Chương 27: Flames of War

[John's Office, Sacred Palace, Constantinople.]

In his determined effort to strengthen the rebel forces and confront the Ottoman threat head-on, John convened a council of his trusted advisors:

Pavlos, known for his sagacious tutoring; Nikos, the influential Eparch of Constantinople; Demetrius, a loyal knight and skilled commander; and the eminent Byzantine army Megas Domestikos, Gavriel.

This assembly took place in John's office on the day following his encounter with the enigmatic Bulgarian monk, Emil.

The negotiation unfolded seamlessly, aligning precisely with John's intentions and desires, as if choreographed to his strategic vision.

Pavlos, a seasoned tutor renowned for his wisdom and advisory prowess, had staunchly opposed involving the empire in the conflict during its period of revival.

Yet, in the face of the co-emperor's unyielding resolve, Pavlos found himself reluctantly unable to defy John's determination.

John's proclamation that their engagement was not only essential but imperative resonated deeply.

The empire's growth potential was hindered by its current territorial constraints, and the influx of dissatisfied populations from the surrounding former territories into Constantinople yearned for a resurgent empire, free from Ottoman occupation.

In the face of the co-emperor's resolute determination and compelling rationale, Pavlos found himself compelled to acquiesce, acknowledging the undeniable truth in John's assessment of the empire's current state.

As John's ceaseless reforms unfolded, the constraints imposed by the empire's existing territorial boundaries grew increasingly conspicuous.

The city of Constantinople had undergone a remarkable transformation.

The once-dilapidated slums had metamorphosed into a thriving commercial hub on the outskirts, while the inner city had evolved into a refined district for the patricians and artisans.

Even families of noble lineage had ventured beyond their designated quarters, establishing themselves in these newly revitalized sectors.

The outer city had become a vibrant nucleus, fueled by the prosperity that John's reforms had ushered in.

The momentum of these changes had surged to a point where containing them within the capital's confines had become an impractical endeavor.

Every nook and cranny of the city had undergone substantial development, leaving little room for further expansion.

The Ottoman dominion had long cast its shadow upon the borders of the capital, encroaching upon the once formidable Theodosian Wall – a mere vestige of the expansive Byzantine Thrace that had once flourished.

During John's grandfather's reign, significant portions of this territory had slipped from Byzantium's grasp, only to be painstakingly reclaimed through the Treaty of Kallipolis during the tumultuous period of Ottoman Interregnum.

The treaty's success owed much to Süleyman Çelebi's conciliatory approach, acknowledging the Byzantine's prudent restraint amid the chaos of the civil wars that raged among Beyezid's heirs.

However, with the ascent of Mehmed I to the throne, a subtle shift in approach became evident. While outwardly reaffirming the treaty's stipulations with the Byzantines, Mehmed I's dealings with the renowned co-emperor, John VIII Palaiologos, bore an undercurrent of caution.

The dynamics of this scenario were poised for transformation.

The contemporary Byzantine state stood armed with a formidable reservoir of strength, empowering it to mount a robust defense against any future incursions by the Ottomans.

Fuelled by burgeoning trade, Constantinople's confidence had swelled, rendering the Ottoman Empire nearly impotent in the face of its surging momentum.

Inevitably, these circumstances paved the way for the Roman enclave's territorial expansion.

The impending weeks seemed destined to be engulfed in the flames of war, fanned by the insurgent spirit of the Bulgarian people, Mamluk incursions into the Anatolian beyliks who are enjoying the Ottoman protection, and an unstoppable Graeco-Roman renaissance.

However, a critical juncture beckons – one that requires John and his companions to craft a strategy with utmost precision, harnessing the potential for maximum impact while minimizing any potential weaknesses inherent to this delicate undercurrent.

Studying a comprehensive map of Bulgaria, John stroked his chin thoughtfully, absorbing the details of the region based on the information Emil had provided.

Joining him were Gavriel and Demetrius, engaged in a spirited debate as they gestured towards specific geographical areas on the map.

