The Palaeologi

[Stuyvesant]

Portraying the Pecheneg commander and his high priest was a nice change of perspective. For me, it doesn't matter whether it's historically accurate or not, it gave a good idea of the hopelessness of the Pechenegs in that crummy hill fort.

And again, you throw out some tantalizing clues that all might not be well with the current Emperor. That he could die soon... I can't wait for old Michael the Serb to croak and Georgios to take his rightful place on the Roman throne.

Waiting in anticipation for your next update.

 

[thames]

Feedback

General note: Excellent input guys. I only wished I had researched the Pechenegs a little bit – like I normally do – instead of rushing into it blindfolded, but done is done.
Anyway, thanks!

I don't believe the Pechenegs were Muslims, in fact, if I recall correctly, they were some sort of pagans, so you are probably not too far off with that description. Now if it were the Khazars you were fighting against (who are, sadly, not represented in the game - it would have been quite interesting to see them), they would have been following Judaism. As for the Turkic origin of the Pechenegs, if memory serves me correctly, they moved west before the mass conversion of Turkic people to Islam... another Turkic nation that migrated into Europe includes the Bulgars (although they were latter assimilated by the Slavs they ruled over - similarly to how the Norse were assimilated by the Russians by the XIth century).

Wow, thanks. Good to see I wasn’t too far off then…

I seem to recall there were pagans too, but a turkic people nonetheless. One more bunch of barbarians moving westward off the steppes.

So, Imperial generals (well, at least one) is moving to back a winning horse. Got to be nice and comforting for our boy. Luck, I feel, of the good variety, is a veru useful characterist for emperors and prospective emperors to have. May it only desert him in the time of his greatest need!

Isn’t it just. We’ll see how long it lasts…

I am not quite sure, and truly, one cannot be very sure of the shamanist beliefs shared by the nomadic tribes of the Scythian steppe during that time, but from what I undestand, they believed in one Tengri (sp?), the God of Thunder as the supreme deity of their pantheon. Of course, like in any shamanistic/politheistic cult, the forces of nature are personified.

However, if they did not follow Islam officially, the Pechenegs and Cumans (Kipchaks) had among them many who followed this religion (as were many who followed Christianity (or a form of it, at least) and Judaism (the Khazars had collapsed only few decades earlier)). But you cannot speak of an official religion - there was no state apparatus to support such an institution.

Laur

Darn, like I said above, I wish I had researched this a little.
Anyway, thanks.

The history of the Pechenegs is very interesting, they where used as basically a giant mercenary recruitment ground by the Byzantines against the Magyars and Russians but eventually they outlived their usefulness and in 1061 a combined Byzantine and Cuman army crushed them and they fractured into smaller tribes.

Their religion was probably similiar to the Cumans and other Central Asian peoples who where absorbed by the eclectic Mongol hordes who didn't give a crap about religion.

Thanks for the input.

Good work, and your guy is sooo lucky! Make sure no green eyed people get near him, you never know what could happen.

Oh, I doubt it will always go his way – not completely…

I am half egyptian and in there culture they hang blue stones shaped like eyes to keep away envy is this green eye something similar i would like it if someone who knows about could explain it to me please?

Thanks in advance

Yes, please do Zeno.

Well if your "green eyed" it means your extreemly envious and greedyish. Someone who is green eyed may just do something to even it up. Just an old expression that I've heard, not sure of the origin or anything like that. That's just a basic outline of it, I hope someone else will be able to give a better description.

Thanks

i have green eyes

Luck stealer! Stay away!

Portraying the Pecheneg commander and his high priest was a nice change of perspective. For me, it doesn't matter whether it's historically accurate or not, it gave a good idea of the hopelessness of the Pechenegs in that crummy hill fort.

And again, you throw out some tantalizing clues that all might not be well with the current Emperor. That he could die soon... I can't wait for old Michael the Serb to croak and Georgios to take his rightful place on the Roman throne.

Waiting in anticipation for your next update.

