Wherefore, Unforeseen Forces Reckoning

Pasha Emir and his remaining contingent of 10,000 soldiers made a secure return to the city following their sudden withdrawal from the Aghikos Plain.

During the retreat, a significant portion of his forces, approximately one-third, faced a decisive defeat at the hands of the combined Roman and Bulgarian insurgent armies.

This resounding loss was attributed, in part, to the introduction of a new and formidable weapon, the Greek grenade, which instilled fear among Pasha Emir's ranks.

In an immediate and emergency battle meeting, Pasha Emir and his co-belligerent from his reinforcing lords convened to address the situation at hand where in at any time, the combined arms would come and besiege them.

"Esteemed Pasha, have tidings from the Sultan reached your ears? Nonetheless, should no assistance be forthcoming from the Sultan, our situation remains perilous,"

Malik, the Pasha's steadfast grand commander, who had been overseeing the defending forces, inquired. His words sought the Pasha's intervention in alleviating the challenges faced by their army.

"No, I have been attempting to contact the Sultan for the past couple of days, yet I have not received any response," Pasha Emir responded somberly.

His once-arrogant demeanor had faded, setting him apart from his previous persona of confidence and pride.

The events of today's battle had not only altered him positively but also compelled a transformation due to the dire circumstances at hand.

He was profoundly unsettled by the weaponry wielded by the Romans and their awe-inspiring prowess displayed in recent combat. Never before had he witnessed such rapid transformations unfold within mere decades.

In times past, the Romans had faced considerable challenges in marshaling an effective defense against their adversaries, especially the Ottomans.

Their grim circumstances and decaying states of their army had further exacerbated their struggles. However, the unfolding battle on this day defied all expectations.

The Romans present on the battlefield not only shattered every preconceived notion he held of them, but their possession of an enigmatic and practically devastating weapon, seemingly forged from the abyss itself, overwhelmed his forces.

Unable to mount a single effective countermeasure, his army found themselves helpless in the face of this onslaught.

One might argue that deploying their horse archers could provide the Ottomans with an opportunity. However, considering the Romans' bows possess the capability to strike before the horse archers can mount an effective retaliation, such a maneuver would likely only result in further casualties, ultimately accelerating the Ottomans' own downfall.

The nature of the bows wielded by the Romans, allowing them to hit their targets from distances well beyond their enemies' reach, raised a pressing question in Pasha Emir's mind. The query froze in his thoughts, a testament to the gravity of the situation.

Never before had he encountered, or even heard whispers of, such a devastatingly effective bow.

"Malik, did you witness the bow used by the Romans in today's battle? Can you recall anything comparable from your extensive experience in battles across the west?" The pasha's inquiry was directed at his grand commander, Malik, who took a moment to ponder the question.

As a seasoned commander, Malik had led numerous battles, emerging victorious in every conflict, until recent events disrupted that record.

Throughout his years on the battlefield, he had never encountered bows like those of the Romans, nor had he witnessed their employment of explosives.

"Such a weapon has never crossed my path before, neither among the Hungarians nor the Serbians," Malik responded, his tone tinged with genuine astonishment. "It deviates greatly from our own bows, as well as those used by the Arabs."

"Despite the distance that separated us, I could discern its unique attributes. The bow itself may lack ostentation, yet its length surpasses any bows we have come across or utilized. While resembling our Sipahi's recurve bows, it boasts even greater length. If my estimation holds true, its potential range might extend beyond 200 yards, as evidenced by their earlier shots."

The grand commander's words resonated with an air of authority, his analysis a testament to his extensive battlefield experience.

His prowess elicited admiration even from Pasha Emir, a seasoned military veteran in his own right. Yet, concealed beneath the appreciative expressions were furrowed brows and an unmistakable sense of unease, stirred by the detailed accounts that had just been shared.

"Can it genuinely reach over 200 yards? Could there be more to this than meets the eye?" questioned a voice, an inquiry that set off a ripple of uncertainty, coursing through the assembly like an electric current.

"While I may not possess that specific knowledge, considering their choice to employ shots from that distance rather than pushing for even longer ranges, I deduced that the intent lay more in inflicting damage than ensuring pinpoint accuracy," the seasoned grand commander expounded.

