Stories Thread

[TinCow]

The Farmer And The Cranes

Some cranes made their feeding grounds on some plowlands newly sown with wheat.

For a long time the Farmer, brandishing an empty sling, chased them away by the terror he inspired; but when the birds found that the sling was only swung in the air, they ceased to take any notice of it and would not move. The Farmer, on seeing this, charged his sling with stones, and killed a great number. The remaining birds at once forsook his fields, crying to each other, "It is time for us to be off to Liliput: for this man is no longer content to scare us, but begins to show us in earnest what he can do."

If words suffice not, blows must follow.

-Aesop

[flyd]

In light of recent discussion, it might be of interest to hear the story of how Isaakios got his bride.

Constantinople, 1132

Isaakios sat at a table in the palace. The table was covered with food: beef, lamb, pork prepared in the various styles. He deeply engaged himself in eating as much as he could, along with drinking copious amounts of wine.

The List had come in. His father, Emperor Alexios, had compiled a list of 15 most politically useful potential brides. He ordered them in order of descending utility. The list sat on the table, and Isaakios would occasionally glance at it, frown, then continue stuffing himself with food and drinking more wine.

Number one on the list was Alexandra Doukas. She was a good-looking young lady, but a completely and fully intolerable person. Talking to her for more than half a minute would cause you to be overwhelmed by a desire to rip out your own hair and eat it. Number two was her cousin, Zoe Doukas, a fairly ugly woman with a gigantic nose. Number three was the first acceptable one, and in fact one of the best: Chryse Diogenis. She was beautiful, sweet, wise, and charming. She didn't come from a very influential part of her family, and it was certain that she had climbed to such a high place on the list by her own merit. #4 was decent, #5 not so good, #6 was so-so, #7, 8, and 9 were all good.

Andreas, Isaak's best friend, came in and asked what was happening. "The list came in," Isaak mumbled with a mouth full of food.

Andreas took a look. "Ouch. Ugh. Well, Three's not bad, Four's nice. I like Seven--"

"Yeah, yeah," Isaak interrupted, "but One and Two are in places one and two."

"Yes," Andreas said solemnly, "sorry buddy."

"Oh, don't worry, I have a perfect plan, it's---"

"Wait," Andreas interrupted. "Stop. Don't do it. It's a bad idea."

"But I didn't even tell you what it was yet."

"It's a bad, horrible idea. Just don't do it."

***

That evening, there was a party in the palace. Everyone was there: all the influential families in Constantinople, the royal family, and many of the Senators. Just before it started, Alexios told Isaak that #1 Alexandra Doukas had been chosen and agreed upon. He asked if there were any objections, but Isaak gave none knowing them to be largely futile. Presumably, this arrangement was to be announced tonight.

Going perfectly to plan, Isaak was sick. He had eaten too much and drank much wine, the intoxicating effect of which had already disappeared, leaving behind the hangover. There was much milling about as usual, but soon Isaak found himself with his father talking to #1 Alexandra and her father, Nikodemos Doukas, along with some other people.

They started off by chatting about minor economic things, but old Nikodemos could wait no more. Knowing the answer already, he asked the question anyway. "So, Alexios, when are you going to find a bride for this young lad here?"

"I have, in fact," Alex said, "accepted your proposal that he should be wed to your Alexandra."

"Wonderful!" Nikodemos exclaimed. "Isn't it just wonderful?"

"Yes, father," #1 Alexandra said, "I am most honored and prepared." What? What kind of a person would say that? What a b#$%&.

"Yes, of course," Isaak said and burped. "Oh, excuse me," he added and then tapped his stomach, which only made things worse. The mighty tempest brewing in his stomach was reaching a climax. "Most wonderful," he said as he took her by the hand and brought her a little closer when--

"Gasp!" said everyone.

#1 Alexandra was covered from the forehead to the knees in partially digested food. Isaak stood pale-faced with a look of shock and... surprise. "I'm sorry!" he said, "I'm sick!"

