Chapter XI
Though the Eastern borders were somewhat pacified, the Reconquista was far from over. Half of Cyprus was still held by the infidels while the island of Krete was occupied by Iberian pirates. With that in mind, the Imperial Fleet was sent to the newly re-conquered city of Antioch, where upon arrival the Imperial Legion embarked. It was a short journey to Famagusta, the battle and siege against the infidels even shorter.
As the war to liberate Cyprus came to a close, I received letter that Helena was in need of a tutor. Being far too occupied with the Reconquista, I sent a letter to the Patriarch of Antioch to ask if he could take care of her in my stead.
Not too long after the destruction of the Infidel Cypriot Armies, the Emir of Cyprus sent me the terms of his surrender where upon relinquishing of his titles, he requested that he be granted safe passage as he retreated to his homeland, where ever it may be.
With Cyprus fully restored, we set sail to for Krete. It took longer than a month of sailing to finally reach Krete, where upon landing on the Western portion of the island, there were reports of a thousand soldiers on the other side. After quickly establishing a base of operation, we marched towards the Eastern portion of the island.
Though we outnumbered the enemy nine to one, I could tell that the soldiers were tense. The soldiers have been marching, sailing, and fighting since the Reconquista began while the enemies were very well rested throughout the whole endeavour. Not only that, the pirates fighting style were rumoured to have made each one of them worth ten ordinary soldiers, like some kind of desecrated Spartans. Though the soldiers of the Empire were not to be taken lightly, these men were tired and seasick, yearning to go home to their families. I too wanted to go see my family, but I had a duty to perform and so did these men. This was not just for some territorial reclamation nor trying to fulfil a legacy of old. No, this was much more than that, this was our duty to God to restore what is right against the false believers. It was one of many steps to bring about the Kingdom of Heaven to Earth so that all of God's creation may prosper.
“My Liege, the enemies have been sighted on that hill in front of us!”
I looked forward to see that an army only a fraction of ours sitting on a hill placing our own positions in a disadvantage.
“Close the gap between us and them, and have everything in position. Show these pirates that true Romans do not run from barbarians.”
“Yes, My Lord. Archers and skirmishers at the ready! All units, double time!!!”
“Cavalry Commanders, take the flank. Where down the infantry with missiles and rout the enemies by breaking their formation.”
The Battle at Lassithi raged, and though we were at a disadvantaged position, the skillful commands of the leaders and the bravery of every soldiers meant there would be little casualties. As I lead the vanguard, we managed to capture several Captains while their troops fled the field.
“Chase them down, kill them all, leave none of them alive!”
With their armies slaughtered, it was only a matter of time before the defenders of their headquarters were forced to surrender to the invading force.
With that, the island of Krete was liberated.
Though the Reconquista was far from done, it was time for an interlude so that soldiers could go home and recuperate. When I returned home, I saw my eldest son, Constantine, a grown man now. During my absence, he seemed to have gained a great interest in military tactics and strategies where he would ask me to take him also the next time I go on a campaign.
Having sent all the soldiers home, it was time to get into the administrative aspect of the Empire. The Reconquista so far resulted in the recovery of several provinces, meaning there were many job vacancies. As such, I decided to scout out for some talented individuals whom I wished to give a sudden promotion like I was by my predecessor.
Island Hopping
Though the Eastern borders were somewhat pacified, the Reconquista was far from over. Half of Cyprus was still held by the infidels while the island of Krete was occupied by Iberian pirates. With that in mind, the Imperial Fleet was sent to the newly re-conquered city of Antioch, where upon arrival the Imperial Legion embarked. It was a short journey to Famagusta, the battle and siege against the infidels even shorter.
As the war to liberate Cyprus came to a close, I received letter that Helena was in need of a tutor. Being far too occupied with the Reconquista, I sent a letter to the Patriarch of Antioch to ask if he could take care of her in my stead.
Not too long after the destruction of the Infidel Cypriot Armies, the Emir of Cyprus sent me the terms of his surrender where upon relinquishing of his titles, he requested that he be granted safe passage as he retreated to his homeland, where ever it may be.
With Cyprus fully restored, we set sail to for Krete. It took longer than a month of sailing to finally reach Krete, where upon landing on the Western portion of the island, there were reports of a thousand soldiers on the other side. After quickly establishing a base of operation, we marched towards the Eastern portion of the island.
Though we outnumbered the enemy nine to one, I could tell that the soldiers were tense. The soldiers have been marching, sailing, and fighting since the Reconquista began while the enemies were very well rested throughout the whole endeavour. Not only that, the pirates fighting style were rumoured to have made each one of them worth ten ordinary soldiers, like some kind of desecrated Spartans. Though the soldiers of the Empire were not to be taken lightly, these men were tired and seasick, yearning to go home to their families. I too wanted to go see my family, but I had a duty to perform and so did these men. This was not just for some territorial reclamation nor trying to fulfil a legacy of old. No, this was much more than that, this was our duty to God to restore what is right against the false believers. It was one of many steps to bring about the Kingdom of Heaven to Earth so that all of God's creation may prosper.
“My Liege, the enemies have been sighted on that hill in front of us!”
I looked forward to see that an army only a fraction of ours sitting on a hill placing our own positions in a disadvantage.
“Close the gap between us and them, and have everything in position. Show these pirates that true Romans do not run from barbarians.”
“Yes, My Lord. Archers and skirmishers at the ready! All units, double time!!!”
“Cavalry Commanders, take the flank. Where down the infantry with missiles and rout the enemies by breaking their formation.”
The Battle at Lassithi raged, and though we were at a disadvantaged position, the skillful commands of the leaders and the bravery of every soldiers meant there would be little casualties. As I lead the vanguard, we managed to capture several Captains while their troops fled the field.
“Chase them down, kill them all, leave none of them alive!”
With their armies slaughtered, it was only a matter of time before the defenders of their headquarters were forced to surrender to the invading force.
With that, the island of Krete was liberated.
Though the Reconquista was far from done, it was time for an interlude so that soldiers could go home and recuperate. When I returned home, I saw my eldest son, Constantine, a grown man now. During my absence, he seemed to have gained a great interest in military tactics and strategies where he would ask me to take him also the next time I go on a campaign.
Having sent all the soldiers home, it was time to get into the administrative aspect of the Empire. The Reconquista so far resulted in the recovery of several provinces, meaning there were many job vacancies. As such, I decided to scout out for some talented individuals whom I wished to give a sudden promotion like I was by my predecessor.
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You manage to combine the screenshots and narrative nicely and I love the character touches (Basil being continuously faithful, etc.) Let's see how this pilgrimage goes...
