Cyprus: A Trail of Hope

[Amric]

Christmas Day dawned clear and bright and warm. Quite warm, actually. Paris had kicked off the covers in the night. He rose and dressed quickly before tiptoeing down the stairs to enjoy some coffee. Coffee was still relatively pricey in Cyprus, whereas it was dirt cheap in Barbados. Walking into the kitchen he found his sister already making some coffee. Ajax and Xylon were also up and about, sitting in the drawing room playing some chess. The murmur of their voices carried into the kitchen.

The cook was busy preparing breakfast. Sausage, eggs, bacon, fruit slices and of course coffee and juice. Soon the family was eating the hearty breakfast, speaking of inconsequential things. Once breakfast was over they repaired to the drawing room and the tree with the gifts under it.

“I’d like to go first,” Paris said,” If you all don’t mind?”

“Be my guest,” Ajax motioned to the tree.

The others concurred. Paris reached down and passed out the gifts to his family. The paper was actually quite pretty, and Alyssa carefully unwrapped her first gift. It was a beautiful blue dress in the latest style. Shockingly enough, it actually looked like it might fit perfectly. Her second gift was bolts of the same blue cloth, as well as red, green, and yellow.

“Thank you Paris,” she squealed,” Thank you ever so much!”

“You are quite welcome,” Paris smiled warmly.

By this time Xylon had unwrapped his present, a large collection of paints in various colors and horsehair brushes in different sizes and styles. Xylon gasped at the quality of the paints and the brushes.

“Thank you, Paris,” he smiled hugely,” I will get great enjoyment out of this. We just don’t have very good paint here in Barbados. Brushes, although not in this profusion is available, but this is truly wonderful!”

“I had hoped you would enjoy it,” Paris nodded,” When father wrote me that you were of an artistic mien I knew you had to have this.”

Ajax opened his gifts, which were truly remarkable. One was a book by a Chinese man named Sun Tzu titled the Art of War, translated into Greek. The other was a volume by Julius Caesar called The Way of Governing. It was extremely rare and was in the original Latin. Copied from scrolls of long ago, it was handwritten and the cover was of cracked leather, seamed with age. The pages were all there, although the binding was nearly ready to give way.

Ajax wept with joy,” Thank you, my son. Truly magnificent texts. I have never heard of this Sun Tzu, but if you purchased it, it must be truly intriguing. The Caesar is spectacular. I didn’t think any of them still existed.”

“I found them both in Alexandria,” Paris admitted,” My ship had to make a stop there and I had time to wander the bazaars. Things from all over the world. Even though nobody in Europe has been to the Far East yet, apparently there is unbelievable trade between them and the muslims.”

“We’ve known that for some time,” Ajax mentioned.

“Yes,” Paris agreed,” But to SEE it in person is simply amazing!”

“My turn,” Alyssa spoke up.

She handed out her gifts to the family. Xylon went first. He received new carving tools made from steel with oak handles. Ajax opened his to find writing stylus’ in an intricate wooden box. Wooden handled, it had a steel nib that could be used to dip into the ink well and then write on paper. No more would he have to sharpen a quill. He also received bottles of ink in black, blue, and red.

Both men made appreciative noises to their sister while Paris opened his own gift from his sister. Inside was a clock. Measuring nearly two feet high and one foot deep and one foot wide it was a most impressive time keeper. The hands were soldiers in Cypriot colors. When the hour struck the doors would open and a small man with a cannon would emerge and fire off the appropriate amount of blasts to equal the hour. Paris gaped at it in amazement. He’d never seen such a wonderful clock.

“Wherever did you find this?” Paris exclaimed,” Thank you! It is fantastic.”

“I ordered it from the Swiss,” Alyssa admitted,” Nobody in the islands can do such intricate work. I am glad you like it.”

“I do,” Paris said fervently,” It’s spectacular.”

“My turn!” Xylon smiled in glee.

He passed out his gifts and sat back with a smile. Ajax opened his and found small statues made from marble. Three of them to be exact. One of each of his children. Even Paris was represented very well. Ajax looked at his son and smiled broadly.

“So this is what you were working on yesterday,” Ajax grinned.

“Yes,” Xylon admitted,” Since I hadn’t seen Paris in some time I had to leave the features blank until I saw him. I think it went well.”

Alyssa opened her gift and found yet something else Xylon had created. It was a miniature representation of Barbados City. A truly awesome display of creativity. It showed every building, all the streets, the piers, even down to the stop signs and light posts. All of them looked at Xylon in shock and amazement.

“That is incredible,” Paris breathed,” I’ve never seen anything like that. You are truly gifted.”

“How long did that take to do?” Ajax inquired.

“Thank you, Xylon,” Alyssa hugged her brother,” It’s amazing. Simply breathtaking.”

“Your welcome,” Xylon beamed,” I have been working on it since last Christmas. It takes a long time to carve the homes and buildings and such out of wood. Then placing the tiny streets and sidewalks was really tough. The most difficult was the palace outer walls. REALLY small detail work I have to say.”

Paris opened his own gift now. Inside was a chess set. Not just ANY chess set but an amazing piece of work. A raised oaken board stained dark with glass tiles of cloudy white and black. The pieces were even more amazing. They were also of dark and clear glass. Hand blown and shaped with delicate care they were absolute masterpieces. Paris felt his jaw drop and it took him a moment to close his mouth with an audible snap.

“However did you manage this?” Paris inquired,’ It’s incredible. I didn’t think you could do such things with glass!”

“Neither did I,” Ajax murmured.

“Fabulous,” Alyssa smiled widely,” You’ve surpassed yourself again, Xylon.”

“I had to work with the glassblower of course,” Xylon admitted,” He’d blow and I would shape as he blew. It took a lot of time to figure out just how much I could do. Glass is delicate and it took weeks to get it right. I’m so pleased you like it.”

“Like it?” Paris chuckled,” I LOVE it. Thank you!”

“You are quite welcome,” Xylon smiled.

Ajax silently handed out his gifts to his children. Alyssa found herself the recipient of another dress and more cloth, while Xylon received a writ for materials from the colonial stocks. Paris opened his small gift and looked confused. It was a slip of paper with an address written on it. He looked at his father who was smiling broadly.

“I don’t understand,” Paris shook his head in confusion.

