《Then And Now.》


 Chapter 1: (1108) I leave, I live

    In the 14th century Europe the house of Habsburg was one of the most influential houses in the Holy Roman Empire, the Habsburg family produce emperors and kings of the  Kingdom of Bohemia, Kingdom of England, Kingdom of France, Kingdom of Germany, Kingdom of Hungary, Empire of Russia, Kingdom of Croatia, Second Mexican Empire, Kingdom of Ireland, Kingdom of Portugal, and Habsburg Spain.


    Are you wondering why I¡¯m talking about this stuff? Well that¡¯s because I died and got reincarnated here in the house of Habsburg, you think I¡¯m fortunate? Well let me burst your bubble but I was born as a bastard child, my mother is a maid serving the grandson of Count Radbot of Klettgau, his name is Otto II of Klettgau but for some reason he changed his surname and chose the name of his fortress which is Habsburg.


    When one reincarnates he or she needs to have a cheat right? Well my cheat was somewhat both a blessing and a curse because I¡¯m immortal! That¡¯s right I can live until the day I died if I¡¯m not killed. For your information I love history novels much more the stories which takes the protagonist back into the past, time travel if you want to call it, so to learn more about those stories I read the background of each stories, their settings and history because of that I grew loving history, because of that it might just save my life.


    It¡¯s now the year 1108 and my supposed father is now going on a campaign against the Hungarians, he¡¯s also accompanying Kaiser Heinrich V in this journey but before he went he left me a message, ¡°Leave the house my son I¡¯m sorry for not being a good father, before I leave I will give you a small city that you can rule, you are already 8 years old and because of your exceptional intelligence I¡¯ve deemed you worthy of such and able to do such responsibilities, the main reason I want you to leave is because of your brother Werner, I don¡¯t want you two to fight for succession if I die, thus I decided to give Werner the reigns when I die I hope you understand my son and I hope you forgive me for being such irresponsible father P.S. Change your name when you leave the house¡±


    Thus I left the house, even though I was just a bastard child he didn¡¯t disdain me as far as I¡¯ve known and read bastard children tends to live a harsh and cruel life, that¡¯s why even though he didn¡¯t properly took care of me as a father I¡¯m still thankful for his love and care. Still I¡¯m curious about the territory that was given to me; it was just a simple patch of land with no name thus I named it Neuehoff from the german word Neue Hoffnung which means new hope, having a total of 100 families half are farmers a quarter are hunters and the others are caretakers of livestock.


    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.If you¡¯re wondering why I¡¯m alone is because my mother still needs to work in the house and I have no followers because I¡¯m a bastard, well it¡¯s not that bad to travel alone sometimes I have merchants accompany me and because my father ruled his territory well there¡¯s only small outlaws fortunately I didn¡¯t encounter one.


    When I arrived at the settlement the head is already waiting for me, he¡¯s still young for a village head but majority of the population are still young the eldest are in their 30s while the youngest are still infants, we went to his house and started to discuss official matters, ¡°My Lord my name is Cristoph the chosen head of the settlement it¡¯s an honor meeting you lord¡­?¡± ahh yes so this is why father said for me to change my name alright ¡°Its Alberto, Alberto von Neuehoff¡±.


    We started to discuss the basic things, first the settlements circumstances, its economic status, and finally security; I asked the village head to introduce to me the whole village, for the whole day we were doing it when we were done I asked him to convene a village gathering which he in turn accepts, it¡¯s weird though I don¡¯t feel any hostilities from the villagers, do they not feel curious why a child was given such territory?, let alone hostilities I don¡¯t even feel any shred of ill will from them maybe I should just ask this on the village gathering.


    While I¡¯m waiting I sorted the documents and scanned some of them, with the village heads information and the documents that was presented to me to summarize it all up the settlement is just barely self-sustainable, the security is barely acceptable there¡¯s only 6 stationed guards while 14 are volunteer guards all in all a total of 20 guards, the villagers circumstances are sad though, there are no doctors, they don¡¯t even know hygiene when one becomes sick 80% chance that he dies, worst of all only the village head knows how to read write and calculate simple math for short the whole village is illiterate!, sigh¡­ where do I even start with all this trouble maybe in the village gathering some of this can be solved immediately.

 Chapter 2: I steal, I till

    It was already dusk when everyone finally gathered outside my house, before I could even start a young boy well he¡¯s much more older than me by 4 years suddenly asked ¡°Hey aren¡¯t you too young to be village head?¡±, all them suddenly shot him an angry glance, ¡°What?? I was just asking!¡± he retorted at them, before things escalate any further I immediately went into business.


    ¡°I¡¯m Alberto von Neuehoff the new head of this village and to answer your previous question yes I am young but because of my intelligence I was given such responsibility, all of you may present your questions I will always listen to them and try my utmost to answer them¡± I looked around to see any reactions, I saw some of them started to talk with themselves maybe to digest what I just said, honestly though this is just way too nerve racking I might say some stuffs that may anger them and may lead to my demise, suddenly one of them asked ¡°I¡¯ve never heard of a family with a von Neuehoff surname my lord are you a new noble?¡± ¡°Good question! I am a new noble and the reason why my surname is von Neuehoff is because I plan to name this village and its surrounding as such¡± I answered, some immediately where enlightened while some still have a look doubt well anyway I should immediately tell them why I gathered them anyway. The villagers are quite fonest when you look at it but its fine for me.


    ¡°The reason why I gathered you all here is to discuss on how to make our village flourish, the first agenda is our daily foodstuffs when I went around the village I¡¯ve observed that most of our crops are wheat correct? I suggest that we should stop that next harvest and switch to a new product¡± after I said that the whole place was in uproar well that should be expected I need to pacify this immediately ¡°Before you do any drastic things let me finish first the reason why I asked to stop producing wheat is because to take care of the land, don¡¯t you notice that the land is starting to have cracks and the soil loose? To prevent further damage I want to introduce to you a new crop and a new farming method which I call 4 crop rotation¡±, ¡°What¡¯s that 4 crop rotation?¡± a villager asked ¡°And what¡¯s that new crop that you want us to try anyway?¡± another villager retorted.


    ¡°Well it¡¯s called potato but it drains the soils nutrients much more than wheat¡± ¡°Then why do you want us to plant it even though it¡¯s worse than the wheat crops? asked Cristoph, ¡°Because of its high yield! We will substitute this crop temporarily to implement the four crop rotation; I¡¯m doing this because if we just apply the four crop rotation immediately then we will have a food crisis so as a counter measure I want all of the farmers to plant potato after the harvest¡± ¡°Uhmm.. milord what¡¯s a four crop rotation?¡± a farmer asked.


    Well this is somewhat surprising I literally forgot that this is the past and crop rotation still doesn¡¯t exist, oh well I¡¯ll just explain it to them properly to prevent anymore doubts maybe I should also teach them about the fertilizer while I¡¯m at it.


    ¡°Crop rotation is when you prepare 4 plots of land and each plot consist of different plants for example on the first plot of land there¡¯s barley the second one has wheat the third one has turnips while the lost plot grow clovers¡± ¡°Milord we understand the thing about planting barley, wheat and, turnips but why do we need to plant some clovers?¡± a farmer asked, ¡°Well clovers allows the livestock to graze on them while the turnip will provide food for them in winter, the reason I want to apply the four crop rotation is to prevent the nutrient level in the field to go down, if the nutrient level decrease then the yield will also decrease which in turn leads to hunger and I want to prevent any possibilities on that¡±, after they heard my explanation they were all amazed all small hints of prejudice was gone just like that anyway it¡¯s all good.


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    I hope that Charles Townshend will forgive me on this one hehehe¡­ I just want to burrow his techniques, well this may disturb the space time continuum but I don¡¯t care I just want to live my life however I want I just hope that it won¡¯t affect in the near future. Before the meeting was adjourned I told to the people that there are still matters that I want to be solved and that more meetings will be called to solve upon this matter, instead of resisting majority of them were even happy about it, some exclaimed that they were blessed to have such a lord and other ass licking praises I didn¡¯t show any reactions on those words but it still felt damn good.


    I continued to survey, help, and govern the village at first the residents were still quiet reserve but as time pass they gradually warmed up to me, the potato however was rejected as a food supply because according to majority of them it¡¯s the food of the devil or whatnot sigh I can¡¯t force them to plant it anyway so I just let it be, forcing them to plant it and eat it might bring more bad than good anyway but someday I will plant potatoes because I miss my French fries and potato chips.


    A whole harvest have come to pass the crop rotation was applied an the results of the peoples hard work is finally seen everyone was surprised at the small difference even though it small it still lead to an increase of yield and livestock owners were quiet happy because they don¡¯t need to kill their livestock during winter for not having anything to feed them, they also discovered the power of fertilizer to be precise wood ash, because of wood ash it further increased their yield that why while the hunters go in the forest they also collected wood ash at the same time to help the farmers.


    It¡¯s already June of year 1109, now with the food crises is averted I want to concentrate in security, better security means more merchants more merchants means more trade and more trade means more money sigh I don¡¯t want to recruit mercenaries though and recruiting new soldiers will consume a lot of time while I was pondering a letter arrived from my father.


    ¡°My son I¡¯ve heard from one of my confidantes that you¡¯ve changed your name, still why is it von Neuehoff? It sounds weird. Anyway you have your reason the main reason why i wrote to you is because I want to give you some of my soldiers well wounded soldiers really, they¡¯ve already rendered great service for me that¡¯s why I hope you accept them my son and treat them well, even though they¡¯re injured they are still veterans of war so be careful, most of all I¡¯m proud of you my son Alberto¡±


    Well that solved my security problems immediately, thanks father I¡¯m sorry that I can¡¯t save you from your predestined fate but I promise to you father that I will help the family as long as I can

 Chapter 3: I tell, I sell

    The soldiers arrived a week later, when I saw them I was really terrified you know, one of them lost one of his arms the other one has a long slash across his face while the others lost some of their fingers, but even though they¡¯re retired veterans the aura they emit still frightens me I hope they won¡¯t go wild in my town.


    I greeted them near the village entrance; I thought they¡¯re unreasonable people but I was surprised that they were not being rude to me on the contrary they were showing me a good attitude because of that it dispelled one of my fears immediately, quickly I gathered all the available villagers and introduce them their new town guards.


    There were a total of 20 retired soldiers the leader and the oldest one among them is Anselm, a 30 years old veteran who has a long scar across his face when first looked upon he is always mistaken as a vagabond poor man anyway he¡¯s single and good at commanding troops with a considerable skills in archery and swordsmanship but has poor skill in using spears.


    The second in command is Dirk their handsome companion, honestly though since the start of the village gathering almost all of the single women are always glancing at him anyhow the reason he¡¯s here is because Anselm is his adopted father even though he¡¯s not injured to the point of being forced to retire, he pleaded at my father to let him go with Anselm and father agreed, aside from being handsome he has good skills in using spears and scouting.


    After the introduction I just left them to have their own sweet time with the villagers. Now the security problems are solved we need to attract more merchants and peddlers maybe I should build a tavern so at least this village can some cultural activities and maybe festivals to the problem is how do I advertise my remote village? This is a tough problem¡­


    [Anselm]


    It¡¯s been so long since I can live peacefully maybe I should thank my injuries this time sorry Lord Otto it¡¯s just that I¡¯m too tired going to wars and I want to live the rest of my life in a quiet village anyway when we were dismissed by the Lord he suggested for us to go to this remote village not too far from the Habsburg fortress he says that if I can help to improve the security there I agreed of course, we¡¯re already arriving at the village and surprisingly the one greeting us is a 9 year old kid is this a joke? But sadly it isn¡¯t I still kept my composure and manners even though it¡¯s just a kid he¡¯s still the village head surprisingly the kids got manners he didn¡¯t insult us for our injuries and on the contrary he was happy to have us in his village well that made us all feel better, after a while he called a village gathering and introduced us, well that was surprising I thought that he was going to humiliate us in front of the crowd but surprisingly he just wants to introduce us to the villagers after the introduction the villagers started to talk to us and entertain us, some of the boys in my group though are jealous to my adopted son Dirk cause all of the pretty girls are flocking to him anyhow when I observed the surrounding I found out that the little village head is already gone what an odd and honest boy maybe it¡¯s worth living here when he¡¯s in charge.


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    [Cristoph]


    It¡¯s been a year since I met the new village head when I first met him I was surprise to see how young he was honestly he¡¯s too young what in the world is the Lord thinking, we had a simple chat surprisingly he asked about the village current situation and asked me to tour him around the village, after the tour he asked to have a village gathering because he wants to discuss something to the whole village surprisingly the topic is all about our food supply he wants us to implement many new odd farming techniques to prevent the worse from happening of course many reacted negatively but instead of being angry and throwing a tantrum he answered every single inquiries clearly and easy to understand because of it the unrest died down and every villagers finally consented, what a kid he can display a temperament of an adult it¡¯s not even surprising for me to say that he has a temperament of a good noble, after that we have implanted all that was agreed upon that meeting and when the time came for the new harvest we were all overjoyed to see that our little village head wasn¡¯t just speaking nonsense, the crops were bountiful our livestock were plenty after the harvest some unknown people arrived surprisingly all of them were the new guards that our new village head had acquired from the lord, we were all happy at first we thought that the new guards are all vagabonds but unexpectedly they were one of the nicest guys we have seen, well I¡¯m now expecting a lot from our little village head.


    [Alberto]


    I decided to conduct a harvest festival with the hopes of attracting new settlers and merchants I don¡¯t know if because I¡¯m a reincarnater or not but somehow all of my plans are going smoothly many peddlers came new residents also came for the whole week this continued the festival was tiresome many things are needed my attention and I¡¯m quiet tired already when the villagers saw my current situation they were alarmed how could they forget that the village head was still a little child thus they pushed all of the jobs to  Cristoph so that I can have a day of fun and rest, while I was having fun in the festival I wasn¡¯t alone I have Dirk is always following me saying it¡¯s for my safety well I can¡¯t blame him, while I was having fun visiting the peddlers and stalls I met the Joseph the chief Rabbi I thought he was in England why is he here in Habsburg this is bad.

 Chapter 4: I trust, I discuss

    Well historically not much is known about him, the only thing that¡¯s known was Joseph the chief Rabbi on London was given a royal charter to move about the financial errands for the king of England. This gave the Jewish people an advantage over many citizens of the country. It did not sit well with many however because Jewish people were seen as lesser citizens, the Jews should live a good life from 1101 to 1139 though so why is he here? I went to greet him and to have a talk at the same time to acquire new information.


    [Joseph]


    Sigh¡­ it¡¯s tough being viewed as a property, when can my people be finally viewed as equals by the English? Can we only be viewed as money lenders? Our homeland was even taken away from us why has God forsaken my people, anyway I¡¯ll do what I can to at least alleviate our standing to at least prevent being discriminated upon, to do that I travelled to Vienna on my way I stopped at the nearby duchy of Swabia to replenish my supplies on my way to the Habsburg castle I encountered a small village in the middle of a festival, when I saw many peddlers and merchants coming and going I decided to just stop in the village to replenish my supplies.


