Royal Court of Portugal

[unmerged(31994)]

Sintra - Court of the King of Portugal

Majid couldnt help but giggle when the boy snatched the Mechanical soldier from his palm.Children were adorable, weither they be heretics , heathens or infidels.He gently handed the rest of the toys to one of the servents close by and replied to his liege "If you see fit that your child may attend our schools, then I can assure you that he will be secluded with the children of the Calipah himself.For he as you my lord, has two boys of similar age to prince Pedro.We hope that you would come and honor us with your presence in Cairo, but the seas are not safe, and I respect your concern.As for Muslims invading Iberia, well my lord,Egypt has no concern for the barbaric berbers.They try to grasp a shattered dream.The muslims had their chance in Iberia but lost it, and I do not blame the christians for reclaiming their homeland.Thus Egypt respects the nations of Iberia, and if I may add, we have friendly contacts with King Enrique of the Kingdom of Castile."He stopped for a second, trying to organize his thoughts "My lord, the Almohads have become a spek of annoyance to all the nations and Kingdoms surrounding them.We, my lord, see them as heretics in our faith.They interfere in our business, and dictate their vile ways upon us.That is why Egypt shall soon go to arms.By my reckoning in six months we shall wage war upon the berbers that would shatter their pathetic empire for ever.Already the Turks show support, and our armies are confident over victory.For the berber lands are already exhausted from continous war my lord and, their defeat is inevitable.We want Portugal to join us in this victory, and I promise my lord, by the Calipah's own words, to charter the Islands of the Belareas if you support us.Though we are capable of fighting this war alone, but if Portugal supplied our troops with crates of food and cloths, we can easily defeat the Almohads." Majid then gently took out a Papyrus scroll "And as a gesture of our good will, we shall give the Kingdom of Portugal trading privelleges in Alexandria, and a transit trade route from Tangeirs to Baghdad itself!"
he presented King Joao with a proposal.

Abbasid - Portugese Mutual Understanding Agreement

Article One, Military :
In the wake of the North African war, it has become essential for all nations in the area to quarintine the Hostile power of Algeirs.The Abbasid Caliphate in turn, proposes direct military assult in the future and pleas Portugal for help.The support can be in the form of food shipments and weapons "events".The Caliphate promises to charter the Belareas islands for the Kingdom of Portugal if the war ends with victory.
Article Two,Trade :
If Portugal agrees and upholds the agreement, the Caliphate will bestow a decrease of 50% of tolls for all Portugese merchants.Egyptian cloth, grain and Bazamics "spices" will be lifted from all tax.Portugese Merchantile ships will be protected by the admirality.
In turn the Caliphate shall build a small trade post in Lisboa by the river Tago.Portugese goods will be lifted from tax for Egyptian Merchants.
Article Three,Cultural Exchange :
A Church shall be built in Alexandria for the Catholic residents and Potugese merchants.In turn the Caliphate will build a mosque in Lisboa for the muslim residents and merchants.

Signed Calipah Hakim bin Kamal Al-Abbaci, Ruler of Egypt [X]
Signed King Joao of Portugal [ ]

"Does this treaty please you?"Majid inquired

 

[I Killed Kenny]

The King seated back on his throne, he had to much information to organize. This man from Egypt was right, the berber nations where not as strong as in the past, they could not do much. And with just giving a very small help Portugal could receive the islands of the Baleares. If the Turks joined it would be even easier. Also the power of a counter-attack by the muslims was small. Even If they even dreamed about attacking the homeland they would need to pass the Gibraltar straith and everybody knew the navy of Portugal was the best of the World. And the tax concession would be great... After realising this he started to speak​

Almost a minute passed since the muslim spoke, João put his hand like holding his head, in a thoughtful position, he then started speaking. "Such treaty is satisfieing yes. I may go to Jerusalem soon, but only when the Mediterranian is once again a peaceful sea. About the trade concessions, I believe that If the Calipah let's me creat a Tradingpost, a warehouse in Alexandria this could help even more help the relations between our two nations to grow." the king smiled to the man, "Also, is possible that Silk enters in those 'Discount goods?" ask the king in a friendly mood.

