The Empire Strikes Back - Part 3

[zenphoenix]

I must have missed.
He coughs up blood.
Do you know a safe way to the palace? I overheard that downtown's filled with them. We might need to call in the army to deal with them. Also, I don't really remember how far away is the palace.
He heard voices getting nearer and nearer...

((In the other iAAR a senator was burned alive for a slight heresy, and then somebody poisoned the speaker and three more senators, resulting in a third of their Senate being arrested and put on trial for treason. Yeah, you could say that it is madness over there...))

 

[Arakhor]

Kyriakos Angelos came to amidst the rubble in one of the corridors of the Chrysotriklinos and somewhat unsteadily picked himself up. "I say," he said to himself in an offended tone, after noticing the fallen bodies of senators and Varangians alike, "this really is not chariot racing."

Picking up a sword and a firearm from the fallen guards' bodies, he began to make his way out of the palace.

 

[zenphoenix]

Doukas shoots the Ruthenian passing by the bush. The man gives a shout before falling over.
Well, that was easier than I expected, don't you think?
He takes the Ruthenian's ammunition and sword while also putting on the Ruthenian outfit.
Why don't you disguise yourself as well, Favero? That way they probably won't kill us immediately. And are you sure you couldn't find any other senators? I may have seen movement in one of the windows.

 

[Michaelangelo]

It may have been more Russians. I didn't get much of a chance to see if any other senators were alive when I was forced to flee.

Michelangelo goes back to the fountain and pulls out the body. He quickly puts on the man's clothes and casually walks away. The outfit was soaked, but he'd already been in the fountain before anyway.

How are we ever going to get to Blachernae in time? Who knows how many of these men there are and where they are? They could be roaming the streets for all we know.

 

[zenphoenix]

They are roaming the streets. They have even occupied Hagia Sofia itself and have taken the Ecumenical Patriarch himself hostage! Which means we're going to have to find some horses. I think the stables are in another part of the building?

 

[Michaelangelo]

They may have some horses stabled near the Hippodrome for chariot racing. That's our best chance of finding some. I'd love to know how these men got into Constantinople without anyone noticing. Those responsible should be drawn and quartered for the mess they've caused.

 

[zenphoenix]

There must have been traitors within the Senate and Varangian Guard helping them!
Alright, then, let's go to the Hippodrome.
They start walking.

 

[Michaelangelo]

The Hippodrome was empty when they arrived, with no guards or intruders. It apparently had not been a focus of the attack, probably because there were no races planned. There weren't even any stable boys attending to the horses when they entered the stables.

Did everyone just run away when they heard explosions? I certainly hope they weren't all in on the attacks.

Michelangelo wandered past all the horses, looking for a horse that fit his taste. If he was going to ride through the city to save the Empress, he may as well do it in style. As he approached the end of the row, the stable door opened and a man stuck his head in. His features were clearly Slavic and the fact he yelled at Michelangelo in Russian confirmed that the man was an enemy. Michelangelo dove into an empty stable as the man fired his pistol. The Russian burst into the stables to pursue, but Michelangelo grabbed a shovel and swung it at the man's face. It collided with a dull thud, softened by the manure that had been stuck to it. When the Russian didn't topple over from the first hit, Michelangelo swatted him again in the head and brought him low.

Maybe in Russia they should focus on breeding strong minds instead of strong heads.

 

[zenphoenix]

Doukas takes the Ruthenian's gun and tosses it to Favero.
Take this, and I hope you're a good shot with it.
He gets on the nearest horse.
Alright, let's go save the Empress in style!

 

[Michaelangelo]

Michelangelo catches the gun and briefly examines it before stuffing it in his robes. He's never wielded a firearm before, but he'll need it now.

I was always more partial towards the sword when practising duelling. The gun was always too dangerous for sport.

As he looks up, Michelangelo spots a white stallion of the purest breed. That is definitely the type of horse he wants. He hops up on the horse and follows Doukas out of the stables and into the city. A few Russians, or maybe even Germans, take shots at them as they rush through the gates, but the horses easily outdistance the enemy. They are free to make their way to the Empress, that is if no one is waiting for them on the way.

 

[zenphoenix]

Maybe we should have taken swords, just like the cavalry. But oh well, not everyone can be a Mongol, right?

They charge straight through downtown, and peasants and merchants scream and jump out of the way as the two senators charge through the central market.

Make way! The Empress is in danger!

Doukas remembers that the Ecumenical Patriarch is also a hostage.
Wait, we need to free the patriarch first! If they have him hostage, they have the entirety of Christianity hostage as well!

 

[Michaelangelo]

Michelangelo slows down his horse for a moment, considering whether or not to backtrack. The Empress or the Ecumenical Patriarch.

If we go back for him, we may be too late to save the Empress. But we can't let him be taken either. Damn those Russians to the fires of hell! Perhaps if we split up we may be able to save them both.

 

[zenphoenix]

I'll go after the Empress, you get the Patriarch.