“It’s your new home,” Ajax explained,” You will need one, being General of the Colonial Armies. You can’t live in the Governor’s Palace. It wouldn’t be seemly. So I had it built for you. It’s only a couple of blocks from the garrison and I thought you would appreciate it.”

Paris nodded in understanding,” I see. You make a good point. Thank you, father. Thank you all. I should have returned from Cyprus years ago. We have a lot of time to make up for, and I am glad we will now have the chance to do so.”

The various servants and the cook and butler also received a small gift from Ajax in appreciation for all the hard work they do during the year. It was such a grand day they all decided to go and inspect Paris’ new house.

 

[Rirre]

what else is there to say but MERRY CHRISMAS (I know it's one or two days early but still )

That Xylon fellow sounds really handy, and I can understand why his gifts was so appriciated.

great work as allways Amric.

 

[Amric]

Rirre- Thanks. Merry Christmas to you as well!

As per demands I am sending some screenies for Anibal to post here. And here is another update as well!

The new home of Paris was actually quite impressive, the grounds had even been landscaped already. An iron fence, painted black with gates and a guardhouse fronted the driveway. The gates were closed and a guard stood in front of them looking at the approaching family with some trepidation.

“Halt! This is the home of the General Paris. State your business!”

“Morning, private,” Paris smiled,” I’m General Paris.”

The private gaped and turned white,” Y-yes sir! I’ll open this gate up right now.”

“Hold it, son,” Paris chuckled,” How do you know I am really General Paris?”

“You just said you were, sir.”

“What if I lied?” Paris inquired gently.

“Why would you do that? Wait a minute, now I’m confused.”

“Here are my papers,” Paris handed them to the flustered man, who perused them briefly and hand them back.

“According to this you are General Paris. Why did you do that to me?”

“You have to make sure people are who they say they are unless you know them personally,” Paris explained,” Such as this is my sister, Alyssa. My brother, Xylon. My father here is Ajax, Governor of Barbados and Duke of the Caribbean.”

“My lord,” the private bowed,” Welcome. I’ll just get this gate open now.”

He opens the gates and motions the family inside. They walk onto the grounds and up the drive toward the front door. The house was quite large. Not as large as the governor’s palace, but still quite spacious. The double doors opened wide and a butler appeared.

“Welcome, Governor! General, good to see you! Xylon, Alyssa you are both looking well.”

“Good morning, Porthos,” Ajax boomed,” I see you are already ensconced.”

“Yes indeed, sir,” Porthos nodded, “ Come on in. I’ll give you the two ducat tour.”

“This is the entry hall, of course,” Porthos said, waving them inside,” Not decorated yet, of course. Over here is a secretary’s office. None of the rooms, save for my own, is decorated yet. Through this door is your office, General. You’ll have a nice view of the front lawn here. Come with me. Across the entry hall is the drawing room. A dual purpose room, really. For officers to wait until they are ushered in to see you, and for regular guests as well.

Along the hall you have the staircase to the second floor. We’ll get to that later. Through here is the dining room and here is the kitchen. Yes, that is two coal fired stoves. The cook has been hired, but she isn’t going to be available until after Christmas. Let’s go back this way. I passed this door because I wished to wait until you saw the kitchen. This is a conference room, so that you can have meetings with numerous officers, that door leads to your office, General.

This next area is the game room. Your father insisted that your home have one, sir. This is what your father calls the family room. A place to enjoy time with your family.”

“Well, other than my siblings and my father,” Paris said,” I have no other family in the Caribbean.”

“You might get married some day, sir,” Porthos smiled brightly,” Let’s go up the stairs here. I ignored that door, that is just a bathroom under the stairs. Nothing special. Ah, there are five bedrooms up here, sir. Including the master bedroom. Which is here, and through here is the master bath. Tub, sinks, all with hot and cold water. The toilet, which flushes pretty well. That was one Roman invention I am glad was rediscovered.”

“Thank you, Porthos,” Paris smiled,” I will have to get back with you to discuss decorating ideas tomorrow.”

“Very good, sir,” Porthos replied and turned to go.

“Paris,” Alyssa piped up,” Can I help decorate your house? You’re going to be very busy setting up your office and getting to know the officer cadre on the island.”

“You may have a point, sis,” Paris nodded,” Fine with me, but don’t go making it all frilly.”

“I think I can keep myself under control,” Alyssa smiled.

“Not to interrupt,” Ajax said,” But we’ll miss mass if we don’t get moving along.”

“True,” Xylon agreed,” Let’s get going.”

Alyssa and Porthos spoke briefly with her promising to return on the morrow to discuss things. Paris and Ajax stepped along in front of them but behind Xylon.

“Father,” Paris said,” I am going to want to see all the reports about the meetings with the Winward Island Kingdom.”

“Not a problem,” Ajax smiled,” I have a trunk full of documents copied already for you to go over and put into your own files when you are up to speed.”

“Thanks,” Paris chuckled,” I should have known you’d be on top of things. Thanks again for the house, It’s terrific.”

“He didn’t even show you the carriage house,” Ajax snorted,” Let alone the servants building. Or the basement.”

“Probably figures that sort of thing wouldn’t matter to a high ranking officer,” Paris grinned,” I’ll look them over later. When I have time.”

“Understandable,” Ajax said,” So what are your plans for the colonial army?”

”Not sure yet,” Paris shrugged,” I’ll have to check it out and evaluate things before I make any decisions or changes.”

“Prudent,” Ajax nodded,” You know I’ll back you, no matter what.”

“Of course,” Paris smiled,” You are my father. You always have.”

“Well I am your father,” Ajax agreed,” But I am also the Governor of this island and the ruler of all the Caribbean. As such, I trust your judgment and skills.”

“Thank you,” Paris grinned,” Ah, here is the church. Time for mass.”

The family walked into the church and sat down.

 

[unmerged(16363)]

Just to keep up with the great tale of Amric, let me post screenshots of his story! :rofl: And let's let him explain them better when he wants to, but I think it's not needed...

 

[Amric]

Anibal- Thanks! I agree, they are pretty self explanatory, I think. They are taken from 1493. Which we haven't arrived at in the story, but since nothing much changes between 1473 and 1493 it isn't really a big deal...

