- ARCHIVE - Emirate Court of The Fez

[I Killed Kenny]

After Crossing the Straight of Gibraltar and the Marrocan Desert, Rodrigo and three others finally reached the Capital of Fez. The group was small, they used cloths of the moor, they tried passing by simple Traders. Rodrigo allways used his trubant trying not to show his true identity. The other three were arabs, Two allready born in Portugal the other commed from Tangiers. Those three spoke Arab fluently so they allways knew what was happening arround them.​

They asked for the directions to the Palace of the leader of Fez, when they found out they went direcly there. When the finally got to the gates, the older and more experianced, the marrocan said to the guards is arab. "Please inform the Emir Elector Abu-Mohammed Abd el-Maliki, that four man from Portugal desiere to speak with him. The matter is of the most importance."

 

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The Emir Elector Meets with the Portuguese​

After some commotion from the various councillors and viziers, the men from Portugal are escorted into the throne room of Abu-Mohammed Abd el-Maliki, Emir-Elector of Fez. While it was extremely rare for the Emir-Elector to meet with strangers, especially with no advance notive, a special exception was made due to these men being from Portugual.


They were greeted with pitchers of cool water and bowls of refreshing fruits, nuts, and cheeses. The guards stood by watching the foursome with some curiosity. The Emir Elector waited until they had refreshed themselves, then asked:

"You have traveled quite far to reach us during these dangerous times. I am quite impressed by your bravery.

Please tell me why is it that you have come to us at this time. It is not an easy journey."

 

[I Killed Kenny]

The older man 'the Morrocan' step foward and speaks​

"I present to you Rodrigo, Duke of Evora the new Navigator of Portugal" he then bows and let Rodrigo step foward and take his turbant. Now they could see his brown, almost blood hair. He then bowed to the Emir and start speaking in Portugal, while 'the Morrocan' translated at the same time "As I was announced I am Rodrigo Duke of Evora, I am here in the name of João Duarte the second King of Portugal. My mission here is a mission above all a mission of Diplomacy. I am here with the objective of Trading Knolegue." He then stoped to see what was the reaction of the Muslim King. This was the first time he spoke with a muslim lord, so he did not know what kind of reaction he would receive.

 

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The Emir Elector Questions the Portuguese​

Abu-Mohammed Abd el-Maliki, Emir-Elector of Fez, narrowed his eyes. Whether it was out of anger, suspicion, or sadness was unknown..


"I have tremendous respect for the Portuguese people, and specifically for their fine navigators. In a world of peace, I would desire to pay a king's ransom to hire one to explore the African coast, to aid us in in our trade missions.

But, something has come to my attention. You say you represent João Duarte the second King of Portugal. Is this the same king who wrote this?

A guard walks over to Rodrigo and presents him with this letter:

To the Leader of the Cities Ruled by Castillian Moors.

I, João Duarte the Second, King of Portugal, the Algarves and of Near and Far Sea in Africa, declare that I shall attack your rebel cities. And that every man who do not go back to their true master, Enrique King of Castile-Leon, shall be killed by the Arrows, Swords and Pikes of my armies that shall soon be apoon your gates, ready to take back your cities.

Signed in Sintra, João II King of Portugal, the Algarves and of Near and far Sea in Africa

"This, this I do not understand. Portugal has always been well regarded by the Almohad Empire. It has stood as a rational counter-weight to the tyranny of Castille and Leon. Yet now, your king would threaten the death, no, the brutal murder of the people of Andalusia who seek nothing more than to restore the nation which was taken from them.

The Andalusians have paid in blood and fled to our land in exile. The Castillians have made unprovoked war against the Almohad Empire, and we have sent their fleets to the bottom of the sea.

Now that the people in the south have been given hope and dare to rise up against their conquerors, your king would pledge allegiance to the Castillians, and do his bidding?

