Κωνσταντινούπολις is one of the best cities of its day: a population of half a million people, unrivaled architecture and opulence, virtually impregnable defenses, and the capitol of a soon-to-be major European power. It is here, the Great Sacred Palace of Constantinople, where the Emperor takes residence in when not engaged in military campaigns. By ceremony, there is an ox horn just outside the palace, which anybody can blow for an audience to the Emperor, currently Emperor Frederick the Initiator. In practice, the horn is guarded and there is not guarantee what happens after the horn is blown, keeping away all but those who actually need audience with the Emperor. Ambassadors from other nations are welcome to blow the ox horn to have diplomatic discussions, infractions and appeals with the Emperor or temporary regent.
Saint Henry of Sweden arrives to this magnificant city and wonders why Stockholm is not any like this? main purpose of hes journey is to seek audience with Emperor of Byzantine.
A very young, impressive-looking man in chain-mail with a sword at his side comes right to Saint Henry. With the bearings of a soldier the man wastes no time, “Welcome to Second Rome, Saint Henry of the Konungariket Sverige. I am afraid Emperor Frederick is not here, but currently engaging in military campaigns to the south-west. I am Tourmarches Luke, the highest ranking man in the area, and shall speak on his behalf. Why have you come?”
Saint Henry: i have come discuss trade agreement between our great nation and i have My lord and king Erik den Helige signed declaration of friendship. We have lots to offer example we produce the finest planks for construction and we have lots of Stockfish duo our relatives in Norway.
Tourmarches Luke immediately sees the use of fine woods and foreign fish. "Although our nations are far apart, we accept your trade proposal. You can expect Mastic resins, marble, and iron coming from Konstantinoupolis. In later years we will be able to send you silver and horses as well."
Saint Henry: Swedish people will rejoice when this news arrive to Stockholm!
An impressive entourage reaches the gates of the Imperial Palace. Surrounded by servants bearing priceless presents, the head of the delegation introduces herself as Duchess Arame, a distinguished noblewoman from the Court of Queen Arachidameia VI Soteira, Queen of Gandhara. She requests an audience with the Emperor of the Byzantines.
We should arrange a marriage between my son and ( a daughter if you have one) to improve our relations, what do you think?
A man arrives wearing imported silk robes. He speaks in a slow, calm voice, "Duchess Arame, I'm afraid Emperor Frederick is not here, but engaging in military campaigns to the west of here. But I, Caesar Barbarossa, can most certainly speak on my father's behalf. Why have you come?" Caesar Barbarossa turns to the other visitor, "Ambassador of the Kingdom of Jeruzalem, about your proposal. I, Caesar, do not have a sister, but I do have a lonely cousin who needs a good prince away from here. She will be most excited to take residence in the city of Jeruzalem. We accept a marriage proposal, unless you specifically wanted a non-existent daughter of the Emperor."
The Duchess smiles, and answers, "Hail thee, Caesar Barbarossa! I am here on behalf of our Most Gracious Queen, Lord and Master of all Gandhara and soon of all surrounding regions. We wish to enter into trade and diplomatic relations with your most esteemed empire. Name what you wish for from us in terms of trade, and we can negotiate. Please also accept these gifts sent by Her Majesty herself, as a token of our friendship". At her gesture, the servants move forward and one by one, place the exotic gifts near the Prince
Caesar Barbarossa accepts the extremely expensive gifts. "We accept your trade proposal. Since you are in the east, I know that the Emperor will want imported goods from the far east along the Silk Route, especially cottons, silk and spices found in India and China. In return, we have Mastic resins, marble, and newly found Thracian gold mines."
"We accept your proposal." says the Duchess. "We are honoured to be trading with you." With a sly smile she asks, "Is there any other lonely cousin who would like to settle in the exotic East?"
Twenty riders, clad in red cloaks and steel-plated Lorica Segmentata and plumed helmets, arrive in Constantinopolis. They are led by an officer, who holds a red-coloured banner depicting a golden eagle, and with "S. P. Q. R." written on it in golden colour. They introduce themselves as a diplomatic mission sent from Rome, on behalf of His Imperial Majesty, Caesar Augustus, the great Roman Emperor. They give a friendly salute, and request an audience.
"I'm sure I can find a nice relative." Caesar Barbarossa replies as he politely dismisses the Duchess from the palace, mumbling about noisier family reunions and running out of pureblood Eastern Romans. In response to the score of riders, two Kontoubernions of Comitatenses (that's twenty soldiers) marches in perfect unison in front of the horsemen. One of them speaks, "It is unnecessary for such a large company to all come before Caesar Barbarossa, son of Emperor Frederick. We request four of you to be escorted by four of us to the Caesar. You may keep your weapons in your scabbards. Then you can have audience with the Caesar."
The officer, going by the name of Cassius Sempronius, orders three of the men to come with him with the banners, and orders the rest of them to find a stable for the horses to stay in. All four of them disarm, and hand over their Gladii to the men. He then approaches the the Kontoubernions, smiles and asks the leading officer - "Is it all good now? We request to be admitted in attendance as per our mission."
Four Comitatenses detach themselves from formation to escort Cassius and his three companions to the Caesar. Once they arrive, the four Eastern Romans give a bow and then move to flank the visitors. Caesar Barbarossa inclines his head toward his foreign dignitaries. "Ave, western brothers! How can we help you?"
They accompany the guards in the palace. Once they reach their destination, they immediately do a Roman Salute to the Eastern Emperor and bow low to him. The officer then speaks - "A thousand greetings to Your Majesty, may Fortuna bless you. I, Praefectus Cassius Sempronius, have come before you on a diplomatic mission sent by His Imperial Majesty, Caesar Augustus, to negotiate on behalf of the Roman Empire." After a pause, he starts to speak again - "The Emperor wishes to sign a pact of trade our brothers in the east. We offer many trade goods, and as many exotic goods as one can want. Along the usual trade, we also have a vast stock of slaves should anyone wish to purchase them. The Emperor is most interested into the luxury goods from the east. What would be your answer, sire?"
The Caesar raises an eyebrow at the mentioning of a trade pact. "I was under the impression our nations were already at trade, but I am more than willing to formally sign the proposal. The Eastern Roman Empire has recently acquired many horses that we can train for war and to trade, courtesy to the loyal Strategos Luke's campaigns in Anatolia. Then of course we also have the Mastic resins, marble, and gold at the moment. "We will purchase at least some slaves as well. gladiator games have fallen out of style in these lands. But we will need a labor and maintenance force as well as a fire brigade. The empire has need of the following goods: iron, silver, and grains. Could you supply these (or at least two)?"
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