 

[Amric]

A few weeks later Paris was sitting in his office going over all the records about the descendants of the ancient Macedonians who were now known as the Winward Islands Kingdom. It was a fascinating story of how they arrived at the islands and their ability to keep most of their technology going. The meeting between them and the Governor of Barbados was also an interesting read.

Apparently they still spoke Greek of a sort. When their galleys were intercepted three times trying to return to Barbados they finally arrived off the coast of the colony with the prows of their vessels painted white. Upon discovering that such meant peaceful intentions, they were allowed to land and meet with the Governor and the military commander of the colony.

After some discussions it was left to the Governor and the natives to talk. The transcripts were interesting to say the least.

“Governor Ajax, I am called Xenon,” Xenon said,” I am the lead spokesman for my nation.”

“Xenon, which nation are you speaking of?” Ajax inquired.

“Why the Winward Islands Kingdom, of course,” Xenon laughed,” We’ve been parted from the empire for centuries. It wasn’t until I received a report that our enemies on this island spoke Greek that I felt it was important to speak with you.”

“Um,” Ajax hesitated,” The empire, you say.”

“Yes,” Xenon prompted,” Alexander’s empire. It should encompass most of the world by now I would expect. What took you so long to come here, anyway?”

“Well, Xenon,” Ajax said,” Alexander’s empire died with him.”

”That’s impossible,” Xenon looked shocked.

“He had an heir,” Ajax said,” But he and the mother were killed when Alexander had died in Babylon leaving no will or directives.”

“Gods,” Xenon breathed,” That is horrible. So what is the name of the empire now, if Alexander’s descendants are dead?”

“Er, there is no empire,” Ajax told him,” there is a great deal of history that has happened since your ancestors were lost.”

“Well in the interests of time,” Xenon asked,” Could you put this history in a nutshell?”

“Well the Greek empire disintegrated,” Ajax explained,” although Greece was still under the control of Macedonia. Until the Romans came along and conquered them.”

”Who are the Romans?” Xenon asked,” I’ve never heard of them.”

“They were a group that had escaped Troy after it had been destroyed by the ancient Greeks,” Ajax continued,” They expanded and kept doing so until they made the Mediterranean was a Roman lake. They eventually fell to barbarians from the north. Except for the eastern portion which became the Byzantium Empire. Which is gone now as well. The new empire of note is the Ottoman Empire and the Mamelukes which are based in Asia Minor, Thrace and Greece, and Egypt, respectively.”

“That’s awful,” Xenon shuddered,” Are they at least Greek descended?”

“No,” Ajax responded,” They are muslims. They are of a religion different from ours. In fact mine is different from yours. It’s kind of complicated. But your multiple gods are pagan deities that nobody really believes in anymore. There is Christianity, which is split between Catholics and Orthodox, and Muslims which consist of Sunni and Shia sects.”

“Still kind of sounds similar to my beliefs,” Xenon snorted,” Other than the funny names. Strange names for gods.”

“No,” Ajax sighed,” They are not names for gods. Christians believe in one God. The two different types of Christians believe in him in almost the same way, but there are some differences. The muslims believe the name of God is Allah, and their two sects believe in him with some minor differences. Enough to cause war between them.”

“So where is Zeus and the other Olympic gods,” Xenon inquired.

“They don’t exist,” Ajax told him,” At least as far as my people believe. Nobody else does either, as far as I know. Other than your people, of course.”

“Zeus is real!” Xenon insisted.

“Okay,” Ajax said,” Calm down. I don’t care what god you believe in. It isn’t important to me. Back to history. The Ottomans and Mamelukes are muslims. North of Greece and northeast of there they are Orthodox Christians. West of there are the Catholics of numerous nations.”

“Well,” Xenon said,” At least we now there is no more empire. A shame. Regardless of this, your people are inhabiting this island which belongs to my nation.”

“We are Greeks,” Ajax said,” We are from the Kingdom of Cyprus.”

“Cyprus? Alexander conquered that island long ago,” Xenon frowned,” I didn’t realize it was an independent nation.”

“For quite some time now,” Ajax chuckled,” We are descended from the same peoples. Just distant in time and space.”

“Be that as it may,” Xenon snapped,” This land is ours.”

“By right of conquest it is Cyprus territory,” Ajax reminded him.

“That was because we weren’t interested in taking casualties until we had a better idea of your abilities,” Xenon grimaced,” Now we do. We COULD take it from you.”

“Not without a fight,” Ajax replied.

“True,” Xenon agreed,” But it is our land. It has been a part of our nation for centuries.”

“You certainly hadn’t done much with it,” Ajax mentioned offhandedly.

“Well,” Xenon hedged,” We do not move with great haste in colonizing territory.”

“You mean nobody wanted to live here,” Ajax chuckled,” save for the die hards who already lived here.”

Xenon nodded,” You have the right of it.”

“So it wasn’t really that important to your nation,” Ajax said.

“True enough,” Xenon agreed,” But I cannot return to my king without some kind of compensation.”

“I understand completely,” Ajax nodded,” I am sure we can come to some kind of agreement.”

“Such as?”

“What would your king be willing to accept in return for ceding this island to Cyprus?” Ajax inquired.

“Technology and cash,” Xenon replied quickly.

“Cash is easy enough,” Ajax agreed,” But what kind of technology?”

“We want to know how to build the sailing ships that you have,” Xenon said,” Along with any military technology you currently have.”

“Not much different from what you use,” Ajax admitted,” Just better metal, to all intents and purposes. Swords are still used. Archers of course. Pikes, which is very much like the weapons used during the time of Alexander and his phalanx. Armor is still chainmail with some plate armor of steel. Which is an alloy of iron and carbon. I think we can make a deal.”

“Excellent,” Xenon beamed,” Let us draw up the papers and I will be happy to sign them and the island will be yours to keep.”

“Good,” Ajax smiled,” But it might help to know just how extensive your kingdom is, so that we don’t encroach in any more of your territory.”

“Do you have a map?” Xenon inquired.

“Indeed,” Ajax walked over to a nearby desk and pulled one out.

“Ah,” Xenon looked at it and pointed,” All these islands belong to my nation. That is why we are called the Winward Islands Kingdom. Puerto Rico, as you call it is just beyond what we consider our territory.”

“Fair enough,” Ajax agreed,” I think I can convince my government to this. Let’s draw up an agreement.”

