Stories Thread

[Privateerkev]

Antioch 1134: A couple of months later:

Makedonios read over the latest letter he had received. Staring at it for a moment, he thought fast. The Megas got up, opened his chamber door and called for his shieldbearer and veteran warrior to come in.

"Nick, Ioannis! I need to see you."

The two men walked in and shut the door. Nick was a massive hulking dark skinned Greek who had guarded Mak for years. Ioannis was a grizzled middle-aged vet with a serious air about him. Both would do anything for Makedonios.

"Nick, you have a family right?"

The big man smiled. "My wife Maria and I have 8 kids. A new one seems to appear 9 months after I appear home on leave." With that, he grinned wider.

Mak nodded. "Alright, I need her help with something. Can you get her family to take care of the kids for a month or so? Maybe more?"

"Sure. She'd love to help. What do you need her to do?"

"Just bring her to our back-up rendezvous spot in the capital."

He then turned to Ioannis. "I need you to travel to Nicosia. Go to the Kykkos Monastery and speak with Esaias. Tell him I sent you. He owes me a favor. Tell him I'm bringing him a visitor and to make preparations. He'll know what it means. Then go to Constantinople to meet us." He looks at both of them. "I'll take the rest of my guards and make my own way to the capital on official business."

"Clear?"

Both men nodded. They knew better than to ask for details that did not have to do with their specific tasks.

[Smowz]

Iconium 1137

The party was in full swing - the celebration resounded all around the fine buildings that Zigavinos had build in the centerpiece of Anatolia that was Iconium. The mood of the populace was happy enough too, it was true their governor had spent a great deal of time helping reshape the local area and so they had come to respect him. A young lady approached Nevoulas ek Philadelphius now, wine drenched here cloth clinging them close to her well rounded body. She had clearly enjoyed the merriment of the occasion and was seeking to please the clearly distracted nobleman.

The lady stumbled into Nevoulas sloshing wine down his rather plain toga, shaking himself out of his thought trail, Nevoulas thought ... why not? I have earned this. Grabbing the wench he kissed her firmly suckling the sweet wine that she had been guzzling. After a short time, Nevoulas let the clinch go softly eyeballing the girl. Clearly somewhat giddy that one of the mysterious powerful visitors had taken a shine to her the girl passed out.

'Pah' came a voice behind. 'Nevoulas, even in party you cannot help but sweeping all aside'

It was his lead bodyguard. Nevoulas simply turned and looked expectantly, he didn't care these days to bother with idle chit chat with his sub-ordinates. A consequence of his recent command experience, Nevoulas now had respect of his fellow men and now he aimed to keep it.

The bodyguards face changed when he noticed his masters fiery look.

'Your matter, commander. I request you follow me, I think we have found the man you are looking for'

Nevoulas knew it was poor form to leave the party, but some matters were more important to him than some Roman protocols. Following the successful recent battle in the field, Nevoulas had asked that the prisoners be processed before being sent as a ransom demand to the Egyptian command. He was acutely aware that the Fatamid Sultanite was in flight and barely capable of keeping themselves alive let alone pay an extravagant demand. They strange order to interview each man before they were executed had frustrated his men, who wished to finish their business. However it seemed Nevoulas instinct was correct, there was one who he wished to see and certainly not expire his life.

Months earlier he thought he caught a glimpse of the aged looks of his brother at the Hippodrome. He who had long ago who had turned to fight with the Seljuk Sultanite after they had killed his and Nevoulas' father.

As Nevoulas turned to see a sad sight in the holding room opposite him now he smirked at the irony, how wrong you were my brother. Here he was though, praying in the fashion of the Islamic belief, chanting in the foriegn tongue. Frustrated, Nevoulas pushed past the guard and forced his fallen sibling to his feet.

'Stop it, Makedonias. Please'

Makedonias wrestled back fiercely however his starved frail nature allowed Nevoulas to pin him down soon enough.

'Please sit down and listen'

As soon as Nevoulas released his grip, Makedonias cocooned up in a fetal position and started that damned chant again.

'Please if you have any memory or respect for mother and father listen to me know else I swear to you I will...'

