Campeador - The story of El Cid

[Cecasander]

Campeador - The story of El Cid, Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar​

Introduction - Welcome, dear readers, to another of my AARs. Those who used to follow it noticed that my previous AAR ("The Potter") has been inactive for about two months. It is on hold though, I hope to return to Romanion one day to continue the story of Professor Doxiadus' history class about the Kantakouzenoi. Point was, I lost inspiration at that time. For a while I considered doing a history book AAR about an England where Harold Godwinson won the Battle of Hastings (I already did a Saxon AAR once). This project, although fairly advanced at some point, has also been put on hold for the time being for the simple fact I'm afraid it may be, well... too boring. This remains a pet project though, and may be resurrected in AARland one day.

Anyway, my time off from The Potter and dismissal of my history book project brought me to a new project and a whole new corner of Europe, and to try my hand at another form of narrative writing (The Potter was a narrative/history book crossbreed). The thought to go to Castile and write an AAR about El Cid has been very old, actually. As many of you might know, Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, also known as El Cid Campeador, is one of the most famous knights of the middle ages. The stories and legends surrounding him are equaled only by those of men like Charlemagne, Roland or Richard Lionheart. On the Iberian peninsula especially, El Cid is seen as the very embodiment of chivalry, bravery and loyalty, the key virtues of the medieval knight. Of course, these stories have diluted the historical figure El Cid to the point that some historians even doubt he even existed! But just for the sake, let's assume he really was a medieval nobleman, and that he probably wasn't all that pious and loyal all the time, he is certainly an interesting figure, and one of the great men of the Spanish middle ages. I first learned of El Cid (like some of you, I trust) while playing the AOE2 expansion. The campaign telling the story of El Cid's trials is still my favorite of the AOE franchise. When I later learned that he had really existed, and that many things in the game really happened, my interest was peeked. And it brought me to this point.

Let's get going then.​

.........​

Index
Prologue
Wedding Bells
Still before the storm
Zaragoza
Three messengers​

 

[Cecasander]

Prologue

Prologue
What defines a great man? Are real great men born great, or are they made? ​

In 1043, a boy was born to Diego and Teresa, lord and lady of a village called Vivar, a couple of miles from the royal city of Burgos. They named the boy Rodrigo. Diego was one of the favorite knights of his lord, King Fernando of Castile and León, and often he found himself on a distant battle field on his liege’s side, far away from Vivar. He always returned to his wife and son though and much of his spare time he spent playing with young Rodrigo or telling him stories from far and wide. And in fact the king himself took special interest in the son of his vassal. When Rodrigo turned 6, the king allowed him to come to Burgos to undergo court education. The boy expressed both great intellect and physical power at that time, something King Fernando believed could be molded into a future leader of men. Under the auspice eye of his father Diego, young Rodrigo thus learned to fight, ride, read and write, and when he excelled in all these, he would be thought from the ancient works and the greatest minds and warriors of the kingdom. And the boy sucked it all in, growing up into a tall, strong, and above all a wise and great man.

Tragedy happened for Rodrigo and Teresa in 1058. Two years prior, King Fernando had proclaimed himself as Emperor of all Spain. Whilst this title simply meant he was the most important king in Christian Spain, both the Holy Roman Emperor and the Pope believed he claimed inheritance of the Roman Empire and would have none of it. They responded by instigating Fernando’s brothers García Sánchez and Ramiro – Kings of Navarre and Aragón respectively – to rebel against their younger brother (1). Diego de Vivar was one of the knights not to return from one of the first battles of this war. A few days after hearing the news of her husband’s death, Teresa dealt with it by throwing herself off a cliff, seeking only to be united to her loving husband in the afterlife. And then Rodrigo – 15 at the time – was suddenly an orphan. In respect to his father Diego, King Fernando continued to act as a patron to Rodrigo. He was placed in the household of the king’s oldest son Sancho. And although the prince had originally only meant for Rodrigo to serve as a knight like his father had done, Rodrigo soon raised to become the prince’s aide-de-camp when Sancho was tasked by his father to lead the campaign against the kings of Navarre and Aragon.

