No problem http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...c-thumbsup.gifQuote:
Originally Posted by [b
Thanks for the drink, and... ...cheers http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...ons/cheers.gif
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No problem http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...c-thumbsup.gifQuote:
Originally Posted by [b
Thanks for the drink, and... ...cheers http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...ons/cheers.gif
Chapter IV part iii
The Dawn before War
The battle had ended, and even so the air was filled with the stench of death. The ground was red, stained with the Blood of Orthodox and Catholic blood, and it is said that the color of scarlet did not depart from the soil for many weeks. The slain covered what was once a proud road and hill, few were left standing, and even fewer could bear to look upon the faces of their fallen countrymen. high above, the sky was clouded and the sun refused to shine it's light on the land. The crows could be heard circling, and some were already upon the bodies of the dead.
The prince stood in the center of the carnage, around him laid the broken bodies of his men, he himself was covered in blood, as was his sword. Forgive me he said quietly, he then wiped the blood from his weapon and returned it to it's sheave. There were few survivors, those who had were walking among the dead, trying to find some sign of life, but they could find none. Though the land of Greece was defended, Manuel and his legion had paid for it with many lives.
The prince got back onto his horse and surveyed the land about him. However as he was looking, a strange sound filled his ears; it was the sound of hoof beats. Those left alive shook with fear, they came from all over and rallied to Manuel ready to defend him even if it meant their lives. Yet as they waited with their swords and spears in hand, what came into sight was nothing but a small number of horsemen. It was to small to be any sort of force dispatched by the Emperor, and yet they bore not the colors of the Hungarians.
As they rode closer and closer, the soldiers of the prince readied their weapons for they knew not what these men brought. There was somewhere around four hundred horsemen ridding toward them, of the Vardiarot sort by the estimation of the more experienced troops. They had with them both bow and sword, and were armored in chain mail. At last they arrived on the battlefield, but they stopped on the edge of the field. What this meant those under the Prince did not know, but eager to find out Manuel dismounted and began to go through the field of death. With him went two of his finest men, the finest who still lived anyway. They walked through the piles of the dead and at length came to the end and greeted the riders.
Hail their leader shouted, and the others followed with a shout of the same word. Then he continued, We are from Constantinople and we got news a Hungarian force was marching through Greece, however i see that it has been taken care of My name is Constantine, and i would like to offer my services of myself and my men to you Prince
Manuel did not know this man, but he needed an ally in this grave time, and welcomed both him and that of the other riders into his troop. Constantine then went to explain that he was the guard of the city, and had been told of the prince Manuel and his struggle to restore peace to the Roman Empire. They gathered on the edge of a forest with the survivors of the attack, and after a brief camp, they marched south.
They set out as soon as they could, after the matter of supper had been settled of course, and then they headed south to the ports. Now that he had a larger force, Manuel planned to take a ship into the east and land at Antioch. however he did not know what exactly was there, he knew that fate was guiding him into a battle there. The march lasted for one week, and during it not much of anything happened besides that of a occasional bird or the howl of a wolf, all was quiet.
After the long march they reached the ports, and those there saw the strength that Manuel had and surrendered their docks to him. It took some time but the fleet was called back from sailing in the waters around Greece, and they gathered to carry the soldiers into the east. That is just what they did, for in 1103 Manuel loaded all his men, around five hundred, into the warships and set sail. His destination was all but clear to every man following him, they knew that he was going to Antioch to confront his father and end the long wars that had plagued the Empire for twenty long years.
It was spring when Manuel's force made landfall, and it is an understatement to say his men were happy, they had sailed for two weeks with nothing to do, cooped up in the wooden ships trying desperately to avoid being sighted by any vessel loyal to the Emperor. Now they had finally reached Antioch, but before them as if knowing they would come by sea, was assembled a mighty army of one thousand. Clearly not the full strength of the forces in Antioch, but at their lead was none other than Alexius himself. And as night fell, Manuel tried to formulate his plan.
The forces of the prince made their camp near the shore, it was on low ground and very open to attack, yet there was no other place to go, for just over the hills inland was camped his father. The night was dark and starless, clouds had settled in and there was no light except that of the torches of both armies. Manuel had met with what commanders he had, and there were not many of them. All of them were shouting saying that they were to few, without enough to both protect their flanks and attack at the same time, they said that to move would be a disaster.
Very well then shouted Manuel after hearing enough of his men complaining. He then walked over to a map of the area that he had obtained, Look here we hare he pointed, If your so worried about being split up by them while we advance, then we wont move We will bring the flanks in and strengthen our position, they say the best defense is a good offense. We make them come to us, find their weakest point and drive through it None knew what to say, they didn't have any better ideas so they decided that it was for the best.
In the early mourning before the sun had risen, Manuel ordered his men to draw their battle lines and get ready. The Cavalry were positioned on the flanks and behind the main line infantry ready to give support fire, and the prince himself was in the front with those who had survived the battle of Athens with him.
Soon a bright light could be seen overlooking the hills to the east, and with only the passage of time the light grew greater, it was the Sun rising and as it went it filled the land with it's light. However also to the east, was assembled the army of the Emperor. It seemed he to was ready to battle was was his son. Those under the command of Manuel readied their weapons, bowstrings were drawn and spears were held forth. Then like the sound of thunder there came a cry that echoed from Alexius himself, so loud and terrifying that it shook through the entire province, it was a single word; Destroy
and thus the battle had begun.
Chapter V part i
Roman against Roman
A volley of arrows were released from the lines of The Emperor, they sailed into the sky over Manuel and his force before screaming and falling down toward his men. They punched into the armor of the horsemen and infantry, but not many troops fell. Manuel countered by releasing a volley of his own, his arrows fell upon his enemy like lightening, but again as before, few fell. There came two more exchanges of fire between the two forces, but then all was silent. As the last arrow fell to the ground and the shouts of single men died away, it revealed that all around was peaceful, but that would not last long. What had been a clear day with the sun shining proudly suddenly changed, clouds rolled in and covered all that could be seen. the wind howled and blew with the ferocity of a thousand storms, arrows would be of no more use to either force.
Manuel rallied his men and attempted to keep order. He shouted to his left and brought his horsemen in closer, as his Infantry packed in tight, it looked like he was insane to his father, and thus he ordered a charge of all his men. There came a great noise as if a clap of thunder, but it was not so, a great horn had been blown by the emperor, as it's echo cried aloud over the empty valley forth went his soldiers. The heavily armored Katapractoi Thundered down through the trees and passed the hills, down came their lances and they screamed as they charged shouting curses to their enemy. The Prince sent forth his own guard led by him, and behind was Constantine leading his horsemen. The cavalry forces clashed on the slope of a hill in front of Manuel's line, and it was here that the true battle for Antioch began.
The prince charged forth and cut a path into his heavily armored foe, with him his guards went and they fought with the power of many men. Each of them had the valor three times that of a normal man, and it showed as they cut down horse and man a like sparing none. Constantine led his men into the fray not long afterward and on his arrival many more fell to the forces of Manuel, spears were thrust, swords sang loudly, and the cries of man could be heard in the ears of all who watched. The blood of the Romans was spilled upon the soil of Antioch, but it would not end here, for even as Manuel routed the Kats sent to stop him, he noticed that marching forth were a line of Vestiaritae with their swords ready and their shields waiting. Infantry to the Front he cried, and obeying his wishes what little foot soldiers he had rushed in front of the cavalry and prepared to take the fight to the enemy.
