The Court of the Khan of the Golden Horde

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A letter arrived from Hungary.

Barbarian Chieftain,

We do not negotiate with your kind. Kindly keep your men and steeds on the steppes where they belong.

Erzsébet Angevin
Dowager Queen and Regent of Hungary​

 

[Velasco]

A nervous Italian entered the splendid, exotic court of the Mongol chief. With him, a long train of gifts, and, most importantly, a letter, from King Charles of Naples. With hesitation he stepped forward, and knelt before the King. Looking downward, he waited for permission to speak.

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

The Neapolitan Embassy

Toqtamish Khan​

The Khan looked on appreciatively as the Italian showed proper respect. It always seemed that Latins took it as an insult to have to kowtow before the Great Khan, but this man didn't. The Khan liked that and spoke to the man kindly.

Rise good man! Rise and speak. What is it your master, King Charles of Naples wants of me. I would guess trade, but then he also is claimant to the throne of Hungary, yes? Perhaps he wishes an alliance or do I presume too much. Speak good man and tell me your name.​

 

[Velasco]

The Italian looked up, with a gleam in his eye. “My name is Matteo Rossi. Indeed, you do not presume too much. An alliance with your mighty horde is exactly what we seek. Here is a letter from my master:

“Charles, By the grace of God, King of Naples, Jerusalem, and Albania, Prince of Achaea and Durazzo, Duke of Anjou and Provence, et cetera, to Toqtamish Ak Urdu, Great Khan of the Golden Horde, called the Blessed, the warmest greetings.

Great Khan, I have heard much of your works and your deeds. And I do not see why the simple matter of faith should come in the way of a friendship that could be otherwise…very profitable, for the both of us. You may know that I am the closest male kinsman of the last King of Hungary, and for some time have claimed that throne as my own.

Furthermore, I have decided to take as my wife the princess Elizabeth, who is a niece of the last King of the Huns. Indeed this strengthens my claim to the throne greatly, but even more importantly it makes me the undisputable heir to Transylvania, Slavonia, Croatia, and Dalmatia, which were once ruled by Elizabeth’s father, but are now ruled by Hungary. The Huns refuse to restore Elizabeth to her lands, and therefore I have been left no choice than to take them by force.

Most conveniently, the lands I covet are in the south, leaving open the north (Pozsony, Upper Hungary, Kassa, Szabolcs, Carpathian Ruthenia, Lwow, halicz, and Chelm) for you and your horde to ravage, plunder, or conquer, whatever is to your liking.

I have heard also of the impending Crusade, lead by the Emperor against your allies, the Turks. Perhaps they would also be interested at striking Hungary, before Hungary strikes them? With Hungary out of the way, your Horde and the Turks would be much better placed to repel the oncoming crusade.

Lastly, I have heard a great many tales of the beauty of the Mongol women. I wonder if the Great Khan would consider sending one of his daughters or sisters to Naples, to be the wife of my son, Ladislas. She would have to convert, as she will one day share the throne of Naples, but such a marriage would do much to secure our alliance, and that of our successors. I leave this in your hands; I confess I know little of your beliefs, and I can comprehend it if the conversion of one of your kinswomen to Christianity is deemed distasteful or abhorrent.

By his own hand,
Charles, King of Naples, et cetera.”

Matteo Rossi waited until the Khan had finished reading the letter. With a wry smile on his face, he commenced, “If…When the time comes to attack Hungary, my master believes that our mutual victories are much more certain if we were to act in coordination. We are most eager for this alliance, and I am certain that if your Horde also desires trade, we will be most pleased to provide you with it, as a means to further strengthen your great power, and further nail in the coffin of the Hungarian kingdom.”

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

The Neapolitan Embassy

Toqtamish Khan​

The Khan was now even more impressed by the letter of Charles, especially considering that he had just recieved such a disrespectful reply from that whore in Hungary a few weeks before. The differences between the Latin rules intrigued the Khan, but their division also pleased him. He took a sip of wine in order to clear his mind and think of a response. He then attemped to to use the mix of Latin and Italian that he knew for his contacts with Genoese and Venetian merchants

The division His Majesty mentions in the letter is most pleasing. I had proposed such a plan to the Voivode of Wallachia, but he has not deign to reply. Therefore, I am happy that he has not now that I am to find a much more worthy partner in such a project. I shall be quite thankful to the King if what he write of can come to pass, for upper Hungaria is much more my birthright than the sotted whore that called herself regent.

