Epirus, 1185 AD

"Mein lord Basileus, you must not embark on these long expeditions." scolded his close friend and companion, Philipp Hümmel, as the Basileus wearily removed his armour.

Turning to his Germanic companion, Ioannis could not but suppress a smile.

"You speak of resting, yet you yourself are but 10 years younger than I, and have journeyed across Mediterranean. No, I am not too old for campaign, though I do own that I detest lingering on those foul ships where scurvy lays low many a good man."

"At least you might consider residing at Constantinople, in the luxury and comfort of the Imperial Palace, than worry about a backwater province such as Epirus." shot back Hümmel.

"My dear German friend," responded Ioannis, "as you yourself know, one must do these things to secure the family's power. Your nephew - Wolfgang isn't it? - I hear has been forced to take the cross for trying to increase your family's holdings in Lorraine. I am forced to make these journeys in order to secure the power of the Basileus and my family. Whether in the end they kill me through scurvy, or an imperial cold, it is my duty."