The Kingdom of Outremer

[OverKnight]

I've faced a mass charge from those Kwarzimen across the Iron Bridge before, it is not an enjoyable experience.

As for Damascus, Sir Dieter does not have any artillery. I'm not sure if he could make it to the city and take it before he has to go. I can always make Damascus a target when I've saved up enough money for a garrison.

I would be grateful if your Majesty wished to eliminate any of the Greeks north of the Orontes. My one concern is that pursuing the siege train in the Adana pass might result in a deadly height advantage for the Greeks' machines.

[OverKnight]

Matthias peruses a letter and hisses in frustration.

I have found the Crown of Thorns. The Relic that has been held in the protection of the Kings of Outremer since Otto von Kassel is in the possession of the new Pope, Renaldus. It seems Jan, not wishing to ask any of us for a loan, sold the Crown to the previous Pope for passage back to Europe. The price he asks for its return is all my wealth and my own relics.

Matthias turns the Seal of Solomon on his ring finger.

Such a galling price set by a man new to his power. If it wasn't for Sir Dieter, he wouldn't even be Pope, yet he has the temerity to hold my feet to the fire.

He taps the letter on the table.

Mein Kaiser and Sir Dieter, I ask your assistance in having the Crown returned. Your Majesty's words carry more weight than mine and Sir Dieter did help Renaldus become Pope. If you both write to the Pope, he might be more inclined to accept my new proposal. I plan to offer all my wealth, the Holy Chalice and a promise to enlarge the church in Antioch when the funds become available. I will also stress to him that I will be the sole representative of the Reich in Outremer quite soon and that his generosity will be remembered.

Matthias smiles coldly.

Of course, what I will not say, is that a refusal would be remembered as well.

Edit: His expression turns serious.

In these times of troubles, the people need hope. Relics, particularly the Crown, give them a sense of tradition, continuity and a physical sign of God's blessing, keeping their faith strong. If Outremer is to survive, her people must have hope and faith. This is why I seek the return of the Crown.

What say you both?

[econ21]

Elberhard: My faith in the purity of men of the cloth has been tested of late, Matthias. Dieter and I will be happy to lend our weight to your appeal for the Crown of Thorns to the Pope.

On other business, both Dieter and I will be making preparations for departure in Antioch this year. It seems, for once, it may be a quiet time in this place. This, and the worsening @#$%^&!!! at home has strengthened my resolve to return home.

[OverKnight]

Matthias returns from Jerusalem, a reliquary tucked underneath his arm.

Mein Kaiser and Count Dieter, you both have my heartfelt thanks for your assistance with Pope Renaldus. The Crown of Thorns is back where it belongs, in Outremer.

I am afraid I had to use a combination of bribery and subtle threats to accomplish my goal, but I hope that the new Pope now realizes that the Reich is not to be trifled with. If in the future, the Reich needs a more pliant Pope, I stand at the ready. Though I do hope we can restore the spirit of cooperation we had before the recent animosity without the need for further. . .sanction. The return of the Crown is, I hope, a step in that direction. With the religious strife and destruction of Church property back in Europe however, it is far from guaranteed.

I wish you luck on your journey back to the continent. I just hope there will be a friendly port to land at when you get there. Judging by the Greek advance in Italy, this is no certain thing.

I will do what I can to weaken the Greeks here. I hope to reclaim Adana if God wills me to do so. To leave the resting place of Saint Maximillian and the first settlement of Outremer in the hands of those bastards boils my blood.

[Zim]

Andreas von Salzgitter walks into the room, looking a bit nervous. This was his first time here, and the room's size and relative emptiness seemed a bit eery to him.

"King Matthias, what orders do you have for me? I can join your army, if you wish."

[Zim]

Not hearing a response, Andreas starts nervously pacing about the room, each footstep resulting in a poof of dust in the air. It is obvious this place has not been used of late, likely because the situation was so dire that King Matthias spent all his time in the field, and there had been no oCounts in Outremer for quite some time for him to plan with. After a while, Andreas starts to talk to himself

"By God, there are more Byzantines out there than people in my home city of Bruges. Still, if anyone can stop them, I know that King Matthias can. He has been their greatest enemy for quite some time, and always gets the better of them".

[OverKnight]

Matthias enters the room while Andreas is talking to himself.

Gone mad already, Andreas? That's what we have in Outremer, madmen, younger sons and prophets.

I haven't gotten the best of the Greeks. Not yet at least, I've killed legions of them, but the bastards keep coming.

You will join me north of Acre, Andreas. There we will await the assault of those two Byzantine armies. If God judges us pure, we will survive and I'll see if you're worthy of knighthood.