Date: Thu, 1 Nov 2012 20:37:05 -0600
From: dnrock@rock.com
Subject: Arden's Saga 22

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.  Please make a donation if you
can.


22: Foreign Adventures

1317, 10th month, 25th day:

Three days of nothing worth mentioning.  I think this must be the first
time that has happened.  We have sent a number of our fishers both north
and south, to look for signs of invasion preparations.  It will be a few
days before they return with reports.


1317, 10th month, 26th day:

Hermogenes came to see Dios and I training on the running track this
afternoon.  A couple of the Argoanuts and one of the new pages are capable
of giving me some real competition in the shorter distances.  For the
longer distances I still depend on Nikias riding his pony at a measured
gate, since I have found no one who can run as long or as hard as I, over
them.  The older I get the better I can run.  Dios is making good progress
too.  He is now running with boys two and three years older than himself.
I think he will challenge me one day.  His father was much impressed.

After our bath, which Hermogenes shared, I invited him to refreshments in
our apartments.  Dios went immediately to join the younger pages while we
enjoyed some wine and dyed fruit.  Volos, Heron and the others also joined
us.  The conversation revolved around Dios and what was to happen to him
while Hermogenes was at sea.  Hermogenes wanted to send him to his parents
farm in the southwest, near our estate.  That would make it more difficult,
as he could only travel there when his leave was of sufficient length.
Volos suggested it was in Dios' and his best interest, to let him stay with
himself and Heron, until he is 12 and can become a full page.  Iason
pointed out that Dios was much favoured by our younger brothers, that he
had captured all of our hearts, specifically his mother and sisters.
Polydeukus suggested the knowledge that Dios and his sisters were being
well cared for would ease his soul when at sea.  Iason almost in tears,
something I had only rarely seen before, told Hermogenes he loved the boy
greatly and desired to be his mentor and that he was prepared to court him
for that affection, as was done in the gymnasiums of old.

Hermogenes seemed greatly moved by all this and agreed, suggesting no
courting would be necessary as his son, "already thinks you are all fabled
heroes if not gods.  You may be forced to hold him back on all but the
running track."  For the next few weeks he would be in port readying his
first command.  He is being given our newest ship, designed to patrol local
waters.  This ship will cary my name, Prince Arden.  I made him promise to
take me on the maiden voyage.

Everything has been just a little too quiet for my taste.  I find that
whenever everything seems to be sailing along with no difficulties or
problems, it is a sign the faits have something difficult hiding just
behind the next cloud.  That does not mean I don't enjoy these periods, I
do more then I can express in words.


1317, 10th month, 29th day:

Thomas' reply arrived today.  He did not say much except express his
regrets and to assure us none of this was his doing.  He asked what we
thought would be a fair amount.  As to the prisoners, since they were not
his men, we could do what we wanted.  Unofficial word from his court said
that our suppositions about the Eastern Empire being behind this and
helping some dissatisfied courtiers to cause difficulties, was correct.
All agreed we had not seen the last of this business and we must keep our
vigilance sharp.  After making a close inspection along our neighbour's
coast line the council decided to let the fishers back to their homes.

Snows are beginning to build up in the high mountains and even the border
pass area.


1317, 11th month, 5th day:

The Prince Arden is getting ready to sail.  Odo has composed a new song
about it and King Iason is to launch it in the morning.  Dios has been
spending every afternoon with Hermogenes on the Prince Arden, helping.  I
am not sure how much help a 10 year old boy is.  I suspect his father is
just happy to be spending time with him.

I must say the design is different.  It is quite long and I think narrow,
with a very large centre fin; the lower half of the fin can be raised so it
can operate in very shallow waters for a ship this size.  Like all ships
built here, since the Florentine attempted invasion, it has no oars but
relies strictly on sails.  It has three masts, although one is short the
other two are very tall.  They have large, triangular, main sails on the
lower portion and large, square, sails on the top.(TN:this sounds like
sconer rigged) It has four cannons, two at each end.  They are mounted on
posts and can be swung around and reloaded in relatively short time.  It
has four small boats that can be raised and lowered quickly.  In addition
to the large triangular sails, it has smaller twins.  They can be changed
by several men pulling on ropes.  The tiller has been replaced by one that
is mostly below water and is moved by ropes, worked from a screw like
machine, moved by a wheel, fixed to a post.  Should it be needed, a tiller
arm can also be connected.  The helmsman (TN: Arden used the term wheel
man, but helmsman is what he means) can see his compass and can keep the
bow on a compass bearing by slight adjustments of the wheel.