Both lines of troops closed and clashed on the top of the hill, where at the bottom a field of corpses could be seen, but soon it was clear that Manuel's troops did not have the numbers to hold their position against their foe. However it took little time for the prince to realize this, he led his forces around to the flank and charged the Vestiaritae from behind. Constantine committed one squad of his Vardiarots, they were again led by Manuel himself and they plunged into the fight. It took little time for the enemy to decide that being taken from both sides wasn't good and routed off the field, two full units of the emperor's men, numbering in at three hundred and thirty two, were slain or captured. This did not go over well for Alexius who was by now furious, due to his over confidence in his own men he had lost more than four hundred men. However just as the battle seemed to be going against him, he himself began to march into the battle leading nothing but his unit of bodyguards.
The Prince saw this as a direct challenge to him as a warrior, and ordered that all stay behind and only he and his guards should engage. Constantine objected as the Prince gave him his orders, but to his decline Manuel answered When fate directs us, we must follow. and sped off with his unit of fifty Kataphractoi. Constantine sat on his horse looking somewhat puzzled, and finally shouted What the hell is that supposed to mean? but he wasn't answered and accepted his order at last. he directed the troops to form up in a defensive formation, just in case the prince should die they would make on last stand on the beach near the ships.
Manuel led his men forward, and as the sky above parted and the sun once again shined brightly, he sounded the charge and met his father in combat. The fight that followed is indescribable, not even the bards of later days had the skill of words to tell of the horror and carnage that resulted from it. Men were hacked down and horses wailed as their riders screamed in agony, Spears were broken, mail was ripped, sheilds were splintered and blood was spilled. The battle went on for what seemed like an eternity, until all fell silent as the last of the guards fell from his horse dead. and The only two left alive were The Prince Manuel, and his father The Emperor Alexius.
The Emperor threw down his sword and got off his horse, Get down here and fight me like a warrior he cried, and it angered Manuel greatly.
For what you have done, shouted Manuel as he jumped from his steed, I shall kill for, for all the Innocent you have butchered i will avenge them this day.
And they battled one another, they fought with sword and shield, hacking and slashing away. They fought until the sword of one broke, and that was Alexius.
I have you now, accept your fate Manuel said ready to strike again and finish his father and enemy. but to this, the Emperor only let out a hideous laugh. What is so funny? shouted the prince.
Why you are said Alexius very calm still laughing, then he reached to his side and drew another sword, but this one, unlike any that Manuel had ever seen before, blazed with an inner red light, and one could see a fire burning within it. You seem to have forgotten about this shouted the Emperor once more.
What is that? and what are you talking about? Manuel asked trying to keep his sanity.
Alexius spoke It is the power of Antioch he said very evilly, This is the sword of the Crusaders, forged within the halls of Antioch and empowered to destroy and slay all who oppose he who wields it. You still don't get it do you? he laughed as he stopped, and Manuel only shook his head.
This sword gives me the power to see beyond my realm's borders, I can see enemy troops movement, find traitors before they strike, and track the movements of a certain unruly prince. Oh but the finest power i love of this sword, is that it has the power to influence the people's will. In other words, I will never have to worry about revolt so long as i hold this sword
Suddenly it all made perfect sense to Manuel, before the war he was seen as the voice of the people and spoke out against his father's methods. He was thrown into darkness so a new voice could be made, and his brother's death; Andronicus had the power to call to his aid many men of the army, and with Manuel's help he could have stopped their father. And the Viking's betrayal was clear as well.
Give up shouted the Emperor, Or die. However Manuel did not move, he gripped his sword and said this, and his voice was filled with both hatred and sorrow but it did not shake;
Father, you have murdered my Brother,slain the innocent, and you threw me into the dark for insanity to take. But you did not count on one thing, and that was the power that slept within me to unleash itself. You have killed our people and made their hopes false in this war, promising a prize that was lost to us long ago. And Maybe it is for a reason that we lost Rome, but i do not know, however i do know that with the power of my sword and the might of those who you have killed I will end your rule forever
Manuel's eyes light up with a white light, and his sword suddenly streamed with an aura that seemed to flow from the prince himself. He raised his sword and cried aloud in a voice that boomed with hate Now Die he charged forth and let his sword fall with all his might. The emperor raise up the sword of Antioch and tried to stop his son's attack, but as Manuel's sword come into contact with that of his father's, the Sword of Antioch broke into pieces. The very power that the emperor wanted so much that he tried to kill his two sons to obtain, he had lost.
Manuel's blade came down upon his helm, and a single word escaped the emperor's lips for the last time, Inconceivable the sword struck his helm and he fell upon the ground without life in him. Those within his lines who had followed him thus far, cried aloud if fear and routed, but that did no good for them, for as they ran they were to frightened to realize they had escaped into Syria which was held by The Turks, there were not survivors that ever returned.
Chapter V part ii
The Byzantine Empire
The dead were resting upon the soil, men of the same country and nation, who fought one another in the name of their lords now could find peace in the serenity of death. It is said among the bards that upon their deaths the ghosts of the fallen gathered above and drank one last hail to their world before they parted to the afterlife, but whether that is true is only legend and myth. The sky which had once clouded over, released the sun from it's prison behind the endless gray as it now shone proudly once more. Down on the ground, was standing all those who had fought in the battle and lived, only around three hundred. To them, they lived to serve their lord and true emperor, and in their minds that was none other than Manuel. However the Prince himself did not feel like a leader.
Manuel Stood among the slain once again, this was the second time in a very short period where he had fought a battle and lived through it. This time his entire guard met their end, and on top of that he had just slain his own father. True Alexius was out of his mind and drunk with power, but Manuel still felt a heavy strain of sorrow on his heart. Nothing he could ever do would remove it, and he knew that well. Yet here he fulfilled his promise he had made some years before, with his sword in his hand still covered in the blood of his father and that of other Romans, he Held it forth with both hands upon the grip and cried aloud. You have done what i asked, he cried Now i place thee here To live in peace Flipping the sword to where it's blade faced the ground, he plunged his sword upon the ground. Antioch's Bane I name thee he shouted out still holding the sword.Then Manuel's voice dropped low and none heard his final verse but him alone, May you rest now.
The Prince rose to his feet and looked about him, and he saw that now his men were behind him with their swords ready to travel anywhere he pleased. However then, on the horizon appeared a strange shape. It was the sight of a sail from afar, Sails, Ships are coming' a shout was heard from the beach as one of the horsemen of Constantine raced up the hill. It holds the colors of the Romans With this all got their shields and weapons ready once more, and Manuel expected to met his death here and now. The ship came in closer and closer to the shore, and soon it was revealed that aboard was a number of warriors. The boat made dock, but they had not flaying the flag of war, nor any flag that declared their allegiance. There came a sounds that the Prince had not heard for many years, it was the horn of Constantinople. The horn was created to be used in times of peace to signal the coming of an emissary, or the passage of large trade caravans, but never had an army used it. Lower your Weapons Manuel shouted
However Constantine did not take this order to heart, They will destroy us if we are not ready he argued trying to convince the prince to be battle ready, but Manuel only replied We are to few to fight, if they wanted to kill us they would have sounded the battle cries and they would be shouting curses to us. the horseman soon realized his folly in objecting his leader and apologized, the cavalry did as the infantry and put away their bows and swords. Across the water on the ship boats were manned and a large force could be seen disembarking upon the shores. Then as it appeared that there was enough men coming in already, another ship appeared out of the mists, then another, soon there were five ships all together that came into the harbor and made dock, sending their men to shore under the signs of peace. What must have been three legions of around four thousand men came to Antioch at that moment. They were quick to order up formations, but not battle formations, they appeared to be in marching columns, they advanced up the hills inland and soon met with Manuel.
