1444, Byzantium Resurrects

Chapter 11 North Africa

Chapter 11 North Africa
Isaac bought a carrack that had been "retired early" from Genoa for eight thousand ducats.

This sailing ship weighing more than 800 tons is a real sea monster.

The carrack has multiple decks and a huge hull space that can accommodate ample supplies and artillery.

The ship's power is provided by four sails. The first three sails are square sails, and a triangular sail is installed at the stern for direction control.

There is a tower at the bow and stern, which are used for commanding operations and observing the enemy situation.

In addition, the carrack's sides were very tall, which could prevent most boarding tactics.

The battleship had been in service in the Genoese navy for three years.

Now, under the operation of Nicolo, this huge ship is named Palaiolo.

However, Isaac seemed to have been cheated again by greedy Latin merchants.

Today, the carrack is just an empty shell.

No guns, no sails, no crew.

Isaac needed to arrange everything himself.

It will cost a lot of money and you will have to wait for a while.

Taking this opportunity, Isaac divided his fleet into two parts.

The carrack was named Duke of Morea by Isaac and served as the flagship of Isaac's private fleet, commanded by Captain Fidel.

The private fleet also includes:
The galley St. Nicholas, the former first mate Henry took over as captain;

The Sparta galley, with Fenton, the former first mate of the Manuel, as captain;
There were also two armed cogs and three transport supply ships.

The rest of the warships belonged to the Monferrato Trading Company.

The fleet was captained by Norwich and consisted of four galleys and 12 transport ships.

The modified Manuel served as flagship.

The captains of the other ships were recommended by the northern Italian nobles, and Isaac did not interfere.

The Monferrato Trading Company rented a port near Genoa for fleet repairs.

Isaac's private fleet has permanent stationing rights in Hong Kong.

After dividing their respective responsibilities, the two fleets parted ways.

Trade fleets began to move south to Rome, conducting the first cross-Mediterranean trade.

Isaac's private fleet temporarily stayed in Genoa, waiting for the Duke of Morea, which was being assembled in Ajaccio.

Before weighing anchor, Isaac specially met with Norwich, who had just been promoted.

The honest Bulgarian captain was now filled with gratitude to Isaac.

He was freed from prison and rose through the ranks to become his current fleet commander.

"You must be careful when traveling from Rome to North Africa. If you encounter a pagan ship, try not to get into conflict with it."

Isaac warned carefully.

Due to financial problems, the Monferrato Trading Company's current fleet is still small, with only four combat-capable galleys.

"When the financial situation improves, I will buy more ships. Then you can go back to your old job and punish the pagans for the glory of God."

Novich nodded and saluted.

Isaac called out to him.

"By the way, I have one more thing for you to do."

Isaac looked into Norwich's brown eyes,

"Your Highness, you said that you promoted me, and I will definitely complete your request!"

"Genoa has signed trade agreements with many tribes in North Africa, and can stop at their ports for supplies."

"This time, in addition to visiting big cities like Tunisia, you also went to the Libyan coast."

Isaac considered it.

"Send a few smart and capable sailors who can speak Arabic to go inland from the coast, map the area, observe the local customs, and most importantly, report the common diseases in North Africa and the local tribes' coping methods."

"can you do it?"

Norwich thought about it.

"Your Highness, there are many sailors who can speak Arabic, but few can survey maps and record texts. Such people can serve as officers."

It was good that I raised questions and did not agree directly just to leave a good impression on my boss.

"How about this? I will send a few literate monks to serve as chaplains on board your fleet. You can arrange for capable sailors to learn writing from them."

Isaac pulled out a purse.

"I know they don't want to learn. Tell them that His Highness will reward sailors who learn to write Greek or Latin handsomely."

"Yes."

"Besides, your voyage this time covers half of the Mediterranean. You will definitely meet all kinds of people. You can keep an eye out for talents worth using."

Isaac waved his hand, and Norwich picked up the purse and turned to leave.

In the distance, fleets set sail one after another, their sails inflated, and the blue double-headed eagle on a white background painted on the sails dancing in the wind.

A blue double-headed eagle on a white background. This is the flag Isaac designed for the Monferrato Trading Company.

To avoid irritating the nobility of northern Italy, the direct appropriation of purple was abandoned.

In fact, there are still many things that have not been resolved for this fleet.

The conflicts between Greek and Genoese sailors, the grudges between Catholics and Orthodox Christians, the unfamiliarity between Norwich and other captains.

For all these, we can only choose to trust Norwich, which is relatively reliable.

All Isaac could do was pray to God.

There is a shortage of talent!
Once the events at sea were over, Isaac would make sure to prepare for the Royal Navigation School and the Royal Knights Academy.

In fact, there are still many academies in Constantinople, but they have become places for die-hard priests and playboys to gild themselves.

