(OOC Note: I do not use the term 'Byzantine' for IC things as it simply didn't exist then.)
INTERMISSION
29/10/1425
The glory of the Roman Empire in the 15th century was somewhat diminished from its past, but still they put on a show. As the ships sailed up the coast and docked at Civitavecchia it was as though Justinian was still alive and Rome itself was ruled by the Empire. However, to the watchers on the shore it was clear that this opulence was so much smoke and mirrors. The galleys and barges were old, if well maintained, the retinues small, and the wealth minimal.
However, despite this, the title of Basileus still carried some weight, and the Papal Legate was there to greet the Emperor. This Emperor, Ionnes VIII Palaiologos, had ascended from his father Manuel after the latter died in 1412.
Talena had ridden down the road and passed the spot where she had fought the Milanese troops. There was no sign of the struggle now except for a deep crater in one cobble where her bullet had gone after going through the man she had shot. With a deep breath she spurred her horse on, past the spot.
Further on she had seen the crowds and decided to go to the port. She had sold what little she had in Rome, and decided to go to Genoa, and from there into Germany. She reckoned that there might be some interesting sights, and a bit more civilised as well.
However, when she arrived at the port she saw a magnificent display was on show. Stabling her horse she went down to get a closer look.
A procession went past, with guards and attendants dressed in burnished gold and silk, and amidst it all was the crowned magnificence of the Emperor himself. However, as Talena looked closer she saw that the gold was painted bronze, and the silk was somewhat threadbare.
“Who are they?” she asked a man in the crowd.
“It’s the Emperor of the Greeks. He has come to seek the help of the Holy Father against the infidel!”
Talena nodded and walked away, down towards the quay. The ‘Emperor of the Greeks’ sounded to her like the Byzantine Empire. She knew about them vaguely from distant history lessons, and had heard about them in her time spent in Rome. They were the last remnants of the Roman Empire, now beset by Turks. She had wanted to go to Constantinople, but...well, it seemed like they were faring worse in this timeline then in reality. Recently news had come of Castilian and Venetian raids on their holdings, and the city itself was blockaded for several months.
By the waterfront was a marquee where guests could meet, but Talena avoided it and went to the rows of galleys and boats. She could see at first hand the ceremonial Byzantine ships and the other cogs and caravels in the port.
“It is quite forlorn, is it not?” a woman said from behind her. Her words were in Italian, but quite accented, as if she wasn’t accustomed to speaking the language.
Talena turned to see a young, quite pretty woman in Greek style robes and dress. She was not ostentatious, and she had no entourage with her, as such Talena thought she was just one of the women accompanying the Emperor.
“Yes, I think it will take more than a coat of paint,” Talena replied vaguely, turning back to the ships.
There was a small laugh from the Greek lady. “So true. The cost of war is very great. When I was a little girl I dreamt that one day the Roman Empire would once again return to its former glory.”
“Do you think the Pope will help you?” Talena asked, more to make conversation than anything.
“Perhaps...but I doubt it. For centuries we have defended them against the infernal Muslims, and they still take us for granted. While we ask for help, we can survive on our own.”
To Talena’s mind it sounded rather unconvincing. “Yeah, but you do need help to survive.”
Before the lady could reply there was the clatter of feet and armed guards appeared along with a courtier. He got entirely too close to Talena.
“You will lower your eyes when you address her Imperial Highness, the Crown Princess!” he shouted. “She does not deign to speak to everyone!”
Talena just gaped at the Greek woman. So this woman was heir to the crown of the Roman Empire?
“How do you do, Talena Mazari?” Princess Zoë asked.
Talena was too confused by this double blow that she didn’t notice that Zoë's voice sounded different. “I...am well, your Majesty,” she managed to say.
It was only then that she realised that the Princess had last spoken in Greek to her, a language she did not know, and that she had replied unthinkingly in Italian!
“So it is true, you can understand...” Zoë said, changing back to Italian herself. To her guards and the courtier she spoke in Greek which Talena naturally understood because of her translator, but could not speak it.
“I...you know who I am?”
Zoë seemed quite pleased to have flustered her. “Of course. Though the Empire may be diminished we still are not blind to the world around us. During my grandfather’s reign you appeared in the court of Louis of the Franks...then to Hispania, and finally to Rome. Oh yes, you are quite well known by those who are interested.”
Talena didn’t know what to say. “And?” was all she could manage to say. It was lame, but the Princess was the first person she had met since coming back in time who seemed unfazed by her. Perhaps it was because she was the first woman she had met with real power of her own.
“And what?” Zoë smiled. “Many legends surround you, Talena. Some are doubtless true, others are not. I see now that your youth is no mere myth. And your ability to understand all words spoken too. I have returned to speaking Greek, and you have not noticed.”
“Look here,” Talena said, trying to regain control. “Even if I am what you say...why are you so interested? I’ve never even been to Constantinople!”
“But you could...” Zoë said. “I leave in two day’s time for home. I came to Rome to see the ancient city, while my father negotiates and tries to make the Latins understand their peril. I am his daughter, and heir to the throne. Therefore I must return to the city and govern in his stead. But you...you are welcome to join me, Talena.”
“I still don’t understand why you are so interested!”
Zoë raised one eyebrow. “Because, Talena, you are the only other woman I’ve ever met who makes her own path in the world. Not to mention that you intrigue me, with your warrior skills, your youth, and your skill with languages. Of course, I understand if you do not wish to join me. I leave on the tide the morning after tomorrow. Be here if you wish to journey to the ‘Queen of Cities’ with me.”
With that the Princess turned and left.
Talena was left alone by the waterfront. The conversation just gone had confused and astounded her. Yet, caution and cynicism stepped in. It would be sensible to avoid Constantinople, which was almost permanently under semi-siege by the Turks. It’d be wise to avoid that area and head north into the Christian lands of North Italy and Germany. It’d be a good idea to not get involved in a city that seemed destined to fall.
Common sense, logic and intuition told Talena all these things...but she knew what her choice would be.
Two days later she was on board a ship bound for Constantinople.
^ The Princess Zoë