    While I was checking one of the wares of a peddler a child suddenly approached me, ¡°Welcome! Are you having fun with the festival dear visitor?¡± he asked, I was surprised because he suddenly talked to me and asked me of my opinion of the place, what is he? The village head? Nah that¡¯s impossible more likely he¡¯s one of the squires here before I could even answered he continued ¡°My name dear visitor is Albert von Neuehoff current village head may I ask dear visitors name?¡± ¡°WHAT YOU¡¯RE THE VILLAGE HEAD?¡± I accidentally voiced out my opinion.


    The guard behind him is suddenly brandishing his spear this is bad I better fix this immediately ¡°Sorry honorable head I didn¡¯t mean to insult you please forgive me¡± before I could even finish pleading hee suddenly said ¡°It¡¯s understandable, Dirk please stop brandishing your weapon it¡¯s scaring our guest!, anyway may I ask the honorable visitors name?¡± ¡°My name is Joseph milord¡± I replied immediately, after exchanging greetings he requested to speak to me for a while in his house I agreed of course.


    Honestly though what a weird child it¡¯s like I¡¯m confronting an adult when I speak with him surely this child has many secrets no doubts about that but I should better not pry on those things I don¡¯t want trouble, when we arrived at his house he suddenly asked ¡°Why is Joseph the Rabbi of London visiting my humble town?¡±


    I was surprised and scared, how in the world did he know that I¡¯m a Jew? That I¡¯m from England? This kid is dangerous I better spill all the beans I don¡¯t want to have an encounter with such a monster, before I could even speak he suddenly intervened ¡°Don¡¯t be surprised if I know a lot about you and don¡¯t worry about being killed or such I just want to know why you¡¯re in my village?¡± to avoid trouble I told him everything, I was going to Vienna to become the diplomatic envoy of England and that I was just ordered to go by the king and also to increase the reputation of the Jews in Europe of course, after I said it all I suddenly heard a long sigh, why is sighing did he just escape some big trouble or such before I could ask why he¡¯s sighing he suddenly said ¡°Ok I¡¯ll give you a piece of advice the Jews in England are all money lenders right?¡± well I¡¯m not surprise anymore if he knows I¡¯ll just say yes and get this done for, he continued after I agreed ¡°My advice is just grit your teeth and endure being moneylenders one day in the near future you will harvest all of your hard work so never give up and lose hope ok I¡¯m rooting for you!¡±


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    I suddenly teared up because of those words, I respect this young lord after I heard his advice and put it to heart I bid my farewell and continued on my journey, will my peoples future change when I¡¯ll follow his advice? Let¡¯s just see.


    [Alberto]


    Well that took a load of my shoulder I thought some major plot twist is happening, it¡¯s just a simple thing as being errand, well I hope he forgives me though I didn¡¯t fully told him what happened to the Jews for the next five centuries I just don¡¯t want to involve myself on troublesome matters, my hand already full in handling my land I don¡¯t want to add any more trouble anyway.


    When the final day of the festival is finally over I looked over at our total earnings I saw that we finally have money to spend! I gathered the villagers and told them our total budget when all of them heard it they were flabbergasted and all are happy, after their happy time I said that 50% percent of the income will go to road constructions I expected some violent reactions but surprisingly there were none, they said that they trust my decisions so it¡¯s ok if I¡¯m not conducting the village gathering every time I want to do something and that they¡¯ll just follow my commands.


    My mouth was shut after I heard it; do they really trust me that much? What about when something went wrong? They just said that they¡¯ll just grit their teeth and endure any mishaps because in the first place it was them who place their unconditional trust on me, I was teary eyed after I heard it and finally I promised that I will not waste their trust on me.

 Chapter 5: I came, I shame

    It¡¯s already two weeks since the last day of the festival; currently I¡¯m overseeing the road construction for the village, the road will connect the village and the Habsburg castle to further increase the presence of the village in area, for road construction we used tar rather than stone because its much more sophisticated the road constructors were curious why I chose tar though but I just told them that they must use it with no questions ask.


    Tar was first used in 8th century AD in the Arab Empire Particularly in Baghdad it may be expensive but at least It can be used for the long term, now the real problem is not the road construction but the security of these roads, with bandits running here and there merchants and peddlers might be robbed when using this road to solve this problem we made an outpost every 200 meters so that we will be alarmed immediately in case of robbery, it may be a crude method but we have no choice.


    While I was overseeing the road construction a messenger arrived and gave me a letter, the messenger told me that it¡¯s from my brother so I hastily opened it and read it, ¡°Dear Brother, please I need your help immediately, with father gone the security of the castle is low, because of it bandits are running rampant in the vicinity of the castle, recently they¡¯re starting to gather in huge numbers and now plans to raid the castle, I already sent letter of reinforcement to all available nobles under our family but you are the only one closest here so please come immediately and gather all of your available troops so that we can hold while the other nobles come here and exterminate those despicable rats from behind, please brother we must save the castle for father¡±


    How in the hell can I help him? I only have a total of 40 men including volunteers and half of them are injured veterans! Well even if they are veterans most of them can''t fight properly but still their experience maybe helpful but he didn¡¯t even include in the letter the total number of enemies! At least he must give estimation.


    What to do? What to do? While I was pacing back and forth when Anselm came and ask what was wrong, I told him everything that was written on the letter and when he heard it he suddenly laughed and said ¡°Milord there¡¯s no need to worry about the bandits why do we need to confront them anyway? Habsburg castle has a solid defense and those bandits will need ladders to climb the walls, so we just need to stay at the castle walls! We can wear them out until reinforcements arrive you know? What are you worrying about?¡± ¡°What I¡¯m worrying about is that there is no clear number of enemies! We might face thousands you know? If we include my troops then the total troops in the castle will be only 200! Not to mention you guys are injured while the other half is newbies and volunteers.¡±


    Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.But Anselm still insisted that it¡¯s alright that even though they are injured they can still fight and that I¡¯m underestimating them, after arguing back and forth with him I finally gave my consent, after a whole day of preparation we head to the Habsburg castle directly on the way though we encountered some bandits for the sake of making the volunteers and newbies accustomed to battles Anselm and his men just stayed on the side while letting the newbies and volunteers fight but when the situation calls for it they help.


    We also met some mercenaries I employed only 10 of them though because I don¡¯t really trust mercenaries they¡¯re just slaves of money and when push comes to shove they¡¯ll just abandon you for their own safety or worse betray you, after all that we finally arrived at the castle the surroundings is silent and the castle fully ready for battle with burning oils on the gate and ballista armed and ready.


    When I neared the castle gate I saw a familiar figure my older brother Werner behind him my mother and my sister Adelheid, my brother and I had a little talk and I learned that the total number of enemies almost reached 800, I was shocked and asked when will the enemy attack according to him tomorrow, when I asked when the reinforcements will arrive he just said 3 days after tomorrow when I heard all of it I sunk in despair, why did I never study in any art of war books! This is so stupid fighting 800 with 210 its 4 versus 1 for crying out loud!


    When Anselm saw my countenance he laughed and said ¡°Milord even though you have the wits surprisingly you don¡¯t have your fathers guts! Look at Lord Werner even at the face of danger he¡¯s still composed and relaxed learn from him at least.¡± Well that hurts my own men called me a coward; of course I¡¯m scared I never experienced any bloodshed or war in my life! Well in my previous life at least.


    Gathering my wits and with the intelligence of a modern man tried to concoct various schemes to at least outsmart the enemies on the oncoming siege, suddenly a bright idea came to me, I told my plans to Anselm and Werner and when they heard Anselm laughed and said that I¡¯m mad while Werner seconded the opinion, they just said that they will consider it if they have no more choice, sigh I need to go to my room and relax I thought, when I entered my room I saw Adelheid waiting for me inside.


    When I saw her I was flabbergasted by her beauty but wondered why is she inside? Is she planning something? While I was thinking of all sorts of things she suddenly requested for me to take a sit next to her, HEY! HEY! HEY! YOU¡¯RE NOT PLANNING ON DOING SOMETHING TO A 9 YEAR OLD RIGHT? I thought but even though I was scared i still went to sit near her, while I was walking toward her slowly she suddenly said something that shocked me

 Chapter 6: Anger and Planning (a little nsfw)

    What? What did she say? When I tried to ask her to repeat her words again she just said¡­ run. Why do I need to run? Could it be my brother is planning to kill me? ¡°Is my brother planning something against me?¡± ¡°Of course¡± she answered ¡°Well it is pretty obvious that you need to die for one your administrative ability is terrifying and maybe lastly your already gathering your forces that¡¯s why he feels the need for your death¡±.


    Well she¡¯s blunt way to blunt but what should I do now? Before I do what she says let me clarify some things first, ¡°Why are you telling me this? You¡¯ll get no benefit from me so why?¡± ¡°It¡¯s simple really I warned you because it¡¯s fun!¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Well to put it in a more informative way I¡¯m bored and I want some entertainment that¡¯s why I told you, because if you die just like that then it¡¯s no fun!¡±.


    This damned brat what a twisted personality, having fun in others misfortune you really are the definition of a devil, before I can even retort she continued ¡°Well I¡¯m getting bored watching your mother getting raped by my brother so I want you to entertain me now *chuckles*¡± WHAT DID YOU SAY?¡± I shouted ¡°Well if you don¡¯t believe me then follow me¡±.


    Even though I was absolutely furious I tried to calm myself down nothing good come to the rash so instead of believing every word she said I allowed her to lead me to her evidence. We went directly to her room then she asked me to wait, honestly it¡¯s too obvious that she¡¯s activating some sort of mechanism but whatever I need to find the truth, a few minutes later a one of the walls suddenly slid open, I knew it!, then she urged me to follow her inside, the deeper we go the more worried I am, what if all she said is true what am I going to do?


    ¡°Well we¡¯re getting close better prepare yourself *Chuckles* and enjoy the show¡±, Damn devil playing with me if I ever discover that you¡¯re playing with me you¡¯re going to pay.


    The closer we go the location she points at the louder sounds I¡¯m hearing, I¡¯m getting more scared until we finally peeked at the hole in a wall.


    I saw it, my mother being raped tears streaming down in her eyes while that damned beast is sticking his disgusting thing on her, I was enraged I almost couldn¡¯t control myself but thanks to Adelheid I got control over myself again, ¡°Now do you believe me? Well you better watch more to see what¡¯s really happening¡± she said, even though I was against watching it again I was still curious on what she meant by *see what¡¯s really happening* before I could even turn my eyes back into the wall though I was surprised to what I saw, this damnable devil is pleasuring herself while watching my mother getting raped by that damned animal!


    I almost flipped out of anger but controlled myself, if we get discovered I might really leave this world early before I can even benefit in my immortality cheat, I peeked again so as not to mind this damnable wench.


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    The more I watch the more I can¡¯t take it anymore (in more ways than one) but suddenly my mother said something to that damnable beast, ¡°Please spare my child Please I already gave myself to you please don¡¯t kill him I promise you I¡¯ll do everything  in my power so as to persuade him not to threaten what¡¯s yours!¡± ¡°*laughs* you really are an idiot woman do you think I will leave any loose ends that will threaten me? Do you think those other nobles will not use your son as a justification to take whats rightfully mine? Your son WILL die and what¡¯s mine will be protected! YOU GOT FOOLED WOMAN! I thank you for offering yourself as my play thing, as a reward after I kill him you will be next * evil laughter*¡± ¡°You liar! Get off me! GET OF ME!¡±


    Even though my mother tried to fight against him even though he tried to remove him she can¡¯t she doesn¡¯t have the strength after she realized that she can¡¯t fight anymore she just cried¡­ cried¡­


    Mom really loved me too much, even though she¡¯s not my original mother she¡¯s still my mother in this reincarnation of mine, instead of flipping out miraculously I still maintained my calm, after finally witnessing the truth I started to leave but when I checked on the devil, she¡¯s already naked¡­ When she saw me looking at her she smiled and said ¡°ENTERTAIN ME¡± with a seductive look and pose.


    Instead of getting horny I was disgusted, this damned woman is a freak! I¡¯m going to die if I get more closer to her so instead of me inviting her to go back I just left the bitch behind, I better start planning now if not my life is already forfeit.


    ¡°Wait don¡¯t you want to know on how he¡¯s going to kill you?¡± The bitch said, damned why does she always hit the right mark? Because of it I have no choice than turn back to her, ¡°Well I¡¯m going to tell you his plan on one condition¡± she said, *sigh* I knew it, it¡¯s the pact to the devil if I accept her condition I know it won¡¯t lead to any good but I have no choice she¡¯s the only one who¡¯s way too informative of things so I agreed, ¡°Well the first condition is I want you to rape me and secondly I want you to take the throne!¡± ¡­¡­.WHAT


    Authors Note


    Well I thank everyone who reads Then and Now until this chapter thank you for those who supports, the release date will be from Monday to Friday if your curious but when im in the mood ill also release during Saturday and Sunday, to those who are curious if the character will experience every age until the modern times honestly im not even sure this story plot is way too flexible to determine such plots but maybe one day that question will finally be answered once again thank you for reading!


    Ciao!!!:-)

 Chapter 7: Tears and Danger

    [Adelheid]


    *chuckles* Look at his cute face, it just makes me want to eat him, well let¡¯s just stop with the jokes I don¡¯t want to take it too far, ¡°Hey I was just kidding with the first condition virgin boy the second one is serious though¡± hmmm let¡¯s see how he reacts, ¡°Why are you making this condition?¡± he ask, Wel!l well! He¡¯s not attracted to power huh? But why though? And that observation of his is terrifying he¡¯s not just a genius but he¡¯s also a shrewd and careful man!


    I made the right choice of choosing him huh¡­well this will just accelerate my plan anyways and there¡¯s no reason why I can¡¯t tell him so I said this ¡°Well it¡¯s for my revenge you see that¡¯s all the information I can give you so don¡¯t bother asking¡±


    He looked at me straight in the eye, his eyes are so beautiful if he¡¯s just not my stepbrother and *that*didn¡¯t happen to me maybe I¡¯ll choose him as my lover. That damn Wilhelm took everything away from me! One day he will pay and he will pay with his life!


    [Alberto]


    That woman really gives me the creeps, but what *revenge*? Did that animal Werner did something to her? Bah! It¡¯s not my concern I better ask her on what that douchebag is planning so that I can make some counter measure against it.


    ¡°Oi I¡¯ll agree but if found out that you¡¯re playing with me I¡¯ll torture you to death damn slut!¡±


    ¡°Well that¡¯s a little bit harsh but whatever , his plan is just simple though even though I call it plan that brother of mine is an idiot so he¡¯s plan is to just kill you when the clash with the enemy begins so when the troops discover your dead body they¡¯ll just assume that you¡¯ve fallen from battle! Easy right?¡±


    What? THAT¡¯S IT? I OFFERED MY SOUL TO THE DEVIL AND THAT¡¯S IT? ¡°ARE YOU PLAYING ME FOR A FOOL?"


