Chapter 43: Volume 5 – Chapter 6 – Night Talks…
|Evening of February 26 - 1249 - Hall in the Blachernae Palace, Constantinople - Attila |
"We celebrate the arrival of our great guest: Attila, King of Jerusalem!.>> said the Emperor to announce the evening banquet that had been organized in my honor.
After a few seconds of applause, everyone began to eat.
The banquet was rich in dishes, overflowing with food from everywhere.
The table was rectangular and also very long (perhaps too long, considering the number of people celebrating).
Finally, I found myself eating good food.
The Emperor sat at the head of the table while I was on the opposite side (so were we both at the head of the table?) along with Rasha.
On our side, there were many nobles of Constantinople, enjoying themselves as if there were no tomorrow.
So, I began to eat the food; it was delicious. I didn't want anything else.
When I started to feel full, I decided it was time to look around a bit and see if I could recognize anyone.
And indeed, I was not mistaken.
To my great surprise, I saw again a person I hadn't seen in a very long time, whom I had almost completely forgotten.
I'm talking about Constance, Emperor Frederick's daughter, who was sitting next to the Emperor.
In fact, now that I think about it, Constance was indeed given in marriage to Emperor John to seal the relations of détente between the empires (but also between their respective religions) and thus to be officially recognized as "friendly empires."
A classic political marriage.
When she noticed I was looking at her, she turned away and did her best not to meet my gaze again.
I don't understand the reason, but I accept it passively. Meanwhile, Rasha was eating in a very amusing way.
How can I explain it? She ate in an elegant way (or at least she tried), but she couldn't because of her haste in doing so.
After about an hour, the Emperor approached and said to me:<<Dear Attila, let's leave our guests to enjoy themselves. I would like to exchange a few more words with you, in private.>>
<<Certainly, I also wanted to talk to you about some important matters.>> I replied.
We stood up and left the banquet and returned to the balcony.
From there, you could see all of Constantinople lit up with nightlights.
<<Frankly, I think the Mongols will still prevail over us. There are simply too many of them.>> Emperor John said, breaking the silence.
I replied:<<I almost agree with you, except that I have personally devised ways to counter them. I don't want to say we will definitely win, but we are, in a sense, obliged to do so.>>
<<Alright. Let's suppose that, somehow, you manage to repel the Mongol invasion and maintain some order in the Middle East. What will you do next?>>
I had to reflect for a few seconds to answer this question:<<Afterward? Who knows. Of course, I already have some plans in mind, but I'm not sure if I should tell you.>>
The Emperor made a silent grimace, then said:<<Attila, I am about to entrust a good part of my troops to you. I need to know what you will do in the future. Based on your answer, I will decide whether to support you or not.>>
<<So, you want me to be honest with you? Alright.>> I replied.
<<You are Orthodox, correct?>> I asked the Emperor.
<<Certainly.>> he responded.
<<Well, I'm not. In fact, I don't believe in any religion. In my opinion, everyone is the architect of their own destiny, even if it is often influenced by the decisions of others. Let me give you an example: suppose a Christian village is attacked by the Mongols. Some Christians, if not all, will think that it's actually God punishing them for their hypothetical sins, and that's why someone attacked them. The Mongols, on the other hand, will think that it's thanks to their gods or whatever astral entities that somehow indicated a nice village to plunder. But the truth, which everyone knows but no one wants to admit, is that the Mongols, moving westward, found a village and, to eat and replenish themselves, they plundered it, raped the women, and ate all the food inside.>>
After my words, the Emperor remained silent.
I continued:<<I have come to the conclusion that everyone will believe what they want. Western Romans believe in Catholicism, you in Orthodoxy, and the Arabs in Islam. This leads to many misunderstandings and unnecessary wars, such as the Crusades. However, now that I have a kingdom, once we overcome the Mongolian obstacle, I would like to create a new promised land.>>
<<A promised land? What do you mean specifically?>> the Emperor asked.
I replied: "<<My way of interpreting the "promised land" is as follows: A land where anyone of any ethnicity, race, religion, can live as peaceful a life as possible, under the shadow of a King whose role is not to rule OVER them but to rule FOR them. A prototype of a multiethnic nation, with balanced and just laws, with each social group adequately represented, and where peace can reign. It might prove to be an unrealizable dream because creating problems is human nature. But, even if for a brief period, I would like to at least try to do it.>>
After a moment of silence, the Emperor extended his hand and said:<<Your dream is beautiful. I wish I could still be alive to see it realized.>>
I shook his hand gratefully.
After a few minutes of peace, the Emperor said:<<This dream of the "promised land" is very daring. I think there will be many forces that will not accept its presence. How do you intend to counter them?>>
<<I think only one entity is capable of ruining my project. And it is the Papal State of Rome. In fact, I have had unfinished business with them for a long time. It would be an idea to destroy them all. In fact, I wanted to talk to you about how...>>
The secret discussion continued throughout the evening.
After that, everyone went to sleep.
|Morning of February 27 - 1249 - Blachernae Gate, Constantinople - Attila |
After last night's evening, I stayed in bed with Rasha for a while.
Once we had breakfast, the carriages for the return were ready.
<<It's a real shame that you're leaving, Attila.>> said the Emperor, bidding me farewell.
<<It's also a regret for me to leave you, but I have a kingdom to defend.>>
We shook hands, after which Rasha and I entered the carriage that would take us to the port.
<<I wish you a peaceful journey, Attila.>>
<<Thank you for your wishes; I hope to see you soon in Jerusalem.>>
Constance, who had been there from the beginning, didn't say anything, watching our departure in silence.
Well, it doesn't matter much.
|Morning of February 27 - 1249 - Blachernae Gate, Constantinople - Attila |
After about ten minutes, we reached the port. Once we got off, we headed towards the ship that we had moored.
<<How much do you bet that no Cypriot has stayed to wait for us?>> said Rasha.
<<I don't care at all, in fact, the Emperor assured me a dignified return with a sturdy and majestic ship and a competent and prepared crew. But if I had to bet, I would say that at least someone stayed.>> I replied.
<<Well, we'll see.>>
When we arrived in front of our ship, we were astonished to see that the entire crew remained on board.
After they saw us, they all came down to meet us.
I said:<<I'm glad to see you all here again. I suppose you want to stay with us?>>
One of them stepped forward and said:<<Your Majesty Attila, on behalf of the entire crew, I would like to inform you that we prefer to remain under your command, hoping that our lives will improve compared to now.>>
I replied:<<Of course, that's how the world works. The people give, and the King reciprocates. I'm glad you chose to stay. Pack your things; we will return to Acre with a ship much better than this old thing.>>
While the sailors were gathering their few important belongings, I said to Rasha: <<Well, as you can see, I've clearly won. I deserve a prize, don't I?>>
After she sighed, she replied: "<<Alright, you won. But remember: you've won the battle, not the war.>>
<<Don't twist it; I've won both the battle and the war, so tonight I'd like you to reward me.>> I replied.
She looked at me and said:<<I must say you're not romantic at all.>>
After everyone gathered their things, we proceeded into the port, until we saw the grand ship granted to us by the Emperor.
It was enormous and beautiful. Perhaps one of the few jewels of the imperial navy.
My crew was integrated with the existing one. And so, we set off for Acre, leaving the marvellous Constantinople behind.
It was at that moment that I returned to the real world.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone