Wars of Diplomacy

Author's Note: Revised 4/27/05

In one swift motion, Mathias yanked Leon off his horse and set him onto his own. He then reared his horse towards Sarn. As he galloped forward he could see his men preparing to shut the gates as soon as he was inside. Behind him he could hear the marching cries of the opposition.

The gate doors banged loudly as he passed through them. Immediately Mathias pulled his horse to a stop. Leaping off his saddle, he commanded the nearest soldier.

"Take this man to the medic and then stand by his side. Make sure that no harm comes to him."

The man nodded his understanding and went about following his orders. Mathias meanwhile barked out further orders.

"They will come first through the gates. I want a phalanx of men eight men deep covering the gates, now!"

The knight who he had spoken with before saving Leon was now standing by his side. Mathias noticed him and instantly went about giving him new orders. "You, tell the artillery to pull the catapults as far back as possible. Tell them to calculate to fire at angle that they will strike at what is just beyond the walls."

"My lord, that is incredibly risky. If they should miscalculate by a foot we will destroy our only defense."

"When the enemy break through those gates, those walls will offer us little protection. Tell them." Once again he turned away from the soldier and assumed that he had already gone. Looking up at the walls he yelled out the soldiers who were still up there.

"Come down from the walls. They do not have ladders to scale our walls. They mean to break the doors down. Join with the rest of the infantry."

"Sir," a heavily armored knight called from behind. "The cavalry awaits your orders."

"Line them up parallel to the gate wall. Prepare a horse for me. I will lead the charge."

He turned to the phalanx of infantry that had formed up a few feet from him. "Move back!" Walking to the last row of men he hollered, "I want the front line to start here. The object is to lure them inside!" Mathias then left them to reconfigure and ran to where the cavalry had assembled. Standing at the head was a cavalry knight proffering him a helmet. Mathias waved his hand and the knight gave the helmet to a nearby squire. When Mathias had mounted the squire came to his side, sword in hand. He took the sword that he carried and then regarded him briefly. The squire was not even in his teens, twelve at the most.

"Boy, have you ever been in a siege?"

"No, my Lord."

"Where we will you stand when battle commences?"

"At my master's side."

Mathias looked at the knight who was at his side. He was far too busy observing the other men to notice the conversation between his squire and him.

"You are very young to be at the front lines. I give you permission to wait behind the lines."

"Thank you sir, but my master may need me."

He stared into the boy's eyes and saw a fixed determination. For a moment, Mathias wondered if he had had the same determination when he accompanied his father on his campaigns.

"What is your name boy?"

"Adrian, my lord."

"You do your master honor, Adrian. Now ready yourself."

He watched as the boy walked some distance away but maintained himself in plain site. Mathias' eyes turned to the gates. Inside the city it was quiet. The only sound was that of the men breathing and the adrenaline scouring through all their veins. The eyes of the whole company were on the large doors of the city gate. They could here the rattling of swords and the war chants of a foreign tongue. The first ram against the doors made everyone jump. Mathias instantly raised his sword up high.

"Fire!"

The swooshing sound of the catapults firing suddenly filled the air until their ammunition struck their targets. Then all became silent. Mathias' grip on the hilt of his sword tightened. Another bang resounded against the timber of the gate. The sound became hypnotic as it took on a rhythm of its own. With several more thrashings, the doors broke into pieces.

Ekir's men came in running as they launched themselves against the phalanx of infantry before them. Mathias looked on and in his eyes he saw the men on both sides transform into pieces from his game of Shatranj. The sound of steel clashing with steel was deafening. Above it all, Mathias' voice yelled loud and clear.

"Hold!"

He watched for the last man from the opposition to enter.

"Hold!"

When the first hussar entered he almost felt pain as he kept his sword arm up. When a dozen men on horseback had come in he allowed his arm to come down.

"Forward!"

His legs kicked at his horse as he commanded him forward. Within seconds Mathias felt his blade connect with that of another man's. From a distance the sword clashing was like a symphony in discord, in the heat of battle all sound was completely drowned out and muted by the swords, yells and screams. In Mathias' mind his horse stood upon a square on an imaginary board. He visualized everything in terms of the board. Where others see only the chaos of battle he could see an order in the madness.

For the senses, the first casualty in battle is the sense of time. It was only when his hearing returned and the crowd was not so dense that Mathias knew that the battle was over. There was still some sporadic fighting, but once again the tide had turned in their favor.

"A group of survivors are retreating, my Lord. Shall we pursue?" A nearby cavalryman asked him.

Mathias dismounted from his horse and began to walk away from the knight. "Do not bother. A worse fate awaits them when they return to Tatery." He pitied those soldiers who returning home expecting safety would instead find Casmir and his men already quite comfortable within the walls of Tartery. He had known that Casmir would try and take Tartery. The devious man had been waiting for such a chance for weeks. It was the motivation behind his forces taking so long to reach Sarn. Casmir wanted to make sure that Mathias' forces could march no more and thus Tartery would be his.

Wading through the mass of corpses lying on the ground, Mathias found what had caught his attention. Laying next the body of the knight who had offered him a helmet previously was that of a young boy. Turning his body, he could see that he was struck from behind. The boy had a bottle of drink in his hand. No doubt his master had been felled and he was aiding him. Gone from his eyes was determination. All that was left was the mixture of shock, pain, and fear.

Mathias closed his eyes with his fingertips. "Fear not Adrian, God awaits you."

"My Lord! Another army approaches!" a voice yelled loudly from the city wall.

Leaving the boys body in peace, Mathias answered the call by running up to the wall. Standing beside him, Mathias followed the watchman's gaze. Indeed there was yet another army. This army, however, flew under a different flag. It was the Emperor Alexius forces flying the banner of Byzantium.

Mathias stood at the front of the reassembled phalanx of infantry and together they faced the entrance to the city. The remains of the gates had been cleared away to make entry through portal easier. Driving the point of his blade into the ground, Mathias placed his weight on it. His body was weary from battle. Nevertheless, Emperor Alexius was not so distant family, and he demanded respect, even from blood relatives.

The emperor's forces entered quietly. The trumpeters whose boisterous horns normally announced the emperor's presence were mute. No doubt they feared that announcing his presence would do more harm than good. As two bodies of armored knights lined the entrance on either side, the way was made clear for the royal processional. One fancifully garbed individual after another passed Mathias on their way in. To each Mathias nodded or bowed his head in respect, for each man made up one part of the emperor's personal council of advisors. When at last the emperor stood before him, Mathias kneeled.

"My liege, Alexius Comnenus, you honor us with your presence."

Alexius was a man of no great stature dressed in gold embroidered garb. The simple yet elegant crown atop his head confirmed his sovereignty over the remains of what was once the great Roman Empire. His face, like many rulers whose kingdom is under siege, has weathered and acquired a tired look underneath his lengthy black beard.

"Rise, Mathias Cronqvist. You honor us with you unparalleled victories."

Rising from the ground Mathias kept his gaze downwards.

"I come bearing a gift for you," Alexius continued and then moved aside. His hand gestured to a figure that had been standing behind him. Mathias slowly looked forwards until he his eyes were overcome with the most beautiful of sights. Stretching his arms wide he dashed forward and embraced the angelically dressed woman before him. Before he had raised the veil covering her face he knew who it was.

"Elisabetha!"

Mathias' face was alight with joy. He had for many months only dreamed of the delicate, pale, and stunning face that was before him. How many times had he wished to be lost in the curls of her long golden hair? How many times had he wished for her warmth at his bedside?

"My husband, it has been too long."

Observing the tender moment, Alexius smiled mischievously as he had been waiting for this moment all day. "You may join us when you are ready Lord Cronqvist," the emperor said almost as an after thought as he continued strolling past the couple.

Once in the privacy of his tent, Mathias embraced his wife and kissed her passionately. He held her tightly for what seemed like him to be an eternity. However when she gently pushed him back, it seemed like eternity had not been enough.

"It seems that my concerns that you had not missed me have been laid to rest," she said smiling.

"Dearest, were it not that this infernal campaign demands my presence; I would want nothing more than to be at home, with you." Mathias looked her up and down as if he were still in disbelief. "Elisabetha, why are you here? The front is dangerous. We have only just been attack!"

"I could not bear another day without you, Mathias. Your campaign here has been longer than others."

To this, Mathias suddenly became troubled. He turned away from her and walked with his hands behind his back. "This campaign is different, more complex than others."

"How so, husband?"

"Alexius no doubt has seen the results of having asked Pope Urban for assistance. These Crusaders are overrunning our borders. While many are here for the cause, others are not so honorable. Victory for the Crusader does not necessarily mean victory for us."