Thank you.
Don’t we all?


Next chapter
…later today!

 

[thames]

Chapter 36: Opposition

Spring AD 1074,
Oleshye, Roman Empire
“Well, it’s been grand partying with you all,” general Juraj said to Caesar George and all the staff on the morning of the departure from Oleshye. He bowed to them all.

“My pleasure,” Caesar George said and nodded pleasantly. “Anything to shorten the war. Where will you go now?”

“Peresechen first, then Birlad, and then further south. We’ve been ordered to tour the newly conquered areas to make sure they stay pacified.”

“Excellent,” Caesar George said. “That’s important too.” He stood up. “We on the other hand, are moving to Olvia.”

“Naturally,” general Juraj said and laughed. They shook hands.

“If you get bored…” Caesar George started.

“…I know where to go for fun,” general Juraj finished and nodded. “Count on it.”

* * * * *​

The Senate, Constantinople
Prince Michael Dukas stood up and cleared his throat. The room fell silent. He moved slowly from his seat to the center of the room and slowly turned around looking at them all. He took deep breath and cleared his throat again. “Caesar George sends his greeting. Oleshye is ours,” he managed to say perfectly in a slow, monotonous voice. “All hail…”

“Whose did you say?” Prince Manuel Komnenus interrupted rudely. “It’s certainly isn’t mine.”

Loud snigger.

“Ours,” Prince Michael repeated, starting to get flustered. “The Em-p-pire’s.” He raised an eyebrow and looked up at Prince Manuel. “ It doesn’t m-m-matter who c-c-captured it. We will all b-benefit.”

“Yes,” Prince Manuel sneered, interrupting again. “I’m sure you do.” More snigger. “We – on the other hand – have not benefited one copper from this…” He grimaced. “…adventure. Will we benefit now? Or will we just have to go on getting fleeced to pay for this… fortune-hunter to get richer?”

“No!” the audience cried.

“You d-d-dare?” Prince Michael gasped, his painstakingly prepared speech now in ruins. “All he ever d-d-does is f-f-for the good of the Em-p-p-p-p-pire.”

“Bah!” Prince Manuel cried. “if you actually believe that, you are even more naïve than I thought possible. He has done nothing but make promises. I have yet to fulfil a single promise to anyone – yourself included.”

“You are s-s-so wrong!” Prince Michael retorted angrily. “He has f-f-ful-f-ffilled every p-p-promise he has ever made.”

“What about the promise to give a province each to his vassals?” Prince Manuel asked smirkingly. The senate went dead quiet.

“H-how did you kn-now about that?” Prince Michael retorted angrily.

“I know, okay,” Prince Manuel replied smugly. “And judging by your reaction, it’s even true. I wasn’t sure, you see.”

“I see,” Prince Michael said coldly. “Well, I’m c-c-certain C-c-c-c-caesar G-g-george will honour it, once the w-w-w-war is over.”

“We are not,” Prince Manuel said. He stood up. “A commission must be appointed to look into his affairs…all of them. What say ye all?”

“AYE!” the Green faction shouted.

“WHAT!?” Prince Michael screamed.

“Oh, pipe down, Michael,” Prince Manuel ordered. “You are out of order. Let’s vote.”

* * * * *​

“Fuck me!” Caesar George swore when he saw Prince Michael riding into the camp. “What the hell are you doing here, Michael?”

“G-g-good to s-s-see you too,” Prince Michael said in a forced voice of cheerfulness.

Caesar George narrowed his eyes, but refrained from saying anything more there and then. Instead he dragged his friend into his personal tent and closed it behind them. “Sit!” he said and pushed Michael into a low chair. “Wine?”

“Please.”

Caesar George filled two goblets with wine, gave one to his friend and sat down opposite him. “Well?” he asked raising one eyebrow.