    ¡°Of course not my brother is really just an idiot ok, so please stick your thing in me already don¡¯t make me wait¡±


    ¡°Get off me you bitch!¡±


    But still is my brother¡¯s brain maid of rocks? *sigh* I was just worried for nothing, but still I need to make some plans to make him pay for my mother I¡¯ll make him pay.


    *Morning*


    ¡°Greetings Brother! Did you get a good sleep?¡± asked Werner I just nodded in response, damn him how could he act just like nothing after all that because of my previous action he asked me if I was alright I just nodded, after I answered I left immediately leaving him bewildered, I need to check on my mother right now.


    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.To look for her I asked some maidens if they saw my mother because of their help I finally found her chamber.


    ¡°Son? Why are you here?¡± she asked while wiping her tears, I just didn¡¯t mind her wiping it though and I just said to her ¡°I love you Mom, I¡¯m really grateful to be your son¡± after she heard it her tears streamed even more ¡°I love you too son you know that and I¡¯ll do anything in the world to just keep you safe¡± she replied, I know Ma I know what you sacrificed for me just wait Mom I¡¯ll restore your dignity as a woman when I skewer that animal.


    ¡°Son¡­ Please run, run far away, don¡¯t ever come back here please for me?¡± she asked *sigh* sorry mom I know why your doing this but still I need to refuse for both our future, ¡°Sorry Ma I can¡¯t¡± after she heard it she cried even more, it broke my heart.


    After a few minutes trouble came to us, some soldiers came and tried to arrest my mother for thievery, we didn¡¯t try to fight because I know that damned animal included this in his plan, he wants to keep my mother as hostage so that I won¡¯t leave the castle, that damnable woman what part of his brother is an idiot? I¡¯ll find that woman right now!


    After a few searches I found the bitch walking atop the castle walls having a bright smile on her face, when I looked at the soldiers at the walls they have the look of a starving wolf looking at her *sigh* what a bunch of fools getting lured by her beauty but if discover her other side let¡¯s just see if they still like her then.


    When I tried to go near her she tried to run! DAMN BITCH SHE¡¯S REALLY PLAYING WITH ME!


    Because of that I chased her but honestly though she¡¯s way too fast I had a hard time catching her but when I finally cornered her inside her room I barged in the next thing I remember is that something hurt my neck and next when I woke up I was completely tied up with a rope.


    Authors Note


    Sorry for the short chapter and late release peeps, its just that work is hectic right now still thank you for reading!:-)

 Chapter 8: Fate and Deceit

    Damn I was caught, I was too busy chasing her not even thinking it might be a trap, I¡¯m really an idiot. *Sigh* this damn bitch is planning something I¡¯m sure of it, after a few minutes someone entered.


    ¡°Hello my dear little brother Alberto! Did you miss big sis? *chuckles*¡±


    ¡°Damn woman release me right now!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to, well I will release if you if you have something for exchange though?¡±


    ¡°YOU WANT TO EXTORT ME AFTER YOU LIED BITCH!?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t lie though it¡¯s just his plan was tweaked a little bit¡±


    ¡°Tweaked a little bit? MY MOM IS IN PRISON RIGHT NOW AND YOU SAY A LITTLE BIT?!¡±


    ¡°Well you might want to know why I tied you right now though *chuckles*¡±


    This bitch what is she really my ally or my enemy? Why is he playing with me like this? Such a twisted personality but even though I hate it she still warned me so *sigh* I font know what to think anymore I¡¯ll just let her do what she wants, if I let her bother me anymore I¡¯ll only lose my sanity in the end.


    ¡°Well I tied you because *whisper*¡±


    What?! I may have owed my life to this woman but still she¡¯s a pretty twisted woman *sigh* I may make some adjustments with my plans after this but to think that man collaborated with Werner, this time is really ripe with deceit and conspiracies I make 1 wrong move and I¡¯m dead I better change my way of thinking from now on and treat my road as a thin ice ready to collapse resulting with my death.


    Adelheid came close to me as if wanting to untie the ropes in my arms but *kiss* she kissed me and put her tongue inside my mouth, DAMN WOMAN! SHE WANTS TO RAPE ME!!!


    [Adelheid]


    Such cute reactions maybe should play with him a little bit *chuckles*, I tried to act as if I was trying to untie his ropes and then suddenly kissed him HAAAA such refreshing feeling his kiss is not bad for a 9 year old kid, I tried to undress him but while I was trying to do so he squirms as if trying to escape a monster tsk tsk tsk what a bad kid but I like him.


    No matter how much he struggled his clothes was still removed, his body is normal not much muscles but not to fat either, only his undergarments was left when he noticed I was looking at it he struggled with all his might there are already bruises on his tied arms and feet *chuckles* I better stop it¡¯s not really good that I will make him too angry.


    When I untied his ropes he suddenly pushed me, oh this boy is trying to do something to me huh let me try provoking him a bit.


    ¡°What are you waiting for undress me already brother¡±


    *silence*


    ¡°Brother don¡¯t you want to feel me? I already gave you my permission¡±


    *silence*


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Why is he so silent? It¡¯s giving me the creeps! When I tried to provoke him again he spoke to me while looking into my eyes.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened to you for you turn out like this but please stop this already I need to save my mother I only wanted to live a peaceful life! I want to touch you yes but not like this not when I look into your eyes I see hopelessness and despair! Even though we might be viewed as immoral it¡¯s ok to me but I want the girl I do it be happy, if you continue living like this I can¡¯t help you anymore but I warn you the road waiting for you if you continue on this path is despair!¡±


    After he said it he got away from me he put on his clothes and tried to leave, but before he left I pulled him away from the door then kissed him and finally slapped him hard, why am I doing this? Why did I slap him? After I slapped him he came close to me he took out a handkerchief and wiped away my falling tears.


    Why are my tears falling? Why am I crying? When I realized that I was crying I tried to push him away from my room but no matter how I push him away I haven¡¯t got the strength instead of pushing him away I even cried on his shoulder, when I did it he spoke.


    ¡°Bottling up one¡¯s own feelings is never good, it¡¯s ok to cry it¡¯s ok to feel despair because feeling those kind of emotions makes us human, in life there is despair but there is also happiness, when bad things happen good things also happen this what makes the world turn, it¡¯s balance and harmony, so we must remember that when we cry happiness is sure to come but when you hide that emotion for too long it will just sprout hatred that will eventually consume us¡±


    After listening to his words I pushed him out, I was contemplating on his words, everything happens because it¡¯s just what fate wants but can we at least fight against it? Go against the flow of destiny? Do we really need to just do things because it makes harmony of things?


    [Alberto]


    Ouch! That slap hurts a lot! Where did that woman got her strength? But still I hit the jackpot huh¡­ something did happen with her and Werner but what though¡­ oh well it got nothing to do with me so I won¡¯t pry any longer as long as she can be of help to me I won¡¯t really intervene with her affairs but maybe next time when I¡¯ll try to meet her I should bring someone with me to restrain that woman¡¯s sexual harassments, she STRIPPED ME FOR GOD SAKES! I was really scared back then but why do I feel lonely after that? AM I EXPECTING? Oh god no! In my whole life I won¡¯t fall in love with a sadist cause I¡¯m not a masochist!


    Authors Note


    Sorry for the late chapter in exchange I made it a little bit longer


    THANKS FOR READING:-)

 Chapter 9: Love and War

    *Somewhere between the void of space and time*


    [?]


    Come on already, stop being a pacifist and join my side already!


    [?]


    Don¡¯t listen to her she¡¯s just trying to use you! Join me instead.


    [?]


    What use? The one who¡¯s trying to use him is supposed to be you right Luci-chan?


    [Lucifer]


    Ho¡­ trying to act as the righteous one eh?? You hypocritical asshole of a God!


    [God]


    I¡¯m not trying to act as righteous you damn devil! I AM RIGHTEOUS!


    [?]


    Will you both stop already no matter what you both say I won¡¯t change my decision, I¡¯ll just stay in the sidelines and watch you both kill each other during the judgment day


    [God and Lucifer]


    WE CAN¡¯T ¡°NOT INCLUDE YOU¡± BASTARD!


    [Lucifer]


    Your decision is way too important for us to not include you


    [God]


    Well this time I¡¯ll agree with Lucifer, your just way too important God of Destiny and Fate, your decisions will just result to either my death or that devils life


    [Lucifer]


    That¡¯s why for our personal safety we must invite you to our side!


    [God of Destiny and Fate]


    *sigh* that¡¯s the reason why I won¡¯t join in either of your sides! You¡¯re just trying to use me!


    [God]


    Then join me for the sake of justice and goodness


    [Lucifer]


    You underhanded bastard trying to use ¡°Justice and Goodness¡± *spits*


    [God of Destiny and Fate]


    Please can you both leave already? Why can¡¯t you both just fight over ¡°Death-san¡±? Can¡¯t he also be of great use to both of your camps? And stop bothering me already!


    [Lucifer]


    He said he can¡¯t choose unless you choose first!


    [God]


    Right he¡¯s reason is ¡°even though he¡¯s the god of death and he holds the right to rip someone¡¯s life even if it is a god, it is still ¡°Destiny-san¡± who writes the contents of his book¡± he says


    [God of Destiny and Fate]


    That damn bastard throwing the hot potato in me


    [God and Lucifer]


    So please choose already!


    [God of Destiny and Fate]


    (While the two idiots keep bickering I was just watching my own past self while ignoring the two buffoons, I was watching that day when Adelheid told me that my brother was trying to kill me and when she took me as a hostage when I tried to chase her, even though I am the God of destiny now I can¡¯t change what I did in the past me so all I can do is just watch as everything, still what would have happened when I handled things more decisively back then will it change anything? *sigh*)


    *Back to the present*


    [Alberto]


    I called all of my personal guards and told them the information I got from Adelheid, no matter how I think of a plan I¡¯m just a normal historical geek I¡¯m no military strategist so I asked Anselm for some advice.


    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    [Anselm]


    ¡°Milord isn¡¯t the solution pretty simple? Why don¡¯t we just kill him and say that he was killed by bandits during the encounter? I¡¯m honestly surprised on how stupid your brother is you know? Honestly can¡¯t we just use his own plan against him?¡±


    [Alberto]


    That¡¯s right! Why didn¡¯t I think of that? But still I¡¯m sorry father even though you tried to separate us brothers to avoid a succession war, we still ended up fighting, I need to protect my life father and to take revenge for mother I must do this!


    It took a while to plan things out to avoid any mishaps we also made some backup plans, things will all start tomorrow, me and my mother¡¯s life is at stake I must not fail.


    *next morning*


    I woke up due to a loud noise, alarms to be precise *sigh* is it finally starting? Well then my fight for survival is now finally beginning, I donned my armor with the help of some maids after that I partook a small meal and headed directly to my troops, after I met with them we made some arrangements for our plan, after that we took our position near the city walls as expected, my brother said that he need my leaderships and wits that¡¯s why he put me and my troops atop the walls.


    Well fine by me, I already anticipated it, anyway while I was waiting for the bandits to arrive I asked Anselm if my mother¡¯s safety is all well and good and he said that it¡¯s already ok he sent Dirk last night to the prisons to ¡°persuade¡± the guards too take my mother to safety after the battle starts.


    It¡¯s pretty good that I brought a large amount of money I was supposed to use those to buy some equipment for the villagers though I hope  they forgive me it¡¯s to save my mother anyway so if they become angry I¡¯ll willingly take their resentments.


    When it was almost noon I finally saw some bandits and as expected they just brought some ladders with them but honestly they are way too many, this is making me worried that¡¯s why yesterday I insisted to the soldiers I brought that they must prioritize their safety and if they will be punished because of it I¡¯ll take the blame.


    I ordered the men on the walls to prepare for battle, I asked Anselm to give a speech though because I just don¡¯t know how hehehe, while I was being busy preparing I didn¡¯t take my eyes away from  that beast for all I know he might just do something stupid before the war even starts, *sigh* thieves at the front and murderers behind, I¡¯m totally surrounded I just hope that our plans will go smoothly if not our heads will be served in a silver platter.


    *Somewhere around Alberto¡¯s vicinity*


    [?]


    I¡¯ll do everything in my power to protect you Alberto even if it will cost my life I will protect you, it¡¯s just that fate is so unfair, why can¡¯t I be allowed to love you?

 Chapter 10: New Beginning

    [Alberto]


    The battle has finally started, both sides are now in their skirmishing phase, many are dying from both sides, my troops are not that much damage because of Anselm''s tactic. This damnable traitorous brother of mine is hopeless though, employing shitty tactics resulting to unnecessary casualties, i''m quiet sad for his troops but for my own survival the more of his troops die the more chances of my plan to succeed. I''m slowly turning into one of them now huh? Murdering ones own brother is a grave sin but... Screw it all! I''m just tring to live peacefully here! I''m just trying to NOT die! He has done many errors in his life anyway. From abuse of hsi own power, raping his own sister, debauchery and many more heinous acts thats its useless to forgive him, so for those whom he has offended I will be doing justice for them. Others might think i''m just making up reasons so that my conscience won''t get affected but so be it let them think what they like! I''ll do what I need to do.


    It''s already afternoon and the battle is finally coming to a close with the defeat of the bandits at a tremendous price. Looking at my brother it seems that he doesnt care though so it just fueled my hatred for him more, it also made me more determined to kill him for the sake of the peoples future. I ordered Anselm to execute the plan, an arrow flew from the enemies midst aimed at my brother, the arrow arrived at it''s target my brother was hit on his heart, everyone was flabergasted at what happened to him that it led to unrest of the troops, to prevent the troops collapse i took command and tried to rally the defense troops, while i was ordering the defense troops an arrow was shot to me, i though i was done for when suddenly she came... Adelheid.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Why? why did you catch the arrow? it was meant for me so why did you sacrifice yourself? It was alright for me to die anyway so why? I hate this world i though i was blessed to lived again but is this really my destiny? The battle was over but no one is celebrating, many had died defending the castle including Werner II and Adelheid. With the death of Werner history will greatly change, the House of Habsburg will go to ruin which will lead to many change in the histories timeline. When father learned of he death of his only legitimate son he immediately legitimatized my birth and crowned me as his successor of the county of Habsburg.


    [Adelheid]


    Someone tried to kill Alberto in order to protect him I intercepted the arrow resulting in me being shot, I saw brother crying, he''s really cute with his snot and tears when brother asked why I sacrificed myself i tried to answer but i can''t, i just love you brother even though it''s wrong, i hope god will bless you my dear little brother.


    5 Years later


    [Alberto]


    With my fathers death on the year 1111 I inherited the house of Habsburg now I''m in the crossroads of history where my decisions will affect my domain and lead it to prosperity or decline, but wolves surround my domain inthe history of Europe, this period is considered the early part of the High Middle Ages. There was a sudden decline of Byzantine power and rise of Norman domination over much of Europe, along with the prominent role in Europe of notably influential popes. In Northern Italy, a growth of population in urban centers gave rise to early organized capitalism and more sophisticated, commercialized culture by the late 11th century. In Ukraine, there was the golden age for the principality of Kievan Rus.