Elisabeth walked across the tent to stand beside the game of Shatranj. Picking up one of the pieces, she inspected it in the palm of her hand. "The board is not big enough for a war on three fronts?" She asked with a streak of sarcasm.

A smile crept across Mathias' face as he turned and faced her from across the tent. "I'm afraid whatever Easterner thought up the game did not think of that possibility."

"I have no doubt, were there a board large enough, you would try to use it to conquer the world."

He shook his head slightly. "Not if it meant keeping me away from you."

Elisabetha took in the sight of her husband. He stood there straight and tall with his black hair hanging loose in a fashion almost similar to her own. The many months of fighting under the sun had given him a slightly tanned complexion that contrasted her snow white paleness. As if reading her mind, her husband changed the topic of conversation.

"Travel does not suit you, my love," he spoke with an obvious tone of concern. "You know long journeys have made you ill before."

"Fear not, though my body is frail at times, my love for you will sustain me."

"I nevertheless worry." Mathias insisted.

"Have faith, beloved."

For a brief moment a cloud swept across his face. His gaze seem to turn away from her as he whispered, "yes, faith." It was at that moment that Elisabetha noticed the richly decorated chest that lay behind Mathias. She knew only too well its significance and that of the dragon emblem that adorned it.

"What is that doing here?" her tone suddenly became stern.

Mathias raised a halting hand. "It cannot be so easily disposed." He then looked to see her reaction. "It remains closed and shall continue to. I have not forgotten my solemn oath under God. Now allay your worries." Seeing that his words had not had much effect, he took a deep breath. Walking to her, he took her hand in his. "Come with me, there is someone you should meet."

Mathias and Elisabetha exited the tent together. Standing outside was a young woman. She was dressed in sufficiently elegant apparel to denote her rank as above the common servant girl. Her dark hair was collected into two buns on either side of her head with two long locks going down the sides of her cheeks. Upon seeing the pair she immediately bowed her head.

"May Sara join us?" Elisabetha asked.

"Of course," Mathias acknowledged the nod. "Follow us, Lady Trantoul."

Mathias led the two women past the tent encampments and into the streets of the city. Some of the buildings had collapsed under the first siege filling much of the city with rumble. One building however remained mostly unharmed. Mathias looked back briefly, "we must cross the infirmary." Although he knew both of the women well enough to know that they were not faint hearted, it would have been rude not to warn them. Inside they found all the products of war. Although they sustained fewer losses and wounded in this last battle, they still carried the sum total of the campaign. Severed limbs, lacerations, and pain for a hundred lifetimes abounded in the small makeshift hospital. Under Mathias' guidance, the trio waded through the mass of wounded. Along the way Mathias greeted his men by taking their hands and squeezing their shoulders. Although there permeated an unending atmosphere of painful moaning, the men were all the better for seeing their leader. The sight of two beautiful women passing by their sides also contributed to elevating their spirits.

When they had reached the rear of the building Mathias encountered a knight whom he had commanded much earlier. The knight stood before a set of curtains in a guarding pose. Upon seeing Mathias, the knight moved aside. Grabbing his shoulder, Mathias bade him to leave and rest. He had fulfilled his duty. Mathias held open the curtains and gestured for the women to pass.

Sara, who had been silent throughout their journey gasped at the sight that beheld her. A man lay shirtless on a bed with a doctor hunched over examining him. All across his bare chest were dark colored bruises. His golden hair was obscured by layers of desert sand. The doctor held the unconscious man's arm while inspecting his hand. Loose bandages hanging from his wrist revealed a bloodied gap in the center of his hand. The hole was about the diameter of a wooden bow.

"How is he?" Mathias asked.

The doctor responded in a voice low raspy voice worn from years of yelling while "operating" on the battle field. "The bruises will heal. He was tortured. Tis best that he is unconscious. Moving will be painful until they heal." The doctor held up the man's hand nonchalantly so that all could see. "This will take time, but he will be able to use it. See?"

The three stared as the fingers alternately moved of their own accord.

"There is still life in it. If infection doesn't set in, he can keep it and use it again." The doctor laid the hand at the man's side. "Infection will be a problem. It always is."

"What if someone sees to him all day every day?"

The doctor coughed a low laugh. "Tis possible, if you have someone. I must attend to others." The doctor bowed his head and left them alone with the comatose man.

Elisabetha regarded him. "Who is he, beloved?"

