Royal Wedding

[Zim]

Kosmas chuckles at Appionas' comment, after nodding in return to Methodios Tagaris.

"Strator Methodios does indeed provoke a wide range of emotions from many people, but the one I found most common on my recent trip to Belgrade was admiration. His victory over the catholic rebels there was nothing short of magnificent.

As for your question, Strator Apionnas, I suspect much of the coming years will be devoted to rebuilding the Empire's infrastructure and bringing the Imperial armies back up to the level of quality they were once renowned for. Of course, there is also the matter of the war on the Turks the Senators voted for last Magnaura. After the Seljuks have been pushed from Christian lands the focus of the Empire might turn back inward for a time. Then again, the Turks are not the only ones to hold land that once belonged to the Empire. The Venetians still hold Crete as well as much of the land of the Exarchate of Italy, and only a small portion of the Levant is yet under the Order's protection.

The only thing I am absolutely sure of is that any predictions I make are as likely to be wrong as correct. What do you think the Empire's likely course is to be in the coming decades, Apionnas?"

[AussieGiant]

"Indeed Kosmos, I found Methodios opportunistic tactic of selling Zagreb to the Hungarian's to be a very astute move. He certainly is an asset to the Empire. I just wonder if he could pursue his career in a less adversarial fashion.

There has certainly been more than a few 'shining lights' dimmed by issues other than skill and daring."

Pausing for some time Apionnas finally continue.

"The Empire is solidifying. The opening moves have been made with little impact to our way of life. While all is well I expect everyone to be at peace with each other. However, once the cogs of war really begin to turn and the pressure mounts, then I expect to see the separation of chaff and wheat to occur. That is what I am eagerly waiting for my Lord."

[Ibn-Khaldun]

Efstathios walks in to the room. Without the formal wedding invitation he felt like a little bit unwanted here. But then again, it must be some postal service mistake. He hoped.