Various attendants quickly descended on #1 Alexandra and took her away. Nikodemos looked a little mad. "Are we still on?" Isaak asked him.

"Ha! I think not! You uncultured oaf!" he said and walked away.

Excellent. Isaak looked around but could not see #2 Zoe anywhere. No matter. "Damn," he said, "now I'm gonna have to marry Zoe the Elephant."

"Gasp!" said the audience again.

"Oh! I'm sorry! I'm sick!" Isaak screamed, pointing to his head. "I feel so bad. I'm sorry. I'll have to go lie down! Please excuse me!"

With that he turned for the exit, and caught a glimpse of his father, who stood stern-faced with the rage of a thousand Hispanian bulls dancing on his forehead. No matter, he'd get over it. Isaak maintained a look of horror and shock as he was leaving, but when he saw #3 Chryse trying to contain a laughter, he couldn't help but let slip a smile.

[Smowz]

Civil War - The Personal Diary of Nevoulas ek Philadelphius.

Constinantinople:


My head is a whirl. My emotions are up and down. I feel in my head, I have made the right moves. But alas, my heart is torn in two. There are a great many friends I have lost on the last few days, there is no going back. My smiles and confidence in the senate betrays a great sadness and sorrow at what I have said and done. I cannot keep all this locked up for I will go mad, perhaps that is the illness that we have suffered in recent months we have all gone quite mad!!!! I must write this down, the pen in this case may be greater than the sword.

My lords within the house of Asteri rightly feel that I talk out of turn, I should know my place. It is by Kalematros' side. His much loved sons are coming of age, what must they think of me their loving Uncle Nevoulas. I wish we had happier times, I remember the fun we used to have in Iconium, they were happy boys... and Zigavinos a man who has treated me well and proved a great ally in my times in charge of the administration. I fear I no longer have his respect either.

The grandmaster Armatos and my longtime friend his second Bart, their frowns will live with me the longest. I know now that I am unlikely to see them again until we likely meet on the battlefield, I dearly hope it will not come to that. When we were young men, I fondly recall exchanging correspondence with Bart on regular occasions.

Then there comes Tagaris himself, the conquerer, a hero among the people and my soldiers. I aspired to be like him a conquerer myself - extending our glorious empire on the battlefield against its enemies. It is he who I picture now enraged in Mecca with his young daughter and her suitor.

Tonight I drink to them, perhaps tomorrow I will return to the senate....

....later.....

There is no other option. The Caeser is a great man but he is not the Emperor.

Sea of Marmara: (on a merchents vessel)

How did it all come to this? Why was I compelled to declare war on a Roman hero?

Duty.

My duty is at first to the empire and to protect against its enemies. At one time, not so long ago when I was in office it was clear who those enemies were or was it? Come to think of it now it felt at times like I was a pivot with all the dignitaries of the empire pulling in every direction. Was it inevitable that it would collapse? Before I can think of the future I have to examine the past. So many have different ways of telling it, I can see the likes of Vringas and Theo even now going back and forth over it.

Duty was easy under Aleksios, it would surely be under leadership such as his that so many capable men would come out of the woodwork and work towards the common cause. Inspirational men like Ampules, Ksanthpoulas and the beloved Kosmas lived, breathed and died for him. There were grumblings for sure, but his steady hand guided us and molded us.

Then he died. By rights considering who ascended to the throne there should have been anarchy immediately. I recall when the news reached my desk I was tempted to sail back to Athens immediately - but whilst the news of the passing of one emperor fell away and another rose I guess the common cause of fighting the Fatamids and the Seljuks focussed senators minds elsewhere.

But the new emperor was determined to establish his control, he wanted absolution and respect as his father had once had. Respect that was in short supply, the contempt of many senators as they 'swore fealty' to him was all to evident. By rights many, me included should have been detained right there and then. But I guess, I was Megas - the politicians champion and Tagaris was Caeser - the peoples champion, the new emperor was fearful of his life in such a climate. He would be happy enough with the words and watch whilst we continued our mandate to fight our enemies in the East.