Tell me Rodrigo, your bravery is quite impressive for you to come in here amidst this war. But are you here as a friend or an enemy? If you are here as a friend then there is much to talk about, between our land expeditions deep into Africa and your mighty sea-faring expeditions, both of our lands my profit handsomely. But if your nation provides aid and comfort to our enemies and....and...promises the slaughter of the Andalusian people who seek nothing more than their independence, not the conquest of the North or any well-deserved retributions, then you would have to be considered an enemy.

Which do you represent, Rodrigo? Friend or Enemy?"

The guards have sealed off the exit. They are not overtly hostile, but there will be no retreat for the guests until they answer this question and the Emir Elector either welcomes them as friends, releases them, or....whatever else he may decide.

 

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News of the Battle of Al-Andalus Reaches the Court​

Abu-Mohammed Abd el-Maliki, Emir-Elector of Fez, received the news with sorrow.


"So, despite a valiant defense by the people of Al-Andalus, they have been over run....and likely only because of the help of your king.

What have the muslim people of Al-Andalus done to Portugal to make your king hate them so? Why would you interfere in another nation's civil war, a war for liberation of an oppressed people?

This severely complicates matters."

He thought for a moment.

"You may need to remain here, for your own safety. I will write a letter to your king. If he will withdraw from Andalusia and leave the Castillians to their own battle, he will have the friendship of Fez. But if he continues to slaughter our people how could he possibly think that we would be friendly?"

 

[I Killed Kenny]

Rodrigo looks suprised by all of this.​

with a mixure of fear and anger Rodrigo speaks, with his calm under control "I don't know nothing about this war. When I leaved Lagos, my king sent me here to make a treaty of friendship with Fez and no one else. And I don't know about that war or the letter, so I can't comment on that. And why do you think I may be harmed by anyone? I believe I should go back to Lisboa to see what is happening, or at least go back to Lagos. After I know anything about that I shall go back here to Report. If that the Emir let me go!"

 

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The Emir Continues his Inquiry​

Abu-Mohammed Abd el-Maliki, Emir-Elector of Fez, looked deeply into the navigator, judging him.

"I think your king is making a terrible mistake. Especially if other news my spies bring me is true. A snake will remain a snake no matter how many times it sheds its skin. Your king allies with dangerous people. In doing so, he could bring great trouble to his people.

On the other hand, he could bring great glory. I do not understand his decisions. The Almohads have always respected Portugal, and even today grant it a seat on their elector-councils. The Almohads have long been tolerant of other views. We in Fez have accepted many of those forced from Iberia, Muslim, Jew, and even Christians accused of heresy. Yet, Castile, and others your king may associate with, do not have peace and commerce as their goals.

Tell me, if the Almohads were so evil, why did they not take the Holy Land and restore it under Islam? They let it remain free, exchanging only greater rights of religious freedom for pilgrims for its independence. They would pose no threat to you, yet your king would make war with them?

You seem to know little about what is growing on around you. Perhaps you are unaware of the great strides made at our University of Tangiers, and how we have translated the mysteries of the Greeks, and developed artillery and weapons of warfare far greater than any of those seen in recent times. We are limited only by our numbers.

I can show you these weapons. Consider what Portugal might be able to do with an exchange of such knowledge. Consider the risks of having so volatile a neighbor as Castile, who displays no check on its agression, hoping perhaps to dominate all of Iberia! First go the Moors, then perhaps the Basques, then, how long before they turn upon you.

Your king would not only benefit through rich trade were this treaty of friendship a reality, if he were instead to join the Almohads in their fight, or simply to withdraw back to their borders, the Northern plains and mountains now controlled by Castile could be Portugal's. It is to the Almohad's and to our benefit that not only the people of Al-Andalus are free, but that they are not threatened again.

If the dominant power in Iberia were a wise and benevolent, and tolerant Portugal, a peaceful wealthy merchant nation, rather than a violent and barbaric Castile, then the peace in our lands could last for centuries. It would be in the best interests of Fez, Algeria, Tunisia, all of the Almohads to have a Greater Portugal, rather than Castile, as our neighbor."

