Stories Thread

[TheFlax]

((Written in collaboration with YourLordAndConqueror and PrivateerKev))

Antioch 1095

Only a few months had passed since she last came to Antioch, but for most nothing was amiss as they had no knowledge of her previous visit. This time she would not have to hide herself and thus, she entered the city in a carriage escorted by mounted men bearing the imperial colors. Slowly, they made there way through the widing streets of the city, until they reached the center square.

Iakovos watched as the carriage made it's way into the center square and stopped. Iakovos stood to one side with a few of his own guard.

The men escorting the carriage dismounted and one of them opened the vehicle's door. Anna emerged, wearing fine, but simple, silk clothing colored in a mix of white and light pastels. As usual, her head was adorned with a matching veil. Not even bothering with her escorts, she headed straight for Iakovos.

Iakovos bowed deeply. "It is good to see you here Princess Anna, and I thank you for your support in my project." Iakovos returned to his normal posture and smiled. "If you would but follow me, I can show you where we plan to erect the University."

Anna smiled. "I see you waste no time. Very well, lead me there."

Iakovos nodded in agreement as he began a brisk pace down the street. "I find it's better to be open and direct about my statements and intentions, don't you agree?"

Anna followed, a step behind him. "As in all things, circumstance dictates behavior. One who is not careful will soon find himself at a disadvantage, or worse..."

"Indeed, but I can speak freely for I have no enemies, something I am very thankful for." Iakovos halted suddenly and turned to look at Anna."What do you think? A rough start yes, but what it could become!" Anna's gaze fell upon a burned out shell of Imperial Roman design. Part of the roof had caved in from what seemed like an attack, the white marbeling had long been defaced in arabic and greek script, and it was covered in moss, lichen, and vine. What had once been a fountain now was a cracked bowl were plant life sprouted as in a chaotic frenzy to reclaim the once grand building for nature.

She moved from Iakovos' side in order to apparaise the building from a closer perspective. "A good choice, but there is much work to be done. I gather that this is where my solidus come in?"

Iakovos seemed embarassed. "Yes, indeed. Of course, any other help would also be appreciated. I can say at least the building does have a working well, but it requires the plants to be removed. Otherwise, what are your thoughts M'lady?"

Anna turned to face him. "You need reading material, writing equipment and other required implements essential in teaching. I shall make sure everything you need is gathered in Konstantinopolis upon my return and then sent to you by ship. I trust you will find suitable teachers and scholars?"

Iakovos smiled. "I have found a few willing to teach, yes. I am delighted that you're willing to help and came all the way from Constantinople to do so; I know few who would go to such lengths."

She nodded thoughtfully. "I do what I think best for the Empire. Although, you do realise my assistance comes at a price?"

Iakovos' smile failed to fade, it only shrunk. "I understand. And what would you need from me?"

Anna turned her gaze to the entrance of the building. "It is important for the regions far away from the capital to gain a sense of belonging to Empire. That is why you will add a statue of my person on top of a renovated fountain, naming me as chief patron of this university."

Now the smile left Iakovos face, to be replaced by a more thoughtful countenance. "I see no problem with such an arrangement, it is only the truth." Iakovos chukled to himself, returning his gaze back to Anna. "But it troubles me that you ask for a statue of yourself. I mean no disrespect, indeed I respect you more then you may know, but why not the Emperor himself?"

She returned her gaze on him. "My father will get more than one statue in this city and they will most certainly be in more eminent locations. Furthermore, he is not the patron of the project and I would not dare support it in his name without his consent."

Iakovos smiled. "I am sorry, forgive my rudeness, my inquisitive nature ran ahead of me."

Anna returned a polite smile. "Think nothing of it. You are not the first to question my motives. You can think me vain if you wish it so but I do this because I think it best."

Iakovos shook his head earnestly. "Vanity is not the first thing to come to mind M'lady, rather...I am sorry, it is something I prefer not to discuss in the open." Iakovos's demeanor changed to something a little more light hearted. "Now that we have reached an agreement, do you wish to visit the Order's Headquarters?"

She gestured for him to lead on. "It would be my pleasure."

Iakovos nodded and motioned to his guards to follow, who have been politely out of earshot while Iakovos and Anna spoke to one another. Iakovos led the party down the streets until they came across a small gathering of children. It took the children only a few seconds to realize who Iakovos was. Fear seemed to permeate the air. With a hard stare Iakovos looked at each one.

