Prologue: The Founding of a Duchy
Map of the Duchy of Sardinia in Year of 1071
In the year of 1071, the political situation of Sardinia and Corsica have radically changed from what it once was five years ago. In many respects, it is hard to believe that a simple Judge that controlled southern half of the island within five year managed to establish his rule not only rest of Sardinia but on Corsica as well.
Sardinian Conflict (1067)
Upon the marriage between Torcotore and his beloved Felicita Turati at the dawn of the year 1067, he realised that he could not be able to maintain his position among all the dangerous rivals. After careful consideration, he dispatched a letter pledging his loyalty to Duke of Apulia, knowing that it will cost him deeply. And yet an act of simple pledging can lead to unexpected consequences.
As often in his youth, Torcotore proved that he is courageous by climbing the highest tower in his land. After one of these episode, he proudly proclaimed that he will be the one that control all of Sardinia.
Realising that his people actually expected him to fulfil his boast, Torcotore struggled with his feelings as the letter from Duke Robert 'Guiscard' of Apulia arrived by ship, accepting his pledge. With new found support, he declared war upon Mariano Torchitorio, the Judge of Arborea on the same day. On receiving the letter from Torcotore insulting him in all manners of way and demanding that Mariano will hand over the lands or else! Mariano and his men quickly went south from their stronghold to ensure Torcotore will pay for his insulting letter.
Torcotore sent a message quickly to his new liege-lord asking for aid to defend his small land from his enemies. As Mariano Torchitorio laid siege on Torcotore's fort, an army led by Duke Robert himself left the ports heading for the island of Sardinia.
Map of the Island of Sardinia before the Sardinian Conflict
By May, the ships of Duke Robert finally arrived and lift the sieges. As the Duke Robert was welcomed by his vassal, the Apulian force quickly chased the retreating force, obliterated it and laid siege to Arborea itself. And by autumn of the same year, the province have fallen to Apulian men. After ensuring that the Torcotore's rule over the island is secure, Duke Robert and his men departed from Sardinia, causing sighs of relief from Torcotore's court. This concludes the Sardinian Conflict.
The Census of 1067
After consolidating his lands, Torcotore declared that there will be a census covering the entire island. After a month of painfully precise recordings, it was a surprise for the new ruler that there was a small chest of treasure found. After a moment of decision, he declared to the world and sending his liege lord most of the treasure, declared himself as Duke of Sardinia in new year of 1068. The first man to unify the island since the fall of Roman Empire.
However, among all the acceptances, there was a lone voice of protest. The Count of Corsica refused to accept this as matter of course and declared war on the newly established Duchy of Sardinia.
Corsican-Sardinian War (1068-1070)
Unlike the previous conflict, this war was longer as it requires transporting men on ship to reach each other. The only blessing Sardinia did get is the fact Republic of Genoa refused to support Corsica in her war against Sardinia. Although the island of Sardinia is still recovering from their conflict a year before, they managed to find enough men to put together a force to attack the island of Corsica which departed from the island. The interesting sideshow of this war is the Sardinian fleet stumbled onto a wandering Saracen pirate fleet. Torcotore boarded their flagship with overwhelming confidence with his bodyguards and sunk it. Most of the Saracen fleets was smashed to smithereens and as they was in the hurry, they did not loot the ships as well. A fact that everyone in Torcotore's force regret.
They finally landed at Corsica by December and among the cold weather, laid siege upon the capital. Yet, news arrived from their homeland that Corsicans landed in Sardinia and laid siege upon it capital. It was truly stalemate as they attempted to finish their siege first. Luckily, Sardinian force is larger and eventually, by next May, captured the island of Corsica. Realising that he has lost, the Count of Corsica surrendered himself and his lands annexed to the greater Duchy of Sardinia. The stability of the new Duchy is now guaranteed
A Fateful Star
Despite the success of Torcotore on consolidating his new realm, Duchy of Sardinia, he was very stressed for lack of heirs with his wife. To ensure the safe passage of his realm, there must be a heir to inherit the new realm. A dynasty to rule all Sardinia and Corsica. For all their efforts, it seems Torcotore and Felicita may not have a child after all. Yet on the 25th December 1070. a great shooting star streaked over the splendid night-sky. Torcotore accepted it as good omen, a sign of hope for his marriage and realm. On the next day, Felicita happily announced that she is expecting a child.
