The Known World [IC|Closed]

[Liecthenbourg]

Tyrol leaves for his quarters for the night, anxious to see if anyone arrives by tomorrow morning

[Black Marshes]

Crown Prince Charles arrives at the coast just off Venice, and requests a ferry across the waters.

One of the Sailors:"That´ll be 10 ducats"[I have no idea of how much the money was worth then.]*The Captain leaves his cabin.*
*The captain looks at the prince, trying to guess who he is*"You arent just a merchant or a small land noble are you?I think you are a ruler or delegate for the Coronation and conference right?"

"Indeed, I am Crown Prince Charles of England, and I have come to attend the Coronation and Conference," he replies, handing the sailor ten pounds. "I am not sure of the exchange rate for ducats, but this should suffice." The Prince and his contingent step aboard the ferry, and prepare to enter Venice.

[Liberated Counties]

The kings fleet reached Venice at midnight, the city was far from asleep as the port bristled with activity, as the ship reached port, a group of carriages came out to meet the king and his group leaving the flagship, a wealthy man, clear nobility, stepped out from one, he saw the king, and immediately bowed

"My dearest greetings, King Giovanni, we are honoured to have you here" the nobleman said
"Please, Just call me Giovanni, I am a guest here, not a king." Giovanni replied
"Well Ki-, Giovanni.. A cart is ready to take you and your party to the Palace" the nobleman pointed towards a carriage that laid by the entrance to the port
"Ah wonderfull" Giovanni Said, walking towards the carriage with his entourage
"Giovanni gets the carriage, the others must travel by cart" the nobleman said
"Very well, I guess.."

The king entered the carriage, it was snug, with cushioned seats and glass windows, it was drawn by four very healthy looking stallions, also, a bottle of wine had been placed in a ice bucket
"Very luxurious, You venetians spared no expense" he grinned at the nobleman, as the carriage
"We venetians are notable for being great hosts, and having extravagant parties"the nobleman smiled, Giovanni laughed.
"We shall see" Giovanni grinned again "I was a prince once, and that meant some wild parties, you will have to live up to my standards"
The nobleman laughed ad the carriage took off, down the streets of Venice. Giovanni was impressed as he passed over a bridge to a canal, it was a beautiful city.

"Palermo needs canals, they are so pretty, yet so functional" he said to the nobleman
"Indeed" the nobleman replied as the carriage stopped, the king looked outside, they where passing through some gates, and the nobleman stepped out to speak to the gaurds, who let them through, and carried on a little more until they stopped Infront of a mightily impressive palace.
"Here is your stop, Giovanni" the noble said "farewell" he said, opening the door for Giovanni
"I expect you keep your promises about Venetian parties" the king said while smiling and stepping out of his carriage, and as his bodyguards began to surround him, he said "I bade you farewell good sir"
And he began walking to the palace.

[DrakoBlaria]

To Pisa
From Byzanitum

This is a formal delceration of war.If you do not give us back our island we shall kill every single non greek there and burn Pisa to the ground

The Byzantine navy heads toward the Pisan occupied islands

[The Jonathanian States]

The kings fleet reached Venice at midnight, the city was far from asleep as the port bristled with activity, as the ship reached port, a group of carriages came out to meet the king and his group leaving the flagship, a wealthy man, clear nobility, stepped out from one, he saw the king, and immediately bowed

"My dearest greetings, King Giovanni, we are honoured to have you here" the nobleman said
"Please, Just call me Giovanni, I am a guest here, not a king." Giovanni replied
"Well Ki-, Giovanni.. A cart is ready to take you and your party to the Palace" the nobleman pointed towards a carriage that laid by the entrance to the port
"Ah wonderfull" Giovanni Said, walking towards the carriage with his entourage
"Giovanni gets the carriage, the others must travel by cart" the nobleman said
"Very well, I guess.."

The king entered the carriage, it was snug, with cushioned seats and glass windows, it was drawn by four very healthy looking stallions, also, a bottle of wine had been placed in a ice bucket
"Very luxurious, You venetians spared no expense" he grinned at the nobleman, as the carriage
"We venetians are notable for being great hosts, and having extravagant parties"the nobleman smiled, Giovanni laughed.
"We shall see" Giovanni grinned again "I was a prince once, and that meant some wild parties, you will have to live up to my standards"
The nobleman laughed ad the carriage took off, down the streets of Venice. Giovanni was impressed as he passed over a bridge to a canal, it was a beautiful city.

