Date: Thu, 29 Mar 2012 23:32:45 -0600
From: dnrock@rock.com
Subject: Arden's Saga 2a

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

This narrrative is a work of historical fiction.  The operative word in
that sentence is fiction.  It is a modest revision and error correction of
my earlier story Arden.  Sex between males, males and females, between
females, of both contemporaries and intergenerational is common.  I am
sure, not common enough for some and too common for others.  Some of the
descriptions are graphic, others not, still others are only statements of
happening or just allusions to occurrences.  The main characters are male
and most of the sex is between them.  Most of these characters are bisexual
(although that term is modern and the Greeks of 1300 had none for it, sex
was sex.) or think of themselves as such but not quite in the sense modern
readers might assume.  You will find most are homosexual in our terms, in
the language of the day it is men who love men.  The term homosexual may
have Greek roots but it is a modern invention.  If that offends or is
illegal for the reader then it is up to the reader to self censor.  You
have been alerted, that is as far toward censorship as this author is
prepared to go.

The reader is reminded that historical fiction, when set in some past time
and space, adopts the conditions, sensibilities, morality and other
trappings of civilization that existed at that time and place.  This story
is fiction informed by historical scholarship.  The operative word here is
informed.  The author makes no claim to be a historian or a language
scholar for that matter.

If the sexual nature is offensive or you are disqualified due to age or
location, don't read it.  You have been reminded.  I hope you like what you
read and find the characters and their exploits/adventures interesting.
Feel free to correspond with comments and if you spot errors please point
them out.

I would also remind everyone that your financial support to Nifty is
appreciated and is needed to keep the stories flowing. Please help if you
can.


2.   Introduction Continues


I was given my first of many gifts, a fine gelding.  This is a magnificent
steed to be sure, with fine tack and Father said well trained.  I was not
sure what to do at first.  I desperately wanted to make friends with my new
gift.  I also thought it my duty to care for Father's horse, as I had been
doing these past couple of day.  Suddenly I was handed a fine leather kilt
and tunic by Ouranos, who handed like dress to the others, including
Father.  We took off our uniforms and standing naked, in view of the
remaining villagers, dressed for work.

"Arden, a knight's most valuable possession is his steed.  In battle his
life depends on him.  Your first lesson is this: your horse is cared for
before yourself and by yourself.  He is called Zephyros.  Do your duty
son."

I was stunned at first.  No one had ever given me anything of great value
before.  Father patted my butt, I did and so did the others, even father.
I could see that his horse was even more fond of his attention then he had
been of mine.  As I groomed Zephyros I realized just how great a test I had
been given.  If his horse was as important to him as he said, then my
grooming tasks were not so much designed to test my skills and knowledge
but my dedication to duty and my feelings towards animals.  A father must
be able to trust his son with his most valuable and meaningful possessions.
He was gifting me his name, family honour and this fine animal because he
knew I will do them well and proud. (TN: The name in this case is "son of
Karyakos".  Family names were not used in Parga until much later.)

I was just a little confused as to why he and I were called Prince.  Then
it struck me, if he is the King's Consort, he can have no lesser a title
and if I am to be betrothed to the Crown Prince, then no less for me.  I
was still confused about all this.  When we finished we removed our tunics
and using a small tub of water cleaned ourselves.  I could see, not only
was Father the most handsome of men, but as well constructed as the other
two. (TN: Arden means well built) My guards were young, I guessed 16 at
best but they too were very strong and handsome.  Father has a small beard
but my guards had only some slight blond stubble.  I could see too that all
of us were ramped and fully erect when we put on our uniform kilts.

I was just a bit confused about this male sex.  I like it and am greatly
excited by my father/lover.  I could see clearly that all these men were
experienced in those arts.  They seemed to fondle and play with each other
and father but not me.  I wondered what the rules of this game were.

I knew the innkeeper and his family.  His second oldest son is Perum just
16, a close friend of my brother.  I compared him to my guards, while he
was serving us our dinner.  Yes, they must be about 16.  I could see
Father's guards were not the least bit shy in feeling him under his kilt or
patting him on the ass.  He did not seem to mind, although I am sure he was
told to put up with it, the King's men pay well and in gold.  I did not
speak to him, we did exchange nods when our little group entered the dining
area.  Not much was said while eating.  After, Father called for more wine
and when Perum came between Ouranos and Thanatos to pore it, they bid him
set the flask down and pulled him onto the bench between them.  I could see
they both had a hand below the table and I assumed under his kilt by the
way he was acting.  It was obvious he was more accustomed to this than I
though, for he was smiling.

After a bit of teasing Perum obviously wanted to address me.  I could see
it in his eyes but he did not quite know how.  I could feel Father's hand
on my knee it slowly moved up my leg but not as far as my crotch.  I didn't
quite know what to do should I speak to Perum or react to Father.  Volos
solved my problem.  He asked, "You must be acquainted with Prince Arden are
you not?"

"Yes sir," he said, lowering his eyes.

Father squeezed my knee, rather firmly.  I got the message and piping in,
Perum and I have often swam together.  Perum, this is my Father, Prince
Karyakos, he has adopted me this very afternoon.  Perum was about to rise
so he could kneel but Thanatos stopped him.

Karyakos said, "it is a great pleasure to have you act as Ganymede these
past days."  He reached out across the table and pressed several coins in
Perum's hand.  "That is for you and you alone son.  Thanatos, Ouranos and I
will go and settle with your father.  You and Arden should talk a while."

Thanatos and Ouranos got up and both bent down each kissing one of Perum's
cheeks and followed Father into the kitchen.

Volos and Pyrros did not move, nor did Perum.  It took me some moments to
realize they would remain at my side as if held by a tether.  I looked at
them.

"Prince Arden, we can not leave your side.  It is our duty.  We are also
bound by an oath of silence.  You may talk to your friend as if we are not
here, it is no offence or disrespect."

Perum and I immediately began a conversation.  He was interested in my
sister and since I was leaving the community he could test the waters.  He
did.  I could see out of the corner of my eye the faint smiles on Volos'
and Pyrros' faces from time to time.  Father called and we all rose to
depart.  I gave Perum a strong embrace and promised to come home for my
sisters' weddings.  Volos and Pyrros also gave Perum a kiss on his cheek as
we departed.  I understood they must all have enjoyed his boy charms over
the past several days.  Once we were outside, Thanatos commented, "a few
more visits from us and that lad will have enough gold to buy this place."

I think he has his eye on my oldest sister.  I have seen his endowments and
surely will make her happy if that should come about, I added.  That raised
a good laugh from the others.

I was surprised that we were leaving so late in the day.  I would have
thought the morning since it will be dark before long.  I saddled Zephyros
and Ouranos packed up the two pack horses, off we rode into Arden's
adventure of a lifetime.