On Sunday, we return to normal with the possibility of two chapters per day.
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Anno Domini 829, January-17-February 12
The possibility of a rebellion against the Abbasids in Egypt was a breath of fresh air to me, since I clearly could not leave many of my forces in the region with the Bulgarian campaign ahead. I left only five hundred of my men behind, mainly as officers and commanders, along with a solid group of administrators in the inhabited cities, overseeing everything for the time being.
At least I departed with some peace of mind, knowing that there would likely be no invasion that year. The sarakenoi would probably be fighting among themselves. The walls were under construction, and I was using my considerable fortune to spend on building materials and labor, practically paying every able-bodied man, whether digging long trenches for the new walls or helping to plant and restore the fields in the region.
That was all I could do, aside from trying to equip them as best I could without diverting the production of armor destined for the tagmata of the thema of Jerusalem.
Most of the equipment was basic: padded gambesons, helmets, and spears. They trained for much of the day and were divided among the fortresses to ensure security while the walls were being improved.
Once everything was organized, with ample funds assigned to construction, clear instructions issued, and purchase orders prepared to secure materials, we began the journey back to Crete.
Unfortunately, I was expected in the capital, so I could not remain long. I barely had time to exchange a few words with my family. Fortunately, they adored María. As I learned, she had not conceived from our first encounter, so we still had no heir in case I fell in campaign. Moreover, she was in her monthly cycle, so that matter could not be resolved at that time.
I conducted only a brief review of the records, as Lysandros had carried out a census on the island to maintain better control over population numbers and collect rents more efficiently, knowing who each person was, where they worked, and where they lived.
The results in Crete were encouraging in terms of demographic recovery. The Greek population had reached roughly one hundred and twenty thousand, an increase of thirty thousand thanks to the policies I had implemented to attract settlers and orphans from other cities.
The Varangians had grown from fifteen thousand to about forty-five thousand, making them the fastest-growing group during that period. Moreover, an even larger migratory wave was expected the following year, with entire clans relocating rather than merely undertaking temporary raiding expeditions, so we might face difficulties with their numbers in the coming year.
At least we had the news that a considerable number of Varangians had begun converting to Christianity, particularly those who were not engaged in military duties and worked as farmers on the island. They did not participate in raids and had begun attending church and receiving baptism. The Byzantine Church had recently started sending priests to the island, although disputes over religious authority remained unresolved.
Finally, the Arameans and Syriacs who had fled Syria fearing that the region might again fall into the hands of the sarakenoi numbered around twenty thousand migrants. With them, we had surpassed the two-hundred-thousand mark and nearly doubled the population in a short time, moving toward recovery from the demographic collapse that followed the earlier Saracen conquest.
The new city was beginning to take shape. Several hundred Varangian families lived there, while Leó was already teaching classes in the foundations of his vast university-library, which also functioned as an administrative and governing center. The Varangians and Syriacs residing there appeared to be employed as construction crews.
Before departing, I gathered all the armor produced by my forges: one thousand complete sets of heavy armor, a significant number for the months that had passed. I then ordered production to shift from quality to quantity, focusing on large volumes of brigandines to equip the bulk of my troops.
Finally, I visited the shipyard and saw that the nao was nearing completion. After months of providing nearly unlimited funding to the master shipbuilder, real progress had been made. I had brought the Empire's finest shipwrights to assist in production and contribute their expertise. When this was finished, I would likely have the best naval builders in the region, as nearly all of them had relocated to the city after Lysandros offered generous payment, housing, and fixed salaries.
Lysandros had an uncanny ability to anticipate my intentions. He had effectively anchored several renowned shipbuilders of the Empire, paying them well to settle permanently. Without hesitation, I began designing the structure of my envisioned arsenal. Once we fully understood the construction process of the nao and had completed its plans, production would need to accelerate rapidly. My goal was to build one nao every two days, perhaps even one per day if possible. That would require establishing a proper production chain and specializing the shipyard workers.
If the nao proved successful, I could replace my fleet at remarkable speed and capitalize on the advantage of larger and faster ships, gaining a decisive edge over other merchants of the Empire.
After dispatching heralds across Europe announcing that the Holy Land was safe for pilgrimage, I arranged my forces for the Bulgarian campaign. This time, I would not march with a mere few thousand men as I had during my previous venture into Bulgaria.
No. This time we would go in earnest. We would destroy their fragile attempt at empire and ensure those nomads never troubled the Empire again.
Gathering soldiers and Varangian warriors, we formed ranks numbering thirteen thousand men: three thousand Greeks and ten thousand Varangians composed my forces while I left Crete secured.
We boarded ships bound for Constantinople. The voyage was more perilous than usual, as we nearly became trapped in a storm. We avoided disaster by docking at a nearby port and waiting several days until the winds calmed before returning to sea and finally reaching the great city.
We disembarked the equipment and moved the army outside the walls to establish camp in areas not covered by vineyards or olive groves, while I made my way into the palace.
The scholai promptly relieved me of my weapons, fulfilling their duty as guards of the basileus Rhōmaiōn.
