Hmm, Constantine? The defender of the low classes, the one who managed to climb his way from the rookeries of Constantinople to the steward post of Mistra? The right hand man of the the able governor Nicephorus? He, evil? The common citizens of Mistra will watch you with suspicion!
Now we return to a meeting between the Helena's bodyguard and the steward of Mistra (who is by the way a former bodyguard of Nicephorus). David, as you perhaps remember, was injured and arrested some time ago. Helena had spent a night in the prison (alone, thank God!) whilst there was not much information about David apart from the fact he was recovering...
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Under the amused sights of the local people inquisitive about such a sudden, though expected attention of an official, he entered the house of Ephigenia, the prostitute. Ephigenia was not present. Her mother was doing something around the fireplace in the single room of the house. A trusted guard was sitting on a stool having a friendly conversation with the old talkative woman. It was unwise to ask the guards to be always like statues, instead with a suitable training, some of them can work as eyes and ears of their master. The old woman tucked up her skirt and bowed submissively to the generous master. Her household was paid well and even provided with delicacies like meat. Constantine did not want to force this poor woman to unnecessary formalities and asked her to rise. Now the way to his aim was cleared and he saw the wounded man lying on the big bed in the room. He seemed to be recovering fast from his wounds. The man elbowed on his straw cushion showing his hostility towards his visitor.
“I am glad you look better than the previous time I attended you. I hope you are well taken care of“, Constantine smiled friendly.
As expected, the answer was a reserved one. “I do not complain, Kir Matsakes. I have received unusual treatment for a prisoner and I am inquisitive why”
Constantine looked at his right and ordered to be left alone. The old woman and the soldier silently slit out.
“I decided it is not fair to leave you dying of your wounds while your mistress escaped unharmed”
“I thought this was the purpose of the guards”
“Not exactly,” Constantine neatened his tunics, dragged the stool and sat on it. He placed his hand on his knee and added, “I also began my career as a bodyguard”
“We have different concepts for our craft”
“Is it because you can not have her?” The end of his lips quivered in something like a smile.
“Who?”
“Helena. For me it is clear you are in love with her. ” Constantine said with a hint of contempt in his voice. He wanted to penetrate deep into the heart of this man.
“I am not. Perhaps you know I am going to marry someone else ”
“You lie. You would have been married, if you were serious about it. ”
“That’s not true. I preferred –“ the man glared at Constantine, “I do not think I should explain myself to you”
“Mind your manners, bodyguard.” His features remained calm except for the nostrils, which slightly widened. “The fact you are not able to control your emotions does not mean you have the right to shout at me. I saved your life, one way or another and will be kind enough to save Helena, if you know how to keep your mouth shut”
“Is Helena in danger?” The voice of the man trembled slightly. “If you harm her -” The progress in his behavior was impressive.
“The right question is what will happen without my intervention, David. Helena is very confused; she and Manuel just ended their long relationship”
“What have you done?” the guard looked up and met his eye. It was too easy for the steward to read his mind.
“Nothing,” calmly replied Constantine. “The magic between them is gone. Helena chose Alexius”
The guard hesitated for a moment.
“She searched the perfect partner, the one who is not to cause her many problems… I am afraid Alexius is a very wrong choice, David”
“Why do you think so, Kir Matsakes?” the man had strained his nerves awaiting the answer.
Constantine had already calculated how much of the puzzle the Helena’s bodyguard should know. His words followed one after another as if he was telling a tale, not a chain of mysterious events leading to the son of Nicephorus. “Alexius Doukas had a difficult childhood, David. His father had many responsibilities and little time for his family. His mother died when he was too young. He was put in the hands of several notable scholars but he was vulnerable and missed love of his parents.” Constantine made a deliberate pause and scrutinised the reactions of the guard. The man had stared in his mouth and if he was determined not to miss a single word of the message of the steward ... “Unfortunately, as the years progressed, this led to a certain obsession of proving himself and going out of the shadow of his father. Sooner or later his mania is to manifest itself for Alexius is not the man he pretends to be. He is a cruel man, David. In his childhood he poisoned the dog of Manuel because he was offended by his brother. I also have information about raping women whilst pillaging Turkish settlements. “
In fact he knew only one case of rape but sometimes truth had to be exaggerated. Each crime leads to another. The steward continued with the same calm tone of voice adding it a prompting element,” I am not sure whether he loves Helena or not but her liberty-loving personality is in a threat. He also plans to take her in Constantinople where she will be completely under his control. He is a dangerous man.”
“Why should I believe you, Kir Matsakes?” The guard said as the steward finished his short monologue. This time David did not dare to meet the eyes of his interlocutor.
“You have a choice to trust me or not. I never really harmed Helena and I can assure you she would not be alive if it were not for me”
David smiled ironically, “”Do you want to tell me you were protecting her all the past years?”
“Not of course. I am not such an altruist. Now when she and Manuel split off, I am indifferent to her fate. It all depends on you what my further stance would be.”
“Perhaps… but I still remember neither you, nor Kir Nicephorus helped my family when Kir Kalamanos seized our lands.”
Constantine studied the young face of the bodyguard. Some truths shall not be spoken. “Whilst on my service, nobody would harm you or her.”
David frowned but stayed silent, “I need time to consider your proposal, Kir Matsakes”
“Of course, David. I never expected a swift decision on this matter. But this could be a new beginning for your relations with Helena. I would not mind even a marriage and a quiet life in a middle sized pronoia. You have my word. ”
A long silence showed they had nothing more to discuss. Constantine rose from his chair and then David said the question that had always wandered in his head since the beginning of the conversation.
“Do you think I am a man who can be bribed in this way?”
“No, not of course. Not with money.” A long eye contact and Constantine took his leave. He would return soon.
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