The Magnaura

[Andres]

Savvas whispers to his scribe. The man looks shocked and tries to argue with his drunk master. Savvas gives his scribe a slap and the man hastily runs out of the Magnaura to return within a few minutes, followed by a black labrador.

Savvas stands up, with a big, drunken smile on his face.

Ladies of the Magnaura, I hereby declare that I transfer my position and all my belongings to this dog, Blacky.

Since Blacky cannot speak for herself, I am honored to be her spokesman.

Blacky, senator of the Byzantine Empire, has informed me that she will run for the position of Megas Logothotes.

As a first step during her reign, she will give Constantinople to the Venetians in return for peace. She will also recruit armies of peasants and declare war on Brittania or whatever Kingdoms are established in that desolate place.

Savvas ek Militou will be granted exclusive ownership of all wineyards in the Empire.

Savvas sits down again, looking very pleased with himself.