"Indeed, bows wield heightened lethality within their effective range. However, as the distance stretches, even with precise shots, the cumulative damage dealt diminishes. Yet, whether this particular factor constrains the potential of the Roman bows remains an uncertainty," his tone wavered as he spoke.

"What truly unsettles me is their recent introduction of explosive weaponry."

"This device, crafted for throwing, is unlike anything I've encountered before. The extent of its devastation surpasses any prior experience I possess. Even though I have yet to witness its destructive power firsthand, I can sense that it transcends any armament within our arsenal."

The room fell into a heavy silence as they collectively recalled the ease with which the explosives had torn through their advancing troops, leaving chaos and disarray in their wake.

Retracing the memory of the one-sided battle, the present commanders, including Pasha Emir, couldn't help but shudder.

"What can we possibly do, Malik? If the Romans employ that weapon to breach our gates, I'd wager it wouldn't hold up for long. Those are no ordinary explosives; they are akin to Greek fire, flames from the depths of hell. It's an image I cannot forget,"

Pasha Emir's words resonated, his thoughts casting back to a preceding siege—a time when Sultan Beyezid I had commanded the assault on Constantinople. This directive was spurred by the Roman Emperor Manuel II's failure to honor their accord.

While the city's formidable and impregnable defenses thwarted the siege's success, it left an indelible mark—a testament that the city's fall seemed inconceivable even in the span of a thousand years.

"That, I cannot be of sure, Esteemed Pasha. This is the first time I encountered such deadly weapon." Malik shook his head.

"The efficacy itself does seems to be deadlier than we had just seen, but to break down our city wall, that would remain to be seen." he added.

The discussion teetered on the edge of uncertainty, leaving the commanders and the pasha at an impasse regarding how to counter the impending threat that loomed over them.

Meanwhile, in a different location, a striking contrast unfolded as the united forces of Romans and Bulgarians established their camp for the day.

The ambiance in this encampment stood in stark opposition to the somber cloud that hung over the Ottoman forces.

"Raise your goblets, comrades! Today's triumph was gained with the ease of a well-tuned symphony! A salute to our protector, Michael the Archangel!"

Roared a spirited Roman soldier, lifting his goblet aloft, the air pulsating with the electric fervor of their collective jubilation.

"Δόξα στον Κύριο Ιησού και τον Αρχάγγελό Του!" (Praise be to Lord Jesus and His Archangel!) chorused the fellow soldiers in a fervent chorus, then simultaneously tilting their goblets to their lips, the liquid within commemorating the occasion.

Lifting the flap of the camp's cover, Demetrius could only share a distant smile before he secured the camp and turned to face the group assembled with him: John, Giorgios, Dmitriv, and Emil.

"Tomorrow, I'd like our engineer to construct this essential siege equipment. It holds great significance for our upcoming siege."

John handed a parchment to Giorgios, who saluted before departing, leaving the group to continue their discussions.

With the map illuminated by flickering candlelight between them, John leaned in, his fingertips tracing the intricate paths that represented their destination, each movement a calculated consideration of potential maneuvers.

A thought tugged at him, prompting a serious inquiry tinged with restrained anticipation.

"In light of today's battle, Demetrius, how many casualties have we sustained?"

"Your highness, the toll is under 500 men. Among them, around 200 infantry soldiers suffered minor injuries, approximately 110 are severely wounded but can still be treated, and sadly, about 90 men lost their lives on the battlefield today. A significant portion of those fallen were our Kataphraktoi, who valiantly led the initial charge,"

Demetrius reported with unswerving candor, sparing no detail in his earnest account.

Upon hearing this, John straightened his back, setting an example that prompted the others to follow suit. He then beckoned to Emil, the Bulgarian monk, to offer prayers for the fallen—a solemn tribute that Emil dutifully fulfilled with due reverence.

After a brief period, John returned to his previous stance, his focus once again fixed upon the map that lay before him.

"Your Highness, what is your next course of action?" Dmitriv inquired, his understanding still clouded in the aftermath of the battle they had seemingly effortlessly won.

