1465-1476
Antalya, October 4, 1471
My sweetest Francesca,
How it pains me to write this. Four and a half years now Venice has been at war, and you may have thought the heathen Turk had done his worst. But I must tell you that Ottoman armies are today marching on the city itself. I learned this from men I trust, advisors of ‘Uthman himself, who are kept informed due to Teke’s alliance with the Ottomans. Although they think but little of it any longer; I periodically have to remind them that my nation and theirs are technically at war.
I must ask you, for my sake if you will not do it for your own – leave the city. In preparation for this foul day I have made arrangements for your safety. My dear friend Alessandro – you remember him, do you not? – has answered my pleas, and will make available to you his villa in Spilimbergo. He bought it for a song after the invading Austrians burnt it to the ground some years ago, and has rebuilt it most handsomely. I remember the area, and it is truly an earthly paradise. And Alessandro was most gracious in his response to my news of your arrival – indeed he was positively giddy. But then you know of your capacity to charm even the coldest of men.
So you see I benefit sometimes from my posting here in the Republic’s service – though it is small consolation for our years of separation, with so few opportunities to reunite. I await your letters, and I will continue to importune for an opportunity to return home – even if our home be in ruins when I arrive, at least I know you will be in good hands.
The Ottoman siege of Venice
Your dearest,
Giovanni Sorto
Antalya, February 14, 1476
What a strange letter to receive, with such strange questions! To answer the second – I have no idea why you have received nothing from me lately. The galley which delivers my letters to Venice – along with my official correspondence – has always returned safely despite the Ottoman navy. If my letters reach the city safely then I cannot understand how they do not reach you.
But to answer the first – no, I am very much alive! You say Alessandro told you otherwise… well! He treads on dangerous ground with these rumors. I do not consider myself a man of violence but Alessandro should not be surprised to find himself in need of a second and a sword upon my return from Teke. Which, I delight in telling you, will be in a matter of weeks. Teke has left its alliance with the Turk by refusing to assist in another barbarous invasion, this time of Hungary and its allies. The Doge has requested my
personal counsel – tell me, do you not think yourself the luckiest woman in Venice, to stand at the side of such a respected man? Anyway, I am to report on whether this nation could be of assistance in Venice’s alliance. It could be so – their armies have become rather skilled, although the navy suffers as a result (OOC: +1 to land).
I wonder if you have heard the news; the Republic has suffered the gravest defeat in its history. Three months ago the heathen Turk took – I advise you to sit before reading further – Istria, Dalmatia, Corfu, Ionia, and Croatia, in exchange for ending its cursed war. Thankfully the demons did not demand indemnities as well, although I doubt we could have met such a request.
The Ottoman Empire being Imperialistic
Your ever-faithful (and never-dying!),
Giovanni Sorto
)