'Will what my brother?' Makedonias shouted in response practically spitting out the words my brother. 'You will kill me barbarically, slaughter an innocent man is that your Roman way?'

Progress, Nevoulas thought. He would not debate with Makedonias now, that would be saved for later, at least there was debate to be had. Nevoulas was interested as to why his brother a Seljuk Sultanate captain was in an Egyptian Jihad. Was this linked with the Moorish Jihad, could the parties be working together as one? Which followed that if as seemed likely that they were working together had they shared intelligence.

Those questions were for later, that was not the cause of the tear in Nevoulas' eye. Finally after all those years of setting out, Nevoulas ek Philadelphius had some inner peace, his father and mother now in the after life would be looking on with relief no doubt. Nevoulas looked forward to showing his brother the complete error of his ways, and reforming him whilst he gathered information. In the meantime, he had a party to get back to and perhaps a spot of womanising ....

Turning to the guard, Nevoulas instructed that the prisoner was to be fed and washed and kept under watch.

[Smowz]

On the road to Constantinople 1138

The last couple of months had been good to Nevoulas ek Philadelphius , he had enjoyed the company if his Asteri hosts and grown to know and like this young Nikiphoras. It had not been all partying for Nevoulas, it had been a time for his family and a time for reflection.

As he rode on his trusted steed right now he looked back to see his caged brother, now looking somewhat more respectful but still rebellious. Over and again he had tried to escape, likewise he had resisted the logical arguments they had had about the new Roman empire under the Komnenus reign.

The Komnenus line, Nevoulas mused had delivered on their promise to restore the empire back towards its former glories and then some.... Say what you like about the current Caeser and soon to be next Basilues he knew how to fight and even now the house that he set up continue to hunt the Seljuk leadership now far out of Anatolia and into the lands from whence they came. Not that his allies were the only people to have done the empire great service, the crusade to sieze the riches in Egypt had almost wiped out the Fatamid Caliphate and the Order continued to wield its might in the holy land.

Nevoulas shook his head out of the daze, and looked around at the sizable army he had seized for himself. Good fierce men who knew the battlefield well, he had handpicked the best troops to travel with him on his quest. Leaving his fellow noblemen behind, leaving vague directions as to his plans Nevoulas had struck out alone. He calls a halt to proceedings now, and orders his men to rest as he dismounts and wanders back to the cage where his brother sat cross-legged.

'Is this supposed to impress me Nevoulas' spat out Makedonias. 'These roads, these clothes, I know where you are going and even that will not impress me, your capitol is full of decadence'

'and you would know about that wouldn't you Maka' Nevoulas replied quickly 'Yes, you have been there before'

'sure back when we were young' answer Makedonias '...come to think of it probably before you were born.... yes when father took me....'

'No' Nevoulas cut in angrily. It frustrated him to hear Makedonias speak of their father so. 'YOU were there recently, and I intend to find out why'

Makadonias glared at his younger brother 'Don't you see Nevo, you and your empire will never wipe us out. The more you tighten your grip, the more it will slip through your fingers. Why I wager even now their will not even be a Capitol when we get there' he smiles smugly. Then looking up at the sky he proceeds to start chanting.

Nevoulas let him, he had grown to accept the ritual now, his brother could believe what he wanted to believe and Nevoulas knew he was in part correct, he had heard reports of a large army of unknown warriors was now approaching the capital and even now the nobleman left there were scurrying to prepare their men. How many of these cursed Jihads did they have to kill? Nevoulas sat at the side of the road alone and proceeded to look at the map he had acquired off of a merchent in Iconium. One which pointed to a land from whence this new threat had come. These 'Moors' were not from the east but rather from within Christendom it seemed... Nevoulas intended to find out the nature of this threat and fully combat it.

[Privateerkev]

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

This story is a co-op between TheFlax and myself. It is set, not coincidentally, 9 months after this story.

Constantinople 1134:

The small party made it's way through the storm sewers below the capital. Coming up a ladder, they arrived in a cellar. Leaving men behind to keep an eye on the sewers and cellar, the rest quietly made their way through the vast estate with the aid of perfect directions.