 

[unmerged(31994)]

Sintra- Court of the King of Portugal

He was pleased "Silks are....a very expensive good in Egypt.It takes time to be harvested from Silk worms and an even longer time to nit and grade.Thus I doubt our merchants will be happy for such a discount.Now as for a trade post, and a warhouse, that can be arranged.Now I will rectify the treaty, would you like me to hand it over to the Abbasid Trade commision? (ooc: post it)"

 

[AugCaesar]

Sancho could only very quickly thank the King as he left and rushed off towards the stables. There he quickly loaded up a fine horse with enough supplies to last him a day or two, and made arrangements for his armor and weapons to be sent quickly after him. If he timed it right there would be enough time before any battle for his gear to arrive, but if it did not he would just have to live dangerously. With a few final instructions to the stable boys Sancho was off at a gallop, his mount snarling furiously as they charged through the gates and out on to the road. It was not long before he reached a small village just east of Sintra, and their rested briefly and watered his horse. It would be a days hard ride to Tavira, but he knew at the pace he was making he could easily overtake the large detachment under General Alvunes. After one last drink from the cool water of the towns old well Sancho mounted his steed again and pressed off, chasing the darkness as the sun faded away behind him.

On the southern shores of Andalusia, Juan de Sessa and the army of Castille was now on the march, heading North to where they hoped to rendezvous with their allies and lay siege to Seville where the rebels had just one a costly victory against the local governor and had made their base. The old city of the nobility languished under the Moorish Rebel's rule and taking it back would be not only a great strategic gain, but a moral one as well. Fighting had been sparse so far, on the way from the sea they had encountered several bands of raiders, but many surrendered without a fight, and a couple actually joined under the King's banner. Only 2 men had been lost, and both deaths came in some more organized fighting against advance detachments of Moorish cavalry which raided the countryside. In these brief encounters, which never involved more than 50-100 men the royal army found that it could survive the enemy's charge best if the formed up into squares, it was even more effective if some amongst them had polearms, or spears. Generally the infantry could hould off defensively until the heavier Castillian cavalry could chase the Moors from the field. Learning from this Juan had begun to form his infantry up into squares, when the enemy approached, and his cavalry would stay always on the army's wings able to quickly sortie out into the armies perimeter, and also come to protect the infantries flank from raids, giving them the time needed to form the defensive. The tactics were still infant, and unproven in a large pitched battle, or against heavy horse, but Juan was excited at the results so far, and already had the men in camp working on making more, and better pikes and halberds.

Quick and tough, Juan's army was forming into shape quickly, and all grew tense for the upcoming battle. They would be relying on the siege engines and cannon of the Portuguese for now, but the great armories in Seville would most likely prove a grand bounty for the King's Army, and the Marshall eyed his booty longingly. The march continued, and battle loomed near for the remnants of the army of Castille, and hundred's of miles away in Valencia King Enrique awaited news from his cousin anxiously.

 

[I Killed Kenny]

The king makes a sign with his head to the muslim​

"Please do so" said João in a good mood

 

[AugCaesar]

Brothers in Arms​

Sancho finally did catch up to General Antunes, only a short distance over the border into Andalusia. He was glad to find the countryside largely untouched, and local peasants seemed uplifted more than scared of the Portuguese detachment. Of course that was not everyone's sentiment and the many locked or abandoned houses that greeted Sancho were evidence of that. Nonetheless upon arriving in the Portuguese camp, several days’ march from Seville the Castilian found his allies in good spirits. General Antunes seemed like a capable man, and the delivery of the letter from Juan would effect the uniting of the two armies. The rebels in the city would be caught in a vice and as long as the plan was maintained the catholic armies would not be defeated. The Portuguese along with Sancho set off early the next morning and the Castilian took the chance to get to know the General, and to glean what knowledge he could of military tactics from the capable Portuguese.

About mid-day Sancho took his leave of the fan and fell in with a small group of light cavalry. His heavy equipment was still a day or so behind the army, but with his sword, and a light buckler borrowed from a man who had taken ill he felt comfortable in this capacity. His first action came on the evening of that day when they launched a raid against a small Moorish held village about a days march north by west of Sevilla. The sun was beginning to set behind the men as their mounts trotted apprehensively towards the too quiet hamlet. Sancho and the Portuguese made about 25 men, while all reports of the enemy presence stated only ten or so soldiers and a handful of villagers. Apprehension riddled Sancho who was about to see real combat for the first time in his life, and the tentative demeanor of the Portuguese commander did nothing to reassure him. Ambush was thick in the air, and as such the order was made that the men split up, and approach the town from three sides. Sancho with seven of the older, more veteran riders moved up the left flank, rounding a tall grain store at a canter. As the first rider, just a few feet fore of Sancho turned the corner the whistle of an arrow came from straight ahead and in seconds a well-shot arrow impaled the man’s skull. The rider made no sound, but simply tilted sideways and fell like a rock from his now galloping mount.

