The year is 1080 BC and Europe stands on the brink of total war! An unnamed evil spreads across the lands of our Lord turning good men to the ways of darkness and treachery. For the time being though, all remains quiet and peaceful - the calm before the storm some gather...
Nestled within the heart of the Iberian Peninsula sits a kingdom besieged on all sides by those that dare take their rightfully earned lands - the Kingdom of Leon-Castile, although surrounded by potential enemies, stands firm against the will of others.
Three cities fly the Spanish banner proudly: The magnificent capital city of Leon along the northern mountains, the mighty fortress of Toledo located in central Spain, and the prosperous city of Zaragoza in the northeastern portion of the Empire.
These beacons of reason and strength border the lands of three different nations - all of who dare to look at Spain with envious eyes. The Moors control the southern lands of the Iberian Peninsula - specifically controlling the city of Cordoba and the fortress of Granada. Near to Leon and Zaragoza lies the old Spanish rival - Portugal, who still dares to think it has standing over the Kingdom of Leon-Castile - Ha! Finally, the greatest threat of all waits patiently to the north of Zaragoza, France. Their intentions unknown and their wealth great - they are the most concerned about nation of all...
Leading the Spanish is the great King Alfonso who, rather than sit on his throne in Leon, prefers to live the soldiers life at the fortress of Toledo and runs his country from there. In Leon though, Alfonso's son - Prince Rodrigo has taken a liking to the throne and slowly has convinced his father to let him have more and more control over matters which have little interest to the king (mainly trade, the economy, and complicated forms of diplomacy).
There is no doubt that Prince Rodrigo is slowly falling into a life of extravagant desires and undeserving arrogance but King Alfonso is not as ignorant to his plans as the prince thinks. Keeping a watchful eye upon the price is Alfonso's greatest and most trusted subject General Vaasco, stationed at Zaragoza.
General Vaasco fought with Alfonso in many battles throughout the years and he came to love him the same as a father would love his son. Many times did Alfonso offer his daughters' hands in marriage but Vaasco refused to be given such an honor. Instead, Vaasco only wanted to govern the small village of Zaragoza and be left to a life of peace and tranquility in return for his decade of loyal service.
Now, in 1080 BC, the future of Spain and the Kingdom rely on these players - set on a stage and not given predetermined lines to speak. What shall they do? What will the future hold for such men as these and for the Kingdom? One shall find out...
1080 BC -
A time of peace for now. Alfonso first wishes to learn more about his potential enemies which surround him and his kingdom on all sides. As his first action - Alfonso sends his most loyal spy, Pedro Descriua to the castle of Valencia on the eastern shores of the peninsula.
Currently under the control of Spanish rebels who refuse to bow down before either the Kingdom or any of the other powers, Valencia is a key location. Not only would the conquest of this castle ensure the expansion of the Kingdom but it would also give Spain an eastern port - opening up possible sea trading routes with nations far and wide!
Reports soon came back of Descriua's findings...he had effectively infiltrated the city and discovered information concerning the garrison within. Valencia was under the control of the famed Spanish general El Cid who led a force of 770 horsemen, javalineers, and spearmen - a formidable force to be sure.
Hoping to be able to raise an equally powerful army to take Valencia, Prince Rodrigo put into action a plan to increase crop output across the Kingdom. Farms were to be built all over the country-side surrounding their cities. Although these farms would be small and worked by equally small families and other peasants, the Prince was sure that a shortage of food would no longer be a problem. Plus, Rodrigo had plans to ship extra amounts of this grain and other vegetables to potential trade-friendly nations.
Concerned about the possible exposing of his presence, the spy Descriua leaves Valencia by night and begins a trek to the southwest towards the lands of the Moors - knowing his king would surely wish to hear what these Muslim infidels were up to.
Back at Toledo the Moor diplomat Shakir Al-Fayyoumi was welcomed into the fortress to speak with King Alfonso. Shakir brought only pleasant news as he insisted on nothing less than the Moors overall admiration for the Kingdom in spite of talk about Moorish intentions to invade further north into Spain. Shakir also opened the floor to a possible trade route between the two nations - this offer was quickly accepted and Shakir spent the remainder of the day entertained by the King and his court - by morning Shakir was on his way northeast to speak with the court of Portugal and eventually France.
[More to come...]
Brothers of Iberia, Unite!
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