"And what are you children doing away from school? Did Levon let you out early?"

The children looked up at Iakovos. "Levon did, honest! We all got done early and so he just let us go!" Iakovos raised an eyebrow. "So if I go to the school, I won't find levon asleep again? And when I ask if he let you out early, he'll say he did?" The children nodded in agreement.

Iakovos smiled warmly and laughed. "Good, then go ahead and go. But I want you to be in early tomorrow, we have some new things to go over." Iakovos waved off the children before turning back to Anna. "Some of the less fortunate children of Antioch. Me and Levon take turns schooling them, and they've taken to it well. I hope to see them all at the University one day. Let's continue."

Anna nodded in comprehension and followed his lead.

After a few minutes, Iakovos and Anna made their way to the Order's Headquarter.

Anna recognized the building as soon as they neared it but strived to keep it from reflecting on her expression. Silently she anticipated another reunion with Makedonios. This visit had been the perfect excuse to be in his company once more and were he not in Antioch, she might not have made the trip in person.

Reining in her thoughts, she turned her attention to Iakovos once more. "Is your Grandmaster well enough to see me?"

Iakovos nodded. "I believe so, of course, I am sure you knew that." Before Anna could reply, Iakovos headed down the main hall, motioning for Anna to follow.

Makedonios was sitting up on his bed reading logistics reports. He looked up from a letter he was writing to request more supplies for the army when he heard footsteps. He saw Iakovos walk in first, and when he was about to greet him, he saw her. As always, he was stunned by her beauty. But he was even more surprised to see her appear in Antioch again. He just sat there for a moment and waited for someone to explain what was going on. There was plenty he would wish to say to the Princess right now but he was well aware of Iakovos' presence in the room.

Anna, upon witnessing Makedonios' surprise, spoke up before Iakovos had a chance to do so himself. She addressed Makedonios formally.

"Grandmaster, it is good to meet you once more. I trust I am not interrupting anything?"

Picking up her cue of formality, Makedonios straightened up and played along.

"Your Highness, it is good to see you. Please, both of you, come and have a seat."

Seeing both Iakovos and the Princess in the room together, Makedonios realized he had to get something out of the way.

"Before you tell me what this is about, I need to fill you in on something. Iakovos here knows you visited me here before the Magnaura session. He saw a servant girl he recognized and asked me about it. I told him that you were visiting on business. I'm sorry I never told you but so much was going on before the Magnaura session, that it slipped my mind. Now that is out of the way, what do we owe the pleasure?"

Iakovos chimed in before Anna. "Anna has come from Antioch to approve of the foundation of an Imperial University here. We have agreed to each others terms, and after surveying the site, I invited her her to the Headquarters. I have not erred in my judgment bringing her here, have I Grandmaster?"

Makedonios was amused at the idea that bringing Anna to his presence would ever be an 'error', but he didn't say it.

"Of course not. We always welcome Her Highness's visits to our humble corner of the Empire. I remember something about a school being mentioned in letters. But I didn't know that meant her coming here. I would have appreciated knowing beforehand but it seems Her Highness likes surprising me."

With that, Makedonios gave a smile to make clear he was in good spirits.

Anna returned a warm smile. "How else am I to keep the stoic grandmaster off-balance?"

Iakovos coffed into his hand to gain attention. "I am sorry for not notifying you myself Grandmaster, but Anna's letter did not arrive until she herself was already here. Nonetheless, I would ask for your approval for the material Anna has proposed. Anna, if you would elaborate please?"

Makedonios hoped his pale sickly skin would hide the slight blush from Anna's comment and he was saved when his Sergeant spoke up. He raised his eyebrow at the informality and simply said, "Of course, I would love to hear Her Highness's proposal" with a slight emphasis on her title to get the point across.

Anna slightly raised an eyebrow at Iakovos. "I am no teacher and as such I cannot elaborate on what I will be sending you. Surely you will trust in the judgement of the most brilliant minds in Konstantinopolis as to what is appropriate for your university?"

Iakovos shrugged his shoulders. "I do not doubt the ability of those who will be sending the materials from Konstantinopolis, but we here must also judge what will be suitable for the University your Highness."