Thus Rodrigo, a young man of only sixteen years, rode into battle with the prince of Castile-Leon. The first battle Rodrigo fought it was against the Emir of Zaragoza, Ahmed al-Maqtadir. It was King Fernando’s plan to win the rich and powerful emir on his side, and when diplomacy had failed he had resorted to war. Zaragoza was one of the power powerful taifa – splinter states after the collapse of the Córdoba Caliphate – but prince Sancho and Rodrigo were successful in besting al-Muqtadir in battle and forcing the emir swear fealty to the prince and his father. It was then that Rodrigo first came into contact with the advanced Moorish society. The city and the palace of Zaragoza made Burgos look like a hole, and Rodrigo became intrigued by the wealth, culture and splendor that border city of Al-Andalus had to offer. In the following years, he would return to Zaragoza a number of times on his lord’s side. In 1063, the battle of Graus took place, where prince Sancho and al-Muqtadir finally defeated and killed Ramiro of Aragón, bringing the war between brothers finally to an end. For Rodrigo’s heroic part in the battle he earns himself a nickname amongst the men; El Campeador – The Champion.

Long King Fernando would not enjoy his peace. He died two years after Graus. As per his will, he leaves his kingdom divided between his children. Animosities between Castilian and Leonese nobility forced him to break the kingdom apart, having Sancho rule Castile from Burgos and his second son Alfonso rule León from León. Fernando’s third son Garcia received Galicia and the newly conquered lands along the Douro. His daughters Urraca and Elvira received the cities of Zamora and Toro, respectively. It is hardly a surprise that no one was happy about this division. Sancho, being the oldest son, had certainly set his eye on inheriting the entire kingdom instead of just a part of it. But also Alfonso and even Urraca openly expressed the ambition of reunifying the kingdom of Castile and León. The siblings were at odds, albeit still at peace. Plans were being forged in León, Burgos and Zamora as time went by and the people waited who would be acting first.

And then, around Christmas 1066, a Leonese messenger arrived in Burgos. He delivered the joyful news that King Alfonso of Leon had found a wife for Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, hero of Graus and champion and standard-bearer of King Sancho of Castile. And that she was on her way to Burgos…

(1) Garcia was a year older than Fernando. Due to Navarrese inheritance laws, he inherited King Sancho's old homeland, while his brothers would inherit newly conquered areas. As of such, Fernando would get the much larger kingdom of Leon. Ramiro was actually nine years older than Garcia, but he was (most likely) an adopted bastard son and was thus last to inherit

 

[unmerged(127999)]

Aaah, El Cid! Always a fascinating figure to follow.

You are correct in assuming that AOE2 is where some of us first learned about El Cid. I did, at any rate. Best campaign of AOE2, in my opinion.

 

[unmerged(104889)]

I have played AOE2 a lot when I was young but never heard about El Cid. Although, if I recall correctly I did not play the expansion.

I will follow.

 

[Lord Blekinge]

always nice to hear about the Cid...I will be following

 

[Cecasander]

Welcome all, good to know people are actually reading this

Auray - If you haven't played The Conquerors, you missed out on some really nice scenario's and campaigns though.

 

[Qorten]

Welcome all, good to know people are actually reading this

Auray - If you haven't played The Conquerors, you missed out on some really nice scenario's and campaigns though.

I also never played the expansion. A mistake apparently judging from the high praise you give it. AOE2 itself certainly was very good in itself, wasted lots and lots of hours playing that game.

As for your current AAR, good start. I understand from your introduction this is supposed to be become an all narrative AAR with El Cid being the protagonist, right?

 

[Cecasander]

Wedding Bells

Wedding Bells​

Burgos Cathedral – 16 February 1067
The bishop of Burgos – an ancient man – looked fatherly at Rodrigo, and placed the hand he extended on Jimena’s hand. Rodrigo’s hand was at least twice as big and rugged, covered with hair and old scars. Jimena’s hand was soft and white, but also very warm. “Rodrigo, son of Diego, lord of Vivar, do you take this woman, Jimena, daughter of Diego, lord of Oviedo, as your lawful wife? Do you swear to protect her and provide for her and your offspring, to remain loyal to her and to defend her honor, until death?” Rodrigo looked into the big, brown eyes of the girl opposite of him. It evoked a small, tense but sincere smile on her face. It has been only a few weeks since they first met, but Rodrigo had fallen in love with this girl the moment he had set eyes on her. “I… I will, and may God smite my sorry ass if I fail,” he said. Jimena’s smile became broader and the bishop chuckled. “Very good. Then, as God is my witness, I hereby declare this man and this woman as lawful man and wife!” At that moment, the silence that had filled the cathedral dissolved in the cheers of a thousand voices. Not just from the benches of the cathedral, but from the square in front of it it seemed to gulf over the city as nobles, soldiers, burghers and peasants alike rejoiced the marriage of Rodrigo and Jimena. The newly weds didn’t seem to notice though, as they passionately embraced before the altar, and she cried warm tears of joy onto his broad shoulder. The bishop’s command to go forth and multiply was heard by no one.

