1444, Byzantium Resurrects

Chapter 272 Holy Cross Land
The city of Algiers, on the southern coast of the Mediterranean.

It was spring, the sun was shining on the world, the rain was nourishing the earth, and the farmers were busy, carrying their farm tools and going into the fields and mountains.

The winter wheat planted last year has entered a period of vigorous growth and is in urgent need of water and fertilizer. The lambs and calves born last year have passed the most dangerous larval period, but still need the careful care of their owners.

A vigorous anti-bandit war was going on, but Algiers was not affected much. This was the most suitable area for farming in the entire western frontier. The unruly tribes were driven inland. The vast majority of the people were hardworking and docile farmers. They had long been blunted by the continuous wars and taxes, and the tyrannical military force of the Eastern Empire made it difficult for them to raise their heads. They just wanted to settle down as soon as possible and exchange their own hands for food and clothing.

At present, the city of Algiers has a population of about 4,000 citizens. Although they are citizens, most of them are engaged in farming and animal husbandry. Muslims account for three-quarters of the population, and the remaining quarter are refugees from the northern coast of the Mediterranean, Latin Romans.

The North African continent suffered a series of wars, and large tracts of land became barren. There was no land conflict for the time being. Under the control of the border government, Muslims and Christians did not interfere with each other and lived in their own villages.

As the interactions deepened, Muslims began to discover that Christians were not executioners and plunderers, and would not rob their wealth by shouting "God's will". Christians began to discover that Muslims were not the devils in the legends, and would not talk about "Jihad" all day long.

We are all just lower-class people living a hard life. We are lucky to be able to live a good life. No one is stirring up hatred, and no one is stirring up war.

Of course, this is only because there is indeed a lot of vacant land, and the farmers living here are indeed poor. The land has not yet been distributed, wealth has not yet been accumulated, and food and clothing have not yet been met, so conflicts have not erupted.

However, the empire has no shortage of living space, and large tracts of land under the sun are always waiting to be seized by the brave and the frustrated.

The port in the north of the city was very busy. Ironware, books, scholars and horses collected during the anti-bandit war were loaded onto ships and shipped out to sea. The captured tribal mountain people were used as slaves to renovate the dilapidated port.

At the dock, a large ship was parked in the most conspicuous position. Sailors, slaves and staff coming and going were carrying cargoes up and down, and their eyes were filled with reverence, fear and dread when they looked at the ship.

The sails of the big ship were embroidered with the golden and red totem of the Palaiologos royal family.

On the deck of the ship, Thessalonika held a paintbrush and wrote and drew in a sketchbook, and a vivid sketch of the port gradually took shape.

Europeans mature early. At the age of 11, Thessaloniki has grown into a graceful young lady. She has inherited the good looks of both her parents. If she had not been engaged, many young noblemen would have come to her.

Thessaloniki's mother was a famous beauty in Europe, and her grandfather Constantine XI was also an outstandingly handsome man. With both her paternal and maternal lines being so outstanding, her appearance would naturally not be bad.

As for father Isaac, people rarely describe the appearance of this legendary conqueror. His fame and notoriety are so great that when people think of him, they always unconsciously think of him as tall and majestic or ferocious. Few people care about his specific appearance.

Next to Thessaloniki, seven-year-old Basil lay on the railing of the ship, quietly watching his sister paint.

"What are you looking at? Have you finished the homework Professor Basilius assigned to you?"

Salonika glanced at her brother.

"It's already been finished. Just a little essay on political science."

As Basil spoke, he took out a bag of date candies and put them into his mouth one by one.

"Oh? About what?"

Salonika asked casually.

"On Eastern European politics, mainly the Semmys in rural Poland and the Boyar Dumas in the Rus' states."

Basil spoke with great interest.

"The Semmki Council?"

Salonika thought about it and shook his head, obviously having never heard of it.

"The rural parliament system has recently emerged in Poland and Lithuania. During the Thirteen Years' War, whenever the Polish King Casimir wanted to levy taxes for war, the nobles liked to borrow from this system and convene a parliament for discussion. Otherwise, they would not agree to the king's request."

Basil said.