"Palermo needs canals, they are so pretty, yet so functional" he said to the nobleman
"Indeed" the nobleman replied as the carriage stopped, the king looked outside, they where passing through some gates, and the nobleman stepped out to speak to the gaurds, who let them through, and carried on a little more until they stopped Infront of a mightily impressive palace.
"Here is your stop, Giovanni" the noble said "farewell" he said, opening the door for Giovanni
"I expect you keep your promises about Venetian parties" the king said while smiling and stepping out of his carriage, and as his bodyguards began to surround him, he said "I bade you farewell good sir"
And he began walking to the palace.

Entrance to the Dukes Palace,Venice
Guard:"Capitano, a foreign noble seems to be coming."
Guard Captain:*takes out a scroll with all invited and all who replied, and reads it.*"I assume that is Giovanni, King of Siciliy.Tell the Grand Duke."*The GUard enters the palace and tells the Grand Duke of the arrival of the King.

Same time,Western port of Venice
"Here we are Signor Charles.May you have a nice stay in the Serrenissima."The Captain said as the small Galley anchored in Venice.

[Black Marshes]

England officially declares the country's national instrument to be the bagpipes.

[Black Marshes]

Crown Prince Charles enters the palace with a special gift for the pope, and waits for the Grand Duke to greet him.

[The Jonathanian States]

Crown Prince Charles enters the palace with a special gift for the pope, and waits for the Grand Duke to greet him.

The Grand Duke is already wainting in his office for both the Sicilian King, and the English Prince to come.
He also send word to the pope that to more delegates have arrived and that he is invited to join further talks.

A Servant comes to the English Prince:"His Majesty the Grand Duke is waiting for you in his office.Follow me, this way."The Servant then start walking towards the office.

[Liecthenbourg]

The Pope walks down to the grand hall, then sits in the seat he sat on previously

[Black Marshes]

Crown Prince Charles follows the servant through the palace, admiring its beauty, and asks "When will I be able to speak with the pope? I have a special gift for him."

[The Jonathanian States]

The Pope walks down to the grand hall, then sits in the seat he sat on previously

Crown Prince Charles enters the palace with a special gift for the pope, and waits for the Grand Duke to greet him.

The Grand Duke is already wainting in his office for both the Sicilian King, and the English Prince to come.
He also send word to the pope that to more delegates have arrived and that he is invited to join further talks.

A Servant comes to the English Prince:"His Majesty the Grand Duke is waiting for you in his office.Follow me, this way."The Servant then start walking towards the office.

Crown Prince Charles follows the servant through the palace, admiring its beauty, and asks "When will I be able to speak with the pope? I have a special gift for him."

As the Prince and the Servant walk through the Palazzo, the Servant suddenly stops in front of a door."This is the door to the great hall.The Pope and the Grand Duke should be waiting there."

[Black Marshes]

"Thank you," replies the prince. He opens the door and finds the Pope and Grand Duke sitting at the table. He walks in. "Greetings your holiness and Grand Duke Jonathano, I am Crown Prince Charles of England. It is a pleasure to meet you both," he bows. "And your holiness, my father requested that I deliver this gift to you, he said you would love it." The prince produces a parcel and hands it to the Pope. "Inside you shall find a vuvuzela, your holiness. My father said it was your favourite instrument."

[The Holy Dominion of Inesea]

May God have mercy on you,
we wont.You may block the black sea, but so doe we in the medditeranean.Consider all ships behind the Sea of Marmara as endangered.
Also we will fund Privateers from Cilicia to move north and westwards with their fleets to attack any Kievan Ship in sight.
May you have a fine time in the hell you will soon enter.

King Yuri read over the letter and laughed. It was so pompous, and revealing. And, rather stupid. The Venetians were threatening with pirates that were based out of Byzantine, which was his ally. And they acted as if they owned the whole of the Aegean. While this may be true, it would have to change. For too long had Byzantine been the sole bastion against the Catholics. She was weaker and needed help, help that Kiev would bring.

