Stories thread - King of the Romans PBM

[Privateerkev]

Constantinople: 1380

Alfgarda brought a bite of delicious food to her mouth. Looking around the great dining hall, she admired the paintings, tapestries, and armor adorning the walls.

"How's the food?" Empress Theodora asked as she paused in eating her meal. While older now, she still had a regal presence.

"It's wonderful, thank you. And thank you again for letting us stay here." Tonight, dinner was just for the two women. Alfgarda's niece and Max were watching the kids play with other nobles' children out in the courtyard.

Theodora smiled, "It's my pleasure. It is the least we can do. I do however wish to talk to you about something."

Alfgarda stopped eating and listened.

"The direction the Reich is heading has us worried. Not just us but all the heads of state in Europe and Asia. Now that this Order has taken full control, who knows what evil they will bring. An alliance among the other nations is forming quietly. Not amateurs like the Catholic Alliance, though some of them are in this one. But nations of all faiths and from all regions. If there is one thing that can unite all of the nations, it is fear of a Reich led by a small cabal of truly evil men."

Alfgarda sat patiently and nodded. Theodora continued.

"We could use someone to be an adviser. Someone who knows the Reich. Someone who knows the nobles. Sure we have spies but someone who knows the inner workings of the politics could be of great use to us. I'd like to offer you that job. Now I'll make this clear, you staying here is absolutely free with no strings attached. If you say no, nothing will be held against you and you and your family can stay here indefinitely. But I couldn't think of someone better qualified. You were part of the political structure and so was your husband. You have his files which, I have heard, are quite extensive."

Jan's widow thought for a moment. The offer was intriguing but something bothered her. "I'm not a traitor."

The Empress gave Alfgarda a kind thoughtful look. "Oh my dear, of course your not. What were looking to do is apply international political pressure on the Order. To do that well, we need information. This isn't about war. You wouldn't be leading to the deaths of your people. Are you really loyal to those now in charge? Do they deserve your loyalty? The group who killed your husband, your brother-in-law, and my dear Siegfried? The other nations are looking for an insurance policy against the Order. We wish to make clear that if they are going to continue conquering and exterminating whole peoples, then they are going to become quite lonely in the world. You would be doing a great service. Please think it over."

"May I sleep on it?" Alfgarda asked still looking troubled by the idea.

"Of course my dear" the Empress said as she beamed.

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That night, Alfgarda dreamed.

She rose from her bed, out of the chamber, through the roof, above the great city, and up to the heavens.

She ended up in a large tavern. Over to her left, she could see Jan, playing cards with Sigismund von Mahren, Dieter Bresch, and Elberhard. The men were laughing and drinking. Not a care in the world. Others that Jan knew and liked were also in the tavern.

Hans walked in, nodded hello to Jan, and walked to the bar, aloof as always. Elberhard excused himself and went to his brother to keep him company.

Siegfried was in the corner by himself smoking a hookah with a content look on his face. It seemed like he had his own private joke and did not feel like sharing.

Gunther and Jonas walked into the bar together and took their usual seats at the bar. Gunther asked the group if anyone had heard from Peter yet.

Jan spoke up, "Last I heard, him and Tancred are still in Purgatory. But I had breakfast with Pope Abbate this morning and I got the 'inside word' that those two will eventually be allowed up here."

Slightly annoyed at being interrupted, Fredericus and Conrad look up from their chess game. Conrad looks at Fred and says, "I still can't believe you fell down the stairs." Fred smiles and says, "I still can't believe you ate poisoned sausage." The two men laugh and resume their game.

Looking over at his two mentors, Jan remembers a story about Arnold. He proceeds to tell the group about how Arnold came to Outremer to kill him but he got his rear-end kicked by Jan. The whole tavern laughs at Arnold's expense. Everyone that is but Elberhard. He just stares into his beer and mutters something that people can't hear. All they can make out is "Me poor poor Arnolds..."

Gunther gets up and walks over to the chess game. Him and Fred stare at each other for a long time and finally shake hands.

Seeing his father sitting alone, Sigismund excuses himself from the game and goes and joins his father at the bar. Seeing his wife walk in, Dieter leaves the game, runs up to her, and they begin dancing.

Alfgarda sees all of this and wishes she could join. If it wasn't for the children, there would be nothing holding her back. She could be here, with Jan, and be happy.

Finally Jan looks up and sees his wife. With that big grin of his, he signals for Alfgarda to sit on his lap. She happily does so and just basks in being held by her husband again. Sitting on his lap, she looks down at Jan. He puts his hand on her face and it feels warm. Looking into her eyes, Jan gives her a nod. Alfgarda knows now what she must do.


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The next morning, Alfgarda joined Empress Theodora for breakfast and accepted the job.