The First Years of Rule- to Carve a Dynasty
Allies and Enemies
"Eviatar! Wake up! messengers is here to see you m'lord.”
The count woke up to the voice of his marshal, Yohanan Ventimiglia. Yohanan was a convert, a resident of the island, he was known as John, but since he converted to Judaism, he “Hebreized” his name. Yohanan was a lesser noble of the land, known Eviatar's father before Eviatar's own birth, the 50 year old marshal served as a close friend to Eviatar, and his replacement for a father.
Around him, was a tent, he has been on this campaign for about a week, has yet to even see combat, Yohanan assured him this war shouldn't take long, just taking the tip of the island, the city of Trapani. Who would send a messenger to the middle of campaign?
"Yohai,” Eviatar's nickname to Yohanan “can't these messengers wait? At least until were done with this war?”
"Evia, you better hear what they have to say, one's from the count Sergrios of Napoli, up north, the other from our enemy, Ibn al-Halwas”
"Fine, tell them I will be with them in a moment, at least should at least make a good entrance.”
"Very well”
As Yohanan left the tent, Eviatar rose to his feet, looking around him for his armor, he remembered, that when he left Palermo Sumer was pregnant, he reminded himself to send a letter home, as he suited up, he wore the circlet he used as a crown, only then he left his tent to look for his marshal.
"Ah there you are Yohai, Where are the messengers?”
"Right here lord”
"Very well.” Eviatar turned to face the messengers, one was tall, wore a turban, with simple clothing, the other, somewhat smaller, with a exaggerated amount of jewelery, if Eviatar hadn't known better, he would have thought that Robert de Hauteville, the duke of Apulia came in person to greet him.
Eviatar turned to the smaller messenger, “Speak then.”
"Sire, salutations from my lord, Count Sergrios, he has been impressed by your valor to end these Muslims on the island, and would like to assist in this end ever, he offers alliance between our counties.” The messenger spoke in Greek, the language of his lord, luckily, Eviatar knew Greek, when he was young, his father noticed a expectational skill for Eviatar to catch up languages, so he found it wise to teach him many of them, aside from Greek, Hebrew and German, he was familiar with French, English, Swedish, Arabic and Turkish, taught to him from touter's around the world, as he was sent in an early age to learn.
"I see. Honestly, I don't see much that the count of Napoli can do for the county of Palermo.”
"Ah, but there is more to give to one's war effort then troops, sire, gold, can also be given.”
"I see, well, I don't think we have anything to lose from such alliance, very well, tell your lord that I accept his offer. Now, You,” Eviatar turned to the tall messenger. “Speak the words of your lord.”
"I came here, sir-” started the messenger in broken Greek, which Eviatar had trouble to understand.
"You can speak Arabic” interrupted Eviatar.
The messenger bowed slightly and started again.
"I came here, sir, to tell you that the county of Trapani will not suffer the insolence of your declaration of war, and will fight to the last men!”
"Then tell your lord, that with god on my side, he will fall, and the city will be mine.” Eviatar said quietly. “Now go.”
The messenger turned around and left. Eviatar turned to his marshal.
“Yochai, go tell the troops that we will advance on the city towards the afternoon, for now, send a messenger to my tent.”
"Yes sire.”
Eviatar turned to his tent to write his letter back home, he sighed as he walked, he hated these threats, he heard some when he was still a small child, when his father got some from the former count of Agrigento, but now, that city is also ours. But, Eviatar understood this was part of life.
He entered his tent, looking around, at a desk with a father-pen sitting in the corner, he smiled to himself faintly, and then set down to write.
"
Dear Sumer Dam-Drakon,
My love, How has things been in the while I haven't been around? I hope the servants are taking good care of you, and of unborn child.
My love, in the last week everything has been so hectic, the deployment of our troops has made the peasants somewhat dissatisfied, had to deal with some of their demands, who were quite reasonable might I add, at least the nobles are no problem.
The war has yet to scar anything on the land, since no battle has yet to be fought, but I hope there won't be much death in the fellowing weeks, I had hoped the count, seeing our superior forces would surrender, but seems like he is here to fight, so we will fight.
I hope no more troubled has appeared at home, and that the coffers has yet to collect the now mounting debt, but we will pay it, soon.”
Eviatar signed, and gave the messenger that meanwhile arrived at his tent. It's time to move the troops.
Ibn Al-Halwas, the Sheik of Trapani
Sergios proposel.