Anna seemed unaffected by his words. "Then you expect me to know all of your needs, having them commited to memory before even coming here and then see if what I give you meets your approval?"

Iakovos was taken aback. "I am deeply sorry M'lady, I meant not to offend, but only to allow the Grandmaster to hear what might be sent so that we may judge it now, so the Empire does not waste money it does not need to."

Makedonios watched the bickering go back and forth between the two people. He finally had enough.

"Alright, both of you. Now can someone please tell me what this is about and what you need from me."

Even through her veil, it was possible to notice the sting caused by Makedonios' last reply.

"I simply wished to see you before I left again for the capital, I did not know I needed a reason to do so."

With those words, she turned slightly, as if leaving.

Makedonios was taken aback.

"Your Highness, I did not mean for that to come across that way. But you have to understand that the matter you two speak of is a touchy subject. From what Iakovos has told me, he wishes to do something for the orphans that lost their fathers when we took the city. It is an.. emotional subject to bring up with me so I admit I am prone to lose my temper if people do not get to the point with regards to helping the children. As for needing a reason to see me, of course you don't. But I know you're very busy. And for you to have come all this way to help Iakovos here is very noble and I appreciate it. Now that we're all here, would one of you please let me know what it is you need from me and we can get this project underway so the kids can get help as soon as possible."

To attempt to set the room at ease, Makedonios gives both of them a warm smile

Anna turned back, confused. "I need nothing from you concerning this, Makedonios. Verily, I cannot do much more for now save handing over the substantial funds I have brough with me."
He nodded to the Princess.

"I see, thank you for bringing that. It should help do a lot of good. If you would be so kind as to wait for a moment, I'll get to the bottom of this with Iakovos.

Makedonios raises an eyebrow at Iakovos.

"Then Sergeant, if Her Highness has brought the money, what is it that you need to see me about regarding the school?"

Iakovos snapped back and looked at Makedonios. "Indeed Grandmaster, we need labor and someone to head the project of the buildings restoration. I would volunteer myself, but I am teaching many of the Orphans as we speak. We could also discuss what should be taught in the school, and I would be happy for the Princess's input into this, as well as you Grandmaster. We are also in need of a sculptor for Anna. Since the money is here, all we need is the man power."

Anna shook her head lightly. "A sculptor won't be needed, I'll take care of that part. You have enough on your hands already, no need to tie up even more of your time and ressources with my whims." As she finished, she motioned for Makedonios to continue.

Makedonios watched the 'back and forth' before chiming in.

"A sculptor? Alright, but if you're wanting labor to build the school, you really should be talking to Brother Armatos. As Prince of Antioch, this really falls under his purview. You have my full support of course. As for needing someone to watch over the project, I suppose I can do that. I need to stay here and rest anyways. You Sergeant, are going campaigning soon. We're short-handed since Koulianos decided to retire from politics. As soon as the supplies sail into port, I'll need you to leave. So, you can get the project started and then I'll monitor it and make sure it proceeds. As for coursework, I'm afraid I can't help with that. My education was not formal."

Fixing the Sergeant with a look that made it clear that he would not accept an argument, Makedonios added, "Now, if there is nothing else, I need to ask Her Highness about something. I was planning on writing a letter, but since she is here, I can just skip that part. If you don't have any questions or comments, you may be dismissed. Good luck with the project and let me know if you need anything."
Iakovos was overjoyed at the news his Grandmaster had told him. He stood and saluted. "Thank you Grandmaster for your generosity and goodwill yet again!" With a bow to Anna, Iakovos quickly departed from the room.

Waiting for Iakovos to depart, Anna shot Makedonios an inquisitive look.

"What is it you wish to discuss?"

Makedonios shrugged. "You're the one that came to see me remember? And since when do I need a reason to want to talk to you?"

With that he flashed a warm smile.

She moved closer to him as she undid her veil. "You are right." Eying him with a concerned look, she added in a more serious tone. "How are you holding up?"

A shrug was his first reply. "My candidate lost for Megas. The Order is still trying to figure out how to deal with all of the orphans we created. The army is almost out of supplies. There are reports of rebellion all over the Empire. And I'm still stuck in bed sick."

He punctuated it by giving a big sigh.