Within two hours the agreement was signed and the two nations would no longer be in a state of aggression.

When Paris finished reading he chuckled. That seemed easy enough, and he hadn’t seen any of these Winward Islanders so far. Apparently they don’t travel outside their kingdom much. He looked outside and noticed that it was time for him to go to the garrison and review the troops.

 

[Rirre]

So thats how the peace came to be between you and the natives.... It will be intresting to see how they handel the spanis.

 

[stnylan]

Well I think he took the news of Alexander's downfall credibly well - perhaps because that means no taxman is due?

Good updates. nice maps.

 

[Amric]

Rirre- Thanks.

stnylan- well not having any contact with Alexander's empire for such a long time might be a reason why he wasn't all that upset...


Here is a New Year's update!



March 24, 1476 New Year’s Eve


Time had passed rather idyllically on Barbados. For Cyprus as a whole, actually. No revolts, rebellions, or wars. Life was peaceful and rather slow moving. Even the reorganization of the Colonial Army had been taken slowly and had been completed only during the last year.

Paris had spent quite a bit of time in the Governor’s Palace with his family as well as church and the innumerable social obligations he had to meet as the Colonial Army Commander, or CAC. Balls, weddings, funerals, dinner invitations from the prominent fathers of single daughters. He managed to avoid most of the dinner invitations with the apology that his work kept him far to busy to accept every dinner invitation and that it would not be fair to accept only a few here and there.

The only ones he did accept was with military suppliers, some of whom DID have eligible single daughters they were hoping to entice Paris into marrying. All were skillfully and adroitly sidestepped with as much diplomacy as possible.

Alyssa had gotten married last year, and Paris had been the best man, where he had met the maiden of honor again. He had already met her before at the Governor’s Ball last year during the last New Year’s Eve and at various other high society social functions.

He had danced with her then, and at the other functions as well. In fact, this very night he was going to be escorting her to this year’s Governor’s Ball. She was a lovely woman by the name of Helen. He was aware of the similarities to the ancient Helen and Paris, but he didn’t care. He’d been a celibate bachelor for his entire life. His father had never married, although his cousins had.

He had never met a woman he fancied. His infatuation for Helen had deepened into a love he could hardly imagine. A feeling he never knew he would ever have in his life. A raven haired beauty with a red streak through it<think Lexa Doig of Andromeda with her hair, only it is longer> that went to the small of her back. Sparkling green eyes that periodically flashed golden fire when she was angry or amused. A tall woman of 5 feet 7 inches tall, she was also very well proportioned. Paris thought she was the most beautiful woman in the world.

The Ball was always held outside on the gigantic tiled patio with an orchestra playing music and a lovely buffet along with numerous types of wines and ciders. It was the highlight of the social season for the year. Since it was at the very end of the year it was always highly anticipated and well attended. People vied for invitations, although the Governor never snubbed anyone from attending, even if they came late without an invitation.

Paris had hired a carriage for the evening to pick up Helen. It was painted a powdery robin’s egg blue and the four horses were all white with the harness and tack in that same blue shade. A footman in that same blue livery would be attending the vehicle, along with the driver, also suitably attired. He arrived at her door promptly at eight in the evening. The soiree would be starting in a few minutes. But as the General of the Colonial Army it would not due to arrive first.

Paris walked to the door and used the knocker to announce his presence. A butler opened the door and admitted him to the parlor and told him to wait. Helen was almost ready. Paris sat down in his white silk suit which had cost him nearly four months of pay. It had been worth it. It showcased the breadth of his shoulders and the narrowness of his waist. His black leather boots were shined until you could see your own reflection within.

He was staring at the bouquet of flowers he had brought for her when she swept into the room. Wearing a shimmering green silk dress along with matching shoes it highlighted the green of her eyes. Her hair was upswept with a green hair ribbon keeping it in place. A stray wisp strayed near the right corner of her mouth.

Paris stood up and stared. The flowers nearly forgotten in his hand he managed to keep from having his jaw drop to the floor, but just barely. Her eyes lit up when she saw him and the flowers he brought.

“Paris?” Helen inquired gently, with a lilting tone in her voice,” Are those flowers for me?”

”Flowers?” Paris repeated for a moment, shaking himself internally,” Yes, yes they are for you. Do you have a vase to put them in?”

”Indeed,” She asked her butler to find it and place the flowers in her bed chamber.

“Shall we go?” Paris asked.

“I believe we should,” Helen agreed,” You look quite handsome tonight.”

”Thank you,” Paris barely avoided the front door as he escorted her out to the carriage,” I have to say you are such a vision of loveliness that it takes my breath away.”

The footman handed her up into the carriage and Paris followed, closing the door behind him. The carriage started to move forward slowly. It would only be a few minutes to the Palace.

“Do you realize we’ve known each other for nearly 18 months?” Helen looked at Paris carefully.

“Indeed,” Paris agreed,” It has been the happiest time in my life.”

“Mine too,” Helen breathed, which did some VERY interesting things to the upper portion of her dress.

“I have to say that meeting you has been the best thing that ever happened to me,” Paris tore his eyes away and met her gaze.

“I have to say you made a wonderful best man for your brother in law,” Helen smiled slowly.

“We’re here, sir,” The driver shouted softly.

The door opened and the footman handed Helen out again and Paris stepped down and escorted her into the Palace. Nodding to the door man they wended their way through a small crush of guests to see his family. Ajax, Xylon, Alyssa, and her husband Piotr stood receiving the guests as they came into the Palace. Paris shook hands with his father, brother and brother in law and gave his sister a quick kiss on the cheek. Helen bussed the men and gave a careful hug to Alyssa who was wearing a lovely red dress and neither woman wanted to damage their coiffures.

For nearly an hour and a half the family shook hands and welcomed the guests to the Ball. Once that was over Alyssa nearly dragged Helen off to the powder room while the men retired outside to the bar area. Piotr raised a glass and toasted the family and the wonderful evening.

“Piotr,” Paris said,” Has there been any word from your family in Muscowy?”

“Not a word,” Piotr sighed,” Ever since the fall of Constantinople I have a fear they think I am dead. Being a merchant there at that time was a chancy business. I was glad I managed to escape.”

“I know,” Ajax murmured,” You managed to make it to Cyprus and then emigrated to Barbados. Now you run a supply business to the military.”