    But with the death of my brother history is starting to deviate on its original course albeit slowly, now with the future of my domain in uncertainty a new beginning awaits.

 Chapter 11: Seeking some Benefits

    [Alberto]


    Being Part on the Holy Roman Empire is quite a headache, first of all i need to pay "tributes to the crown" from time to time, and most of all is the acquisition of levies which drastically depletes my manpower. Now it''s the year 1115 four years after my fathers death if i remember correctly the battle of Welfesholz is coming and my county will be included in this pointless war again, so to prevent this I slowly tried to distance myself from my liege lord in an inconspicuous manner and tried to achieve some benefits from the empire via my futuristic knowledge


    It maybe foolish and stupid for many reasons but I have my plans. First with the ongoing Saxon conflict and the atrocities commited by the emperor to the Pope I can get the proper legitimacy to declare my so called "benefits", since after my fathers death I sent some envoys to Henry V and and proposed to him some of my knowledge such as the use of potato and the 4 field crop rotation, I tried not to help him in some military matters and most of all his impending defeat from the Saxons to prevent some severe deviation in the histories timeline, I also did the same to Frederick II of Swabia so that at least i can assure that i have a positive image on the current and the next emperors


    I may offend the some people with this plan of mine however so in order to prevent that I tried to get on the good side of the Pope in Rome, I asked the current emperor Henry that in exchange for knowledge that he enforce my claim of Pfirt so that at least i can expand my domain slowly. The county of Pfirt is my stepmothers domain so with shaky claim I tried to take it.


    It''s already the 1st day of February Year 1115 when suddenly Emperor Henry V called for me with my levies...


    I went to where Henry is I did the necessary courtesy and finally went on with our business with his vassals listening within the court of course.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Henry V: Count Alberto I admire your deep knowledge and administrative skill but I am afraid i must disappoint you, even though that in exchange with the knowledge and services you and your father had rendered for the empire I must currently decline your request of lessening the tributes and levies required to be given to me currently for as of now i am in dire need of talents, troops, and money to defend the empire against the rebel Saxons.


    Alberto: I accept your will your majesty with a heavy heart, but would you permit this lowly one to ask why you called me on this court?


    Henry V: As I have said earlier my Count I admire your talent and knowledge that why I want you to be one of my court advisers this is not a request however but an order.


    The vassals within the court was flabbergasted with Henry''s proposal more so for me. The worst thing is he made it into an order, is he not afraid that it may sow discontent with his followers? letting a lowly count such as me be one of his advisers?


    Henry V: What is your answer?


    Alberto: I accept your majesty


    Henry: Well then as my first question for you what do you think I should do for this current war?


    I am totally panicking right now, I cant just divulge him tactics because if he wins history will greatly change and when he loses because of using my answers my head will roll! What am i supposed to do? Maybe i''ll just answer it like this.


    Alberto: Your majesty this lowly one does not have any talent regarding military matters and would like to excuse myself from answering such questions to prevent my inexperience lead to major problems your majesty.


    Some nobles: Yes your majesty why ask him regarding such delicate matters?


    Another noble: This kid is still too young your majesty and his answer might just smell trouble!


    An old noble: Your majesty please take this problem seriously.


    The court was in an uproar, during that time i went to the sidelines with the emperors permission and watch the quarreling statesmen do their thing. Honestly even though this guys are somewhat foolish they saved my neck this time everything was going quite smoothly for me when suddenly.


    Henry V: Enough! I''ll not ask Count Alberto any questions regarding it any longer in exchange he goes to the battlefield with me as an adviser still.


    A noble: That decision is much more better your majesty


    Henry V: So everyone is on accord?


    All nobles: We accept and follow your decision your majesty


    I''m dead... I am so dead.

 Chapter 12: On the eve of battle

    [Alberto]


    What am i going to do?! I can''t join him on this upcoming battle! I don''t want to die yet! But it''s already decided that i should accompany the emperor which is doomed to be defeated anyway, I can''t change history too much or it will deviate from the original timeline, if it deviate too much then my knowledge in history will become useless!


    Damn it all, I''ll just try to wing it in the battlefield and hope for the best, luckily I brought Anselm with me to be my military adviser while his adopted son is left guarding the domain, with Anselm around things won''t be too bad I hope.


    [Henry V]


    Damnation! Because of those stupid priests from the clergy my empire is in chaos right now! With many stupid and incompetent buffoons in my court things are going from bad to worse! Thank God I met Alberto 4 years ago, he greatly helped me stabilize the economy with his good ideas but something smells fishy about him though, like he''s hiding something and that he somehowc know what''s coming, to clarify my suspicions I invited him in my court in guise of giving him an answer to his request.


    When I denied him he was surprisingly composed at the same time quite transparent, his answer of accepting my decision with a heavy heart somehow shows me that he''s an honest man maybe this man is worth trusting.


    To address my suspicions of him knowing or at least hiding something I made him into one of my court advisers which drove the current court in an uproar because of his age.


    Incompetent fools they have not even helped me with my current problems they still have the face to criticize my decisions. One day when this is all over I''ll clean all of you from my court.


    After appointing him as one of my adviser I ask him this "what should I do in a he current war?", when he heard the question his expression showed panic but he immediately hides it, Hahaha but it didn''t escape my sights though so it just means two things whether he knows something and he does not want to say it or he does not know how to answer it.


    With my knowledge of him it''s 80% that its the former, his answer showed shrewdness though saying words like it''s not his area of expertise or what not but it will now fool me.


    while I was deliberating his character the stupid nobles comes again crying like a bunch of pigs, sigh why did my father used this stupid people in the first place and even left me a bunch of major problems before dying.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Anyway I still need them because of their troops so I''ll just stay quiet for now, to prevent grievances from them I refrained myself from continuing the matter and just told Alberto that he must join with me in the campaign with the courts acceptance of course.


    But curiously when I said it to him he showed fear and dread, hmm why should he show those emotions though? From the information that I''ve gathered he''s not a coward, maybe he really does know somethings so I should really bring him this time.


    Maybe I should give him the duchy of Saxony to tempt him from revealing everything he knows? Away from the nobles eyes and ears though.


    [Alberto]


    Its finally the day before the battle, for those anyone who does not know why this happened it all start when Henry V, scion of the Frankish Salian dynasty and uncontested King of the Romans since 1106, had inherited both the Investiture Controversy and the Saxon conflict from his father Henry IV.


    In 1110 he moved to Italy and, after negotiation failed, captured Pope Paschal II and several cardinals to enforce his coronation as Holy Roman Emperor. Having returned from Rome he was immediately excommunicated by the papal legate in Germany Cuno of Praeneste and again by Archbishop Guy de Vienne, the later Pope Callixtus II, which encouraged the Imperial princes in their rising against the emperor¡ªmost of all the Saxon Duke Lothair of Supplinburg and Archbishop Adalbert of Mainz, Henry''s long-time supporter who after his investiture had deserted him.


    Henry entrusted the Saxon affairs to his field marshal Count Henry of Mansfeld, a Saxon noble himself. However, though he had Adalbert imprisoned at Trifels Castle and forced Lothair to submit himself after a court hearing at the Imperial Palace of Goslar, the smouldering Saxon conflict broke out again in March 1113 over the succession in the Thuringian territories left by late Count Ulric II of Weimar and Orlam¨¹nde. In order to create an own power basis, Henry had made attempts to confiscate the county as a ceased fief but met obstinate resistance by Ulric''s heir, the Count Palatine of the Rhine Siegfried, son of the Ascanian count Adalbert II of Ballenstedt. The insurgents gathered under the lead of the Osterland count Wiprecht of Groitzsch and the Thuringian count Louis the Springer, but were repulsed by Henry''s troops under Mansfeld in a battle at Warnstedt near Thale. Wiprecht was captured and at first sentenced to death for high treason. Later he was reprieved, imprisoned at Trifels and divested of his possessions, which passed to the House of Mansfeld.


    The next year Duke Lothair had to attend Henry''s wedding with Matilda of England in a hairshirt. Subdued though not deposed, he had continued intriguing against Henry, who saw himself confronted with the increasing opposition of the Imperial princes. In October 1114 the conflict again culmulated in violent fights, when Rhenish insurgents led by Archbishop Frederick I of Cologne had attacked the Imperial troops in October 1114 at Andernach.


    But because of me everything is going to change to either better or worse.

 Chapter 13: My own destiny

    It''s finally the day of battle, Henry V placed me near him with my household troops of 300 levies combined with his personal retinue as his guard numbering a total of a thousand men strong. The total number if our army is almost 10,000 thousand strong including us and the guards while the enemy has an estimated total number of 10,000 also.


    According to the chronicles of Pegau Abbey, on 10 February 1115 the Imperial forces gathered at the Kaiserpfalz of Wallhausen and moved about 40 km (25 mi) towards Welfesholz (today part of Gerbstedt in Saxony-Anhalt) to meet the united Saxon troops led by Duke Lothair, with first skirmish occurring already on the same evening.


    The next day Henry''s commander Hoyer of Mansfeld started an offensive whereby he was killed in a sword combat by the young robber knight Wiprecht II, son of the arrested Count Wiprecht of Groitzsch. The incident decided the battle: the tackling Saxon armies of Lothair were victorious, forcing Henry''s troops to take flight. In his 12th century Chronica Slavorum the Saxon chronicler Helmold described the battle as "the largest encounter in our time".


    However instead of Hoyer of Mansfeld I became the supreme commander of the army. Our army comprise of 1000 generals bodyguards, 5000 light infantry, 2000 heavy infantry, 1000 missile infantry, 600 light cavalry, 400 heavy cavalry.


    Last night some minor skirmishes happened when my light cavalry encountered the enemies scouts. A man named Wilhelm performed splendidly during thr battle with his wits he almost annihilated the enemies scouts.


    His 50 light cavalry units split themselves into 5 units and hid themselves before they were even spotted by the enemy, he and his men slowly encircled the enemy scouts near a small hill, 2 units were shown to the enemies as bait and because it was dark the other units where not discovered by them and when the enemy scouts chased the 2 units the other 2 flanked the chasing scouts which composed of 50 light infantry and 10 cavalry units, the enemies rear was left open to prevent the enemies from becoming desperate that may result to unnecessary casualties on our side.


    When the enemy troops were broken the last unused unit chased the strugglers, killed those who resisted and captured those who surrendered. 13 infantry 2 cavalry units were captured while 3 cavalry units escaped while the others were killed.


    The information we have gathered from the captives states that the enemy comprise 5000light infantry 3000 heavy infantry 1000 missile infantry 500 light cavalry and 500 heavy cavalry.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    The Saxons positioned themselves on the planes of Welfelsholz, to prevent history from repeating itself I planned to fight defensively and divide the troops into 2 one will be led by me and the other by Wilhelm.


    But decision incited the ire of the nobility of course.


    Noble A: This ridiculous! your letting a commoner and a low noble lead the army your majesty? We will never accept this!


    Noble B: Thats right! It''s supposedly us who has the right to command those armies!


    Hoyer of Mansfeld: Amateurs who still smelled of their mothers milk should not include themselves in the military matters. And what''s this nonsense of dividing our troops into two and most of all playing defensively? Do you want out forces to be defeated that badly you cowardly kid?


    Noble C: Looks who''s talking such boisterous tone but a head full of hot air and rocks.


    Hoyer of Mansfeld: Shut up you old bag!


    Sigh now I know why this guy died, he''s literally what you call a musclehead and a dumbass. Why did Henry gave the armies command in the original history anyways? That I will never know.


    I was aboit to explain myself when an unexpected man entered the picture


    Conrad III: You! Silence yourself! Are you quarreling in front of the emperor himself you disrespectful bunch?!


    Henry V: Enough Conrad, in response to your inquiry of why I chose Alberto and the other commander he suggested is because of their talents in commanding troops and accompanied by their efficiency which I deemed noteworthy.


    Conrad III: Which you idiots lack most of all!


    Noble C: Well just think of it this way if they fail then at least it''s their heads that will fall not yours.


    And because of that the nobility we''re silenced but they still grumble behind my back though so I should adjust my tactics just incase those idiots do something which they are expert to, doing something stupid.


    I ask Anselm on how we should position our troops, according to him if we want to play defensively we must form the shield wall formation with the cavalries and the flanks and missile infantry at front.


    Wilhelm positioned himself in our easternmost flank in the offensive formation waiting for the right moment to strike, you must be wondering why we divided ourselves into an offensive and defensive formation in open planes?


    Well it''s because that with this tactic even though it makes our troops quite fragile but with this formation we can react to any unexpected circumstances with utter flexibility.


    While forming ourselves the enemy formed themselves into a line formation with cavalries at the flanks, heavy and light infantry in the center with missile infantry behind, but it also seems like Lothair himself is in the frontline with his guards to further inspire his troops.


    Its already noon when they finally marched their whole army against us and with this the greatest battle of our time finally commence.

 Extra Chapter: Beyond the Sands

    The desert is ours. It is my home. Invaders come here, but they do not leave. They do not understand the desert; they do not understand how it gives life or how it kills. And so they die.


    It is the year 1115 an auspicious year. The crusaders conquered the kingdom of Jerusalem. Those heathens massacred Muslims, Jews and other religious denominations because of it we were forced to flee for our lives.


    While me and my family are traveling towards Mecca we discovered a wonderful sight, we saw a prosperous town in the middle of the desert. At first we thought it was just a mirage but when got close to confirm whether it really was a mirage that we discovered that it was real.


    It was a small town on the top of a small hill, when we entered the town we discovered that it was empty, we went here and there and found not a single soul.


    In the middle of the town was a lake and in the middle of the lake was a weird temple with unorthodox design. It has dragons statues on the eight corners of the rooftop while tigre statues guards the 4 entrances, it was a really amazing piece of architecture but since when did this design starts to trend here in the desert? And where are it''s inhabitants?


    We went inside to further investigate but the only thing we found were scrolls and scrolls of unknown language. To avoid damaging it we put it back to its rightful place.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    We spent countless hours searching for any inhabitants until in finally darkens that we stopped, me and my family decided to stay at the temple to rest, my wife prepared our meals and had our fill for the night.


    Something happened before we slept though, my family and I saw a young lady on a fishing boat accompanied by an old man.


    We thought we finally found some inhabitants when suddenly they vanished leaving only the boat behind.


    We just ignored it and thought it was just a mirage and went to sleep. In the next morning something mystifying happened, there was a feast laid at us that look like a feast for the emperor.


    Here and there we look to and fro we go but sadly found no one so the only thing that we can do is silently thank those who accepted us.


    After the meal we prepared all our belongings for the journey when suddenly we saw a man, a very young man accompanied by a colorful bird that has a little bell on its legs talking to another young man surrounded by 2 most beautiful women i have ever seen they are the kind of beauty that can topple nations.


    I tried to get close to them for i thought they were the ones who provided shelter to us and thank them when suddenly another young man clad is beastfur clothing with a violetjewel sword stopped us and said that it is not necessary to thank them anymore and we should be on our way.


