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"Ah, Venice." - Dr. Henry Jones, jr.
Nice post introducing the reader to the city.
Nice post introducing the reader to the city.
sytass, stnylan, thanks
sytass, benedict? perhaps But that's not the one I was thinking of, you'll see in a few days
V
sytass, benedict? perhaps
But that's not the one I was thinking of, you'll see in a few days V
Venice
Dimitrios felt very out of place in the Doge’s city. It could, of course, be a result of his general distrust of the Venetian moneylenders. Too long they had kept his city in a stranglehold.
And who could forget their betrayal in 1204?
His clothes easily revealed who and what he was. An Orthodox bishop in a hostile land. The canals of Venice smelled of sewage, yet the city was rich. That was beyond doubt.
The Greek mission was not an easy one. Dimitrios felt uncertain as to whether the Venetians were worth negotiating with or not. What he was certain of, however, was that if they were, he would be there to reap the rewards.
The Varangian Guard leader Svend was hardly a man to Dimitrios’ liking – he was simply too honest, too concerned with doing the right thing. To Dimitrios, there was a strict divide between personal interest and the interests of the Empire, yet he served both with almost equal zeal. The interests of the Empire were obvious – stopping the Turk and keeping the Faith untainted by the schismatics in Rome. His own interests were less clear to him, yet he felt certain that they involved Arn and Stefanos not succeeding at his expense. It was his mission. Not theirs. He would have to be on the alert. Yet, young Arn could be a useful way of getting access to Svend…
His thoughts were suddenly interrupted
One of the priests approached him, as he was still taking in the impression of the city that was Venice.
“Your holiness, perhaps we should meet with the officials of the Papal church?”
“Yes, yes… you are correct, my son. We should. But not just yet. First, we shall find room, and get some rest”
Dimitrios’ beard tickled him. Could it be lice? Could he, a man not far below the Holy Patriarch of the Most Holy City of Constantinople, have caught lice on that wretched trip on the sea? He was most uncomfortable. It could of course also be the Venetians. These Barbarians were well known to be filthy. Their quarters in Constantinople were breeding grounds for pestilence and rats.
The Doge’s lackeys arrived. Dimitrios recognised the rat-like Silvio Petrini from past expeditions between the Empire and Venice. How some people never change, he mused, as Petrini was getting friendly with the rest of the company.
After a while they were shown their quarters.
Dimitrios spent some time in prayer, thanking God for a safe journey. Although the words were all correct, his thoughts were elsewhere.
What happened in Constantinople now?
And what would happen here in Venice? This smelly cess-pit of moneylenders and merchants.
Dimitrios felt very out of place in the Doge’s city. It could, of course, be a result of his general distrust of the Venetian moneylenders. Too long they had kept his city in a stranglehold.
And who could forget their betrayal in 1204?
His clothes easily revealed who and what he was. An Orthodox bishop in a hostile land. The canals of Venice smelled of sewage, yet the city was rich. That was beyond doubt.
The Greek mission was not an easy one. Dimitrios felt uncertain as to whether the Venetians were worth negotiating with or not. What he was certain of, however, was that if they were, he would be there to reap the rewards.
The Varangian Guard leader Svend was hardly a man to Dimitrios’ liking – he was simply too honest, too concerned with doing the right thing. To Dimitrios, there was a strict divide between personal interest and the interests of the Empire, yet he served both with almost equal zeal. The interests of the Empire were obvious – stopping the Turk and keeping the Faith untainted by the schismatics in Rome. His own interests were less clear to him, yet he felt certain that they involved Arn and Stefanos not succeeding at his expense. It was his mission. Not theirs. He would have to be on the alert. Yet, young Arn could be a useful way of getting access to Svend…
His thoughts were suddenly interrupted
One of the priests approached him, as he was still taking in the impression of the city that was Venice.
“Your holiness, perhaps we should meet with the officials of the Papal church?”