Each legion sent forth a rider and two guards for him, making around nine horsemen heavily armored rode out in front of the other men to greet those in front, and at this time they had no idea it was Manuel or his father. From the prince's lines, which by now were very thin indeed, he rode out along with Constantine. The legions advancing inland soon halted leaving their envoys to keep riding on, and their commanders met with Manuel near the center of the battlefield.
What happened here? said one as he came to a stop. However Manuel did not answer at first, he tried to decide if the truth would serve him best and finally answered.
My father is dead. he said calmly, I am Manuel, I have rode through shadow forest and sea to get here. I claim the title of Emperor of Constantinople as my father had lost sight of his duty his voice had risen and shouted aloud by the time he finished, all within the lines of the legion heard it, but not all reacted at the same time. The Nine men backed away trying to decide if Manuel was indeed who he said he was, but as they spoke to one another there came a shout from the legions and it said this; Hail Emperor Manuel Hail
The shout soon echoed in the hearts of all men who had assembled there, and the phrase was repeated, first by few, then by a few more, it was not long until all were shouting praise to their new Emperor. The nine riders had no choice but to accept him as the real thing, for he now had the loyalty of their soldiers. A smile crept across The New Emperor's face, he kicked his horse and galloped forward in front of the men who were pledging their allegiance to him. He came to a stop, and looked upon his people for the first time in many moons, he looked upon them without fear of death or battle, and he was glad for the first time in many years. Those who had been under his command joined the cavalry and infantry units in the legion, but in some way those men held themselves apart from the other soldiers. The few of them who had lived through all the battles would always lift their sleeve and show the scars they had received following Manuel, keeping him alive so that he might rule as the true Emperor.
The Prince, now Emperor, looked about and saw a vast force ready to follow him. And he spoke to them, this time not as an enemy, but as a leader, as the Emperor he had never wanted to be, yet somehow fate had given the power to him. To You he began Those who followed me through hell, through battle and hardship, You have my thanks and forever lasting gratitude. I shall never forget those who helped me in my time of Need, may you men meet good health for as long as you shall live.
He stopped and now he turned and addressed the entire host of his troop. And for those who Come now, he shouted, I hail you to However, i must tell that these wars stop here after this there was a mixed reaction, many did not know what to think. Manuel continued shouting Do you really want to give your life for a city that does not want us? For a home that we have never seen before? Men shook their heads no and cried aloud nay, no, We do not
This War has gone on long enough, I will not see my Countrymen dead over a prize that we ourselves lost And as such, no more shall we call ourselves Roman We are their descendants, but we are not Romans. We started our lives In Byzantium, and In Byzantium we shall fight and die defending out land, but no more shall we try to take the city that does not want us From this day forward Our Empire shall be known as the Byzantine Empire, and our city of Constantinople shall stand to the ends of the earth Let it be known That the Sons of Byzantium shall Not fall
There was a great cry of celebration, and Manuel lifted high his arms, his troops raised their weapons and chanted aloud his name. The Emperor then lead them back onto their ships, and they sailed back to their eternal city. The Rule of Manuel the Great had begun.
Ten days and no comments, well it happens i guess. What? Nobody wants to come forward with an axe and kill this story? Nobody wants to yell at me on detail errors or anything? Alright then. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...s/gc-book2.gif
I think there is around two chapters left, i can't be sure until i write them out and see how long they are. Manuel is an Emperor now, well i think we all saw that one coming eh?...no? hmm maybe it was just me then. It's taken me a over a month to get this far, and if i keep working i will have this all finished by Sunday (One can only hope) Until then, Everybody can have a drink on me http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...ons/cheers.gif barkeep, keep Them Drinks coming
http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...ons/cheers.gif
until i return with the rest of my story.
http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg.../ht_knight.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...s/ht_saint.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg.../ht_knight.gif
*turns up with band of varangians*
axes? WHO ASKED FOR AXES? Oh... it's you Monk.
Well... the story is very good Please continue, I'd like to know what the hell is in Antioch that's so important...
*muses*
maybe the unified True Cross? God bless ol' Heraclius... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...icons/wink.gif
~Wiz
Shhh You'll give it away http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/joker.gifQuote:
Originally Posted by [b
But seriously, you'll have to wait. The so called sword of Antioch that Alexius held was but a small bit of the power. The actual city of Antioch exits the story for a time, but it comes back into it soon enough, I think you will be very surprised when you learn of what actually is the source of the power.
Awesome story Monk. You live up to the expectations I had after your last story. I'll be waiting for more. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...s/bigthumb.gif
reminds me, I NEED to have axes in my story.
Chapter VI part i
War of the Faiths
Manuel Led his troops back to the capitol of his empire; Constantinople. There he sent them into different parts of the Empire to help keep peace. However now should be told of how large The Byzantine Empire actually was, the forces of Byzantium had driven off the Turks and claimed Georgia, Armenia, Rum, Edessa and Anatolia. Add to that the wars in the North which claimed Bulgaria and Serbia to the banners of Constantinople. However by the time Manuel acceded the Throne, Bulgaria and Serbia had been overrun and the Hungarians were ready to march on Greece, had it not been for his return with his legions the Empire would have surely fallen.
Years passed slowly by as the legions were retrained and the Huns were put in check once again. Serbia fell back into Byzantine hands as did Bulgaria. It was not long until the forces of Manuel's Legions marched upon Hungary itself and sacked the city in 1110. With the fall of their capitol the Hungarian empire fell as well, and those who did not die upon the spears and swords of the advancing troops sent forth from Constantinople, they surrendered and pleaded for their lives to be spared. With the fall of Hungary, The Western Christians who had been preoccupied in fighting one another, suddenly took note of the turn of events. The Hungarians had been one of the strongest military powers of the world, and they had just been soundly defeated by the descendants of the Romans. Up to this point, many of the Catholic Kingdoms and realms had regarded Byzantium as nothing more than a shadow of it's former glory, but this one victory by such men sent shock waves through all of Christendom.
It would be the the Spanish who first recognized the large looming threat that the Byzantine empire was. The Spanish empire had grown to it's height, with holdings all along the North African coast and the entire Iberian landmass under their control. Together with the support of the pope and other lesser princes they declared war upon Byzantium, the first strike was on shipping, and the war ships of the Byzantines sunk into the waves as their Spanish enemy advanced. The poles were not far behind enforcing the actions of their brethren, and launched an invasion of hungary which took the defenders completely by surprise. All seven hundred of the Byzantine force was brutally slaughtered, a fact that gained the attention of Manuel.
The sun was high in the sky as Manuel entered his throne room, as the doors opened wide and flew back into the stone making a loud crash, all eyes within turned toward their emperor. Inside was gathered all commanders of the legions who could be spared, along with a number of diplomats and military emissaries. The Emperor walked slowly in, his armor could be seen beneath his cape as he shifted to his throne and took his seat. finally he spoke after a moment saying Report.
A man stepped forward and bowed low, My lord. he spoke trying to act as if he had good news, though that was not the case as one could tell from the expressions he made. Polish forces have invaded from the North he continued trying to hide his fear. They have overrun our position and are threatening to surround our remaining men in a siege. Manuel lifted his hand and stopped his report, the emperor looked about to see his generals had fear in their eyes. then he let fall his arm and muttered a single word; Continue.
