The Sands of Time - MoT diplomacy thread

[phonicsmonkey]

A fanfare sounds and the great doors of the Blachernae Courtroom swing open to admit a procession of gaily-dressed Nubian ghulams bearing ostrich feathers which they wave in the air as they march to a slow drumbeat.

Following the ghulams is a thin, North African arabian man with an impressive thick, black beard. He is garbed in flowing white robes which are embroidered at the collar, cuffs and hem with intricate patterns in rich gold thread. Atop his head is an Indian-style turban beset with an enormous emerald in the shape of a crescent. His fingers are beset with glittering rings of gold and silver encrusted with gemstones of every hue. At his side, in a holster attached to his embossed leather belt, is a tiny and ornate Q'uran.

His name is Ibn-Battutah and he has become quite the celebrity due to his extensive travels around the Islamic world. His travel has taken him from his homelands in Moorish Iberia, through the lands of the faithful on hajj and to the court of the Delhi Sultan. Rumour has it he has visited even the Mongol Khan in his court at Qara Qorum. There is no greater authority on the world at large and specifically the habits and customs of the faithful. Here at Constantinople he is serving as qadi and vizier to the Khalifa and is empowered to speak for him on matters of diplomacy.

The procession having come to a halt, he mounts the dais and seats himself languidly in the throne of the Byzantine Emperors. In a thin, wheedling voice he begins to speak to the assembled dignitaries.

Lords, diplomats and emissaries of the world, ahlan wa sahlan, I welcome you to the court of al-Khalifa Habushan the Just, Prince of the Two Seas, Commander of the Faithful, Guardian of the Holy Places and Arbiter of Conflicts, Allah bless his house and preserve all those who meet in it, let his enemies be smitten by the terrible sword of vengeance.

It greatly pleases the Khalifa to be able to reveal to you certain aspects of the Caliphate's diplomatic and military position.

Firstly, let it be known that our longstanding allies and friends the Moors will continue to receive our full support in all their endeavours.

Secondly, we hereby announce an alliance with our former enemies the Khwarezm Shahdom. Long may the union of all Islam bring light and joy upon the peoples of the ummah.

Thirdly, we are much heartened by the reasonable attitude of the Italian States. Specifically our newfound allies the Normans of Sicily who place reason and truth ahead of petty differences and have agreed to support us in our war against the so-called Roman Emperor. Also the Venetians and the Genovese who have agreed to bring to an end our years of war and commence trade with our richly-stocked ports once more. Inshallah these ties will bind us together in harmony for years to come.

Fourthly, on a less pleasant note, we confirm the continuation of our righteous jihad against the barbarians of Rum, the former occupants of this very palace. We had hoped that their Basileos might see reason and indeed we had seemed to strike a deal with him which would lead to peace and an alliance, but unfortunately his unreasonable demands and lack of respect for our territorial claims led us to quarrel and he chose the mountainous path of war instead of the fertile valleys of peace, advancing on Adana with two armies intent to seize the castle for his own. Needless to say this attack was repelled.

He now lies dead in Adrianople alongside two of his family. Another of his generals fought in vain to save Nicaea and in the field the armies of Islam have scattered his forces to the four winds.

Should the new Basileos find that pragmatism and piety overcome bloodlust, we are open to negotiations to bring our war to an end, but until such a time let he and all who succour him fear our righteous anger!

Finally, al-Khalifa would like to let it be known that he seeks no quarrel with any man and is open to negotiation on any issues which Kings, Khans or Sultans might bring to his attention. He is willing to end all open conflicts on agreable terms and resume trade with any kingdom which desires to lay down the blade for the plow.

My guests, avail yourselves of all the hospitality this great city and palace has to offer, you are the guests of the most magnificent ruler of the world.

As salamu alaykum!