 

[Michaelangelo]

Michelangelo gave a nod before turning around to race towards the Hagia Sophia. If the two of them were fast enough, they could save the two most powerful people in the Empire. He wished he could have gone to save the Empress, but Doukas seemed much more capable with a firearm than him. It would be better this way. Michelangelo only hoped that whoever was holding the Patriarch hostage could be dealt with. He wasn't exactly the most capable of fighters.

As Michelangelo rounded a street corner, an explosion blew out the windows of a shop across the street. His horse reared up and nearly threw him off. Fortunately he was well-trained with a horse and kept his grip on the reins and saddle. A man in Russian garb ran out of an alley with a grin on his face and some sort of make-shift explosive in his hand. He tossed it into the street where people were screaming in terror and it exploded in a shower of rubble. Two bodies lay on the ground, killed by the explosion. Remembering that he had a pistol, he pulled it from his robes and fired a shot. The Russian man collapsed to the ground, a bleeding hole in his chest. The people in the street all turned in his direction. The image of a senator in blood-stained Ruthenian clothes holding a pistol while riding a white stallion must have been an impressive sight. Michelangelo decided to use it to his advantage.

People of Constantinople, I beseech you. We are beset by foreign spies who wish to sow discord within this most splendid of cities. They put not only your lives, but those of the Empress and Patriarch in danger. As for the latter, he has been taken hostage by these foul men. Alone I cannot save him, but together we may. Join with me to take back the jewel of the Empire and save the Patriarch from those who would do us harm.

The street was unusually silent for a moment, but soon cheers erupted from the crowd. The people of Constantinople would follow him. They picked up whatever makeshift weapons they could find or make. One woman even offered him a sword, although he had no idea where she had come upon it. The blade felt much more comfortable in his hands than the pistol. He let a grin spread across his face as he rode off to the Hagia Sophia with a band of armed citizens.

((I fully expect a medal after this performance, or at least a portrait of Michelangelo inspiring the citizens of Constantinople. ))

 

[zenphoenix]

((I see nothing wrong with your sequence, but aren't you dressed in Ruthenian clothes at the moment?))
Doukas heard an explosion behind him, but he didn't look back, as he was getting close to Blachernae and had to watch for any Ruthenians.
Just as he reached the front gates, which were blasted wide open as if by a bomb, he heard a cheer behind him. Were the peasants also on the Ruthenians' side?
There was a shout from his right. Looking in that direction, he saw two horsemen charging straight at him, one apparently a Mongol armed with a bow and the other a Hungarian armed with a sword.
Seriously? Are we repeating the Hunnic invasions of the First Empire and the Mongol invasions during the Second Empire?
He aimed and fired twice, and both riders toppled from their mounts.
Doukas arrived at the main door leading inside.
Here goes nothing.
He slipped inside.

((If you want a medal for saving the Patriarch, then I at least want some noble titles and a bigger villa. I mean, what would you do if you saved the Pope from terrorists?))

 

[Michaelangelo]

((Oops, fixed. This conspiracy is going to cause some serious drama afterwards.))

Michelangelo reached the Hagia Sophia later than he had hoped, since he had to slow down for the citizens to keep up. He knew time was of the essence, but he couldn't save the Patriarch alone. When they reached the grand building, Michelangelo came to a halt. Guards stood outside the open doors. They didn't notice him at first, but the sound of the approaching mob drew their attention. Not delaying any longer, Michelangelo charged at them. He closed the gap rapidly on his horse as the men drew their pistols. They both fired and Michelangelo felt a burning in his shoulder. He ignored it and drew his sword. He cut across as the first guard as he passed and swept the sword overheard as he slashed the second on the other side. The two men fell back in pain as the mob approached. Not slowing down a bit, Michelangelo lowered himself in the saddle and galloped straight into the Hagia Sophia. Several men stood within the building and scattered as he dashed through them. His horse trampled at least one of them and he got in a few blows with his sword as he passed by. Before the men could retaliate in kind, the mob burst into the building and swarmed over them. He kept on through the holy site, looking for the Patriarch.

It didn't take long to find the Patriarch. He was being held hostage near the alter by several burly men. He guessed they were all Slavic until one of them started speaking some form of Scottish or Gaelic. Exactly who was involved in this conspiracy? As the men took note of his approach, he jumped off the horse. Speed would not aid him here.

Release the Patriarch immediately!

Scot: Or what?

The mob made its way into the large room and started to spread out around Michelangelo. The men holding the Patriarch hostage were noticeably nervous. Michelangelo smirked. That smirk was quickly wiped off his face as the Scot grab the Patriarch's head and held a blade to his throat. Time for some negotiations.

Before Michelangelo could utter a word, a shot rang through the air. The Scot collapsed to the ground, releasing the knife. Everyone looked around stunned. Before the enemy could react and harm the Patriarch, Michelangelo let out a battle cry and charged with his sword held high. The mob followed. The enemy stood no chance. They tried to flee, but were run down by the citizens of Constantinople. Michelangelo let them release their anger while he approached the Patriarch.

