The new chapter is here and it finally introduces the last character.
Part VII - Early 1422
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Athens, Hellas, Jan 1422
Deep in the palaces of the Acropolis the Page entered the kitchen exhausted. Amongst the aromas of garlic and pepper worked the cook who was responsible for what the Duke ate.
“Can you believe it? The Duke has ordered another goose like the one on his mantel. I wish someone would break that wooden goose!” Cursed the cook when he saw the Page’s presence. The Page took a seat by the stove ignoring the comment.
“So lad. What have they got you doing today. I’ve barely seen you.” Asked the chef less selfishly.
“Oh man. It’s all been happening today. Apparently Genoa has joined the crusade and declared war on the Ottomans.” Replied the Page.
“Well that’s a good thing then yeh? With all those Genovian ships on our side surely we’ll gain the naval supremacy and turn the war back on our side.”
“Yeh that’s what the Duke and advisors were all saying.”
“Well then why the glum look?
“The Duke in one of his frenzies. He wants everything done and he wants it all done now and you know what that means?”
“More work for us.” They said together.
After a long pause the Page was about to divulge everything he had done today to the benevolent chef until he noticed the aroma had changed. The garlic had been replaced with a far less appetising scent, a smell that that wooden goose would be much more accustomed to. Smoke. The Page took a second whiff because making his conclusion and by then their was need to alert the cook as he could read a man’s face like a book.
They both turned around in horror and the cook tended to the roasting goose.
“By the Grace of Athena! It’s ruined!” cried the cook upon inspection and made arrangements to cease the smoke and dispose of the burnt goose.
“But not to worry,” the cook continued as he briefly entered his store whilst the Page watched on, “I’ve had very much experience in this sort of thing and I’ve learnt that it’s always best to a spare.” And with that he brought forth a second goose for roasting.
“The Duke never knows. Although I must say, at this time of year it’s a good thing its a goose he wants and not a turkey. I don’t think I would be able to get a hand on two turkeys, not with this blockade and all.” Added the cook
“Well you won’t have to worry about that anymore if Genoa really does join this war in more than just name. And if our armies keep up their recent successes I dare it they’ll be just as many Turks as turkeys ready for roasting.” replied the Page
Just then the gong ran from upstairs.
“Speaking of roasting, it sounds like the Duke has another job for you” said the cook and with that the Page departed a headed back upstairs.
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Piraeus, Hellas, Mar 1422
It was a full moon and the crew of the Athenian galley was asleep by the dock except for two men. The Sailor and his mate were up to something.
The mate came scurrying quietly back towards the railing as the Sailor watched out across the harbour to where their fishing boat still stood.
“The whipper’s asleep” whispered the mate.
“Are you sure? I don’t want this going wrong.”
“Yeh I’m sure. I even poked him and he didn’t move.”
“Alright then let’s go”
The Sailor and his mate leaped over the railing and ran down the wharf. Without looking over their shoulders they headed towards the fishing boat. When they reached the boat they climbed aboard so hurriedly that an oar created a loud splash in the water. They both paused mid-action and looked up at the inanimate galley for a moment before pushing off.
A few minutes later, once the galley was out of sight the Sailor and his mate breathed easier and started talking at regular volume.
“We did. I can’t believe we did it!” cried the Sailor.
“I can’t believe we’ve off that hell of a galley.” Said the mate. “Your plan actually worked.”
“Yeh, who would’ve thought our boat would still be moored there after three years.” Replied the Sailor. “So where do you want to go now? Salamis? Aegina?”
“Let’s go to Hydra. My cousin lives there. He should be able to help us out.” Responded the mate.
“Alright. Hydra it is.” Concluded the Sailor as he adjusted the rudder.
An hour later, as the dwarfed fishing boat was crossing the Saronic Gulf the pair noticed a couple of dark specks on the horizon. The specks became larger and more numbersome as they got closer and just as the Sailor and the mate began wondering why such a large fishing fleet was out in the gulf at this time of year they received their answer. A howling cannon fired in the distance and the ball landed within 10 metres of the boat. The shockwave it sent out was enough to, when combined with the reaction of the two crewmembers aboard, launch the tiny vessel through the air. The mate bounced out of his seat like a frog and landed in the water whilst the sailor landed where the mate had been.
“Help! I can’t swim.” Cried the mate between gasps as the Sailor battled with an oar to position it near him. Finally the mate grabbed hold of the oar and the Sailor reeled him in but not before another cannonball landed even closer to the boat and almost sent the Sailor in the drink too. Only once the mate was aboard were the men able to assess their situation.
