xymnovel Chapter 172 Nicomedia
Chapter 172 Nicomedia
Chapter 172 Nicomedia (Part 1)
Mid-July, 1183 in the Julian calendar, in the region of Bithynia.
After an eight-day march, Lyon's army finally came into view of the walls of Nicomedia.
The city is situated at the end of a narrow bay at the eastern end of the Sea of Marmara, backed by the continuous Bithynia Olympus Mountains, making it naturally strategically important.
Although the city walls are not as imposing as those of Constantinople, their sheer thickness and density of towers still bear witness to its former glory as an important eastern capital of the late Roman Empire.
In fact, during the Tetrarchy of Emperor Diocletian, this place was one of the imperial capitals alongside Seuum, Milan, and Trier, ruling over a vast eastern territory including Egypt, Syria, Asia Minor, and Thrace.
Although its glory has faded with time, it remains a vital strategic point connecting Constantinople with the heart of Asia Minor, and a key northern town in the Optimaton military district that protects the capital.
When this dusty foreign army appeared below the city, the drawbridge was slowly lowered, indicating that the defending troops had clearly been notified in advance.
They were greeted by a middle-aged general dressed in simple scale armor. He had a neatly trimmed black beard and sharp, cautious eyes. He introduced himself as Bartolomaios, the Nicomedia defender.
"Welcome to Nicomedia, Your Highness Lyon of Jerusalem." Bartolomaus greeted Lyon with courteous but distant manner. "General Branas, commander of the Eastern Front, has issued an order: if Your Highness's reinforcements arrive, do not proceed to the Nissaf camp. The commander-in-chief has personally led the main force eastward, confronting the Turkic army on the Dahlas Plain. The situation is urgent; please send your troops to Dablai immediately to provide support."
"Dabray?" Lyon quickly searched his mind for the name, his brow furrowing slightly.
According to his impression from playing the game, Dabry is located northeast of Prusa, near the edge of the Phrygia region, and is a relatively open river valley plain.
"General, as far as I know, the Dablai terrain is flat, which is conducive to the Turkic cavalry archery. Why did General Branas choose to fight the enemy here before reinforcements were ready? This seems to be—not the most advantageous choice."
Bartoloméos remained expressionless and replied matter-of-factly, "Your Highness, my duty is to guard Nicomedia and relay military orders. Decisions made at the front are the responsibility of the commander-in-chief, and the reasons behind them are beyond my purview."
He paused, then added, "Commander-in-Chief Branas's orders emphasized immediate support," indicating the situation was indeed urgent.
Lyon and Henry exchanged a glance, looking somewhat embarrassed.
After eight days of marching, the army was exhausted, especially the Bohemian soldiers who had just recovered from seasickness and were now carrying heavy armor, and they desperately needed rest.
Normally, they should rest overnight in Nicomedia and then head to the battlefield in good condition the next day.
However, if the other party urges you to rest on the grounds of "urgent military situation", it will inevitably be seen as cowardice or negligence, which is not very polite to an ally who is cooperating for the first time.
Just as Lyon was pondering, Henry, all smiles, spurred his horse forward, seemingly oblivious to the subtle atmosphere in the air.
"Honorable General Bartolomé!" He spoke fluent Greek, a strange blend of Italian vernacular Latin and Czech, which instantly softened the commander's slightly hardened expression. "May Saint Theodorus bless you and this magnificent city! To be honest, the scenery along the way from Constantinople eastward is breathtaking, but I have never seen a city like Nicomedia that combines the bounty of the sea with the majesty of the mountains so perfectly. No wonder Diocletian chose this place as his capital—his judgment was as precise as choosing the finest Milanese armor!"
Bartoloméos's lips twitched slightly.
As the local commander, he felt deeply proud of the city's historical glory.
The flattery from the Latin knight in front of him really hit the nail on the head.
His expression softened slightly, and he nodded gently: "You flatter me. Nicomedia is indeed the eastern gateway to the empire, and has always been a strategic location fought over by military strategists."
"More than just a must-win situation!" Henry seemed to have opened a floodgate, his tone enthusiastic. "I think it's a godsend. Look at this bay, it's practically a haven prepared by God for the fleet. And the mountains behind it are a natural barrier against any threats from the inland. The responsibility on the general's shoulders to be stationed here is probably even heavier than Mount Olympus, isn't it? He must guard against potential threats from the sea, and also be wary of the smoke signals from the eastern plateau."
It wasn't easy, it was extremely difficult!
Bartolomáos nodded involuntarily, his wariness melting away as he listened to Henry's rapid-fire, knowledgeable, and approachable words.
"It is our duty. With the eastern front under pressure, ensuring unimpeded access to Nicaea and the interior, and facilitating support, is also a top priority for this city."
"Support is on track! Absolutely right!" Henry slapped his thigh, as if he had found a kindred spirit. "We've been rushing all this way to reunite with the Commander-in-Chief as soon as possible and share the burden for the Empire. But, General, as you've seen..."
He turned and pointed to the army behind him, which, though still disciplined, was visibly exhausted, especially the Bohemian soldiers who were almost collapsing: "Brothers, you've been tossed about by sea and rushed across the land. Even the strongest men need to catch their breath and sharpen their swords. If we rush to Dabry with such weary soldiers, and we encounter Turkic cavalry, we will not only be of no help, but we will also distract the Grand Commander. That would be a real hindrance, failing His Majesty and Marshal Cantostefanos's trust, and also failing to live up to your kindness in watching over and supporting us here, General."
Bartolomés stroked his beard, looking at the truly exhausted army before him, and then thought that if this friendly force were attacked due to exhaustion near his territory, he would also be held responsible.
"What you say—is indeed reasonable," Bartoloméos pondered. "While the military situation is urgent, it is common sense in warfare that weary troops should not be used. Therefore, your troops may enter the city and rest for the night in the designated camp. I will have clean drinking water, necessary fodder, and—"
He glanced at the Danish knights who were staring longingly at the city gate, as if they could see a tavern sign, and added, "Some local wine and food will replenish the soldiers' strength. We can set off for Dabry at dawn tomorrow."
"Oh! General, you are truly wise and compassionate towards your soldiers!" Henry immediately expressed his gratitude, bowing with his right hand on his chest. "You have not only given us a chance to rest, but also provided the Empire's eastern front with a more reliable ally! We, the soldiers of Jerusalem, will remember this kindness! May our common enemy—those damned Turks—be utterly crushed before your walls and our swords!"
Henry calmly returned to his unit, flashing Lyon and the soldiers a "thank you" smile.
Lyon gave Henry an admiring look, and then, together with him, led his weary soldiers, especially the Danes, into Nicomedia in an orderly fashion and settled into their designated camp.
Hot water, food, and a suitable amount of alcohol were delivered one after another, and the soldiers cheered with joy, as if all the fatigue from the journey had been swept away.