EMPIRE REWRITTEN

Chapter 30: Theodore's Council of Shadows

Theodore paced in his private chamber, clutching a crumpled letter from his informant with knuckles white and trembling. Constantine had won a decisive victory against the Ottomans, sending Murad's forces reeling back across the borders of Morea. But instead of relief, Theodore felt only frustration, even dread.

"He's a fool," Theodore muttered, tossing the letter onto the table cluttered with maps and parchments. "A reckless fool. Had he let the Ottomans pillage the countryside, or paid them off to leave, we would not be in this mess. But no—Constantine sees himself a hero, a savior."

A servant entered, bowing deeply. "My Lord, your council awaits."

Theodore inhaled sharply, steadying himself, then nodded. "Good. I would see them."

Theodore's most trusted advisors gathered in the dimly lit chamber, the weight of recent events evident on their faces. Alexios, Father Damianos, Father Gregorios, and Lord Demetrios awaited Theodore's words.

Taking his seat, Theodore began, "You've all heard of Constantine's victory over Turahan Bey. While some may view this as a triumph, it weakens our position and provokes the Sultan's wrath.

Lord Demetrios leaned forward. "Indeed, my Lord. His victory not only bolsters his image as a savior but also undermines our efforts against church unification. The anti-unionist cause loses momentum as people rally to his side."

Theodore's eyes narrowed. "We cannot allow his influence to spread unchecked. Father Damianos, I need you to engage with the local nobles. Ensure their loyalty remains with us. Discreetly ascertain if any harbor sympathies for Constantine's cause or, worse, if there are traitors among us."

Father Damianos nodded solemnly. "I will visit each noble under the guise of pastoral care. Their true intentions will be revealed."

Lord Demetrios spoke cautiously, "My Lord, perhaps we can avert Murad's wrath by reminding him of our fealty. We've paid tribute before—after Turahan Bey's invasion some years ago, we secured peace by staying within our castles while he ravaged the countryside."

Father Gregorios added, "A gesture of goodwill might placate Murad, showing that we do not endorse Constantine's provocations."

Theodore considered this, his jaw tight. "You're suggesting we pay off the Ottomans once more?"

Demetrios met his gaze. "It's a distasteful necessity, my Lord. Better a tribute than the annihilation of our lands."

After a tense moment, Theodore exhaled sharply. "Very well. Prepare a missive to Murad. Make it clear that Mystras stands apart from Constantine's ambitions. We will emphasize our desire for continued peace and our willingness to maintain the tributes as before."

The chamber fell into a contemplative silence after Theodore agreed to send a tribute to Murad, hoping to avert the Sultan's wrath. The flickering torchlight cast long shadows across the room, reflecting the unease that settled among the advisors.

Breaking the silence, Alexios cleared his throat. "Our reports were correct though, Constantine has indeed raised an army, and he now possesses cannons—formidable weapons that seems to significantly aided him in the battle against Turahan Bey."

A murmur rippled through the council. Father Gregorios crossed himself, while Lord Demetrios exchanged a worried glance with Father Damianos.

Theodore took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping over his council. "Let us not underestimate my brother. His victory over Turahan Bey has undoubtedly emboldened him. With his army and these new weapons, he may feel invincible."

Father Damianos leaned forward, his gaze intense. " What if Constantine decides to turn his attention toward Mystras? "

Lord Demetrios frowned. "Do you believe he would move against us directly?"