"Sancho!" One of the grizzled veteran's screamed from the rear, getting Sancho's attention just in time for the Castilian to turn, and narrowly miss another arrow from the same direction. Now the whole of the Portuguese were around the building and one amongst them spotted the enemies position in a small farmhouse not far ahead. Impetuous, one of the Portuguese charged headlong, and the remainder including Sancho followed. It was not until they were close that a concerted salvo of arrows emerged from the building, one striking Sancho's horse beneath him, sending its rider hard over its head and in to the ground where he lay motionless. Around him the horses were closed on the building and with a shot from his crossbow the group's leader took down one of the Moorish archers. With their friend dead the men inside scrambled outside, and in a quick melee were mown down by the remaining riders. Sancho came to and sat up in the grass just in time to see the last infidel cut down some distance in the field off to his left. His head was throbbing and he was seeing everything through blurry eyes, but he could make out three dead men near him, obviously Portuguese riders. He tried to stand up, but could not find his legs and slowly lowered himself back on to the grass and closed his eyes.

"It is breached! All ahead, it is at hand!" Juan de Sessa screamed possessed as he jumped from his horse and charged head long towards the ruptured gate of the fortress. His sword flashed before him as he crossed the threshold amongst a group of Castilian knights who were pushing and stabbing at the rebels who had formed a deep phalanx just inside the gate. The crunch was terrible and the Marshall of Castile could not even wield his blade, but only push against his comrade in front of him, hoping to break the deadly gridlock. Screams and clanking metal sounded out all around him, but through it all he could hear only the thumping beat of his heart. The pushing continued to no seeming advantage as the Castilians would advance slowly forward, only to be pushed back again by a surge from their more lightly armed but more numerous enemies. Few men fell, but those that did were quickly trampled under foot of friend and foe. Juan tried to call out orders and take some charge, but it was to no avail as the scrum continued. The Marshall wondered how the Portuguese were faring, their siege equipment had seemed to be making an impression on the west walls, but Juan had heard nothing from his ally in some time, and now stock in the push for the gate he would only see them again when he made it inside.

It was just as Juan pondered this that the whistle of arrows sounded from overhead, and the crowd before him began to give way. The enemy was fleeing, and as their ranks broke the Castilian men at arms were free to wield their blades and in the chase wrought much carnage upon the Moorish renegades. As the Castilian soldiers continued their chase Juan paused to regroup, and looking back at the wall behind him spotted his saviors. A small group of Portuguese archers stood perched on the gate towers waving a flag of victory. Juan nodded appreciatively to their commander and made his way back to his horse. Mounted again he set off towards the city's center to reorganize his forces and prepare for the cleaning out of the city. He would need to act quickly to stop any looting and protect the bounty of the city. Juan wondered where Sancho was as he began barking orders to his lieutenants and looked for the Portuguese General.

Sancho had awoken the next day to a throbbing headache and the sounds of battle outside. He slowly and painfully stood up from the cot he found himself in and stumbled outside. There one of his fellow's spotted him and quickly came over. The man's arm was in a sling and his face and hands covered in dirt and blood. He spoke happily,

"Ahh, Sancho. I am glad that you've awakened, you've a nasty bump on your head but it seems you are well?" The man looked about him as he awaited Sancho's response, which was slow in coming as the Castilian tried to clear the cobwebs from his brain.

"I guess so," Sancho finally answered weakly, "What the hell is happening?"

"Ahh..." the man answered over the sound of a nearby cannon, "Es Sevilla, we arrived early this morning and the battle was quickly joined. Your brother and your countrymen are at the south gates, we stand on the west side and things go well for us, the wall is down and the enemy flees. Soon we shall have victory."

"What happened to you?" Sancho asked quickly his wits returning. The man answered dismissively looking at his arm.

"Ahh...I snapped it in the push at the gate, but we got through. You seem quite well for a man who's been in a coma for a full day, you sure you're all right?"

Sancho nodded and began to walk off towards the city, "I'm grand, I must see my brother. Are you okay to go on?"

The man stood his ground and shook his head, "I am to stay here and keep watch, but you go on ahead, and take this." The warrior tossed Sancho the sword that hung at his side with a smile and motioned towards the gates. "It is safe up to the gates, good luck finding your brother Sancho, farewell."

"Adios friend," Sancho answered as he turned quickly and jogged off towards the gates in search of his brother.

