Date: Wed, 5 Dec 2012 22:43:19 -0700
From: dnrock@rock.com
Subject: Arden's Saga 27

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

This is a narrative.  It is a work of historical fiction.  The operative
word in that sentence is fiction.  Sex between males, males and females,
between females, of both contemporaries and intergenerational is common.  I
am sure, not common enough for some and to common for others.  Some of the
descriptions are graphic, others not, still others are only statements of
happening or just illusions to occurrences.  The main characters are male
and most of the sex is between them.  Most of these characters are
bisexual.

If the sexual nature is offensive or you are disqualified due to age or
location, don't read it.  You have been warned.  I hope you like what you
read and find the characters and their exploits/adventures interesting.

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

Don't forget Nifty needs financial help.  Unlike the fictional nature of
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27: Preparations For Adventure

1318, 1st month, 1st day:

Word has come from Kephalonia that Count Nikholas is assembling an army to
march against his uncle, Despot Thomas 1 of Epirus.  We believe Thomas
believes his nephew is coming to assist him.  He will do so in the spring
since the winter is a poor time for this.  We also understand that Nepali's
influence over him is being ignored and in fact, rejected.  Our Fathers
told us this in confidence and in privet.  I know Uncle is much disturbed
that he has knowledge that he can not share with Thomas.  Yet again, we
were not told how he knows this or how good that knowledge is.  Lugo and
Dario had told us that the Venetian influence in the area is much reduced
and concentrated on Kirkira where they have a very strong fortress.

Dario is now elevated to Captain in the Royal Guard and elevated to Knight
3rd class.  He will return with Lugo in a few days and prepare to become
our Ambassador to Venice.  Karyakos and his brother in law have made good
arrangements for Dario's wedding to Olympia, in late Summer.  He will
return to Parga in the late spring following Lugo's wedding.  We will not
be here.  The other day father told us we four princes and our guardians
will be taking what he called a "Large Tour". (TN: The quotation marks are
mine.)  We are to visit as many places in the six months of our absence as
possible.  That would include all the courts and major cities between here
and the northern German lands.  We will travel by sea and land.  Our guides
are to be Demokritos and Olympos along with several of Archimedes'
ingegneres and a number of older Argoanuts.  In preparation we will make a
trip to Athens, Constantinople, Nafplio, Rodos and Krite and so on, this
spring.  At each place we will be met by our local representative and
introduced to the local political powers. (TN: Rodos or Rhodes: The island
has been known as Ρόδος(Podoz) in Greek
throughout its history. I will use Rodos.)

After much begging and reasoned argument, we convinced them to allow
Odovacar to accompany us.  How we will live without our boys, friends and
colleagues we are not sure.  The young princes were greatly disappointed
and protested on every level, even seeking their mother's aid.  All to no
avail.  Uncle Iason refused to allow them to go but did promise they too
would have a "Large Tour" as we are having and as he, Karyakos and Tertius
had.  When they are of age and not before.  Hesiodos has hand picked every
member of our crew and staff, except for our guardians.  I am sure our
brothers wasted their time in seeking help from our mother.  She was not
pleased that all four of us were going together.  I could not see how she
would let all of her children out of her site at once, given three of them
are only 12.

It was not easy for our fathers either, they know from experience how
important this kind of thing will be to us in the future.

I know, when we are 18, all four of us are expected to take on specific
duties and responsibilities in the government.  As of now, different
Knights in the council have these jobs and we will serve as their
apprentices.  Once we have received our degrees we will be able to take on
full time jobs, until it is time for Iason and I to assume the offices we
are being prepared for.  Kastor and Polydeukus have the option, as do the
younger princes, to take up some profession or another.  Joulous and Justus
may do just that.  I think Nikias is being groomed for the military, he
will be our Tertius.  Lysandros and Helladios are still to young to even
speculate.

While I am speculating, I may as well put down my thoughts about my Iason's
wife.  Little hint has been given by anyone.  I know Tertius and mother
have been hard at work over this.  Several of the new female pages are in
the right age group as are some of the young ladies training as Royal
Guards.  This will give them both a unique opportunity to study them before
a selection in made.  Examining the politics of this, is a complex issue.
Since I am from the southwest of the country and Elpis from the central
east, I suspect they will be looking for someone from the north.  That
limits it to a hand full.  Since we are all related in one way or another,
anyone closer then second cousin will need be eliminated and anyone in poor
health or slow of wit also.