Yes Emperor. replied the man. We believe it is only a matter of time before the Spanish begin landing troops in Nicea or Anatolia. As for the Poles, well their forces are within striking range of our outposts. Then Manuel Rose and cast off his cape reveling that his armor was dawned beneath and a sword was by his side. He walked forward until he was near a map that was laid out on a table, suddenly everyone present rushed in to him to see what he was doing. Manuel extending his hand and placed two fingers upon Poland.
The Poles attack From the North he said looking at the map rather curiously. And the Spaniards come by sea to the south. Manuel continued by moving his hand across the paper. Then his hand rested on Italy and suddenly all commanders gasped in fear, and the Manuel spoke once more. And if i'm right, we shall see the Italians from the West.
But, Why attack us? shouted one of his generals who stood nearby.
Why else? Manuel said as he looked toward the man then around at all present. These Catholics and their Holy wars, That's all it is...Another Holy war he shouted as his voice drew ever louder.
I will not stand by and watch as the Empire which has been substained for nearly one thousand years be torn apart by these heathen invaders by now his shouts were very loud, Manuel left his general's side and sat upon the throne once more, then he said this. Gather the men who fill fight, in one weeks time we issue forth from these mighty walls and we meet the Poles on the field of Battle
One of his generals bowed and raced from the room, but just as he did another spoke And the Spanish? he asked.
Let them come... Manuel answered, Spain's arm will be very long indeed if she thinks she can reach us across the Mediterranean
THe City is Budapest
I'm aware of Hungary's capitol...i just didn't think about it at the time http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...ons/tongue.gifQuote:
Originally Posted by [b
Either it was because i was very tired, or i just couldn't think of it, i didn't write budapest. I wrote this on Sunday night somewhere around 10 pm, and i just now got around to posting it. Yeah yeah i know, a bit late of me http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/joker.gif
oh well no use worrying about it now... Thanks for pointing that out DemonArchangel, i shall be more strict in my final edits from now on.
No.Quote:
Originally Posted by [b
Budapest was two cities in the Middle Ages: Buda and Pest, not unified yet for they were not large enough. They were sitting on the opposite sides of the Donau. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...cons/smile.gif
~Wiz
2-3 more posts, still cant be sure. and let's not get caught up in debating what Hungary's capitol shall we? http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...icons/wink.gif
Chapter VI part ii
Fate is Unknown
For five days, Spanish warships were free to terrorize Byzantine shipping, fleets were assembled to stand against such a foe, but such attempts proved futile. Soon the entire Navy of Byzantium had sunk beneath the waves due to the battles with the Spaniards, and in the North things fared no better. The Poles rode down upon the Empire and unleashed their fury which had laid dormant in their lands for many years. Time after time and battle after battle their arrows proved to deadly, their swords proved to strong, and their cavalry to quick. The Polish defeated two legions at Bulgaria and broke through the Byzantines lines and drove down into Greece and claimed that land as well. Athens fell the following month, yet they stopped before reaching the Eternal city, the Jewel of the world, Constantinople, only because they wanted the pride of making Manuel surrender instead of fight.
It was nightfall, well past midnight, when Manuel stepped from the shadows of his citadel upon the walls of the grand city. His eyes gazed westward, and there he could see fire upon the horizon, and he knew what it was immediately. The Catholics were only a few hundred yards away, his best men had been defeated, and now he would be forced to defend his home and city unless he wanted to just give it over to the holy warriors. Manuel did not know what to do, though he did his best to command his people in times of hardship, he was still not a great emperor whatever anyone else may say. Thoughts of doubt filled his mind, and also thoughts of surrender of the city. What should i do? he thought as he rested his arms upon the cold stone of the walls and looked out over the rolling green hills and forests. Manuel then remembered his oath, and he also remembered his time chained in the dark dungeon. i have fought for so long he said softly, with his voice so low it seemed a whisper. and yet it's not over...
The deaths of so many, are they on my hands? Wolf, Andronicus...Father, the soldiers who have followed me thus far. I thought i could end the war by defeating the Hungarians. he stooped for a moment and all was quiet, not even the sounds of an occasional street walker could be heard, and then he slammed his hand upon the wall and said aloud What was it all for?
Have i come this far just to die for the city i tried to protect? his hand began to tremble as he held onto the stone. What is it that i am to do? he cried, but no answer followed. Each time he spoke he was greeted by the harsh of silence, none were around to answer and even if so they wouldn't give him one. Manuel knew that his fate did not hold him to be the Emperor, that he needed to do something else, but what that was he did not know. Then suddenly his heart was filled with anger, but he did not understand why. What is this hatred? he said with the sound of anger in his voice. Where is this senseless emotion coming from? Then there came a flash of light like that of the sun, but it was not. Manuel turned to the east and saw upon the eastern borders he could see a strong white light shinning out like a beacon. The Light was not the sun, for it's light was a white color, the kind of which the Emperor had never laid eyes upon before. As the night went on, the light grew greater, but it was still not the sun for if it was it would have risen, and this light only stood on the far horizon shadowing the sky.
Manuel looked on in wonder as the light grew more intense then there came another flash and then the light was gone. It disappeared from all points and no trace it had ever been there remained. Before the Emperor could even clear his thoughts and wonder of what he had just seen, the sound of pounding feet echoing up the wall stairway shattered the silence around him. Before long a man dressed in the armor of an infantry commander emerged from the shadows and threw himself to the ground. Emperor he shouted still panting for breath.
What is it? what news have you? Manuel replied trying to help him up.
The Poles are moving, they advance. he cried out between gasps for breath. he pulled out a a container for drink, no doubt filled to the brim with water. he placed it upon his lips and threw his head back letting the cold liquid into his mouth. Thats better he said after having a drink. The Poles approach from the North, and we have word the Italians sail from the west It appears you were right my Emperor.
Manuel left the high walls and ordered that the messenger return to his unit. As dawn broke upon the walls of the city, he had gathered together all of his force, which numbered at three thousand. Which the sun rising to their backs they marched forth from the Grand city whose walls reached into the sky, they marched out onto the fields and they confronted the Poles, the coming battle, however unknown to those present, would decide the fate of the very world.
Chapter VI part iii
The Great Battle
The Forces of Byzantium issued forth from the high walls of Constantinople moving west to meet the Polish force that was estimated to bear near two thousand strong. Manuel gathered with him an army of three thousand, far more than the poles, his men had elements of Varangian, with nearly 120 of their guards in his army. With such an elite core Manuel left the walls of the city ready to win, but as he marched his troops from west gate, there assembled before him was the Poles. They had journeyed in the night and formed up just outside the city.
Manuel could not believe his eyes, his enemy had formed right in his gardens and there was no word of it. Quickly He gave a shrill shout that echoed up the walls, men climbed the stairs and manned the defenses. Arrows were loosed and catapults fired, boulders flew from the high walls and crashed into the ground as the arrows of archers plunged themselves into man and ground. Wasting no time Manuel held high his lance ordered the charge of his men. The Cavalry were the first to leave the walls and they followed their emperor as he let cry the horn of battle and charged forth into the enemy, Kataphractoi charged forth with their lances ready and Stratiofari came close behind with swords and spears in hand. With no indication of fear they swung high their weapons and brought them down upon the knights of Poland, the ground shook as a wave of Polish reinforcements rushed to the cavalry's aid and hit the Emperor's cavalry on the flanks, yet just as they did, forth came the vestiaritae from the gates.
