Chapter 4 - A New Man for a New Land
---- Introducing ----
Anastasia - Dmitry's wife.
Michael was sitting in his study, reading, when a messenger ran in. "Sir, the time of mourning has come! Read this, its from Emperor Manuel II of Byzantium," he said, and Michael obliged him. He read the letter, his eyes getting wider and his mouth going further down, when at last he finished. "Messenger, fetch Councilor Manuel, we need him right away," said Michael, his eyes going over the letter one more time. The first paragraph was innocent enough, the second was insulting, but the third... it was only one sentence long. He read it again, and again. Michael hoped he was hallucinating, or dreaming, or something of the sort. But no, it was right there, in fine black print..
Manuel dashed in the room. "I heard the news from your messenger," he said. "We should call an emergency session of council immediately,"
Michael blinked, thinking. He was still mostly in shock, but his brain could still work. "No. Adapt martial law, which you are allowed to do as head general. Issue a proclamation immediately adjourning the council for three years. Commandeer the council chamber to use as a war room, and set up a meeting of the two of us and King Antonio. We need him for a facade of authority," he said in a rush, and then paused. "And call in Dmitry, too,"
Six days later, Manuel walked to Dmitry's door. The man was late for the emergency meeting, like he was for everything. When he knocked, a fair, young woman came to the door. "Who may you be?" she said in a thick Russian accent. "I am Councilor Manuel Konstantinos of Athens, to see Dmitry, advisor of the king," he replied, looking into her eyes. She put her hand on his shoulder, fingering his shirt. "Ah, and I am Anastasia. He's not here right now.. do you wish to come in?" she said in a girlish, almost tempting voice. Manuel slapped her hand away. "Just bring him to me, woman!" he shouted.
She glared at him, then retreated into the house. A few minutes later, the spymaster appeared, drunk. "Manuel, my friend! Come in, we will have a drink, or two, or ten!" Manuel only looked at him, dismayed. How could he celebrate? The former soldier grabbed the doorknob, nodded to Anastasia, and slammed it shut. He ran to the council chamber as quickly as possible, and when he arrived, Michael was slouched against the chair, and sighed a sigh of relief. "Have they agreed to a peace?" Manuel asked, wondering about the sigh.
"No, but there is some good news. The Kingdom of Hungary have taken this chance to declare war on the Empire."
"With their armies distracted in the north, we can send our army into Larissa to strain the Byzantines from the south," said Manuel, nodding at the map on the table. "Well, you are the general," sighed Michael, and the order was immediately sent. About six months later, the Athenian army arrived, and began laying siege to the province.
"Sir, a diplomat has arrived from the Byzantine Empire," said one of the messengers in Antonio's palace. Michael, who was there most of the time, gestured with his hand to let the man in. The diplomat immediately got to work. "Your highness, I believe it is in both our interests to end this war quickly. The Emperor asks for Nis, which the Bulgarians own. They won't miss it, anyway,"
Antonio, not seeing how this might alienate his ally in Bulgaria, agreed.
When the diplomat walked out, a second man with the Byzantine banner came in, and approached the king's table. Smiling, the man drew a knife in a flash, and plunged it through Antonio's heart. Michael sat there for a few seconds, and when the man started to come towards him, he shouted for the guards. The assassin took two spears to the back, but it was too late for King Antonio I Acciaoli.