“Yes, yes… you are correct, my son. We should. But not just yet. First, we shall find room, and get some rest”
Dimitrios’ beard tickled him. Could it be lice? Could he, a man not far below the Holy Patriarch of the Most Holy City of Constantinople, have caught lice on that wretched trip on the sea? He was most uncomfortable. It could of course also be the Venetians. These Barbarians were well known to be filthy. Their quarters in Constantinople were breeding grounds for pestilence and rats.
The Doge’s lackeys arrived. Dimitrios recognised the rat-like Silvio Petrini from past expeditions between the Empire and Venice. How some people never change, he mused, as Petrini was getting friendly with the rest of the company.
After a while they were shown their quarters.
Dimitrios spent some time in prayer, thanking God for a safe journey. Although the words were all correct, his thoughts were elsewhere.
What happened in Constantinople now?
And what would happen here in Venice? This smelly cess-pit of moneylenders and merchants.
Right... Meet "The Bishop", opponent of oppression and defender of clerical cleanliness.
Hehe. This should be good!
Look forward to see whether Dimitrios will tun into a Righteous BastAARd. (hmm.. seeing his disdain for Venice he probably already is )
Good stuff guys!
Look forward to see whether Dimitrios will tun into a Righteous BastAARd. (hmm.. seeing his disdain for Venice he probably already is
)Good stuff guys!
Great work Norg
You've hit just the right tone
And now I'll have something live up to and too keep the story from going stale
*Feel the pressure*
V
You've hit just the right tone
And now I'll have something live up to and too keep the story from going stale
*Feel the pressure*
V
I think someone, somewhere said that pressure was good for people
So we now have a collaborative. Allow me to be exceedingly British and insert a TALLY-HO!
No pressure, mate. Take your time. After all, it's the very slow AAR.
That could mean that we are slow? You know, as in "not the brightest"???
That could mean that we are slow? You know, as in "not the brightest"???
Oh no, we're not that kind of slow, we're just being scandinavian, taking our time, don't rush into anything.
Besdies, this is a slow AAR, we're not even past the first year yet
V
Besdies, this is a slow AAR, we're not even past the first year yet
V
I have a strongly developed moral and ethical sense, and it tells me that this AAR does not belong on page two.
*bump*
Very slow doesn't mean lost, Valdemar.
*bump*
Very slow doesn't mean lost, Valdemar.
Director. Thanks.
Don't worry, it isn't dead, just suffering from RL and FC induced pause.
I've had trouble enough bith honoring my commitment and writing at all for the FC so this has been on the back burner, but don't worry, an installment is in the works.
V
Don't worry, it isn't dead, just suffering from RL and FC induced pause.
I've had trouble enough bith honoring my commitment and writing at all for the FC so this has been on the back burner, but don't worry, an installment is in the works.
V
Chapter Two, part II
The dinner in the evening was an anticlimax for the young couple, most of the delegates were subdued and only spoke in low voices and clipped sentences. The majority withdrew early to be alone with their thoughts, the import of their mission finally dawning on them and the responsibility weighing in.
Only Benedict and Stefanos stayed with the newlyweds in the adjoining suites in the small palace after dinner, making small talk. Both the older men was too experienced with this sort of work to let their anxieties show and they therefore took upon them to explain and educate the young couple to the work of a diplomatic mission.
“When do we meet the Doge?” Arn knew he was silly, the moment he uttered the words, nobody met with the Emperor, why should they be allowed to meet the Doge?
Stefanos smiled, “you are not likely to meet the Doge at all, save perhaps at a distance at some sort of formal party. I on the other hand may get a chance and I would take that as a great sign that we have accomplished something. But we are weeks from that, for now, we simply wait.”
“Wait?” Sif was in a way more versed in negotiations than Arn, but he had closer relationships with the life at court, Benedict leaned back in his chair, observed and let Stefanos answer. The young couple could be a great team in time
“Yes, we’ll wait, that’s part of the game, we will meet minor officials and kick our heels in the anterooms of the offices of the Doge for the next, what do you think Benedict? Two weeks?”
“Yes, something like that, nothing pressing is going on and neither we nor they are beset by enemies, so no advantage is to be had, so they’ll keep us waiting just to show that we’re in their city on their terms.”
