Greek Fire

by James Boschert

  “You need to do better than that. What did they look like? Their faces, man?”

  “I didn’t get a good look at the older man, but I did the other younger man. He spent a lot of time watching the ships. He sat over there.” The beggar pointed to the place where Talon had spent the afternoon.

  “His face, man! Did you get a look at his face?” Psellos spat out the words. He kept his face impassive but inside he felt that he might just have stumbled upon a clue.

  The beggar cringed. “He was young, looked strong. Had a scar down the left side of his face here.” He drew his fingers down his own face to illustrate his point. “His eyes…” the beggar hesitated.

  Psellos seized him by his throat. “What about his eyes?”

  The filthy creature whimpered. “They looked…dangerous.”

  It took a little time but Psellos managed to get a fairly accurate description of Talon out of the beggar before he sent the man sprawling in the dirt. “Here, drink yourself to death,” he said and tossed another small coin at the wretch.

  He arrived back at the villa later that afternoon and asked to see the senator immediately.

  Senator Spartenos arrived looking disheveled. “This had better be worth it,” he grumbled as he took a sip of water. He did not offer any to Psellos, who stood before him.

  After Psellos had delivered his report the senator sat down, his face thoughtful.

  “So, the idiot Genoese did not notice they were being followed and perhaps led one of those men all the way here from the harbor. I wonder who they were?”

  “Caravello’s man said that there were Templars at the wedding who were on the same path they took to go back to the Genoese quarter, but that might just be coincident,” Psellos offered.

  The senator looked at him. “Templars? Yes…there are Templars in the city at present. But what they might have to do with this makes little sense to me. I can’t see those people creeping about in the dark.” He shook his head. “Well, I cannot understand that at present, but there is something else too. Our neighbors know more than they are telling…of that I am sure.”

  Psellos looked surprised.

  “I want you to keep an eye on the younger daughter. Her name is Theodora. I think she knows about our intruder. When I asked about it this morning she looked as guilty as though I had found out about a lover!”

  “What do you want me to do, Sir?”

  “I want you to watch her movements. Post someone near the gates to that house and report any movements of people to and fro. I want to know more about where she goes and whom she talks to, but do not interfere with her. Just watch and report. Do I make myself clear?”

  Psellos nodded and then said, “What about Choumnos? Shall I bring him in on this?’

  “He is still licking his wounds. Leave him to it. He might be more careful after this. I need you and your friends to get to work immediately.”

  Psellos concealed his smile of satisfaction. He was going to be the headman for the senator if things worked out for him. Choumnos had failed a test and faced demotion, which could mean his promotion if he played it the right way. Psellos bowed low to the senator and stalked out, lithe as a panther.

  The senator watched his departure. Psellos was a nasty piece of work but seemed loyal and might prove an asset. He shook his head in irritation at Choumnos’ condition. Just when he needed him the worthless man got himself cut. He knew Choumnos’ reputation and skill with most weapons. The man had an impressive list of kills behind him. The senator wondered who could have winged a man like that.

  _________

  For their sake yielding all I love and prize

  And O, how mighty must that influence be,

  That steals me thus from all my cherished joys.

  Here, ready then, myself surrendering,

  Prepared to serve thee, I submit; and ne’er

  To one so faithful could I service bring,

  So kind master, so beloved and dear.

  Thibault of Champagne, King of Navarre

  Chapter 19

  Preparations

  Two days after the incident in the villa Talon and Max were walking down the street near to their inn when Talon, ever on the lookout, spied a ship approaching the southern walls heading directly for the harbor of Sophia.

  “Max! They have arrived! It is the ship! It is our ship!”

  “God be praised, they have made it back!” Max said with a whoop.

  They rushed down to the harbor and after explaining who they were they were allowed by the sentries to go through the gates that led onto the wharf.