Running forth like water spews from a stream the soldiers of Byzantium charged into the fray and joined their cavalry brethren and fought face to face with their enemy. Though Manuel's force was superior to the Crusading army, they were trapped in a limited space and fighting became increasingly difficult as the bodies of the dead began to amount. The emperor himself was at the forefront of his entire force, forging a path of blood through the Poles as he battled, the cavalry around him were fighting just as hard, and they brought down many a foe with their swords and spears. The militia of Poland and the woodsmen who had followed the Knights Templar in their Crusade were no match for such a fight, yet even though they were being slaughtered, they remembered the words of their High Lord as they departed. So great was their desire to fight and claim a victory in the eyes of their God that they forgot all fear, and as the slain fell, they advanced forth.
Through the Blood of their enemies, the vestiaritae cut a path of death into the right and routed a number of smaller units, however even so, to their horror, the dreaded Knights Templar came against them and threw them back. The Infantrymen usually able to handle the normal cavalry attack now found themselves struggling to keep their footing and sanity. Yet they, like the poles, refused to route. In their minds they knew that to run would be to meet death should their side win, and they also knew that behind them was gathered a number of other infantry units and there simply just wasn't any room to run. The green grass below the warriors of the two peoples was smashed into the ground as arrows fell like rain and boulders came crashing down like lighting. Blood spilled from the fallen, staining the ground, and no end came to it.
Manuel pushed deep into the center of the crusaders line, and finally succeeded in breaking through routing a number of spear infantry. As the forces of the poles routed the Emperor turned his cavalry around and he saw for the first time the battle behind him. His men were being pushed back, slowly but they were indeed losing ground. Then he knew, that no matter what he did, he could not escape the killing. No matter how many lives he saved of his people, there would always be one who wished to fight and take the riches of the eternal city. Manuel threw aside his lance, and drew forth his sword, and with it in hand he sat in the saddle of his horse ready to charge again. With a scream he kicked his horse and it gave a grunt, the noble beast charged into the right flank with Manuel swinging his sword from his right to left, behind him his cavalry raced into the battle once more and met the warriors of the poles from the rear.
Upon their re-entry to battle, many more of the soldiers of the Crusade forsook the fight, but to the Byzantines it mattered not. when a unit ran they swung around and met another in battle, so furious and relentless was the battle that swords shattered from over use. Manuel thundered through to the right, his charge had cut a path straight through to the knights templar fighting against his infantry, but without waiting for his cavalry to catch up, he charged into the fight against them alone. He held up his sword and brought the blade down upon the knights with a fire burning inside of him, one fell, then another. Man and horse were hemmed down in the wake of Manuel, they fell to him like the snow falls from the sky, until finally the remnant of them all charged against him, paying no more heed to the infantry.
The sword of the Emperor clashed with the lances of many knights, and as he battled his cavalry finally arrived and they to entered into combat with the knights. the battle raged on for what seemed like hours, and in fact it was, until finally the final member of the Templar order fell to the blades of Manuel and his guard. With the lose of their cavalry many Crusaders left the field running and screaming, trying desperately to escape the Wrath of Manuel, but he would have none of it. With the look of pure evil in his eyes and a heart aflame with hatred and ordered an all out charge against those who routed. Forth came the surviving cavalry, and they charged down every last man who had run from the fight. All two thousand of the Crusaders who had accompanied their general onto the field met their death, no record exists that tells of survivors. The General of the Poles himself was tracked down not far from the battle, and was killed on the ground he stood on.
Manuel ordered his entire force to regroup, but even so a shout was heard coming from the walls. Spaniards it screamed out with both horror and deep shock. The Emperor turned to see advancing from the south a large number of Spanish forces, dawning their yellow uniforms they marched at a steady pace led by the fierce and noble Knights of Santiago. Manuel lifted his sword high and shouted Form up he cried try desperately to get his men organized. Form the Line he shouted again. The vestiaritae ran from where the stood and made formations behind the emperor and the remnant of his guard. The Varangians readied their swords, and their Viking spirit could be noted as they began singing in the face of the coming battle. What was left of the cavalry rallied behind Manuel, who was determined to make the first charge against his new enemy. The Emperor looked about and saw that his men had fear in their eyes, he also saw that they were exhausted, but he could do nothing but press them on until the day was theirs.
He waited until the Spanish were very near, biding his time to launch his attack, for he knew that his men were to tired to do much running anywhere. Once more he sword went into the air and he thrust it forward into the wind as he horse broke out into a mad charge whose speed could not be matched. By now even Manuel was tired from the constant battle, but he payed no attention to what he felt. Then as his men began their charge behind him with their weapons ready, something changed within Manuel, his eyes then were engulfed by a strange glow and his sword seemed to shine like a beacon as he charged into his fight. Then as he closed with the Spanish he let out a great cry, the likes of which echoed through the land, the likes of which has never been heard of again. It shook the hearts of men and scattered clouds. many of the Spanish threw down their weapons and ran, but there were many still who confronted the anger fueled king, to them was given death by his sword.
Manuel cut into the Asturian foot solders, come from Northern Spain and nearly routed them even as the Varangian Guards charged into the battle ready to aid him. The Spanish tried to wrap their flanks around and encircle the small force that had charged out ahead of the rest, but even as they did so, and forth rode their knights, in came the rest of the forces of Byzantium and with their help Manuel shattered the morale of his foe. Many routed from the new attack, but there was one man who refused, even as his soldiers all fled around him, and that was the general of the Spanish force.
He stood among the bodies of his followers and guard, no longer upon his horse, but standing. In his left hand he held a banner of his king, and in the right he held his sword. Even when all the forces of Byzantium came before him, he stood there waiting for anyone foolish enough to ride against him. Yet to his surprise only one dared, and that was the Emperor Manuel himself. He rode up upon his heavily armored horse with his weapon ready and shouted to the man before him.
What is it you wanted? he cried, his hatred was evident as he readied his sword.
The Spanish man replied, The same thing you want i would guess. said laughing, as if Manuel was not serious. We came here to crush you, to reclaim the power that is ours.
What? screamed Manuel, again his anger showed itself in his eyes.
Antioch, answered the Catholic man. We want it back.
You want Antioch? laughed Manuel. How fitting that you have come all this way just to fail.
We may have failed The general replied, trying to seem proud about losing more than a thousand men. Yet even so, there will be others. You have defeated us, but there will be another who takes my place, and another after him. The Spaniard let his pride show, smiling and at times laughing as he shouted.
Never will we surrender it to you
Manuel had had enough, he gripped his sword with all his might and shouted What is the power?
There came a menacing laugh from the Spanish man, he could not believe the question just posed to him. You mean you don't know? he asked not able to contain his laughter. All this time and you have learned nothing. I'm afraid you fill find out nothing from me.
With that Manuel threw back his shoulders and forced his tired horse to charge forth again. He held his sword into the wind as he sailed by. The Spanish General threw down his banner and took his sword with both hands, Manuel drew nearer and they two met. There came a great flash and Manuel rode through his enemy. The Spanish General fell to the ground clutching his chest, then he collapsed unto the soil by the bodies of those slain.
The Emperor gathered his men together and marched back to Constantinople victorious, yet his mind would not ease, and as the sun rose in the sky past noon, he asked himself in a cold voice; What is my destiny. then as his men went back through the gate on the eastern side of the city, he looked toward the east where Antioch would be, and shinning brightly there was the white light that he had seen the day before.
Edit: spellcheck changed Varangian to Orangutang...don't ask me why... http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...ns/gc-wall.gif
Chapter VII part i
A Mystery Solved
The Sun escaped behind the hills of the West, yet the horizon was still ablaze with it's fiery pride. The day was won for the people of Byzantium, Manuel had saved his empire from destruction by the use of his sword. However he was not pleased, for once more his hatred had consumed him as he fought. The Power that dwelt inside of him, he had no idea of where it had come from, yet it alone gave him the ability to drive back his enemies in a single day. Both the poles and the Spanish had been driven back, and their Eastern armies had completely destroyed; Constantinople was saved, yet at what cost?