“That’s childish”
“Indeed it is young lady, indeed it is, but it will give us time to gather information.”
“That’s your job, but what about the rest of us.”
“Young man, that is indeed my job, but please don’t announce it to the world.” the spy master raised an inquisitive eyebrow at Stefanos who nodded. “The rest of the delegation has their part to play too.”
Stefanos picked up the explanation, “it will give us time to find out where Venice really stands, not just the official opinion, the council of ten is comprised of factions, each with their own agenda.”
Benedict continued, “at the same time the other members of the delegation will seek out contacts relating to their responsibility, the soldiers will find the army and navy and so on.”
The couple nodded almost in unison and Stefanos smiled. “You two will have little to do at first, or perhaps at all in a official capacity.”
They nodded again, though Benedict could see they were a little disappointed.
“Look at it this way. It is Stefanos’ job to sit at the table day in and day out and the rest of the delegation have to iron out specific wrinkles within their area, probably in session with their Italian counterparts. You two on the other hand are free to roam the city, provided you don’t go alone, you can contact anybody you need and nobody from the Italian intelligence service will be any wiser, at least in the beginning.”
“They’ll assume you are pampered and only here to cater the whim of a Council member. You can be our silent ears and eyes, picking up what is really going on in the city.” Stefanos looked at Benedict to ensure he didn’t shatter the picture, none of the two men held any illusions that the young couple wouldn’t be watched, albeit casually, from the moment Sif contacted the first of her fathers acquaintances.
The discussion moved to other areas and Benedict promised to act as guide in the morning, showing them around the city. Soon however Stefanos bid them goodnight and Benedict accompanied the couple across the Piazza to the ambassador’s residence, once he was sure they were safely inside he crossed the garden to his own suite.
*****
Arn and Sif were up early the following morning, their excitement not curbed the least by last night’s warnings; anxious to see where the new day would take them and ready to attack the day with gusto.
As they ventured down to the dinning room for an early meal they were met by Benedict coming from the garden, he had already dined, but promised them an early start once they were ready, in the meanwhile he would be with the ambassador.
Arn and Sif quickly finished their meal and went looking for Benedict. Predictably they found him in the study of the ambassador and since the door was open they approached the room and the two people they could hear talking inside. As they got nearer they noticed they wasn’t so much talking as arguing.
“I don’t like it benedict, I hope you know what you’re doing.”
“Relax, old friend, I’ve been doing this for a long time and in worse places.”
“But so much is at stake and the delegation is in the city with you...”
“I know, but this is a golden opportunity....”
Arn and Sif looked at each other, then Arn quickly knocked on the door. The conversation on the other side quickly stopped and Benedict emerged,
“Ah, I didn’t expect you two so quickly, why don’t you go into the garden and I’ll be right there.”
The young pair just nodded and turned in confusion toward the garden.
Benedict joined them a few moments later and without an explanation they set out to see at least a part of Venice.
The dinner in the evening was an anticlimax for the young couple, most of the delegates were subdued and only spoke in low voices and clipped sentences. The majority withdrew early to be alone with their thoughts, the import of their mission finally dawning on them and the responsibility weighing in.
Only Benedict and Stefanos stayed with the newlyweds in the adjoining suites in the small palace after dinner, making small talk. Both the older men was too experienced with this sort of work to let their anxieties show and they therefore took upon them to explain and educate the young couple to the work of a diplomatic mission.
“When do we meet the Doge?” Arn knew he was silly, the moment he uttered the words, nobody met with the Emperor, why should they be allowed to meet the Doge?
Stefanos smiled, “you are not likely to meet the Doge at all, save perhaps at a distance at some sort of formal party. I on the other hand may get a chance and I would take that as a great sign that we have accomplished something. But we are weeks from that, for now, we simply wait.”