Are you hurt, your holiness?

Patriarch: I am fine, Senator Favero. God has seen it fit to spare me this day and punish these heretics. But what of the Empress? Is she safe?

Senator Doukas has gone after her. I am certain he will keep her from harm. For now, let us get you to safety before more intruders arrive.

Michelangelo went to guide the Patriarch out of the building when he lost his step and fell to his knees. He tried to rise but a dizzy spell overtook him.

Patriarch: Senator, you are hurt!

Michelangelo finally noticed the wound in his shoulder. The bullet had gone straight through and his outfit was soaked with blood. So that was what that pain was from before. He tried to regain his feet again and collapsed to the ground. The Patriarch and several citizens gathered around him to help. He slowly slipped from consciousness, content that he had at least done his duty and saved the Patriarch in time.

((That's probably it for me until next evening. That was a lot of fun. ))

 

[zenphoenix]

((Alright, see you tomorrow, then. I suppose I should also wrap this up if possible.))

Doukas advanced through the halls of the Imperial Palace. Servants and Varangians were strewn all over the floor, and the blood had stained the priceless Anatolian carpets. On the walls were portraits of former Emperors and Empresses, and Doukas felt unworthy to be looking directly at them.
A large man rounded the corner in front of him. Before he could react, Doukas drew a dagger and stabbed him, muffling his screams for help. Moving along, he arrived at what appeared to be the Empress's private quarters. They were empty, but there was a trail of blood leading out from the doors to another part of the palace...
Doukas felt sick to be looking at imperial blood being spilled so callously. But he must look and follow the trail. He slowly stepped through the deserted palace, the blood trail leading him towards one of the old pagan temples which had been refurbished as part of the palace. As he got closer and closer to the temple, he heard an ominous chanting in some language that was not quite Ruthenian.
He rounded a corner, and the temple came into full view. He was on a balcony, overseeing the horrifying rites going on below.
There were at least a dozen men gathered below in front of a Ruthenian in pagan robes. As he watched, the Ruthenian priest carried a wooden sculpture of Christ on the cross and dropped it into a bonfire. Behind him, strapped to an altar, were the Empress and her husband themselves.
High Priest: Praise be to the Black God, Chernobog, who smiles upon us as we offer Him this offering to feast upon.
Seriously? Doukas thought. First a conspiracy to drag Ruthenia and the Empire to war, and now a conspiracy of pagan cannibal Ruthenians? I must be going mad.
Empress's husband: God will have you burn in hell for eternity, heathen!
High Priest: Oh, but it is you who is mistaken. Your god has abandoned you to our clutches. Chernobog is victorious! Soon, war will break out, and He will feast upon all of the souls taken in the fighting. But first, both of you will be His first meal.
Doukas: Not if I can help it.
Everyone looks up and sees him.
High Priest: Ah, the Duke who is not actually a duke. We meet at last. I am Iosef Ignatieff, servant of Chernobog, and you really expect me to tell you my evil plan at this moment?
Doukas: No. I already know your plan.
He empties his guns into the procession below, each bullet sending a cultist to Hell for eternity.
Finally, he is out of bullets, and the High Priest is still alive. He walks downstairs, takes his dagger, and runs the pagan through.
Doukas: The name's Nikephoros Doukas. Not just "the Duke," but the bringer of Victory as well. Senatus Populesque Romanus.
With that Ignatieff departed to hell with the rest of the cultists. As Doukas set to work freeing the unconscious Empress and her conscious but badly wounded husband from the altar, he wondered if Favero had saved the Patriarch.
The Empress's husband pointed at Doukas's chest. "You're bleeding."
Doukas looked down. He had forgotten about his wounds from earlier.
He collapsed on the altar and blacked out.

((Was this too far?))

 

[Sakura_F]

Konstantinos Galatias beheads a Ruthenian with one swipe of his family sword. He mutters several swears in French.

 

[oskar-kar]

Alexios Damaskinos went to his apartment, he finally had time to rest after many conversations with Livonian Order's representatives and diplomats. He was admiring views of Riga.

It is indeed beautiful city. I'm curious if my fellow senators are having as tough day as I am.

(( I must say that this is great form of AAR interaction. I don't have time to read all of your posts, not to mention be part of story, so I had to sent my character away. I hope that at the end someone will make summary of what happened for me to catch up ))

 

[DKM]

Alexios Damaskinos went to his apartment, he finally had time to rest after many conversations with Livonian Order's representatives and diplomats. He was admiring views of Riga.

It is indeed beautiful city. I'm curious if my fellow senators are having as tough day as I am.

(( I must say that this is great form of AAR interaction. I don't have time to read all of your posts, not to mention be part of story, so I had to sent my character away. I hope that at the end someone will make summary of what happened for me to catch up ))

{{The city was attacked by Russians while they attempted to kidnap the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Empress.}}