 

[I Killed Kenny]

Before the Hunt

The king was walking in the royal palace of Sintra, geting ready for one of his first great hunts in the woods of Sintra. He was puting his big Boots when Manuel de la Braga passed by, when the chancellor saw the king he aproched João​

Manuel bowed to the king and started speaking, "I got great news for your Majesty the moors in Andalusia just fell, It is once again under the hands of Cristian lords. Even if the Castillians suffered much the army of Portugal is allmost un-touched. General Antunes called it a great sucess!" his speach as then cut by the king asking "Did you hear anything of my courier Sancho?"
Manuel replied "Sire we do not have any information on him." The king shoke his head and replied "well that is sad, I am sure he is allready, please continue" And so did Manuel "General Antunes is right now waiting for orders, what should I do?" João Replied with "Well, please send a letter to Enrique in my name asking to know where is the next attack and General Antunes should go there." Manuel noded and before having time to open his mouth the king continued "Have you got any information about my diplomats in Fez, France and England?"
Manuel shoke his head "No majesty none. But I am sure they are all dooing a great job!" João nodded "I shall believe in you, thank you." Manuel bowed and started leaving when João put his left boot and remembered something shouting he said "And do not forgot about sending the letter!" Manuel raised his hand in a sign of understanding...

 

[AugCaesar]

A pair of letters find their way to King Joao, one from Juan de Sessa, the other from Enrique himself.



Joao II, King of Portugal faithful and great ally and comrade,

News has reached me of the victory of our armies over the rebels in Andalusia and the seizure of Sevilla. My heart is uplifted at this news, and all I can do is send my most sincere thanks for your assistance, and for the assistance I know you shall continue to offer. I know that our victory would not have been possible without your assistance, and for that I am eternally grateful. It seems that you, as I recognize that a strong and united Iberia is crucial to our prosperity and to the protection of the one true faith. Know that always the House of Trastamara shall seek aggrandizement for your house, the noble house of Duarte, and that none of my blood should seek pain to the Kingdom of Portugal. I hope that we can soon meet in person again as we did when you came so graciously to Valladolid not so long ago. I shall be returning soon to my Penafiel from Valencia soon, and perhaps you could visit me then, or when affairs are better in the south I shall visit you in Sintra. Until then know that my prayers fall always to you and to Portugal and that I remain forever glad at our state of mutual respect and friendship.

Enrique IV de Trastamara, Rey de Castile y Leon.

Juan de Sessa's letter was far more brief, and spoke of the war.



Joao II, King of Portugal and Much Else Great and Good,

I write this, exhaused but ecstatic in the victory my armies, along with your own most noble men have achieved here in Sevilla. I was glad to find with your men my brother Sancho, and it seems that to his own injury his mission was fulfilled and he now rests safely in the fortress here. General Antunes has proved most able and a great confidant to me here, not to mention the bravest of men. I am certain that he shall inform you, but I could be remiss not to inform you that we plan to winter here and gather what materiel we can for the next season's campaign. Now that your soldiers and nobles are well fitted and quartered here and shall always remain so under my command.

Humbly,

Juan de Sessa, Marshall of Castille y Leon.

 

[N Katsyev]

Sintra​

​

The months slowly passed and Liza fell more and more into manic bouts of depression as her preganancy continued. Today was one of the better days and she sat upon a rich berber rug with Petya, one hand always seeming to fall upon her growing belly. The boy was playing with the persian soldiers given to him by the kindly Egyptian and Liza couldn't help but smile as he was already beginning to remind her of Volodya when he was younger. Her elder brother had always been entertained with all things martial, not just in the way almost all boys are, but in a more intimate sort of exciting way. She thought she was beginning to see this in her own child. All at once she embraced it and feared it. The Queen remembered clearly all the times she worry about her brother when he got older and he would leave on some mission with the army or another.

The last word she had recieved from home had mentioned that her father's mind was growing quite feeble and his health was slowly deteroirating. Liza knew the time was near when she'd have to make the ridiculously long journey back to Russia to be with him as he final days came to an end. Something else also worried her however, and that was how little Vladimir had mentioned the family's monetary position in the letter. The boy took her hand, shaking Liza out of her thoughts for a moment and excitedly explained to her the position of her toys and how the miniature Portugese and Russian army in Persian clothing was about to destroy Cairo and free the true believers of that land from the Mongols. Liza smiled at him and kissed his head, quietly explaining that the Egyptians were not Mongols, and 'thank God for that'... She would have to write to Yuri this afternoon, she reflected to herself...

 

[unmerged(2461)]

- EVENT -

Unholy Alliance

​

The Egyptians have recently annexed the province of Syria to their lands. The pretext for this was the Abbasids’ religious righteousness, especially against their percieved foes, the Shias. However, the Abbasids have recently signed an agreement with the infidel Christians of Portugal. This has the people of Egypt confused and angry. How can it be good and holy to shed the blood of Shia men in Syria if Allah permits alliance with the Christian dogs on the Iberian peninsular? The Egyptians are having second thoughts about this group of men from Iraq. Perhaps it might be an idea to send them back to Baghdad!