“Wait?” Sif was in a way more versed in negotiations than Arn, but he had closer relationships with the life at court, Benedict leaned back in his chair, observed and let Stefanos answer. The young couple could be a great team in time
“Yes, we’ll wait, that’s part of the game, we will meet minor officials and kick our heels in the anterooms of the offices of the Doge for the next, what do you think Benedict? Two weeks?”
“Yes, something like that, nothing pressing is going on and neither we nor they are beset by enemies, so no advantage is to be had, so they’ll keep us waiting just to show that we’re in their city on their terms.”
“That’s childish”
“Indeed it is young lady, indeed it is, but it will give us time to gather information.”
“That’s your job, but what about the rest of us.”
“Young man, that is indeed my job, but please don’t announce it to the world.” the spy master raised an inquisitive eyebrow at Stefanos who nodded. “The rest of the delegation has their part to play too.”
Stefanos picked up the explanation, “it will give us time to find out where Venice really stands, not just the official opinion, the council of ten is comprised of factions, each with their own agenda.”
Benedict continued, “at the same time the other members of the delegation will seek out contacts relating to their responsibility, the soldiers will find the army and navy and so on.”
The couple nodded almost in unison and Stefanos smiled. “You two will have little to do at first, or perhaps at all in a official capacity.”
They nodded again, though Benedict could see they were a little disappointed.
“Look at it this way. It is Stefanos’ job to sit at the table day in and day out and the rest of the delegation have to iron out specific wrinkles within their area, probably in session with their Italian counterparts. You two on the other hand are free to roam the city, provided you don’t go alone, you can contact anybody you need and nobody from the Italian intelligence service will be any wiser, at least in the beginning.”
“They’ll assume you are pampered and only here to cater the whim of a Council member. You can be our silent ears and eyes, picking up what is really going on in the city.” Stefanos looked at Benedict to ensure he didn’t shatter the picture, none of the two men held any illusions that the young couple wouldn’t be watched, albeit casually, from the moment Sif contacted the first of her fathers acquaintances.
The discussion moved to other areas and Benedict promised to act as guide in the morning, showing them around the city. Soon however Stefanos bid them goodnight and Benedict accompanied the couple across the Piazza to the ambassador’s residence, once he was sure they were safely inside he crossed the garden to his own suite.
*****
Arn and Sif were up early the following morning, their excitement not curbed the least by last night’s warnings; anxious to see where the new day would take them and ready to attack the day with gusto.
As they ventured down to the dinning room for an early meal they were met by Benedict coming from the garden, he had already dined, but promised them an early start once they were ready, in the meanwhile he would be with the ambassador.
Arn and Sif quickly finished their meal and went looking for Benedict. Predictably they found him in the study of the ambassador and since the door was open they approached the room and the two people they could hear talking inside. As they got nearer they noticed they wasn’t so much talking as arguing.
“I don’t like it benedict, I hope you know what you’re doing.”
“Relax, old friend, I’ve been doing this for a long time and in worse places.”
“But so much is at stake and the delegation is in the city with you...”
“I know, but this is a golden opportunity....”
Arn and Sif looked at each other, then Arn quickly knocked on the door. The conversation on the other side quickly stopped and Benedict emerged,
“Ah, I didn’t expect you two so quickly, why don’t you go into the garden and I’ll be right there.”
The young pair just nodded and turned in confusion toward the garden.
Benedict joined them a few moments later and without an explanation they set out to see at least a part of Venice.
Hmm, I hope they don't end up regretting they heard that little snippet. Great post V.
INdeed, I hope they don't become too nosy about what goes on with Benedict, and what his intentions are.
Chapter Two, Part III
They decided to go to Piazza del Marco first and see the famous church and Palace of the Doge. The walk to the Piazza was fantastic, the substitution of every second street with small canals, made for an interesting journey. They had already gotten used to the humidity and smell of decay that originated from the putrid waters. Only near the Grand Canal and the outer districts could the tide in some measure clear the water of human waste.
The buildings were decidedly Italian in style and coming from on of the most beautiful and ancient cities in the world, they appeared new to the visitors. What struck them the most was the wealth that the city displayed. Very few houses appeared to be poor, but benedict explained that many of the city’s artisans and other workforces didn’t live this close to the central power, but on the outer islands and districts.