"Running a Knightly Order or a House is harder than people think. I think I see why Kosmas is stepping down. Everyone wants something from you. No one is ever happy. I think you're the only one who doesn't ask me for anything. Not that I'd mind if it came from you though."

He smiled tiredly.

Before sitting beside him, Anna removed her hairpin and shook her head to loosen the now free hair. Age had given her sweet face a harder edge, as if she had weathered more than a few storms in the last years.

"You are weary enough, I need not add to your troubles. Is there any way in which I can grant you succor?"

While quite a few thoughts went through his mind, he simply smiled. And he was reminded that he really liked seeing her hair down.

"Listening to me rant is help enough. I just realized I don't have anyone to rant to. For morale and military discipline reasons, I can't rant to my men. I don't have any family. Any political allies I have stop short of being someone I can confide in. I appreciate very much you giving me a friendly ear."

Makedonios breathed deep.

"Alright, I think I got all of that out for now. Now, Your Highness, how are you doing? You've never added to my troubles. I've always been happy to help."

She looked at him earnestly. "Getting through these past few years alone have been trying. God's plan for me seemed so clear when this all started, and now I find my self unable to see a guiding light through the perpetual fog of doubt which surrounds me."

He nodded. "He does have a strange way of laying out his Plan. I feel the same way. It used to be simple. Now it isn't so simple. All you can do is have Faith. Faith in Him and faith in yourself. I'm curious, what did you expect that first Magnuara session? In some ways, you trained your whole life for that moment."

Anna answered without missing a beat. "I expected to be married."

Makedonios grunted. "I know I've been trying to help with that. At first, I thought I'd be patient after I asked your father for your hand. But I ended up waiting years. He never sent me a reply."

She sighed in frustration. "I know not what my father plans for me, but I am fast passing the proper age of marriage. Yet, there is little any of us can do about that. He will make his choice in due time."

He thought for a moment before speaking.

"I actually saw your father before I left to return here. It was... interesting. Believe me when I say, I tried everything I could think of to get him to choose me as your suitor. I don't think I convinced him. But, I do think I know who he intends for you to marry."

Surprise registered on her face for an instant. "So, my father has finally decided. Who shall it be?"

A concerned look marred his features. "He did tell me he decided on someone for you. I guessed as to who it would be but he didn't confirm it. But I think it is Ioannis Kalameteros. It is the only thing that makes sense. Your father made very clear that he wants you to marry a House leader. Tagamata and Komnenodoukai are already quite loyal to your family. Tepaki is too small. It wouldn't be any of the independent Senators. And it isn't anyone from the Order. It has to be someone from Asteri. And Kosmas stepped down and Ioannis just replaced him. I believe your father wants you to marry Ioannis to bind House Asteri to your family."

Anna maintained her composure, her expression nearly unreadable. "That would be the most obvious choice." Resignation tainted her voice. "I am sorry it has come to this, but I will do my duty. There is no point fighting my destiny."

Makedonios nodded and sighed. "I know you will. And I am sorry too. I wonder if there was something I could do to make myself a more palatable suitor. But what your father wanted, I could not do. I refuse to stay on as Grandmaster while married. It would have violated the trust those men have in me. But..."

He allowed himself a slight smile. "I might have thrown a snag in Ioannis' plans. I told your father the story you told me. I let him know that Ioannis threatened your life and that he played a part in your confidant's attempt to kill you, if only indirectly. He doesn't believe me of course but he can't just ignore it. And he will ask you about it. I'm sorry. I know you didn't want him to know. And I am sorry if this gets you in trouble. But I couldn't just stand there and do nothing as he married you off to that monster."

She shrugged. "I doubt my father will be swayed by a few threats on my person, we both know Ioannis would never follow through on them."

Makedonios raised an eyebrow. "I'm not so confident. He has shown a complete lack of regard for your safety and well being. He treats you like a thing. Do you really think that would change if you married him?"

Anna dismissed the question with a flick of her wrist. "What does it matter how he treat me? As long as he does not harm me, my father will not back out of this union. No, you may think whatever you want of Ioannis Kalameteros, but he is no fool. He will not love me, but it is in his best interest to see me well once we are joined as one in holy matrimony."

He quickly replied when she was finished. "Well, it matters to me how your treated."

His words made her smile. "Makedonios, we cannot always have what we want. Nevertheless, do not worry for my sake for I am more than able to look after myself."