---​

“You heard all that cheering!? Was that really for us?” Jimena asked her mother, who had retreated to a corner of the banquet hall to talk with Rodrigo’s grandmother, Doña(1) Teresa, as well as Doña Sancha who was the king’s mother. Doña Teresa, an ancient woman with the eyes of an owl, smiled politely and shook her head. “Oh, no my dear, they were mostly cheering for him,” she said with a rasping voice. “I know, but… I’m his wife now.” “True,” Doña Teresa said, “but that doesn’t make them like you as well, girl.” Doña Sancha seemed to agree. “As the wife of a popular man, you’re to be blamed for everything he’ll do wrong.” Now Doña Cristina, Jimena’s mother, broke into the conversation as she saw her daughter’s smile fade away. “Don’t you think that’s a bit harsh, ladies?” “Very harsh,” Doña Sancha nodded, “but that’s the way it is. They’ll make a sorceress out of you if he looses a battle, or a succubus. I’ve been it happen. The people are so rude.” “Rude!?” Jimena suddenly hooted to the ladies. “I don’t want to get blamed for my husband’s misfortunes!” “Well, get used to it, girl, because you’re going to get it good. Better grow a think skin soon.” Doña Teresa lectured. “Yes. You’re married now, so you can’t get back on that. Better either lock yourself away in a tower or a nunnery, or learn to play the court.” Distraught, Jimena turned to her mother, who was smiling sheepish as her face slowly turned bright red. “Mother, why didn’t you tell me anything about this? Why didn’t you warn me?” Doña Cristina took a deep breath. “Well, if I had, you never would have come to Burgos with me. And you wouldn’t have wanted to miss the chance to meet your handsome rugged Rodrigo, would you?” “No…” Doña Sancha caringly patted the sad young woman. “All we are saying is… just enjoy the parts of your marriages you can, because it’ll be a hell before you know it.” She winked at Jimena. Jimena whipped the tears from her eyes. “I… I’ll go find my loving husband, then,” she said softly.

“Poor thing, I don’t think she quite got we were just teasing her,” Doña Sancha said as they watched Jimena walk off to find Rodrigo. “I wasn’t teasing her,” Doña Teresa croaked, “I was really genuine about her having to grow a thick skin and learn to deal with insult.” “Well, I think you two got too far,” Doña Cristina said motherly. “Why don’t you comfort her, then?” Doña Teresa asked. “Because you were right. It will do her good. It’s just that… she just seems too young still, and so fragile.” “She is sixteen, though. What I worry most about is that she’ll become lonely. Her husband is the alférez(2), so he’ll spend most of his time on campaign. If she does not fit in with the court… “ Doña Sancha shrugged. Doña Teresa slowly nodded. “I do feel for the poor thing. With Rodrigo so far from home most of the time, who knows where she’ll turn to?”