Whilst we fought, on the inside Emperor Ioannis gathered those loyal to him closest. Pavlos, Vringas and Andronikos became a privy council. But on the outside things carried on I guess as administrations do without any flicker of rebellion.

Then the Emperor started to issue commands. We saw immediately that there was no loyalty to this new emperor, I remember fearfully shaking as I dared to defy him in the senate halls. It is a wonder I am still alive, I feel at comfort with my statements on that day and was fully prepared to die for them. The emperor was once again trumped by the politicians and the people you might say - his command to make peace with the Fatamids was ignored. But this darkened his mood he surely knew now that these days were just a matter of time.

Now we come to the present, my term as Megas ended... the election for the new Megas passed smoothly in favour of Pavlos over a young man most of us barely knew, perhaps a puppet opposition who is to say? The election took second standing to events over in Mecca, in the courts of Tagaris his young daughter had come of age. I can hear Tiverios now the young governer of the capital bemoaning the fight over a 14 year old girl. The Emperor commanded that she marry his eldest brother, the Caeser defied the order and married her to another.

War was declared. The emperor commanded that his empire rise up in arms.

Duty.

The Aegean sea: (on a merchents vessel)

I need to think of how I am going to break the news to my soldiers. It is delicate, they are much taken with the young prince Isaakios, it is not often that they get to mix with royalty. Outwardly, there is not much inspirational about him apart from his bloodline that is enough for most men. But I have seen and dined with legends. Yet I respect and cherish Isaakios as I do others. Inwardly he is a most well spoken and thoughtful young man, I believe his apparent contempt for politics is a front for a far more deep person he is yet to reveal.

The soldiers, they are a promising bunch. I have several veterens of the battle we fought together in Anatolia against the Fatamid Jihad. My god that seems so long ago. The others have been trained in Markinople and Corinth and are some of the finest men from these parts. They are eager to fight the enemy, I was fearful of whether they would take to fighting the fellow Christians of Venice, let alone fellow Romans. They'd do it I am sure, but can I live with myself for forcing them to do it.

I keep telling myself - why fight for an empire that you do not believe in? If I am unwilling to fight for the emperor, then what exactly am I fighting for?

I see Ariantis now, me and him drinking in our younger days in the halls of the Asteri. The young bold adventurer, who became what he is today one of the 'traitors'. How can I call him a traitor? Why will he not answer the call of duty? Does he seriously believe that he can sit in this so called Neutrality? They fell over themselves to mention that word, over and over it rings in my head. What kind of an empire do they believe they are in? The emperor commands you obey or you disobey the matter is simple....

and yet.... here I am just a few days from having to talk to Isaakios, one of those that has been talking of neutrality. I hope he is comforted by the news I have from the Emperor.

[ULC]

Alexandria, 1156

Nikolaos staggered into his room, exhausted from running hither and yonder to keep the peace within the Magnaura the best he could. He sighed to himself, kicking off his boots, knowing that he had never been cut out for the power given him. He was a soldier, a Varangian, not the senator and House leader he was now.

"Damn it all...I wish Lady Veronica were here, she had the right mind for these things.” Nikolaos sighed, remembering the feisty woman who seemed perpetually at war with the world, and winning at that. Nikolaos thought back to the day when she had first ensnared him in her games...

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

“Of course, Alexandria's riches will be open to Milanese ships! We are allies after all, Lady Veronica.” Nikolaos stood perplexed, pouring himself a mug of mead as lady Veronica sat crossed legged, leaning back in her chair with her black hair tied back and in what seemed clothing more fitting for a man in the current Duke of Milan's livery.

