Volume 5 – Chapter 6 – Night Talks…

|Evening of February 26 - 1249 - Hall in the Blachernae Palace, Constantinople - Attila | 

"We celebrate the arrival of our great guest: Attila, King of Jerusalem!.>> said the Emperor to announce the evening banquet that had been organized in my honor.

After a few seconds of applause, everyone began to eat.

The banquet was rich in dishes, overflowing with food from everywhere.

The table was rectangular and also very long (perhaps too long, considering the number of people celebrating).

Finally, I found myself eating good food.

The Emperor sat at the head of the table while I was on the opposite side (so were we both at the head of the table?) along with Rasha.

On our side, there were many nobles of Constantinople, enjoying themselves as if there were no tomorrow.

So, I began to eat the food; it was delicious. I didn't want anything else.

When I started to feel full, I decided it was time to look around a bit and see if I could recognize anyone.

And indeed, I was not mistaken.

To my great surprise, I saw again a person I hadn't seen in a very long time, whom I had almost completely forgotten.

I'm talking about Constance, Emperor Frederick's daughter, who was sitting next to the Emperor.

In fact, now that I think about it, Constance was indeed given in marriage to Emperor John to seal the relations of détente between the empires (but also between their respective religions) and thus to be officially recognized as "friendly empires."

A classic political marriage.

When she noticed I was looking at her, she turned away and did her best not to meet my gaze again.

I don't understand the reason, but I accept it passively. Meanwhile, Rasha was eating in a very amusing way.

How can I explain it? She ate in an elegant way (or at least she tried), but she couldn't because of her haste in doing so.

After about an hour, the Emperor approached and said to me:<<Dear Attila, let's leave our guests to enjoy themselves. I would like exchange a few more words with you, in private.>>

<<Certainly, I also wanted to talk you about some important matters.>> I replied.

We stood up and left the banquet and returned to the balcony.

From there, you could see all of Constantinople lit up with nightlights.

<<Frankly, I think the Mongols will still prevail over us. There are simply too many of them.>> Emperor John said, breaking the silence. 

I replied:<<I almost agree with you, except that I have personally devised ways to counter them. don't want say we will definitely win, but are, in a sense, obliged do so.>>

<<Alright. Let's suppose that, somehow, you manage to repel the Mongol invasion and maintain some order in Middle East. What will do next?>>

I had to reflect for a few seconds to answer this question:<<Afterward? Who knows. Of course, I already have some plans in mind, but I'm not sure if should tell you.>>

The Emperor made a silent grimace, then said:<<Attila, I am about to entrust a good part of my troops you. need know what you will do in the future. Based on your answer, decide whether support or not.>>

<<So, you want me to be honest with you? Alright.>> I replied.

<<You are Orthodox, correct?>> I asked the Emperor.

<<Certainly. >> he responded.

<<Well, I'm not. In fact, I don't believe in any religion. my opinion, everyone is the architect of their own destiny, even if it often influenced by decisions others. Let me give you an example: suppose a Christian village attacked Mongols. Some Christians, not all, will think that it's actually God punishing them for hypothetical sins, and that's why someone them. The Mongols, on other hand, thanks to gods or whatever astral entities somehow indicated nice plunder. But truth, which knows but no one wants admit, moving westward, found and, eat replenish themselves, they plundered it, raped women, ate all food inside.>>

After my words, the Emperor remained silent.

I continued:<<I have come to the conclusion that everyone will believe what they want. Western Romans in Catholicism, you Orthodoxy, and Arabs Islam. This leads many misunderstandings unnecessary wars, such as Crusades. However, now I a kingdom, once we overcome Mongolian obstacle, would like create new promised land.>>

<<A promised land? What do you mean specifically?>> the Emperor asked.

I replied: "<<My way of interpreting the "promised land" is as follows: A land where anyone any ethnicity, race, religion, can live peaceful a life possible, under shadow King whose role not to rule OVER them but FOR them. prototype multiethnic nation, with balanced and just laws, each social group adequately represented, peace reign. It might prove be an unrealizable dream because creating problems human nature. But, even if for brief period, I would like at least try do it.>>

After a moment of silence, the Emperor extended his hand and said:<<Your dream is beautiful. I wish could still be alive to see it realized.>>

I shook his hand gratefully.

After a few minutes of peace, the Emperor said:<<This dream of the "promised land" is very daring. I think there will be many forces that not accept its presence. How do you intend to counter them?>>

<<I think only one entity is capable of ruining my project. And it the Papal State Rome. In fact, I have had unfinished business with them for a long time. It would be an idea to destroy all. wanted talk you about how...>>

The secret discussion continued throughout the evening.

After that, everyone went to sleep.

|Morning of February 27 - 1249 - Blachernae Gate, Constantinople - Attila | 

After last night's evening, I stayed in bed with Rasha for a while.

Once we had breakfast, the carriages for the return were ready.

<<It's a real shame that you're leaving, Attila.>> said the Emperor, bidding me farewell.

<<It's also a regret for me to leave you, but I have kingdom defend.>>

We shook hands, after which Rasha and I entered the carriage that would take us to the port.

<<I wish you a peaceful journey, Attila.>>

<<Thank you for your wishes; I hope to see soon in Jerusalem.>>

Constance, who had been there from the beginning, didn't say anything, watching our departure in silence.

Well, it doesn't matter much.

|Morning of February 27 - 1249 - Blachernae Gate, Constantinople - Attila | 

After about ten minutes, we reached the port. Once we got off, we headed towards the ship that we had moored.

<<How much do you bet that no Cypriot has stayed to wait for us?>> said Rasha.

<<I don't care at all, in fact, the Emperor assured me a dignified return with sturdy and majestic ship competent prepared crew. But if I had to bet, would say that least someone stayed.>> I replied.

<<Well, we'll see.>>

When we arrived in front of our ship, we were astonished to see that the entire crew remained on board.

After they saw us, they all came down to meet us.

I said:<<I'm glad to see you all here again. I suppose want stay with us?>>

One of them stepped forward and said:<<Your Majesty Attila, on behalf of the entire crew, I would like to inform you that we prefer remain under your command, hoping our lives will improve compared now.>>

I replied:<<Of course, that's how the world works. The people give, and King reciprocates. I'm glad you chose to stay. Pack your things; we will return Acre with a ship much better than this old thing.>>

While the sailors were gathering their few important belongings, I said to Rasha: <<Well, as you can see, I've clearly won. I deserve a prize, don't I?>>

After she sighed, she replied: "<<Alright, you won. But remember: you've won the battle, not war.>>

<<Don't twist it; I've won both the battle and war, so tonight I'd like you to reward me.>> I replied.

She looked at me and said:<<I must say you're not romantic at all.>>

After everyone gathered their things, we proceeded into the port, until we saw the grand ship granted to us by the Emperor.

It was enormous and beautiful. Perhaps one of the few jewels of the imperial navy.

My crew was integrated with the existing one. And so, we set off for Acre, leaving the marvellous Constantinople behind.

It was at that moment that I returned to the real world.