---​

“So, Rodrigo… how do you like that girl from Oviedo my brother found for you?” Rodrigo dropped his cloak on the bench near the door. He rubbed his neck. “Well, sir… she’s very nice.” King Sancho rubbed over his beard slyly, as he watched his commander walk to the second seat in front the fireplace. “Sit down – Nice?” “Yes, and very attractive. Very, very, enchanting.” The king laughed. “Yes, that’s what I was talking about. She seems a bit young though. You must look forward to consummating your marriage, Rodrigo.” Rodrigo laughed as he took a sip of wine. “I already did, sir.” King Sancho looked at the alférez with big eyes, and then also laughed. “You work fast, good man.” “She came to me after the wedding reception, sir. I… well, it was good. She looks young and breakable, but… Well, I’m very thankful to your brother.” “And that’s the real issue here, right?” The king sat back, took a bit sip of wine, and began stroking his beard again. Rodrigo had learned this was the king’s sly pose. King Sancho was a strong and popular ruler, but the alférez had learned that a lot about the king was theatrics. And to be honest, Rodrigo had learned quite a lot from him. “Real issue, sir?” “Yes, why my younger brother insisted on finding a wife for my alférez, and a good wife at that. He hates my guts.” To be honest, Rodrigo had been equally surprised when he had been introduced to Jimena over a month ago, and had learned she had been sent to him by his lord’s main rival. “Do you not trust her? Is that it, sir?” If that was it, why didn’t the king say so earlier? He could have easily forbid the wedding. “No it’s more… it seems that my brother seems to actually be willing to reconcile. And while I would like nothing other than that… that’s just so unlike Alfonso.” Rodrigo nodded. “Sir, your brother has not made it any secret that he wants the crown of Castile as well as Leon ever since your father died two years ago. It could just be that he seeks the moral high ground now.” “Indeed. Still, it would be bad manners not to thank him for arranging this marriage. And I also need to know whether he is sincere or not.” Rodrigo looked into the fire, trying to put himself into his lord’s predicament. King Sancho was unmarried and childless. If he would die, the closest relative would be his Alfonso, being his oldest brother. “Sir…” Rodrigo pondered. Sancho recognized that look in his alférez’ eyes. “Go on,” he said. “Suppose you compliment your brother at finding such a good catch of a wife. And ask him to find you yourself a bride, for some concessions of course. If he is sincere, you will be promised a fertile young bride, which means he’ll get pushed from succession. If he refuses, or fails to prove fertility, you’ll have your answer.”

King Sancho II of Castile​

“Ack, what would my nobles do if they learned I took advice from my military commander along the fire?” King Sancho took another sip. Quite a lot of wine flowed already, and Rodrigo was actually getting a bit worried. “Sir, all I heard is that the king went to toast with his alférez on the man’s wedding, there’s nothing wrong with that, right?” Rodrigo winked. The king sighed. “You’re right. Still… Listen, there is another matter I would like to discuss. Concerning an old… mutual friend, shall we say.” Rodrigo immediately sat up straight and blinked as he tried to think of whom the king was talking. “Sir?” “Zaragoza.” “Oh. You want to turn on al-Muqtadir, sir?” Rodrigo asked a bit baffled. The king nodded slowly, and he stared into the fire. “You know, after Graus the emir called me a brother. But after my father died, and I received Castile, he never acknowledged his fealty to me. It has been two years.” “Two years are a lot of time, but he never denounced you.” “Nor did I receive a single coin of tribute…” King Sancho emptied his cup and sighed deeply. He carefully put the cap on the table and pushed his fingers together. “You know, Rodrigo… It’s not al-Muqtadir, I mean, I may even see that it was just a strategic alliance. But Alfonso, rumor has it that he has sent envoys to Toledo. You remember that my father also promised us the tributes from Toledo and Zaragoza when he died. Imagine how bad I would look if Alfonso receives tribute from Toledo, and al-Mauqtadir doesn’t even acknowledge my existence?” Rodrigo understood his lord’s predicament. He valued the loyalty to his lord above all else, even old friendships. If only al-Muqtadir would forgive him when they met face to face on the battlefield. “Rodrigo, I intend to march to Zaragoza when the last snow melts. If our old friend the emir refuses to accept me as his lord we might have a war on our hands. I trust you to be riding by my side.”

---​

(1) 'Lady', more of a honorary title than an actual noble title.
(2) Alférez - originates from Arabic 'al-faris', meaning cavalier or horsemen. In practice a standard bearer, a military commander, or on other words, a marshal.

 

[unmerged(104889)]

Good writing. Have you draw those pictures yourself?

 

[Cecasander]

Qorten - That's right, sorry that wasn't entirely clear.

Auray - Hehe, no my drawings generally suck. These pictures are actually taken from the El Cid campaign of AOE 2. Not terribly original, I know But thee are a disturbing little pictures on the web covering 11th century Spain, that aren't statues.

 

[Qorten]

Good writing indeed. I'll be sure to follow. I'm afraid I didn't folow your Byzanrine AAR after the first two updates or so.

 

[iain_a_wilson]

Just caught up with this.

It looks to be a good tale - I particularly like your characterisation of Rodrigo - he comes across as likeable and sensible, rather than as a cardboard cutout "marshal".

Likewise, the quality of the writing as a whole is very good, which should make for a cracking tale! The first entry in particular managed to paint a complete picture of the historical situation without falling into the trap of feeling the need to explain to the reader each and every little historical detail that may have been occuring at this particular point in time (which, while very thorough, can be very off putting to new readers).