“Being the only Muscovite can’t be easy,” Xylon mused,” Especially since there aren’t any Orthodox people or churches here.”

“Which is why I converted to Catholicism,” Piotr chuckled.

In the powder room the two women were carefully readjusting their hair and talking.

“So you really think tonight is the night?” Helen inquired.

“Yes,” Alyssa smirked,” He hasn’t confided in me, mind you. But if he was any more in love with you he’d be wearing a pole axed look on his face all the time. And he has too much discipline for that.”

“Perhaps,” Helen nodded,” So what was so important for Piotr to be gone for nearly six months?”

“Business he says,” Alyssa shrugged,” I am sure he will tell me when the time comes.”

“We’d better get back,” Helen smiled,” Before the men start drinking to much. It’s far to early for them to get inebriated.”

The two women glided out to meet the rest of the family. The men had been talking and quickly went silent as the women arrived. Helen could almost hear something, but decided to wait and see how the evening went.

It went wonderfully. The food was exquisite. The dancing was divine. And by eleven at night everyone was feeling joyful. Paris moved toward Helen and drew her toward a nearby gazebo. With a look he scattered the younger people and bent down on one knee. Pulling out a diamond ring he looked up at Helen with a beseeching look on his face.

“Helen,” Paris said,” Ever since I met you, I can’t seem to think of much else other than you. You are the stars and the moon to me. You are my everything. What I am fumbling about trying to say is this. Would you consent to be my wife?”

Helen cried out,” Yes! Of course I’ll marry you!”

In such ringing tones that it carried out to the dancing area and nearly into the entry foyer as there was a sudden lull in the music. A great shout rose up from the assemblage and the family rushed over to congratulate the engaged couple. By the time all the congratulations were done it was time for the traditional midnight kiss.

Paris kissed his fiancée quite enthusiastically to cheers and wild clapping of hands. The new year had begun and on a very positive note!

 

[Warspite]

Just took my first peek at this AAR, i read the latest post and to say I am impressed is an understatement. It was like reading the middle of a great novel. This is awesome writing and i plan to read the previous posts to catch up. Wow!

I think many of you writers are going to inspire me even more, its great

 

[Director]

I really admire your ability to sweep the story along, and your dialog-intensive approach is perfect for the time and mood. Well done, sir!

After all the intervening years, wouldn't the Greeks of the Windward Islands have intermarried with the natives and lost their Greek-ness? At the least their dialect would probably be difficult to understand. That said, I did like the idea of a lost Greek colony. Intriguing!

 

[Amric]

Warspite- Thank you sir. Coming from one of the old timer veterans<which is not to say you are old, just been here awhile>, that is quite a compliment. I've always enjoyed your older tales, and have been enjoying your latest effort.

Director- I believe I mentioned that the Winward Island peoples speak a combination of Greek and the original native language. I thought about the fact that Alexander did consider sending such an expedition, but in reality didn't do it...So I took that concept and expanded upon it. Felt right to me and I am glad you enjoyed it!

 

[Amric]

May 7, 1476

The engagement had lasted more than a year. But it would take time for those in Cyprus who wished to attend the wedding to get to Barbados. There were numerous wedding preparations to make. Paris contributed by having Xylon be his best man, otherwise he was informed that the most important thing he could do would be to show up at the church on time.

Paris and Helen did redecorate his house to reflect her influences as well. She wouldn’t be moving in until after the wedding, but at least she would feel at home immediately upon entering as man and wife. Alyssa and Helen spent many a happy hour laughing and giggling and preparing for the wedding. Xylon promised an extraordinary centerpiece for the wedding, made of all things, ICE! How he would do this was unknown, but everyone was excited to see how it would turn out.

Xylon prepared thoroughly and had a deep pit dug out and roofed over and a tremendous amount of sawdust trundled into it. It was nearly forty feet deep and the temperature was a steady cool temperature.

Paris did work on a honeymoon plan, however and decided that a sailing honeymoon would be just the ticket. He convinced his father to allow him to use the Ducal yacht for his one week honeymoon. A small discreet staff would enable them to enjoy each other and allow them to relax while they took care of the ship and meals. It seemed perfect. Now he only had to get a wedding present for his soon to be wife.

He had decided on a pearl necklace since pearls were something new that had been discovered in oysters in the Caribbean. Pearl divers managed to find enough of them to make a lovely double strand of pearls. It cost him almost a year’s pay, but it was worth it. Since he hadn’t spent much of his pay in many years, he had plenty to spend if he so desired. Plus having a piece of Piotr’s business didn’t hurt either.

Helen had informed him that he would be wearing his formal uniform for the wedding. Since he had no problem with that, he happily agreed. By the time the wedding was to be held, all the guests had arrived and the day dawned bright and clear. An earlier storm the day before had blown by and the heat of the island had dried things up nicely.

The ceremony, like all Catholic weddings, lasted for nearly three hours. The reception was to be held in the Governor’s Palace. When everyone arrived they found an ice sculpture depicting Paris and Helen. The detail was so fine you would swear you could see color in the eyes of both people.

The reception was wonderful and the cake was a fantastic confection made by Helen’s mother. By the time the newlyweds managed to escape the party it was nearly dusk. With a jaunty wave at the crowd the two of them stepped aboard the yacht just before it cast off to catch the evening tide.

By the time the honeymooners returned the wedding gifts had been piled into the sitting room of their home and all of Helen’s things had been transferred to the house as well. They would be enjoying wedded bliss for years to come. In fact, although neither was aware of it, Helen was pregnant. There would be children to bless their home as well before the turn of the new year.


June 17, 1486

Paris and Helen had three children. Kaetlyn, Spenser, and Eric. With ten years of marriage their children were ages 10, 8, and 7. They were the light of their parents eyes. Ajax had died two weeks ago and Paris had been installed as the new Governor of Barbados and Duke of the Caribbean. He was still General of the Colonial Armies as well. But they now lived at the Governor’s Palace which had just completed a major renovation and expansion.

Xylon himself married five years after Paris and had three children of his own as well. Spenser already had proclaimed that he would follow in his father’s footsteps and become a soldier. Eric seemed to be interested in the same sort of things that his Aunt Alyssa enjoyed. Namely taking apart everything to see how it worked. Kaetlyn, on the other hand, took after her mother and was blossoming into a beautiful young lady who was already turning the heads of various lads her own age, and some older boys as well.