  They stood on the quayside and watched as their ship came alongside. Henry and the others waved and shouted greetings to them as they approached. Talon looked at the ship with a critical eye. There was no visible damage to the vessel, such as he had seen on some others that had limped into the various harbors around the city. The ropes were cast to men on the quayside and tied off against large stone bollards, then the ship was at rest.

  The customs officials led by the Logothetes tōn sekretōn came marching along the quayside and sternly demanded to know of the cargo. Henry replied, once Talon had called out the translated questions with the help of Dmitri, that there was none. They were in Constantinople to collect their emissary. He pointed at Talon.

  After a doubtful look at Talon the official reluctantly agreed to allow the ship to dock, but only on a temporary basis. It might have to be moved to the other side of the peninsula at a later date, and sooner rather than later. Talon agreed and bowed the official away before grabbing Max by the sleeve and heading for the gangway.

  Henry, Nigel and Guy met them at the side, and after they had all embraced and exchanged greetings Talon asked Henry how the voyage had been.

  “Thanks be to God, it was uneventful. One storm, but we slipped by it and had no damage. It was a smooth trip and God protected us all the way. I have papers for you in the cabin from Sir Guy, Talon.”

  “How is Sir Guy?” Talon asked.

  “He and Claude send their greetings. They were on their way to Jerusalem as we pulled out of Acre harbor.”

  “I want to talk to all three of you as soon as you get off the ship. Bring your baggage to the inn where Max and I are staying.”

  “Good, it is close to the baths—and the whorehouse is even closer!” Guy joked.

  “I do not think that he has talked of anything else since we left this city,” Nigel grumbled, rolling his eyes.

  *****

  Later they were all gathered around their favorite table under the wisteria that provided a welcome shade from the warm autumnal sun. Their friends had heard about the ill-fated campaign and were questioning them about it when Talon decided that the time was ripe to discuss his plan. He had no intention of telling them about the encounter at the villa. That was something he would have to deal with on his own.

  He thumped his metal goblet on the table to attract the attention of the others. Henry nudged Nigel to get him to pay attention.

  When he was sure that they were all listening Talon began.

  “As you know, the ship has been given into my possession thanks to the good graces of Sir Guy. I know Sir Guy de Veres well enough by now to hazard it was not from the goodness of his heart alone but for practical reasons too. He wants a ship with a crew he can trust which can take him discreetly from place to place.”

  There were murmurs of agreement and the wine was passed.

  Talon continued. “However, there is one great flaw in that plan.”

  “How so?” Guy asked.

  “Shut up and he will tell you, Guy.” Nigel said, jabbing his friend in the ribs.

  “The ship will be idle for many months in between escort duty, and we will not be able to live off that,” Talon said.

  Nigel slumped in his seat while Guy gave a lugubrious sigh and scratched himself under his arms.

  Henry sat back, his eyes narrowed as he stared at Talon and Max. He appeared to be waiting for more.r />
  “But…do you have any ideas, Talon?”

  “You three remember Alexios, do not you?”

  “Of course! The pompous emissary, right? But you said that he was badly wounded. What does he have to do with our ship?”

  “A great deal.” Talon watched his friends. He had their full attention now.

  “Why are all of you scratching…all the time?” he asked, his patience evaporating. All three had been scratching themselves since their arrival.

  “Fleas!” Nigel said, sounding annoyed.

  “How did you come to get them?” Max asked as he hastily shuffled down the bench away from Guy.

  “I think it was that monk, Jonathan. He never washed. Devil take him!” Henry grumbled.

  “I think it was those chickens we brought on board in Acre. Dmitri warned me that they were crawling with something, probably lice.”

  “Henry, I shall not travel on that ship if it is full of vermin,” Talon stated. “Max and I have only just cleaned ourselves up from the campaign. I will not go through it all again on my own ship! All of you are to go and get deloused at the baths and do it today. Then you are to clean up the men, Henry…and the ship.” His tone was ominous.

  “It shall be done, and I will smoke the ship out, Sir Talon.” Henry sounded contrite.