“I am making sure Nikolaos, as you know I am on a diplomatic mission to insure that the Roman Empire's and Milan's interests remain...in accord.” Nikolaos turned sharply to give Veronica a hard look. “Careful what you speak of, you sound as if Milan you were trying to threaten the Roman Empire.” Veronica smiled coyly. “Oh course not, but proper wording is required for any diplomatic engagement, and to say in my Duke's stead that he is solely loyal to the Roman Empire would do him disservice. Honesty is a good policy, don't you think Nikolaos?”

“It is a good policy not many follow, and few even follow through. Veronica, you need not be so wordy with me, you know your wit would dazzle me any day. Speak plainly, please, we have known each other for sometime now, I have nothing to hide from you, why should you have something to hide from me?” Veronica pursed her lips and thought for a moment, before slamming her chair back on four legs to lean forward across the table and stare directly into Nikolaos eyes. Nikolaos flinches under her gaze and the unexpected move.

“I am in a rather tenuous position as a cousin of the current Duke, more specifically, my children and I are in a tenuous position. My children are a direct threat to my cousin Francesco's children, and as such I am liable to loose them at any moment simply because of politics. I can do nothing for Demetrios and Chara, and Riccardino has been adopted by Duke Francesco Rossi out of the...kindness of his heart. Riccardino has a chance as he is still young, and no real threat to the throne...”

Nikolaos raises an eyebrow. “How are Demetrios and Chara threats to the Milanese throne? I don't see why this Francesco can't take them in all the same...your not telling me something Veronica...as you usually do.” Veronica's eyes narrowed. “I'm not withholding anything.” Nikolaos planted his fists on the table and stared right back into Veronica's eyes. “You are withholding something, don't lie to me Veronica. The Duke should have nothing to fear from either Demetrios or Chara unless they could claim lineage to royalty from a nearby...Iakovos was German, wasn't he?” Veronica held Nikolaos gaze. “They are not Iakovos's children.” Nikolaos returned the stare. “They are not Hypatios's then, are they?”

Veronica flinched, and it dawned on Nikolaos. “They are Iakovos's children! Why do you lie about such things Veronica! And how is it that Iakovos is related to royalty!” Veronica turned away and started to leave, but Nikolaos grabbed her arm. “Veronica, this is not right! Why do you lie to your own children!” Veronica yelled past her tears at Nikolaos. “TO PROTECT THEM! TO KEEP THEM FROM THE LIFE I LIVED! I want them to live a peaceful life, away from all the bitter politics that consume all of noble blood!” Veronica broke into the tears and fell to her knees, slipping out of Nikolaos fading grasp.

Nikolaos grabbed his forehead and began trying to organize his swirling thoughts. “So, that would mean Iakovos's mother was-” Veronica finished his sentence, wiping away her tears but not getting up. “A Hohenstaufen. Francesco fears Chara and Demetrios because he thinks that if they ascend to the throne, it would unite Milan with the Holy Roman Empire. And the Hohenstaufen family does not wish to see to many competitors or unnecessary war with Milan, so I have been politely refused asylum. So...they have no were to go but here...where they can be safe...Nikolaos...I need you to be their Godfather.”

Nikolaos did a double take. “Uh, what again? The mead must be getting to me, I could have sworn you said you wanted me to be the-” Veronica laughed weakly. “Their Godfather? Indeed I did. Nikolaos, your the only one I trust that will take them in! You've already accepted them as if they were your own children, and they love you just as warmly.” Nikolaos stuttered. “Yes, true but...I mean, Methodios?! Armatos! Makedonios! Even Kalameteros!”

Veronica sniffled as she lifted herself up with the help of a chair. “All refused...oh, look at me, a grown woman crying like this...” Veronica tried to straighten her clothes, but Nikolaos grabbed her hands and pulled them away. “You are fine Lady Veronica...few women have I met that are as strong as you. To hide such a burden, most would have fallen apart. I gladly accept your offer...but may I ask why now?”