Likewise, similar awkward questions are being asked in Lisbon and the surrounding area. The muslims are on the rise in the south of the peninsular, so why has the King signed a treaty pledging support to a mohammedian power?

In both lands, weapons are being sharpened by rebellious forces. Portugal’s and Egypt’s respective rulers are about to hear some very pointed arguments.

MODIFIERS:
Reactionary event triggered on validated player recommendation.
Trigger is military agreement between the Mamelukes and Portugal.

REALMS EFFECTED:
Portugal; +1 to roll for continued good RP.
The Mamelukes; +1 to roll for continued good RP.

TABLE:

1. Rebellion!!
Formally loyal provinces rebel! Although the towns and cities of those provinces form no armies, their garrisons strike the colours of the realm’s Head of State from their walls in place of their own.
(25% (rounded up) of owned provinces rebel and have base defence garrisons of -/-/?/?/-. -2 tech, -2 morale to [effected realm] for 1 year/4 turns)

2. Extremely powerful nobles, high-ranking holy men and very influential merchants alike betray their oaths to the lord of the land and furiously express their absolute rage.
(-2 tech, -2 morale to [effected realm] for 1 year/4 turns)

3. Important nobles, local holy men and influential merchants alike express anger.
(-1 tech, -2 morale to [effected realm] for 1 year/4 turns)

4. Significant nobles and merchant classes alike express displeasure.
(-1 tech, -1 morale to [effected realm] for 1 year/4 turns)

5. Minor nobles and marketeers express discomfort.
(-1 morale to [effected realm] for 1 year/4 turns)

6. The revolt is effectively suppressed by the fiercely loyal local militia before it gathers any considerable strength.
(no effect)

ROLLS:
Portugal: 6 + 1 ~ 6
The revolt is effectively suppressed by the fiercely loyal local militia before it gathers any considerable strength.
(no effect)

The Mamelukes: 3 + 1 ~ 4
Significant nobles and merchant classes alike express displeasure.
(-1 tech, -1 morale to The Mamelukes for 1 year/4 turns)

RESULTS:
Portugal: The revolt is effectively suppressed by the fiercely loyal local militia before it gathers any considerable strength.
(no effect)

The Mamelukes: Significant nobles and merchant classes alike express displeasure.
(-1 tech, -1 morale to The Mamelukes for 1 year/4 turns)

 

[I Killed Kenny]

João was reading one of the many books in Sintra, the sun was not high as it was in the past months the winter had come. It was rather cold, Sintra was not so hot as Lisboa was. Maybe this would make her Liza happier, this new pregancy, something that João wanted for long, a new child... was making Liza even more unhappier. He allready ordered a small study to see if any Almond trees could come to Sintra so that the snow could come to Sintra.
But that is what bothered João, he did not seen Manuel for a long time. He was away from the court for the last week and he knew little about him. And that morning a rumor of a revolt because of the alliance with the Egyptians was running within the court.
That morning João send spies to the majority of the nation and all who returned did not bring news of any big revolts. jusi some minor uprisings in Lisbon that where suppresed by the majority of the people. This was for João, King of Portugal the ultimate test, proving that he was the true king of Portugal and that his people believed in him.

Only in the end of the afternoon that Manuel arrived in Sintra wanting to see the King.​

"My king," bowed Manuel "I have news for you" cotninued the chancellor "In Lisboa there was an attemp to revolt."
João was not suprised by that news he allready knew so with a simple "Please continue" sentece he asked the chancellor to continue. "My king I was way for the past week trying to find more about this rumour. It is true, spies from the rebel Alfonso were sent to Lisbon and other major cities. It seems that he tried to miss guide the people of our beautiful City. The spies where found and killed the few people who rebeled are now dead or in prision." finnished the chancellor. Alfonso beeing in this revolt was new for him, he did not expect that to happen. It seems that that small rat was more influent that he thought!
"Find that boy and bring him here! I want to see him! I got to have him! Now more than ever!" ordered the king with an angered look.
Manuel nodded but did not leave again he staied there, he had more to say "Your majesty I bring more news. I bring news of Success" The king makes a gesture to the chancellor to be brief because he was thinking of other things right now. "Our emissaries sent to France and England bring great news. First, in England the treaty of Windsor was signed once again. We have right now a great ally once again. And in France our relations have normalize. We are making a pact with God and with the Devil. Let us see if we can be friends with both of them!"
João smiled, "Tell me Manuel." while reading the letter Fernando sent to the king. "Who shall we send to the Louvre?"
"My king" started replying Manuel. "I was thinking about Estevão, the young son of Henrique the Navigator, who is right now a courier in court of Coimbra." "Coimbra? isn't the title without a man to use it? After the Rebellion, no one had it right?" asked the king to Manuel.
"Well, not really, Lady Serena is still the heir of that title. But she is now in Russia. So I don't think she will notice anything. And i do not believe the council of Nobles with like much more that a Duarte have tht title that a Russian" he closes his mouth seeing tha harsh look the king gave to him. It was clear that Russia was a thing to be spoke of.
"Very well" replied with king in a harsh voice "Send Estevão to Paris, this boy is 18 year old right? Perfect age, send him there for two or three years then send him and his family back to Portugal where he shall receieve the Ducal title of Coimbra." the king smiles.
After finnishing the sentence the King seats to read the letter from Muhammed, writen in Lagos. Manuel was still there, waiting for the king to let him go.