Ah, the crusade... I myself am not really worry by it, but the Turks, unlike their usually manly visage, seemed to be quite shaken at even the mention of it. Still, the Horde is now bound to them. I hope that the Romans will see the light and remain on the road of peace, for they are ancient friends of the Horde as well, bonded oft times in marriage unto the Khans.

That brings to His Majesty's other inquiry... well I am sorry to say that I have no daughters to wed such a worthy prince as the King's son. All of my wives can only produce strong boys! *laughs* Perhaps Allah has made me too strong. *continues to chuckle* Oh well... inshallah. There is another possiblity thought. Emir Tangut, a mighty prince and a relation of mine, has a daughter named Conchakin. No girl in all Rus can compare with her beauty and she currently has a suitor in the form of Mikhail, the Despot of Cherson and son of Emperor Ionnes. If relations deteriorate with the Romans or the Despot further dalies in marriage negotiations, then perhap she could wed the King's son. Conversation is no problem with us. One of my wives was a Christian till recently and another is a descendant of Jews! You see we are all peoples of the book, so it is no problem. Religion shall never brook good relations between our realms, you see.​

 

[Velasco]

The Italian beamed. "We are most pleased to hear it! Ah! Your sons are a blessing to you, but unfortunately it is a daughter we seek! *laughs* The prince is only a child, of only 7 years of age. Perhaps this Conchakin has a younger sister? Indeed, I am certain that my master would be pleased with any lady of noble birth.

Perhaps you would like to propose a treaty, in writing?"

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

The Neapolitan Embassy

Toqtamish Khan​

I am sorry that there is only Conchakin. I failed to mention that she is only a maiden of 15 years. So 9 years hence, when the Prince reaches the age of 16, she will only be 24. She will still be in the flower of her youth. I believe it is a good match.

Now... a treaty in writting would be most aprreciated, though let us keep the part about the division of Hungaria between ourselves as spies and the untrusworthy run about everywhere these days. Also, what shall be the dowry if the Prince and Conchakin do wed. This too must be considered. The Emir previously offered bars of Persian gold worth 5,000 byzants recently captured from pirates, the profits of the toll on the port of Taurida, and 1o hides of land in Taurida (=1 eco) unto the Despot of Cherson.​

 

[Velasco]

"Indeed, the dowry must be considered. I believe that which is offered is a worthy amount. As to the age of Ladislas and Conchakin...it is of little concern to us in Naples. The King expects his son to be able to begin cohabiting with his consort as soon as he turns 12, at which time Conchakin will be 18, stil in the bloom of her youth, as you say. If you decide to have her marry in Naples, and not Cherson, we would find it more to our liking if she would join the royal court there as soon as possible, so as to be better accustomed to it, and it to her.

For the meantime, perhaps the Great Khan would consider taking another wife, from amongs the Italians? There is a young girl, by the name of Maria, of only 14. Her father is Luigi d'Altavilla, a mighty lord and officer of the King, whose house is connected by marriage with the royal lineage. The King would be most pleased to bestow her upon you as part of the treaty, as a gift to you. Perhaps she will give you some daughters!*laughs*

Yes...the proposed partition is best kept between us. For the rest of the treaty, would it be possible for me to see what you would like to propose?"

 

[Velasco]

Whilst he awaited the Khan's own proposal, Matteo Orsini put down in writing the terms proposed by his own lord, and handed them to the Khan. They were thus:

Pact of Brindisi-Sarai
Alliance between the Kingdom of Naples and the Golden Horde​

With the growing ties of friendship between the Golden Horde and Naples, the rulers of both Kingdoms have in their wisdom decided to set this friendship down in writing, in honour of their common goals and objectives.


Article I: In the event of an attack on either Naples or the Golden Horde, the other kingdom pledges to send either military or economic aid to help repel the invader.

Article II:
i) If either Kingdom declares war on a third party, the other Kingdom pledges to send support, either in men or in funds.
ii) Before war is declared, the ally must be given warning.
iii) The only exception to i) is an attack on a third party which is a known ally of either kingdom, by the other kingdom; in that instance the attacking Kingdom releases the other from their obligations.

Article III: An attack on either kingdom is to be considered a direct attack on the other.

Article IV: Both kingdoms pledge not to sign a separate peace in a common war.