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

Nikolaos sighed. He had soon gotten his answer. Within a few months, Veronica had taken ill, and became bed ridden. It was heart wrenching to see her waste away, unable to do anything no matter how hard she tried. But Nikolaos had been there...

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

"But you'll be fine, right mom? Right? I mean, you can just tear through the bad guys like you usually, do, I am sure you can beat this!" Demetrios held his mothers hand as Chara and little Riccardino stood off to one side, Nikolaos in the doorway. Veronica smiled warmly at Demetrios, and reached up to hold his shoulder from her bed. Through bloodstained lips, Veronica's spoke with an unsteady voice. "Demetrios...you were always the hopeful one. I always wondered how you held onto it, how you always managed to inspire the best in everyone by your infectious hope." On the other side of the bed, the physician was finishing up. "Children, if you please. Your mother needs peace and quiet, and as much rest as she can get. She won-" Veronica turned on the physician. “Do not presume to tell my children what to do. I can get my rest when I need to sleep, I don't ne-” Veronica fell into a coughing fit, and in an instant, Nikolaos was at her side, lifting her up to help her.

Veronica waved away Nikolaos. “Please, leave me with the children...I want to speak to them.” Nikolaos obediently moved to leave, making sure the physician went first, shutting the door behind him. Out in the hall way, Nikolaos accosted the man. “tell me, how long does she have? Will she be better?” The Physician looked pityingly at Nikolaos. “She will die, there is nothing that will stop that. It will only be a when...I giver her days, maybe a few weeks. God has called her, and nothing I do will stop him from bringing her to heaven.”

Nikolaos nodded solemnly, and let the man go. After a few minutes, the door opened and the children filed out, clearly disheartened. Nikolaos ruffed the hair of Demetrios. “Why don't you take your brother and sister to the Library. There is something there for all of you.” Demetrios nodded, still solemn where as the others had brightened. As they walked away, Nikolaos puzzled...what had Veronica told Demetrios that would so sap him of his usual good humor?”

“Are you alright Lady Veronica?” Nikolaos ducked into the room and took his usual spot next to Veronica. “I am fine Nikolaos...thank you.” Nikolaos smiled warmly. “Tis alright Lady Veronica. I am more then happy.” As the hours ticked by, first Veronica, then Nikolaos, nodded off...

As the stranger moved to leave, having left his note on Veronica's stand, Nikolaos arm shot out, grabbing the man by his cloak. “Hold you! How dare you trespass! I should gut you, but I will give you a chance to explain yourself!” For a moment, everything was still, the only sound that of Veronica's heavy and ragged breathing. Finally, the cloaked man spoke. “You should know me Nikolaos, your the one who sent me away in disgrace and chains.” Nikolaos eyes widened in surprise. “Aleksander! How dare you show your face here!” Aleksander whisper shouted back. “Quiet you oaf! You will wake Veronica.” Nikolaos stood, lifting Aleksander clean off his feet, and held him out, dangling in mid air. “I should kill you for breaking Imperial Law! Exile!”

Veronica stirred from sleep, lazily groping around. “Nikolaos, why so loud? Who on earth are you talking to?” Her hand fell across the letter, and before Nikolaos could react, she had a candle lit and the scene was revealed. Veronica gasped. “Aleksander! I told you not to come!” Aleksander shrugged. “I've never been one for rules...but since your oaf of a guard woke you, might as well discuss this civilly, right? You wouldn't want to make an orphan, now would you?” Veronica nodded at Nikolaos, who then dropped Aleksander roughly to the floor without a seconds thought.

Dusting himself off, Aleksander began. “I am here to leave Sergios with you, as we discussed. Hungarian authorities have decided that I am worth capturing and sending back to the Empire for a hefty ransom. He will be safe here. His mother will be staying here as well. I trust you will not tell anyone of Sergios's lineage? Good. I am asking that they stay here until I can come back for them when it is safe, nothing more. If you need, I will-” Veronica waved her hand. “Although you presume much, I will take in Sergios and his mother Luca, and you need not worry about paying for anything. But if you appear without notice, if anything mysterious happens within the entirety of the Empire, when you come to claim them, I will run you through, and Luca and Sergios will serve this House, as slaves. Is this understood Aleksander?”