Prince Michael took drank deeply from the goblet and took a deep breath. “A w-week ago I s-stood up in the S-s-senate and launched into a s-s-speech about your latest c-c-con-q-q-quest. No s-s-sooner had I s-said Ole-sh-shye was ours, P-p-prince Manuel s-s-stood up and q-q-questioned your m-m-motives. He said Ole-sh-shye is yours, not ours and certainly not his.”

“Prince Alexios’ brother?” George interrupted.

“Yesss,” Michael hissed.

George frowned. “I’ve heard he’s the new leader of the Green faction?”

“C-c-could be,” Michael replied. “Let me f-f-finish…?” George nodded. “Then he s-s-said he was tired of p-paying for a f-f-fortune-h-h-hunter to…”

“A what?” George shouted.

“A f-f-f-f-f-f-for…”

“I heard you. Then what?”

“Then he s-s-said you would not k-k-keep your words…”

“Eh?” George said. “I always keep my word. Everyone knows that. I’m famous for it.”

“Yes, b-b-but he tried to dis-c-c-credit you anyway b-b-by using an example.”

“How?” George asked and shrugged unworried. “By inventing something then?”

“Your vassals!”

“My vassals? What the fuck is he getting at? They will get their do once the war is over – as promised…wait a minute – how did he even know?”

“Don’t kn-n-now, but the way I an-s-s-swered I’m afraid I c-c-con-f-f-firmed his…err…kn-n-nowledge.”

“I see,” George said and sighed loudly. “There is more, isn’t there?”

“Yes,” Michael said nervously. “The S-s-senate has decided to appoint a c-c-commission to look into your affairs. They don’t trust you anymore.”

“Bah!” George said. “They never did. Who cares about a fucking commission? I’m Caesar and next-in-line. With the Emperor is sick and the backing of the army, I’ll be emperor before they know it. What more do I need?”

“You c-c-can’t be em-p-p-peror without the s-s-senate’s blessing!”

“Yeah?” George said, his eyes narrowing down to mere slits. “Try and stop me!” he said in a ringing voice.

“That c-c-could mean c-c-civil war,” Michael gasped.

“Nah,” George said in a more calm voice, “I don’t think they have the guts. Provided I become Emperor while still in the field, the army will proclaim me the old-fashioned way and all opposition will melt away as we march to Constantinople to be crowned.”

Michael burst out laughing. “And they c-c-call me naïve!”

George shrugged. “I will be Emperor – it’s my destiny.” He stood up and poured more wine for the both of them. “Any other news.?”

“Yeah, I have a letter f-f-from your wife. You're a f-f-father again!”

* * * * *​

NOTES:
1) “Peresechen first and then Birlad and then further south. We’ve been ordered to tour the newly conquered areas to make sure they stay pacified.” – a weak attempt at making sense of what the AI armies are doing…

 

[Semi-Lobster]

Wow, great son! But anyway, court intrigue made Byzamtium famous and it's obviously showing here. There must either be a spy... or he could have just asked one of your vassals. It wouldn't be too bad though to give some territory to your vassals, maintaing efficiency is far more important that personal glory.

 

[stnylan]

I wonder of they will appoint a commission when he is marching on the city too?

 

[unmerged(33738)]

just to leave a note i'm still reading

keep the updates commin'!!!!

 

[Nikolai]

Me too, in case you were wondering.

 

[Stuyvesant]

So, you're not done with the Komnenoi just yet. I like the way you drag in Manuel to act as Alexios' agent. A nice family feud is brewing there. Glad to see that Michael Dukas is still your loyal ally, it was almost painful to read how he stuttered his way through the hostile exchange in the Senate.

And the family keeps expanding, too! Everything is in place for a long and interesting (read: intrigue-riddled and violence-filled) dynasty, just as long as old Mihail/Michael does the decent thing and takes his dirt nap...

 

[Murmurandus]

Ah, a boy, and with good stats...

 

[thames]

Feedback

Wow, great son! But anyway, court intrigue made Byzamtium famous and it's obviously showing here. There must either be a spy... or he could have just asked one of your vassals. It wouldn't be too bad though to give some territory to your vassals, maintaing efficiency is far more important that personal glory.

