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...

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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."

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