1317, 11th month, 10th day:

On the 7th day I took a long run in the country, training for the up coming
Winter Soloists games.  Volos, Kleitos and Pyrros accompanied me on horse
back.  My purpose was to run 20 stadion in the count of 360.  Archimedes
had built a measuring device called an Odometer which counts the turns of a
wheel of known diameter, therefore circumference.  We had marked a number
of 20 stadion intervals along the road south.  Kleitos rode with us,
bringing Zephyros along for me to ride back, along with my tunic and riding
britches.  Just as I was finishing my 6th, 20 stadion segment, Pyrros
noticed something and road ahead.  The others rode up to it and I trotted
along.  When I arrived, I could see that he had found a fisher well inland.
The young man was in need of water and rest.  He was insistent that he
continue to the city, that he must speak to the king.  I am Prince Arden,
we will take you to the city but pray tell what the urgency is.  I stood
naked before him while Pyrros shared his water flask.  He hesitated,
probably not quite believing a prince would be standing on the road naked
before him.  I didn't think he was from Parga anyway.

"Prince Arden is that but also a fine athlete," Kleitos added.

"The people of Sarakiniko have all been taken hostage in Karavostasi.  You
must come and free them."

How do you know this?

"Prince, I was in Karavostasi when they arrived, the entire village.  They
all came to Karavostasi for the wedding of my cousin.  When they arrived
the army commander arrested everyone, saying they would make fine hostages.
I am very much concerned for them as these solders are not gentle people."

I looked him over and could see the concern on his face was real but
something more than just concern.

"Are these your relatives, perhaps?"

"No not yet, not until the wedding, I must admit to a strong fondness for a
certain young lady, who is the daughter of the village chief and I fear for
her safety."

And having been involved in his and her recovery to Parga will not hurt
your cause, I'll bet.  He blushed a bit, in fact he must have blushed quite
a bit to be noticeable over his already flushed appearance.  I think you
must be one of the bravest young men in Karavostasi.  I am sure few others
would take the chance of going for help and angering the local military.

I asked Pyrros and Kleitos to ride on and investigate while we made our way
to the castle.  Volos and I placed Polykarpos, that is the young man's
name, on Zephyros and I ran along side back to the city.  I learned that
Polykarpos had run away, as soon as he realized what was happening.  He
took his small fishing boat south, hiding it along the shore and came up
the cliffs at night.  I wondered why he had not been seen by the lookouts
or why he did not stop at their post and tell them.  He was afraid they
would not believe him and would delay sending for help.  It was also
obvious he did not know they could have signalled for help.  I didn't tell
him this.

Now that he had committed to trying to free the citizens of Sarakiniko he
would not be able to return home for some time.  I thought this adventure a
good test of his metal, for it looks like we just acquired a new citizen.
As we approached the docks Dios came flying up the path waving his arms.

"He will want to run with me, Volos would you go and tell Hermogenes what
we are about, he should come to the castle and dine with us."  Volos rode
off as Dios came to a halt.  "May I run with you Arden?''

"Of course.  This is my new friend Polykarpos.  This is Dios the best
little runner in the Kingdom."  Polykarpos leaned over and took Dios' up
starched hand.

"Should you not dress Prince."  Polykarpos asked while Dios was pulling his
tunic and kilt off.

"No, everyone knows what I look like naked," I said point to my bronze
likeness.  "Nothing they haven't seen a thousand times."

Polykarpos took Dios' clothing, we ran ahead not stopping until we reached
the gate.

Polykarpos was quite surprised that a prince would groom his own mount.  In
the stable, I made Dios put his clothing back on, allowing him to sit on
Zephyros until I was almost finished.  I sent him to Ikaros, requesting
clean clothing for Polykarpos be brought to the Argoanut's bath.