The vassals will get their due at some point…but not before this is played out.

I wonder of they will appoint a commission when he is marching on the city too?

It will all come together somehow…

just to leave a note i'm still reading

keep the updates commin'!!!!

Thanks.
Later today!

Me too, in case you were wondering.

And thanks

So, you're not done with the Komnenoi just yet. I like the way you drag in Manuel to act as Alexios' agent. A nice family feud is brewing there. Glad to see that Michael Dukas is still your loyal ally, it was almost painful to read how he stuttered his way through the hostile exchange in the Senate.

And the family keeps expanding, too! Everything is in place for a long and interesting (read: intrigue-riddled and violence-filled) dynasty, just as long as old Mihail/Michael does the decent thing and takes his dirt nap...

That’s just the beginning.
It was ‘painful’ to write as well. I’m not sure I’m doing it right though.

Let’s just say; I’ve played ahead for once, and the end is near…

Ah, a boy, and with good stats...

Not that great, but he’s a decent administrator. But he’s a boy so…


Next chapter
soon ™

 

[thames]

Chapter 37: Confrontation

Summer AD 1074,
Grand Palace, Constantinople
The grand chamberlain bowed to kaisarissa Theodora. “The Commissioners are here,” he said grimacing.

“Well, send them in,” kaisarissa Theodora said. She sat down on a smaller version of her husband’s throne and adjusted her dress with the help of her handmaidens. Her other councillors stood below the steps and all around the great hall, huge Varangian guards stood waiting.

The grand chamberlain signalled to the two guards flanking the huge, ceremonial doors to open them. A large party of senators marched into the hall and right up to stairs leading to the thrones.

Prince Manuel Komnenus lead the party. He stopped just before the steps and nodded. “Sister,” he acknowledged.

“Who am I?” kaisarissa Theodora asked in a clear voice.

“The lady Theodora Komnena Palaeologa,” Prince Manuel said calmly, “my sister…I’m sorry to say.”

“I’m your kaisarissa,” Theodora screamed. “Prostrate!” she commanded. The senatorial party just laughed. “Make them!” she ordered her guards.

Prince Manual just hold up an arm to stop them. “Halt! I have here an order ordering you to co-operate with the commission or be arrested.” He pulled out a roll of parchment from the voluminous sleeve of his robes. “Make my day – please resist.” He smiled hungrily.

Kaisarissa Theodora flung her head backwards and laughed out loud. “How…brother,” her nose twisted from something apparently smelly, “will you be able to do that? I have the swords in this room. They obey me.”

“Ah,” Prince Manuel said. He turned and pointed vaguely in the direction of the main square in front of the Grand Palace. “Hear that!?”

A faint rumbling could be heard. “Yes,” kaisarissa Theodora replied unconcerned.

“That is the beginning of a riot. The population is very disappointed being ruled by a Serb, a peasant and a woman. They demand change. We demand change.”

“Is that supposed to impress me?” kaisarissa Theodora asked sarcastically. “It’s easier organising a riot in Constantinople than having an orgy in a whorehouse. Anybody can do it. For God’s sake – there are even rioters for hire!”

“Maybe there is,” Prince Manuel said dryly, “but this is spontaneous riot, I assure you. You are in grave danger, sister dearest, unless you do exactly as we say.”

“ I – WILL – NOT!” she yelled.

“In that case,” Prince Manuel said triumphantly and pulled out another parchment. “This is an order of suspension. You and your husband are deposed. We will now escort you to the nearest nunnery for you to take holy orders and then you will be banished for life to a remote nunnery where speaking is forbidden, sandals are considered an unnecessary luxury and bathing is prohibited. If you comply, your husband will receive the same treatment. If you do not, he will be killed!”

Kaisarissa Theodora shut up from the throne. “You wouldn’t dare!”