My guess is, several knights who have daughters in the right age group are
trying to influence the King.  Uncle Iason for his part is attempting to
let mother and uncle do the work, with as little input from him as
possible.  I am sure Karyakos will be in the middle of it as well, after
all Iason is his eromenos.  It is possible that Iason will not be elected
to succeed his father.  It is possible that he may scrum to some disease or
be killed in an accident.  If that were to happen one of his brothers would
be elected and the next king would not be Iason the 8th but one of the
others, even me is possible.  Now I see why I was encouraged to mentor
Nikias since he would be the next logical choice.  If unmarried at that
time all well and good but if he has a wife already....

At first I thought this a very complex and even morbid thing but now I
realize how important succession planning is.  By having custom and rules,
with clear direction, the risk of fractious squabbling is reduced.  Unlike
the situations in most other states.  Epirus is a good example of that.
Since the king's mother must be a native born citizen, as must the king and
since the office of king is more appointed on merit then heredity, much
intrigue and foreign influence is eliminated.  Since the Royal Family is in
fact related to all other citizens or families in the clan, there is much
less incentive for court intrigue.

My bed mate is calling to me and I am moved to quite this and join him.  We
do want to start this new year in the best possible way.  Making love.  I
hope our mentors will join us.


1318, 1st month, 3rd day:

The printing of the play is now complete, the actors have gone on to other
venues, along with many copies.  I would guess the Count will be quite
upset and soon too.


1318, 1st month, 4th day:

Our mother commanded us to attend her, in her apartments as soon as we
returned from the university.  That we did.  Princess Elpis does not often
command.  I am not sure if she even has that authority; however, she is our
mother and we are dutiful sons.  I was most surprised to find my birth
mother Hyginos, sitting with Elpis, as we were shown in.  Even more
surprising was to see Euthalia and Zoe also in attendance.  Needless to say
Iason and I were completely gobsmacked.

"You didn't think the birth of my first grandchild would go unnoticed did
you," Elpis said.

"No mother," we answered in unison.

"This is a big event for me, not the first for Hyginos, important never the
less.  The birth of every child is important to us grandmothers."

Our ladies giggled.  They are so young, I thought, just 14 and with our
babies in their bellies.

"You boys probably don't know, I attend almost every birth in this castle.
I make a point of attending every birth by the Place Girls.  I was in
attendance for both Euthalia and Zoe."  They turned red.  Every child born
outside a marriage in this castle is important to me.  That is something I
don't expect you men to fully understand."

"Arden, Euthalia tells me you are both ardent and gentle in your love
making.  Abrith and I are proud of you, as I know Karyakos must also be."
I smiled and nodded in agreement, I think I blushed some too.  I know I was
still puzzled by all this, as is Iason.  "Princess Elpis and I were
concerned that your liaisons with Zoe and Euthalia was a proper one.  They
have assured us it is and that your attentions were desired and not forced
upon them."

"Two things are happening in your lives that we though it important to talk
to you about.  Your duties as Princes will only be increasing in the coming
months.  Your time and ability to support the mothers of your children,
when they most need it, will be diminished.  Hyginos and I wanted all four
of you to know we are here to help.  The latter few months will be a very
difficult time for these ladies."  We nodded in agreement, neither of us
knowing what if anything to say.

"Abrith was always a great help to me in the latter stages of my many
pregnancies, as well as those weeks after delivery.  Arden's birth was most
difficult and neither of us would have survived without his swift action
and attentiveness."  I did not know this, it was sure news to me.

"Iason and Karyakos have always been most supportive of me when I needed
them.  I know Karyakos has taken a great interest in both his and Iason's
bastard children, as both of you."  She indicated Zoe and Euthalia. "Must
remember as small children."

"I know Arden, that Iason must try and distance himself.  He can easily
father but he can not be an active parent in these situations.  Abrith and
I expect you to do that for our grandchildren and I know Princess Elpis
would appreciate you doing that for hers."