While we relaxed in our rooms Polykarpos was subjected to a constant
attention of all our companions.  Iason was most concerned that no harm
should come to the hostages.  He and I both realized the hostages would
likely be exchanged for our prisoners.  That gave me an I idea.  I sent
Nikias to look for Prince Tertius.  Once the pages the others had cleared
the room I asked Kastor to summon our guardians.  Pyrros and Kleitos had
returned.  All this was puzzling to Polykarpos but he was perhaps to shy to
inquire.  Once assembled I looked at Iason and he at me.

"Brother you have that look again," Iason said.  I smiled and so do we all
where adventure is concerned.

"Should we not inform the King," Heron asked?

Yes but after, not before.  I looked around, it is much easier to obtain
forgiveness than permission.  All agreed by nodding, even Polykarpos.
Since they are presently engaged in affairs of state or who knows what else
and are not here, I guess it the senior princes of this place who must take
action.  Just then I realized the junior princes were listening at our
door.  I pointed to it and nodded to Volos who moved with Damao to suddenly
pull it open.  In tumbled three princes, one junior page and one chamber
steward.

Ikaros I think you should take those four and fetch Captain Hermogenes.
Nikias, I thought you were fetching Prince Tertius?

"He said he would be along presently, my prince."  The little scamp bowed
and made some arm waving gestures.  They all ran out giggling with Ikaros
trying to keep up.  Damao commented mostly for Polykarpos' benefit, "he is
our equal on the fencing court but still runs like a girl."

He then asked the two young guards in our outer entry room to keep a couple
of pages at the ready but to admit no one except Prince Tertius and Captain
Hermogenes.

Once everyone assembled Polykarpos retold his story and we all asked a
thousand questions, like how many people there were, how many solders,
where they were being kept and so on.  Tertius said he could not use any of
his solders to support our adventure and his brothers would forbid our
participation, in what looked to him as an excellent plan.  Iason suggested
25 senior Argoanuts plus ourselves.  The fisher families could travel in
their own boats, the same way they got there.  Hermogenes pointed out the
Prince Arden is not yet commissioned, it was still undergoing trials.  He
could ask some of his crew to volunteer for an unofficial night trial.  It
was set then, we would sail at sunset.

Polykarpos asked again should you not inform the King?  "I answered no, it
is better left to after, besides are not 5 princes equal to one King?"  To
this I heard a might laugh from our balcony.  One I recognized as belonging
to Uncle Iason and Father.  I almost fainted as they came through the
archway.

"Are you not intending to introduce us to Polykarpos?"  Iason did so.  "I
am sorry to interrupt your little adventure planning but could not let a
mighty error stand.  Five princes are not equal to this king.  Any one of
them is my equal, some my better, that you should never forget."  He bowed
and Karyakos bowed and they departed the way they came.

Tertius hesitated until he was sure they were gone.  "Some day I will tell
you about a few of their adventures, some not even Uncle Plato and my
father knew about.  You know boys, some of us may be hurt or even killed
should the plan go off.  An adventure with no risk is not a true adventure
now is it; and a life with no adventure is not truly worth living."

We were temporarily out of favour with the pages, our brothers most
specifically, as they felt slighted by not being included.  Dios was
devastated but Hermogenes came through by outright forbidding Dios to leave
the castle or Princess Elpis' company.

Iason recruited 25 older Argoanuts by simply asking.  We all assembled in
battle dress and sailed out with the setting sun.  Polykarpos who, had no
training in military arts, was unarmed.  Our plan was simple, we would come
to shore in small boats and swim the last stadion.  Overpower the guards
and with Polykarpos showing the way, take control of the garrison, load
everyone in fishing boats and sail to Parga for a wedding in the plaice
court yard.  We would leave the solders tied up in their barracks.  The
local citizens would be asked, Polykarpos assured us they would cooperate,
not to release them until morning.

The plan worked well.  We came about 1 dolichos (1112 m) from shore and set
the little boats in the water with 8 of us and 4 sailors to row in each.
Iason, Volos, Pyrros, Heron, Damao, Kastor and Polydeukus, striped and with
only a danger in our teeth and a small water tight sack around our necks,
swam to shore and came up on the 4 guards.  I placed a danger against the
back of one saying, "cry out and you die."  I took my hand away from his
mouth and bid him kneel.  While he did this Polydeukus bound his hands and
feet with wet leather strips.  The others were subdued in a like fashion.
Taking a strip a cloth from his tunic he placed a gag over his mouth.