Nearby, Pavlos and Nikos engaged in a discussion, weighing the potential costs and diplomatic consequences of their impending mission.

With a deployment of 5,000 soldiers, the task of swiftly and sequentially capturing the entire region appeared daunting.

Each member of the group was eager to hear John's unique perspective as they exchanged ideas amongst themselves, waiting for his input to guide their deliberations.

"Your Highness, it is clear that an incursion through the Burgas province would unquestionably arouse heightened vigilance among the stationed Ottoman forces in Edirne,"

Gavriel commenced, his gaze narrowing as he considered his perspective, his focus tracing the contours of the Bulgarian enclave.

"The consequences of such an action could result in swift interception even before we set foot on Bulgarian soil,"

He elaborated, his expression marked by a thoughtful furrow of his brow.

Gavriel's words conveyed the weight of his concerns about the inherent risks tied to the co-emperor's audacious invasion plan.

Demetrius concurred with Gavriel's perspective, further underscoring the daunting prospects,

"Given the circumstances, pitting our 5,000 troops against the Sultan's imposing force of 20,000, not to mention the bolstering of another 40,000 soldiers led by diverse Pashas, the potential outcome becomes an undeniable peril."

Pavlos and Nikos, too, harbored their own reservations regarding the impending invasion.

"In the event we were to initiate an assault at this juncture, it wouldn't merely strain the delicate non-aggression pact we meticulously negotiated within the Treaty of Kallipolis; it would undoubtedly trigger an immediate and vigorous counter-invasion from the Ottomans,"

Pavlos offered his keen perspective, his wisdom mirrored in the flowing waves of his beard.

"Undoubtedly, such an aggressive maneuver would set in motion a substantial economic setback. The aftermath of a prolonged siege could thrust our budding recovery into chaos, particularly should the Sultan choose to enforce an embargo on our trade routes,"

Nikos concurred, underlining the concerns shared by his peers, this time with a focus on the financial implications.

Amidst his contemplation, John could only manage a wry smile, acknowledging his companions' evident lack of enthusiasm for his decision to embroil the empire in the impending war.

"Ye of little faith... *sigh*," John released a resigned exhale, his voice carrying a tinge of understanding.

He empathized with their concerns, a sentiment echoed by his own reflections during the recent Graeco-Roman Football finals, merely a week prior.

During the finals, a defining moment had transpired when his father, the reigning emperor, had bestowed upon him full authority to chart the empire's course, effectively deeming John the true emperor.

Yet, this revelation remained shrouded in secrecy – a closely guarded secret shielded from the prying eyes of the empire's bureaucrats, nobility, family members, and even John's closest confidant.

The rationale behind this discretion was undeniably clear: John's unmarried status rendered him ill-suited to ascend the throne completely.

Furthermore, the co-emperor had not yet solidified unwavering support within the intricate web of the palace court, a factor that added layers of complexity to the situation.

John was resolute in preserving this delicate equilibrium, acutely aware of the potential unrest among the already dissatisfied nobles.

These courtiers harbored a profound animosity toward John, stemming from his bold assertion of semi-authority within the court and his pursuit of reforms without soliciting their consent.

A mosaic of factors contributed to his decision to cap his personal retinue at a maximum of 5,000 men, forming a formidable yet diplomatically prudent force resultant from his ambitious overhaul of the Byzantine military doctrine.

Another influential consideration was prudence.

John's keen awareness extended to the existence of certain nobles who aligned themselves with the Ottoman Sultan, functioning as vigilant sentinels meticulously monitoring both the empire's internal dynamics and John's own maneuvers.

This revelation had come to him through the Mamluks, a gesture of appreciation for orchestrating the unfolding conflict.

Fueled by these considerations, John navigated a precarious path, deftly sidestepping overt displays of dominance while strategically orchestrating his military and diplomatic moves upon the Byzantine chessboard.

"My esteemed comrades," John's retort bore a wry edge,

"Be assured, I am acutely cognizant of the potential repercussions that may unfurl from my plan."