  “Do not keep us in suspense Talon. You were about to tell us something important. We are sailors and need to be kept working,” Guy rumbled.

  “That is especially so in your case!” Nigel said.

  Talon resumed his earlier conversation. “I know you remember Alexios as aloof and arrogant, but he has changed…considerably.”

  Max nodded in agreement. “He has indeed. I actually like him now.”

  The others stared at him skeptically, remembering the priggish, haughty individual of their voyage.

  “Alexios wants our ship sail for him and carry cargo.”

  Henry gasped. He had been holding his breath but now he let out a great shout.

  “Dear God, but this is incredible news, Talon! God be praised!” He crossed himself and beamed, then scratched his belly.

  Nigel and Guy were slapping each other’s backs and yelling with glee.

  “What kind of cargo?” Henry asked when they had all settled down and had drunk some more wine.

  “He has an agent who will help to load the ship in the Prosphorion harbor, which is on the other side of the city. We are to take silk bales, spices and oil to Rhodes and then on to Cyprus. And we are to bring salt and copper back with us, along with some grain if we can get it in Cyprus.”

  There was a silence while the crew thought about this.

  “You do know where Rhodes and Cyprus are, do not you, Henry?” Max asked with real concern in his voice. He was even more ignorant of the sea than Talon.

  “Well, if he does not there are charts and things, so we are bound to bump into it along the way,” Nigel said with a wicked grin at his nautical companions, who were both grinning, which changed to laughter as they watched Max’s alarmed expression.

  Henry gave a booming laugh. “Fear not, Max, we three do know where the islands are and how to get there.”

  Max relaxed and shook his head. “I should have known you three pirates would. What about those sea dragons and serpents that inhabit the water around the islands?”

  “We shall pray to God that he protect us from such creatures and brings us home safe,” Nigel intoned solemnly with a glint in his eyes.

  Despite his determination not to worry Talon gave an inward sigh of relief. Ever since he had discussed the possibility with Alexios he had worried that his nautical friends might not have a clue where these places were and they would become lost in that vast empty sea. He chastised himself for doubting them, breathed a silent thanks to God and continued.

  “Alexios is concerned that without the Venetians his produce will rot in warehouses and the family fortune will disappear. He is putting enormous faith in our ability to carry out this mission for him, my friends. I have nothing personal against the Venetians but…well, this seems to be an opportunity.”

  “Then we must see to it that we do not disappoint him,” Henry said as he gulped the last of his wine and held his cup upside down, shaking it as though there should have been more.

  “I hope the Venetians continue to rot in their prisons while we fill the gap. When do we start, Talon? I have your letters with me here, so once that business is taken care of we can sail within the week.” He looked at the other two.

  “Which means that you two will have to get a bath, get deloused and get a woman very quickly, because, my friends, there is work to do!” he bellowed out his delight. The others happily banged their mugs on the table in agreement, causing the innkeeper to hasten outside and ask if there was anything more they needed.

  “Bring some more wine!” Max ordered.

  “What is the news from Acre?” Talon asked.

  “The news is that the king, may God protect him and grant him a long life, is not in good health. There will most likely be no issue, hence there is no heir. The Hospitaliers are building castles in the south and the Templars are losing popularity in the coastal cities. There is much talk of another invasion of Egypt, but I think that is only hearsay,” Guy told them.

  They talked late into the evening at which time the lamps were lit and the inn began to fill up with customers looking for a good meal. The sailors excused themselves to go and get baths. Guy, who had fidgeted most of the evening, almost ran out of the garden.

  He was followed by a sardonic comment from Nigel. “He will fuck his hard earned coin away no matter what, that man.”

  “At least that will bring him home to us like a homing pigeon every time. He is a good sailor,” Henry growled. “But for the girl’s sake, I hope he bathes first!”

  *****

  That evening Talon read the missives that had come in Henry’s care.