“Are you sure? No? You better…”

“I better not!” Theodora turned away from him and looked at the protospatharios standing to her right. “Are you loyal?”

The protospatharios turned around to face her and saluted. “To the end, mistress.”

“Then go an check on the so-called riot. If it’s more than a dozen people I’ll be surprised.”

“You’ll be surprised then,” Prince Manuel purred happily.

Kaisarissa Theodora frowned slightly, her eyes narrowing, but continued in an emotionless voice. “If you judge it to be anything out of the ordinary, close down the palace. I will not be disturbed while talking with the senators here.”

“At once!” The protospatharios saluted and quickly left.

Kaisarissa Theodora turned around again and faced the senatorial party. Prince Manuel looked ready to speak again, but managed to keep quiet while they waited on the protospatharios to return. Instead he lead the party a few steps away from the throne and they stood whispering in the middle of the hall.

Kaisarissa sat down again and turned to her advisors. “Are we safe here?”

“For now, I think,” kastrisios Chalkites said, “but we better start preparing for evacuation…just in case.”

“No,” Theodora said, “if we leave, we have lost. History teaches us that.”

“You are not empress, yet,” kastrisios Chalkites said laughingly.

“I know, but I will stop this anyway – just like my namesake more than 500 years ago.”

“At least she had her husband around.”

“So we start writing letters then,” kaisarissa Theodora said calmly. “My husband included.”

“If we can get them out.”

“Don’t worry, I don’t think we’ve lost the whole city yet, and we can always use the palace harbour to send out letters. We got at least one fast ship there.”

“If they haven’t taken control of the imperial navy.”

“Impossible,” kaisarissa Theodora said forcefully. “They aren’t that organised. I would be far more worried if we had an army revolt on our hands.” She looked up as the huge doors opened again the protospatharios returned. “Yes?”

“I’ve closed down the palace, mistress…”

“HA!” Prince Manuel yelled triumphantly. The senatorial party shuffled over to the thrones again.

“Was that really necessary?” kaisarissa Theodora asked.

“Yes, mistress. The rio…” He looked quickly at Theodora, who looked furious, and changed it to: ”…gathering in front of the main gates is the largest I’ve ever seen and they are not friendly.”

“Told you so!” Prince Manuel sang.

“How big?” kaisarissa Theodora asked.

“As I said, the biggest I’ve ever seen. Not quite the scale of the Nika riots, but still worrisome.”

“That was because the Greens and Blues united,” kaisarissa Theodora said. “I believe the Blues are still loyal. Have we lost control of the city.”

“The inner city, yes. The outer…” He shrugged. “Not yet, perhaps – but we need to move fast.

“Very well,” kaisarissa Theodora said and stood up again. “GUARDS!” The Varangian guards snapped to attention. “Have this party confined to secure rooms. As long as we hold them, I don’t think they will dare to attack.”

“WHAT?” Prince Manuel shouted as the Varangian guards surrounded the Senatorial party. “You are resisting?”

“Of course I am!”

“You will regret this, sister. The people will not stand for it.”

“We’ll see,” kaisarissa Theodora said calmly and waved them out. She turned and looked her advisors. “Come, we have letters to write.”

* * * * *​

“You leaving?” strategos Marapas asked as he entered the tent of Caesar George, who was sorting through his papers while servants were packing bags.

“Yeah. The news from Constantinople is…disturbing.”

“I thought you weren’t worried?”

“Not until another letter arrived this morning.” Caesar George took a letter from his pocket and gave it at strategos Marapas, who quickly read it.

“Fuck me!”

“My thoughts exactly.”

Strategos Marapas handed the letter back. “Are we all leaving?”

“No, I will go alone. I’ll take all our cavalry with me and pick up other units as I go along, but only cavalry.”

“I understand.” He turned to go. “One piece of advise though.”

“Yes?”

“Once you have won, show mercy – more so than they would show you.”

“People only understands strength.”

