Chapter 27: Acts of Mercy
Bashar ibn Dawlat lay on the floor, shivering. He no longer noticed the repulsive smells of the dungeon.
He heard the dungeon door swing open and bang against the wall.
"It's probably that old bastard-infidel, coming to continue my torture". He had heard cheering outside a few days previous. "
Damn these infidels! As I and who knows how many others rot in this sty, they celebrate. Curse them all."
He heard his cell's door open. He didn't want to look, but was intrigued when he heard a woman's voice.
A woman in a flowing white dress stood in the frame of the door. Her face was almost blindingly white, and elaborate black curls dropped to her pale shoulders. Bashar stared as she seemingly glided instantly to his side, kneeling down beside him. She seemed to light up the room, pushing back the darkness. He felt better just looking at her.
His dry, bleeding lips suddenly became moist, and he could feel life being restored in him.
"Who is this woman?" he thought, as her hand grasped his.
Theodora walked over to the nearest cell door, and ordered the guard to open it. "
What a repulsive place. I cannot believe that my sainted father would do this to other humans, be they believer or heathen."
The guard unlocked the door, revealing only a pile of rags on the floor. Then the rags moved.
"That's a man." she said to herself, her face distorted with horror. She quickly regained her composure, when she saw the man look over at her. His eyes were dull and lifeless.
She moved over to the pathetic creature's side, taking a canister of water from the warden and gently poured water into his mouth. She felt his hand grasp hers, and she squeezed it, to let him know it was alright.
She had the doctors take over and went to inspect the other cell's . In them she found many other men just like the first one.
Later, having checked the records, she found out the man had been in the dungeon for decades already. He had committed no crimes, he was just a prisoner of war.
"He doesn't deserve to suffer like this." Once he was better, she gave him an audience with her; to tell him he was to be released.
Basilissa Theodora II, unlike her father, began her reign with massive popularity. She was young and attractive, had already produced a male heir and had few faults in her personality. Furthermore, she became known for her support of culture and the arts, purchasing an icon of St. George in June 1193.
While the Steward and others were critical of spending money during the middle of a large war, the issue became irrelevant when the Caliph surrendered a few months later.
She won further support by reforming the administration of her personal demesne, delegating authority and removing corrupt officials. Under the reign of her father, the corrupt officials had abused their positions, causing disgruntled peasants to form robber bands to make a living. With Theodora's reforms however, they surrendered and offered their devotion and loyalty to the Empress. They were granted amnesty by Theodora, and due to the experience they had gained fighting elite Imperial units, some were given positions in her personal retinue. Unbeknownst to Theodora however, one of the former robbers was a member of the Order of Assassins. His new job was that of a palace guard...
In honour of the victory over the Muslim forces, a Triumph was held. The streets were crowded with revelers, purple banners flew from every building, and shouts of delight were heard as the victorious soldiers marched past in their shiny armour. Not all the shouts of delight were coming from the crowds however. Inside the palace, Guard Alexandros -real name Muhammad- stood on guard outside the Empresses personal chambers while the Empress "conducted business" with her husband.
"Not yet. I must bide my time. My goal is to sent a message, not to get caught." he thought, watching the other guardsman, Alexios, through the corner of his eye. Guard Alexios had no idea that his fellow guard, whom he had gotten to know well, was planning the murder of the Empresses husband, as well as anyone who got in the way.
The peace following the Jihad lasted only a few days. On the 14th of October, Pope Telephorus II decided to make an attempt to redeem himself and declared war upon the Empire.
*Yawn* I'm getting tired of you Telephorus
The first battle of the war was at Viterbo, and ended with a decisive victory for the Empire. Next came Foligno, which put an end to Papal resistance.
I know that theirs not much the Pope can do now to resist me, but this was just pathetic