"The professor said that this is not a good system. Casimir was a relatively capable monarch and could keep the nobles under control, but his successor is uncertain."

"Oh, doesn't that conservative advocate limiting the emperor's power? I thought he would like this kind of thing very much."

Salonika stopped writing, stepped back and admired his masterpiece.

"He didn't advocate limiting the emperor's power. He just didn't want the emperor to treat the country as his own private property."

Basil shrugged.

"I know you all don't like him, but he's just talking. He's good at handling government affairs and cultural assimilation. He even teaches us lessons whenever he has time. He's also building the country in his own way."

"Maybe. This is something you men do. Anyway, in my book, he is an old-fashioned, stubborn old man."

Salonika put the painting away and rubbed Basil's head.

"Why, after staying in Carthage for a while, you started to manage government affairs?"

"Carthage is special and cannot do without Palaiologos. Originally, this was a matter between Justinian and Alexius, but the two of them are running around. Do you think I want to deal with such uninteresting things?"

Basil slapped his sister's hand away and said unhappily.

"I didn't do much. Basilius managed things very well, but he couldn't control those generals and manor owners. If I wasn't there, they wouldn't listen to him at all."

Salonika looked at her brother who had grown up and was suddenly a little surprised.

"Basil, you are already seven years old. Justinian had already started writing love letters to Isabella when he was seven. Do you have any noble lady you like?"

"No, I'll wait until I grow up."

Basil's face flushed and he took a step back.

"By the way, the bride of this wedding is the same age as you. When are you going to get married?"

"My father said that when I want to get married, he will hold a wedding for me. Let's wait a few years."

Salonika smiled.

"Why, are you in a hurry to get me out?"

"Who said that? Among my brothers and sisters, you are the best to me."

Basil grabbed his sister's arm.

"If you get married in the future, remember to move to Constantinople and don't stay out all the time."

"Let's talk about it later. Once the food and fresh water are loaded, we will leave here and go to Gibraltar in the west. My father is there."

Salonika changed the subject.

"A few years ago, when Anastasius was born, he promised not to go out and educate him well, but he still went around."

"It's the same with little Constantine. He's almost two years old, and he hasn't even seen his grandfather a few times."

"I think Justinian and Alexios have learned bad things from their father and don't go home all day."

"The empire is so large that they can't stay at home all the time. They need to spread the influence of the royal family everywhere."

Basil said.

"Justinian is fine, he will inherit the throne, but once Alexios goes to Georgia, he will probably rarely come home in the future."

Salonika nodded slightly with a complicated expression.

"Alexios wrote me a letter the other day, telling me about his experience in Georgia."

"He said that the Georgian nobles were not worthy of being called nobles. They just hid in stone castles all day long, allowing the Saracens to plunder the people and burn the farmland."

"He met King Bagrat of Georgia and the king's eldest daughter, a noble lady named Maria."

"Oh? Is Alexios going to marry her?"

Basil asked curiously.

"Maybe. Alexius said that Princess Maria is very gentle and considerate. She is different from other noble ladies who are busy vying for fame and fortune. She is also a descendant of the Holy Queen Tamara."

"For a marriage, it's fine as long as you don't hate each other."

Salonika said.

"Well, we've gone to the wedding in Portugal, and maybe we'll have to go to the wedding in Georgia."

Basil chuckled.

"Alexios is so handsome, and he is also a noble prince. It is impossible for Maria to dislike him."

"It's still early. You know Alexios' character. He is now busy fighting the Saracens who invaded Georgia and has fought several small battles with the Shirvans and Safavids."

Salonika patted Basil on the shoulder.

"The Georgian king is somewhat wary of us and has a very complicated attitude. On the one hand, he wants to use our strength to fight against foreign enemies, but on the other hand, he doesn't want us to interfere too much in his internal affairs."

"But he admired Alexios very much and gave him an abandoned castle on the banks of the Kura River, allowing him to recruit refugees and expand eastward."

"You call this appreciation? He probably wants Alexios to help him resist the invasion of the Saracens!"

Basil raised his eyebrows and said indignantly.

"Of course, but Alexios was very happy. He even formed a knightly order, which was active on the front line against the Saracens and provided shelter for the Orthodox merchants and civilians coming and going."