She was safe from any molestation as her two brothers were still quite large for their age, and Paris himself was still a formidable man in his own right and his troops idolized him and would have no trouble hunting down an offending male. She pretty much had the adjutants and most of the military men wrapped around her little finger.

Helen herself spent many of her days painting, when she wasn’t busy with the children. Although she didn’t have the skill of Xylon with all his various talents, she was indeed quite a skilled painter. In fact she was in high demand for portraits from just about all the high society and anyone who could afford her price to paint them. She generally used the money from the paintings to fund the Barbados Island Orphanage.

She had originally wanted to start adopting children, but Paris had convinced her that with three little ones of their own and their own busy schedules it wouldn’t be fair to neglect all the children in the household because there just wasn’t enough time in the day. So instead she started an orphanage and worked there as well when she could. The place had a pretty decent success rate in placing children with new families.

Even with all the bustling about in the Caribbean, things were slower and slower on the main island of Cyprus.

Cyprus still enjoyed peace throughout its realm. There had been no further colonial expansion. The kingdom was more of a republic at this time. No crowned head of state existed anymore. The line had died out and a council now ruled the nation. Nothing much changed other than a drying up of the colonial expansion. There was still no thoughts of war to expand into the Middle Eastern nations to reinvent the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

Things were actually somewhat stagnate. Innovation still occurred but it was slow and steady, rather than at a breakneck pace like it had just fifteen years ago. Things had been so peaceful and staid that Cyprus had pretty much abandoned paying attention to the greater world at large other than the trading concerns in Tago, Alexandria, Thrace, and Isfahan.

Who owned what, and whom was warring with whom meant little to nothing to the sleepy nation. As far as Cyprus was concerned, the greater world at large was unimportant. The once monthly droves of colonists had dried up as well. People had become complacent and not the least bit interested in leaving their nice safe environments to go and carve out a new life in the wilderness.

This lethargy would last up into the 1490’s and it could last far longer. Only time would tell.

 

[Amric]

Since there hasn’t been much going on for me to do, I just let the game run for awhile up into 1493. But I was getting bored. No more explorers or conquistadors. When Tuscany had grabbed Hellas and then went to war against the Ottomans, I saw my chance. Especially when the Tuscans did pretty well against the Ottomans for awhile, but Hellas revolted and became the Duchy of Athens. Then Tuscany lost it against Siena in a separate war. They were no more. The Ottomans took the DoA, and yippee! I have something I can do now. Believe it or not, Naples has taken Rome and the Pope is now under the thumb of the Neapolitans. Not sure when that happened but since I noticed it I decided I had better see what the Spanish were up to in the new world. So I used the cheat to give me a conquistador.

I figured, why not? I won’t get an explorer, and my original intention is to see what is going on in the Winward Islands. The Spanish were busy colonizing a couple of the islands so I knew I was going to have to do something, so I came up with my plan and here is what I have written about it.

1494

The Winward Island Kingdom had sent an urgent plea for help against the encroaching Spanish. They had tried to tell the Spaniards that they were trying to colonize a sovereign state, but the Spanish couldn’t have cared less. Paris tried to intercede on their behalf but was rudely rebuffed, even though there was still a royal marriage in effect between the two nations.

In the end, there were numerous battles between the Spanish and the Winward Islanders. The Islanders lost, and lost badly. It wasn’t pretty. People fleeing from the warfare started to show up on the shores of Barbados and Puerto Rico. To try to offset the issue Paris ordered Barahona to be colonized, even though the Spanish had already colonized two thirds of the island. He also ordered Havana to be colonized so that the island of Cuba would be two thirds in the hands of Cyprus.

He did this without orders from the capital. He didn’t wish to wait for orders which were likely to be not to do anything. He started flooding the two provinces with colonists as quickly as he could, seeding them with refugees and people from the Caribbean provinces and even some from Western Africa.

Cyprus had it’s own problems. Corruption within the governing council had leaked out to the general populace and they were unhappy with the direction of the government. Add to that the massive influx of Greeks from Hellas after they successfully rebelled from Tuscany, only to be crushed by the resurgent Ottoman Turks. Cyprus welcomed them with open arms, and the council had no choice but to start colonizing again. The population of the main island was getting to much for the agricultural regions to keep up with, so it was decided to ratify Paris’ renegade colonization efforts.

By 1495 the Winward Islands had collapsed as a governing body. The leaders that were left asked Cyprus, via Paris to take over the remaining islands still under nominal control of the Winward Islands. The king had fallen in battle, and he had no living heirs to pass on his crown. Since they were cousins, the Islanders had decided that living under the rule of Cyprus would be far superior than living under the lash of the Spanish, who had been eager to use the natives as slave labor in the sugar plantations and mining operations they were starting on the islands they had conquered.

So Dominica, Martinique, and St. Martin became a part of Cyprus.<which means I sent colonists to the lands and by 1515 had them to colonial city status>, while the colonization of Havana and Barahona began rolling in earnest. Colonel Owen had come forward and asked Paris to allow him to explore the lands west of the Caribbean. Agreeing, Paris sent him off with 5,000 men to explore as much as he could.

They discovered the Mayans, which were a native nation in the land of Yucatan, and continued north to discover the Aztecs which were just north of the Mayans. But Tampico was a province just north of the Aztecs, and the natives were apparently very violent and hostile. They attacked the colonial army and were annihilated with minimal casualties.

It was decided to start colonizing this province as well as a counter to the Spanish. Colonel Owen continued north and east and eventually ran into the Creek nation before heading north a bit and swinging back toward Tampico. Arriving back to find a thriving community being built there he continued westward, discovering California and gold, which he kept quiet. It would be foolhardy to try and develop a colony there, cut off from the rest of Cypriot territory.

He informed Paris of his discoveries at the end of 1502, and asked to retire to the Tampico colony. Paris granted his request, and the latest age of exploration was over to all intents and purposes. New lands had been discovered and there was plenty of places to continue to grow and expand. The Spanish had tried to expel the colonists in Barahona and had been repulsed with massive casualties for the invaders.

Once the royal marriage expired, the Spanish requested a new one from the Cypriot government. The request was granted. Even though their colonial armies were trying to dislodge Cypriot colonies in Barahona and St. Martin they continued as they had for the last 10 years to get Cyprus to join in an alliance with them.