There is still a long way to go to revive Rome.

On the same day that the fleet carrying the two hopes of the Palaiologos family set sail, the Marquis of Gian, who had been ill for a long time, died suddenly.

Isaac didn't get to see him for the last time.

John Palaiologos succeeded him as John IV.

"Father passed away peacefully,"

John said with red eyes,

“I told him about our efforts to revive the family, and he was very pleased.”

"We will continue to work hard. Please accept my condolences." Although they had not met many times, Isaac still felt a little sad.

He knew that when he proposed the meeting, many nobles in Monferrato opposed it, fearing that Isaac would drag them on a chariot from which there would be no return.

Despite his illness, Jian overcame the pressure and insisted on entertaining his distant nephew from Constantinople.

Later, thanks to the support of Marquis Gian, John dared to gather the nobles and set up a trading company.

Isaac walked up to the coffin and bowed deeply.

The coffin was engraved with the Palaiologos family's language.

In the name of God, do as I please.

Don't worry, we will not let you down.

In the days that followed, Isaac helped John deal with the tedious matters after his succession to the throne, while waiting for the completion of the Grand Duke of Moriah.

Whenever Isaac had time, he would take William out to sea.

Since his father's death, William has begun to realize his responsibilities.

His older brother supported a family, and Isaac, who was younger than him, had become the owner of a trading fleet.

I haven't accomplished anything yet.

He was a little ashamed.

Isaac welcomed his cousin's change of heart and invited him to join his fleet.

During this nearly two months, Isaac received dividends from the printing factory again.

After the initial boom, Indulgences' profit share gradually decreased.

On the contrary, hardcover Renaissance books were sought after by the nobility in northern Italy, and everyone was proud to own a printed book with the purple double-headed eagle mark.

In fact, most businessmen and nobles would not even look at the books they bought, but only used them as decorations to brag to their neighbors.

This was just as Isaac had expected.

In Rome, the factory already had 60 skilled workers and 10 printing presses that continuously turned cheap paper into expensive books.

However, Ibrahim's robbery career suffered a major blow.

While Ibrahim was looting a village in northeastern Epirus, he was ambushed by the kingdom's regular army.

After leaving behind dozens of corpses, Ibrahim shook off the enemy with the mobility of his cavalry.

At present, he is at the border between Athens and Epirus, licking his wounds and making plans for the future.

Isaac glanced at the other unimportant information and asked Lothar the Younger to draft various orders.

While waiting for completion, Isaac used the money he earned to add to the investment he had promised at the time.

He then used the remaining two thousand ducats to purchase a small Genoese galley.

The battleship was named Marquis de Gian by Isaac, handed over to William for command, and equipped with an experienced first mate.

On April 1445, 4, the carrack of the Duke of Morea was assembled and the crew was recruited.

All the crew members were Orthodox Christians, mainly Yugoslavs and supplemented by Greeks.

The flagship may not be powerful, but it must not cause any trouble.

It is better to spend more time and recruit more loyal Orthodox Christians.

Other ships don't have so many restrictions.

"What a magnificent warship!"

Captain Fidel sighed.

Fidel was born into a family of Cretan fishermen and had a close relationship with the sea since childhood.

Later, he was chosen by Venice and became the captain of the St. Nicholas, where he wasted many years.

Until Isaac bought him, his fate changed.

From captain to squadron captain, and now to independently commanding such a powerful fleet.

I wonder if there will be a chance in the future to fight a spectacular naval battle with the Venetians who once oppressed him?

Fidel turned his gaze to Isaac, who was facing the sun.

The young prince was dressed in a purple robe, bathing in the golden morning sun, with the brave Genoese crossbowman beside him and the majestic sea beast in front of him.

He had just celebrated his thirteenth birthday.

Perhaps, Byzantium can really be revived in his hands?

Isaac led everyone onto the Grand Duke Moriah and announced the departure.

"set off!"

The anchor was furled with a creak and the sails were inflated.

The cannons on the deck gleamed brightly in the early summer sunshine.

"Reporting to Your Highness, the sailors and slaves of the Grand Duke Moria are all here, the sails are in working order, the food and gunpowder reserves are sufficient, and the wind direction is good. We can set sail!"

Captain Fidel reported loudly.

Isaac turned his head and saw several other ships sending out flag signals.

"Sparta is ready, everything is normal!"

"The St. Nicholas is ready and everything is OK!"

"The Marquis of Jian is ready, everything is normal!"

The remaining few transport ships also responded.

After two months of running-in, the fleets became familiar with each other and were able to initially integrate together.

Isaac walked up to the deck and looked at the sparkling sea in the distance.

A few seabirds flew overhead, making pleasant sounds.

"set sail!"

The Duke of Morea hoisted its sails and took the lead.

"Your Highness, where are we going?"