Stories Thread

[KnightnDay]

At a roadside inn and tavern, 25 miles north of the Magnaura, the messenger for Ammonathas, Iustinos and his traveling companion Antonios discussed what had recently transpired.

"I tell you Antonios, I truly could not believe the contents of the sealed letter that Lord Kalameteros had me read to the senate. He had no qualms with any Roman senator. What reason would he have for declaring war? And Bucharest of all places, I thought his were concerns were with Greece?? This is most troubling."

His companion appeared ill at ease. "Yes, well we will no doubt learn more when the time comes. Sleep now my friend Iustinos, we can discuss more on our travels tomorrow. I think I shall retire as well, good night."

With that, the companion left Iustinos' room. But then rather oddly, rather than returning to his own room, Antonios made his way down stairs to the tavern, and seated himself in a dimly lit area, asking for wine. A look of nervous anticipation, he glanced about the room.

Half an hour passed, when two men in non-descript attire entered the same tavern and made their way to the table where Antonios was seated.

"Where have you been?"

"Patience my friend, we understand you fulfilled your part of the bargain and we now have your reward for your most valuable service to us." With that a small pouch was passed to the eager Antonios. He eagerly opened it to inspect the contents. Counting the gold coins quickly, he realized something was amiss.

"What is this? This is only half of what you promised. Don’t you realize if I’m found out, they’ll hang me from the nearest tree? The man who was carrying the original message almost awoke when I replaced the letter of Kalameteros with yours the night before. And it was only by a miracle that I was able to intercept the one which he sent to that Sergios…"

"You will get the remainder once that Megas Voutoumis, or whatever his name is, has killed Kalameteros in battle, and destroyed his army! Once that is done, our faction will have gained the time it needs to regroup. In the meantime, I suggest you prepare your story."

"What story are you talking about?" responded a confused Antonios.

"That messenger cannot be allowed to report back to Kalameteros on what has taken place. Armando, take care of that won’t you?"

With that, one of the Venetian agents briefly flashed a small dagger and with a wide grin departed the table, making his way up the stairs. Antonios was in a state of panic.

"Now as to your story, you were accosted by thieves and the messenger was killed. You barely escaped with your life. I trust you will have time to develop the details during your trip back to your camp…."

Scarcely had he finished when the front door of the tavern flew open. A short, gaunt man in Italian dress made his way inside the tavern. Anyone could tell he appeared near exhaustion. After a short moment scanning the room, he made his way directly to the table.

"Paulo, what the hell are you doing here? You were supposed to wait…"

"I could not wait an instant. There is important news for you. The Byzantine Megas did move towards Sofia as we hoped, but Kalameteros turned south towards Scupi, he did not move in the same direction of Sofia as we expected him to."

"Damn! So his army is intact and the forces of the Doge remain at risk?"

"No no, that is not the only news I bring! That fool Kalameteros left a rear guard behind him. Their Megas intercepted them and convinced them to disband, saying they were betraying their own people! Over four hundred and fifty men that they cannot replace have been eliminated."

"Ha Ha Ha Ha! Excellent! Magnifico! With that the Venetian reached into his pocket and pulled out a second pouch laden with coin, tossing it to Antonios. Here, you’ve earned your full reward. I trust you will be able to pay off those debts now, with a little something left over, eh? Now, Armando should be about done with his work, I suggest you get back on your journey without delay. Our business here is done."

With that, the two cohorts, most pleased with their success, made a quick departure. Moments later, Armando was down the stairs and noting Antonios still seated and more frantic than before, quietly moved to the table.

"You still here my friend? I suggest that you not linger long. The body of your associate will be discovered soon enough." And with that, the assassin Armando too made his way out the door of the tavern.

Antonios needed no more convincing. Covering himself with his cloak, he headed for the door, wondering how he would explain himself on return to camp. Over four hundred men had been dispersed to the winds without a sword raised in anger. It was a brilliant, bloodless Venetian victory over Ammonathas who only now was wondering what had become of the men he had left behind.