Upon entering the chamber, I found Theophilos working alongside his new wife, who was pointing at various documents spread before him.
"Basil… at last you return. I was quite surprised not to see you at my wedding, but I suppose affairs in Jerusalem must have been important indeed for you to miss my marriage," Theophilos said, fixing his gaze on me.
"I trust you have read my letters, my basileus Rhōmaiōn. My hurried departure was more than justified. General Andronikos lost control of his men, and they plundered the region terribly," I replied as Theodora moved closer to him.
"Yes… I have already ordered an investigation into what happened and the interrogation of soldiers who took part in the campaign to gather testimonies. The moment I have absolute certainty about the events, Andronikos will either hang or be cleared, depending on what we uncover. There is no need to dwell further on the matter. Believe me, the patriarch has been the most vocal about what occurred. He is furious about the sack of Jerusalem, even against the sarakenoi. He says the rebellion should have been crushed and nothing more," Theophilos said.
"Very well. You will be pleased to know that it appears the governor of Egypt intends to rebel. He is gathering troops for a possible insurrection, as no other walī is doing the same, even considering the current rebellions within the Abbasid Empire," I reported, relaying Shimon's intelligence.
"I am aware of the rebellions, though not of this possible uprising. It would be convenient if it occurred, but we must reinforce the front. It is dangerous. The walī of Egypt may attempt to reclaim the Levant. How did you leave Jerusalem?" he asked, shuffling some documents.
"Well. Fortifications under construction, barracks being prepared, new buildings rising, ports expanding, granaries being built, and everything organized so that a permanent tagmata force remains in the region," I answered briskly.
"Yes, the ten thousand Arameans… Do you know the whispers I have heard? Some murmur that you dream of the imperial throne. These fools think you are the sort who would betray at the first opportunity," Theophilos said with a faint laugh.
"Why would I, when what I most desire is about to be fulfilled?" I replied with a smile.
"Yes, you will have your revenge upon the Bulgarians soon enough. Only now a small problem presents itself," Theophilos said.
"And what would that small problem be?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"The forces from the previous campaign must rotate back to their lands, so you will not have as large an army behind you as before. Even so, I have gathered troops from other themas, assigning men for a one-year campaign. They will rotate depending on how long it lasts. I hope it will be short. I want you to focus primarily on reclaiming the coast. Fortified cities along the sea will greatly help maintain control. The Bulgarians possess no meaningful fleet. If we dominate the sea, we can supply any siege with men and provisions," he explained with a slight smile.
"Very well. I can work with that. I have brought thirteen thousand for the campaign. Not all are fully equipped, but they are eager to fight the Bulgarians," I replied.
"Another twenty thousand will join you, from across the themas of the Empire and some tagmata units. You will march with over thirty thousand men. It is a feasible number. It may be difficult, but keep your objectives clear. We will observe how events unfold in Egypt. If there is no threat to our Levantine possessions, more reinforcements will follow. Until then, do as you did in Syria, my good general," Theophilos said.
"Thank you. I shall," I answered with a smile.
I saw Theodora lightly tap his shoulder, and Theophilos clicked his tongue.
"One more matter, Basil. As I understand it, you declined to recommend Bardas, our brother-in-law, for any thema due to his lack of experience. We share that concern. But I believe it would be beneficial for him to gain experience in this campaign, accompanying you as one of the officers of the cataphract tagmata I will send," Theophilos said, licking his lips and watching me carefully.
"You expect me to take an incompetent officer into one of the most important campaigns and place him in command of heavy cavalry? What are you thinking, Theophilos? We might as well cancel the campaign. I cannot rely on the judgment of someone who has never commanded men and entrust him with the right flank in open battle," I said angrily.
"Yes… exactly as I predicted you would react," Theophilos murmured, glancing at Theodora.
"Bardas is your brother by marriage, and he must learn somewhere. There is no better way than under your guidance. You have far more experience than he does," Theodora said firmly.
"And you intend to grant him control of one of the most decisive combat units, the cataphracts? I have fought since I was thirteen, earning my rank through blood and effort, and this pampered fool is to receive everything through sheer nepotism?" I replied, frowning.
"What position would you find acceptable for Bardas?" Theophilos asked, while Theodora regarded him with displeasure.
"Dekarchos… and even that would be generous. I would prefer him as a simple rider. Without experience, he should hold no real responsibility," I said bitterly.
I saw Theodora shake her head, clearly dissatisfied.
"Would kentarchos be acceptable? It is important that he learn," Theophilos said, rubbing the bridge of his nose.
"Better. But I expect no trouble. This campaign is important to me, and I will not hesitate to apply the full military code to him if he steps out of line," I replied, looking directly at Theodora.
"Yes… Theodora will speak with Bardas and explain everything. He was already celebrating his supposed command of the cataphract tagmata, though I warned him this might happen," Theophilos said, biting his lip.
"Well. I will make the necessary preparations. We should depart as soon as the siege machinery is ready," I said, inclining my head slightly before leaving the throne room.
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If there are spelling mistakes, please let me know.
Leave a comment; support is always appreciated.
I remind you to leave your ideas or what you would like to see.
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