With that it was his turn to shrug but she could notice emotion in his eyes. "Of that I have no doubt. But I wanted you to be happy. If I knew you would be truly happy with another, I believe I could go on through life relatively ok. Sad of course, but ok. But if you aren't happy, then it eats away at me like the sickness that has wracked my body for years."

Anna's smile faded, replaced by a strange intensity in her eyes. "We each have our own path, strewn with challenges. This is what I was born to do, this is my purpose. In a way, I am happy I can finally accomplish what I was meant for. If you wish to help me, than do not destroy yourself over this and instead gather your strength so that I may lean on you when my own wanes."

His shoulders slumped. "You ask an awful lot of me. But you've given a lot. I won't promise anything but I will... try..." The word 'try' felt like a lump in his throat and he could barely get it out.

She placed her hand on his. "I can ask no more of you, but know that I have faith in you Makedonios." Pulling back her hand, she rose. "I should take my leave now, for too long have I interrupted your rest."

Her hand felt hot on his. He didn't want the feeling to leave. But, as usual, she was right. So he nodded. "Interruptions from you I always look forward to. But it is probably time you should go. Scouts have reported an army coming this way. I need to get the city ready to repel an assault. Have a safe journey Your Highness and we will talk again. Just one thing. If... you become married to another, it may no longer be seen as proper for you to be traveling. Therefore, I do hope you'll write more." With that last, he smiled.

As she moved to leave, she turned slightly and gave him a half smile. "Worry not, I will make it proper." A moment later, she was gone, leaving Makedonios to his thoughts.

[OverKnight]

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Coop with TheFlax

Constantinople, 1095

The Basileus remained at his desk after Makedonios had left. The man's accusations and guesses at who would be Anna's husband convinced Aleksios that the matter needed to be dealt with as soon as possible, before rumors leaked out. Summoning a messenger, he sent for his daughter.

A short while later, Anna entered the room and performed a polite bow. She was dressed informally, in a light pink short sleeved tunica, complemented by a blue woolen stole and her hair were draped loosely on her shoulders. She addressed her father with proper respect.

"You wished my presence?"

Aleksios rose and embraced his daughter.

"Yes I did, I'm sorry for the perfunctory summons, but some information has come to light which I must deal with before tongues begin to wag."

Motioning to Anna to sit he spoke again, "I have just spoken with Grandmaster Makedonios. He pressed his claim to your hand. In doing so he made some rather startling accusations about Ioannis Kalameteros. The worst of which is that he is trying to have you killed."

Taking a seat himself, the Basileus continued, "Now, I think the man would say anything to marry you, but such rumors usually have a kernel of truth. Do you and Ioannis have some sort of conflict?"

A short time passed before Anna had fully taken in all of her father's words.

"Ioannis Kalameteros you say? Conflict would hardly begin to describe it. He has little respect for our family and more precisely, me. Makedonios fears he will harm me, but I do not think he would go so far."

Aleksios smiled ruefully, "Ah, to hear Ioannis tell it, you two were pooling information on various Senators and despite some conflict had a 'good relationship, based on trust and respect'. He also seems some how involved with the serving women who tried to kill you. Which perhaps is what Makedonios was ranting about. Would you like to elaborate on this Anna?"

Anna shrugged. "Was is there to say? Save that I discovered my most trusted servant was spying on me and then tried to kill me. It is a topic I would rather avoid. Suffice to say, Kalameteros did not ask her to take my life."

The Basileus sighed, "Very well, the reason I asked is that Senator Kalameteros has asked for your hand in marriage as well. I wanted your opinion on him as he is now an Antypatos and head of the Asteri. The Asteri have more land in the Empire than any other House. With the fall of Kosmas, your Brother's protege, we need to bind them to us once again. A marriage would accomplish this."

Aleksios leaned back in his chair, doubt crept into his voice.

"However, the more I learn, the less ideal such an arrangement sounds. After Makedonios's accusations, I needed to speak with you about Kalameteros, and your response has not added to my confidence. What are your thoughts about this Anna?"

She was tempted to lie in order to make the wedding less likely. Yet, that would be going against her duty to her family and the Empire, it would be going against her destiny. She steeled herself to maintain a cool and detached facade.