Salonika looked towards the northeastern sky with some concern.

"The men in our family are all restless. Anyway, I wish him good luck."

Basil nodded, faced northeast, and made the sign of the cross on his chest.

With supplies complete, the large ship with the royal emblem flying high set sail westward, heading for Gibraltar.

……

Asia, southern Caucasus, Georgia.

The sun has just risen, the warm sunlight melts the snow from the cold winter, and the stream flows gently into the distance.

By the stream next to the castle, a young noble was waving his sword, and every move he made was full of elegance.

He was tall and strong, his muscles supporting his thin coat, and he emitted bursts of heat in the chill of the early morning.

He has bright light eyes, long eyelashes, long golden hair, pale complexion and angular face, with a firmness in his features.

Judging from his appearance alone, he is a very standard Western European nobleman. If it weren't for the double-headed eagle emblem on the sword that exposed his identity, no one would have associated him with that ancient and noble empire.

"Your Highness, you are here."

A gentle voice sounded, and a young girl came over and looked at the young noble with a smile.

"Princess Maria, if you don't mind, you can just call me Alexios."

Alexius looked at the gentle and elegant princess, and the cold look on his face softened a little.

"Have you finished today's training? I brought a silk scarf, wipe off the sweat."

Maria walked forward, picked up the scarf, stood on tiptoes, and wiped Alexius' forehead before Alexius agreed.

"Your Highness, you..."

Alexius was a little embarrassed.

"Your Highness, let's just address each other as 'you' and not use honorifics, okay?"

Maria smiled.

Halfway through wiping, Maria suddenly stopped and stared into Alexius' eyes.

"Your eyes are so beautiful, they are like twinkling stars."

"You are the most handsome Roman nobleman I have ever seen."

Maria said softly.

Alexius was stunned for a moment, shook his head, put the sword back into the scabbard, put on his clothes, and left without saying a word.

"Princess, you don't have to follow me here. This is the front line, and fighting could break out at any time!"

Seeing Maria following closely, Alexios said helplessly, "My father is going to marry me to you."

Maria looked at Alexios stubbornly.

"I'm going to follow you."

"Then stay in the castle and help me with some military affairs. I still have to lead the Knights and make battle plans. Don't cause any more trouble."

Alexius said casually, took a few steps, thought about it, and felt that his words seemed a bit harsh, so he turned back.

"But thank you. Among all the princesses of the Bagration family, you are the most pleasing one."

After hearing this, Maria's disappointment immediately disappeared, she smiled and nodded vigorously.

"I will call on women to sew military uniforms, wash clothes and cook. I will also help you manage the finances. Father originally trained me as an heir. I am not one of those noble ladies who can do nothing!"

Alexius stopped and thought that this made some sense, and looked at Maria.

"The Knights have a meeting today. You come with me."

"it is good!"

Maria immediately agreed, stepped forward and took Alexios' arm.

Alexius frowned and shook his arms, but failed to get rid of them.

The two men walked onto the square outside the castle. The knights and villagers passing by saw this scene and all had smiles on their faces.

The castle is located on the south bank of the Kura River in the eastern part of the Kingdom of Georgia, on a cliff. Looking down from here, you can see the winding Kura River and several villages built along the river.

This castle was once a mountain outpost built by David IV, a great king of the Kingdom of Georgia. It is backed by the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, and the riverside plains below were once covered with fertile fields.

However, with the decline of the Kingdom of Georgia, the plains along the Kura River became a hunting ground for the Shirvan Kingdom and the Safavid Order. The previous Safavid leader, Junaid Safavid, once teamed up with the Shirvan king to march westward, looted the valley and returned with great plunder.

However, the Georgian princes never thought of fighting the invaders to the death. They sat back and watched, hiding in the mountains, continuing to fight and live a luxurious and dissolute life.

Last year, Alexios met with Bagrat IV, the nominal king of Georgia, proposed marriage, and volunteered to help the Orthodox people resist the invasion of the Muslim world.

Bagrat IV was originally very conflicted about the interference of the Eastern Roman Empire, but when he heard that Alexios was not going to stay in the court to fight for power, he favored him greatly. He immediately betrothed his eldest daughter Maria to him and sent an envoy to Constantinople.

