Eagle Byzantium

In the end, under the shameless intimidation and the shock of the fire bear cannon barrel, Xhosa could only accept all the conditions.

It is said that upon hearing this condition, Princess Dido Comnenus, who had previously "wanted to make peace at all costs and humiliation," also shed tears of regret and unhappiness.

Three days later, on the only winding road going down from Afyon Mountain Castle, Imperial Penipace Bastos and his wife, including 300 retinue soldiers and General Xhosa (most of the remaining soldiers were taken in by Gawain) ), facing the dim light, slowly retreated along the Lycus River Valley, directly towards the city of Philadophiam. Gawain did not allow them to go south to Atalia, but in order to show his goodwill protection for Dido (she was sad enough), the great patron sent the Ogus cavalry and archery regiment to protect them in order to prevent mines from being laid. Noos and Dido were harmed by the one-eyed Count Raymond.

At the same time, the Jimmagis brigade, which had been waiting at the border, quickly moved south, passed through the plateau mountains of Pisidia, and rushed towards the seaside Atalia. Gawain also led two regiments of Red Hand Cavalry, gave up the pursuit of the emperor, and marched with the Gemmagis Brigade. "Mello supervised the Red Hand Brigade and Gaia's Comaroi Cavalry Regiment stayed behind. Afyon stabilized the situation and, with the assistance of the Nikitas party, stabilized the situation leading to Filna Castle and began to ration land and pasture. "

There, Gawain directly brought the rich mountains, forests, rivers and minerals producing golden marble to Caesar's treasury in Tarsus, and prepared to let slave workers come to take care of the production. However, Gawain also started to attract refugees in order to attract refugees. There is a preferential policy, that is It is to "open" the mountains, forests and rivers for three years: any farmer with a salary certificate can fish, hunt, or cut down trees to build settlements on the open days; farmers in the communes also enjoy such benefits, but they also have to bear the burden A shield tax to support the civilian army. As for the large number of prisoners of war and refugees, how should they choose: to be peasants with stipends or peasants in communes? Gawain leaves the decision to themselves, without too much interference, only inducement.

At the same time, Gawain also occupied six vast pastures, two of which were given to Hajib and his son who had made great achievements, and two to Ingrina Messardini, the wife of Calleadeo who always supported him silently. The last two were given to her daughter Helena as gifts.

"The first two pastures are about to introduce high-quality Angras sheep. Inglina will expand the wool spinning workshop in the future to provide foreign trade and supply the needs of the army. My daughter's pasture will raise eggs and beef butter. I will invest in the equipment. In the future, she will Even if your crown is worth five thousand gold coins, The industry here is enough to be self-supporting, Helena will certainly be able to marry happily when she comes of age, and no one can underestimate her." Of course, Gawain also missed the Holy Sister, and specifically requested that a batch of Angora sheep be sent to Mei. In the Pauline Republic of Litene, the Holy Sisters can get their share of rain and dew.

After arranging everything for his beloved woman and descendants, Gawain, who had already grown a long beard, continued to start the difficult conquest. He and Gregor rode together, leading the cavalry and infantry in a long formation, in Pixi. The mountainous area of ​​Dia is full of thorns and thorns. After passing the Ferna Mountain Fortress, the western section of the Taurus Mountains is in front of you. There are peaks and cliffs everywhere. The long clouds in the sky continued to cast large swathes of shadows, dyeing the mountains navy blue. Soon they discovered small lakes with white snow and steam rising at the foot of the hillside. The soldiers cheered and lined up to go down. After guarding the surrounding area, when I had free time, I took a hot spring bath with the patron to relieve the fatigue from the march in the past few days!

Under the stars, Gawain rode his horse to the lake. Muzafiadin and Dim began to build a fire pit on the grass next to it, and ordered the guards to set up a scarlet tent. Then the chief patron planted the spear in his hand on the ground, helped him jump out of the saddle, couldn't wait to take off his armor, and jumped into the hot water lake.

"Suddenly all the fatigue was completely dissipated." Gawain laughed, and then looked up at the sinking stars between the mountains, as if within reach, "His Majesty the Emperor doesn't know what he is doing at this time... he is still running away. Are you here?" Thinking of this, Gawain turned around, leaned on the stone by the lake, picked up a grass branch and drew on it. Thinking, "Emperor Comnenus was defeated all the way and had no chance to gather his military strength again. The Comaroi cavalry and archery regiment I left behind was still searching for the emperor's defeated troops in Afyon and Philomelon. So, if the emperor was not here If something unexpected happened on the way, he would pass through the Phrygian mountains and go directly to Laodicea or Philadephia, of course. The best route, but he had lost trust in Raymond and Brenus and would not risk his own life; the other route was through the narrow dry canyon and it would take seven days or more to reach Doli Laem. City, and then go to Prusa or Nicaea. Prusa is said to have been occupied by Titicius. This general has a trick. This is equivalent to Having sealed the choke point between the strait and the plateau, it seemed that he was murderous towards the emperor, and would also support his new master in seizing power in the imperial capital. If the emperor was not stupid, he would not go to Prusa, but before the meeting. Go to Nicaea, where his most trusted eunuch Xiaoniao is stationed, and he can gather the armies of Bithynia and Paphlagonia to regain strength. "

Gawain kept mumbling like this until Maglendius also stepped naked into the hot lake. "In that case, the empire will be completely torn apart, and Komnenos will fight among themselves." said the mentor. , the startled Gawain immediately bowed to show respect - this old man is really worthy of admiration. He sat in a carriage on the mountain road and always followed his horse to make suggestions.

However, the elder squinted his eyes and glanced at Gawain who was holding on to the rock. Although he was steaming, he still had a clear view, "I'm curious why my granddaughter isn't addicted to you?"

"You are still strong." Gawain responded politely. At this moment, many soldiers were bare-buttocked, covering the surrounding lakes, and there were laughter everywhere.

"No, no, I am still worried about the descendants of Prani." The mentor was very humble, and then explained, "This is not my fault, it's all my son who died young. After marrying his favorite beautiful wife, he actually adhered to the sacred marriage of Christ, so only Agnes was left as a daughter, and both of them were infected with the plague and left-by the way, the situation of the Ma Empire is like this..."

Gawain and the mentor discussed for a long time in the hot water.

The next day, the army continued to advance towards Atalia. After marching for another two days, the mountains suddenly eased, and the land extending to the sea became flat, and many towns and small fortresses stood far and near.

This is the farming and trade area of ​​Attalia Bay. It is backed by the Taurus Mountains and faces the sea. It is also a narrow crescent-shaped territory. The city of Attalia is located on the west side of the crescent. The industries such as forestry, shipbuilding, and olives are very developed and prosperous here. In the past, it was the location of the fleet base of the Eastern Roman Empire.

About a dozen Pronian knights came up from the lowlands opposite with small flags.

Gawain and all the generals and staff rode on horseback under the red hand flag waiting for them.

"I am Acropolites."

"I am Becus."

The first two Pronian knights turned over and dismounted, kneeling in front of Gawain, "We are willing to submit to the banner of the great patron and lead the army to attack Attalia."