"I intend to enlist the aid of the Bulgarians next. It seems fitting that for a Bulgarian city, it should be the Bulgarians themselves who take it back. This gesture holds symbolic significance—preferable to having outsiders seize the city randomly," John replied. He then turned his gaze to the Bulgarian commander, acknowledging that his forces had not participated in the previous engagement.

Recognizing the importance of allowing the natives to reclaim their own city, John understood the power of symbolism in this situation. If the Bulgarians initiated the assault, the city's inhabitants would likely rally behind their fellow countrymen.

"I do, however, stress the need for your troops to be thoroughly prepared for the assault. Once we breach the walls using the siege tower, I want you and your men to charge into battle immediately from atop the tower. The enemy's morale will be at its lowest," John explained, outlining his next battle plan.

"For this engagement, I want your soldiers to equip themselves with pikes. Before charging the defenders on the ramparts, provide them with a taste of fear—a Greek grenade," he added, referring to a particular type of weapon.

During today's battle, John gleaned several crucial insights. Firstly, he realized that the element of surprise remained in their favor, providing a strategic advantage for the battles to come.

Secondly, in stark contrast to the Ottomans, the morale of his men stood unyielding after the day's triumph. This revealed a significant fissure in the Ottoman ranks, exposing a vulnerability ripe for the reckoning he was poised to unleash.

A third insight was the passage of time. With time as his ally, barring unforeseen developments, he envisioned the successful conquest of the region within a matter of days.

The city's fall would serve as the inaugural step in this swift campaign.

Contemplating further, John mused that if the Sultan remained preoccupied with resolving the crisis in Anatolia—a predicament likely to endure for several months—then Bulgaria, in its entirety, could fall under his dominion with remarkable ease.

Yet, a shadow lingered in the form of the cunning Grand Pasha. If the shrewd strategist chose to divert his formidable forces northward, this amalgamated campaign might face an abrupt termination.

The crux, however, hinged on whether the Grand Vizier would underrate the potency of John's legion of Imperial Marines.

This brought John to his fourth realization—Ottoman communication. A glaring vulnerability lay in their antiquated methods of information dissemination.

Hindered by these archaic communication channels, the Ottomans' ability to adapt swiftly and accurately respond to unfolding events was gravely compromised.

John acquired this invaluable insight during a pivotal battle where the Ottoman forces severely underestimated their adversaries, despite having suffered two decisive defeats in a single day.

In addition, he keenly observed the shortcomings within the Ottoman command structure.

Their officers struggled to maintain order and cohesion among the troops during moments of crisis—an observation sharply contrasting with the reputation of the disciplined ranks comprised of seasoned veterans and elite warriors that John had previously heard of within the Ottoman forces.

It was possible that he remained unaware that, during this period, the Ottomans had not fully undertaken comprehensive reforms to strengthen their armies.

Alternatively, he might have failed to grasp the sudden and intricate shifts occurring as the Romans adopted and adapted their recently reformed military doctrines.

Regardless, John recognized the blessing of his meticulous preparation and due diligence prior to his decision to bolster the Bulgarian insurgents.

This thorough groundwork was his shield against the perils of complacency, safeguarding him from a potentially disastrous campaign that could culminate in his own dire demise.

"If I may, Your Highness," Dmitriv began tentatively, his voice tinged with respect, "may I inquire about the remarkable bows your troops employed previously? The ones that could launch arrows farther than our conventional bows?"

His question carried a weight that had lingered within him, and this time, he summoned his courage to bring it forth.

"Oh, that? You mean the longbow?" John responded with a hint of casualness, as if the subject was of little significance.

"A longbow? Is it just a bow that's longer? How does that relate to its extended range?" Dmitriv's brow furrowed in confusion, grappling with the revelation.

John paused for a moment, recognizing the need for a more comprehensive explanation. He began, "The longbow isn't just longer in the sense of its physical length. Its design, construction, and the materials used contribute to its exceptional range."

Dmitriv nodded, his curiosity piqued.

"You see, the longbow is typically made from a single piece of yew wood, carefully chosen for its strength, flexibility, and elasticity. The natural properties of yew allow the bow to store and release energy efficiently," John continued, his tone becoming more engaged.