In my little sack I had a special night signalling device.  It is a spirit
lamp.  That can be lit with flint and iron.  The light is completely
enclosed until a little door is opened and can only be seen from that
direction.  I signalled the boats and they came to shore.  The sailors
would look after the four, bound and gagged guards.  We dressed again and
32 of us crept into town.  With swords drawn we burst into the barracks and
set upon the sleeping solders.  Sever managed to get weapons and stand to
fight but the Argoanuts were better swordsmen and they were quickly
overpowered without any loss of life.  The only unaccounted for solder was
their commander, a lieutenant.  Polykarpos woke up several people in the
town and found his location.  We found him sleeping with a recent widow.
He did put up a bit of a fight.  He and Volos traded thrusts and parries
for several minutes before Volos drew blood and he yielded.  A wise move
since we were six more in the waiting.  We bound his hands, treated his
wound and took him with us.

The kidnapped or held wedding guests were quickly freed.  After talking to
them we determined they had not been to badly mistreated.  I found the
mayor's daughter to be as described and most beautiful.  I understood
Polykarpos' concern and his passion.

Once we had subdued the solders, Iason signalled to the Prince Arden.  By
the time we got the wedding party to the dock and loaded on the Prince
Arden the little boats had been returned to their hangers and the wedding
party guests took to their fishing boats.  The party turned out to be nine
families in total.  Polykarpos came with us after bidding his parents and
friends good by.  His boat was in hiding and he was needed at the wedding
anyway.  A number of the ladies and children also came with us.  As we
sailed past the first lookout post.  Hermogenes signalled a message for
Ikaros to prepare housing for 9 families.

The sun was high in the sky when our little fleet sailed into the harbour.
Ikaros was at dockside with a contingent of Argoanuts to assist in getting
all the families settled in.  He had planned the wedding in the Argoanuts
dining hall on the next day.  We put the unhappy lieutenant in the dungeon
with the others.

Later that afternoon, Kastor, Volos and I visited the lieutenant.  He was
in a bit better mood now that he had been given some food and allowed to
sleep a bit.  His wound was not serious and the physicians had closed it
with thread made of animal gut, that had been treated with spirits.

He confirmed that he had ceased the wedding party as hostages to be
exchanged for his now fellow prisoners.  Telling us he had received orders
to do so from his commander in another town.  I asked him to write to his
commander, giving a full account of all that had happened.  He did not know
how we found out but obviously we did.  Nor did he know how valiantly or
not his men had resisted us.  I let him save face by suggesting his men had
been surprised and overpowered by a superior force in numbers, which was
true.  The fact that most of us were 18 or less was omitted.  He also
stated several times we bound him and took him unwillingly to Parga for
treatment of his wound.

Taking hostages as a means of foreign and sometimes internal relations is
common in the world.  Many powers do this if they can.  The North Africans
and other followers of Islam seem prone to it but the French and Italians
have done so in the past.  The Eastern Empire has often done so too.  So
why not us?  It is not our way and Uncle Iason would be greatly distressed
had we done so.

We sent the message out on the first merchant heading in that direction.
Kastor thought we would hear from them before they got this message.  King
Iason and Father were not interested in hearing anything about our
adventure, except that non were hurt and that we had a new guest temporally
staying in the dungeon.

The wedding and party was held and I am told a great success.  From the
smile on Polykarpos' face his heroic efforts were not to go unrewarded.  I
found out later that the young princes all managed to sneak into the
wedding party and were more than well received.  The Argoanuts and several
sailors were invited as was Captain Hermogenes and Dios.  We had been
invited too, but declined having other official duties to attend.