Arriving at the right room, Makedonios knocks and then opens the door, leaving the rest out in the hallway.

In the room, Anna was lying asleep in an expansive and luxurious bed. Even in her rest, she seemed weary and completely spent. Nearby, there was a crib with a newborn baby also sleeping for the time being. Overlooking the infant was an older woman than Anna with a severe expression. Her graying hair was pulled back into a bun for practicality and her sharp eyes immediately turned to Makedonios as he entered.

The Megas looked at the midwife and jerked his thumb in the direction of the door. She scowled at him in return. He put a finger to his mouth to signal her to be silent. He then pulled out his seal of office, gave her a stern look, and again jerked his thumb towards the door.

She relented and left. A couple of his guards took her down the hallway and sat her in a side room. Orders had been quietly changed to make sure no staff were assigned to this part of the estate on this night. No one would know Makedonios or his men were here.

Makedonios walked over to the crib to see his son. He remembered when Anna had snuck into his bedroom decades ago and he smiled. Quietly walking back over to her bed, he bent over, laid a hand on her shoulder, and gently woke her up. "Anna..."

Anna mumbled something inaudible as she slowly opened her eyes, blinking several times her vision finally focused itself on the origin of the voice who had called her name. She gave him a tired smile.

"Makedonios... thank you."

He lovingly brushed hair from her forehead. "I'm the one that should be thanking you. He looks wonderful. For obvious reasons I can't stay long. But there are a couple things we need to talk about. Would you like to hold him while we talk?"

She propped herself to a sitting position and looked at the infant. In hushed tones she answered Makedonios. "Best not wake him if you want to be discreet."

He nodded and sat next to her on the bed. "Alright, we haven't spoken about this stuff in letters for obvious reasons. But I hope you understand that I quite simply need to take him with me tonight. He isn't safe here. I admit I have been beside myself with worry ever since I got your cryptic letter."

The new father glances over in the direction of the crib. "You know how these things play out. Someone in the family tree gets afraid and seeks out all those who might have a claim to the throne. I fear by creating him, you and I put our son in grave danger. He needs to disappear. I hate to take him away from you but I would hate even more to think of what might happen if your husband, or even worse, your older brother started getting paranoid."

"Yes, you have to take him." Anna glanced once more at the newborn. "I only ask you write to me about him, whenever you have the opportunity to do so."

He nods again. "Of course I will. But keep in mind that he won't be with me. For his own safety, I'll have to stay away from him as well. I'll know where he is, and I'll keep an eye on him, he will have to go through his whole childhood without knowing us."

Makedonios looks at her and allows himself a small comforting smile. "Do you have any questions?"

Exhaustion increasingly apparent, she shook her head lightly with her eyes downcast.

He looked at her sympathetically. "We're almost done. I know you need your rest. There is just one more thing to figure out. What do you wish to name him?"

"I thought you would want to name him." She chuckled. "My husband dislikes most of the name I've chosen for my other children."

He smiled. "I feel singularly inadequate to the task. Plus, he might never meet you. I think it would be nice if he had something from you. It won't be the name he has in public of course. But it will be his 'real' name."

"Very well." She paused a few moments to reflect upon an appropriate name. "Constantine, yes, he shall be our little Constantine. I trust you will make sure he is baptized soon?"

Mak nodded. "I like it. A good strong name. Shame no one will ever know it. And yes, I'll get him baptized. I have it all arranged. Oh yes, you get to be the first to know. I've decided I'm going to retire as Grandmaster. And I'm not running for re-election as Megas." He looks over at the crib. "I have other things I have to take care of now."

He stands up. "I know your exhausted so I'll take my leave." He leans over and kisses her on the forehead.

"May God watch over you Makedonios." Her features voiced a sadness she could not express in words.

The Megas walks over to the crib and gently picks the baby up for the first time. Little Constantine stirs a little but doesn't wake up. He walks back over to Anna while gently bouncing. He speaks in almost a whisper. "One last thing. He has to die. It's the only way we'll keep him safe. When my men let the midwife back in here, I need you to tell her the baby didn't make it. Tell her I took care of... the disposal. I don't expect everyone to believe it but it might throw people off enough. If we want this little guy having any sort of future, he simply can not exist."