So I suppose what I'm saying is **SUBSCRIBED**

 

[Enewald]

I hope this one lasts longer than the Potter.
Your AARs tend to be quite good, too bad you don't manage to finish them.

 

[Kazmir]

Haven't read the Potter, but will be following this. Seems interesting so far.

 

[Cecasander]

Qorten - Thanks

Iain Wilson - Welcome! I know, it's sometimes just tempting to dump a lot of information onto your readers, but it can really break the story.

Enewald - Welcome, and you are right. That pretty much seems true for my life in general

Kazmir - Thanks, and welcome

 

[Cecasander]

Still before the storm

Still before the storm​

Encampment near Soria – 25 March 1067
It was cold and somewhat windy when Rodrigo stepped out of his tent. The last rays of sunshine gave the western horizon an eerie blue glow while the first stars began to appear on in the sky above him. Big clouds rushed over the barren Spanish plain, as if they were trying to catch up with the sun. Rodrigo looked over the camp. A few hundred tents were pitched up on a large empty field near a small village, sheltered from the worst wind by a set of low cliffs. It has been almost four years since he had been on a large campaign like this, and it would be the first one where he would be the kingdom’s alférez, or military commander, together with the king himself of course. Two thousand men had been gathered here, and then he wasn’t even counting all the camp followers and baggage train tenders who camped on the other side of the village. And there were more than two hundred fifty knights here, mostly lower noblemen like himself, but some sons of higher nobles as well. If they would only follow orders from him in battle… Rodrigo took a deep breath of fresh air and pulled his cloak closer around him. He slowly strode through the camp towards the large royal tent, stopping twice at a watch fire to have a short chat with the men around them.

The guards let Rodrigo into the tent. The tent was lid by several oil lamps, some placed so closely to the tent walls it was a miracle the tent hadn’t gone up in flames yet. King Sancho sat on a small seat at a small wooden table. Rodrigo’s lieutenant Gómez Fernandez stood idly by the table, and nodded in acknowledgement when he saw his commander enter. The king stood up and Rodrigo kneeled before his feet. King Sancho smiled. “Get up, Don Rodrigo,” he said. Rodrigo did so, and took by Gómez as they looked at the parchment that was rolled out over the table. “Our scouts returned just after sunset,” the king continued while gesturing at the parchment. Rodrigo suddenly realized he was looking at a map. “They found out some information about obstacles on our course. The prime being, of course, the large castle that guards the road into the Ebro valley, here.” “Qal’at Ayyub,” Rodrigo mumbled at he remembered the large stone cliff castle he once saw besieged ten years ago. “That’s right, the Castle of Job. We know for a fact that it forms the keystone to Zaragoza, as it controls the routes in and out of the valley. Our scouts also learned that it is currently being held a castellan, who is the brother of the Emir himself. He is called Maoma(1), but then again, so is half of the Moors. Finally, they believe that Maoma might be having a garrison of twelve hundred men.” That would be more than a third the number of men of what the Emir would be able to raise in a short time. “Al-Muqtadir would be anticipating an attack from us then, highness? Do you think they might know we are coming, and could even be planning a trap?” Gómez asked. Rodrigo shook his head. “I doubt it. The Moors are always wary of Christian invasion, and the castle is the keystone of the whole of Zaragoza. They could have been invaded by his highnesses cousins in Navarra of Aragon or King Alfonso of León, and they would all have to pass Qal’at Ayyub. If anything, the reinforcement of the castle means that the Emir won’t accept any Christian overlord.” King Sancho cleared his throat and looked sternly at Rodrigo. “So this is it then. The Emir officially rejects me then.” Rodrigo nodded. “So much for the hope of ending this without bloodshed.”