    Because of that we left the town, when we were quite a distance already i saw the most unbelievably extraordinary thing in my life, the town moved slowly then finally flew.


    When I stated this story to my friends they thought i was going crazy but i know that because of what my family and I experience everything is going to change.

 Chapter 14: Tactical Revolution

    Welfesholz or Saxony-Anhalt in my previous lifes timeline. Duke Lothair is currently charging straight to my frontlines with reckless abandon. The stupidity is real on this one, he never thought of any tactics to begin with and just ordered a charge directly. While his troops are charging I ordered all of my crossbowmen to move to the front and pepper the charging enemies with crossbow bolts. I added an additional order to them which is to specifically aim the heavy infantries of the enemy.


    I also ordered Anselm to take command of all the available cavalry that I have and left him free reign on his own, with his experience in war I trust that he won''t fail too badly if he does fail.


    As you know I have divided the army into two and I took command of all the foot infantries from melee to missile while Wilhelm took command of 900 heavy and light cavalry including the Emperors retinue numbering a total of a thousand totaling to 1900 cavalry. The remaining 100 light cavalry was the only horsemen i have got which i have given toAnselm.


    No speeches were made which is somehow weird Duke Lothair just charged while i made my formations. I have thought of emulating the Roman Manipular formation but when i looked at our soldiers discipline i decided against it and instead used the strong right flank formation (Oblique formation) in cooperation with Wilhelm.


    Our crossbowmen peppered the charging enemy infantry and by the looks of it many of the enemies heavy indantry lie dead on the battlefield. When Lothair saw the casualties he ordered his cavalry at his right flank to charge at my missile infantry. As Anselm have already forseen this scenario he placed his men in the left flank of the army and gave additional orders to the missile infantry. That is to retreat behind the infantry lines when the enemy infantry has reached 50 steps away from them or 100 steps when its the cavalry.


    Because of it we avoided unnecassary casualties. Only 30 men haved died during the first encounter with the enemies missile infantry and because of their army positioning it has proven detrimental to their own archers which has their line of sight blocked and that they still need to get closer to get into range.


    On Wilhelms side before the clash:


    Wilhelm: My respectable lord please let me now relay to you Count Alberto''s tactic


    Noble A: HMPH! How dare he order us! Just because he has the emperors grace he pompously try to order us like servants?This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    Conrad: Shut it! Just because the emperor is not here that does not mean you can speak like that you trash!


    Noble C: Ok that enough both of you let him continue already.


    Wilhelm: Thanks you sir, as I was saying...


    The tent curtain opens...


    Everyone in the tent: We respectfully greet the emperor!


    Henry V: Please enough of the formalities. Continue young knight


    Wilhelm: As you wish my emperor. As I was saying the counts tactic is to use the Oblique orderto counter the enemy army.Which means that this detachment is responsible in destroying the enemy army!


    Hoyer of Mansfeld: That tactic is ridiculous! Does he even have the balls of holding the lines with his measly infantry units? If he fails in holding the enemy troops this tactic will fail and the results will be a disaster!


    Wilhelm: Then what do you suggest Sir Hoyer? Just charge through the enemy lines like a mindless animal?


    Hoyer of Mansfeld: Of course! We have the same number of units yes but we have more valiant commanders than them here for example me!


    Noble B: Yeah! Its much more easier in charging through the enemies lines and kill their commander than executing this kids tactics!


    Sigh.. What foolishness is this? Do they even think about the meaningless sacrifices that may result if we use their tactics?


    Henry V: Are you all fools?! Do you know how many will die if you just charge at the enemy like boars!


    Hoyer of Mansfeld: But your majesty! Those measly commoners should be thankful dying an honorable death than dying like a dogs death!


    Noble A: We were making them live happily anyways so now they should pay their debt with their lives!


    Conrad: You beast! No matter what you say I will agree at Alberts plan rather than dying an idiots death like you will!


    Henry V: Enough! Execute Alberts plan those who does not obey will be executed imediately at my order!


    Hoyer of Mansfeld: But your Majesty!


    The emperor leaves...


    Noble C: Enough of that Hoyer just follow his majesties order, instead of trying to condemn the kids plan why not make a counter plan in case this fail? If you succeed then the emperor may reward you yah?


    Hoyer of Mansfeld: Oh yeah! Why didnt I think of that!


    Wilhelm:He''s really a fool... well i better watch him and prevent him from doing something stupid.


    During the battle...


    So many corpses! Is Lothair an idiot? Why did he just charged recklessly?! But it seems like Count Albertos plan is doing fine without much problems so far. Look at our own nobles faces staring at the enemy casualties stupidly hehehe now do they even have the guts to insult Count Alberto? Even the emperors face looks so happy right now. Sigh.. I really admire Alberto at a young age look at his achievements, Making his domain prosper in just four years, getting the emperors recognition and many more! Well I should get ready now. The enemy is going to hit the frontlines any moment now. But where isHoyer I wonder I cant see him anywhere whit his troops...


    Anselm: LADS!!! Get ready to harass the enemy line. Remember DO NOT FIGHT A PROLONGED BATTLE! Our objective is to harass them like flies UNDERSTAND!!!


    Cavalry men: YES SIR!!


    Anselm: CHARGE!!!


    We must find Lothairs position as soon as possible to destroy the enemies morale immediately! We must find him and point his position so that our crossbowmen can fire their arrows towards his location. It may be cowardly but as my lord has said Everything is fair in love and war!While we were charging I saw a familiar flag coming in our left flank with 100 heavy cavalry in tow...

 Chapter 15: Waves of blood

    Slash! Slice! Stomp!Death has come. The smell of blood reeks the air. Wave after wave our line endured the enemies onslaught.


    Many of the dead soldiers has families waiting for them. I pity those who were sacrificed in a useless war. Why is it that the commoners must shoulder the burden of the nobles?


    Why must the common people shed blood to those whom they serve? Aren''t we all just the same? Aren''t we all born the same? Who made the boundaries of who''s commoners and who''s noble in the first place?


    Is human life such a fickle thing that everythings turn to chaos because of desire? Will hardwork be not enough? Seeing people work hard to achieve their simple and comfortable life makes me wonder... Why do those in power enjoy destroying such things?


    Minutes turned to hours slowly men are falling one by one from wave after wave of the enemies battering...


    Alberto: Stand firm! Do not fear your enemies! For the sake of your families if you want to see any of them again, kill ir be killed!


    Soldiers: OOAH!


    Messenger: Sir count the left flank is asking for assistance!


    Alberto: But we have no more troops to spare!


    Messenger: But sir the line will collapse if we dont do something about it!


    Alberto: Sigh... Then take 300 crossbowmen and let them concentrate fire on the left flank and... Take "THAT" item out. USE IT SPARINGLY! MOST OF ALL BE CAREFUL WHEN USING IT!


    Messenger: YES SIR!


    In the left side of the battlefield amidst within the enemy lines, smokes kept rising in an unprecedented rate. Those smokes were the results of my smoke bombs that was made using saltpeter. Chaos and disorder ensued the left flank, while the enemy was in the midst of confusion the whole left flank of our army composed of light infantry regrouped and slowly pushed the enemy back.


    Meanwhile on Wilhelms side...


    Wilhelm: Does anyone know where Hoyer is?


    Soldier A: Sir I just saw Sir Hoyer rode away with his troops and it seems like he''s going to sir counts army..The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    That damnable wretch! I have no time to play such parlor trick with you Hoyer! Sigh... I have no more time now to mind his idiocy the battle is already at its peak and Sir alberto needs my army now more than ever...


    Wilhelm: Tell everyone that we''re going to charge and the enemies left flank immediately!


    Soldier A: Yes commander!


    Conrad: Wilhelm whats the problem why are you looking like that?


    Wilhelm: Milord it seems like Hoyer is trying to do something on his own. It seems like he''s going to Lord Alberto''s side to cause some ruckus...


    Conrad: That stupid dog! Don''t worry after this battle I Will petition to his majesty to cut his neck off for disobedience of military order.


    Wilhelm: Thnk you milord... and also please prepare now milord the battle is already at it''s peak


    In Anselms side...


    Soldier: Sir! Look its the flag of Duke Lothair!


    Anselm: Then raise the flag immediately after we get close enough!


    Soldier: Yes sir!


    I hope i''m not too late! i already lost 20 men and the horses are now showing signs of fatigue. Before we get trapped in here we must accomplish our mission.. it is during that time I saw Hoyer with his Heavy cavalry charging through the enemies lines...


    Hoyer of Mansfeld: CHARGE!!!! BREAK THE ENEMIES LINES!!!


    Anselm: Sir Hoyer! Why are you here aren''t you at Commander Wilhelms army?


    Hoyer: I saw that kid Alberto made a detachment out of his only cavalry units and after a little thinking i decided to come here to see what his up to. But that kids is stupid beyond doubt! Trying to kill the enemy general with a detachment of light cavalry units is he a fool? Before you even reach your targets the enemy will have slaughtered you already thats why this great me has decided lend a little help and try to get all the glory HAHAHAHA!


    Anselm and Hoyer charged through the enemies flank. Hoyer is at the very front of the charge. They saw initial success in the beginning, killing a lot of the intercepting enemy units when suddenly Hoyers head was suddenly copped of by none other that he young robber knight Wiprecht II, son of the arrested Count Wiprecht of Groitzsch. Because of his sudden death Anselm immediately took command of his troops and issued a retreat. Before retreating he raised the flag that represents that he has spotted the enemy general..


    Soldier: Sir! we saw the flag!


    Alberto: Then order the remaining missile units to fire after a minute at the location where the flag has been spotted on the double!


    Soldier: Yes Sir!


    Where the hell is Wilhelm! I cant hold the line any longer!Alberto was getting anxious when suddenly he heard a bellow...


    Alberto: USE "THAT" AT THE ENEMIES CENTER NOW!!!! USE HALF OF IT!


    Soldier: Which one sir!


    Alberto: It''s the liquid one... Sigh why did i forget to label it. We were lucky that they have trown the smoke bombs earlier instead of the molotovs..


    Soldier: we will do it immediately sir!


    I made smoke bombs and molotovs which is not quite well known during this time. I hoped that it doesnt change warfare so much in western europe...


    The molotovs had great effect after it was thrown the enemies central line is in panic and becuase of it Wilhelms charge was a great success when suddenly...


    Anselm: Lord Alberto! Hoyer has been killed in battle!


    At that moment I realized that history is trying to get on its right course...

 Extra chapter: For your future

    I lived a happy and satisfying life. My family was rich, we were also quite affectionate on each other.


    Mom was a famous scientist while father was a politician. Me their only child is a genius. I was not the one calling myself a genius, cause I really am a genius.


    I have 220 IQ you know? But even though i have the brains im quite the careless type. I lack the worlds common sense but even so my parents loved me.


    I studied all kinds of knowledge, from social knowledge to scientific knowledge. I learned a lot for the past years.


    But there''s one problem. Even though im quite handsome I have not gotten myself into any relationship yet. No women is attracted to me. Such a lonely life...This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    One day mom arrange a meet up for me. I was happy, I immediately prepared myself, practice my lines and of course i tried to look as good as i can.


    Whats the use of unparalleled knowledge when you dont even have someone to love you? I''m also a coward you know so i had a hard time confessing to someone i like, but the results are always a failure...


    While i was walking to my destination suddenly i was runover by a truck. I tried to look at the driver but somehow he looks quite familiar to me. It seems like he looks like...me?


    Why does this kind of things happen to me?! Now that i can finally have a date with someone. What about my family?!


    Everything was turning dark when suddenly I saw a bright light.


    "It''s not your time yet... you still have a duty... the fates have chosen you... Live a long life... the fates have given you the gift of everlasting life... You also get to decide what path will you choose... You will meet a lot of people... You will also lose a lot.. But everything has its purpose... Endure till the end."


    I just listened to the voice. I was not allowed to speak my thoughts just floated in the void when suddenly I saw the light of day again.

 Chapter 16: The will of god

    [Duke Lothair POV]


    Why? Why is this happening to my army? Why is this happening to me? I was just doing what I think is right in the eyes of god and the church!


    My father joined the Saxon Rebellion against the ruling Salian Dynasty and died on 9 June 1075 in the Battle of Langensalza, fighting troops loyal to Emperor Henry IV. Shortly thereafter, I was born posthumously at Unterlub. In 1100 I married Richenza, daughter of Count Henry of Northeim and Gertrude of Brunswick, heiress of the Brunonids


    After years of purchasing lands or gaining them via inheritance or marriage alliances throughout Saxony, I gained the domains of the House of Billung, the Counts of Northeim and the Brunonids, and became one of the dominant landowners in the North German duchy. I backed the emperor''s son Henry V during the dis-empowerment of his father Henry IV and in turn was made Duke of Saxony upon the death of Magnus Of Billung in 1106. Because of the promotion and the ridiculous taxes that was given to us ducal lords I revolted against Emperor Henry''s rule and denied his ability to rule Saxony during the Investiture Controversy. I acted autonomously, vesting Count Adolf of Schauenber with Holstein in 1110, was temporarily deposed in 1112 but reinstated after I tactically submitted myself to the rule of Henry V. In 1115 however, I joined the rebellious Saxon forces.


    Its funny however that i followed the foot steps of my dead father. Rebelling to the emperor is maybe in our blood. Before the campaign began I was in high spirits. My men believed that god is in our side and that we will win in his name. With our morale on all time high I arranged my troops in a long line. My center having Light and Heavy infantries while the flanks has the mixed of heavy and light cavalries.


    After we were done forming ourselves i ordered an all out charge. I though with our high morale and supreme command ability we can crush the enemy in one fell swoop. In which case I was wrong.


    At first whilst my army was charging my center line was peppered by enemy crossbow bolts, the most who took the majority of the damage was the heavy infantry. Because of that i ordered a part of my cavalry in the flanks to charge at the enemy missile troops in the front line to prevent further damage.


    After we made the enemy missile units retreat the usual battle began. Swords clashing, Shields Banging, Spears Stabbing the front line was a total mess. The most chaotic was on our right flank where the enemy placed majority of his light infantries. Over there many are dying brutally. So i ordered to concentrate our available troops on our right flank when suddenly the area was peppered down by the enemies crossbows leaving disaster at its wake.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    Is the enemy commander crazy? Is he not afraid shooting his own troops to death? While I was thinking those things I suddenly noticed some thick smoke slowly emerging on our right flank.


    Slowly my men are getting dizzy resulting to them getting killed? What in gods is this sorcery? Is the enemy really on the side of the devil?! Because of the smokes I ordered my men in the affected area to slowly fallback to avoid any more unnecessary casualties cause by the unknown smoke.


    The battle continued to rage until afternoon. I finally saw the enemy slowly crumbling when suddenly I saw an enemy detachment piercing our line. They are coming to my location slowly though so I ordered my men to intercept them with shield wall but surprisingly the enemy destroyed the line.