In addition, he also presented this long-abandoned castle to Alexios, hoping that he would keep his word and resist the invasion of powerful enemies.

Bagrat IV certainly did not think that a prince who had just come of age could have much ability. All he hoped for was financial assistance from the Palaiologos family.

Nowadays, if you have money, you have soldiers.

However, he was greatly surprised by Alexios's actions. This resolute and pious prince did ask his parents and brother for help, but he did not recruit mercenaries. Instead, he formed a knightly order, recruited people with aspirations in the Eastern Roman Empire and the Kingdom of Georgia, and called on Christians to unite, support their faith, and relieve suffering.

The royal family had a strong appeal, and Alexius' reputation for benevolence had long been admired by many people. Within a year, Alexius recruited more than 200 warriors as determined as he was, and borrowed a lot of war horses and equipment from his brother. He began to preach justice in the river valley, recruit refugees, and eliminate the Saracen strongholds.

"arrive."

Alexius and Maria stopped and the holy building in front of them was the Knights Chapel.

Directly above the chapel is carved the emblem of the Order, the forked cross of St. Andrew.

This knightly order, which was mainly composed of Eastern Romans and Georgians, was named the Order of St. Andrew and St. George by Alexius, after St. Andrew, the patron saint of the Eastern Roman Empire, and St. George, the patron saint of the Kingdom of Georgia.

The two walked into the Knights' Chapel and what caught their eyes were the Greek words carved on the walls.

"Defend your beliefs, uphold justice, and nothing else but death."

This is the motto of the Order.

In fact, the Eastern Church does not have a knight class, nor does it have a military order like the Catholic Knights. However, this kind of military order is actually more loved by believers of different cultures than the regular army. Isaac founded the Knights of St. Simon many years ago and received the recognition and blessing of the patriarch, and the same is true for the Knights of St. Andrew.

Alexius modeled the organizational structure of his own order on the Knights of St. Simon. The members were divided into four levels: knights, sergeants, priests and farmers. In addition to Christians, the order would also absorb some defected Saracen rangers as vassal troops.

Currently, after retaking several Georgian villages, the Order of St. Andrew has a total of 150 knights, 200 sergeants, 25 priests and more than 1,000 farmers. Many Orthodox merchants who are protected by the Order will donate money to them to maintain the normal operation of the Order.

Alexius was very strict in selecting knights. All those who pursued fame and fortune were discarded, and only the most determined and pious men were retained.

It is worth mentioning that the twenty-five priests were not pedantic people who recited scriptures blindly. They were all gifts from Isaac to Alexius. Some of them were proficient in medicine, while others were well-versed in agricultural production.

Over the past few months, the Knights of St. Andrew had launched repeated attacks around the valley, and their reputation had gradually spread. Merchants passing by and the rescued people were grateful. Even the Pope in Rome heard about Alexius's good deeds and sent a letter of praise.

Later, Christians began to realize that as long as they took refuge in the Order of St. Andrew, their lives and property would be protected and they would not have to live in fear all day long.

The original name of this land was gradually forgotten, and merchants and people gave it a more appropriate name out of gratitude and respect.

Holy Cross Land.

Alexius took Maria's arm and entered the meeting hall. On the walls of the meeting hall were hung the shields and emblems of various meritorious knights.

The high-ranking knights and the archbishop had been waiting here long ago. When they saw Alexius and Maria coming hand in hand, they stood up and saluted with smiles on their faces.

Priests of the Eastern Church could marry, and the Order of St. Andrew and St. George did not prohibit its members from marrying like the Western knights. In the eyes of these knights from Eastern Rome or Georgia, the union of Alexius and Maria was the perfect match, as the interests of both factions were guaranteed and they would be more closely united.

Alexius and Maria sat at the top of the table, looked around, and nodded slightly to everyone.

The knights sat down quietly, waiting for the Grand Master to speak.

"Everyone, I'm sure you've guessed that we've gathered everyone here today because we have something important to announce."

Alexios said in Greek.

Georgia was deeply influenced by the Eastern Roman Empire. Almost all the nobles knew some Greek and were proud of their knowledge of Greek, so the knights could understand it.