To: Emperor of Byzantine
From: King Yuri of Kiev

For too long have you and your country stood alone in face of the Catholics. We, of Kiev, are here to aid you in your task. Already, we have evicted the Venetians from Greece. Now, we need to evict them from the Aegean. Therefore, I propose lending the Island of Skyros to Kiev as a Naval and Army base. From here, we wil assist Byzantine in defending her lands and keeping the Venetians out.

[Communist republic of altorus]

I offer Byzantium peace

[The Jonathanian States]

"Thank you," replies the prince. He opens the door and finds the Pope and Grand Duke sitting at the table. He walks in. "Greetings your holiness and Grand Duke Jonathano, I am Crown Prince Charles of England. It is a pleasure to meet you both," he bows. "And your holiness, my father requested that I deliver this gift to you, he said you would love it." The prince produces a parcel and hands it to the Pope. "Inside you shall find a cucuzula, your holiness. My father said it was your favourite instrument."

"Greetings Charles.
I am honoured that you were sent here.The reason for your father to come was for the coronation, but the reason for him to send you was for the Crusade conference right?
If so, take a seat and we may start about the crusade.The Sicilian King should also arrive soon.
I also wanted to already decide the partition of loot and claims after the victory."

[Black Marshes]

"Thank you," replies the prince. He opens the door and finds the Pope and Grand Duke sitting at the table. He walks in. "Greetings your holiness and Grand Duke Jonathano, I am Crown Prince Charles of England. It is a pleasure to meet you both," he bows. "And your holiness, my father requested that I deliver this gift to you, he said you would love it." The prince produces a parcel and hands it to the Pope. "Inside you shall find a cucuzula, your holiness. My father said it was your favourite instrument."

"Greetings Charles.
I am honoured that you were sent here.The reason for your father to come was for the coronation, but the reason for him to send you was for the Crusade conference right?
If so, take a seat and we may start about the crusade.The Sicilian King should also arrive soon.
I also wanted to already decide the partition of loot and claims after the victory."

"Of course, but where are the French and Florentine kings? Are they not part of the Crusade?"

[DrakoBlaria]

To Kiev
From Byzantium

We accept your offer and are glad Orthodoxs finally help us in our just and noble war against the Catholic dogs.

To Sultan
From Emperor Theodors

We are at war?

[Liecthenbourg]

"The King of France is attending buisness in his own Kingdom Prince Charles"

[Black Marshes]

"Will the conference be starting soon or on another date? If it is to be held on another date I would like to retire to my bedchamber for the night. Travelling half way across the world is a tiring business."

[The Jonathanian States]

"Greetings Charles.
I am honoured that you were sent here.The reason for your father to come was for the coronation, but the reason for him to send you was for the Crusade conference right?
If so, take a seat and we may start about the crusade.The Sicilian King should also arrive soon.
I also wanted to already decide the partition of loot and claims after the victory."

"Of course, but where are the French and Florentine kings? Are they not part of the Crusade?"

"They didnt respond about coming.Also I have heard of the Florentines going mad and planning on sieging the Royal Jerusalemian City of Acre."

[Liberated Counties]

King Giovanni enters the chambers, and after exchanging hellos and brief small talk,
Sat himself down, he made himself comfortable, and then spoke
"So, brothers, this whole matter concerning the crusade; where do we stand In terms of preparations?"

[Liecthenbourg]

"Dear Pisa
From SHC San-Clair
It would be highly appreciated if you gave the Byzantines their islands back, it is not worth it for a division greater then the one we already have"

[The Jonathanian States]

"Of course, but where are the French and Florentine kings? Are they not part of the Crusade?"

"They didnt respond about coming.Also I have heard of the Florentines going mad and planning on sieging the Royal Jerusalemian City of Acre."

King Giovanni enters the chambers, and after exchanging hellos and brief small talk,
Sat himself down, he made himself comfortable, and then spoke
"So, brothers, this whole matter concerning the crusade; where do we stand In terms of preparations?"

"What do you mean with preparation?
If you mean as in how ready our troops are, then our troops are somewhere on the way."