    I was starting to panic when suddenly a knight charged directly to the enemy leader and instantly chopped the enemy leaders head off. Just like that the threat to my life was snuffed out immediately, maybe after this battle I must know who that young man is and try to win him over.


    But before i can even celebrate though I saw the enemy raised a huge red banner with black circle and a cross in the center after they raised it for a few moments they retreated. Hmmm what was that all about i thought. I never knew that i will know the answer immediately after that.


    Hundreds of arrows came crashing down on my location many of my retainers are killed in the barrage that seems never ending and because of my panicking I urged my horse to get away as quickly as possible when suddenly my horse was pierced by 5 arrows.


    I fell, I also felt a nasty pain on my shoulder and legs and when I checked what cause it i saw two arrows penetrating my body. My whole body was aching in pain. When some of my surviving retainers saw my state they immediately put me on a spare horse with 10 men assisting me and immediately led me away from the battlefield.


    I wanted to tell them that i cannot retreat that i don''t want to retreat but my voice wont come out...


    When I was already far enough I saw hell exploding from the earth. Fire spread in my armies central line. And while my army was in confusion the enemies spare army charged at my left flank.


    Why has god forsaken me? Is my cause not just? Slowly a lost my consciousness while thinking that this maybe is part of gods plan.


    I promise that when i wake up I will get my revenge. I will make there enemy commander pay. While I was thinking about it I suddenly realized that i do not know who the enemy commander was. When I ask my informant and retainers they all answered 1 name and that was Alberto von Habsburg.


    When I Heard his current age I was surprised at the same time afraid but for the deaths of my men and for god I will kill that man no matter what happens i cannot let him live a good life

 Chapter 17: Foolish Catastrophy

    After the battle we looked for Duke Lothairs corpse while also accounting our damages. A total of 400 Heavy infantry units died with 400 injured, 2545 light infantry units have also perished with 2000 injured and out of 100 cavalry units that I had only 30 survived including Anselm.


    Wilhelms troops only suffered a total of 500 deaths and 100 injured. It was clear victory for us but with our remaining troops continuing to do battle is not possible. So on Henry V sent a group of delegation to send a letter of surrender to Duke Lothair immediately.


    After the battle the emperor also inquired to me about my ¡°inventions¡± and asked for the technology which I gave reluctantly. While dealing with the aftermath a messenger suddenly arrived.


    Messenger: My emperor a band of demons and devilish creatures had arrived into the coast of the County of Portugal. Because of the sudden invasion of the western Iberia by the said demons the Islamic Kingdom of Almohad and the various Christian Kingdoms in Iberia had formed a temporary truce and alliance to fight back against the said demons. However even with the combined forces of the Christian and Muslim kingdoms they are gradually getting pushed back and as a result they have asked various rulers to send aid immediately!


    When the court heard the message they all just laughed and tried to dismiss it as a joke, even I don¡¯t believe it. But even so the emperor still verified the information¡­


    Henry: Demons? Are you sure? Or the kingdoms in Iberia are just trying to trick us? You know that lying to me will result to your head right?!


    When the Messenger heard those words he suddenly cried and begged he also said that¡­


    Messenger: My emperor I have not lied to you and if you want any more valid information then you can just look at the French! They had already dispatched their available troops to provide assistance!


    When we all heard it the court suddenly came to silence. Even the French have mobilized? We suddenly came to the realization that maybe this message about demons and devils are true. It is during that period of silence when suddenly a messenger from the Papacy had arrived, he looked extremely exhausted and that his current appearance doesn¡¯t resemble any proper messenger of the pope.


    Papal Messenger: Greetings Emperor Henry V


    Henry V: Spare me the formalities. Why have you come here?Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Papal Messenger: Have you received the latest news already?


    Henry: Is this all about that demons and devils invading from the western coast of Iberia?


    Papal Messenger: Its exactly that you majesty, and because of that the Pope has sent me to stop fighting for awhile to assist our brethren in Iberia.


    Henry V: Ho? Is the church not disgusted about fighting demons with the ¡°Infidels¡±?


    Papal Messenger: The pope has said that even though it irks him so much, he must endure fighting with the Heretics to protect the safety of all human kind your highness.


    Henry V: Hahahahaha! This is laughable the church is fighting with the Muslims? Didn¡¯t the church sanctioned a crusade against the Muslims some years ago? And now he wants to fight with them ¡°for the sake of humanity¡±? what a joke! With my knowledge of you church people I¡¯m sure that your just trying to stab them in the back when the time comes. It¡¯s the same with those heretics! They¡¯re just waiting for the right time to stab us in the back and your expecting me to help with that fragile alliance?!


    Papal Messenger: Your highness is this your response? You wont help humanity because of your anger against the church?


    Henry V: Interpret it as you will the only thing that I can say is I wont send troops. But I may send some resources ¡°For the sake of humanities survival¡± does that answer suffice?


    Papal Messenger: Then your highness I shall now leave with your response. I hope that God may bless you.


    Henry V: Hmph! Leave already!


    After that conference with the papal messenger the court was in uproar again. Some nobles are trying to tell the emperor that he had done the right decision. Some tried to persuade him to send troops in Iberia to avoid gods ire. While some simply adopted the sit and wait strategy.


    For me I honestly wanted to confirm the validity of information. First is because I don¡¯t know what ¡°Demons and Devils¡± they are talking about. Maybe they¡¯re just tribal foreigners from the other side of the sea or whatnot. And second its because of the very event itself¡­ Why did the Iberian Kingdoms and the Caliphate formed an alliance immediately? It is not realistic enough for them to form an alliance this time because of the recent crusade.


    Aren¡¯t the Muslims angry at us Christians because we took Jerusalem from them? Are they not suspicious enough to the point that they should not trust our every word. Most of all Aren¡¯t the Kings and Queens of Iberia zealous enough to even propose an alliance with the Muslims?


    Sigh¡­ This is getting confusing! Where in the world did those devils came from anyway? In the first place are they even devils?! While I was in thought the emperor suddenly called for me¡­


    Henry V: Silence! Before we tackle about that matter any further we must first give rewards to those persons who have contributed on the war. First I must reward Wilhelm for leading the auxiliary army leading to the enemies crushing defeat and for that I will reward him a small land in my demesne and give him a position as one of my military adviser.


    Wilhelm: I thank you for your compassion and mercy your majesty and swear to you on my honor and blood that I will serve you loyally for the rest of my life or until you deemed me not worthy anymore.


    Henry V: Very well. Then I must now reward the person who had contributed most during the battle. He is the commander of the main army the one who proposed the strategies that led to the enemies collapse and the person the person that made victory possible, Count Alberto of Habsburg. To reward him I will accede to his previous request and additionally grant him one favor from me that I will try to achieve at the best of my ability.


    When I heard those lines from the Emperor I was shocked because this is not how the medieval court supposed to work but I just didn¡¯t mind it anymore and strode forwards to receive my reward. I did the formalities required with the best of my abilities. While the ceremony was ongoing some noble looked at me with envious eyes. Some looked with appreciation and some looked with disdain. To hell with them! I deserve this!


    After giving me my reward the ceremony continued on until every man who need to be rewarded was rewarded. After the ceremony the emperor continued to talk about the matter about the demonic invasion.


    During the talks however the fools have given me pretty hard time which resulted to me being doomed.

 Chapter 18 (Part 1): The cross and crescent moon

    I am Ali ibn Yusuf the 5th king of the Almoravid dynasty. And now we are experiencing one of the most worse invasion we ever had.


    Devils and demons have come to our shore. The invaders took us by surprise, those devils in human skin massacred all the coastal villages that they encounter.


    And when i heard what they did to the inhabitants I was petrified. My Allah, those devils are cutting out the hearts of the survivors and offering it to their demon gods.


    Men, women, children, and elderly none were spared.


    Those christian kings are also experiencing the horror of the enemy too.


    At first we tried to fight the enemy without any help from them. Many days passed we kept on losing and when we investigated we discovered that the enemy almost have a half a million soldiers.


    When we learned about it I was filled with despair, with no other choice i sent a messenger to the caliph immediately to request reinforcement from all muslim rulers to drive the infidels and heretics back from where they came.


    Unexpectedly the Christian kings proposed a temporary truce and alliance on the purpose of driving the invaders back.


    I was skeptical at their motives at first but i had no other choice than to use the most available means i have at the current moment and accepted their proposal. As the saying goes a distant water can''t quench a blazing fire.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    We formed a united front against the invaders leading to a stalemate. Reinforcements are arriving from all corners of the world. The french had already sent theirs while incoming reinforcements are coming from the arabian peninsula, the kingdom of jerusalem has also sent their knights.


    The problem is that there is a growing uneasiness in our ranks because of religious differences.


    Fights break out from time to time leading to unstable morale of the army.


    Me and the various rulers has decided that to separate the Muslim army and the Christian army. Even though we are separated we will try to coordinate our movements with each other to better utilize our forces.


    But it is hard not to think about those Christian infidels not trying to do anything on our backs and so as to prevent any mishaps i planted several informants on their army.


    We battled against the invading devils and demons with all our might, and surprisingly i had observed that the enemy does not utilize cavalry so much. So i ordered all my missile cavalry to harrass the enemy which has been extremely effective.


    Most of the enemies also does not wear armors and such, they only covered themselves in flayed skin of humans and animals alike.


    The enemy however is extremely skilled in jungle warfair which resulted to high casualties to our side.


    The foolish Christian kings still insist to fight on mellee against those crazed demons resulting to huge casualties on their side.


    For those knights it is a sign of cowardice to fight like us they believed. I say pathetic. Lives are at stake here. Where did they get the logic of fighting like fools? Throwing their lives away for their stupid pride and honor.


    The month of Ramadan is fast approaching. Our troops efficiency in fighting will drastically be lowered because of thesawm.


    With our devotion to Allah i pray that victory will be given to us on the upcoming battles.


    I hope those infidel Christians don''t fail too much resulting to our defeat though.

 Chapter 18 (Part 2): The cross and crescent moon

    Alberto POV


    Its been a month since the battle of Welfesholz. During the sortment in the aftermath It was decided with the great "endorsement" of some of the nobles that has animosity to me.


    That I will lead the supply caravan that will be sent to the allied forces in the iberian peninsula.


    For the previous month I sent various messengers on all of my contacts to investigate the true nature of the said invaders.


    Because of that I found out that they were never demons or devils in the first place... The invaders were the Aztecs of The American continent.


    I was greatly shocked by the information that i had got. Its freaking impossible for those people to cross continents in the first place!


    The proper technology to attain such long range voyage was not even discovered yet so how did they came here?


    While trying to think of the reasons why a letter arrived to me...


    Dear fellow reincarnator


    Well you might be curious on why i know you are a reincarnator but well i have my ways. Well I''ll just skip those annoying details and will just tell you this. THE WORLD WILL BE MINE! So join me or die!


    Well thats my message to you so... Till next time? Ahahahahaha.


    Respectfully yours...


    Quetzelcoatl (obviously this is an alias idiot) ahahaha


    Well I read a letter of a madman that''s for sure. But what the hell is happening?!


    Examining the contents of the letter it can be said that it was because of this guy that the aztecs suddenly have ships way too advance on our time.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    Obviously he may have had deduced that I''m a reincarnator because of my recent actions of defying history.


    Still how did he get his information this quick?


    While we were traveling I arrived at the current Sultan of the Almoravid Sultanate.


    ....: Greetings my friend may I know who are you representing?


    Alberto: I''m Count Alberto of Habsburg under orders of giving military supplies by the Holy Roman Emperor Henry V.


    ...: Would you please show me the proof of nobility?


    Alberto:Of course...


    Ali ibn Yusuf POV


    Haa... While we were discussing about what our next step should be a supply convoy had arrived from one of the Christian kingdoms.


    When I inquired on who was leading them my guards answered it was Count Alberto of Habsburg.


    When I heard who it was i was quite surprised because I know him.


    Precisely it was a year ago when a delegate was sent from this guy requesting trade and friendship.


    I was amused by the matter so i gave his delegation an audience and heard their proposal.


    The overall of it was quite simple, they will provide goods unique to them in exchange for spices and the black oil.


    They also added that they will conduct trade at the current market price. When I heard it I was mostly shocked and bewildered.


    In the first place those arrogant infidels wont make this kind of proposal because of their sense of superiority instead they will try to make a proposal that will milk us dry.


    And one of the thing that I''m curious about is that by judging the content of his proposal he''s quite sincere and transparent with no sense of deception.


    But still I dismissed the delegation with a promise that i will give them a proper response by the next day.


    I dismissed them because this matter is very sensitive and that making a wrong decision may damage my kingdom.


    Me and my advisors and courtiers discuss and debated about the matter until we finally reached a consensus.


    We decided to accept the trade deal.


    A year had pass and if the invaders didn''t arrive me and him may have had a prosperous trade between our domains.


    With my year of interaction with him I gradually came to know him slowly albeit through my messengers description.


    He never discriminated against us Muslims and most of all he treated us as equals.


    Because of hid amiable and kind attitude I decided to make this a long term agreement and named it the Treaty of Cross and Crescent Moon.


    Where in its content it states that in times of hardship where the other party can''t trade anymore that state is allowed to buy its necessary goods albeit with debt.


    And now a year had pass I can finally meet the Count who acquired my goodwill.

 Extra Chapter: Hymn of Blood

    I saw thy death,


    culling everyone in its path;


    I saw thy tears,


    falling slowly to the ground.


    Your sword raised on high,


    like the morning in the sky.


    Your bravery shines bright,


    like the sun that gives light.


    Blood flows like water,


    The hosts back waver.


    You stood strong and firm;Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Never giving up.


    I saw thy death,


    Slowly it had come;


    I saw thy smile;


    Staring death at his face.


    As simple humans as we are, there are always things that we do not understand until we experience it ourselves.


    We never understand completely the depth of our differences with each other because of the simple fact that every experience we have is only unique to us.


    Some may say that we experience the same thing but in all of it we thought we experienced the same but forget that there are unique variables that only exist on our circumstances.


    That is why from the beginning of time the choice we make is always unique from others. With a bit of luck and especially that you are fated to your destination we can always live a fulfilled life.


    The test however in being human is that we have always been an animalistic beings. There is a side of ours that resembles the attitudes of beast whether we like it or not.


    We always prioritize our lifes first it is always our survival first. Which most of the time leads to decisions that we would greatly regret later on.


    People who knows that weakness and accepted it are sometimes the people who have the ability to go against those certain animalistic desires for the sake of many.


    I Alberto want to be that kind of man. A man that who might not live through the ideals of humanity but a man that does what a human is ought to do.


    To make decisions that made us worthy of being called humans, to do actions thats makes us all humans.

 Chapter 19: Desert Flower

    When I finally met with the Sultan I was greeted with a warm welcome. A feast was immediately prepared after our arrival and while waiting we had a few conversations regarding our treaty and the current situation.


    Alberto: My friend sultan I am sorry I cannot help you by sending troops for my emperor had forbidden us to send any military help to you but I promise you that I will send you supplies as best as i can.