As for priests, Greek is a necessity for Eastern priests and almost everyone knows it.

"First, regarding the construction of the new castle."

Alexius said, and Maria immediately spread out a map.

"I plan to build a new castle at the eastern pass of St. Andrew Castle. This is the only way for caravans to pass through. There was originally a castle here, but the Shirvans destroyed it. Later, it became a den of robbers and bandits."

Alexius pointed to a black spot on the map.

"I will gather the merchants together to discuss the construction of the castle and listen to their opinions."

"I will also write to my father to see if he can help me promote it and try to attract more businessmen to support me."

Archbishop Mitchell of the Knights Templar studied the map and looked at Alexius.

"Captain, I think it's feasible. The merchants have long been very dissatisfied with the bandits here. They once asked Tbilisi for help, but received no response. They will definitely support us."

"The fur trader Irakli is the biggest businessman in this area. Two months ago, his only son fell ill and I cured him. I can use the excuse of visiting him to get a feel for what he has to say."

"Very good, I'll leave this matter to you."

Alexius nodded with satisfaction.

"The second thing is about the expansion of the Knights."

"If the Knights want to develop, they must not stand still. In addition to the Roman Knights and Georgian Knights, I also plan to recruit Armenian Knights and establish an Armenian Division."

"There are also Alans and Circassians, who also believe in Orthodoxy, and they can be absorbed in the future."

"What do you think?"

The two groups of knights looked at each other and nodded slightly.

"Grandmaster, there is absolutely no problem with the Alans and Circassians. Although the Armenians have slightly different beliefs from us, they are also believers in Jesus Christ. We should accept them."

An old knight said.

"Okay, then it's settled. I'll send people to the surrounding area to contact them."

Alexius smiled.

"The third thing is about the development of the Knights."

“I decided to use some of the new technology and equipment from Constantinople, such as bone meal for agricultural production and muskets and artillery for warfare.”

Alexius stopped smiling and looked at everyone.

"I tell you, firearms are in no way against the spirit of chivalry. We use firearms to defeat the Saracens, to protect our brothers, and to spread love and justice. This is the best spirit of chivalry."

"Any objections?"

Everyone hesitated for a moment and shook their heads.

"Great, one last thing."

Alexius breathed a sigh of relief, took out a letter and slowly unfolded it.

"Everyone, this is the information my scout just delivered."

Alexius looked at everyone with a stern expression.

"According to intelligence, our activities have attracted the attention of the Saracens, and some tribes are preparing to attack us."

"Moreover, the most worrying thing is that the nephew and son-in-law of the White Sheep King Uzon Hassan, the new generation leader of the Safavid Order, Haidar Safavid, has resigned from Uzon Hassan and is preparing to come to Shirvan to continue attacking innocent Orthodox Christians like his father did."

"Haidar? The ten-year-old?"

One knight curled his lips.

"Don't underestimate him. Although he is young, his appeal is unparalleled and many believers follow him blindly."

Alexius said seriously.

"As far as I know, he also designed a military cap for these followers. The cap was red and had twelve pleats on it, which was used as a symbol by the Safavid warriors."

"These devils wearing red hats have robbed many Christians. They are called the Red Head Army by their enemies."

"In the local language, Qizilbash."

Alexius uttered an unfamiliar word.

"Qizilbash..."

Several knights murmured.

"Scared?"

Alexius sneered.

"What are you afraid of? For the warriors of Jesus Christ, the battlefield of the holy war is the best place for us to be buried."

One of the knights laughed.

"well said!"

Alexius slammed his fist on the table.

"We still have some time. I will make full preparations, ask Georgia for help, recruit the Circassian tribes, and even invite the Saracens who don't want to follow the Safavids to form an alliance."

"They are just a group of robbers. As long as we hold our ground, they will not be able to steal anything after a while and will naturally retreat like the tide."

"I will do everything I can, don't worry."

Alexius stood up, drew his sword, and pointed it toward the sky.

"Defend your beliefs, uphold justice, and the only alternative is death!"

The knights stood up and the clanging of swords being unsheathed could be heard one after another.

"There is only death!"

(End of this chapter)