Eagle Byzantium

"Are we going to cut off our supply of food and fodder?" Godfrey continued to think, and then came to this conclusion, "As the birthday of the Lord approaches, the supply of the entire pilgrim army becomes really difficult, and the Greek emperor does not give us any The right to purchase supplies, that vast and wealthy city must be filled with meat and grain, but Komnenos refuses to sell it to us, and has blocked us everywhere since Sofia. "

Gawain put his hand on Duke Lorraine's shoulder and said comfortingly, "I will find a way to solve it."

"How to solve it?"

"It's very simple. I will release their second Glory, Emperor Sebastokrat's brother. I don't ask for ransom. I only ask the emperor to allocate us supplies."

"But the Greek emperor should pay more attention to his biological brother. If you do this, Gawain, the remaining bargaining chip is only a grand duke and the emperor's prospective son-in-law. He may not be able to exchange for greater rights later."

"There is no other way..." Gawain exhaled two white clouds of mist, "With these tens of thousands of people, just a few days of lack of food can completely collapse all believers. We don't beg for peace, we actively pursue it. ”

At this time, Godfrey also felt a little guilty, because it was he who had strongly advocated a military confrontation with the Greek emperor, but now he wanted Gawain to stand up and restore peace and the pilgrimage route. So His Excellency the Duke also put his hand on Gawain's shoulder and gave it a firm squeeze. "I will walk firmly with you and Baldwin on the road of pilgrimage."

In the camp of Salabria, the emperor's younger brother Isaac sat in the main position with bright eyes, while Brenus stood beside him with no apparent expression. Gawain and a group of generals, secretaries, and brothers all stood around, "It's really hard work like this. As long as Grand Duke Gawain can accompany me back to the imperial capital. Whether it's peace talks or supplying supplies, It’s all easy to negotiate.”

"Yes, now our Dalian Company is in an embarrassing situation. We are afraid of His Majesty's punishment, so we have to join forces with the Franks. As long as Your Majesty can continue to recognize our qualifications as an army of the Roman Empire. Gawain is willing to serve His Majesty and the Emperor. ." Now Gao Wen thought that the emperor's brother was just a bargaining chip anyway, so he simply lowered his posture and said more insignificant and beautiful words.

Then, he looked at the other "chip" and said, "As for Lord Penipace Bastos, because of the delivery matter, he may still have to suffer in the camp for a while. As long as he can reach a peace agreement with the emperor, Gawain will never Continue to detain you, Penipace Bastos.”

"That's the best, because I have to rush back to the royal capital, where is your Majesty's Princess Anna for Christmas." Brenus smiled without mind and asked Gawain.

Gawain lowered his head and could not see the expression on his face. But he definitely understood the meaning of the word "Shang".

The next day, the sea breeze finally blew away the cumulus clouds, and the blue sky filled the mountains and sea again. The fortress of Emperor Alexios, from St. Atkins Gate to the Imperial Tomb, was completed in one night. It was complete with fences, trenches, gates, and deer walls. It was backed by the river and the Giucentina Palace, and it happened to be crossed. The emperor's financial resources and mobilization power improved the pilgrim's approach. Pilgrims were shocked. Then Alexios arranged most of the elite troops there, and the emperor himself did not return to the palace, but went directly to the camp to sit down. And summoned people to talk with Titicius and Diognis.

Both of them fell in front of the emperor's holy face in fear. Don't dare to look up.

"Penipasibastos, how on earth were you captured?" The emperor's tone was a bit harsh.

So the two of them described their moods. When the emperor saw that there was not much difference with what he knew, he knew that the two men were not lying. Then he said bitterly, "I already understand that these are all promises." There’s something wrong with the Man people.”

So the veteran Harold leaned over and asked for instructions on how to balance it now.

Before the emperor could speak, news came that an envoy from the opposite side was coming to ask for an audience.

"As expected, it seems that Gawain is going to release Brennus first." Alexios patted his legs with satisfaction, then stood up, "Issac may still be holding on to him, waiting for my release." The hermit exchanged with him."

But then, when the emperor and everyone climbed up the tower of the fortress, the scene in front of them was really beyond Alexios' expectation: Gawain riding a silver horse, and beside him was his brother Isaac. It seems that even though he was captured, he did not suffer any ill-treatment. He has gained some weight and looks very good. Surrounding Gawain and Isaac are the Jinshu Brotherhood riding fast horses, presumably to protect Gawain and prevent Isaac from escaping.

Even though he had been dissatisfied with his younger brother's incompetence before, seeing that he was safe and sound, the emperor's inner anger dissipated instantly. After all, Isaac was his closest sibling in his life, and it was really great to be able to do this.