His eyes narrowed in deep thought.

"Whom among your men is your most trusted?" he asked.

 

[I Killed Kenny]

Rodrigo was not so treaten after this speech but he knew he could not say everything if he wanted to see his home ever again...​

"Emir, I would not judge my King, because he is my king and I am not the one who judge, you are equal to him, as a leader of a Nation so you may do so. I may not." He makes a small bow. "The reason of that alliance and the reason of why the Almohads did not conquer the holyland are questions I do not know the answer. I am sorry.
And emir I know about the university the objective of my visit was to extange knowlege between our people, nothing else.
And Portugal do not wich to expand further her Borders in Iberia we never wanted, we shall not want now. We have the same borders for moer than two centuries and we hope to have the same borders for two more.
That is why we do not which was with Castille.
And this are my friends that helped me so far that promised to stay to me untill the end of my trip, I trust in all"

 

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The Emir Continues his Inquiry II​

"So then, and help me to understand this, your king wants us to be friends and for us to exchange knowledge, while at the same time, he will be attacking and killing our citizens?

Even though we have always been friends with Portugal and would want to stay friends, how can we possibly exchange knowledge with you if you will use it to kill our citizens, our allies in Algeria, and the people of Andalusia?

Please be honest. Doesn't that sound like it would be an extremely bad thing for us to do?"

The Emir waits for an answer.

 

[I Killed Kenny]

This emir did not seem to understand what he just said.​

The man replies "I was sent here to start a make a knolegue extange, that is my mission, nothing else. If my King changed his mind I do not know. That is why I ask to go back to Portugal and then if the emir let me come back to this court to explain what is in the mind of my king."

 

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The Emir Continues his Inquiry III​

The Emir-Elector clearly understood what the navigator had told him. But because it was so absolutely preposterous and unbelievable, that a king would send such an important messenger to engage in peaceful trade talks while, at the same time, signing agreements to declare war against the same nation, the Emir had hoped that the Navigator would have been honest with him. For either the Navigator was lying, the King of Portugal was mad, or the king was very unstable and had changed his mind within days of sending the Navigator to Fez.

Again, the Emir, because of his respect for Portugal, had hoped for an honest answer. If the Navigator was being honest, then something was wrong with the King. And if there was something wrong with the King, then what hope was there for peace, trade, and friendship?

"I see this discussion is getting us nowhere.

We truly would like to engage in profitable trade of goods and knowledge. But how can we do so when you are willing to join those who attack us? It is truly a shame.

If Portugal would not join with us against our enemies, then I had hoped she would at least stay neutral, but letters like this one against the Moors, and treaties with our enemies would seem to make her an enemy of ours, even though we do not want to be her enemy.

You seem completely oblivious to the fact that there is a major war going on. We just sent most of the Spanish navy to the bottom of the sea. Again, our technology is not to be trifled with.

If I were simply to let you go, you could easily get killed, and all our discussions would be useless.

I asked which of your men you trusted the most. This is why:

Send them back to Portugal, with a message seeking answers. In the meantime, I will keep you as a guest of royalty. You will see the many splendors of the university and I will show you some of the treasures we have brought from Timbuktu.

We will see what you king says, and if he is friendly then you shall return to Portugal laden with incredible riches as gifts for the king. If the king is not friendly, you will be deported immediately. You will not be held as a prisoner of war, but if he makes war against us, sadly you will not be welcome.

If you are truly here in peace, then this is clearly a fair and generous offer.

Choose your messenger and send him away. And then, we shall prepare a feast in your honor."

 

[I Killed Kenny]

Rodrigo replies​

Rodrigo asks the emir with a face of disbelieve "So let's feast, tommorrow I shall send Muhammed to Lagos to then talk with my king to see what is happening. Do the emir have any expecific questions that you desiere to be answered?"