That was the thought of Manuel as he led his men back through the gates of Constantinople. Around him the commoners cheered for him, throwing roses at the feet of his army. He could hear the praises of the old, the shouts of the men and the cries of the women who all hailed him and his skill at arms. Night was settling in, but as he marched through the streets the Cries did not die down. However Manuel had his head hung low, he looked down upon the streets of his home, the city of Constantine who built a second capitol to the ancient empire, it now served as the home of the heirs to the Ceasers who ruled a Byzantine empire, not a Roman. His men advanced past him, and they returned to their quarter, some went home to rest, others went to the Mead halls and Taverns and sang songs of their deeds just done. Even after all left the streets to sleep, Manuel still sat upon his horse, and though he didn't realize it, his horse had fallen asleep. Though if he did know, he wouldn't have cared. He did not want to go inside or return to his Citadel, for he could not erase from his mind the words of the Spaniard.
Manuel thought for what seemed like a lifetime in that street, with his armor stilled dawned holding a sword which was covered in the blood of his enemy. His thoughts searched for an answer in the vast amounts of knowledge held within, but even through all his learning he could not understand what was in Antioch. It defied logic, already many thousands had meet their deaths in the name of said power, Manuel tried to sift through evidence, but it was like looking for the key to a hidden door, in the end even with the key you cannot open the door you seek. I cannot find the answer he aid at last.
Through all my attempts I can't do it. Manuel felt as if he had failed those who had fallen in his name, he promised that he would end the wars that had plagued the reign of his father, but he couldn't do it. Thousands had died in his reign, and still the war raged on. Crusaders sought to claim the City of Antioch once more, but why. The Power... he muttered. But then there came a noise from the shadows of the street. The Emperor readied his sword but he couldn't see straight, his eyes darted back and forth searching for the sound but they could not fix on any one thing. His vision was blurring as a figure appeared out of the dark, yet even he could tell it was a person.
Who are you? he shouted. There was no answer. The Man, if it was indeed a man, just stood there as if studying Manuel. A sort of shadow seemed to flow from him as he stood, he was caped in darkness, but no clear cloth could be seen. The Emperor began to think it was only his weary eyes playing tricks on him, but then before he could wake his horse and ride away, this figure spoke. The sound that came from what seemed to be his mouth was horrible and sharp. It sounded as if ice had formed in this man's heart and his tongue had been made into a knife, for his words were cold and shrill. This is amusing he laughed a horrible laugh.
Wh-What do you want? shook Manuel, he could not conceive why, but his heart filled with fear just to look upon him, and to hear she shadow's words put pain on his ears.
That is an odd question. replied the shadow, his voice seemed to grow with a hint of anger, though it was hard to tell. But i shall answer, Though you may not understand the words i use. I am known as Ugûrz, and i have come to you because you need answers.
Leave me shadow Manuel cried readying his sword, but the figure was unimpressed.
I will not fight with you, answered Ugûrz But i will strike if you attempt to slay me. it was clear that he was serious, and he continued You wish to know of Antioch do you not? It was an obvious question, everybody wanted to know what was there, nobody understood what the power actually was.
Yes i do. Manuel replied, his voice was trembling.
Then listen well. replied the shadow. and he began to tell a tale of Antioch, the kind of which has not been told for many centuries. Long ago he began. A great order of priests came to the place that you now call Antioch, there they called out to the gods to give them the power to create a power that could lead the World into a new age of learning.
Go on Manuel said noticing Ugûrz had stopped. please do not stop.
The shadowy Ugûrz let fall his dark arms and continued, The Gods heard their cry and debated on what to do, but finally they agreed that the world needed a light to lead them, and they empowered the priests to create a power that the way they saw fit. The high priests used their power, and forged together a great and single jewel, into which they poured all the energy from the heavens they had been given. But they saw a problem i ntheir new creation.
The Gods gave Man an instrument to rule Manuel said, What was the problem?
Ugûrz replied At first nothing, but soon a power mad king claimed the power for his own, and he proceeded to conquer all of the world. For countless decades his armies destroyed, plundered, and claimed land for their own. Until their finally the Gods saw their mistake, and issued forth from heaven to battle this man. The Armies of the Gods, who led countless heroes of past days met the King on the sands of Egypt, and there was fought a battle so great, that the cries of the dead are still echoed in the blowing sand to this day.
What happened? pressed Manuel. He did not know if he fully believed this story, but it was the only one he had been given on this subject, and after many years of wondering he did not question it.
Ugûrz Took a look at Manuel and said The Gods prevailed. They cast down the King and damned all his followers, they chained him beneath the earth to remain in darkness until the end of time. Yet they found they could not destroy the gem of Antioch.
Why not? The Emperor asked. They were gods right? What was the problem?
It is not that simple answered Ugûrz, The Jewel was a creation of their power, they could not destroy it without doing great harm to all things created. However there was an alternative. They broke the Jewel into two pieces, they thought that if both were hidden, they could never allow one man to become so powerful again. They thrust one of the pieces into the the land where the city of Antioch is know. they then cast around it a great tomb to keep it from surfacing again and placed a guard of the mightiest of their champions upon it.
And the other piece? asked Manuel.
The Other piece was taken hold of by the greatest of Gods, and he used all his power and destroyed it causing the jewel to pass out of out space and time. However, using all his power, the chief God could no longer live and he fell. Yet before he died, he prophesied that every one hundred years a man would be born who commanded the power of the lost piece. That man is you Manuel, at least this time around.
Finally many answers to questions that had haunted him for years were revealed to the Emperor. Your power that surges through you when you battle continued Ugûrz, is part of Antioch's power, so to speak.
What can i do? Manuel asked. I feel as if i am drawn to that city.
As you should be. Ugûrz replied. For the jewel had such power that it also has a will. And it's greatest desire is to be made whole again. The only way for that to happen, is for you to claim the other half of the power. The shadow stopped.
But in doing so, you shall be destroyed he then said. Manuel's heart was again filled with fear. Yet Ugûrz continued saying However, it has long been said among the wisest of the World who still know of the jewel's existence, that if the man who posses the lost power reunites the two pieces, then it shall disappear from the world now and forever. However it is just a myth among us who still know the story.
Manuel looked down at the ground and thought for a moment, but he did not know what to do. His very life may now be in danger from a power he has seen all to often, but when he raised his head to speak to the shadow again, it was gone. The Emperor looked about frantically but saw no one. He thought for a moment, but all was still not clear, How did the crusaders and my father gain the other half? he asked himself. He nearly expected somebody to answer him but nobody did, off in the distance he could hear the songs being sung at the tavern, and then he said aloud to himself. If it means to end this power's existence, i will go to Antioch.
glad to see you acted on the feeling wonderful work so far http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...s/bigthumb.gif
who would have thought it would take me nearly two months to write this? i know i didn't...
Chapter VIIpart ii
The Enemy of my Enemy...
In the days after the great battle, the bodies of the fallen littered the fields as far as the eye could see. Men of Poland, Swabia, Leon, Castile, Aragon, German, and Byzantium laid upon the green which was now stained red. Many could be seen walking among the field, putting those fallen to rest. Yet many were left to rot on the land, for the people of Constantinople had no love for the Crusaders who cam to their land and killed in the name of a power that was not theirs to begin with.