Albania had tried the same thing in 1503 just before the Turk overran them and annexed them. The Council collectively sighed in relief that they had turned down that offer, for they had no interest in fighting the Turks. At any time, or any place. If it could be helped.

In 1507 England asked for the hand of Kaetlyn in a royal marriage contract. The council asked Paris if such were acceptable. It was an agonizing decision and he replied that she would have to meet the man. By 1508 the Prince of England arrived in Barbados to court Kaetlyn in person.


The son of the sister of Henry the VIII, he was the heir apparent if Henry would be unable to have a son of his own to take over the throne of England. England had lost all of her territory on the continent, although they did control all of Eire except Ulster and controlled the Grampians in Scotland. They were also in a war against the Lenape, a native nation in North America.

Richard was a blond haired, slender man with blue eyes. He seemed to be well spoken and intelligent. He was brought to Paris’ office to meet the Governor and the father of his prospective bride. He was ushered in by the butler. Paris, his hair now white and cut very short, still had a powerful build. He shook hands with the prince and motioned him to a chair.

“Welcome, highness,” Paris boomed,” How was your voyage?”

“Tolerable, Your Grace,” Richard replied in a deep baritone, surprising in a man with such a slender body.

“Good,” Paris smiled,” Some wine perhaps?”

“That would be fine,” Richard returned the smile,” So this is the capital of the Duchy of the Caribbean, yes?”

“Indeed,” Paris handed the prince a crystal glass of wine,” What do you think?”

“Small, but impressive nonetheless,” Richard admitted,” I had expected it to be a larger city. But there are remarkable things here that I have never seen before. The colors are so vibrant! The people seem very happy, and that traffic control is amazing. However does anyone see the colored glass pieces?”

“You mean the traffic lights?” Paris inquired.

“Yes. That is what the driver called them, but he had no idea how they worked,” Richard replied.

“At night the red, yellow, and green glass glow,” Paris explained,” It is because inside the glass is phosphorus that glows at night. We discovered it in swamps and found that if we had a hollow glass it would glow at night. We used colored glass with it to make it usable at all hours of the day and night.”

“Very clever, that,” Richard nodded,” Amazing, really. Nobody else has anything like it, I trust?”

“Most of the cities in the Kingdom of Cyprus have such,” Paris grinned,” But outside of that, no I don’t believe so.”

“Fascinating,” Richard swirled the wine in his glass,” So I expect I will be staying here in the Governor’s Palace?”

”Yes,” Paris replied,” So what kinds of things are you interested in?”

“Government, of course,” Richard laughed,” My uncle is very insistent on that. But I have a passion for hunting, and raising hounds. I am sure you have heard of how we English truly enjoy fox hunting.”

“I have heard such,” Paris admitted,” Are you a good man?”

“I would like to think so,” Richard frowned,” But any person could say that. Perhaps you should make such a decision on your own, after having a chance to really get to know me.”

“Sensible as well,” Paris murmured,” Well said, highness.”

“Call me Richard,” Richard laughed,” If you are going to become my father in law, I can’t have you highnessing me all day.”

“Fair enough,” Paris nodded,” Call me Paris, then.”

“Well Paris,” Richard finished his wine,” Perhaps I should get settled in before dinner.”

“Excellent idea,” Paris stood up,” I’ll let my wife show you your suite. Dinner will be in 2 hours.”

Helen stepped into the office. Her own hair was still dark and shiny, but women have special skills in keeping their hair color while men suffer the ravages of time without help. Richard bowed to her and they began chattering pleasantries as she escorted him from the room, which allowed Paris the time to finish his work before dinner was called.

 

[unmerged(16363)]

A dinner? Seems that another grand scene of food is comming... I even feel the smell of food!

 

[Rirre]

*applauds* exelent work as allwayss amric.

I did'n understad what you ment when you wrote that you saw your chans when the turks annexed DoA, but I'm sure I'll understand that part later on.

That Richard fellow sounds like a good person but will he be allowed to marry paris dauther I wonder...

 

[Amric]

Anibal- Yes, more food is coming...

Rirre- That meant that with the Turk owning it there would likely be many more refugees escaping and I could use that for colonizing purposes. An exploit of sorts, but since otherwise I was stagnating with nothing to do and running out of things to say....I've said a lot in between 1419 and 1493 but how much can I really say if there isn't something else going on? Finally things started moving again allowing me options to respond to, and things to write about...

 

[Amric]

Richard spent six months in Barbados courting Kaetlyn before they left to spend time in England. Paris, Helen, Spenser, and Eric also went to England. Colonel Owen had been convinced to return to Barbados to take over as temporary Governor in Paris’ absence. The courtship was going well, but Richard had stated that it would be good for his fiancée and her family to see what life was like in England, since she would be spending her life there. Paris, surprised at the perspicuity of the prince, readily agreed.

The yacht was readied and they set sail, managed to make landfall in London in three months time. Paris and the family had an audience with Henry VIII since Richard was still his legal heir. Paris had heard some disturbing things about Henry and looked toward the audience with some trepidation.

The Royal apartments in Hampton Court Palace were luxurious, Paris noted, as he and his family were led to the private audience with the King of England. They weren’t going to the throne room, but the private quarters of the king. Entering the apartments, they were escorted to the drawing room. The King, starting to become more rotund, stepped forward and greeted them all heartily.

“Welcome to England, your grace,” Henry boomed,” I’m very glad to make your acquaintance. Richard here has sent numerous letters back to me here describing all of you. You must be Helen, Spenser, Eric, and you were right Richard, she is very lovely. Welcome, Kaetlyn.”

“Thank you, your majesty,” Paris bowed,” We are all happy to make your acquaintance as well.”


“Some wine?” Henry inquired, handing him a glass while servants took care of the needs of the others,” Perhaps your wife and children might enjoy a tour of the Palace? William the Conqueror built it not too long after he conquered the island. Has a fascinating history.”

”That would be pretty interesting,” Spenser noted,” I’d like to see it.”

“Me too,” Eric agreed.

“I suppose so,” Helen hesitated.

“Kaetlyn, would you like to see my hounds?” Richard asked,” I keep a couple here, although there isn’t any hunting to be done in London of course.”

