CHAPTER III: The Noblewoman

I have written this book for almost a couple years, I have met George and discovered more about my friend, Justinian. But I won't let any problems get in my way from talking to that lady.

We have arrived at the great city of Nicomedia, or the Niceans call it Nicaea, such city with good defences will make a siege last longer than expected, it doesn't look like the Queen of Cities but it is still a city to be astonished and to be reckoned with.

As soon as we three enter the city we are immediately surrounded by the guards, pointing their spears and their swords against us, we have no time to react in this matter so we laid down our arms and dismounted our horses. The guards escorted us to the castle which the Nicaean emperor sits in his throne.

We were quickly made to kneel down before him and his elite Varangians, our cloaks was torn down by the guards and it revealed that we are dressed as the enemy. George is still wearing his Order's surcoat, Justinian was wearing as an Latin Mercenary and I was dressed as an Skoutatoi.

The Emperor spoke to us with a calm voice, "Three strangers from the Italians, are you here to destroy our plans, or traitors like the Doukas?"

Justinian replied to him with much caution, "We have no intention of being enemies in your land Imperator. We are just mere men, trying to make fortunes for our futures."

The Emperor replied with anger, "Mercenaries?! Then why did you destroyed our plans at Thessaloniki? Worst of them all, you all tried to commit a grave sin on my daughter!"

George and Justinian was confused but didn't tried to say a word, they showed signs of terror and fear, but I Demetrius spoke to the Emperor, " We didn't tried or thought of a thing to do it, we tried to save her but it seems she had killed her supposed to be murderers, I tried to explain that I was not part of it so is my friends but she ran away to her retinue."

The Emperor thought and talked with his advisors, one advisor didn't agreed with our explanations but the Emperor himself was convinced of our statement.

He spoke once again to us, " I believe in you, but you must serve me under my banner, as I heard you are great warriors and tacticians."

We thanked the Emperor and finally the guards removed our ropes from our hands and made us swore an oath to the Emperor, and that day will change our futures or the Empire's fate.