“By the Grace of Athena they’re Ottomans!” exclaimed the Sailor.
“You fool! How could you forget about the blockading Ottoman fleet? What a stupid plan it was to escape.” Blamed the mate.
“Don’t blame me! You’re the one who’s spent his whole life on the sea and never learnt how to swim.” Rebutted the Sailor as a third cannonball flew over their heads. “Let’s just get out of here.”
The two men turned the boat around and rowed for their lives, this time without the aid of whippers, back towards Piraeus. Luckily for them the Ottomans held their positions. However it was not long afterwards that the Sailor and his mate realised they were not safe yet.
“There’s a hole!” cried the mate.
“Well block it.” Answered the Sailor.
“With what?”
“Your jumper. It’s already soaked.”
Water was gushing in fast.
“It’s not working. We’re sinking and I can’t swim!” panicked the mate.
“Just come here and keep rowing. We might make Piraeus yet.”
As first light appeared on the horizon Piraeus was awaking to sounds of two lunatics bringing their half-sunk boat to the wharf. They abandoned their boat and ran, still panicking, back along the wharf to the galley. They jumped back aboard and collapsed in a heap just before the dawn bell rang. The whole crew was up in a jiffy and the roll was taken.
As the Sailor and his mate’s names were read out their faces went red as they responded. The whipper then asked them why they were all wet and they looked at one another before blurting out that it had rained last night.
The whipper took one look at the endlessly blue sky before the pair burst into laughter.
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Ludogorie, Rumelia, May 1422
The Athenian stood in formation in the middle of an open field ready for battle. The Knight and his men had recently crossed the border from Dobrudja and had been marching on Varna when his scouts spotted an Ottoman army coming his way. The Knight had halted the army to gain the defensive advantage and decided on a secure hill on which to setup his defence.
In the mild morning breeze the army stood awaiting their enemy raring to go at a moments notice. The Knight knew that it would only be a matter of hours before his life and, more importantly to him, his reputation as a nobleman would be put under the hammer.
The Knight decided to give his men a speech of confidence to raise the spirits of his men, not that they were particularly low. They had recently defeated the same army twice already but the Knight wanted to enforce his charisma to inflate his image of success and shun any perceived meekness that resulted after the indignity that occurred at the Thracian border.
“Men of Athens!” he began powerfully “We are gathered to here today join in holy matrimony the Ottoman Army and the grave. For many years the union has been planned and as protector of our faith it has been our duty to make the union a reality.
“For better or worse we shall fight with all our might without fear or intimidation, for richer or poorer our endeavour is not for ourselves but on behalf of our omnipotent Duke and our eternal Duchy, in sickness and in health we shall slaughter these Infidels without compassion until every last one of them is tied to the grave.”
“These our the vows, we have the ring ready, so lets go give it to them!” roared the Knight and army cheered loudly. He had once again proved to himself that his sermons were his strength as he looked into his army’s eyes and saw them glowing with the focus of a hawk.
Not long after the speech, the pitter-patter of the enemy army came within audio range and the Knight rode over to his sergeant.
“It looks like this is it.” Said the sergeant
“It sure does. Lets get ourselves in formation at the back of the army.” Replied the Knight
“At the back? Don’t you think after that speech you should be at the front of the group to show them that we have no fear.” Queried the Sergeant.
“No, no. I need to be at the back so I can organise the divisions. I can’t see how the battle is progressing if i’m in the middle of it can I?”
“Very well.” Conceded the sergeant and the both of them rode around to the rear of the army.
The marching got louder and louder but the enemy were nowhere in sight. After a few more minutes the Knight was getting edgy.
“Where are they already?” he thought aloud
“Perhaps they’re more cowardly than usual. They have lost to us before remember.” Hypothesised the sergeant.
It was then that the marching sound was accompanied by a charging roar. The Knight’s heartbeat went up a notch and he scoped the nearby woods for the enemy with no luck. Within seconds he and his whole army identified where the sound was coming from, it was coming from behind them. The Knight turned immediately and was shocked to find the Ottoman Army charging towards him.
“By the Grace of Athena!” was all the Knight could utter as he realised he had been outwitted by his counterpart. Then, in a move that bewildered his army, the Knight then took off away in the opposition direction to the enemy.
“Where are you going?” yelled the sergeant as he mirrored the Athenian armies’ thoughts in that their leader was a coward.
“The back!” Cried the Knight mid-gallop “I need to be at the back.”