The king reads it and re-reads with a furious look he starts righting a letter without remembering Manuel, when he finnished it with his face still full of anger he looks in front of him where he spots Manuel looking to the king.
João ends the letter with his royal seal and gives it to Manuel.
"Please give this to a courrier to send it to Muhammed in Lagos. Then order the Courrier to inform Muhammed that I want him back in Fez as soon as possible."
Manuel Bows and finishs with "I shall do as your order me, majesty." He turns arround and leaves the Palace

 

[unmerged(7849)]

Slowly but surely rumours started to reach Lisbon: These so called Persians at the fringe of the middle east were showing interest about Portuguese merchants and military captains. How these rumours came to Lisbon from such a far away land is baffling, but perhaps they were carried along by Egpytian merchants who have done much buisness with Persians lately.​

 

[Longinus]

Casimir of the Greif

Do you remember what you said on the San Leandro, when we had both almost gotten swept off the deck by that wave? ‘Fate has something grander in store for the both of us’. Indeed, dear Casimir, it is decidedly so. You are a Duke, newly arrived at a grand inheritance, whilst I struggle for my own heritage, a legitimate ruler cast as an exile. That I write this is a sign of the dire straits I am in. I would never in all my pride succumb to such a letter if the circumstances did not desperately cry out. Casimir, you of all understand my dreams and my ambitions. I am a Prince and now a King, by the laws of God and of man, yet I am denied. I am forced to subsist on the...good will...of those few loyal nobles left in this kingdom.

Portugal is beset by another usurper, this time from within the House of Duarte itself. Joao, who I refer to now as the Pretender, is a Duarte...but not the Duarte. I will not submit to him. No King would. Friend, strange are the circumstances that brought you to Portugal. The time spent on the high seas, battling the wind, our poor navigational skills, and the bellowing of Prince Enrique and the other captains, taught me that you have the conscience to know what is right and what is just. Casimir, I tell you know that my cause IS right. And it IS just. I beseech you to do what you can for my cause. My hour is approaching a precipice and I need the aid of those I hold in high regard. Please, dear Casimir. Spirit your courage and your fortitude to me. Convince those in Pommerania and in Europe that Portugal is under the grip of another grave injustice.

I trust that this letter finds you well and in good health. I mourn the loss of your father as does any true friend of character. Give my best to your mother, may she remain strong in troubled times. And you, my friend. Keep well to the principles we learned and shared. You do have something grand in store for you. And with your help, so will I.

Prince Alfonso Duarte

It was a pure luck that the courier found Casmir and his small retinue in the small, German village of Altdorf in Saxony.

Later that evening he sat on the stool and started to compose a reply.

“Alfonso, dearest of all my friends,

I am glad to finally hear from you, words cannot describe my feelings when I was worrying for you and your sister while hearing of that mad king atrocities.

To answer your question Alfonso, yes, I do remember that day and the words I said. Having said that you can expect whatever is in my power to help you. Whatever will be needed and requested by you, be it monies, men or my own blood.

Even now, I can only think of returning to beloved Portugal and embracing you as my brother, providing with everything I could do for you. However, my reason forbids doing so, I am well aware of my inheritance and the fact that I might serve you better after being invested with all powers that my father had. I will do my best, I promise, I swear I do. I will speak with my House and send letters to those my House have influence on.

Please confirm that you have received that letter, list your specific demands, your wish will be my command.

Prince Casmir from the House of Gryphon.”