Yes mother, I understand perhaps more than either of you realize, I said.
Zoe, Euthalia I pelage here as I have before, all be it unbeknownst to you,
to do just that and more.  I had long ago realized that the position of
King requires the shoulders of a titan and that my beloved Iason, for all
his many qualities, is only a man.

Iason was attempting to speak but I stopped him by placing my hand on his
knee and gently squeezing it.  I resolved long ago to make sure he is
insulated, from being the parent of his bastard children.  Speak not
brother let me finish.  The King must be many things, first among them is
taking responsibility for the well being of Parga and all of its citizens.
It is a division of duties for me to take on the role of parent for any and
all that need it.  Karyakos and Abrith have shown me the way and I have
given my word to both my mothers.  No child in this castle shall want for
the love of a father.

That was all very strange, I am still not sure just why it happened.  I was
pleased to see both my birth mother and my adopted mother and the mother of
my first child, all on friendly terms.  Iason was even more confused than
I.  I still do not understand the reasoning behind this.


1318 , 1st month, 5th day:

Our confusion gave way to some very passionate love making.  Iason and I
were able to settle ourselves in Kastor and Polydeukus' bed for the night.
In the morning we woke with our boys, Nikias and Dios snuggled tight
against our bodies.  It does get cool at night in the winter time.
Sleeping together makes it all the easier.

Having slept on the little meeting, I now realize our mothers wanted us to
know they understood our position in this affair, as well as that of our
ladies.  They knew we were expected to sire many children, as are our
companions and the other princes.  We would do this with or without their
approval.  They also wanted us to realize we have a moral obligation to our
ladies and our children, bastards or not.  I think they wanted to make sure
Zoe and Euthalia realized they would support and help them, motherhood at
such a tender age can and is, both exciting and frightening.  Iason and I
would be on our tour when the births occurred.  Many of the Palace Girls
are orphans.  These two do have living parents.  We know their birth
mothers, who are part of the palace staff but we do not know their sires.
Drakon politely declined to tell us and we knew well enough not to press.
If Euthalia wants me to know and if she even knows, she will tell me.

On our return from the university we met Mitos and a young man we knew to
be his cousin.  I remember his face vividly, as I held my sward to his
throat, before taking him into custody.  Mitos introduced us.  This was the
mark of a new beginning in his young life.  A formal introduction would
serve as a good starting point.  Like my journal, a new page for a new
story.

"Princes, guardians, may I present my younger cousin Panther.  Princes:
Arden, Iason, Kastor, Polydeukus, Captains Pyrros and Heron, Lieutenant
Drakon.  He bowed and took each of our hands with a firm grip.

"Janus tells us your service with him is completed and he is now concerned
that replacing you in the stable will be a difficult task," Iason
commented.  Panther turned bright red.

"With his and Kleitos' guidance I could not fail but my skills are easily
replaced."

"That my be cousin but your dedication and strong effort is what Janus will
find hard to duplicate."

Now that your service is completed, what is your future, I asked?

"I am to report to the Prince Arden this very afternoon.  Mitos and Captain
Hermogenes talked me into joining the navy.  They told me I would find all
the adventure I ever wanted."

Poly spoke next, "Did they tell you what the Prince Arden does?"

"Not exactly but Hermogenes promised I would not be disappointed.  He said
the ship has the same spirit as the Prince it was named after.  I knew then
it was the right place for me.  My mother is also very pleased that I will
not be returning to our village.  She thinks you Princes are gods, for only
gods could have been so kind to her."  He smiled and looked us four up and
down.  "Gods or men, you sure look the part.  Prince Arden please give me
your blessing."

I suddenly remembered that day when Abrith gave his blessing to Karyakos
and myself.  I placed my hands on his shoulders.  Panther, your journey of
discovery and adventure is just now beginning.  Go with our blessing, the
blessing of your family and all Parga.  You Panther, are a unique child of
the gods.  Do not try and become a god, that is a fools journey, learn to
be Panther.  To guide your way, trust in the navigation Hermogenes will
teach you.  To guide your action, do as you believe we Princes would do.
Return to us, your family, safely and a wiser man."

"Thank you Prince I shall do my best.  Before I go I must ask, on that day
of my capture, is it true you gave money to the mothers of those killed?"

