Volume 5 - Chapter 5 - The Test of Constantinople...

|Morning of February 26th - 1249 - Sea near Constantinople - Attila|

<<We made it here in just 18 days, not bad>>

<<Huh? Do you actually count the days?>> Rasha asked.

<<Of course. How do you travel without keeping track of time? I thought precision was important for assassins>>

<<True, but I rarely embark on journeys as far as this one with you. So after a few days, I stopped counting, knowing you've got it covered>>

This dialogue, though entirely pointless, gives an idea of the overall mood of the situation.

After all the chaos in Cyprus, I could finally relax and enjoy the journey without worries.

I was only cautious about the few Cypriot rowers we had to take on board, though I didn't want to. They were indispensable for piloting a ship. Rasha and I decided to make it clear to them from the start who was in charge, one way or another.

The result is that now the crew does immediately what I want, and they don't even dare to argue.

<<There, Attila, look over there! We've finally arrived!>> Rasha exclaimed.

I turned in silence to the point indicated by Rasha, and there I saw it.

A shining city bathed in sunlight, with a massive port and mighty walls.

We had finally reached our destination: Constantinople.

|Morning of February 26th - 1249 - Port of Constantinople - Attila|

Once we disembarked, I addressed the rest of the crew:<<Listen up, since you've behaved well during this journey, I have two options for you: 1) You can take your share and return to Cyprus to continue your lives. 2) Or you can stay here, wait for me to finish my business with the Emperor, and come to the Kingdom of Jerusalem, where I'll give you a better life, provided you swear absolute loyalty to me. It's up to you. Here are some coins to stay for a few days; Rasha and I need to go>>

I tossed them some coins and left with Rasha.

The city was beautiful, and it's incredible how meticulously they've represented these cities in the game.

Damascus was also well-crafted. It felt like being in Rome but by the sea, with parks and gardens intricately woven into the city through a dense network of streets and establishments.

A true masterpiece of urban planning, if I'm not mistaken, the Emperor's residence right now is the Palace of Blachernae, which, if I recall correctly, is nearby.

But no! How lucky can I get!

Talking to a few citizens, I soon learned that what's nearby is not the "Palace of Blachernae" but the "Palace of Boukoleon," the old imperial family residence.

So this wretched palace I'm searching for is conveniently located on the opposite side of the city. And Constantinople is a vast city, so I'll have to restrain myself from cursing throughout the journey.

Rasha and I stopped here and there to rest from this exhausting yet beautiful walk, visiting some "taverns" since "bars" didn't exist in this era.

|Morning of February 26 - 1249 - In front of the Blachernae Palace, Constantinople - Attila|

We walked until we reached the gate of this wretched palace. However, it wasn't as unpleasant as the one in Cyprus; in fact, it was grand, efficient, and beautiful. But I suppose it's well-known that the Byzantines were skilled in the art department.

In front of the gate stood the classic pair of guards, as suspicious as they come. They looked at me as if I were the most suspicious being in the world, and their gaze conveyed a strange sensation as if they were disgusted with me. Well, my attire wasn't in the best condition (perhaps neither was my smell).

I told them:<<I am Attila, King of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. I am here because I need to speak with the King. He knows of my arrival since I also sent a letter>>

Despite hearing my words, the guards didn't budge an inch. In fact, they remained as still as stone statues. Perhaps, in their eyes, I was not credible.

Even Rasha attempted to say something: <<Listen, we have just completed a long journey. Send someone to confirm and let us in>>

Again, no one responded. It was time to resort to more forceful measures: "Very well, let's do this. Since you don't want to cooperate, if I find an alternative way to inform Emperor John of my arrival, and he allows me in, then I'll simply take my sword and cut one of you two's throats. What do you say?>>

Again, no movement, they were indeed well-trained. But they were playing with the wrong person.

So, I began to look around to assess the area. Fortunately, a servant was walking on the low walls of this palace. I decided to call out to him, but he, with a cold gaze, turned and continued on his way after a few seconds.

It took a whole hour before another staff member passed by him, and this time it was a young servant. When I called out to her, she approached (still staying on the walls) to inquire about the reason.