    Ali: It''s ok my friend I understand that you have no control over this but could you tell me any information you know about the devil invaders?


    Alberto: I know nothing of them, forgive me my friend.


    Ali: Its alright.. say how are you doing my friend? I heard you were involved in a war recently would you tell me your story?


    Alberto: Well if you insist my friend Sultan let me tell you how it started....


    We talked with each other for hours. Its amusing looking at his face which shows many emotions, we laughed, we talked, and had fun when suddenly...


    ...: Father the enemy had finally entered Seville! We have no clear numbers of them.


    Ali: WHAT! How bout the Christian army where are they?


    ...: The christian army is having batlle in Galicia right now father they cant send any reinforcements!


    Ali: Damnation! Im sorry my friend I have to go now and handle some matters but you could stay here if you want to.


    Alberto: Thank you for the hospitality my friend but I still need to go somewhere so theres no need to accomodate me and my men.


    Ali: My friend please rest here for a few days I know you went through a long journey and that your whole crew is tired. Dont you worry I''ll let my daughter accomodate you as the host while I''m away.


    Daughter? When did Ali ibn Yusuf had a daughter?


    Alberto: My friend you have a daughter?


    Ali: Oh yes! she''s the daughter of one of my concubines.


    Alberto: Oh I see please forgive us on the intrusion.


    Ali: Please dont mind it...


    After that he left... I was giving orders on my entourage when suddenly a woman of absolute beauty came. Shewore a long loose golden colored tunic made of silk that reached down to her knees, her face was lightly covered by yellow colored silk cloth, underneath her dress is a very lose white linen pants, her black hair... her beautiful black hair straightly flows below her waste,she wore no jewels only a simple necklace made of gold, and her skin is lightly tanned.


    I thought I saw the golden beauty of the desert. A rich oasis in the middle of scorching hot sands.


    Aayesah: Welcome honored Count I am Aayesah daughter of the current Sultan, I will be your host while my father is away as per fathers instructions.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Alberto: It is my honor to be hosted by such wonderful woman, do you still have anything to say beautiful princess?


    Aayesah: Yes i do have something, pleese forgive me if I would ask of your current age honored count?


    Alberto: Ahahahaha it''s not a problem milady. I''m currently15 right now.


    Aayesah: Oh! forgive me if I would ask that... At what age did you take over your domain Count Alberto?


    Alberto: I think I was 11 at the time of my fathers death... why did you ask milady?


    Aayesah: It''s just that my father is full of good opinion to you honored count, like you are a wise ruler and that you have the capacity to bring peace to both Christianity and Islam and such...


    Alberto: O milady I am honored by such praises but I am just a lowly count no need to exagerate such praises


    Aayesah: Its true honored count my father is full of praises to you.. Ah! please forgive my rudeness we shouldnt be talking in such a place please follow me the feast has already been prepared by my father. He also stated that you can sleep in one of the guest quarters in the castle.


    Alberto: I''m thankful for such hospitality milady...


    We had a conversation while having a good meal, we talked about everything we are allowed to talk about during the time we were eating when suddenly a messenger came.


    Aayesah: A french messenger? Does he know our language?


    Guard: I''m afraid not milady


    Aayesah: Are there any available translators in the court right now?


    Guard: I''m afraid none my princess...


    Aayesah: Then what are we supposed to do?


    Alberto: My princess maybe I could help, I know a bit of their language maybe I can receive the message for you?


    Aayesah: Is it alright honored count?


    Alberto: It''s alright princess just take this as my thanks for the wonderful feast


    Aayesah: Then i will impose on you sir count forgive us and thank you


    We went to where the messenger is immediately to receive the message.


    French Messenger:Je suis le messager du roi Louis VI de France, je demande audience ¨¤ votre sultan! (I am the messenger of King Louis VI of France I request an audience to your Sultan!)


    Alberto:Sultan Ali Ibn Yusuf n''est pas actuellement ici cher messager. Il est actuellement en route vers S¨¦ville pour entraver les envahisseurs. (Sultan Ali Ibn Yusuf is not currently here dear messenger. He''s currently on route to seville to obstruct the invaders.)


    French Messenger: Pardonnez-moi si je m''informe mais je voudrais savoir qui suis je parle ¨¤(Forgive me if i inquire but i would like know who am i talking to)


    Alberto:Je suis le comte Alberto von Habsburg vassal de l''empereur Henri V du Saint Empire Romain. (I''m Count Alberto von Habsburg vassal of Emperor Henry V of the Holy Roman Empire.)


    French Messenger:Ah! Un comte du Saint-Empire romain. Pourrais-je vous transmettre le message qu''il fallait donner au sultan? (Ah! a Count of the Holy Roman Emperor. could I pass to you the message that was needed to be given to the Sultan?)


    Alberto:Doit-il ¨ºtre envoy¨¦ imm¨¦diatement? (Does it needed to be sent immediately?)


    French Messenger:J''ai peur, il est donc (Im afraid so it is)


    Alberto:Alors qu''est-ce que c''est? Je vais le lui transmettre imm¨¦diatement (Then what is it? I''ll pass it to him immediately)


    French Messenger:Mon roi demande l''acc¨¨s imm¨¦diat au d¨¦troit de Gibraltar (My king demands access to the strait of Gibraltar immediately)


    Alberto:Y a-t-il une raison pour qu''il ait besoin d''avoir acc¨¨s au d¨¦troit? (Is there any reason why he needed to have access at the strait?)


    French Messenger: Aucune raison n''a ¨¦t¨¦ expos¨¦e. Veuillez transmettre le message tel quel au Sultan. Alors bonne journ¨¦e(There were no reason stated. Please pass the message as is to the Sultan. Then Good day)


    Alberto:ATTENDEZ! (Wait!)


    He just left after that?! Those insulting French Bastards! I better pass the message to Ali Immediately... While I was preparing to go to Seville...


    Aayesah: Sir count what did the messenger talk about?


    Alberto: The french king wants to cross the strait of gibraltar and i need to tell this to your father immediately


    Aayesah: Then please be careful honored count. This maiden will wait for the chance to have a conversation with you again


    Alberto: Dont worry milady I''ll try to return alive to see your beauty again


    Me and my men left immediately that day. While riding away I looked back and saw the golden flower of the desert waving goodbye.

 Extra Chapter: Let the games begin!

    God: The time has come to finally choose the next god of fate


    Lucifer: The end is already upon us eh?


    God: Thats why we must choose the next God of Fate


    Lucifer: So you really want to win right?


    God: Shut up!


    Lucifer: HA! You stupid god, dont think that everything is in your hands!


    God: You insolent bastard!


    Lucifer: Wanna fight?! Do you want to accelerate the judgement day?!


    God: Tsk..


    Lucifer: Why did you call me here in the first place? Is it because you want to choose someone already?


    God: Right but I cant just pick one so I called you here even though it pains me...


    Lucifer: Are you a moron? why dont you just test them first before giving them the job eh?


    God: Then what do you propose?


    Lucifer: Simple. Just choose 1 from every continent then let them fight to their hearts content. The survivor will be the winner. Well for the sake of fun. Why don''t you send them to the past and let them kill each other there?Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    God: ARE YOU RAVING MAD! Well what do i expect... If we do that the space time continuum will collapse because of their interference you know!


    Lucifer: Stupid! Make an artificial world that is identical to the past of earth moron! Let them ravage there and because it''s just an identical earth it wont affect the real earth no matter what they do! Are you seriously An omniscient being? you cant even think simple stuffs like this!


    God: Blah blah blah! Lets just pick our candidates already so i can kick you out of here.


    Lucifer: Lets just pick 6 people we dont include antartica ok moron?


    God; Its alright dumbass i pick 3 you pick 3 so who picks first...


    Lucifer: Lets decide by the traditional way... rock paper scissors


    God: What would the people of Earth do if they learned that the two of us are doing this stuff (sigh)...


    Lucifer: Let them think what they want. lets just start already. no reading mind ok?


    God: Yeah yeah...


    Lucifer: ROCK!----God: SCISSORS!


    Lucifer: I WIN! ME FIRST! Mmm... I want this guy from South America


    God: Then for me I choose this guy from Africa


    Lucifer: Then I pick her from asia!


    God: Uhhh... Then this girl from North America


    Lucifer: Then I pick that man from Australia


    God: Lastly... I pick... Huh? Look there at europe Lucifer


    Lucifer: What?


    God: A young boy was just killed but somethings blocking me I cant clearly "see" him. Can you?


    Lucifer: Yeah your right, I cant see him too... hmmm


    God: Oh well then I pick him!


    Lucifer: Well i suppose its alright. Let them start at year 1100 at the other earth


    God: Yeah yeah im on it... i just needed to twink somethings a bit


    Lucifer: Then lets have a bet. If one of our chosen candidates win he must serve the other party for 100 years is that fair?


    God: Bring it on! I have one condition though... NO INTERFERENCE FROM US! Get it?


    Lucifer: Yeah yeah shut your trap. I want to add one thing though... grant them immortality. Let them live pass their prime so that they can fully display their potential.


    God: Well i suppose i can accept that. Then let the games begin!

 Chapter 20: Western Xia

    I died while I was doing medical research on my lab on the year 2016. I though that everything is over just like that when suddenly light came to be.


    Its the year 1114, as predicted a series of defeats has happened here in western Xia.


    I Xi¨£o Hu¨¢ngh¨°u has prepared for this moment for a very long time. Wel not that long its just 14 years of preparation.


    With the weakening grasp of the current emperor Chongzong I can now finally usurp the throne of western Xia with little resistance. Well honestly to be precise I just wanted to be established as the crown princess not really initiate a coup and kill father or something.


    I was born on the year 1100 here in western Xia, or during the Yongan era.


    My father was the current ruler of the country Emperor Chongzong and my mother was one of his concubines.


    When I finally realized that I was born in western xia, I immediately thought of its eventual fall.


    So to prevent that while I was still young I immediately gathered a lot of capable civil and military officials to prepare my eventual coup.


    But due to me being a woman it made things hard for me to gather those talented men and even harder to convince them.


    To mend that i displayed my futuristic knowledge, with my fathers financial help I established the crop rotation system, the traditional printing press, established a business conglomerate that trades with the song and liao, while also helping father weaken the various Tangut clans.


    It slowly enables me gather fame and honor which let me gather those capable men that I desperately need.


    Slowly I inserted my men to the positions in the royal court which gained let me gain the ire of Li Renxiao or supposedly the future Emperor Renzong.


    Slowly I gained recognition in court to the point that I was proposed to be Crowned Princess, but as expected many opposed mostly those Tangut chieftains that I''ve harmed and those at Renzongs camp.


    They believed that a woman should not dabble in politics and other nonsense. Because of that from the very beginning i was gathering the people''s sentiment via agricultural improvement and some newly enacted labor and taxation laws.


    With a proper entourage of talented people at my side and the people''s support the current imperial court is in a delicate balance. On one side there is my camp an the other is Renzongs camp.


    And now the balance breaking event has finally arrived, using the current strings of defeat I''ll rack up some achievements through bringing victory.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    With my wits and tricks I will win and let Renzong taste defeat. For I need to be crowned princess to enact my plan of strengthening the kingdom.


    Now that by next year the Jin dynasty will finally be established. While I was proposing to father that he should let me lead the men in battle something happened. Father was poisoned.


    Renzong immediately ordered for my arrest, but fortunately majority of the guards and more than half of the military official is under me.


    Chaos ensued at the court, Renzongs men immediately acted hostile drawing there blades and attacking those under me. It was a bloodbath but due to some of his men were my agents to begin with he''s slowly losing because of my numerical superiority.


    When he finally realized his impending doom he tried to escape. When we attempted to follow him we saw something unexpected....


    Hu¨¢ngh¨°u: Capture him immediately! He tried to kill the emperor!


    Renzong: You wretched bitch do you think this is something simple that you can just solve easily? Behold look outside the city gates! Hahaha I''m going to kill you after this you bitch! With my army surrounding the city there''s no way you can escape!


    Hu¨¢ngh¨°u: Guards capture him immediately don''t let him meet his troops outside!


    A game of tag happened in the royal capital, with Renzongs troops suddenly surrounding the city the city garrison and the citizens were drawn into a panic immediately letting the street rampant in chaos further helping Renzong escape.


    I sent messengers ordering all the gate keepers to shut the city doors immediately to prevent Renzong from escaping. However I never knew that the guards of the south gate was his lackeys and because of that he escaped.


    When we learned that he''s escaped we gathered those every available military personnel here in the capital.


    Because of the skirmishes that''s currently happening in the kingdom the available troops here in the capital is scarce. Only a total of 2000 men is in the capital right now while Renzong has a total of 8000.


    I let my trusted military advisors handle the defense of the city while I went to father to check on his condition.


    When I arrived I saw father was writing something and after writing with great difficulty he called for me.


    Chongzong: My dear daughter please come here (cough) you need not do the formalities in front of this king. I want you to only listen understood?(cough cough)


    Hu¨¢ngh¨°u: I hear and obey father


    Chongzong: This kings time has almost come and before I die I want you to take the throne, I''ve already arranged everything for you (cough) please save our people. Do what you think is right. Don''t waste your time like me. Don''t let your decisions be controlled like me (cough) I''m sorry my daughter this king has never been a good father, for i have let you brother and sister fight until it reached this scale. Please rule well for the sake of our people (cough)


    After he was done talking his health worsened, fortunately I was a former doctor on my previous life and also knows traditional medicine and so I did my diagnosis and found out that he was poisoned by Arsenic.


    And so with limited equipment I tried to conduct a hemodialysis which still has a high chance that may result to my fathers death, but father stopped me saying that it''s alright and that i should focus more for the development of the kingdom.


    Because of that I slowly watched him die, i dont have much affection for him but why is my tears falling?


    Anger took over me anger for my stupid brother that caused this. I went out from the room for awhile to know whats the situation outside.


    After knowing what''s happening i told them the current state of my father which resulted to chaos within the court again and while that was happening a decree from my father arrived.

 Chapter 21: Birth of a new Kingdom

    The kinghas decreed that his daughter be crowned princess with all rights and privilege be bestowed upon her with no restraint. Futhermore all of my current adivisers and minister must swear their fealty to her in case of my death while his brother who is currently inciting rebellion right now will be punished by death.


    Well the content is like that as far as i have understand it. With the Kings decree I was appointed regent and for as my father was still in his death bed i was also assigned as regent at the same time.


    With the powers granted upon me i Immediately ordered the defense of the city. With only 2000 troops here in the capital right now I must use every resources prossible that I can use. With the ministers approval I immediately ordered a draft of all abled bodied men to participate in the defense of the city.


    With the conscription drafted the populace was thrown into panic immediately. While some men stood their ground and registered to the defense of their home.


    We have conscripted a total of 8000 men adding it to our current 2000 we have an over all 10000 men. But due to the conscripts being undiscipline and untrained the battles conclusion will not be decided so easily.


    In front of all the military and civil officials I gathered all of the conscripted soldiers including the nonfighting civilians to assure them of their safety...