“Yes,” strategos Marapas said intently, “but not terror. I know you, George, and nothing would please you more than punish the instigators…severely. I beg you – please don’t overdo it!”

Caesar George looked up. “They threaten to harm my wife. I will NOT look calmly upon that.” He held up a hand stopping strategos Marapas replying. “But I promise you, they will get what they deserve – and not one step beyond that.”

Strategos Marapas sighed defeated. “Very well, Caesar George. God speed and good luck. I’ll see you when I see you.”

They embraced and said farewell.

* * * * *​

NOTES:
1) Protospatharios – the commander of the imperial guard.

2) “I know, but I will stop this anyway – just like my namesake more than 500 years ago.” – see Nika riots: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nika_riots

 

[unmerged(26144)]

great update!! your AAR is the only one I am still following, best read of the bunch!

 

[Nikolai]

Now, that is a change I hadn't seen coming! A huge riot? Makes up for a great and interesting time ahead!

 

[Stuyvesant]

We-ell... Things have turned hairy for the Palaeologi. I like the guts of Theodora, Georgios should be thankful to have such a loyal/forceful/dangerous wife. And she speaks her mind, too:

“Is that supposed to impress me?” kaisarissa Theodora asked sarcastically. “It’s easier organising a riot in Constantinople than having an orgy in a whorehouse...”

Lovely.

 

[Semi-Lobster]

Excellent interaction between Theodora and her brother But are there actually riots in Constantinople in your game or is this just for the plot?

 

[Murmurandus]

Great turn of events. Got me totally surprised.

 

[unmerged(33738)]

great update!! your AAR is the only one I am still following, best read of the bunch!

same here, and more... this aar actually is motivating me to make my own CK AAR

 

[unmerged(20972)]

Agreed completely with everything that's been said. I'm always a sucker for anything Byzantine.. and this AAR is just wonderful.

Now if only "the Byzantine Letters" would get moving again, I'd be the happiest boy in the world. )

 

[thames]

Feedback

great update!! your AAR is the only one I am still following, best read of the bunch!

WOW! Thank you!

Now, that is a change I hadn't seen coming! A huge riot? Makes up for a great and interesting time ahead!

It’s not that huge, barely worth mentioning…

We-ell... Things have turned hairy for the Palaeologi. I like the guts of Theodora, Georgios should be thankful to have such a loyal/forceful/dangerous wife. And she speaks her mind, too:

Lovely.

Just a little rumbling there at the end of an era.
A quote George taught her of course – it’s not like she has any personal experience in that regard…

Excellent interaction between Theodora and her brother But are there actually riots in Constantinople in your game or is this just for the plot?

Just for the plot unfortunately…

Great turn of events. Got me totally surprised.

Good!

same here, and more... this aar actually is motivating me to make my own CK AAR

Excellent. Go for it.
And thanks.

Agreed completely with everything that's been said. I'm always a sucker for anything Byzantine.. and this AAR is just wonderful.

Now if only "the Byzantine Letters" would get moving again, I'd be the happiest boy in the world.

Thanks
I would like to see that too.


Next chapter
Surprise! It’s coming very soon – mainly because I’m bored at work and bored with Part 2. Suffice to say, it WILL end soon…

 

[thames]

Chapter 38: Journey to Constantinople

Autumn AD 1074,
Outside Belgorod, Tribe of Pecheneg
“General Juraj,” Caesar George exclaimed surprised as he entered the command tent, “are you in charge here?”

“Yes, I am. And call me count Juraj, if you don’t mind!”

“Oh, yeah?”

“Yes,” count Juraj said calmly. “After the severe wounds I took in the last battle here, the emperor gave me Severin as a payment of sorts. I hope you…err…”

Caesar George looked at the stump of count Juraj’s left arm. “I understand perfectly. One thing power is good for, is to share between friends and family. Looks to me you will get Belgorod as well. Where is the Emperor?”

“I’m the senior here, yes, so I will probably…” He shook his head slightly. “Not my doing. The Emperor had to leave for Galaz. Doctor’s order.”