I asked her if she could somehow inform the Emperor of my presence and if we could take a bath afterwards, given that we had just completed a long journey. Although she hesitated, she was the only one who reassured us that she would let him know as soon as possible.

After the conversation, she headed inside the palace.

We waited only 5 minutes before we heard the internal guard ordering the ones in front of us to open the door. As one guard opened the gate, the other finally spoke to us: <<Forgive our impertinence, honourable Attila. I hope you can understand that we cannot open the doors to just anyone. Nevertheless, I humbly apologize on behalf of both of us>>

It's true that now I have to kill one of the two, but they apologized, and in any case, they are highly professional guards. I said:<<Since I am a guest of John III 'the Merciful,' out of respect for him, I will refrain from killing one of you two and forgive you>>

After that, Rasha and I finally entered the palace. We were immediately greeted by servants, including the one who had acted as a messenger, who showed us to our rooms (filled with royal spare clothing) and then took us to a grand bath. After some peculiarities in the bath with Rasha and changing our clothes, we were finally ready to meet the Emperor.

|Morning of February 26th - 1249 - Balcony in the Blacherne Palace, Constantinople - Attila|

A servant at the entrance of our room informed us that it was time for the meeting and led us to what appeared to be a terrace. There, I saw him, seated on a chair resembling a throne, Emperor John III Ducas Vatatzes. He was a middle-aged man (around 57 years old) with a beard, moustache, black eyes, and hair, although the latter was covered by a crown resembling a ball of yarn adorned with some precious stones. He wore a grand tunic adorned with vivid colours.

Once he saw me, he said:<<Here we are, finally meeting, King Attila>> We exchanged a courteous embrace and took our seats. It was time to discuss serious matters.

I began:<<I start by deeply thank you for your hospitality. I must say that Constantinople is an indescribable city, too beautiful to be real>>

He replied:<<Do not worry; I welcome anyone who deserves it. I am very pleased to hear these words, King Attila. I also think that Constantinople is a marvellous city>>

Then, looking at Rasha for a moment, I said:<<This is Rasha, my bodyguard. I wanted to introduce her>>

"Ah, a pleasure to meet you, Miss Rasha," he replied. Rasha nodded her head in acknowledgement.

I continued with the important part:<<I have come all the way from Acre because there is a VERY IMPORTANT matter I must discuss with you. Do you already know what it is?>>

<<Look, I'll be honest, I have a general idea. The spies, as everyone does, have already reported something to me. However, I would still like to hear everything you have to say>> he responded.

<<I already appreciate your intellectual honesty, Your Highness. As you may have already heard, our civilization will soon face a furious and uncontrollable enemy: the Mongols. They are an almost unstoppable force, conquering everything they can without anyone being able to react. Or at least, that's what everyone says. For reasons I cannot disclose, I know the Mongol army very well. I know how they fight, and therefore, I know how to stop them. I have contacted all the Arab civilizations that still have a central apparatus and a minimal useful army. I have managed to become the one who will lead all the armies united against the Mongol threat. Since my Kingdom is newly established, I have requested at least 20% of Emperor Frederick II's army, who is now your brother-in-law, and he has consented. These troops should depart shortly from the city of Venice and arrive in Jerusalem within a few months>>

<<I understand. But you should already be well-prepared regarding the troops, right?>> he replied.

I said:<<Honestly, I think so too, but caution is never too much. According to my calculations, the Mongols were supposed to arrive in these lands some years later, but for some strange reason, they are almost at our doorstep. Something went wrong, so "better prevent than heal later">>

After a few seconds of silence, he replied:<<I understand, indeed the Mongols are a concern for me as well. However, despite this, I would like to know what you want from me>>

<<I came here to show you two options: 1) Help me and the Arab populations defeat the Mongols by letting me command a part of your army. 2) You lead your army, but we make decisions together, always against the Mongols. Before you respond, though, I want to clarify that these requests are not the result of my supposed arrogance. I am certain that with my knowledge, I can defeat the Mongols, and with a well-defined chain of command, I will succeed. I sincerely hope you don't interpret my proposals negatively>>

He looked at me puzzled and in complete silence, as if he were thinking of a response.