Iason and I spent the evening with our ladies. Euthalia tells me she is
with child and we are both very happy about it.  Iason has not mentioned
any success on his part yet.  Kastor and Polydeukus would very much like
female friends.  I hope we can find a nice set of twins for them, perhaps
Tertius will help to locate them.  Hermogenes was kind enough to open his
home to the newlyweds for the duration of their stay here.  He and Dios are
staying with Volos and Pyrros.  When I told her about our adventure she was
quit up set that harm could have come to me.  She did not think us princes
should be placing ourselves in danger.  I tried to explain that leadership
means that, leading, not just directing.

Today, as Kastor had predicted, a Epirusian ship docked with an Envoy on
board.  This man seemed a bit smarter than the Florentine Envoy had been.
At least he had some idea of what we are about.

I could see this was going to be another bit of theatrical pleasure for
Iason and me too.  Now I know why they did not want to know anything about
our adventure.  After the usual introductions the Envoy presented his
Count's demands.  In essence the exchange of hostages.  King Iason looked
at Prince Karyakos.  "Envoy, neither of us have any idea what you are
talking about.  We hold no hostages and to our knowledge none of our
citizens are being held hostage in any other land.  Perhaps you can
enlighten us?"

"Sire is it not true that you are holding a Epirusian officer and 26 of his
men along with several others?"

"It is true that we hold this officer, his men, a number of spies and three
would be assassins.  They are not hostages, they are prisoners of war,
spies and criminals.  We are not in the habit of exchanging criminals or
prisoners of war for hostages, which would be Citizens of Parga, that have
been kidnapped or illegally detained by you or someone else.  Should such
people exist we simply demand you free them."

"But sire Epirus and Despot Thomas 1st have not declared war on Parga.  How
can you hold prisoners of war?"

"So they are not prisoners of war, they are murders and thieves, having
killed two shepherds, stolen their flock and killed several of my solders
that attempted to apprehend them.  The fact that they are Genoese
mercenaries, crossbow men who claim to be employed by Epirus and lead by an
Epirusian officer can be set aside then?  They need not be treated as
prisoners of war but can be hung as common criminals."

"No they are not criminals, they were obviously sent to Parga on some
military mission.  Since Parga is part of the Despot of Epirus, I suggest
you have acted in a criminal way."

"And since when has Parga been a part of any state except its own?"

"Why since the Emperor created the Despot?"

"Scholar, what say you to this, history or mythology, fact or fiction?"
(TN: Arden used fiction story.  I have used mythology.)

"Mythology Sire.  Anyone can claim anything they wish but that does not
make it so.  Pargains have been a free people since the beginning of
recorded time."

"You have it Envoy, either these men were acting on behalf of Thomas 1st or
one of his vassals, perhaps someone else, or they are common criminals.
How would you have it?"

"It is not I Sire.  I am just a messenger, it is Thomas 1st."

"I see, well now let me see documentation signed by Thomas 1 stating what
you have just said."

"I, I do not have such Sire.  I have only the message given by his nephew."
He produced the document that demanded the exchange of hostages.

"I think this if more fiction and mythology then fact," Karyakos said.
"Who are these hostages anyway and how many of them are there?"

He produced a list of men, women, and children numbering 18 in all. One,
the mayor of Sarakiniko, our village.  Karyakos read the list and scratched
his chin.  "Page would you read this list aloud, I believe some of these
citizens are here in the gallery."

The page read and from the gallery about 10 people called Aye.  Karyakos
called to the mayor.  "Mayor, can you account for all the names on this
list, as not all are present with you?"

"Yes Prince, all are here in the city, many are children and the newly weds
are being newly weds."

"Does that mean your village is empty?"

"Yes prince it does, the entire village was here in this castle, attending
a wedding just yesterday.  None have left the city."

"Well Envoy it would appear you have no hostages to trade, no matter what
we call the men in our dungeon."

"But how can that be Sire?  This list is signed by lieutenant Eutukos and I
know him to be trustworthy."

"I do not know Envoy but I know the Mayor of Sarakiniko and he is in this
gallery, he too is trustworthy."

"Perhaps our sons know something of this business that they have not shared
with us?"

"Prince Iason, Prince Arden do you or your companions have any knowledge of
this lieutenant or this hostage business?"

"Yes Sire, we do," Iason said.

