Chapter IV: Regrouping and Expanding
From the writings of Alexios Komnenos, Winter 1143 AD,
I have left the relative safety of Ikonion with the professional elements of my army. I left Iosaph Dermokaitis there as governor with the task of keeping the peace in my absence. It is a major city, and its large population could prove very problematic if they realize that they could overwhelm the few soldiers left to maintain order. I have every confidence that Dermokaitis will rise to the occasion though, and I have authorized him to raise as many forces from the ranks of the locals as he deems necessary.
I met up with one of my father’s most trusted friends from his youth Konstantinos Angelos at the crossroads between Ankara, Ikonion and Kaisareia. We began to amass troops for an assault on the great fortress of Kaisareia. My spy reported that it had a relatively small garrison, but this apparently was deception, as by the time we were within striking distance, the garrison was approximately doubled. It is no matter though, most of their forces are ill-trained and equipped and should prove little fight for my experienced and heavily armed soldiers. Konstantinos Angelos has taken command of the siege, as he has far more experience with war than me, which is saying a lot since I am by no means a stranger to it.
From the writings of Davit Bagrationi, Winter 1143 AD,
The city of Bab al-Abwab (Derbent) finally surrendered to my brother, and he gave it over to a brutal sacking. His troops entered the city and slaughtered almost a third of its populace, a move that I fully approve of, if I am to be honest, but my father would have apparently preferred if he had occupied it peacefully and allowed it to rebel. He apparently scolded my brother saying that that is not what civilized nations do, but according to Giorgi, we made upwards of twenty thousand florins from the ordeal so I don’t see what the problem is.
Anyhow, I have been sent to replace Giorgi as head of the army, and he is to stay in Derbent as its new governor as unrest is apparently still very high. Unfortunately, much of the army has to stay in the city to maintain order, so we are recruiting all over to replace them. I am to lead this army of recruits to Ani and expel their Turkish lords from their lands. I have yet to experience battle, but I am confident that I will more than match my brother in martial skill.
Other Events: |
The Cumans offer the Georgians an Alliance.
The Georgians accept.
Constantinople ravaged by plague. |