Smiling almost proudly, he answered. "Leon Belmont."

Walking to a nearby water bowl, Sara soaked a towel and began to cool his forehead. All the time her eyes never left Leon. "Leon Belmont," Sara whispered to herself as if in a spell.

"He saved my life. He also risked his life again on my behalf by undertaking a dangerous mission."

"Do you know him well?" Elisabetha asked.

"Well enough to know that he is honorable and trustworthy."

Elisabetha glanced at her husband. "Did he volunteer for this mission?"

Mathias breathed deeply. He wife knew him too well. He quickly shook his head in response. "I brought you here so that you might see him. When he is well, I want you to meet him. I am in his debt."

"His health is important to you?" Elisabetha came to her husband's side. He nodded his head once more to reply. Slipping her arm into his she pressed against him. "Then I will leave Sara to tend to him. She is a most competent nursemaid. Elisabetha felt Mathias squeeze her hand and saw him smile again. She then turned her gaze to Sara who was already performing her new duty.

"Besides, Sara seems quite taken with him." She said with a wide grin.

Sara looked to her lady and lord and blushed ever so slightly.

The pair left Sara to her patient and traveled to the principal building of the city where Alexius had set up court. When Mathias and Elisabetha made their entrance, the emperor sat on a throne that had obviously been brought with him. He was at the epicenter of a swarm made up of his council of advisors. He raised his hand when he saw Mathias and dispelled the crowd. Releasing his hand, Elisabetha joined a small group of ladies who stood at a distance from the emperor and his council. Mathias watched her go before walking forward.

"Come. Join us, Lord Cronqvist," the emperor's voice echoed off the dome ceiling of the chamber. "You are slightly rested I hope. I must confess to coming to this city upon threat of death." Alexius allowed the weight of his words to hang in the sir for a moment. "Your Elisabetha would no doubt have beheaded me herself if I had not brought her here." The council at last joined in the emperor's joke when he began to laugh. "I congratulate you on your recent victory."

"It was a variation of a technique used against Phillip of Macedon."

"Was it? I sometimes forget that you know more about our Hellen ancestors than they did when they were alive. Now, tell me of the campaign. My advisors bring me sad news on all fronts. What do you say?"

"The news is mixed, my Lord. The Crusaders who have rallied in response to your plea to the Pope have certainly pushed the Turks back."

"But…"

"But I do not believe all of them have taken the oath they made to you sincerely. My personal experiences with Casmir the Pole have been…less than pleasant."

"Indeed. I have also had similar news of Godfrey and Baldwin of Bouillon."

"They have not attacked us, but they are quite willing to leave us in the battlefield to collect their own spoils."

Alexius remained silent and pensive. "The Crusaders are concerned with taking Jerusalem. Whether they achieve that goal or not, is not of primary importance. We must focus our efforts on refortifying our borders. It has been our burden to protect the west from the influence of the Muslims. If the westerners fail in their holy crusade, it falls to us to keep the gates secure." Alexius immediately saw that his words had fallen heavy on Mathias' shoulders. "I know that you believe in the cause, Mathias. We must however set our priorities."

Mathias nodded with an air of disappointment.

"I have been told that Casmir holds Tartery," Alexius continued. "Tomorrow you will accompany me there."

Sara's hand dipped the cloth in the water bowl to soak it. She then placed it, moist, on Leon's forehead. She let it lay there and cool his forehead. The fever that had struck him was a strong one. Staring at him, Sara regarded his face. It seemed pleasant were it not worn and beaten from being a prisoner. Once his fever subsided she would clean him and perhaps put some color back into his face. Inwardly to herself she confessed that for some reason he had a profound effect on her. Her mother would call it love at first sight. However Sara did not believe in such things. How could she? She had not even been introduced to the man. For all she knew he might even be married already. Nevertheless, it was her duty to care for him. Her thoughts then wandered on to the topic of Mathias and his keen interest in the knight. It was not unusual for Mathias to take a keen interest the knights under his command. As leader he liked to know what metal of men he commanded. This time it seems different. Sara began to wonder why. Perhaps Leon could tell her once he awoke?

Early the next day, Alexius' army marched out of Sarn and towards Tartery. When they arrived, the emperor made a spectacle of his advent. Parading his forces in front of the gates of city first and then through the streets inside the city. Mathias smiled with approval at the subtle gesture of force. When he joined the emperor and his court in meeting Casmir, the annoyed face of his rival was more than enough to hold back his urge to run him through on the spot.