"Gawain - I am trustworthy, and I keep my word. The people who ambushed you in front of the city gate were definitely not the men I assigned!" Alexios raised his hands and spread his hands, and his loud voice was heard. A piece of land rose, "Now you 'guard' Sebastian Krat , come to the imperial capital to discuss important matters with me. I have fully understood this loyalty and painstaking effort. Tell me, what do you want? I can definitely guide you to Brachna Palace now and give you any honor you want. and interests, and also set a friendly example to the distinguished Godfrey and Baldwin.”

"Your Majesty is merciful!" At this time, the ink officer Melais and the guard captain Mikhail were the first to shout out these words of praise, and then all the soldiers in the camp responded in various languages, and the sound was shocking. Quartet.

Alexios slowly lowered his hand and held on to the fence of the tower. Then he lowered his tone and said to Gawain on the snow below, "What do you think? I am going to give you a greater honor. This kind of Glory is enough to rival Breanus, no way A symbolic purple robe and what I can match. Come, Gawain, the decision is now in your hands - should you walk into the palace side by side with me, or should you serve as a bridge between me and the pilgrims? Are you going to fight against the great me to the end?”

At this time, everyone on the tower, including the guards, looked at Gawain nervously, wondering what this barbarian would say.

Gawain's eyes were calm, as if he was thinking about the emperor's proposal, while Isaac next to him kept reminding and urging, "Quickly tell my brother that you are willing to accept this honor in Brachna Palace. This is something many bureaucrats cannot do." A general can’t get it even if he serves the royal family all his life.”

After a while, the cold wind passed under the hooves of Quicksilver's horse, and its beautiful mane was also frozen to stand up. Gawain, under the gaze of everyone: not only the emperor's camp, but also the pilgrims' camp, turned over and dismounted, holding his hand. He was holding the hilt of the phosphorus fire sword stuck in the snow, half-kneeling in front of the tower where the emperor was. His voice was also very loud, "I would rather not accept the honor bestowed by your majesty."

As soon as these words came out, tens of thousands of people were in an uproar, and Alexios also froze his expression. He put his fingers on the crossbar of the fence and secretly exerted force...

But then Gawain lowered his head and said, "I only hope that your majesty can release my sworn brother, the hermit monk. This is one of the reasons. In addition, I am willing to go to your majesty's palace alone. I just hope to pay homage to the queen and the princess." , it is enough to know that their holy bodies are safe and peaceful, this is the second one; in addition, my servant hopes that your benevolent Majesty can reach sacred peace with the pilgrim lords and nobles , Preventing the pilgrims from freezing to death, and being able to join hands with the Frankish princes to conquer the Holy Tomb, this is the third reason. Therefore, my servants escorted Sebastokrat the next day, hoping that your majesty can do it first. The pilgrims are willing to exchange money for the provision of food. If His Majesty is unwilling to trust him, Gawain is willing to be a hostage and stay in His Majesty's palace until all the troops have passed through the strait."

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What, you are a seduce barbarian, you actually want to stay in the palace as a hostage, then my Anna will be really in danger.

Absolutely not! With such thoughts in mind, the emperor coughed twice, and then changed his mind. After hearing these words, his attitude towards Gawain actually softened a bit. This man could indeed become a pillar of the empire, and he was a true lover of Irene and Anna. Loyal, but he needs a chain to tie him down, "It seems that my little daughter Dido is really needed. This 'honorable title' is not something that you, Gawain, can just refuse if you want to."

"Well, I have said before that I am boundless. So you don't need to hand over any hostages. As for the pilgrims' camp, I will send food and supplies tomorrow, and I will allow you to move camp under the city wall to the seaside. , and then I will dispatch ships to take you across the sea," Alexios said. The result of this negotiation is quite satisfactory, "But Gawain, you must return the kidnapped Brennus as soon as possible. Otherwise, I can still cut off your supply at any time. In addition, tomorrow, wear the robe I gave you, Come to Brachna Palace, this is an order and it is a condition you must fulfill.”

Soon, the gate of the camp was opened with a bang. Mikhail and Diognis, who had received the emperor's instructions, rode horses and came to Gawain. Then they put on the white silk robes worn by the nobles. He placed a golden medal on Gawain's chest.

"We must never break the promise. This is very important." Although the officer looked at Gawain and said nothing, Mikhail, who had a close relationship with him, secretly reminded Gawain, "Otherwise, His Majesty's anger can still destroy him." You are completely wiped out."

"Yes, Gawain will not break his promise and will go to see His Majesty in accordance with the requirements of the etiquette book." Gawain put his hand on his chest and said seriously.

Alexios indeed kept his promise. On the next day, a passage was opened in the camp, and St. Atkins Gate walked out of the huge "river" pushed by merchants and officials, as well as civilian husbands and military servants, and baggage vehicles. Loaded with fish, wheat flour, charcoal, and boxes of coins and silk, they were delivered to Gottschalk's camp under the creaking wheels of the wheels. All the hungry and cold pilgrims cheered. Finally saved. (To be continued ~^~)