Aleksander chuckles. “Don't be so loving and generous Veronica, you might just outdo Jesus. Fine, I accept your proposal.” And with that, Aleksander left. Nikolaos sighed in relief. “What a godless and wretched knave...I am sorry for waking you Lady Veronica.” Shaking her head, Veronica leaned back onto her pillow. “No, it's quite alright Nikolaos, I am glad I was able to talk to Aleksander instead of having him force his conditions upon me. Nikolaos..go to bed please, I will be alright for the night.” Nikolaos nodded. “Yes Lady Veronica.” As Nikolaos walked under the door way, Veronica shouted at his back. “And stop calling me Lady Veronica!”

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

Nikolaos sighed, rapping his fingers on the book he had just picked up. His thoughts trailed to the day she had died, and Aleksander had come to claim his wife and child. He had gone in peace, and for once did not crack any jokes, and seemed genuinely sad at Veronica's passing.

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

“You've done more for her then I was ever capable of giving her...her last days must have been wonderful...you ever wonder Nikolaos, if you will be lonely at the end? I am lucky to have Luca and Sergios...I'd give my life for them, any day...no matter the conditions. I want more for Luca and Sergios then the life I have given them.” Nikolaos laughed and slapped Aleksander on the back. “First time in your life you give a damn about someone else other then yourself?” Aleksander rubbed the now red spot on his back and muttered, “Yeah, something like that.”

Aleksander stood up, and removed something from his sleeve. “When Sergios is old enough Nikolaos, give him this. It's the papers he needs to claim himself as my legitimate son. It will enable him access to my families money, as well as make him a Senator of the Roman Empire.” Nikolaos eyed Aleksander, then turned back to stare into emptiness muttering, “Why everyone dump their kids off on me?”, as he took another swig from his wine glass.

Aleksander looked up at Nikolaos. “You've been teaching Demetrios to fight?” Nikolaos choked on his wine, spewing it out upon the ground. Wiping it off his chin, Nikolaos continued laughing. “No, no, he teaches me! I've never seen anyone so young so skilled with a blade. He could easily beat some of the best men in the Empire...” Aleksander thought for a moment. “When Sergios becomes a Senator...could you send Demetrios to train him? I have kept the boy away from war and bloodshed as much as possible...” Nikolaos looks at Aleksander. “That's no good for a boy...but yes, that sounds reasonable.”

Aleksander nodded. “Thank you...I must be going, I don't want you to end up in trouble simply because I paid a visit...good bye Nikolaos.” Nikolaos stood, and in his drunken state grabbed Aleksander in embrace, nearly crushing him. “Good to see you too Aleksander. You have such a wonderful kid and wife. Don't let em go.” Aleksander fell to the ground once Nikolaos let him go, and unable to manage any words, simply nodded feverishly as he walked away.

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Nikolaos turned over, closing his eyes. So many promises to so many people...especially that last promise he mad to Veronica as she died, a promise he hoped to make good on soon. Nikolaos shook himself. Sad thoughts would only trouble his dreams. Better to sleep now, and worry over breakfast...

[Smowz]

Athens 1158

Following a short sermon on a hilltop over their family home, Makadonias ek Philadelphius raises sombrely out of his seat to deliver a Eulogy for his beloved brother Nevoulas. He steadies himself determined to not let his brother down as he had done so badly in the past.

I thank you all for joining with me today to bury my dear brother and Senator of the Empire Nevoulas ek Philadelphius.

My brother was not born of noble blood, he was born here in the countryside of Greece.

Looks around at the surroundings.

As young lads, he and I would run amongst these hills and dream of past glorious leaders of the Roman empire. Little did we know what battles and trials awaited us in the near future.