Article V: Both kingdoms pledge not to send aid to the foe of the other, in times of war, in the occasion that either of the kingdoms undertake a war in which the other cannot be bound to join (by the terms of Article II, iii).

Article VI: The treaty may be confirmed by a royal marriage, at a later date.

[x] Charles, King of Naples, Jerusalem, and Albania, et cetera.
[x] Toqtamish, Great Khan of the Golden Horde,etc.

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

"Indeed, the dowry must be considered. I believe that which is offered is a worthy amount. As to the age of Ladislas and Conchakin...it is of little concern to us in Naples. The King expects his son to be able to begin cohabiting with his consort as soon as he turns 12, at which time Conchakin will be 18, stil in the bloom of her youth, as you say. If you decide to have her marry in Naples, and not Cherson, we would find it more to our liking if she would join the royal court there as soon as possible, so as to be better accustomed to it, and it to her.

For the meantime, perhaps the Great Khan would consider taking another wife, from amongs the Italians? There is a young girl, by the name of Maria, of only 14. Her father is Luigi d'Altavilla, a mighty lord and officer of the King, whose house is connected by marriage with the royal lineage. The King would be most pleased to bestow her upon you as part of the treaty, as a gift to you. Perhaps she will give you some daughters!*laughs*

Yes...the proposed partition is best kept between us. For the rest of the treaty, would it be possible for me to see what you would like to propose?"

The Neapolitan Embassy

Toqtamish Khan​

Hmm... another wife. I do only have three... whereas the Prophet said a man may have up to four. *smiles* Of course I would be happy to wed this Maria as I would no wise wish to disappoint my new friend. no, I say let us be brothers! This draft is quite acceptible. Just add the bits about the marriages and the dowry, as I suppose Maria will come with one befitting her marriage to a Khan, and I shall sign it. Also, make is know to dear Maria that she shall have no need to convert in order to marry me. In fact, she may bring her priest and religious books if it is her will. My realm and my harem for abodes of toleration of all faiths.​

 

[Velasco]

"Hmm...I admit we had not thought of what dowry to bestow upon the lady Maria. Perhaps we could merely waver both dowries...yes, I believe this would be best. This way, the friendship between Sarai and Naples would be firmly fixed, between two great Kings of equal stature...and thus worthy of the same dowry. Indeed, what use has Prince Ladislas for 10 hides of land in Taurida? *laughs*"

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

The Neapolitan Embassy

Toqtamish Khan​

Indeed, I suppose you are right. One cannot let money and land become a thorn in this alliance, though I hope the young Prince may one day visit and see our vast country.​

 

[Velasco]

The Arrival of the Neapolitan Girl

Sometime in early July, Maria d'Altavilla, together with two priests and three maids, arrived at the capital of the Great Khan, and at once [following the instructions she had received in Naples some weeks before] went to Matteo Orsini. Together, they went to outside the Khan's tent, where Matteo asked for another audience with the Great Khan, so that he might present him with his beautiful young wife.

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

A Lady of Italia

Toqtamish Khan​

The Khan was enjoying his summer days on the Don plateau. Even though the entire court was transfered from the confines of Sarai to a multitude of tents on the steppe, it lost none of its urbane or sophisticated nature. At the center was the glorious golden pavillion of the Khan himself, shimmering in the bright sun of a Russian July

Heralds announced the arrival of the Neapolitan ambassador, Matteo Orsini, once more, but this time with a beautiful woman. It was none other than Maria d'Altavilla, the woman that seemed destined to become the fourth wife of the Khan. Toqtamish was quite eager to meet her and also to solidify his bond with Naples. He had heard reports that Christendom did not approve for their friendship.

Greeting! It is good to see you against, Signore Orsini. I also see you have brought before me a pearl of great price. *looks at Maria* I then take it, by the presence of this fine lady, that all is well between Naples and the Horde? I have heard on the wind that your Latin brothers are outraged that King Charles would dare to treat with me.​

 

[Velasco]

Yes, I believe so, although it is some weeks since I was last in Naples. This is Maria...

Maria stepped forward, and bowed. She was a young girl of only 14, with flowing blonde hair, and deep blue eyes. She thought the Khan handsome and masculine. She looked forward to the wedding night...so what if he was a heathen?

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

A Lady of Italia

Toqtamish Khan​

The Khan grinned his worn smile at the nubile young princess and approached her, gently taking her hand.