"It is as you said father, the Asteri must be once more bound to our family. In the long run, it does not matter what I feel about Kalameteros, we need him as an ally and above all we need to watch him closely. This, I can do for you father. For your sake and for our family's sake, I will endure Kalameteros and play the role of the loving wife and I will make sure they never betray us."

The Basileus looked relieved and saddened at the same time. He stood and crossed to his daughter, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Anna, you are perceptive as always. I am sorry that duty and happiness could not be intertwined in this. I hope Ioannis will be a better husband than you give him credit for and that the match will eventually bring you a measure of happiness."

Aleksios gave her a comforting pat on the shoulder.

"It gives me little joy to marry my children to barbarians, the Rus Eupraxia your Brother never mentions, or political allies, but it must be done. The Empire must be secured, our family must be secured."

He spoke again, more quietly, "So watch Kalameteros, Anna. I hope for the best, but if he betrays our trust, if he hurts you in any way. . .I'll bring the Empire down on his head."

Anna's voice echoed his. "I know you will." She seemed on the verge of shedding a tear but quickly returned to an impassive state. "How soon?"

Aleksios rubbed the bridge of his nose, "I'll let Kalameteros know and then announce the engagement publicly. The timing of the wedding is up to you."

She gave a slight nod in acknowledgment. "I shall make the arrangement with him, I am sure he will be pleased with me if I show myself to be considerate."

Aleksios grunted and knelt to be face to face with her, "Don't be too considerate Anna. You are my daughter, a Princess of the Roman Empire and born into the Purple, he's marrying up. He would do well to remember that, to be reminded of that, lest he grow complacent."

He kissed her forehead.

"I am proud of you."

Those words illuminated Anna's features with a bright smile. "Is there anything else?"

The Basileus shook his head, "Nothing at the moment. I have some rebels to put down and I'm sure you have some battles of your own to attend you. Let me know if you need anything."

With a few steps backward, she bowed curtly, before finally exiting the room.

After his daughter left, Aleksios sat down heavily in his chair. He bowed his head and sighed. Looking up across his desk, he noticed the silver cup Makedonios had drunk from still there. With a growl, he lashed out, sending it flying across the room. Crashing against the wall, the cup fell to the floor and began to roll, spilling water as the Basileus started another letter.

[_Tristan_]

Storm clouds gather
Zagreb, 1095

Milos Kovacs had been summoned to the house occupied by the Byzantine governor and his men. The face of the once jovial engineer and trader bore the signs of anxiety and perplexity.

A large force of rebellious rabble had been spotted a few days march from Zagreb and it did not bode well for the city. From the contacts that Kovacs had had by way of some of his men, they claimed to come and liberate the Catholics of Zagreb from the Byzantine occupation…

“Pfah… What nonsense…” Kovacs thought

Tagaris, the self-appointed governor of the city, had been most fair in his dealing with the inhabitants. Religion seemed to be of no matter to him, as long as the men worked for the improvement of the city.

Since his arrival, the roads had been improved and plans had been drafted for the building of barracks for a town militia. People from the country had begun to flock to the city to sell their wares, some even settling, increasing the number of people living inside the walls.

All had been to the good since Kovacs had convinced the Town Council to accept Byzantine rule. Even his own position had improved : he was now First Councillor, head of the Council.

And now, this whole lot of rabble sought to take that from him… For Kovacs was sure of one thing, once they “freed” the town of Byzantine presence, Hell would break loose. You simply could not trust such miserable rabble to act honourably.

Still wondering why he had been summoned, Kovacs finally reached the headquarters of Tagaris. He was greeted by the Venetian knight Giuliano who led him inside to Methodios’ study.

Knocking on the door and going in without waiting for an answer, Giuliano announced him.

“Methodios, Master Kovacs is here to see you, as you wished.”

Putting back a letter on his desk, Methodios bore a dejected look on his face. Rising from his seat and shaking Kovacs’ hand, Methodios asked him to sit down.

Going back to his desk, Methodios snatched the letter he had been reading and began pacing in front of Kovacs. Finally turning to him, the Governor imparted the dire news.

“What I have here is a letter from our Megas Logothetes telling me that he won’t lift a finger to save Zagreb from the rabble threatening it… What’s worse is that even the Basileos endorses his decision…He won’t even send me funds to hire some mercenaries and have them help keep control of the city… Damn politicians…”
Kovacs felt a lump of lead in the pit of his stomach.

