Stories Thread

[AussieGiant]

(Coop with OverKnight)

Bucharest, 1093

Apionnas looked down with some trepidation at the city below, holes in the wall where being repaired and an Orthodox church was being constructed near it’s centre. The final part of his journey into the city seemed to flash by, before he realised his surroundings he was being ushered into a rather run down building which was being used by the Basileus as some sort of Royal lodging.

As the steady cadence of his riding boots echoed through the hall his apprehension levels rose, was it relief or frustration? Either feeling was better than the years of the waiting, negotiation and discussion that had taken place prior to the meeting he had now finally secured. Certainly his handling of state affairs in Constantinople had gone well enough. The Basileus seemed to have finally used independent reports on his success as a reason to grant him this vital face to face meeting.

Calming himself using the methods taught to him by his now dead Amir, he finally nodded to the court official who had been patiently waiting before presenting him to the Basileus. With one hand on his scimitar and the other making the sign of good luck he proceeded forward into his self created “breach”.

Apionnas found himself ushered into a study off of the courtyard.

Basileus Aleksios was seated at a table reviewing reports. Harald Sigurdson, the Varangian Captain, stood impassively in the corner, a giant axe slung over his back and a hand resting on the pommel of dagger that hung from his belt.

The Emperor looked up, put down the reports and spoke, "Come in, Senator Apionnas. I apologize for the informality, but the occupation of Bucharest has taken up much of my time. Please have a seat".

Taking the offered seat Apionnas began to study the man he had come to meet.

There seemed to be no outward sign of his intent and it was impossible to determine his frame of mind from the set of his features. The man was clearly used to being observed and had certainly mastered the art of concealing his thoughts from others.

Aleksios put down the reports and looked at the young man over tented fingers.

"Your competent administration of the capital in my absence has been noticed. I appreciate it, and so you have the audience you requested. What do you wish of me?"

Taking a moment to consider his opening statement Apionnas steeled himself and began.

“As we have discussed my lord, I wish to give my service and that of my family's, to you and your family, for as long as we draw breath.

This is one of the most potent and effective terms of service I have been exposed to in my time living in the East. Only the Sultan and his family may take on these types of bonds as it creates a certain, independence, from other influence.”

Taking a moment to consider the younger man's wording the Basileus finally responded.

"You offer of service is gratifying, however, let me be blunt, you will not advance in Empire or any House unless you convert to Christianity. The Empire employs mercenaries and soldiers of many faiths, but the nobility is Christian. If you continue to openly profess the religion of your enslavers, you will remain an oddity and a subject of suspicion.

"If I did become your patron, I would no doubt have objections from the Patriarch and some of the more dogmatic members of the Senate. Whatever you would bring to the table would have to outweigh that. You have shown yourself a capable governor, but that is not enough."

Taking a moment to assess his options Apionnas decided to fall back on his instincts and training.

Move forward, press the point, see what follows. His Amir’s words once again where the guiding force.

With that decision made, his eyes narrowed as he began the most important statement of his short life.

"My Lord, whether I convert to Christianity or not, this simply does not affect my ability to serve you. If that is the primary concern then I will simply keep my religion hidden to all those who wish to pry. As far as anyone else is concerned they will be totally unable to determine my faith in either direction.

"Please note, I do not necessarily wish command at this time, although that is what I have been trained to do all my life. Having seen the troop reports from across the Empire I am fully aware of the limited resources at your disposal.

"But, what I am asking for is your patronage, in return there is this: While others have their own allegiances and therefore agenda's…I will not. I am yours to command completely outside the structure of any of the noble houses.

"I can imagine a number of instances where a 'Special Governor' might be needed for any troubled provinces. Perhaps a 'Special Commander' for any tough battles or command positions that require a 'trustworthy' noble to ensure results are to your liking.

"More over, voting rights would be at your disposal rather than independent or as part of a wider House's agenda that may not be in line with your intentions. The options are unlimited once you put your mind to it my lord. The structures I see built into the governance of your Empire seem wholly decentralised. This is something that can be influenced by just such an arrangement.

"My lord, I do not suggest an open form of oath giving unless you wish it, more appropriate would be a private oath given to you and your family. In my culture this type of service is bound until one of the families cease to exist. I would serve you, your son and as many of your family as you deem necessary until I die. Once that occurs then my son would continue this service. Customarily this 'oath of service' is kept hidden from others and is entirely a private matter.

"Some Emperor's have informed their son's ahead of time, other have left the arrangement in their will, others have informed their next of kin while on their death bed. Of course the one item in my possession would be a copy of this private oath which ensures I can carry on this 'oath of service' to your son should you be unable to inform him prior to your demise.

"As you have been to me my lord, I will be as blunt and direct towards you if I may. Your nobles know nothing of the east, I do. In fact I can advise you on most matters ranging from as far west as France and as far east as you can imagine; Strategy, tactics, mentality and terrain, the list is endless. I have one advantage over any others when it comes to the east, I have been there. I have seen it and I can ensure prior knowledge of many aspects of what you and your Empire will encounter. I've spent 10 years being taught the skills of Islamic war and it is something beyond comprehension to people from the west.

"This is what I can offer my lord and for that I can ensure my faith is no issue and my uniqueness is 'your' asset."

For a moment it seemed as if he had gone too far. The intensity of his voice and the white knuckled grip on his scimitar was a testament to his feelings. The two men paused. Eye contact was only relinquished by the younger man when he glanced at the Varangian Captain who had stirred slightly at the tension growing in the room.

Aleksios sighed, "You no doubt have much to share, Apionnas. However, as much as you might wish it, The Empire does not keep politics and religion separate. Part of my role as Basileus is to be God's Vice-Regent on Earth. I can hardly have a Muslim as part of my retinue."

Apionnas responded instantly. His conviction clear in his voice, “Islam, Catholic, heathen, I see no real difference in men when it comes to religion my lord. We are all here and we are all going to die. If a man wants to choose one faith over another, then so be it.”

The Basileus grunted, half amused and half frustrated.

"Whatever your other talents Senator, you are quite stubborn."

Aleksios drummed his fingers on the table while he paused to think.

"Here is my offer: My patronage and this town, Bucharest, in exchange for your loyal service to the Komnenoi. However, you must convert. I will ask the Patriarch to have one of his senior clergymen baptise you on his behalf. You gain a patron, I gain a follower and we throw the Patriarch a bone. It will hopefully make him more tractable in the future."

The Basileus leaned forward and spoke again quietly, "That is my best offer, Apionnas Vringas, take it or leave it."

With that, Apionnas made his most significant decision of his life.

“I accept. I will convert to the Orthodox faith and renounce the religion of Islam and the teaching of the Koran.”

The Basileus smiled, "Good, I knew that you would see reason. An uncommon trait for some Senators. I will contact the Patriarch and arrange your induction into the Church. My wife and I will stand as your Godparents when you are baptised to formalise our arrangement."

The Basileus stood and offered his signet ring to Apionnas, "Please, stay and familiarise yourself with your new province, Comes."

Taking a knee Apionnas spoke his first and only oath.

“I, Apionnas Vringas, Strator of Byzantium, herby pledge my eternal service and that of my family to the House of Komnenos and all its members so long as breath is drawn from our bodies. We renounce the teachings of Islam and all holy text of the Koran and convert fully to the scriptures of the Orthodox Christian faith.”

The Basileus smiled as he looked down at Apionnas and spoke again, "Amen."