Dear maiden, you are now a stranger in a strange land, but I will change this. Next week (ooc: tommorrow), we shall be wed in the greatest pomp the Khanate has ever seen for a wedding. I shall protect you from my older, jealous wives, as they can be quite cruel. I did tell the Signore also that you will be free to keep your religion if you want. Such shall be my gentleness and devoution unto you, the lotus in my garden of delights. *smiles and kisses her hand*​

 

[Elias Tarfarius]

A Fourth Wife

Toqtamish Khan releases a prisoner in celebration of his wedding​

You shall go free and your crimes are forgotten. Eat, drink, and be merry this day, but remember the grace of your master on earth, I, the Khan of Khans, and your master above.​

The Khan waved for his servants to escort the man out of the tent while he prepared for the marriage ceremony. It was to be an ecumenical affair, with both an Italian priest and Mevlana Mustafa bin Yusuf al-Misir presiding. On top of this, traditional Mongol aspects of the ceremony were hightened; this was a poltical message as much as anything else. It signals that dispite the small number of Mongols and the tolerant nature of the state, this is a Mongol state.

Maria, the Italian bride, dressed in the finest Oriental clothes​

The Khan waited with the clergymen and guests before the great Golden Pavilion while the bride's procession made its way through the camp accompanied by music, singing, and the ululating of the bridesmaids. Teh bride herself rode upon a camel (which looked all the larger because of her slight size), lead by a Chinese eunuch. She was dress in the best of Mongol bridal finery and her face "shone like the sun," said one of the emirs. The wives of the Khan stood by stonefaced, but he was quite pleased and wished to hurry the procedings along.

The Mevlana​

The Mevlana bound the hands of the two with silk and then blessed and confirmed the marriage; the priest then followed, doing the same. Everyone then ran to the tent of Emir Tangut where the wedding feast was to be held. All ate much and drank too much. There were many toasts and also many curses said, some against the Liths, some against the Maygars, and some against old Timurleng. In the midst of this revelry, few noticed that the Khan and his bride left the tent earlier in the evening to have their own fun that night in the Golden Pavilion away from the prying eyes and ears of their subjects

 

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Arrival of Ambassador of Ragusa at Golden Court

Frankopan Crijevici​

Non-Resident Ambassador of Ragusa to the Roman Empire and Resident Ambassador of Ragusa to the Golden Horde, Frankopan Crijevici was staring at the Cherson, it is so unclean. His ship then moored at the wharf. Walking down the gangway, he smiled in relief; he was seasick for every seconds of the journey and happy to be back on good Earth.

After few moment of Frankopan discussing with port officials, they found where the Khan is and so they went off. Once he arrived at the Court, followed by his staffs and guards, he requested for an audience with the Khan.

 

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The Rise of Bani Abbas

The old Lebanese lurched forward, the distance seperating the Horde and that of the Mamlukes was more than his weak legs could bear.He was relieved that the deserts, the mountains and obstacles of the path have all been overcome, and now he would catch his breath and rest his wretched mortal body, the vessel of his soul in the city of the Horde,Cherson.

He went by the name of Ahmed of Bani Hoodi, an Arab tribe which settled in Lebanon in the late 8th century, under the Abbasids.At first, he asked for directions in the Mongolian city, however his destination was famous and thus easy to locate, the Dar of Sheik Urgu Sa'dar, the Imam of the Horde.With a low knock on the door, he asked the sheik for an audience as the retainer of the Abbasid Caliph al-Wathiq, and not the Mameluki Sultan Barquq.

 

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Port of Jaffa ....
The man at-arms handed the letter to the Commander, the parchment came from the Golden Horde, and was obvious communication to the Sultan of Cairo and the information it held would affirmatively alarm the Mamelukes that their ambassador never arrived to Sari.Indeed, the diplomat was already buried in some barren wasteland close to Diyarbaker.The Arab Captain smiled and handed the letter to a Rasul "Take this to Prince Jadi, inform him of what we have found".

​

The Arab paused for a second, looking at the Crimean ship of the Golden Horde "Burn it" and thus his soldiers swarmed on the vessel, setting it aflame.The Abbasids loyalists have effectively severed all communication with the Mamelukes and the other Turkic Sultanates.The Captain grinned, this act formented rebellion, at least here, it was a just cause.