Nevo stood here and watched as myself and our .... father.

Makadonias spits the last word out like it was a dirty one. He wipes his mouth and simultaneously wipes the tears from his eyes.


He watched whilst we would ride away to our decadent destiny where we both were responsible for shaming the family.


Makadonias now looks down at his dead brother.

It was here that Nevo restored my pride and honour after a period of rehabilitation. It will always leave me with much regret that I will not be able to show you my loyalty my brother. I hope you keep a place for me in the afterlife.

Makadonias tears himself away from this moment and looks up at the audience.

I thank the many of you, who have played tribute to my brother. As you know Nevo was a loyal servant of the empire, he belived with all of his heart that he was born to serve it. It was in Crete that he paid the ultimate sacrifice, leading by example where other men hesitated into the breach. It was similar to the way he lived much of his adult life, committing acts that were above his station.

I had only been shortly reunited with Nevo when he was elected Megas, an honour that I never could have fathomed possible. In truth, he felt uncomfortable with being thrust into this position of power, he only did so when it was clear that no other suitable candidates were available. It was clear from the way in which his term was conducted that Nevoulas was a popular man and despite the death of the legendary Aleksios Komnenus he managed to be the glue that kept the empire together.

Let it be known despite the misgivings that I know some people have of him, Nevoulas is a loyal supporter of not only the empire, but its emperor. I understand that the feeling was shared, my brother and the emperor had become quite close by the time of Nevo's passing. I know that it hurt him to see, the empire bleeding as it is now.

Makadonias now turns to the delegates of the House of Asteri.

Despite Nevo's loyalties toward the emperor, he knew his place and spent much of his time in power consiladating and improving the provinces within the hands of the house of Asteri and its friends. In his death the reigns of Nevoulas' two Duchies pass on to Zigavinos Vasilakios.

Makadonias breathes uneasily.

I do not know if you are here Lord Zigavinos, but I would like to pass on a message from Nevo. He passed me a will before he passed away. One that does not carry the seal of authority, but nether-the-less believe me was his dearest wish. He knows your first love is Anatolia and you have patrolled your borders well. He knows that Markinople will be in safe hands under your stewardship. However with the province of Belgrade, it would be our families dearest wish if you would pass it on to his highness the Basilues Ioannis Komnenus. This was Nevoulas' wish, I hope you can respect that no matter what your ideological differences with his highness it.

Makadonias then looks up to the rest of the people present.

Finally it is with great honour to learn of Prince Isaakios Komnenus intention on renaming the settlement on Crete after Nevo. His name deserves to live on through the ages as a hero of the empire.

Makadonias exits the stage now, to retreat to a life unknown.

[ULC]

Outside Alexandria, 1164

"Aye, we found him Lord Aristenos! Had to chase him down though, for an old man he can sure run fast."

Nikolaos nodded to the captain. "Thank you captain, please bring him into my command tent. That will be all." With a sharp salute, the captain left the tent, and he returned quickly with a man dressed in clerical robes, although not of Roman origin.

Looking up from his paperwork, Nikolaos finally stood up, and the priest suddenly fell out of his chair as he tried to look up at Nikolaos. Nikolaos was already on one knee offering his hand. "I am sorry, I do that sometimes, here." The priest muttered something to himself as he brushed away Nikolaos's hand and seated himself with a bit of difficulty on his chair. As Nikolaos returned to his desk, the priest coughed into his hand.

Nikolaos looked up sharply. "Yes?"
The priest looked over at Nikolaos haughtily, and spoke with a an Italian accent. "May I ask why I am being detained and why I was so rudely forced by Roman soldiers to come here? I have a sermon to conduct!"

Nikolaos looked back down at his papers, rifling through them as he scanned each. Silence suddenly pervaded the room, and it's heaviness seemed to squish the air out of the priest again. He coughed into his hand again. Nikolaos looked back up. "Have you caught cold? I can fetch my physician if you need him."