[Liberated Counties]

"They didnt respond about coming.Also I have heard of the Florentines going mad and planning on sieging the Royal Jerusalemian City of Acre."

King Giovanni enters the chambers, and after exchanging hellos and brief small talk,
Sat himself down, he made himself comfortable, and then spoke
"So, brothers, this whole matter concerning the crusade; where do we stand In terms of preparations?"

"What do you mean with preparation?
If you mean as in how ready our troops are, then our troops are somewhere on the way."

"That was exactly my question, your troops are ready then, excellent, and while I transport the popes troops on his behalf and as well as my troops, that leaves england, prince, is your father and yourself ready for this crusade?"

[Valentir]

Secret Room, Saint Dennis Inn, Marseilles

Justin and Victoria sat down at the table and Louis stood at his side. They waited anxiously for their contact to enter. They began to speak when the large oak door burst open. William Black of England had entered the room. He walked over to the table, a letter in hand, and set it on the table. The King then nodded and Louis put a bag of 500 florins on the table. "So is this information not what you wanted?"
"It is, but.." as Justin skimmed over the letter. "Its missing a bit, but it will suffice, for now."
"OK then lets get to business."
"Well I need an Admiral to lead the French Army, you fit the bill, and I will compensate for a certain mission to be done as well."
"What did you have in mind?"
"I need prisoners to interrogate, I need solid information and regular updates on the movements of enemy troops, I also need you deal with a mater of that's is, should I say, on a more personal scale."
"Its just good business in my eyes, what is this personal mission?"
"Murgo, the main director of the French Merchant Guild, has gone missing while trading in Baghdad, I need you to find him and then I need some sabotage done, Because I have a plan, and Murgo, You, the Venetians, the Byzantines, Khwarezm, Pisa, Florence, and the Pope fit into it."
"So this is a personal political mission then?"
"Of a sort, can I trust you to keep this information secret and that you will perform the missions I give you to the letter?"
"For the right price."
Victoria motioned to Louis and then 4 guards carrying to chests of 1000 florins each walked in and set them down.
"That will do."
"Capital, now go and follow these letters of Marque, and when you find Murgo give him this, he will know you can be trusted with the information and object he was seeking, Now go." William ordered 6 of his men to carry the chest and he slid the letters and seal into his satchel. They left the room, and Justin, Victoria, and Louis looked at each other, Justin said, "I hope I choose the right man." They exited the room and rode back to Dijon...... 10 hours later.
The King and Queen rode into the palace grounds while Louis gathered the Guards. They dismounted and walked into the palace and headed for the war room, the High General and High Admiral were there. "What do you have to report?"
"Sire the Pope, the Grand Duke, and English Prince, and the King of Sicily are in Venice, meanwhile our land forces are 3 miles away from Acre and then the naval force will land, then they will march on Antioch. In Iberia the English are getting ready to slow a possible Muslim reinforcement army to the Ayyubids. In Kiev they are kicking out and persecuting Venetians and the same in Byzantium. In Khwarezm and Abbasid they are launching trade embargos and have declared war on all Crusaders. And in France the bandits have moved into the mountains and the mines are done, taxes have been collected for the month, a good crop all around is healthy, and the French People are happy. Then the executions of the nobles who didn't pay the tax is done, only 20 of them didn't pay it and the troops left in France number at 34,000."
"Good then have 5000 men from the crusading army come home to help defend and send for the fleet of 20 ships that was supposed to help transport other crusaders to return to Marseilles, the have the fleet of 32 ships sail around and Blockade every Heretic port, then move 4000 men to the border with Genoa to reinforce the 20,000 already there and reinforce the docks at Marseilles and build sea walls and build 4 forts along the border with Genoa as well."
"It will be done my lord." The general and admiral walked away with their staff and began giving orders. Justin and Victoria went into the bedchamber to get some "sleep" and Louis went back to getting the next court for tomorrow ready. France was doing good and the People were happy, this was part of the Grand Plan and the pieces were moving and France would play a big part in the next war to come........
OOC: the Conversation with William back is secret, no one should no about, and don't talk about it in the OOC or IC. Thanks VIVA LA FRANCE