(Image taken a little later in the year… )​

“I see. I’ll be going there next then. Just hand over all your cavalry units.”

“WHAT?” Count Juraj shouted.

“Calm down, general…”

“Count!”

“Sorry, count…and let me explain.” Caesar George quickly sketched the events taking place in Constantinople.

“Damn,” count Juraj said. “I wish I could go with you.”

“Thank you,” Caesar George said. “Unfortunately you can’t. Now, do you think the Emperor can travel?”

“To Constantinople?” Count Juraj asked. Caesar George nodded. “Well, he’s not dead yet, but it will be slow, very slow. I thought speed was of the essence?”

“It is, but bringing the Emperor is more important. Just by being there, I think we can end this without a bloodbath.”

“Do you have time for that?”

Caesar George. “I think so yes – it’s a stand-off for now. My wife moved quickly and got the leaders…” He frowned slightly. “..most of them anyway,” he added. “…locked up, before the riot got really underway. That saved the city as well as my family. With the Emperor in tow – and an army to back up the threats – I think I can end this quickly and painlessly…for the most part.” He grinned viciously.

“So you will not punish the people then?”

“Nah, misguided peasants and beggars most likely. No, they will be allowed to return home if they clear out. The leaders on the other hand…” He started to laugh.

* * * * *​

County of Galaz, Roman Empire
“Why are you here, George?” Emperor Michael asked in a week voice. “Come to watch me die? Ha! Ha!” He coughed. “Makin’ sure, eh? Well, I’m not dead yet!”

“No, your majesty. Rebellion!”

“WHAT!? WHERE?” Emperor Michael sat up and signalled a servant to help him get up from bed.

“In Constantinople,” Caesar George said calmly and quickly told the story.

Emperor Michael let the servants put a heavy robe on him and thick woolly socks, before he slowly sat down on massive chair close to the fire. “Why wasn’t I told before?”

Caesar George shrugged. “How should I know? Doctor’s order perhaps – not to be disturbed and all that.”

“Perhaps you’re right. Well, time is at the essence and I’m not really in a condition to travel, so you…”

Caesar George shook his head vigorously. “No, Majesty, you must be there!”

“Bah,” Michael said. “You only want to shift blame. I will not take the blame for this mess. I’ll be dead soon anyway, and don’t really care who comes after me…”

“Bullocks!” George cried. “I don’t believe a word you’re saying. You do care what people will write about in the future, yes? If this turn sour, whom do you think will be blamed, eh? It won’t be me! And besides, you do want a decent, Christian burial, right? Think what will happen if we are toppled!”

Emperor Michael paled. “That worries me the most,” he confessed. “I was planning to build a monastery here if I died, but…”

“This backwater!? Forget it – come with me to Constantinople, Michael and I’ll give you a splendid burial worthy of an Emperor…when the times comes and not before!”

“But the doctors…”

“Are you a man or woman?”

Michael shut up from the chair. “I’M THE EMPEROR!” he roared.

“Then be the Emperor!” Caesar George cried and banged his fist on the table. “Come with me to Constantinople to save it and yourself or…” George looked around at the dreary, little room. “…or be buried here and soon forgotten. The choice is yours!”

Emperor Michael shook his head, and started to laugh. “Damn, you’re good.”

* * * * *​

Constantinople, Roman Empire
The snow was starting to fall as Emperor Michael came to Constantinople with Caesar George and the imperial cavalry in tow. Instead of entering through the Golden Gate, the traditional entry point of any returning triumphant Emperor, they sneaked through another gate further south and in complete secrecy.

Emperor Michael and Caesar George immediately called upon all loyal officers on hand and loyal Green faction members for a strategy meeting. “So, how bad is it?” Emperor Michael asked.

“It’s not really bad at all,” the Megas domestikos said, who had arrived a few days earlier to prepare for the imperial entry. “The Domestic Logothete assures me we can take over the inner wall in no time, as the Green faction is spread very thin and losing support fast.”

