A Medieval Story: The Italian Rivalry

Chapter IX

Viterbium was now under Roman control, it was relatively easy to take it over, and just as Irene said to Andronikos, the Lombards later attacked them. The battle ended in being a victory for East Rome and after the battle, Andronikos left a garrison on the city and then set forth on travel to Lombard territory.

Irene had shown to be smart enough to become the unofficial advisor of Andronikos, however, Adnah did not like it too much; he was reluctant to that situation. Nevertheless, it was Andronikos himself who let that be, and he was a superior, so Adnah had to accept it.

When they were camping, Andronikos was in his tent, playing a chess match with Irene. She seemed to be good enough to resist, and there was even a possibility she could win the match.

"Since when do you play chess?" Andronikos asked her.

"I play this game since I was a child. I used to play with my father and older brother." She said as she moved the Queen and made a check. "Check."

Andronikos looked at the board, then thought. He put the bishop between Irene's Queen and his King. He also began tapping the table as in to distract her. However, it did not really work.

Later on, after a couple moves, Irene made a checkmate. "Checkmate, I win."

"Huh?" He had not realized of that, it was a surprise. "That was... unexpected."

"Hah, you even tried to distract me, but said attempt was a failure."

"You won this match, but we will see next time. I assure you I will most likely win."

"You, win? That is not possible, at least not in this aspect. You may be the best military leader, but not the best at chess." She said jokingly.

"We will see. We will see..."

"All of this aside, however, what will you do next?" She asked.

"I will keep marching further towards Lombardy, towards Milan, the capital of that kingdom."

"I hope we success."

"We will, take it for sure. Our military prowess is well-known in Europe and even in the Far East."

"If you say so, Andronikos."

In addition, taking this to aside and focusing on other parts of the Empire. The victories in Germania were great for East Rome. The legions commanded by capable generals and even the Caesar himself were relentlessly advancing further and taking over city after city, fort after fort. However, we must not forget the fact that the Iberian Crowns were fiercely fighting the Imperial legions. The legions had some initial victories, but later on, these victories began to fade as the Hispanic and Aragonese armies now fought them more bravely, without fear. Nevertheless, what about the Polish Kingdom? Well, they were still fighting both East Rome and Russia, they were still resisting against the invaders.

Some time later, the three legions under Andronikos' command took over Pisa and established there for certain time as to recover from the constant fights. Furthermore, Andronikos had officially made Irene the Adiutor (adjutant) of the Legio IV Italica.

Four days passed since they took over Pisa. A certain group of riders that wore the Akhenian distinguishable armor came to the city. They were just passing by, as their businesses were on Naples.

As Andronikos and Irene walked around the marketplace, discussing the Lombard army possible next moves, they saw an Akhenian knight. They approached the knight and Andronikos asked.

"Excuse me; you are from Akhens, right?"

"I am, sir." He said as he put the apple back on the fruit stand, then looked at them. "Do you need anything, sire?"

"I am just wondering why an Akhenian would be here."

"Oh, I was sent by my liege, Friedrich, to Naples. I have to talk with a man called Andronikos Katakylas."

Irene looked at Andronikos, who said, "That is me."

The knight looked at him. "Oh, I am Apollo, by the way. I am Friedrich's retinue commander."

"Nice to meet you, Apollo." Irene said, then added, "I am Irene."

Apollo bowed to her, then said to Andronikos, "Is it possible to talk right now?"

At that, Andronikos nodded, then gestured for him to follow.

He took them to his office, in the city's fort. When they were there, Andronikos asked, "What is this matter you wish to discuss with me?"

"Well, you see, my liege Friedrich was revealed by the Writer that there will be a possible war between Akhens and Rome. His will is to avoid said conflict."

"Ah, another of those believers in the Writer..." Irene thought.

"How could that be prevented, sire?" Andronikos was unsure if trust him or not, but he just wished to see what would he say.

"The war between the Catholics and the Roman-Slavic alliance will come to an end, eventually. And the possible war between Rome and Akhens could start due to territorial irredentism. However, there may be a solution, and it is not to ask for territory or anything like that." He purposely took a pause as to generate expectation then continued, "A marriage between the Caesar's son, Hadrian, and the Tsar's daughter, Nina."

"And you come to me to say that? Why did not you go talk to the Caesar himself?"

"Ah, I have tried, but they did not let me. However, I was told that you have a certain grade of friendship with the Emperor. You could go and tell him this to him."

Andronikos looked at Irene, who shrugged. He took a moment to think then later said, "Ah, alright. I will later go talk to the Caesar and see if I convince him to approve the marriage."

"Splendid!" Apollo said.

"However, what does the Tsar think about this?" Irene asked.

Apollo then responded, "He will approve the marriage, take it for sure. He is not a fool."

After the matter was settled, Apollo went to wander the city of Pisa.