Iason replied.  "Yes, and the other stories you have undoubtedly been told,
most true as well.  Following our example will not be easy Panther, it will
give the best reward of all, a glad heart, one that knows it did what it
thought was correct thing to do, for no other reason then it was, the
correct thing to do." (TN: correct = right in todays vernacular)

As I looked out our window toward the harbour I could see two figures, I
knew to be Mitos and Panther, stopping at the Ganymede statue.  I fear we
princes set impossibly high standards, we operate from a position of
privilege and power, not accessible to many others.

In the council we received a report, Nik has read the revised play and was
livid.  Not that we rewrote his part, nor that we improved the quality of
the satire overall.  He was most up set that we were not only amused but
relished in the satire.  The effect he sought was not achieved, it was
opposite.  Karyakos made a good point when he noted, "had we not known of
his intentions we may not have treated the playwrights with as much
civility as we had.  Sending these poor players into other places besides
Parga, on a like mission, probably would have proven difficult for them.
Only those totally secure in their positions are comfortable with being the
object of humour.  Many take themselves to be above such things.  No one,
not even Karyakos likes to be the butt of jokes or humour.  On the other
hand, if one can laugh at themselves, they will probably live much longer
and happier lives."

It appears that he is preparing for an invasion of Epirus in earnest and
that will take his attention away from us.  Our sources suggest this will
happen in the early part of the third month.

We are to leave on the eastern part of our tour in the second month.
Except for ourselves and our party, all are now on the Prince Arden,
including the Argoanuts and they will be training until we are ready to
depart.  Hermogenes intends to sail each day, honing the skills of his hand
picked crew.

Our boys have started a new campaign to be included.  This too will fail, I
do appreciate their persistence.  Since all of our guardians, Odo and
Ikaros are to be with us, they will need to learn new masters.  We will
miss Kleitos, Alexandros and the other as well.  Solon is most upset that
Ikaros will be going.  I know Kalkrates and Dysme will look after him well.
Solon and Kalkrates have formed an alliance with our boys, each one trying
to charm us into submission.  Each of us must do his duty, in spite of its
inconvenience.  Zoe and Euthalia have already expressed their
disappointment.  We have promised many fine presents for them.  They
relented at this, not our boys.  I think we could have promised anything,
none but the impossible would do.  If this continues the King will need
intervene by outright forbidding them from even talking about it.


1318, 1st month, 15th day:

Kastor and I have been traveling in the country side since the 7th day.  We
have been visiting our estates and the Argonaut houses, spending a few
nights with my birth parents in Koalhurst and so on.  Abrith invited us to
open the new school and hospital.  We also inspected the Koal mines.  I did
not feel comfortable in what the miners called the pits.  It was dark with
little room to move and much dust.  The miners tell us they are paid well
and seem satisfied.  These places are not right in Koalhurst, being almost
half an hour walk from the village.  That is probably why I knew so little
about them, even though I spent my first 12 years here.

Having four princes makes these things so much simpler and easier to deal
with.  Poly and Iason accomplished much while we were away.  They will now
tour for a the next 10 days while Kastor and I stay in the Castle.  I know
I do not like being away from my beloved Iason nor he me.  Kastor seemed
philosophical about being separated from Polydeukus.  "I have never been
away from him for more than a few hours, in my entire life.  At least the
only time I need to look upon myself is in a mirror."  We did cling
together at night, as neither of us likes sleeping alone very much.

While we were in the east, we renewed acquaintances with an older Knight
who we had not seen much of in the past few years.  He greeted us warmly
and invited us to visit his family.  Kastor was much taken by his
daughters.  They are identical twins and very lovely too look at, even if a
bit young, being just 12.  Kastor sounded quite excited in telling
Polydeukus about them, insisting he and Iason pay a visit to the Knight.  I
know they too have been sleeping with several of the palace girls of late.
I am sure if Poly approves, after making his visit, they will ask Karyakos
to arrange a marriage, when the girls reach an appropriate age.


1318, 1st month, 25th day:

Iason and Polydeukus have just returned from their tour.  Kastor and I have
been run off our feet in a way of speaking, having to do double duty, as
they did for us.  It was a hardship on Nikias and Dios as well as Joulous
and Justus, having to share for almost a month now.  As if those pages have
no other source of pleasure and fun.  Most of our letters, seeking
invitations to the cities and states in the east, have now returned.  We
are welcome and I look forward to meeting the young princes and nobles, as
well as seeing the sites, in such famous places as Athens and
Konstantinople.