 

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The Emir Concludes his Inquiry ​

The Emir-Elector did his best to mask his surprise that the Navigator did not know the message. Perhaps the Emir's latin was not as good as he had thought, or perhaps there were problems of translation? But the stakes were too improtant for there to be any confusion. He spelled out exactly what the message should say:


"Brave Navigator, let there be no mistake. Here is what we ask of your king and here is what we offer:

Fez wants peace with Portugal.
Fez wants Portugal to stop killing Moors in Iberia.
Fez wants to make sure Portugal does not attack Fez.

In exchange....

Fez will share much of its knowledge from the university in exchange for naval technology and help with navigation.

Fez will open its markets to Portugal and make available the exotic goods from Inner Africa and agree to mutually benficial trade between Fez and Portugal.

Fez will support any Portuguese claims on Non-Muslim Iberian lands, or Castillian holdings elsewhere. Portugal may not have an interest in these lands, but if Castile falls, someone will have to administer them. If Portugal refuses to accept them, perhaps France, Navarra, or Burgandy would want them, but we would prefer to see them in Portugese hands.

Fez will help support Portugese commerce in North Africa.

And if any Iberian territory is restored to the Moors, Fez will reward Portugal for any efforts to protect or agree to peace with those lands.


I do not know, Navigator, if your king will agree to his. All of our information suggests that he hates the Moors and wants to kill them. We do not know why, but if he is the enemy of the Moors we can not be friends. If he is neutral or supports them, we can be very generous friends.

Send Muhammed back to Lagos. We shall escort him safely from the country to make sure he is not mistaken for an enemy.

In the meantime, we have prepared a chamber normally reserved for royalty. You will have guards assigned to you for your protection, as some people here may have lost family members in Andalusia to the Portuguese soldiers.

Once you and the rest of your party have rested from your long journey, we will have our feast. Then I will show you much of the wonders of Fez."

The Emir claps his hands and servants go to make sure the rooms are prepared and to escort Rodrigo's men to their rooms.

 

[I Killed Kenny]

In the morning after the feast Muhamed leaves Fez to Tangiers and then to the Sea​

 

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El-Zahrewi of el-Zahra Pursues Trade Agreements ​

El-Zahrewi of el-Zahra had seen his commercial interests interrupted by war, but now, under military guard, had the finalized agreement been sent to the ITU.

His attempts to enter the English markets had been rebuffed. He would make one final attempt, but was not hopeful as England now seemed to be aligning with the Portugese, whom El-Zahrewi had mistakenly believed would have shunned alliance with the Castillians.

His contacts with the trade houses of Gelre had evaporated, but the notion of trade with the Hansa intrigued him. He would send emmissaries and explore what interest there might be.

The East, as well, provided an area of new interest. With relations with Egypt declining, it might be best to secure an alternative trading partner in the East. The Timurids' aid in continuing the An-Andalusian liberation where in encouraging. They too, would be contacted.

 

[I Killed Kenny]

Muhammed arrived once again into the court of Fez he quickly goes to speak with Rodrigo. Muhamed give to Rodrigo a very big letter writen by a quick hand. Rodrigo shakes his head as he reads and re-reads the letter. After he reads it he goes to the emir

He bows as he sees the emir he speaks to him "Emir just Receive the answer from King João to your questions. Can you hear me?"

 

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The Emir Elector Receives the Reply of the Portuguese​

After the guards thoroughly search the messenger, (they are not rough and apologize that such steps are needed during a time of war) they allow him to enter the throne room, where more guards are on duty.

The navigator and the other men from Portugal have returned to the throne room as well, having been escorted around the University and having explored the bazaar, and all of the unique and exotic items from inner Africa. They have been well fed and well rested during their visit.

Abu-Mohammed Abd el-Maliki, Emir-Elector of Fez, receives the messenger and bids him to speak.


EDIT: The Emir-Elector adds:

" I had not noticed before, but you bear a striking resemblance to your Navigator, Rodrigo!"