Emperor Michael turned to look at Theodoros Apokaukos. “Is that so?”

“Yes, my Emperor,” Logothetes ton oikeiakon Apokaukos said. “We might not even have to fight at all. If we announce your presence, the wall might be abandoned. Hell, the way most people feel about the Emperor, you might ride up to the gate alone and they will let you in.”

“Don’t be ridiculous!,” Emperor Michael snorted. “We got a rebellion on our hand. That tells me they hate me!”

“You as a person, maybe,” Logothetes ton oikeiakon Apokaukos said and shrugged. “Maybe, but the rebellion is mostly directed at your Caesar…” He bowed to Caesar George. “No insult implied!”

“None taken,” Caesar George replied a bit stiffly.

“And it’s not really that serious. On the other hand, the office of Emperor is still inviolate even if they don’t exactly love you as a person.”

“Ah, yes,” Emperor Michael said and nodded. “The mystical powers of the Emperor.” He tried to smile a little. “So, your recommendation is that we announce over presence now and wait a bit to see what happens?”

“Yes, my Emperor,” Logothetes ton oikeiakon Apokaukos replied.

Emperor Michael turned to his general. “What about you, Megas domestikos?”

“If it can be done, I’m all in favour of waiting a little, but we should prepare for an eventual assault as well. We might have to back up any…threats.”

“Right,” Emperor Michael said. He turned to look at his Varangian chief, who looked bored, probably because of language problems. “Recommendation?”

Akolythos Siward Barn looked closely at the edges of his double-headed axe and gave the impression of thinking it over. “Fight!” he finally said.

“What a surprise,” Emperor Michael said and laughed. “They always want to fight!” He turned to loo at Caesar George. “And you, George?”

“I’m worried if we wait it might stiffen their resolve instead of weakening it.”

“Fight then,” Emperor Michael said. He leaned back in his seat. “Now then…”

Caesar George suddenly sucked in air loudly. “Where is Prince Michael? For that matter, where are all the Senators – apart from the bunch my wife got locked up?”

“On our side or…?” Logothetes ton oikeiakon Apokaukos asked.

“Mainly, but tell me what you know!”

“Well, most senators from either side have fled the city actually – to wait and see which side wins. Prince Alexios Komnenus for example, is at home – overseeing the construction of a well, if you can believe it. Prince Michael Dukas unfortunately, and a few other senators from the Blue faction, has been detained by the rebellion. We think they are kept at his house.”

“And you didn’t think that was important enough to mention before now?” Caesar George shouted.

“It slipped my mind,” Logothetes ton oikeiakon Apokaukos said flushing. “And…and you didn’t ask.”

“It slipped your mind, “ Caesar George repeated slowly, looking murderously at the Domestic Logothete, who took a step backwards.

“I take it,” Emperor Michael chuckled, “you’ve changed your mind about an attack?”

* * * * *​

NOTES:
1) Count Juraj – obviously I made a mistake when I made him just a “general” a few chapters back, without checking if he was only a courtier, advisor or a vassal. Judging from the size of his army – the largest of the imperial forces – he might have been the Marshal at one point, though he has bad military stats. I guess he conquered Severin at one point, but continued to command the imperial army group and will do so until the end of the war.
This episode was mainly inserted here to tie up the lose ends regarding Juraj – but we never now – he might have a roll to play in the future as well…

2) Megas domestikos (Grand Domestic) - the overall commander of the army; i.e. the game’s “Marshall”, but only at the Imperial level.

3) Logothetes ton oikeiakon (Domestic Logothete) – head of domestic affairs, such as the security of Constantinople and the local economy.
Theodoros Apokaukos is a non-game name of course.

4) Akolythos – "acolyte," the chief of the Varangian Guard.
Siward Barn though a non-game name of course, might actually be a genuine name of a Varangian commander, an Anglo-Saxon or possibly Scandinavian, sometimes called Sigurd.