We received a brief letter from Lieutenant Eutukos today.  In it he
indicated he was being called to the court of Thomas 1st.  He told us he
had no idea why.  Poly replied this very day congratulating him, wishing
him well on his new assignment and reminding him, he was always welcome to
visit us and to show this letter at the border if challenged.  He added
that Polykarpos' wedding was scheduled for the late spring and he might
wish to attend.

We have no way to know what exactly is in Thomas' mind.  Our sources
suggest he is aware of the Count's military adventures but feels it is less
of a threat than the Empire.  He has been seeking alliances and help but
none has materialized as yet.

Speaking of the Empire, it appears now, that Nik and others were encouraged
to offend us, in Thomas' name, in hopes of cutting off a potential ally.
Since both Nik and Thomas are related to the Emperor and to each other, it
would appear to be, family helping family.  I for one am not so sure that
those family ties mean all that much, if anything.  Events will unfold as
the faits see fit, I guess.


1318, 1st month 30th day:

We are now prepared for our first voyage of adventure and discovery.
Hermogenes is ready and has been staying with Agapios in his home, for the
past week.  Agapios is resigned to his leaving, it is the way of a sailor.
He has tried to take Dios close to himself of late.  That has not quieted
the boy all that much.  He is not happy that his father and all his older
brothers will be leaving him.  I suggested he spend some time with the
pages helping out, since Odo would not be available.  Between school, page
assignments and the others here, he will be kept busy during our absence.
I know Father and Uncle will make sure no boy is lonely or without
sufficient older male influence.  Dios and the others will be given much
attention and none will be lonely.  That is one Royal Duty they never seem
to tire of.

Since Iason and Polydeukus have returned, we have been in a continuos round
of orgies or liaison with our ladies.  I am looking forward to spending
some time alone with Iason, I am sure the twins want some alone time with
each other.  If looking at your twin brother is like looking in a mirror, I
wonder if fucking him or being fucked by him, is like fucking yourself?

We would have gladly taken all of our friends and associates with us but
that could not happen.  The Pages, Palace Boys, Argoanuts and Boys all
joined forces for a grand boy gathering (TN: bash or orgy come to mind).
This all happened in the Argoanuts' Gymnasium.  The only requirement was
the man or boy must be naked.  Our guardians stationed themselves at the
entrances, placing the clothing and other articles on large tables, in
small piles.  After a short while, they joined us having been replaced by
several of the older palace guards.  Everyone was welcome, even the young
Princes, Agapios, Solon, Kalkrates and Dios.  The North House was in
residence, only their members that were assigned to the Prince Arden were
absent.  I saw many of our fellow university students and a good number of
apprentices and new journeymen, even a number of the male prostitutes.

Everyone was in a very festive mood and making jokes and singing.  We tried
to speak with everyone of them, I know that I did not, nor did my brothers.
It was impossible to do so.  I am sure everyone of them got to speak with
at least one of us four.  Much food, good music, fine wine and the
intoxicating presence of handsome naked boys, was almost overwhelming.
Odovacar recited several poems and presented two new songs.  I know I
kissed a countless number and had some sex with at least 20.  I was
surprised at the number of boys that did not engage in sex, except with one
of us or perhaps with a special lover.  It was probably half of those
present.  That is not to say that most, if not all, fondled and toucher
others, it is to say that only about half were noticed to be fucking
several others or in little groups of intense sex.  More then a few have a
special lover or partner, like our guardians.  These were mostly the older
ones.  The younger boys seemed intent on giving and receiving as much as
they could.

My Nikias had delivered his first ejaculation about a week ago.  He did
this in my mouth.  I was thrilled for him and for me too.  Since then he
has been testing his limits but I fear has not found them yet.  He will
soon, as I did.  Mine is five in one day, without becoming to tender to
continue.  The younger twins will not be far behind, I am sure of that.
Nikias is only a few months older than they are.  I hope they can hold off
until the Dioskourol return, to share this passage into manhood with them.

Don't forget Nifty needs financial help.  Unlike the fictional nature of
this story that is a simple fact. Please make a donation if you can.  It is
very important to keep Nifty's disks spinning.