“So were doomed…”

“Not yet…The rabble threatening us only has a score to settle with the Empire, it seems. Their only interest in Zagreb lies in depriving the Empire from one its provinces.” Methodios explained, trying to reassure Kovacs “So I want to deprive them of their objective : I will relinquish my claim on Zagreb and try to obtain compensation from the Hungarians for my release of our hold in their favour. Captain Compold has been most amenable to my inquiries and should soon receive word from Budapest… I don’t think they will refuse… They had their eyes set on Zagreb before we snatched it from under their nose…They will think it only a just return of things… I have already requested that a clerk from the Imperial Diplomatic Corps be sent our way to draft the treaty…”

“So you seek to abandon us ?” Kovacs said, unable to believe what he just heard.

“You can’t expect me to contain 1500 with only the 25 of us… None of the city’s men are fit to fight… I would not send them to certain death… I had received enough funds to recruit some mercenaries, I would have tried to keep the wolves at bay but as things stand…” Methodios put a wavering smile on his face “Don’t worry, you’ll be in good hands… The Hungarians treat their people fairly and I hope that once the rebellions are in check, I will be able to convince the Magnaura to buy Zagreb back from them…”

“I see your point… Let us just hope that Lydham and his men are not after Zagreb, whatever the cost… I have much more confidence in your abilities to stand up to them than those of this Hungarian captain…”

“Lydham is a religious zealot but a good general… Hungarians are good Catholics… He won’t risk excommunication simply to take Zagreb when what he hopes to accomplish is driving the Empire out of our northernmost provinces… To achieve that he needs as many men as possible and fighting the Hungarians will not only cost him men but could have them swoop down on him.. Plus he needs to drive to the core of our provinces the faster he can before we can muster reinforcements… So I think you’ll be safe… If ever he makes the mistake of laying siege to your city, I will ride back and do my utmost to free you and your fellow town-folk, even if I have to do it with only my followers…”

“I know I can trust you to do your utmost for us… I’m just sad to see you go, I guess…” Kovacs said, sadness in his voice “I had great plans for us in this town.”

“Keep on planning… I will be back one day… I promise you, Milos… If I survive the ordeal that the Empire is facing, I will be back…”

Several days later, Kovacs stood upon the battlements of the city, watching the receding cloud of dust that the hooves of the kataphraktoi’ horses lifted as they rode east towards Belgrade.

“Godspeed, my friend… Come back to us…”

Once the dust cloud was no longer visible, Kovacs slowly got down from the battlement. He was joined by Goran, the captain of his guard.

“Captain Compold wishes to see you, Master…”

******

[_Tristan_]

A toast to fools
At an inn on the Zagreb-Belgrade road, 1095

The inn stood by the side of the road, halfway from Zagreb to Belgrade. A large patio opened to one side, the view opening on the slow waters of the mighty Danube.

In the patio, Methodios sat at a table with Giuliano. They had arrived at the inn, two days before and Methodios had chosen this place to call a halt to rest their horses. Not far from where the inn stood was a bridge that jumped across the waters. Small fishing boats plied the waters while bigger merchant barges laden with goods were pulled along the banks by teams of powerful horses.

Methodios contemplated the scenery, a sombre look on his face, a look that had not left him since they had left Zagreb. A flagon of wine stood on the table, and though Giuliano seemed to relish the taste of it, Methodios’ cup was still untouched.

Intent on bringing his friend out of his dark thoughts, Giuliano lifted his glass for a toast..

“Here’s to our Hungarian allies !!! What fools they are !!!”

“There is nothing to rejoice about, Giuliano” Methodios answered, chidingly.

“Surely, there is… The deal you brokered with the Magyars will both insure that Zagreb population gains Hungarian protection and that your country’s treasury is full to the brim, money that could be spent to deal with the uprisings we have heard about… Surely this is cause to rejoice…” Giuliano argued.

“Zagreb is not out of danger… Lydham is a good general but I don’t know how much control he has over the rabble serving under him… Their greed may well overcome their religious zeal and have them prey on Zagreb… And I still remain an outcast… I can already hear how some of those Magnaura word-twisters will make the deal seem like another way for self-advancement on my part… It seems like there is never enough I can sacrifice for the Empire… How can I prove that I seek nothing but to serve in the best interests of the Empire ?”

