Homelands
Chapter Seventeen: Shores of Destiny
Part 2
Prelude:
The war over Crimea was a low-point for Prussia-Roman relations. Both nations had claims over the region. As it stood the Crimean Kingdom was a Greek break-away state from the Roman Empire. The Roman Empire under the Palaiologos dynasty began to expand after years of decline. The capture of Alexandria was the biggest turn in support of the Christians in a long time. But Orthodoxy and Catholicism began to see each other as much of enemies as the Muslims. The two sides, spurred on by such events as the attempted German take-over of Bohemia (a Prussian ally), the failed Crusade against Jerusalem, Orthodoxy's lack of support of Christians in the Infinite War, Prussia's truce with the Western Caliph, the take-over of England, and the Roman blockade of Sicily during the Italo-Roman War of 1130. In general the East's lack of sympathy toward the West was causing the two to divide further and further. Between 1170 and 1180 there was a minor turning around of the Infinite War. In Italy the Italians were able to secure the Kingdom of Italy once again with Papal assistance. In France the Royal Catholic Army was able to push the Caliph out of Toulouse. The County of Edessa in the Holy Land was the only remains of the brief Catholic Kingdom of Jerusalem and the Temple. These small successes were slowly slipping away as the front against Islam grew too large for Western Europe to survive.
August 4th, 1178
Jordan de Normandie and Sviendorog Leofricson had become a odd couple culturally, but together they had triumphed over Crimea. But now a bigger issue was at hand. The Roman Army was also in Crimea trying to secure the break-away state. Now 16,000 Prussians and Normans were camped only a mile from 12,000 Romans. Jordan, like most of the Normans, was psyched up for another battle, another war. Sviendorog was apprehensive. He had sent letters to his father explaining the position weeks ago but had yet to hear back, without an answer he would have to take over the Prussian delegation.
"Why do we not just slaughter the all of them? This is all rightful territory of Prussia!"
"Because the Romans are one of our only allies, we cannot isolate ourselves from their support. Plus this really isn't legitimately our land this far south. We are in Taurica, this is Greek territory." Jordan seemed displeased with this reply. He was young and shaven making Sviendorog look much older than he was.
Sabe entered their tent with a bow, "Your majesty, the Roman general," he stepped aside revealing a well-dressed, well mannered man in a purple cloak "His majesty, Grand Prince Michael Palaiologos." After Michael stepped into the tent, Sabe took his place at the tent flap to ensure their safety.
The two princes stood toe to toe, in many ways they were very similar. Both were military geniuses; both were heirs to the most powerful empires in Europe. But Michael was nearing his fifties, almost fifteen years older than Sviendorog. He was also a well-known flirt, the life of parties and a powerful drinker. "Brother, we seem to be fighting over the same table scraps here," Michael said. He referred to Sviendorog as 'brother' though they were really second cousins.
"We are, but if it is good enough for Rome, it is good enough for Prussia."
"What brings you so far south?"
"Map error, probably. That and enthusiastic soldiers, you know how it is."
Michael laughed heartily, "I do, brother, I do. It is no matter, then. Father wants me to patch this boarder up and be done with it." Michael pointed to the map with an open hand, "Shall we?"
"Yes." Sviendorog led him over to the map where Michael placed a finger at their current location.
"My father has requested the line be here." He dragged his finger across the map connecting two shores of an isthmus several miles to the north. "Is this a problem?" he asked genuinely. His brow showed his concern for the current position of the two nations.
"I have no authority to say so, but what my father doesn't know cannot hurt him. I agree. We can draw the boundary there." Sviendorog pulled at his beard. "Even so, we have a large number of people moving into the region, it is likely they will attempt to settle in Taurica."
Red: Region conquered and annexed by Prussia; Purple: Region conquered and annexed by the Roman Empire; Magenta: Region conquered by Prussia and annexed by the Roman Empire.
"I don't see a problem with that. With the exception of Theodosia in the south the region is basically depopulated." Michael frowned. He sat down and looked at Sviendorog. "I've heard talk that parts of Germany are headed to Prussia for protection."
Sviendorog nodded, "Yeah, Bohemia specifically."
Michael turned and looked at Jordan. "And who is this?" he asked.
"I am Jordan de Normandie, Prince of Azov," Jordan gave a slight bow, "Our people are attempting to settle this region after being expelled from France."
"I've heard that northern France recently took the brunt of Muslim agression."
"You would have heard right, they managed to burn parts of Paris in their raids."
"Horrific."
"I was there, luckily the Muslims had the peace of mind to evacuate people. There were few casualties. That is why I left France. I realized then that the war was lost. People saw the Caliph as merciful, kind, protecting... and our King as evil and manipulating. When the people support the invaders over their protectors there is little the protector can do."
"Strange, but it seems as if that can be a powerful tactic. I guess you catch more flies with sugar than shit."
"Actually," Sviendorog said, "That isn't true, I tested it once as a child." Jordan and Michael turned and looked at Sviendorog intently. "I left sugar in the stables, flies still prefer shit."
"Regardless, you catch more people with sugar than shit, and the Caliph has definitely made his mark in France. I have a feeling that in the next few years France will have little left," Michael said.
Jordan nodded, "It is probably happening as we speak, when I had left French victories in Toulouse were being undone, Paris is probably under siege again. This time the King will not be able to hold on to it."
