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...

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“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?”

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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...

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"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!”

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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.

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“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...