“What do you mean ?” inquired Giuliano.

“See… I took Dyrrakhion from some Italian-paid rebels. I had pledged I would not claim it for myself and I acted on my promise, giving it back to the Basileos. Now, I have sacrificed my lands, for I see them as such, to save the people of Zagreb and obtain a king’s ransom out of it and still I feel like it is not enough… Whatever I’ll do, it will never be enough for these men… Is it because I am not of the nobility or because I have Norse blood running through my veins ?” I don’t know…”

“Surely you do not believe that… I am sure that some will be grateful of the bounty you offered to the Empire… And remember : there was no other course of action… We couldn’t stand up to that many men… It would have meant certain death, or worse, capture and ransom… You did the right thing…”

“Still, it rankles… I cannot even be sure that any of those funds will be used to give me some men to take on this rebellious rabble…”

“What will you do now ?” Giuliano asked.

“Ride to Belgrade and follow the Megas’ orders… There is nothing else I can do now…”

Silence then hung heavily over the two men, leaving each to their own thoughts.

The words of Snorri still rang into Methodios’ mind : “Will you fight Tiger or will you run ?”

******

[pevergreen]

Constantinople, 1096

Michail sits down at the counter of his favourite tavern and orders an ale. Sitting next to him is his right hand man, Efstratios.

“How slow the Magnaura has become of late Efstratios” Michail remarks.

"I agree. And I find the Senate to be nothing more than a group of squabbling delegates, unprepared for the awesome responsibilities of running an empire. I don't think they realize I am among the most experienced and hardened among them.

I am ready for these outlaws which have sprung up along the countryside since the good Methodios Tagaris took Zagreb. My sword has not been swung in some time, and I am anxious to cut down some fools who dare oppose the emperor."

“True, Efstratios, true. However, I am not too eager to find a fight, but I can handle myself well enough if one comes to me. But you are right. We have no future here in the west. I have been thinking. It may be time for some changes, I was thinking towards rescinding control of House Tepaki to you, as you have more experience in that area than me. It also seems that a re-organisation is needed. I propose that we form into more of a mercenary company orientated house. We can hold certain settlements, providing a steady income, but let us sell our services out! In exchange for whatever we please. I will move back towards the second-in-command as a treasurer and after we have made some advancement, we may reform again. What say you Efstratios?”

"I think it's a splendid idea. I admit I have often wished I were the ruler of one of the houses of the realm... I am honoured by your plan and think it's a good idea. Your father would have been very proud of your wisdom."

“My father…” Michail trails off, lost in thought.


1075: The Shanty Seaman:

A small boy gathers his cloak up around him, backing into the corner, hoping to hide himself amongst the shadows, afraid of the men that are trailing him. His loot hidden in the cloak’s inside pocket, this young Michail holds his breath, knowing that the officers after him will enter his father’s shop. As the men fan out, a lantern is lit and Michail hears his fathers voice “What are you grunts doing? Get out of my house!”

“Sir,” the officer spits out “Your son has been stealing again. This time we are going to get him.”

Michail’s father sighs, and reaches into his pocket, digging out 5 golden coins.

“Will this get him out of it?”

The officer steps forward and examines the coins.

“Good enough. Just don’t let him do it again.”

As the officers leave, Michail comes out of the shadows.

“Michail, you have to stop stealing. Remember what our plan is. The only future for you is the Magnaura. Us Romans will thrive again, just make sure we go to the west. The west has more sea, and more profit for us Michail. We need you to do this, for our family”

Michail remembered his father’s speeches about the west, and knew for the survival of his family that expansion that way was needed. The more boats needed building, the more the Shanty Seaman would be hired.

“Michail, just 6 more years and you will reach your majority and be introduced to the world of politics. That position awaiting you cost a lot, but not more than we stand to lose. This is for your family son. The Arianitis name must live on.”

Efstratios shook Michail to snap him out of it.

“Your mind seemed to be wandering. Now about that reform…”

“Yes, yes Efstratios. It will happen. I’m not sure I want to give up the vow or my title as Despot of Epirus. My head aches, and I’m covered in ale. We shall meet tomorrow and discuss this more Lord Efstratios.”

“Lord Efstratios….I like the sound of that.”

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

ATPG lines done by him