They crossed another small bridge, rounded a corner and suddenly they were on the Piazza looking across to the basilica and Palace with the Campanile closer to the right. The site was awe inspiring, not so much the buildings themselves, after all the church it self wasn’t that large, but more the feat to build such buildings on mud. The sun broke through the thin clouds of morning mist and revealed the golden mosaics on the front.
The trio crossed the Piazza and entered the church to see more of the fabled mosaics, depicting the saint’s life. As the walked down the main nave they were distracted from the pictures by a group of priests and monks in obvious state of agitation. As they neared they could see the gathering was centered on somebody praying at a small chapel in the side. Benedict smiled,
“Look carefully at who it is that is praying, it is a very subtle act that is being performed.”
The young couple looked closer expecting to see some obscure Catholic ritual only to see, when the group parted for a moment that it was Dimitrios and one of his aides that was praying silently in the small chapel.
“What is he doing?” Sif was more curios than offended.
“Praying,” came the laconic answer from Benedict, but she could see the mirth in his eyes and knew there was more to it.
“But this is a catholic church, no wonder the priests and monks are angry.” Arn’s voice was on the verge of being indignant.
“Yes, but you see, there is something special about that chapel and that is what is stopping the Catholics from interfering.”
“But isn’t it sacrilegious for a Greek priest to pray in this church?” Sif was uncertain to where Benedict was going with this.
“Normally yes, but take a close look at the alter in the chapel, and the relics. Dimitrios is playing a very fine political game here, despite his apparently simple actions.”
Both them stepped closer and tiptoed in their attempt to see over the heads of the group.
“I see nothing special.” Sif sat down at a pew and looked quizzically at Benedict, “They look like all the relics at home.”
“That’s it,” she looked at her husband in surprise. “That’s it Sif, they look exactly like the ones at home, they look like Greek relics.”
Benedict nodded, “and that is what they are, or where, the Venetians liberated the relics during the attack on Constantinople under the fourth crusade.”
“So Dimitrios is in a sense praying at Greek relics, even though they are in this Catholic Church?” Sif wasn’t sure of the consequences.
“Yes, and that’s what infuriates the catholic priests. In theory they are no longer Greek relics, the originally were blessed again, so to speak, when they dedicated this chapel.”
“But they know the relics were Greek from the start and that they were stolen and they know Dimitrios know.” Arn could see where this was going.
“Precisely and they cannot kick him out easily...”
“Because he is here with the delegation and is a bishop on the Patriarch’s staff.” Sif finished the sentence.
Benedict smiled, “Exactly, he is sending a very strong signal to the powers in this city, reminding them of their past deeds, you two are going to do just fine.”
While they had had their hushed discussion Dimitrios had finished his prayers and ignoring the collection of priests around him, he slowly got up and walked out of the church. As he passed the trio he nodded graciously and incredibly enough winked at Benedict.
Benedict continued his tour round the church, pointing out other pieces borrowed from their home city, but soon afterwards they reemerged unto the Piazza into what was now a beautiful sunny day. The sun indicated that is was about time to find a quite place to eat and the small group found a quite tavern near the palace where they obviously knew Benedict.
They decided to go to Piazza del Marco first and see the famous church and Palace of the Doge. The walk to the Piazza was fantastic, the substitution of every second street with small canals, made for an interesting journey. They had already gotten used to the humidity and smell of decay that originated from the putrid waters. Only near the Grand Canal and the outer districts could the tide in some measure clear the water of human waste.
The buildings were decidedly Italian in style and coming from on of the most beautiful and ancient cities in the world, they appeared new to the visitors. What struck them the most was the wealth that the city displayed. Very few houses appeared to be poor, but benedict explained that many of the city’s artisans and other workforces didn’t live this close to the central power, but on the outer islands and districts.