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END PART VII
Part VII - Early 1422
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Athens, Hellas, Jan 1422
Deep in the palaces of the Acropolis the Page entered the kitchen exhausted. Amongst the aromas of garlic and pepper worked the cook who was responsible for what the Duke ate.
“Can you believe it? The Duke has ordered another goose like the one on his mantel. I wish someone would break that wooden goose!” Cursed the cook when he saw the Page’s presence. The Page took a seat by the stove ignoring the comment.
“So lad. What have they got you doing today. I’ve barely seen you.” Asked the chef less selfishly.
“Oh man. It’s all been happening today. Apparently Genoa has joined the crusade and declared war on the Ottomans.” Replied the Page.
“Well that’s a good thing then yeh? With all those Genovian ships on our side surely we’ll gain the naval supremacy and turn the war back on our side.”
“Yeh that’s what the Duke and advisors were all saying.”
“Well then why the glum look?
“The Duke in one of his frenzies. He wants everything done and he wants it all done now and you know what that means?”
“More work for us.” They said together.
After a long pause the Page was about to divulge everything he had done today to the benevolent chef until he noticed the aroma had changed. The garlic had been replaced with a far less appetising scent, a smell that that wooden goose would be much more accustomed to. Smoke. The Page took a second whiff because making his conclusion and by then their was need to alert the cook as he could read a man’s face like a book.
They both turned around in horror and the cook tended to the roasting goose.
“By the Grace of Athena! It’s ruined!” cried the cook upon inspection and made arrangements to cease the smoke and dispose of the burnt goose.
“But not to worry,” the cook continued as he briefly entered his store whilst the Page watched on, “I’ve had very much experience in this sort of thing and I’ve learnt that it’s always best to a spare.” And with that he brought forth a second goose for roasting.
“The Duke never knows. Although I must say, at this time of year it’s a good thing its a goose he wants and not a turkey. I don’t think I would be able to get a hand on two turkeys, not with this blockade and all.” Added the cook
“Well you won’t have to worry about that anymore if Genoa really does join this war in more than just name. And if our armies keep up their recent successes I dare it they’ll be just as many Turks as turkeys ready for roasting.” replied the Page
Just then the gong ran from upstairs.
“Speaking of roasting, it sounds like the Duke has another job for you” said the cook and with that the Page departed a headed back upstairs.
---------
Piraeus, Hellas, Mar 1422
It was a full moon and the crew of the Athenian galley was asleep by the dock except for two men. The Sailor and his mate were up to something.
The mate came scurrying quietly back towards the railing as the Sailor watched out across the harbour to where their fishing boat still stood.
“The whipper’s asleep” whispered the mate.
“Are you sure? I don’t want this going wrong.”
“Yeh I’m sure. I even poked him and he didn’t move.”
“Alright then let’s go”
The Sailor and his mate leaped over the railing and ran down the wharf. Without looking over their shoulders they headed towards the fishing boat. When they reached the boat they climbed aboard so hurriedly that an oar created a loud splash in the water. They both paused mid-action and looked up at the inanimate galley for a moment before pushing off.
A few minutes later, once the galley was out of sight the Sailor and his mate breathed easier and started talking at regular volume.
“We did. I can’t believe we did it!” cried the Sailor.
“I can’t believe we’ve off that hell of a galley.” Said the mate. “Your plan actually worked.”
“Yeh, who would’ve thought our boat would still be moored there after three years.” Replied the Sailor. “So where do you want to go now? Salamis? Aegina?”
“Let’s go to Hydra. My cousin lives there. He should be able to help us out.” Responded the mate.
“Alright. Hydra it is.” Concluded the Sailor as he adjusted the rudder.
An hour later, as the dwarfed fishing boat was crossing the Saronic Gulf the pair noticed a couple of dark specks on the horizon. The specks became larger and more numbersome as they got closer and just as the Sailor and the mate began wondering why such a large fishing fleet was out in the gulf at this time of year they received their answer. A howling cannon fired in the distance and the ball landed within 10 metres of the boat. The shockwave it sent out was enough to, when combined with the reaction of the two crewmembers aboard, launch the tiny vessel through the air. The mate bounced out of his seat like a frog and landed in the water whilst the sailor landed where the mate had been.
“Help! I can’t swim.” Cried the mate between gasps as the Sailor battled with an oar to position it near him. Finally the mate grabbed hold of the oar and the Sailor reeled him in but not before another cannonball landed even closer to the boat and almost sent the Sailor in the drink too. Only once the mate was aboard were the men able to assess their situation.