I added, the lieutenant is a guest in your dungeon, he has a cell next to
his fellow officer, next to the cell with the three assassins.  Iason and I
visited him just yesterday and have seen to it that he has had an
opportunity to write a letter to his commander; explaining his absence from
Karavostasi and the liberation of his unwilling guests.

"Page," he pointed to Justus go to the dungeon and tell the captain of the
guard to have lieutenant Eutukos brought here as quickly as possible."

"Do you have more to add Iason."

"Yes Father, I do.  We, the senior princes, not including Prince Karyakos,
learned that the entire village of Sarakiniko had gone to Karavostasi for a
wedding celebration and were being held hostage, as the Envoy claimed.
Kidnapping in Parga is a crime and one we take very seriously, something
you have taught us.  We princes acting completely on our own, set out to
Karavostasi, freed the kidnapped and returned here with the entire wedding
party, including 4 families resident in Karavostasi.  The wedding was a
fine event and the families will be returning to Karavostasi in the next
few days.  As to the lieutenant we brought him with us as he was wounded
and we desired him to see our physicians."

"Don't you think that was a rather childish thing to do?"

I answered, no more so than kidnapping wedding attendees to be held hostage
in the hope of exchanging them for criminals and questionable prisoners of
war, Uncle Iason."

"And you did this on you own, without the use of our military?"

"Yes Sire, no active duty officers or men, equipment or ships were used,
except our personal bodyguards did accompany us, as that is their job.  We
were accompanied by 25 Argoanuts who volunteered and a few off duty sailors
to operate the Prince Arden, not yet commissioned, on a nighttime trial
run."

"My brother's role in this affair?"

"Advice and council, Sire."

"What say you Envoy?"

"I have nothing to say Sire...."  Just then lieutenant Eutukos came into
the room accompanied by the captain of the guard.

Karyakos greeted him, introducing everyone including the Envoy who it
appeared he already knew.  He outlined all that had been said so far.
"Please lieutenant give us your account of these events."

"I received orders from my commanding officer to take opportunity of the
wedding in Karavostasi and hold the Pargian citizens hostage.  Which I did
when they arrived.  I forwarded a message to the commander listing all
those being held as was my order.  I made my rounds of the town and went to
bed, leaving the usual watch in place.  The next thing I knew six or seven
men entered my sleeping place, demanding I yield.  I did not do so
immediately and engaged the nearest one, call Volos, who it turned out was
a most accomplished fighter.  I received this wound to my left arm and
yielded.  Prince Arden immediately placed a bandage on my wound and I was
taken to their ship and then to this place.  These boys, better I think
called young men, had overpowered my garrison, binding them and instructing
the local people to release them in the morning.  Non were harmed save me
and my wound is not serious.

The physicians attended me soon after our arrival and I was given food.
The food given prisoners and guests here Envoy is superior to that of my
garrison.  Yesterday, Prince Iason and several others visited me.  I wrote
a full account of these events to my commander which the Prince had
delivered to a merchant ship departing for Epirus.  I am free to go to
Karavostasi and will travel with the families when they depart.

"You are not a hostage then," the Envoy asked?

"No, I know nothing of hostages.  The door to my cell is not locked; the
physicians asked me to rest easy and protect my wound for several days, to
help healing."

"What of the so called assassins and the Epirusian officer, said to be
held?"

"They are all well but unhappy that they sit in a dungeon while no effort
is being made to bring them home."

"And these so called assassins are they Epirusians?"

"Yes and they are more than so called, having admitted to me that was their
purpose.  Three were killed and one lost a part of his arm to Prince
Iason's sword.  They told me they had been sent by Count Orsini as did the
commander of the Genoese Cross Bows, another officer you also know
personally, Envoy."

"We have not touched on the attempted invasion or attempted interdiction of
our navel vessel," Karyakos interjected.

"Now Envoy this it a letter sent to Thomas 1st and this is his reply.  As
you can see both letters are signed and sealed, one by him and one by me.
Thomas 1st disavows any knowledge of these events and suggests we do what
we will with the prisoners."  The Envoy and lieutenant read the letters.

"Do you doubt the authenticity of the response or the voracity of the text,
Envoy," King Iason asked?

"No Sire, if the Despot has written this, which he appears to have done, I
am in no position to challenge it's content."