The priest gave Nikolaos a stern look, and his voice took on a condescending tone. "I said I had a sermon to conduct. There are several hundred people waiting for me!" Nikolaos returned to his paper flipping. The priest turned scarlet. "Now see here! You have not given me any explanation as to-"

Nikolaos held up his hand. "Please, Father, I am looking for you on the rosters here and I cannot find you. I find it very distracting when you talk, and I keep losing my place when you do. If you are not on the roster, I cannot legally allow you to conduct your sermons." The priest stood firm. "Roster? I have heard of no roster! The word of God does not require a roster, it does not require "legality" to be spoken for those wishing it, it is above mortal law, God is above mortal law, and you sir are-"

Nikolaos stood up. "Enough, please Father! I am a Roman senator, and as such I must set an example by following the law, as should you. It is Roman law that requires one to be placed in line for the roster, for assignment! It has been so for as long as I have known, and I was told this by one of the priests from Antiokeia."

The priest sniffed. "I do not answer to 'Roman law', and I most certainly do not answer to to anyone else other then God and the Pope!" Nikolaos did a quick double take at the priest. "Excuse me? Say that again?"

The priest smirked at the dumbfounded look on Nikolaos's face. "I answer to no one, other then God and the Pope. So your "Roman Law", so you can go and-"

Nikolaos sat back down and pulled out his quill. "CAPTAIN!" A burst of fabric and with lightning speed, the captain was within the tent. Nikolaos cocked an eyebrow. "Where you outside the tent this whole time?" The captain shrugged a bit. "Ehhh, yes M'lord. I mean no M'lord, but yes M'lord." Nikolaos shook his head and began writing a note. "Please escort the Catholic Priest to the-"

"I am a Cardinal from Rome, a member of the collegiate! Not some backwater priest!" Nikolaos sighed exasperatedly as he fetched another piece of paper and began writing a new. "Please escort the Italian Catholic Card-" The Cardinal yelled again. "I am Sicilian! Do not compare me to those godless Milanese or Venetians, God save those poor and unfortunate enough to be under their reign."

Nikolaos sighed, picked up another piece of paper and began writing. "Please escort the Sicilian Catholic Cardinal to the-" The Cardinal moved to speak again, but Nikolaos lifted up his hand. The Cardinal grew indignant, but each time he made to say something, Nikolaos's hand shot up. When it was clear Nikolaos had won, he continued. "-to the docks, for deportation."

The Cardinal stood up, his face livid. "Now see here! I come from Rome to spread the true faith! You have no right to send me away, you heretical fool! I do God's work, even if I have to deal with such atrocious accommodations" Nikolaos did not bother to look up. "Continue to insult me, and I will send you to Constantinople to stand trial for sedition. As it is now, I am being awfully nice to you. Captain?" Nikolaos held out the letter, but before he could reach it, the Cardinal grabbed it and tore it into shreds with a smug look on his face.

Nikolaos began to grow angry, standing up with a start to his full height. "There was no call for that! How dare you interfere, I was saving your neck from the chopping-" A look of shock crossed the Cardinal's face, and he suddenly dropped dead. A moment of awkward silence fell upon the captain and Nikolaos.

"He's dead, isn't he?"
"Aye M'lord," the captain said, kicking the slumped over cardinal with his boot. "Sure of it."
Another awkward pause followed as the captain kicked the cardinal's body again. Nikolaos coughed uncomfortably. "Send a letter to the Sicilians informing them that their Cardinal has, uh..." Nikolaos looks over at the captain questioningly, "Lost at sea?" The captain nodded. "Aye M'lord, that should do it."

Nikolaos sat back down in his chair, and began writing his note. The captain waited a minute before asking. "And the body M'lord?" Nikolaos looked up. "Ehhh...do what you see best captain." Nikolaos returned to his writing. As the captain left with the body, Nikolaos inwardly reminded himself he needed to go to mass one of these days.