“By the Grace of Athena they’re Ottomans!” exclaimed the Sailor.
“You fool! How could you forget about the blockading Ottoman fleet? What a stupid plan it was to escape.” Blamed the mate.
“Don’t blame me! You’re the one who’s spent his whole life on the sea and never learnt how to swim.” Rebutted the Sailor as a third cannonball flew over their heads. “Let’s just get out of here.”
The two men turned the boat around and rowed for their lives, this time without the aid of whippers, back towards Piraeus. Luckily for them the Ottomans held their positions. However it was not long afterwards that the Sailor and his mate realised they were not safe yet.
“There’s a hole!” cried the mate.
“Well block it.” Answered the Sailor.
“With what?”
“Your jumper. It’s already soaked.”
Water was gushing in fast.
“It’s not working. We’re sinking and I can’t swim!” panicked the mate.
“Just come here and keep rowing. We might make Piraeus yet.”
As first light appeared on the horizon Piraeus was awaking to sounds of two lunatics bringing their half-sunk boat to the wharf. They abandoned their boat and ran, still panicking, back along the wharf to the galley. They jumped back aboard and collapsed in a heap just before the dawn bell rang. The whole crew was up in a jiffy and the roll was taken.
As the Sailor and his mate’s names were read out their faces went red as they responded. The whipper then asked them why they were all wet and they looked at one another before blurting out that it had rained last night.
The whipper took one look at the endlessly blue sky before the pair burst into laughter.
---------
Ludogorie, Rumelia, May 1422
The Athenian stood in formation in the middle of an open field ready for battle. The Knight and his men had recently crossed the border from Dobrudja and had been marching on Varna when his scouts spotted an Ottoman army coming his way. The Knight had halted the army to gain the defensive advantage and decided on a secure hill on which to setup his defence.
In the mild morning breeze the army stood awaiting their enemy raring to go at a moments notice. The Knight knew that it would only be a matter of hours before his life and, more importantly to him, his reputation as a nobleman would be put under the hammer.
The Knight decided to give his men a speech of confidence to raise the spirits of his men, not that they were particularly low. They had recently defeated the same army twice already but the Knight wanted to enforce his charisma to inflate his image of success and shun any perceived meekness that resulted after the indignity that occurred at the Thracian border.
“Men of Athens!” he began powerfully “We are gathered to here today join in holy matrimony the Ottoman Army and the grave. For many years the union has been planned and as protector of our faith it has been our duty to make the union a reality.
“For better or worse we shall fight with all our might without fear or intimidation, for richer or poorer our endeavour is not for ourselves but on behalf of our omnipotent Duke and our eternal Duchy, in sickness and in health we shall slaughter these Infidels without compassion until every last one of them is tied to the grave.”
“These our the vows, we have the ring ready, so lets go give it to them!” roared the Knight and army cheered loudly. He had once again proved to himself that his sermons were his strength as he looked into his army’s eyes and saw them glowing with the focus of a hawk.
Not long after the speech, the pitter-patter of the enemy army came within audio range and the Knight rode over to his sergeant.
“It looks like this is it.” Said the sergeant
“It sure does. Lets get ourselves in formation at the back of the army.” Replied the Knight
“At the back? Don’t you think after that speech you should be at the front of the group to show them that we have no fear.” Queried the Sergeant.
“No, no. I need to be at the back so I can organise the divisions. I can’t see how the battle is progressing if i’m in the middle of it can I?”
“Very well.” Conceded the sergeant and the both of them rode around to the rear of the army.
The marching got louder and louder but the enemy were nowhere in sight. After a few more minutes the Knight was getting edgy.
“Where are they already?” he thought aloud
“Perhaps they’re more cowardly than usual. They have lost to us before remember.” Hypothesised the sergeant.
It was then that the marching sound was accompanied by a charging roar. The Knight’s heartbeat went up a notch and he scoped the nearby woods for the enemy with no luck. Within seconds he and his whole army identified where the sound was coming from, it was coming from behind them. The Knight turned immediately and was shocked to find the Ottoman Army charging towards him.
“By the Grace of Athena!” was all the Knight could utter as he realised he had been outwitted by his counterpart. Then, in a move that bewildered his army, the Knight then took off away in the opposition direction to the enemy.
“Where are you going?” yelled the sergeant as he mirrored the Athenian armies’ thoughts in that their leader was a coward.
“The back!” Cried the Knight mid-gallop “I need to be at the back.”
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END PART VII