He pauses a moment to see if Anna wants to say goodbye to her child.

Anna only gave a simple nod of understanding.

Taking the queue, Makedonios left the room.

[ULC]

1140, Constantinople

Nikolaos climbed the steps of the Magnaura in the red and white of his House, his robes flapping in a light breeze. He quickly made his way towards the entrance, which was a set of magnificent doors, each elegantly crafted, with an attending Varangian at each side. Nikolaos's thought suddenly drift back to when he was once a member of their ranks, and the day it had all changed...

---------------------------

1126, Constantinople

Nikolaos moved nervously from foot to foot, standing in the Imperial Palaces halls in his uniform and ceremonial armor, both scrubbed so clean as to look brand new. He had been summoned from his duties guarding the Magnaura by the Basileus himself, for a purpose beyond him other then "appear your best". He had waited almost an hour at this point, and when a page had come out, he had rushed over to ask if it was time. Nikolaos's huge size easily dwarfed the poor man, who was taken offguard by the Varangian, but he quickly recovered.

"I am sorry, the Basileus is in attendance with a noble at this moment, discussing state business...please be patient." The page turned past Nikolaos and announced another name, something about a Genoese Merchant.

Nikolaos continued his pacing, waiting patiently. When it seemed that even the normally calm and collected Varangian was about to lose patience, the page returned and nodded. "It is time."

Nikolaos was ushered into the Basileus's office, the doors closing quickly and quietly behind him. Sitting in a most regal chair with Captain Harald standing off to his right, Basileus Aleksios looked over tented fingers at Nikolaos, "Please sit."

Nikolaos obeyed without question, hesitation foreign to him, training drilled into him, and loyalty demanding it of him. He sat quietly, as seconds began to tick by, counted by an exotic water clock on the Basileus's desk. Seconds seemed to stretch into minutes, and Nikolaos was beginning to wonder if the Basileus was going to speak at all.

As the tension reached a climax, Aleksios spoke with an even controlled tone. "You are Nikolaos Bjorn Aristenos?"

Nikolaos quickly responded in crisp military precision. "Yes, your Majesty."

"You have served for the last four years as a Varangian Guard, alternatively serving at the Magnaura, Hippodrome, as personal bodyguard to my sons, my daughter and her husband, and assisting in the arrest and execution of Organization members. Your work has not gone unnoticed." Aleksios reached across his desk for some papers and laid them in front of him, before returning his hands to their normal, tented place in front of him.

Nikolaos would have swelled with pride had not respect and discipline been drilled into him. "Indeed, I have done what you said, but I have done nothing more then any member of the Varangain Guard should have", was the clean-cut answer Nikoalos gave instead. His eyes were drawn to the paper between him and the Emperor.

Aleksios noted Nikolaos's gaze before continuing. "Do not be modest Nikolaos, it is unbecoming for a man of your talent. I wish I could have a man as loyal, obedient and...level-headed as you, but alas, your kind seem in short supply. I hope to rectify that, by rewarding you with a promotion to Strator and Senator of the Roman Empire."

Nikolaos training failed him for the briefest of moments as shock played over him, Captain of the Guard one day, but this! This was beyond Nikolaos's wildest dreams.
"Your Majesty, I thank you! From the depths of my heart I thank you I tha-".

Aleksios motioned for him to be still, and Nikolaos quickly returned to his normal disciplined self. "Do not be so hasty in your thanks. As a Senator, you will not be allowed to be a member of the Varangian Guard. I will not have the most loyal and trusted men under my command tainted by politics, I know my history too well. If you agree to this, then you will resign from the Varangian Guard effective immediately."

Nikolaos was to overjoyed to argue. "Anything your Majesty!"

Aleksios pushed the papers in front of him forward. "These are documents legitimizing your claims as Strator and Senator of the Roman Empire. I will have you sign them, and then you may be on your way. I will keep a copy for myself."