Then he replied:<<Frederick II spoke highly of you in the past; he even named you the King of Jerusalem after you distinguished yourself so much in the Crusade. That's enough for me to understand that the army will be in good hands. However, I am also the Emperor of the Byzantine Empire, a great power, and I cannot blindly cede part of my army. Furthermore, the military would not willingly accept being commanded by a Catholic King alongside non-believers (Muslims) against a formidable force like the Mongols. I hope you understand what I mean>>

<<Of course, I understand perfectly, but on the other hand, I expected this. However, the Mongol threat remains, and sooner or later, we will all have to deal with it. Do you happen to know a way to gain the trust of the army?>>

Together we pondered until Giovanni had an idea:<<By chance, my current commander of the Byzantine army is here. He was here for business on behalf of the Empire. What do you say if I call him to face you in combat? That way, I can see with my own eyes the qualities that Frederick has spoken so highly of>>

"Well, it seems I have no other choice," I replied:<<Alright, no problem for me>>

The Emperor signalled to a nearby guard, and after a few minutes, this enigmatic general arrived. He was of average height, appeared slightly younger than the Emperor, of Greek origin, muscular, and armed like few others.

He said:<<Your Majesty, am I to fight him?>>

I replied:<<It seems so, are you ready?>>

"I asked the Emperor, not you>> he replied abruptly.

Well, well, someone will die soon, I see.

Giovanni replied:<<Yes, if you're against him, at least show him some respect. He is Attila, the King of Jerusalem>>

He looked at me arrogantly and said:<<Are you sure, Your Majesty? He seems like nothing more than an arrogant boy who shouldn't even be here talking to you>>

I couldn't take it anymore and said:<<Your Highness Jhon, is he your best man?>>

<<Certainly>> said the Emperor.

With the most menacing look I could muster directed at that imbecile, I said:<<Well, then I ask you to consider never seeing him again, as I will kill him mercilessly>>

He made a face as if to say "What could this guy ever do to me?" and began to prepare for the fight.

Once in position, facing each other, I said:<<How about telling me your name so we can at least write it on your tomb?>>

"I am Isidoro Antoniadis, and I suggest you watch your tongue, young man>> he replied.

We stood there for a good minute, circling each other. Neither of us dared to attack first.

Although arrogant as they come, just by looking at him, I could tell he was someone to be reckoned with.

As we continued to circle like fools, he said:<<You act tough, but all you do is wander. Aren't you afraid?>>

I stopped and said:<<Afraid? Of course, any respectable fighter knows what fear is. Only spoiled kids who've never seen war can claim they're not afraid of anything. However, everyone has a different inherent level of fear. The best are those who can manage and command it, and unfortunately for you, I'm one of those. It's time to prove it>>

I began to approach him, with the coldest and most focused gaze I could muster.

He immediately understood that the moment had arrived, drew his sword, and came toward me.

I did the same, and that's when our battle began.

Despite his heavy armour and sword, he managed to wield it with just one hand (which was unusual for the time). But that wasn't enough to defeat me.

After a series of strikes that left us both blocking each other, I saw an opening on the right side of his neck. But it was a trap; he grabbed my arms, which held the sword and pushed them to his right side, preventing me from reaching his neck and simultaneously putting me at risk of being injured by his sword, which was coming back toward me.

I noticed this quickly and managed to free myself and escape his blade.

After stepping back, he said:<<You were just a hair away from me cutting your belly open>>

<<Now, I'm tired of playing>> I replied.

<<You see, I've come a long way where problems didn't wait for me. I'd really like to lie down and rest a bit. So, it's time to end this>>

I threw away the sword; it was useless to me, and against him, it was almost a burden.

He paled when he saw me discard the sword and still approaching him. Nevertheless, he tried to respond by attempting an overhead strike.

I seized the opportunity. I dodged his strike and put my foot forward to prevent him from recovering the sword.

He was done for.

All that was left was to grab his neck with my right hand and strangle him with the strength of a single hand.

He tried to struggle and kick, but I simply blocked everything with my other hand.

He even tried to forcibly remove my hand from around his neck, all in vain.

In the end, when it was clear to everyone how it would end, the Emperor said:<<Alright, let him go, Attila<<

I let him fall to the ground; he groaned on the floor, gasping for breath.

Dirty bastard.