“So, we will be breaking up camp at sunrise, and should arrive at Soria before sunset again. Our scouts reported the town is left undefended, they won’t put up a fight.” King Sancho stood up and slowly walked through the tent. “It’s been a while since my father held Soria, Rodrigo.” Rodrigo nodded. He remember Soria from four year ago, a fairly small town located at the first bridge over the Duero river. Soria was situated at the border between Castile and Zaragoza, and as of such, between the Spanish and Moorish lands. The town itself belonged to no one though, as neither the lords of Burgos nor Zaragoza were willing to invoke the anger of other opposite party by occupying the town. As a result, Soria had become a haven for smugglers and outlaw. Or in other words, a good place to recruit people for clandestine operations before a war. “When we secure Soria and cross the river, the castle is only a few days away. “One thing, highness. What if Qal’at Ayyub withstands our siege?” Gómez asked. King Sancho laughed, and slapped the man on his shoulder. “A fair question, my good man, and I thought about that myself. But it is.” “It is? Sir?” Gómez asked flabbergasted. Rodrigo himself frowned, wondering what the king had concocted up so quickly. “Yes. Like I said, the castle is the keystone. And therefore will probably be the site the Emir will defend to the death. Which means that once we lay siege on the castle, we force the Moors to the defensive.” Ah! Rodrigo now understood where his lord was going. But that was never going to work with two thousand men, was it? “Sir? Are you… proposing attack Zaragoza when they reinforce Qal’at Ayyub?” The king laughed. “That’s right, Rodrigo. While I shall lead the main stray of the army into saying siege onto the castle, you will be assaulting the city of Zaragoza. Bring a few hundred men and find a way in.” “That sounds like suicide, your highness!” Before the king could respond, Rodrigo laughed and shook his head. “Difficult, yes. But not suicide. Zaragoza is a very big city, and I’ve been there several times. Let’s just say there are more than a few ways to get inside.”

The meeting was done, the plans were clear. At least, as clear as possible, as far as Rodrigo was concerned. He and Gómez left the royal tent. Suddenly his sleeve was tugged. “One last thing, Rodrigo,” the king said hastily. Rodrigo motioned for his lieutenant to go on without him. “Sir?” he then asked King Sancho. “Has there been any word from Don Inigo yet?” Rodrigo slowly shook his head, as he knew what the king was implying. “No word from Biskaya yet, your highness. But for all we know, the messenger could just be held up.” “Maybe so,” the king shrugged. Inigo de Haro, lord of Biskaya, had been another of Sancho’s friends and vassals during the wars against Navarra and Aragon during his father’s reign(2). Lord Inigo had in fact been a vassal of Garcia of Navarra previously, before switching allegiance to King Ferdinand. “Rodrigo, I don’t know what to do if I loose Inigo’s allegiance too. For all I know he ran back to Navarra, grouped up with my cousin Sancho and Al-Muqtadir and is waiting for us at Qal’at Ayyub while Alfonso marches his forces to Burgos.” Rodrigo tried to suppress a smile. “Well, sir, that’s all part of the gamble, isn’t it?”

---​

Burgos – 27 March, 1067
Jimena learned to get used to the boredom at the court pretty quickly. In fact, it wasn’t unlike her life in Oviedo, where she wasn’t allowed anywhere outside without an escort, or even sit in the main hall unattended. She had befriended her husband’s ancient grandmother Teresa, who was usually at the woman’s court, watching the younger women go about their business. “Who is that pretty young thing?” Jimena pointed at a young woman with a white headscarf who was apparently in the process of writing something at a nearby desk. “Hah, she’s not much younger than you. I believe her name is Adina. She’s the wife of one of the new Jewish bookkeepers that work at the treasury.” “Jewish? Wow, really?” Jimena had never seen a Jewish woman before. She looked a lot like the Moorish women Rodrigo had told her about. “Yes, I believe they’re freshly married. She arrived from Valencia only a few months ago. Probably doesn’t know any Spanish yet, though.” Jimena grunted, and looked fascinated at the young woman. She apparently realized she was being watched and talked about, because she looked in their direction with a stern look on her face before turning her back on them. “Do you think I should talk to her?” Doña Teresa laughed, although it her cracked old voice made it sound more like coughing. “You speak Moorish? Or Jewish?” “No” “I’m sure she’ll get along fine with all the other Jewish woman in court. Just forget about her.” Jimena wasn’t aware of any other Jewish women at the court of Burgos, but Doña Teresa was probably right. Which didn’t prevent her from peeking at the young woman from time to time

---​

(1) A Spanish-Moorish hybrid version of the common given name Mohammed.
(2) In the OTL, the lordship of Biskaya (Biscay) belonged to Navarra until the 13th century or so. In the game it's part of Castile though, the reason of which being explained here.

 

[unmerged(104889)]

Good update. What means Campeador? Conqueror?

 

[Enewald]

Peeking at young women?
I'd do that as a male, but is Jimena not a female?

 

[iain_a_wilson]

I liked the opening paragraph - explaining Rodrigo's nerves and his worry about the men's loyalty to him makes him seem a lot more human than just painting him as the ultimate badass would!

 

[Kazmir]

Hmm... I wonder whether their plan will work.