Deep in the Vatican a secret congress of diplomats is gathering.
News has begun to arrive from the east of atrocities committed by a barbarous horde of horsemen that descend upon the mighty Khwarezm Empire. It is far from clear what their intentions are and the threat, if any, seems remote and distant.
Still, seeing the opportunity to enhance his own power by acting as peacemaker, the Pope has sent messages to the rulers of the pre-eminent powers of Europe and the East inviting them to send their emissaries to his court to discuss terms on which the many wars which rack the world may be ended in the face of this potential challenge.
Sceptical and consumed by their own squabbles, the Kings of the Catholic world and Sultans of Islam reluctantly respond to the call and authorise their representatives to travel to Rome.
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