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Homelands
Chapter Eighteen: Loving Father
Part 3
Prelude:
Meinekinus and Bozislava were wed to limited fanfare. Sviendorog was interested only in ensuring Bohemia's support for the Kingdom. Though much weaker, annexing Bohemia would supply needed manpower and resources to Prussia. Moreover, a Catholic country converting to Orthodoxy would be a serious blow to the already crumbling façade of the Catholic Church. Sviendorog had become a powerful player in the European concert. As the massive wall between the wilds of the Steppe and the heart of Europe, Prussia played an important role in the existence of Europe and trade from the east. But just as Christianity was divided into East and West, Islam also began to show its divisions. The Islam of the East was, like Orthodoxy, mostly unconcerned with the Infinite War. Instead progress was stressed through building projects, culture and architecture. Christian/Islamic relations were not friendly in the East, but far more relaxed. Trade was common and nations took a common interest in the protection of pilgrims headed toward Jerusalem. Western Islam became more conservative, turning to war and persecution to gain its end, a reflection on Christianity in the same region. Increasing numbers of converts and mixed-blooded peasants led to a more ethnically diverse and divided Western Europe.
January 14th, 1186
"A gift, my lord, from the Sultan of Egypt, he sends wishes of health and good fortune to the son and his wife," said an ambassador. Meinekinus received the gift, ten pounds of myrrh.
Bozislava, pictured here as Queen of Prussia.
"That is quite impressive, send our sincerest thanks to your sultan and tell him that we plan to switch out our guard in Jerusalem within the next few months," Sviendorog said. The ambassador smiled and bowed as he left. Weddings of Prussian royalty, especially high Prussian royalty had become a beacon to all those around the realm who sought some form of audience with the King. Notably absent were the Germans and the French.
"Father, I don't seem to understand why we deal with the Egyptians so lightly..."
"Ah, Meinekinus... it is politics as usual. Jerusalem is a Holy City to many people, Christian and Muslim. Many Christians head there as a pilgrimage, just as many Muslims do. It becomes a hot spot for crime and rebellion, so we all take care to act orderly there, especially with the Edessans still waging their crusade." Meinekinus nodded, but didn't fully understand. With the gift-giving over Sviendorog retired out of the public attention and summoned Meinekinus with him.
"Father, I just don't see why I am to be heir..."
"And who do you propose to be King, then? Borut? Your only surviving brother?"
"Well..."
"The one who is currently in a cell locked away because the last time he was out he saw Jesus descend from the ceiling and believed that he had a mission from god to kill the ambassador from Rome and then impregnate his wife? That one?!"
Meinekinus looked at his feet, "What about one of your brothers?"
"Listen, you have time to get used to the idea, I am not going anywhere anytime soon," Sviendorog said, pounding his fist on the wooden table. "Plus you do not know of my brothers. They have been sent away for a reason. Meinekinus, you need to understand the position we are all in. We do things differently here, in France and Rome and many other places there is an association of the first born child to the right to rule..."
"But we don't have that here..." Meinekinus said.
"Right, we chose leadership through ability as well as blood. You are your brother were to co-rule Prussia. Obviously you cannot co-rule a realm alone, so it is up to you to be King." The young man nodded, trying to be strong for his father.
"You get used to it, I understand where you are coming from. Your grandfather was not an easy person to live under, sometimes I would plan wars for him just to get away from here."
"But now you stop the wars and sit here, why?"
"Prussia needs peace, my son. As do I."
"The Saxons are not happy with peace, why is that?"
Sviendorog sighed, "You know where the Saxons come from, right?"
"Yes, we used to be Saxons."
"Yes, but the Saxons are not happy with us in power. They see Gunvald as a usurper and they feel that the true line of succession is through Aelle, my uncle. Aelle's family is mostly died out. He had three sons and a daughter, his youngest son, Aethelbert, is a chaste member of a Franciscan abbey in France and the only child of Aelle alive."
"How do you know this?"
"I keep tabs on my enemies. Anyways, my father appeased the Saxons with war, giving them provinces to rule over as they pleased, but I am refusing to empower my enemies. They know it. It isn't always about peace and money."
"But blood will define the next heir, won't it, father? My first-born son with Bozislava will be made King of Bohemia, even before I am King of Prussia. Therefore to make your plan work, I must make my first born my heir regardless."
"Yes."
"So we are hoping he is a competent King."
"Yes." Meinekinus buried his face in his hand, and sucking in breath started to say a prayer for strength.
"Father, I assume I am not to return to the monetary." Sviendorog nodded, sadly, "Fine. I believe then my only move in this chess game of yours is to consummate my marriage then."
"I am sorry, Meinekinus. I truly am."
"I know, father; and I have already forgiven you. But until a year ago I was content with feeding soup to the poor and quietly saying prayers and copying bibles. Now I feel as if that is below my status and that saddens me."
"And thus you'll make a fine King."
"Thank you, father."