They crossed another small bridge, rounded a corner and suddenly they were on the Piazza looking across to the basilica and Palace with the Campanile closer to the right. The site was awe inspiring, not so much the buildings themselves, after all the church it self wasn’t that large, but more the feat to build such buildings on mud. The sun broke through the thin clouds of morning mist and revealed the golden mosaics on the front.
The trio crossed the Piazza and entered the church to see more of the fabled mosaics, depicting the saint’s life. As the walked down the main nave they were distracted from the pictures by a group of priests and monks in obvious state of agitation. As they neared they could see the gathering was centered on somebody praying at a small chapel in the side. Benedict smiled,
“Look carefully at who it is that is praying, it is a very subtle act that is being performed.”
The young couple looked closer expecting to see some obscure Catholic ritual only to see, when the group parted for a moment that it was Dimitrios and one of his aides that was praying silently in the small chapel.
“What is he doing?” Sif was more curios than offended.
“Praying,” came the laconic answer from Benedict, but she could see the mirth in his eyes and knew there was more to it.
“But this is a catholic church, no wonder the priests and monks are angry.” Arn’s voice was on the verge of being indignant.
“Yes, but you see, there is something special about that chapel and that is what is stopping the Catholics from interfering.”
“But isn’t it sacrilegious for a Greek priest to pray in this church?” Sif was uncertain to where Benedict was going with this.
“Normally yes, but take a close look at the alter in the chapel, and the relics. Dimitrios is playing a very fine political game here, despite his apparently simple actions.”
Both them stepped closer and tiptoed in their attempt to see over the heads of the group.
“I see nothing special.” Sif sat down at a pew and looked quizzically at Benedict, “They look like all the relics at home.”
“That’s it,” she looked at her husband in surprise. “That’s it Sif, they look exactly like the ones at home, they look like Greek relics.”
Benedict nodded, “and that is what they are, or where, the Venetians liberated the relics during the attack on Constantinople under the fourth crusade.”
“So Dimitrios is in a sense praying at Greek relics, even though they are in this Catholic Church?” Sif wasn’t sure of the consequences.
“Yes, and that’s what infuriates the catholic priests. In theory they are no longer Greek relics, the originally were blessed again, so to speak, when they dedicated this chapel.”
“But they know the relics were Greek from the start and that they were stolen and they know Dimitrios know.” Arn could see where this was going.
“Precisely and they cannot kick him out easily...”
“Because he is here with the delegation and is a bishop on the Patriarch’s staff.” Sif finished the sentence.
Benedict smiled, “Exactly, he is sending a very strong signal to the powers in this city, reminding them of their past deeds, you two are going to do just fine.”
While they had had their hushed discussion Dimitrios had finished his prayers and ignoring the collection of priests around him, he slowly got up and walked out of the church. As he passed the trio he nodded graciously and incredibly enough winked at Benedict.
Benedict continued his tour round the church, pointing out other pieces borrowed from their home city, but soon afterwards they reemerged unto the Piazza into what was now a beautiful sunny day. The sun indicated that is was about time to find a quite place to eat and the small group found a quite tavern near the palace where they obviously knew Benedict.
stnylan, sytass, well you shouldn't listen at the door
I've decided to break up the installments in smaller parts to keep the story alive without all thse interruptions. It should therefore be possible with a new piece every second or third day or so.
V
I've decided to break up the installments in smaller parts to keep the story alive without all thse interruptions. It should therefore be possible with a new piece every second or third day or so.
V
Very nice description of the city of Venice. You didn't get bogged down in detail but still brought it to life. Dimitrios is one sly dog isn't he?
Joe
Joe
Storey, we'll se what Norgs can do with this
And thanks for the comments I had to dig deep, it is some ten years since my last visit and I suddenly got in duobt about the age of the city buildings (not the city itself) so I had to cut down on detail
V
And thanks for the comments I had to dig deep, it is some ten years since my last visit and I suddenly got in duobt about the age of the city buildings (not the city itself) so I had to cut down on detail
V
Indeed a nice trip to Venice. I particularly like the subtlety of the Dimitrios praying "insult". Nice story. Is there any grain of truth in it? Because it sounds a lot like something that could have happened.