"It is precisely this awareness that has led me to exercise caution, rather than recklessly diving headlong into an impulsive invasion of the Ottoman dominion."

As John's words flowed forth, his voice carried an unwavering resolve, setting the tone for the discourse that was about to unfold.

A hush enveloped the room, a moment of pregnant silence charged with anticipation.

Leaning in, his companions sought to capture the essence of his thoughts as they converged into a harmonious symphony of strategy.

A melodic dance with the intricate threads of war – a challenge that transcended sheer force, interwoven with the very essence of Ottoman supremacy.

"Gavriel," John called out, addressing the Megas Domestikos.

His gaze held the rapt attention of his trusted military confidant,

"Let me make it absolutely clear that I have no intention of embarking on a conventional land invasion."

"The path I propose will circumvent the very concerns that have been weighing on your minds."

"If you allow me to illuminate my intended vision." John briefly paused.

"I plan to harness the power of the newly established corps, the Imperial Marine Corps as the first contingent to strike the hot iron."

With a subtle inclination of his body, John's arms found a momentary rest on the table, where the meticulously detailed map of the Bulgarian region sprawled.

His focus was laser beamed on the sinuous contours of the Bulgarian Black Sea coastline, particularly fixated on one particular province in the northeast, Constantia.

This region shared borders with the Principality of Moldavia to the northeast and the winding course of the Danube River up north.

Reassuming his straight posture, John's gaze swept across the span of the province's coastline as he declared,

"This is where our naval landings will commence."

A profound determination emanated from his deep, mahogany eyes, projecting an unwavering intensity that prompted a mix of gasps and intrigue among his companions.

Gavriel, in particular, cautiously stepped forward to offer his perspective.

"Your Highness, with your permission, I'd like to share a concern." his voice carrying a trace of apprehension.

"That province's coastline is heavily fortified and not to mention; closely monitored by the Ottoman navy, who maintained a constant and vigilant presence, day and night."

"Mobilizing a large fleet of ships would undoubtedly expose our intentions and mirror the vulnerabilities of using Burgas as a staging point, as I previously mentioned."

The nods of agreement rippled through the group, their collective worry evident in furrowed brows and exchanged glances. The decision to choose such a heavily guarded coastline for the initial foray of his corps perplexed them all.

Even Demetrius, the appointed commander of the corps, found himself grappling with the intricacies of this unorthodox strategy.

"Gavriel, it seems you've immersed yourself in the concept of a large-scale naval invasion. However, my proposal doesn't call for the entire fleet to be committed all at once. Instead, I suggest a gradual deployment, positioning discrete squads at various strategic points along the coastline. The essence of my strategy hinges on subtlety,"

John responded, his smile reflecting both comprehension and amusement as he addressed Gavriel's limited exposure to naval warfare – a realm predominantly overseen by the Megas Doux rather than the Megas Domestikos.

"I'm aware that these concepts were already outlined in our training guide, specifically under the subject of tactical maneuvering as required for Marine Corps personnel."

"This sophisticated training aims to enable the troops to execute coordinated commands seamlessly, eliminating the need to consult higher-ranking officers during discreet operations. Am I correct, our dear Megas Domestikos?"

John posed this question with a subtle smirk towards Gavriel, while occasionally glancing toward Demetrius.

Gavriel, initially unfamiliar with the concepts when John introduced them, had nonetheless seamlessly integrated the guide into the core training of the new corps, placing unwavering trust in every groundbreaking idea from the co-emperor.

Upon comprehending the technical rationale behind this enigmatic concept in John's current strategic logic, Gavriel was filled with enlightenment, as was Demetrius.

In the past, Demetrius had conducted most of his training sessions with his troops separately, usually in groups of ten whenever they practiced the concepts.

This approach had puzzled him. How could a mere group of ten soldiers stand against a multitude of opposing forces?

The fragmented nature of these troop divisions further confounded Demetrius and his fellow officers.