"You honor us with your presence," Casmir spoke in his sly tone.

Although not disrespectful, the man's greeting lacked any sort of acknowledgement of rank. This was something that did not go unnoticed by watchful eyes on either side. Bishop Suchet of Le Puy jumped in and offered a warmer greeting and bowed his head.

"Ah, Suchet, you too are here?" Alexius feigned interest.

Suchet smiled. "Yes, and I look forward to continuing our talks. I have communicated with the Pope and he has expressed to me his enthusiasm with our proceedings."

"I'm sure he has." Alexius then walked past the Bishop and into the chamber ahead. Inside, the large groups took opposing positions across from one another. A casual observer would scarcely believe that these were two allies meeting together. An almost physical line was drawn between the two parties.

"I congratulate you on your prize, Casmir." Alexius said.

Casmir bowed his head and accepted the compliment. The whole time he was careful not to meet Mathias' eyes. "What do you think of our prize," Casmir prodded.

"I am pleased with the contributions you and your men have provided to our efforts. That is why I have brought some of my forces to relieve yours of the weight of having to maintain this outpost."

Alexius' words hung for a moment in the silence of the room. The emperor scanned the chamber and found several en coughing ostentatiously. At one point he perceived a man holding back laughter. The wide smile coming across Casmir's face could be described as only hate inducing.

"That won't be necessary. We have things well in hand."

"Do you plan on stopping your march?"

"Not at all. I have enough men to leave a small garrison behind while carry on forwards. I am sure with Mathias guarding my rear at Sarn I shall not have much trouble."

Alexius' head nodded. "Mathias will not be at Sarn. He will also continue his campaign. He too will leave a garrison behind."

"I see. Well, I wish him good luck. I will take this opportunity to tell you that I believe that we will make more progress if our armies march separately. I think recent events have shown that Mathias is able to handle himself…" Casmir at last made eye contact with Mathias. "…on his own."

"I agree," Alexius added. "I understand that the men have not been very welcoming. I apologize for that." Casmir held up his hand as if about to say something but Alexius cut him off. "Except for one in particular. A Leon Belmont of Gaul. It seems he has proven himself favored among our men because of his valiant efforts."

"Belmont?"

"Yes, he was taken prisoner by the Turks but managed to survive the ordeal. I would consider it a favor if he could be rewarded."

Casmir shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "I will see that he gets…something."

"A title perhaps?" Alexius added.

"Yes, perhaps…"

Mathias jumped in. "I think it would be a great way to cement our two forces in unity of it would be seen that this knight would be rewarded for his service to us. Make him an example of what fighting together in a common cause means."

Casmir began to grind his teeth. "We will con…"

"Consider it done," Suchet interjected. "Nothing more would please us but to improve relations among our two forces.

"Yes, of course," Casmir said in an obviously annoyed tone.

"We thank you for your consideration in this matter," Alexius said before continuing. The topic of conversation shifted towards the campaigns that each side would be undertaking. The subject of Leon was not mentioned again however its outcome left a strong impression on Casmir's behavior throughout the rest of the meeting. Mathias plotted out various strategies and once again showcased his aptitude for the task. Generals on both sides watched enviously at Mathias' skill. When the meeting adjourned Casmir was alone in the chamber with Suchet.

"What is wrong with you? Do you want to hand over our spoils on a platter?"

Suchet shot him an angry glance. "You will refrain from addressing me in that tone."

"I don't care if you're a Bishop or what leeway you have with the Pope. I won't have you compromise my operations."

"This crusade was called upon by the Pope. You will be subservient to his calling and you will respect the cloth!" Suchet was screaming now. "Apart from the monetary benefits of the crusade, we must also consider the diplomatic ones as well. We have a chance here to unify the church of the east with that of the west. The great schism that has divided us may finally be resolved."

"If you think that Alexius is at all interested in reunification, you're a bigger fool than I thought."

"Were I you, I would not dismiss the notion so quickly. The man credited with bringing together east with west would be in a powerful position indeed. Perhaps even be the next in line to be Pope?"

Casmir let loose a laugh. "You, the Pope? Suchet, you can play all the games you like, but do not cross me again. That Mathias must be laughing after this little council. Well, he can laugh all he wants. I promise you. I will see him dead before this crusade is over."