  The first one he read was from Sir Guy.

  God’s blessings be upon you, Talon. We have arrived with Henry’s good navigation and God’s help at Acre in good time and I was able to bid a fond farewell to the Bothers.

  Talon grinned to himself.

  There is much going on in the Kingdom of Jerusalem, some of it is of concern. King Baldwin’s condition of leprosy is worsening. However, he has sent important letters to the Emperor. You are to deliver them as soon as possible.

  Talon glanced at the bulky package that was wrapped in oilcloth and realized that it was sealed with the Royal seal of the King of Jerusalem. He read on.

  I have encountered the now famous, or perhaps infamous, Raynald de Châtillon who, having been released from prison with the Arabs, is now bent upon pursuing his ambitions here in the kingdom, to the advantage of no one but himself. Therein lies a problem for us in the future, I fear. His time in prison does not seem to have dampened his arrogance or his enthusiasm for trouble making. I recall that the Emperor detests him after the Cyprus debacle, so I am trying to make sure that whatever mischief he gets up to does not impact Byzantium.

  There are rumbles of trouble on the borders of Egypt. My agents—remember our friends the Bedouin in the Negev who do not love the Sultan of Egypt—tell me that Sal Ed Din’s brother has finally conquered all of Yemen and had a hero’s welcome back in Cairo. There is the possibility that he and Salah Ed Din might come north to Aleppo before too long.

  I should say rather that there is much happening among our neighbors. Since the death of Nur Ed Din the Sultanate of Syria is in turmoil. I understand that Kilij Arslan is busy in the north. I hope that you will be able to provide word on his activities, as reliable information is sparse here.

  It is ever this way, as you might be aware. The Sultan dies and his many progeny backed by others with ambition and greed support the one or the other and try to destroy each other. In this case the person most likely to succeed is the son As-Salih Ismail al-Malik, but he is far too young to be able to rule, so there will doubtless be a bloodbath in S
yria. Should he come to power I would consider that a temporary victory, as your friend Salah Ed Din will now be free to exercise his newfound influence upon these regions to the north of our kingdom. This does not bode well for the dukedom of Antioch, nor even in the long run that of Tripoli. However, I do not consider this to be immediate.

  The Arabs still have their eyes upon the jewel of the entire region, and that is Constantinople. They have been defeated twice at sea but despite their own internal conflicts they would like to take the city one way or the other and, here is the irony, to prevent the Turks from doing the same. There is a rumor that a fleet of corsairs is lurking in among the islands not too far from Rhodes. There have been reports that there is an alliance of sorts between the Arabs and the Turks, but I find that somewhat unlikely. There is little for either party to want to agree upon. All fear the Turks, as they are great fighters and have defeated the small Arab armies sent to fight them of late. Arslan is an ambitious man and his Seljuks fierce fighters.

  Talon gave a wry smile at this comment. Sir Guy could not been aware of the battle of Myriokephalon when he wrote, although Talon was in little doubt that he would know of it by now. Such a defeat would not fail to be passed along to the Christians in the Kingdom as rapidly as the wind, further adding to their sense of isolation. Not for the first time he wondered at the knight’s keen knowledge of the players in the region. He continued to read.

  I shall ask you to keep your eyes and ears open to the situation regarding our mission. I left with the understanding that we could in principle continue to work for passage across the Greek lands, but I am also painfully aware of how quickly things can change. If the Normans of Sicily continue to press for war it will not be to our advantage. I need to know as soon as you can tell me if there is any danger from the west or even the north to the empire, as all this will affect the attitude of the emperor.

  Another concern is the consequences of the Battle at Legnano, in which you will recall the Lombardi alliance defeated the emperor Frederick Barbarossa. I am interested as to Manuel’s intentions there, as despite an alliance with him against Frederick they could now lay claim to most of the region of Italy that formerly belonged to Byzantium. Please inform me at the earliest opportunity as to whether his advisers are taking this into account.