Little did they know, future warfare would involve fewer men engaging in highly coordinated missions for effective execution, rather than the chaotic frontal assaults often seen in historical battles.

In the times ahead, airborne warfare would typically involve inserting a small number of soldiers behind enemy lines to disrupt logistical support and sabotage key positions.

However, since airborne tactics hadn't yet been developed due to the absence of aircraft, an alternative approach was necessary – and that alternative was through naval operations.

This is where the Marines specialized. The sea became their domain when undertaking missions abroad, especially in eras when the skies were ruled by birds and other flying creatures.

John had been made aware of this military evolution ever since his acquisition of future knowledge from the omniscient source.

"If we put these training methods into practical application, then this plan would be perfectly viable for execution. My objective is to disrupt communications between the surrounding Pashas before sparking full-scale conflicts,"

John explained, his gaze steady as he unfolded his comprehensive idea.

Gavriel and Demetrius absorbed his words with unwavering attention, while Pavlos and Nikos stood awkwardly on the periphery, excluded from the discourse that unfolded before them between the militarily minded individuals.

"Our primary aim revolves around establishing contact with the Bulgarian rebel forces and synchronizing our efforts seamlessly," John continued, his tone growing more solemn as he delved deeper into his strategy.

"However, there's an additional facet to this plan," he added, his voice carrying a weight of gravity.

"I intend to personally lead this mission."

The revelation reverberated through the assembled companions, sending a shockwave of surprise, particularly striking Pavlos, whose disbelief seemed almost tangible.

"Absolutely not, Your Highness! Why would you throw yourself directly into this conflict? Your current position transcends that of a mere monarch. The plan itself harbors substantial risks; why opt to plunge yourself into it as well?"

Pavlos objected with fervor. Nikos, who had remained silent alongside Pavlos, concurred,

"He's correct. Your presence holds paramount importance within the capital, where your administrative duties require unwavering attention. Immersing yourself in this perilous undertaking puts at risk the intricate plans we have painstakingly crafted."

His voice quivered, resonating with authentic worry and apprehension.

Without John's guidance, their ongoing efforts could grind to a halt, languishing indefinitely in the wake of his absence due to war.

"Such concerns are yours to bear, dear Nikos. You possess ample experience in managing affairs that would otherwise fall to me."

John first addressed Nikos's worries before turning his gaze to Pavlos.

"And dear old Pavlos, I am no longer the immature child who once required constant protection within the palace walls. The instant I embroiled myself in this intricate matter, I resolved to overcome every challenge it presents."

John's voice was soft, his eyes meeting Pavlos's weathered visage, which spoke volumes of his deep care for John's well-being – a blend of grandfatherly concern and, above all, the guidance of a trusted teacher.

Ever since John was a brash young student of his a while back, Pavlos had taken a liking to his charismatic nature, a trait that was rarely seen in any of the past Roman rulers.

He had consistently offered guidance based on sound logic and meticulous planning, positioning himself as both advisor and mentor.

Unlike a warlike monarch, Pavlos hoped for John to embody the diplomacy of his father, Manuel II.

The hawkish and overly aggressive tendencies were Pavlos's greatest apprehensions among the monarchs he had witnessed over the centuries through historical records.

Yet, these fears had now manifested in the form of John – a youthful visionary with a penchant for ruffling feathers with his multifaceted intellect and audacious attitudes.

Fearless in the face of adversaries and challenges, John was the embodiment of a perfect monarch albeit, not the one that he'd hope for.

Furthermore, he also poised extreme danger, especially for a relatively inexperienced ruler like himself, whose aspirations were boundless yet can be considered reckless.

However, John is far from reckless.

While he may possess hawkish and assertive traits, recklessness is not among them. Pavlos is well aware of this fact despite unable to admit it himself.

His primary worry lies in the empire's survival and the potential consequences that could stem from the fiery passion for war that burns within John.

Nonetheless, the seasoned Old Tutor possesses a deep understanding of John's character – that of a ruler who fervently cares for the prosperity of his empire, even in the midst of tumultuous times.