"But what truly sets the longbow apart is its impressive draw weight. This is the force required to pull the bowstring back before releasing an arrow. The longbow has a significantly higher draw weight compared to conventional bows. This means that when the bowstring is released, it imparts more energy to the arrow, propelling it at a greater speed," John explained, his enthusiasm evident.

Dmitriv's confusion was gradually replaced by understanding as he absorbed the details.

"The combination of the yew wood's properties, the higher draw weight, and the skilled craftsmanship involved creates a bow that can launch arrows with remarkable force and distance. The arrows are also designed to be longer and lighter, which contributes to their aerodynamic properties and allows them to maintain their trajectory over longer distances," John continued.

Dmitriv nodded, his intrigue growing with each detail.

"In essence, the longbow isn't just about its physical length; it's about the synergy of various factors that enable it to shoot arrows farther and with greater accuracy than conventional bows," John concluded, a satisfied smile playing on his lips.

Dmitriv's expression shifted from confusion to enlightenment, appreciating the intricate mechanics behind the longbow's exceptional capabilities.

"It's fascinating how such subtle differences in design and materials can make a significant impact on the weapon's performance," Dmitriv remarked, his voice reflecting his newfound understanding.

"Indeed, Dmitriv. In the world of warfare, even the smallest details can make a world of difference. This weapon is an adaptation from the English, with some considerable variation, of course," John affirmed, glad to have shared his knowledge with his curious companion.

"English? Are they a people?" Dmitriv inquired.

"Yes, the English are people from the west, on the Isle of Britannia," John explained. Dmitriv, who had spent most of his life in Bulgaria without knowledge of people outside his country, could only nod his head dumbly.

John chuckled at this confusion, understanding how people from Eastern Europe often knew little beyond their own borders. This lack of awareness was mutual for many in his realm, as none of them had ventured beyond their own territories.

The medieval ages were marked by limitations and challenges. This is one reason why most of Western Europe underestimated their Muslim counterparts, who at this point in time had surpassed them in battle prowess and wealth.

Despite numerous crusades, the Catholic West was still unable to mount effective attacks against their Muslim adversaries since the end of the grand crusades in the Middle East. At this point, the Christendom remained weak in the eyes of their infidel counterparts.

Demetrius, who had maintained a thoughtful silence throughout the conversation, turned to John and inquired about the strategic approach they should adopt to neutralize the defenders' advantages.

In response, the co-emperor's voice took on a subtle tone as he began to share his insights.

"The challenge that currently hinders our progress lies in the defensive ditches encircling the city. The Ottomans have erected an imposing moat, demonstrating meticulous attention to their defensive works. Their fortifications are so robust that conventional siege tactics have proven futile against them."

Gazing out at the cityscape, John directed the focus of his commanders to a specific vantage point.

"Observe closely here," he continued, his gestures guiding their attention.

"The former Trajan Wall served to extend the city's outer fortifications. However, the second wall houses the network of ditches. Although the city lies within the confines of this second wall, the challenge arises from our inability to advance past these ditches. They act as an insurmountable barrier, preventing us from reaching the city walls."

As John elaborated on the intricacies of the city's defensive layout, a spark of understanding flickered in the minds of his commanders, their comprehension deepening with each revelation.

"What strategy do you propose for overcoming this formidable fortification? Is it feasible to construct siege towers or battering rams to breach their gates?" Dmitriv posed the question.

"Unless your aspiration is to become a motionless statue adorning their walls, I'd strongly advise against such a direct approach," John quipped, evoking a shared chuckle from the company, including Demetrius and Emil.

"At this juncture, however, my mental arsenal lacks a viable solution to breach this intricate stronghold. I'm placing my hopes in the expertise of our engineers, who, with any luck, will succeed in crafting the machines I'd meticulously prepared in advance. Their success is paramount to our impending siege,"

John added, a tinge of optimism threading through his words.

Tonight marked the beginning of a lengthy vigil for the united forces, and the nights ahead promised to be equally enduring.

In the days that followed, their focus would be channeled into meticulous strategizing, laying the groundwork for the impending siege upon the walls of Constantia.

John was acutely aware that time was of the essence; every passing moment carried weight, and each new day brought them nearer to the looming threat of Ottoman reinforcements.