 

[I Killed Kenny]

A new hope

Somewhere in the Town of Vila Real, in the Northen border with Castille. The two children, Alfonso and Elinor, speak...​

"Sister Sister," says Alfonso to little Elinor, running like the little child he was before all this rebellions "I have great news! Finnally Casmir replied to our letter! This is great, he seems not to have forgoten our friendship, I will reply to him as soon. Maybe we have some hope, with him as our friend he are safe!"
"But brother, what can he do? Will he attack João?" asked Elinor with a shaky voice, it was clear as time passes that she did not want to fight for the throne of his brother he just wanted to go back to the time where she was a little princess, she believe João would me merciful, or at least that is what she hoped.
"Well" replied Alfonso with his eyes seeming to burn with revenge. "I think we can do that. He probably still have many allies, or maybe some diplomatic pressure, I don't know. But it is better to have a friend that have none."
"Brother I think we can't do much, João Already showned quite capable of controlling any uprising and the nobles seem to support him." she said this in an almost mechanical way, it as seem she has been studing this issues. She was tired, she really wanted to give him.
"I know sister, I know. It will dificult, I shall send a messenge to Casimir to see what he says. At least with him in Pomnrania João Shall not kill us." said Alfonso looking to the ground puting his 'feat on the ground'

Alfonso, now with more hope that in the past years he seated down using his quill writing to Casimir....​

 

[N Katsyev]

Royal Bedchambers, Sintra​

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​

It had been one of the good days. The mild Portugese winter was passing, the beautiful buds of impending spring were beginning to hint of themselves, Pedro was doing well in his lessons and growing it seemed by heaps with each passing day. The bulge at her belly was as well growing, and much to Liza's dismay it seemed bigger than she remembered with Pedro. And still yet she was a couple months from when she may give birth. There were other matters as well and sleep would not come to her so quickly as they did Joao who lay snoring lightly beside her.

The Queen in a loose fitting bit of silk that could hardly be considered a garment slipt over to her husband under the heavy, cool blankets and leaned her little chin on his chest. Playfully her fingers curled and touched at the hairs on his chest with increasing activity as she hoped to wake him up. A little impish smile took her lips and she pressed her lips to the olive skin of his shoulder and edged up the side of his body. She whispered into his ear in Russian, "Wake up my King, fellow ruler of the universe, we need to talk." Her teeth grazed Joao's ear as her words finished leaving her lips.

 

[Fireblade]

Royal Oriental Trade Company - Lisbon​

* * * * * * * *​

Lord Archibald Campbell smiled. Yes, there, off in the distance.. Lisbon was drawing in sight. The Pearl of the Atlantic, the Atlantic gateway to Africa, shimmering in the hot, Mediterrean sun. Lord Campbell smiled, in spite of himself. It wasn't the Mediterrean, but it sure as hell FELT like it.

The lead ship, Lord Campbell's Saint Mary, pulled into port. The trip had gone without incident. No ships had deserted, no pirates had been sighted, and most luckily of all, no storms had arisen to shake the fleet and scatter it across the Ocean. That, Lord Campbell decided, would have been more disasterous than any pirate raid. As the dockworkers threw lines to his ship's crew, who secured them, and then waited as the dockworkers pulled the ship alongside a dock, the local Portuguese merchants began to wander over, intrigued. The Pskovite and Italian merchants hadn't been here so recently, and prices were beginning to skyrocket on lumber, highly prized by the local shipbuilders of Portugal. Wool, always needed by the local weavers, was in short supply, as was coal. Lord Campbell smiled as a man, fluent in Portuguese, cried out from his ship, "LUMBER! COAL! WOOL!", announcing the goods that the ships, now streaming into the port one by one, carried.

* * * * * * * *​

Lord Campbell clasped one of his merchants on the shoulder. Business was unimaginably brisk. After a week, the Scots had already turned a nice profit from the Portuguese, selling the lumber, very inexpensive in Scotland, for a huge profit, undercutting the Pskovites, who had to ship their lumber all the way across Scotland. The few Russian merchants in the city were continually passed by the Portuguese. Why buy Russian lumber, they reasoned, when Scottish lumber is of the same quality as the Russian, and much less expensive? The coal didn't sell for quite the same price as the lumber, since Portugal was already a producer of coal, but the Scots managed to turn a small profit upon it. The wool, however, sold far better than anyone expected - it appears that wool hadn't been sold in Portugal for a year, and prices were sky high. As the Royal Oriental Trade Company gleefully sold the wool, the pocketbooks of the Company felt heavy.. too heavy.

Lord Campbell nodded to the the last merchant of the day. "A pleasure doing business with you." That should do it. Using the money that had just been gained by selling the wool, coal, and timber, the Scots had quickly bought tons of honey, leather goods, and cloth, all very valuable.. in Tangiers. Lord Campbell smiled. If Tangiers went anything like Portugal, then he'd be in for a very, very big surprise when he got back to Scotland.. richer than a King, even. "Well, lads, in three days we'll set out for Tangiers. We'll rest tomorrow, and on Wednesday and Thursday we'll load the rest of the cargo, take on provisions, and sail."

