Eagle Byzantium

The Governor of Cyprus, who was holding Efedele's letter, understood very well that although Emperor Komnenos was now in Constantinople, clamoring that he had regained the empire's former territories and rebuilt its excellent political power and armed forces, how could the army not It's easy to say that the emperor's naval power is pitifully weak. It would be good if he could maintain control of the straits at both ends of the Sea of ​​Marmara. But what about Fatima? Although its power has been greatly reduced compared to a hundred years ago, its fleet is still the most powerful presence in this sea area.

"Even your Grand Duke under the Greek Emperor, Your Excellency Gawain, who is in charge of Seleucia, has reached an agreement with us through the mediation of the Amalfi Chamber of Commerce and a mysterious merchant from overseas. If Your Excellency rejects us request, then the great Caliph I will express my great regret and prepare this earthen jar for you." After saying that, the arrogant Al Rumi lowered his hand, and the attendants around him immediately placed a simple jar on the stone slab. Mattes stretched his head and looked around. The mouth of the jar was filled with clear seawater.

"This earthen pot?"

"In the past, when our fleet was on expeditions, after success, they would catch a fish from the conquered land in the water in this earthen jar and hand it to the caliph to express his congratulations. The earthen jar I am carrying today is larger. These may not only be able to fit into fish, but also into human hands and heads. "Al Rumi is so red. The naked insults and intimidation made the count commanders and flag officers around the Governor feel indignant, but Apsomates put on a cautious smile. His psychological activities were nothing more than this, " Today's Levant, Egypt and Anatolia are surrounded by a world of ocean, peace Trade is the mainstream. I cannot offend the two most important financial partners, Seleucia and Egypt, for the sake of the emperor. I need food and medicine from the former, and luxury goods from the latter. If we go to war, how can the emperor support me with those poor people in Komnenos? I am afraid that even the control of the surrounding areas of Crete cannot be ensured. The final result may be that the emperor feels that the situation is not good, so he completely sacrifices me and abandons me as the "pilgrim's nominal lord and Western ally". This is often the end of being loyal to Constantinople."

Thinking about this, Lapsomates felt cold in his heart. He kept shaking his head slightly and made up his mind to agree to all Commander Rumi's requests, but he still wanted to save face, so he also picked up the gift of Constantinople. The emperor served as a "awning to cover the goods." "His Majesty, the Emperor of our country, is the master to whom all pilgrim lords swear allegiance, and I am As your Majesty's governor in this province, I naturally have to be completely consistent with your Majesty's direction. Since your country's religious leaders are willing to join hands with the pilgrims to fight against the evil Turks, they will naturally become allies of the empire. I will go ahead. Sign the military agreement between the two parties, and then submit a copy to the imperial capital for His Majesty’s review.”

Rumi said that it will take about two or three months to "present it to the emperor for inspection", so there is no need to worry. "First of all, your Excellency is willing to open the port of Latakia for our fleet to berth."

"There is no problem with this. They are all for transporting supplies for the pilgrim allies." Under the blue sky, sunshine and white clouds, Lapsomates signed the treaty readily.

One day later, the huge Fatimid fleet sailed into Latakia south of Antioch in a mighty manner. The Cypriots garrisoning there did not take any action to resist: then, they were originally imprisoned by Taticius. The pirate Wenmoha in the tower dungeon, as a symbol of the sincerity of the "tripartite alliance", and his pirate tribe were released without charge and temporarily joined Fatima's fleet and legion.

Then, the Egyptian Fatimid troops disembarked, taking the lead in the entire kingdom's most elite "Aifdel Company" and "Sudaniya Company". One of these two elite soldiers was named after the Grand Vizier. , one is named after the soldier’s place of origin , all wearing pure white battle robes with fine armor underneath, holding various light and fierce weapons, forming a majestic team, flying the flag of the Golden Palm, shouting the name of the Prophet's Daughter, approaching The flank and rear position of Dukak's army.

At that time, Prince Dukak's forward was already preparing to enter Antioch via the Elgei Castle on the northernmost slope of Tripoli. After receiving such urgent information, he hurriedly ordered the entire army to stop and move toward the west. Xiang strengthened his defense, and then young Dukak found his most trusted tutor, Turgeshmund, and asked him for his opinion.

Without exception, Tugeshmund's views were completely consistent with those of Ridvan's vizier, who advised the prince to "retreat to Damascus and rely on the interior and mountains and deserts to maintain peaceful and friendly relations with the pilgrim lords. If they don't come, we won't go either. There's no need. He went to bury the dead Yagi, who was just a slave who overstepped his authority (Tugeshmund himself was also a palace slave). Only a guy like Kobuha who was born as a soldier would be willing to work for someone of the same class. Sacrifice the interests and well-being of the people."

Dukak, who obeyed his tutor, also nodded and said, "Indeed, if we attack the pilgrims in Antioch with all the strength of the country now, it will be tantamount to offending all parties. Especially Fatima. , they can not only use the fleet to threaten our flanks, but also send armies across the desert of Western Arabia to attack our rear. "

"Your Majesty, you are really wise. In addition, you must take the opportunity to sign a non-aggression treaty with the Fatimid Caliphate. As long as you avoid war and recuperate for a few years, you, Your Majesty, will definitely be able to aspire to the throne of Sultan." Turgeshmun De complimented excitedly.

Subsequently, each side sent fifteen attachés, and with the monk Hetzel sent from Antioch as an intermediary, after a short negotiation, a peace treaty was quickly reached. Then, Dukak said, "Our army has attacked from Damascus." For many days, we have effectively restrained the Pilgrim army and disrupted their pace and deployment. Now our obligations to Kobuha have been completed and we can return to Damascus in triumph!"

Then, all the Damascus troops raised their spears and battle flags high, shouted "Long live the mountain", turned around and left, even if they were going home...

Then, Rumi wrote a note on the letter in his native Greek, which he was very familiar with, and sent the horse galloping all the way to the central St. Peter's Church in the city of Antioch.

When Ademar opened the letter, the content was as follows, "The incomparable Caliph, the direct descendant of the Prophet, greets the living God and his warriors. The Turkic people are a great scourge to you and me. They have usurped the land that belongs to Our territory, so I am willing to return the Holy City and Mount Zion to you, and you will help me drive out the Turks. A firm alliance will be concluded between the two parties and the emperor of Romania, and each other will recognize each other's beliefs until the end of the world. So far." To be continued ~^~)