“I’d like that,” Kaetlyn answered, for she was quite taken with him and wished to please him.

Everyone else left, leaving Henry and Paris to themselves. Even the servitors vanished.

“Your majesty,” Paris began.

“Hold on, your grace,” Henry interrupted,” Let me be blunt. I am hoping for a son of my own. I am determined to have one. Richard is heir in name only as I had to do something to shut up my earls and counts. This marriage is happening only because the nobility see Cyprus as non threatening. Unlike France, or Spain, Portugal, Aragon, or Austria. Your nation no longer has a king, however, so your family is the most powerful in Cyprus. Therefore it is considered a royal marriage. At least enough to satisfy my critics. But make no mistake. I am doing this under pressure, and your daughter, as far as I am concerned, will never be queen of England.”

Paris rocked back into his seat, shocked by the virulence displayed by Henry. He had to be very careful, for his entire family was here at the mercy of the English. For the first time he wished he had only come with Kaetlyn himself, rather than endanger his entire family.

“I see,” Paris replied carefully,” But why tell me this? I am only a duke of a tiny nation. Whether my daughter ever becomes queen is of no true interest to me. Her happiness is all that matters to me.”

“Happiness?” Henry laughed,” These are matters of state! It matters not if the two of them are happy! It only matters to cement a relationship between our realms, and to muzzle my nobles.”

“You have a harsh way of looking at life, majesty,” Paris frowned,” If this marriage is not to your liking, why not decide to not go through with it and personally pick the woman you wish Richard to marry.”

Henry sighed,” If only I could. My own choices of women have never worked out very well for me. I don’t trust my judgment on this matter. I am willing to take risks for my own sake, but I love the lad, and have determined it would be better for me to be as hands off as I can allow myself to be.”

“What if you never have a male heir?” Paris inquired,” Then wouldn’t Richard become King?”

“Yes,” Henry frowned,” But I still have hopes that I will have a son of my own. Still, the nobles will probably rise up in arms if Richard DOES inherit and Kaetlyn were to become queen. It would be better if she were known to be his married consort and renounce any claims to becoming queen.”

“Aren’t these the same nobles who pushed for Richard to marry her?” Paris grimaced,” Why would they rebel if she were to become queen?”

“I never said English politics made sense,” Henry growled,” I know my nobles. They expect Richard to ascend the throne and make a hash of it. Then they will rebel and use your daughter as the excuse. Even if he doesn’t make a hash of it, they will rise to try and gain more power for themselves, to the detriment of all England. But they care not for that, as long as they enjoy as many privileges as they can wrangle out of me, or any other monarch on the throne of England. It is the same in any kingdom.”

“Sounds insane to me,” Paris said before wishing he had kept his mouth shut.

Henry glowered for a moment before bursting into hearty laughter,” You may be right. Nay, you are right. But ever since the Magna Carta the nobility has been seeking every way possible to limit the power of the monarchy while increasing their own. Usually at the expense of the people. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a man who gives a damn about the little people, usually. But I can’t have a powerful nation if my people are reduced to a slave like condition.”

Paris nodded grudgingly,” I suppose so. But wouldn’t it be better to garner the support of the little people as you call them? They have power as well. The power to overthrow nobles who seek to gain power they shouldn’t have.”

”The commons must never rise,” Henry shuddered,” For the masses, once unleashed, may do even more harm. Mass hysteria and all that. They could topple the kingdom, shattering it into tiny principalities like Germany once was. Since the Austrians and Bavarians and that other little nation I can never remember control most of them now, it isn’t as fragmented as it once was, but I have no desire to see England go that route. England must be strong, and whole. We have powerful enemies on the continent. Much as you do with the Turk and the Mamelukes.”

“Enemies?” Paris smiled,” We have been at peace with them for nearly a century, majesty. I seriously doubt they will be invading Cyprus anytime soon.”

“Times change,” Henry warned,” Dynasties rise and fall. Political realities change. You may someday find Cyprus fighting a desperate war of defense against either or both of the muslim nations.”

“God forbid,” Paris crossed himself,” Have you heard some kind of news that makes you believe they are interested in such a thing?”

Henry waved negligently,” Not at all. But looking at any map you can see the danger. The Turk control most of southeastern Europe. The Mamelukes control the holy land. And some new nation called the Mughal Empire is knocking on the holy land borders. In the end you could find yourself with three mighty nations just a little puddle jump away from your capital.”

Paris rubbed his chin thoughtfully,” I know nothing of these Mughals you speak of, but what you say still make some sense. But none of them know where the Caribbean is, nor how to get there. Much of our population would be safe from invasion by the three of them.”

“You know the torture methods of the infidels,” Henry grimaced,” It is well known throughout Europe. They would find out, and they would send ships and men to take your colonies.”

“We’d fight,” Paris said fiercely,” And by God’s grace we would win!”

“Possibly,” Henry agreed.

“Would England be willing to fight to help us?” Paris inquired.

Henry shook his head,” This is a marriage, not an alliance. You have no resources we can use to help us. It would be politically foolish to ally with Cyprus. There is nothing in it for England. The nobility wouldn’t stand for it.”

“I see,” Paris nodded sadly,” I believe I understand you perfectly, majesty.”

Henry nodded as well,” I’m sure you do. Kaetlyn appears to be a lovely girl. I am sure she will make Richard happy, if his letters are to be fully believed. But there cannot be a military alliance between our two nations. She can never become queen.”

“I will take all of your words under advisement,” Paris stood up,” By your leave, majesty. I’d like to join my family on a tour of this castle.”

“By all means, your grace,” Henry graciously nodded,” Have a nice tour. We’ll speak again in a few weeks.”

Paris bowed and left the drawing room, seething inwardly. He was nearly convinced to break off the engagement and return to Barbados. But caution reminded him that he was in England and there was no way the yacht would outrun English warships if Henry chose to have them pursued.

He joined his family as they continued to tour the palace.

 

[unmerged(16363)]

A great scene! And of course you don't need to tell where all those names come from...

 

[Gaijin de Moscu]

o

I must painstakingly admit I am just coming to read this one. I was in and out a couple of times but my hectic RL prevented me from following closely. I liked the last installment so I will start from the beginning...

And since you promised lots of imagination... I will let myself be heard of again when I catch up