Thursday dawned, bright, burning, and hot. As the now tanned Scots loaded on their cargo, under the oversight of their more experienced officers, Lord Campbell sipped some wine from Oporto, a special gift from a merchant that had gotten a particularly good deal from the Scots. After several hours, one of the local Portuguese dockmasters approached Lord Campbell, and bowed. "Ready," was his only word, probably the only English word he knew, Lord Campbell reflected. Standing, Lord Campbell pressed a gold coin in his hand, tipped his hat, and walked the quarter mile to his flagship. Now for the easy part: seventy miles or so to Tangiers.

 

[I Killed Kenny]

João have been sleeping for some good time when the angelic voice of her Liza waked him up​

João slowly opened his eyes, the face of his wife was the best way to wake up with her beautiful eyes so near his. He smiled to liza, she smiled back to him. In a quick way he moves his head foward and kisses her. A small kiss, a good morning kiss.
João then puts his head back to the pillow and speaks in Portuguese with a smile "Good day my queen, what is the pressing matter? Is everything allright with the child?"

 

[I Killed Kenny]

The navy.

With the navigator on the other side of the mediterranian, Manuel was sent to Lagos to over see the drills of the Fleet of Portugal.​

On the top of his white horse he saw the man moving quickly inside the ships and firing empty cannons, it seems with all the experianced they won with the passing of the time, they were guetting quicker and quicker better and better. For years the portuguese navy was not utilized in war. But the man were ready for anything. The caravelas were beeing used for war, something never imagined before. War ships only with sails and with the primary weapon beeing the cannon and not by bording. This was a great innovation. This would change for ever the way the men fought on the seas. The Portuguese were the first to use this technic. Even if Portugal did not have the biggest navy in the world they would, for sure, have the best one!

Manuel, the chancellor looks down to one of the shipmakers and asked "Tell me man. How are the Triangular Sails dooing?" The man looks to de la Braga and replys in his experianced way "Very well, very well! Better that we thought they give a great mobility to our ships, bigger than in the past! That is for sure!" Manuel smiles and says "Good, We may need our navy soon. This is somethig I will love to tell his majesty!" He then looks back to the ships sailing making new manouvers when he spots a lonelly caravela comming from the horizon.
Manuel stands his hand into the direction of it and asks "Hey man, tell me what is that?" he was not quite sure why that ship was so far away, maybe from Africa but he was not sure. "That one comes from Africa, probably bringing Ivory and Gold from the Black men" said the man looking up to the chancellor.
Manuel makes a big smile and replies "Perfect! I would like to see the merchandize. Was that caravela sent further down also? To Cape Verde?"
"No chancellor" asnwered the man "That was not sent to Cape Verde, but more allong the coast. Trying to find out better places to trade."
"Okay then. Better places to trade the better for Portugal" said Manuel laughing in the end.

*****

When the Caravela S. Julião arrived to the harbor of Lagos, Manuel was there to see what they brought from Africa. Manuel could only smiled and nod seeing all the Gold and Ivory it had. Beautiful yellow gold and white gold. It seemed that as south as they went the bigger the number of good they brought. This was without any doubt the richest trade roots in the world after the spicy route!

 

[N Katsyev]

Royal Bedchambers, Sintra​

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Liza grinned and nuzzled her face into her husband's neck, "Morning? It probably won't be light for a few hours yet... ", she murmured as her lips travelled down his shoulder. Her leg came over his body and she shifted up so that she was straddling him, sitting on his abdomen, her hands stretched out on Joao's chest, "There are some things I should talk to you about... " She bit her bottom lip in a playfully naughty sort of way, "And I missed you... "

Then she titled her head curiously to the side, looking at his face with icey blue eyes, "Do you find me attractive.... like this... I mean?" One of her hands left his chest and touched her pregnant belly.

 

[I Killed Kenny]

João entered in a trance seeing all of that, liza did not do that for a long time, her mood was rather down since she got pregnant. But the romatic trance ended with that question, João seemed to have fallen from a tower back to earth looking to her eyes, like an abadoned cat, her beautiful sea like eyes, where becaming bigger and bigger. João slowly put his hand on the face of his queen, he smiled and replied in a soft voice "Of cource my love, I love you now more than ever, I love you now even more than when I first saw you. As time passes I love you, I love you every minute I pass with you. And you continue to be the most beautiful women in Portugal!" ended João looking with pity eyes to liza the love of his life.