Nikolaos quickly signed all the papers with a speed that would do a court scribe shame. After signing them, Nikolaos held out his hand in expectation.

Aleksios let Nikolaos hand hang in the air as he reviewed the documents, insuring their legality. He then set them aside, and looking back from Nikolaos to his hand, reached out after a few seconds and shook it, his hand engulfed in Nikolaos's.

Nikolaos smiled as he vigorously shook the Basileus's hand. A smile broke out across his face, and after a crisp salute, let go of Aleksios's hand and marched out. As the doors shut behind him, one could hear him whoop for joy.

After the newly promoted man had left, Aleksios turned to Harald, "Make sure he is watched, I want to ensure that he does indeed sever his old ties. The last few years have convinced me that even some of the Varangians are suspect."

Harald look troubled, but nodded, "It will be done, your Majesty."

------------------------------------------------------

Nikolaos shook himself from his reverie, and making his way past his old friends, entered the
Magnaura.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Done with permission, editing, and help from OK

[Privateerkev]

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

This story takes place a couple months after this story.

Nicosia 1134:

The past few weeks had been a blur. After leaving Anna's temporary quarters, Makedonios handed little Constantine over to Maria, the wife of his shield-bearer, Nick. The small group had made their way back to the storm sewer. Surrounded by his most trusted men, the Megas led them through the catacombs to a port. A non-descript craft waited for them and they were off. Being Megas had it's perks. One of them was that it was quite easy to issue naval orders that looked very innocent and procedural. Being Megas also gave Mak knowledge of naval patrols. After a few switchovers, they were finally on a private craft owned by Nick's family. Anyone who later looked at naval orders would only find a routine personnel transfer from Constantinople to somewhere in Greece.

Sailing the private craft themselves, and able to avoid naval patrols, the small group arrived in Nicosia just in time for the new year. Finally on safe ground, the group relaxed a little. Cyprus was Mak's island and Nicosia was his private castle. No one found it odd that him and his men were in town for the new year's festivities. It also allowed him full control over security. If they had been followed, he would know about it.

After the festivities, Makedonios left his guards and retinue behind. Carrying little Constantine himself, he rode off across the island. The island was his home and he knew every road, trail, militia patrol, and local bandit. He knew exactly what route to take to make sure he wasn't noticed or followed. Finally arriving at the Kykkos Monastery in the dead of night, Mak knocked on the door of the one in charge, Esaias.

Esaias quickly opened the door and ushered the father and son inside. "I'm glad to see you made it Makedonios." The two men were old friends and used the other's first name while in private.

Makedonios took a seat and accepted some tea. Constantine was still sleeping in a harness around Mak's torso. "I see Ioannis visited you. I can't thank you enough for doing this."

Esaias sipped his own cup of tea while taking a seat. "It is not a problem. While the Emperor might have signed off on the funds for this place back in 1081, I know it was you who lobbied so hard for it. No one but me knows who the boys father is. I'll simply present him to the monastary as a 'left on doorstep in the dead of night' orphan. Lord knows we have plenty of those. No one will think twice about it."

Makedonios's tone turned stern. "I won't get into particulars, or into who the mother is, but I'll just say I have my share of political opponents. Some might dig into things. If anyone were to look into things here, I expect to be notified."

The older man nodded. "Of course. But I wouldn't worry. Strangers stand out around these parts. But I won't take any chances. I'll treat him as I would any orphan. He'll grow up here and learn the ways of the Order. He'll be a young boy and he'll grow up into a man. I take it that at that point, you'll have plans for him?"

Another sip of tea. "That will depend on my talk with him. I'll drop by from time to time but I will have no contact with him until he hits adulthood. It's for his own safety. When he becomes a man, I will speak with him. What he does at that point will be up to him."

Esaias nods. "Alright, now that is settled, you should probably get going while he is still sleeping. I will go and 'find' him at the monastary's front door. Go with God Makedonios."

The Megas nods. "And God go with you as well Esaias." The father slowly took off the harness with his son, gently kissed the boy on the head, and handed him to the Head Monk.