One full week passed by, and Manuel returned to his High citadel and oversaw his lands. He tended to matters of economy and government, making at last peace with the Turks who had migrated North into the land of Khazar. He sent peace envoys down to the Land of Egypt and made an alliance with the Egyptians, promising never to take arms against them so long as his empire stood. To the Arab princes, Manuel was very different from his Father. Where Alexius had conquered mercilessly, He had brought peace. Where his Father had plundered, Manuel brought trade and made the Land flourish. It was by him that a time of peace settled in the lands east of Constantinople. Under the influence of the Byzantine Empire, the Almohads ended their long war with the Egyptians, the Turks found new homes to the north by help of Byzantine scouts, and once more trade fleets were seen carrying the banner of the Emperor.
Thus the World entered a new age, well not the world, it would be more accurate to say that the East settled into a new age of peace and learning. For though the kingdoms of the east were not of all the same religion, they had one thing in common. From the Sands of Morocco to the hills of Greece, the people valued art and learning. From Byzantium to Africa, all people became as brothers to one another, no war ever again ravaged the land between them.
However the most significant point that must be made, is that each of these nations all at some point had fought Crusaders of the Western states. The Byzantines had at one time been allies with the men of the west, but ever since Andronicus defeated the German Crusaders at Antioch the two were biter rivals. The Egyptians were no different, in fact their land of Egypt had fallen to a Spanish crusade some years before, but since had been reclaimed. Manuel proposed that if all three joined together, no Holy warrior would ever set foot in the East. Having Migrated north the Turks were the first agreed and vowed to guard the black sea and the paths that led south into Georgia. The Almohads Built a great armada of war ships, and vowed to block the way by sea. Manuel Vowed to Guard the over land route through Asia Minor, and the Egyptians along with the Calif of the Almohads swore that no Christian man would ever hold ground in Africa, lest he be of Byzantine birth.
However, the West was not pleased when they learned of the turn of events. They could not believe the news when that came out of their Holy Land. The Realms that settled in their paths had allied together to bar them from their prize. But they especially could not even fathom that Manuel had the tenacity to hold a pact with Muslims, he was a Christian after all wasn't he; in their minds he was not. it did not take long for the pope to call together the most powerful Kings of the West and denounce the Byzantine empire as nothing more than a land of heretics. The Greek Empire he said, he referred to Byzantium, but to the men of the West the Holy Roman Empire were the only true descendants of Rome. They will fall beneath out might he screamed at one of his meetings. He described the practicing of false religion within its borders and called them heathens no better than the pagans to the north. Pope Leo IV called to England to form a Crusade to not only capture the Holy Lands, but to defeat these vile humans and send them to hell.
William III was quick to agree and put up the funds that was necessary to launch it. It took him only one more year to do so and in 1111 AD he declared the Crusade that would journey to the heartlands of the Alliance, the land of Tripoli. He set out early in the year and passed through most of Europe gathering support. He marched his band of holy warriors into Italy and used their ships to Transport him as far as Rhodes before the Almohad and Byzantine navies cornered his fleet and forced them to Land in Nicea. They hit landfall and moved westward looting and pillaging as they marched, but to their surprise they found none to meet them. They passed into Anatolia in 1113 and still they found no sign of Byzantine military forces, but that didn't stop them from looting and having the best time they could. They may have had a Holy cause, but who said crusades had to be a church matter.
The Crusaders made their way to the docks and to greet therm they found a number of ships, William III was a crafty leader and decided to just steal them to sail to Tripoli himself. His force set out upon the water again, but was unable to reach Tripoli due to a large number of war ships patrolling the trade lanes around the coast, instead he hit land in Antioch, and thus the fate of the World would be changed forever. For before them Manuel had gathered together five thousand men from both Egypt and Byzantium, the crusade had three thousand, here would be fought the Third and Last battle of Antioch.
One more post to go... yes almost done...i'm so close i can feel it. I was going to post both at the same time, but i still have to work on this last one, so i give you this little part until i post the last part. And it won't be long...
Chapter VII part iii
The Power of Antioch
Thus assembled the armies of the three mightiest Realms; the Western Kingdom of Christendom, the Empire of Byzantium, and the sultanate of Egypt. Together over eight thousand men had come to do battle, and upon the field of Antioch they drew their lines on last time to decide the fate of all. The Crusaders had their lines set up in the west just inland from the sea, as Manuel had placed his men high over top a hill along side the cavalry heavy army of the Egyptians. Manuel had the most men at his disposal commanding around three thousand five hundred, wile the Egyptians had only half that, but even so they felt as if they were the greatest warriors of the world. they shouted aloud thrusting their weapons into the air shouting cursing to their enemies.
William's arm steadily advanced up the hill with their swords ready, the knights templar were leading the way into the enemy. Manuel answered by leading his cavalry out on the flank of his army hoping to draw the knights off of their main attack. His horsemen rushed down the hill and fired off a few volleys at the knights, and the men of the templar order were angered greatly. They cared no longer for the battle but gave chase to Manuel and his Kataphracts. He drew his enemy apart then he sounded the horn and his infantry charged down the hill and fell upon the forces of the crusade. The Men of Egypt followed with a flank attack and enveloped the Crusaders right while the Byzantines slowly smashed their way through the center of the Battle.
Having denied the English king his greatest advantage; using his knights in the main clash. Manuel turned and charged into the fight against the knights, who were by now far off to the left of the main battle. However brave, Manuel's cavalry were armed with valor and cut into the knights sending many into the ground, the survivors routed after a brief skirmish, but the emperor's guard chased them down and slaughtered those who tried to run.
The Battle on the hill dragged on, but it was not long before the soldiers of Byzantium cut a path into the lines of the Crusade and turned a route. The King of England, who had been one of the greatest champions of his people, routed. He ordered his men to ride north and regroup. he and his guard of twenty escaped the battle, but they were pursued by Manuel and his sixty guards.
Manuel led his men over numerous hills and through many valleys before they caught sight of the English king as he ran, he ran for what seemed like miles, but no where could be seen his guards. Manuel did not care, he pressed his own followers on north in hopes of overtaking him. Yet it seemed as if the faster he pushed his own horse and that of his men, the farther away his foe got. He chased his enemy for miles, until finally after ridding for three long days and nights, he overtook him and killed the king. As Manuel removed his sword from the body of the dead man, he looked up and to his great surprise he saw the Castle of Antioch. He could not believe it, his eyes strayed down at the King he had just slain, but his body was gone and there was no hint of his blood upon his steel.
His men followed him into the gates but found no one there, no guards no watchmen, nothing. It was as if every man had left their duty behind and fled, but nothing seemed to make any sense anymore, so he paid little heed to it. Placing his sword into his sheave Manuel passed in through the second gate and found that again nobody was there. He shouted out Keeper of the Castle yet there was no response, Manuel looked about and shouted up again, but there was no sign of life. Then suddenly the doors leading in the keep flew open as if a great wind had just hit them with all its force. The Emperor turned to his men and said Wait here, i do not know if i shall return. they agreed to wait and dis mounted from their steeds.
Manuel walked to the open door and drew his sword again, then with a look back to his guards he passed into the hall. Within the Castle, all was silent and dark, no torches were burning, and no light came in from any opening, behind him the old doors slowly closed and gave a great sound as they latched themselves. Then from nothing fore sprang to life in the torches, as if called to being by some force. Manuel held his senses and continued in, still holding his sword ready, he did not know what he was looking for, only that he needed to be in the castle. As he walked he heard a great sound as if thunder, he shifted to his left and readied himself, then the floor seemed to open and there was a stairway that led into a dark passage. I grow tired of this Manuel shouted, but there was no answer, the halls of the castle only echoed back his shout as if saying they tired of holding the secret power. Slowly The emperor moved down into the dark, he could not see far in front of him but somehow his legs found the right places upon the stone below, as if he had been there sometime before.