 

[I Killed Kenny]

Rodrigo had his neck in risk, so he thought carefully before entering the room, with his thought in order he takes a step foward​

He bows then he stands up and starts speaking.
"Thank you for your quite words" he noods his head "that is indeed a great complemnt to my person." said Rodrigo preparing him self for the hard part.
"I received news from my king. My friend Muhammed" he looked to his right where 'the morrocan' was. "Went to Portugal and brought me a letter from El-Rei D. João the second." now looking to the emir, "He gave me new guide-lines in relation with Fez and some asnwers to your excelency's questions." he stops to breath a bit before continuing. "First his majesty do not want war with Fez. And he desieres to tell your excelencey the elector-emir of Fez that he shall continue persuting his fight in Iberia against the 'rebels' of Castille. He informed that he is fighting the rebels as rebels and not as religions enemies. And that if such rebels where Jews or even Cristians he could continue fighting to help the ally of his majesty." he stops for a moment, wining time to help puting his thought correcly "His majesty the King of Portugal also informs that he do not want to declare war against Fez, but if any muslim Force invades Cristian Iberia shall have Portugal defending her. Because Portugal do not Forgot what was learned in the year 711"

Rodrigo gave a step backwards waiting for any kind of reply​

 

[Fireblade]

Royal Oriental Trade Company - Tangiers​

* * * * * * * *​

The trip from Lisbon to Tangiers took even less time than Lord Campbell had thought. The winds from Portugal to Tangiers were very favorable most of the way, with only a few minor squalls that had merely delayed the fleet for a short time. The squalls had no real effect on the fleet, and all the ships were still accounted. Lord Campbell smiled. Ah, if the trade in Tangiers went even half as well as it did in Lisbon, he'll be richer than the King of France by the time he gets home.

Just like in Lisbon, the merchants of Tangiers looked on the ships as they arrived. As the ropes were thrown over to the dock for the dockworkers to grab and secure the ship with, a member of Lord Campbell's company, a speaker of Arab, cried out in the tongue of Africa, "O Merchants! O Merchants! Honey, leather, cloth! Good quality! Good quality!" Lord Campbell then awaited the reaction of the merchants.. if they didn't buy the good here, well, then he'd simply go to Algiers.

 

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The Merchants of Tangiers Greet the English​

* * * * * * * *​

Merchantsflocked to where the dockworkers were quickly moving samples from ship's quay to an improvised bazaar.

Of all the items offered by Lord Campbell's company, it was the bolts of fine cloth that attracted the most attention, and soon the savviest of the emprorium vendors had purchased all that they could barter for, with visions of profitable resale. Likewise, tax collectors had formed around those merchants completing their purchases, and additional assessments were taken.

Not far from this swarm of activity, construction could be seen - a great trade hall was being renovated and those with keen eyesight could make out heraldry of the Italian trading guilds.

Careful not to interrupt the Englishmen during their transactions, the harbormaster approached Campbell during a lull and introduced himself. His English was broken, but effusive.



"We welcome you to the Port of Tangiers, English! If I may show your our wares while we talk briefly?

Your visit honors us greatly and I would like to take this opportunity to offer you a permanent port of call in Tangiers? Facilities for your company can easily be arranged, should our governments confirm fair trading rights. "

He escorted his guest just around the perimeter of the English trading party, where Fezian merchants sold their goods.

"You will find rare dyes here, available from nowhere else! You will find we do our own weaving and leather working. A different style entirely of what you are accustomed, but perhaps you have a market for it? And here, sample the wide varietys of fruits and nuts grown here and in surrounding lands. Examine the spices we bring from all over the Orient here to our marketplace."

"And here, here we find gold from the interior of Africa, we find jewels and rare herbs. We find a wood like none you will find in Europe! We have these in a lesser supply, as we bring them by caravan from deepest Africa, but they too could be available to you should an agreement be reached."

He returned the captain to his party, careful not to impose to greatly upon his visitor.

"We thank you again for your visit and we hope that you have found it profitable. Please, please to consider establishing a permanent merchant presence here, no? We welcome your business.