.  I believe the exchange of flags symbolizes that
recognition.  We will probably never know how close the situation came to
much distraction and death.  Given that we are so much removed from the
other, this is the best solution.  How long it will last is only
speculation.