Manuel went down into the dark, as he went he couldn't help but notice that soon he could feel a cold wind upon his face, and it seemed to him that the passage was growing brighter. Soon his thoughts were confirmed as his sword began shining in the faint light, but he didn't notice it even if he looked down upon his blade. Manuel moved like a shadow now, trying not to make noise until finally he came to the bottom. When his foot touched the last step he nearly expected to find another step after it and almost lost balance, but he retrieved his sense and continued on. Before him was a great hall in which many torches were hung upon the walls, the walls themselves held some sort of writing, though he could not decipher it. as he looked about the room, he noticed that some distance away was a wooden door of great hight, behind which he could see a great white light emitting from inside. Manuel Walked closer and noticed a large being standing near the door.
The Man, if it was a man, was ten feet tall and armored from head to toe in a bluish black armor that seemed to shine in the torchlight. Manuel approached and said Greetings guardian. but there was no reply, the figure just stood there as if in deep meditation. I seek the power. Manuel then said, and with that the guard came to life. He tightened his grip on his huge sword and said;
Who is this man who wishes to claim the power of the Gods? His voice nearly shook the whole castle it was so loud and great, yet there was no anger in it. Manuel looked up at his face and answered trying to keep his voice from trembling.
I do he shouted.
Ah yes. the Guard answered. I knew you would be here sooner or later. You have come to claim the power as your own?
I have Manuel replied trying to sound proud.
Then know this The guard said, he who claims the power of the Gods shall wield its power till that mortal dies, but shall also be damned and will lose thyself.
I hold the lost piece of the jewel Manuel shouted when the Guard was about to open the door beyond. The large armor clad figure turned and said Then you know that you shall be destroyed if you reunite them?
I do, Manuel replied. But it is something i must do.
Then go shouted the guard, his voice once more shoot the ground. Suddenly the doors beyond opened and a light flowed from within, a light that was so pure it covered the room and left no shadows behind. The Emperor covered his eyes for a moment afraid to look into the light, but he then realized he had to go forth. He removed his hands from his eyes and raced forth into the chamber, as he did two of his guards came rushing down the stairs shouting Egypt they have betrayed us but when they found their Emperor was nowhere to be found, they wondered where he could be.
They Asked the Guard, but he would not speak.
Where did he go? one shouted,
he was here wasn't he? I'm sure of it another said.
Damn if we can't find him Egypt will tear us apart the first shouted. If He was on the battlefield he might have stopped them from ambushing us on the way home
Then they heard an ear piercing scream that came from the wooden door, behind which no light now shone, then all was silent. The two guards stood trying to hear anything they could but heard nothing. he gotta break this door down. one shouted. However as they drew their swords ready to break into the room beyond, the very doors they sought to bring down opened and swung forth. then out from within a great light shot out, as they shielded their eyes, they saw that walking toward them was Manuel, yet he was changed. He himself was clad in a pure white armor and around him an aura of light shinned out like the sun.
Emperor one shouted. but Manuel did not respond. his eyes were shut and his sword was no longer by his side. Leave here now, he said finally.
But we cannot Not without you Egypt has declared war and we need your leadership However Manuel did no answer, his light then grew more great and pure, and suddenly he vanished into a flash. The two guards were astonished and asked the keeper of the power where he was, they repeated their question over and over until finally he answered.
Your King is Gone he shouted, had he let his voice go any loud he might have brought down the castle.
We need him to lead us They cried. We are on the brink of a new war
New War? the guard laughed. You've been at war for the last thousand years. Conquering and fighting and for what? Land... The Gods deemed long ago that you would suffer the fate of your arrogance, and that is now. Your Emperor was the only one left of the Romans who had honor. Accept your fate, and know that your doom is near
Then he too disappeared into a flash, the two guardsmen had no idea of what to do and they ran out from the Castle. They ran from the gate to find their former Emperor standing before them, and as they looking into the Horizon they saw what seemed to be thousands of Egyptians charging forward with their weapons ready. Manuel stood in his armor, a light shinning from his like that of a thousand torches, then he held up a sword high into the air and charged forward. His fate, along with that of all Byzantium was to die in battle on the swords of their enemies. The former Emperor charged into his battle and fought for hours without end, legends say he killed nine hundred men alone using the power of Antioch before he fell, and when he did fall the light fled from him and vanished from the world forever.
Without Manuel, the Byzantine Empire fought a number of wars that saw it's downfall, and when their doom came, the descendants of the Romans stood proud and accepted their fate with the pride and dignity of past days. They died in those dark days, but their spirits lived on, and their domains fell under the sway of others. But never was there a leader like that of Manuel, who joined the true Masters of the World in the halls of his forefathers.
I am done, and thats all.. if you are dissapointed by the ending then i'm sorry i wasted two months of your time. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...s/gc-book2.gif
other than that, this is the end...
but in any case thanks for reading.
Job well done, Monk, a job well done. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...s/bigthumb.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...ons/cheers.gif
I will be waiting anxiously for another story with your name under it.
Finished so soon? Curses I still can't think of anything to say outside of a generic http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...s/bigthumb.gif
Anyway here you go, one 'epic Monk' badge that entitles you to free drinks of whatever variety you want in recognition of your work.
Make the next story longer Two months is barely any time to think up a suitable comment
And that is why it is a good comment Froggy. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...icons/wink.gif
All I can end this with is a simple:
Grrrrreat
http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...c-thumbsup.gif
They liked it?
Two months of hard work. Thank you for your kind words, but now i need a break. Hah i have been writting this for two months and finally it is done, thats longer than my last one took. For now, this Monk is gonna take a holiday. I need some time away from writting or i might just take a hammer to my keyboard http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cgi/emoticons/eek.gif
http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...icons/wave.gif http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...ns/biggrin.gif
Splendid, that leaves me more time to thing about what I am going to say. This will be a difficult one. At some points, I was completely absorbed in the flow of the story (insofar that is possible when you are reading from a screen), at others I was wondering when it would get interesting again. It started off very good, but you couldn't keep it up. Still, it is a very commendable effort. Enjoy your holiday Monk. Don't let the nit-picking of this arrogant ashigaru get in the way http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...ns/biggrin.gif .Quote:
Originally Posted by [b
I liked this story a lot, bro. http://www.totalwar.org/forum/non-cg...s/bigthumb.gif I have a question about your campaign: Did your Byzantine Empire really end up defeated and conquered? If MedMod is really that tough, I'll have to give it a try.
Yes it did.Quote:
Originally Posted by [b
Manuel I was the last great Emperor, the last warrior king. When he passed on a new emperor came to power, but he was not as great, and each generation saw a king of lesser ability rise to power. slowly over the course of fifty years the Empire lost a number of battles that would ultimately decide its fate. The empire was weakened greatly, and due to MeadMod's Homeland unit creation (Units can only be created in Homeland Provinces) getting men to the front was not all that easy.
The Turks rode south again, having built a new empire on the steppes, and challenged Byzantium there. With a two front war with equally great enemies the empire fell in the year 1204, the final city to fall was, of course, Constantinople. The last defense came in 1205, when the last emperor, Alexius IV rode out from the city gates with his last one hundred loyal warriors and met his enemies head on in the open plain. He himself was slain, along with most of his men. Thus ended the Byzantine Empire.