    Hu¨¢ngh¨°u: Listen, I ask of you to listen. At this moment my traitorous brother has surrounded the capital with his troops after attempting to murder our sovereign. This act of treason will not go unpunished! The heavens favor our cause. Our ancestors watch over us, make them proud! If some of your are fearing the enemies blades then try to think of who is behind you, who are you protecting! Fear is a natural instinct for us so it acceptable to feel fear, BUT! Do not let that fear rule you! Do not let that fear be the reason for your love ones to be killed because of your cowardice! I the appointed regent of our Sovereign will fight with you! For the kingdom! For our families! And for our future! Fight until you can fight no more! Your deeds today will be told for future generations and those who will sacrificed their lives for the country I will assure you oh brave souls that your descendants future will live a prosperous life! So do not fear death and fight to the death!


    Soldiers!: HOOOAAH!!!!


    Hu¨¢ngh¨°u: MAN THE DEFENCES!


    I was stunned at the result of my speech. I even saw some of our minister having bloodshot eyes while some of the military generals present have an aura of pride to their regent. I was slightly embarassed at what i have done. I was just a simple researcher in my previous life, i never went to the center stage, I just lived a low life but now. I am shouldering the future of my country. And for that I will protect it with everything I have...


    Luckily the capital has a lot of stored weapons, so we had the chance to outfit the conscripted civilians with the best armor we have left while the others were outfitted with lighter armor. Each of them had a sword a spear and bows with enough arrows. Even after all that many equipments are still available.


    The regular 2000 soldiers were placed behind the walls, and by the looks of it my brother positioned his men to the north and south gates. So we divided the regular troops into 2 reserve strike force while the conscripted civilians will be the bulk of the defence.


    It may be cruel because with this composition we know that a lot of those civilians will die but for the future of our kingdom i will gladly pay the price. Oh my dear followers please forgive this regent for ordering you to your deaths.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Messenger: Crown princess! the enemy has 2 siege towers prepared at the northern wall we await your orders!


    Hu¨¢ngh¨°u: Tell the men to change to bow weapons and light their arrows on fire. concentrate on the enemy siege towers.


    Messenger: As you will you highness...


    Military advisor: Crown Princess about the Black powder you asked for we only got a barrel of them left! What should we do to it?


    Hu¨¢ngh¨°u: Put it into smaller barrels then wait for my orders on when to use it. Preferrably put it into the northern wall. but put it were it wont catch fire get it?


    Military Advisor: It will be down Crown princess


    Hu¨¢ngh¨°u: Where are the generals?


    Generals: We are here and ready to take your orders Crown Princess


    Hu¨¢ngh¨°u: There''s only two of you?


    Gen. Sun Liao: Yes Crown Princess


    Gen. Yuan Chong: The others are fighting the other kingdom crown princess


    Hu¨¢ngh¨°u: Then I will let Gen. Sun Liao Hold the Northern wall while you Gen. Yuan Chong hold the southern wall


    Gen. Sun Liao: What about you crown princess?


    Hu¨¢ngh¨°u: I will take command of the logistics. Its better to leave the commanding to experienced men rather than those who do not so I decided to appoint you two as the commanding generals of your respective walls. So in my position as the Crown Princess and the current regent of our sovereign I order you two to defend the walls no matter the cost and capture my brother but if you think it is not possible to catch him harmed or unharmed then I grant you the permission to kill him then and there.


    Generals: We have received your Crown Pricess orders and execute it to the best of our abilities!


    Court Eunuch: Crown Princess, your father has fallen to the state of unconsciousness i dont think he will last more than a day. It would even be a miracle if he will last until tomorrow even.


    Hu¨¢ngh¨°u: Then why are you here for?


    Court Eunuch: Uhhh....


    Hu¨¢ngh¨°u: What is it! SPIT IT OUT! I promise you I won''t punish you for your words.


    Court Eunuch: As you wil Crown Prince I will just say what I thought... Maybe we should just end his highness suffering my Crown Prince. With the current situation of the Kingdom we need someone who can lead right now and your father clearly cannot do that on his sickbed. Worse is that with his current state it''s destroying the cities morale to the point that the populace is thinking that this is heavens retibution or something. With the assasination of our ruler, the infighting in the court, and the coup led by your brother they are thinking that heaven is not on our side so... I propose that we end his highness suffering put you into the sit of the sovereign to better assure the populace.


    Hu¨¢ngh¨°u: Eunuch I know your just saying this things for the sake of the kingdom but... I cannot, as an incoming ruler and a civilized person I will not kill my father for any reasons because I think that I will lose a part of me.., A part of me that makes me human. Just imagine your ruler killed his own father to grab his power... how would the people think of that, I will be labeled as a monster no matter how I reason my actions.


    Court Eunuch 2: CROWN PRINCESS!!!!!


    Hu¨¢ngh¨°u: What?! Why are you screaming right now?


    Court Eunuch 2: His majesty! His majesty stabbed himself!


    Hu¨¢ngh¨°u: WHAT!


    Court Eunuch 2: He left a message for you Crown Princess. After you met him he gave me a letter ordering me to only give it to you if something wrong happens to him so please take this Crown Prince...


    Hu¨¢ngh¨°u: Hmm.... I order everyone right now that whoever knows what happened to the sovereign just recently must not divulge the matter of his death for now. Those who disobey will be granted death no exceptions!


    Everyone: We obey your will Crown Princess..


    Hu¨¢ngh¨°u: Now give me that letter...


    Court Eunuch 2: Here your highness...


    To my daughter:


    I know that you wont end my suffeing thats why I wrote this in advance... If you get this then I may have already killed myself. sorry for being selfish my daughter but our kingdom needs a strong ruler now more than ever. Thats why I left you this message... to say to you that I am proud of you and I love you and also for forgiveness on leaving you a big mess before I leave. With this I officially announce that you will be the next ruler of our kingdom. Leading it to a brighter future is your choice but always remember. We rulers are considered rulers because we have the obligation of not to rule the people but to serve them protect them and lead them to a prosperous life. I hope you accomplish that my daughter... Goodbye....

 Chapter 22: New Era

    Arrows rained throughout the northern and southern walls. Death throes can be heard everywhere. You can see all inhabitants who are not fighting trying to help with the every strength they got to protect their home.


    Looking at it I realized this hell started because of me. Because of my actions the people are now paying the price. Now I must end it once and for all.


    I managed the logistics into 3 separate teams the medic team, cooking team, and the miscellaneous team. The main job of the medic team is to try and heal those injured soldiers from the front lines as their priority while the cooking team handles the food. The most important group as of the moment is the miscellaneous team because they must deliver the injured to the medic tea, they must also send the ingredients required by the cooking team and at the same time they must send the required materials requested by the general of the northern and southern walls.


    The casualties are starting to rise at both walls. Good thing that my order to concentrate fire at the enemy siege towers was worth it because both of those towers are now in flames rendering them useless. With those towers out of the picture the only thing that my brother can do is siege the walls through ladders and battering rams.


    General Sun Liao is an expert at offensive warfare so he has a bit of trouble when it comes to defending the tight walls. In order to resolve that he arranged his troops into a group of strike force that will attack at key moments on his designated kill ground at the top of the walls. With the flexibility of the conscripts weapons where they could change from swordsman to archer units at moments noticed it further bolstered the defense troop¡¯s performance.


    General Yuan Chong however is enjoying a good battle right now. His side has the least casualties for the following reasons. He arranged his troops into some sort of cube formation. Because of it the enemies¡¯ troops is slowly dwindling down with less casualties on our side.


    My brother is coughing up blood because of the situation on both fronts. His face is so red with anger that he thrashed his messengers near death which caused to further demoralize his troops.


    He suddenly came to the front lines and said¡­ ¡°Hu¨¢ngh¨°u!!! You dumb animal! Do you think it will just end like this?! Then let me tell you, I¡¯m going to the Kingdom of Song and ask for their help! Your death is assured after I sold them some information about what¡¯s happening here and I wont even mind becoming their vassal state if that¡¯s the priced I have to pay to kill you bitch!¡±


    After saying those words he ordered for his troops to organize at the southern wall in preparation for a retreat¡­


    General Sun: Crown Princess please order a pursuit led by me and the 2000 regular soldiers, we have enough horses anyway so please consider!


    Hu¨¢ngh¨°u: Don¡¯t worry general I already prepared incase things like this happens¡­ Eunuch come!


    Court Eunuch: Yes Crown Princess is there anything you need from this lowly one?


    Hu¨¢ngh¨°u: Yes! Is that thing ready?


    Court Eunuch: You mean that thing that throws stuff?This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    Hu¨¢ngh¨°u: Yes that thing and it¡¯s called a Trebuchet understood?


    Court Eunuch: Yes your highness the contraption is ready.


    Hu¨¢ngh¨°u: Then position it at the southern walls immediately include the little barrels filled with black powder too while your at it.


    Court Eunuch: Your will be done Crown Princess¡­


    Well I suppose I need to use those things now even though those things will only appear at the Battle of Caishi in 1161, trebuchets operated by Song Dynasty soldiers fired bombs of lime and sulphur against the ships of the Jin dynasty navy during the Jin¨CSong wars. But I think it¡¯s alright to use it earlier the trebuchet used by the Song dynasty was a ¡°traction type¡± anyway. My design are the ¡°counterweight type¡± one where its much more efficient to use.


    General Sun: If you could forgive my ignorance Crown Prince what¡¯s a ¡°trebuchet¡±?


    Hu¨¢ngh¨°u: Do you still remember the mohist of old?


    General Yao: Oh those people! I know that during the time before Qin united all the states there was a group of people calling themselves Mohist. During that time the Mohist were well known in their skills of defending a castle against all odds with good strategy and as far as I¡¯ve heard with weird contraptions. Is this one of those contraptions those Mohist used Crown Princess?


    Hu¨¢ngh¨°u: Well technically yes but I modified it a bit to suit our needs.


    Technically the first record of a counterweight trebuchet was in the 12th century from Mardi ibn Ali al-Tarsusi while talking of the conquests of Saladin. Niketas describes a trebuchet used by Andronikos I Komnenos, future Byzantine emperor, at the siege of Zevgminon in 1165 which was equipped with a windlass, an apparatus which was required neither for traction nor hybrid trebuchets to launch missiles. The dramatic increase in military performance is for the first time reflected in historical records on the occasion of the second siege of Tyre in 1124, when the crusaders reportedly made use of "Great trebuchets". During the Crusades, Philip II of France named two of the trebuchets he used in the Siege of Acre in 1191 "God''s Stone-Thrower" and "Bad Neighbour." During a siege of Stirling Castle in 1304, Edward Longshanks ordered his engineers to make a giant trebuchet for the English army, named "Warwolf". The largest trebuchets needed exceptional quantities of timber: at the Siege of Damietta, in 1249, Louis IX of France was able to build a stockade for the whole Crusade camp with the wood from 24 captured Egyptian trebuchets.


    Counterweight trebuchets do not appear with certainty in Chinese historical records until about 1268, when the Mongols laid siege to Fancheng and Xiangyang. At the Siege of Fancheng and Xiangyang, the Mongol army, unable to capture the cities despite besieging the Song defenders for years, brought in two Persian engineers who built hinged counterweight trebuchets. These engines were called by the Chinese historians the Huihui trebuchet, or Xiangyang trebuchet because they were first encountered in that battle.


    After Aju asked Kublai, the Emperor of the Mongol Empire, to help him with the powerful siege machines of the Ilkhanate, Ismail and Al-aud-Din from Iraq arrived in South China to construct a new type of trebuchet. These Persian engineers built mangonels and trebuchets for the siege. With the introduction of gunpowder, the trebuchet lost its place as the siege engine of choice to the cannon.


    Now with a lot of trial and error I finally made a working trebuchet that can throw explosive to enemy lines at a far distance. The accuracy might be low but its best weapon we got right now.


    Hu¨¢ngh¨°u: Now my generals look at what¡¯s going to happen now. ALL TREBUCHET FIRE AT THE ENEMY LINE!


    The trebuchets fired those barrels filled with black powder. Due to that the enemy line experience hell. Explosions happened on various locations of the enemy camp. Body parts are flying everywhere; horses are thrown midair while the enemy troops descended into anarchy. My brother was affected by those bombs, his horse was thrown mid air while he lost his right arm and left leg.


    The bombing lasted for only 5 minutes. But those 5 minutes became hell for the enemy. When I looked at my generals and troops some of them were opening their mouths wide enough for flies to come in, some peed out of fear, some cried because of the devastation. The generals however are showing faces of excitement that there¡¯s finally a weapon that can turn the tide of battle.

 Chapter 23: The Chase

    "When the Christian Crusaders in the East fell upon that invincible order of Assassins, the order of free spirits par excellence, the lowest rank of whom lived a life of obedience the like of which no monastic order has ever achieved, somehow or other they received an inkling of that symbol and watchword that was reserved for the highest ranks alone as their secretum: ¡®nothing is true, everything is permitted¡¯, certainly that was freedom of the mind, with that the termination of the belief in truth was announced" - Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche


    Alberto: Run everyone scatter immediately!


    Soldier: But sir what about you?!


    Alberto: JUST GO!


    Soldiers: We will never leave you sire its the duty that was given to use by the emperor! If you die then we will die as well so please escape with us!


    Well you might be wondering whats happening right? Lets go back 3 hours ago to know what happened.


    Alberto: Look there''s a town over there! We should rest for awhile on that town and resupply


    Soldier A: As you command sire


    Alberto: Well its getting pretty dark so i suppose that we should also spend the night there is that alright with you?


    Soldiers: Yes sir!


    We arrived at a town near Carmona. While going to the town we saw peasants already packing stuffs seemingly trying to leave their town. I approached an old man accompanying by the looks of it his wife to ask why are they leaving town...


    Old Man: Young lad don''t you know that the devils army is coming?


    Old Woman: Because of that all of us want to leave immediately to avoid being killed!


    Old Man: As far as i''ve heard from the rumors those devils sacrifice any prisoners they have to their dark gods! By Allah I wont have that kind of ending!


    Old Woman: Thats why we''re leaving young man... You why are you here do you need something?


    Alberto: Well yes I was supposed to go somewhere near Seville for some business kind lady.


    Old Man: Near Seville? Are trying to get killed by the devils?!


    Alberto: Dont worry about me old man I can handle myself


    Old woman: Still you need to be careful alright? Since me and my husband will be leaving this town never knowing if we''ll ever comeback here why don''t you occupy our house for tonight i''m sure your quite tired because of your journey.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    Alberto: Well I graciously accept your offer madam and thank you


    Old Man: Well don''t mention it young lad me and my wife will go to Cordoba where are daughter is tomorrow anyways.


    Because of that we secured our lodging. The house might not be to big though but thankfully is has a stable where our horses can rest while the others just need to sleep outside be cause there''s really no space left in the house. The old lady wanted to cook for us but me and my men insisted that we should help her cook. we brought ingredients anyways and there''s a hundred of us so its going to be taxing for her.


    And with that we rested for the night. While I was having a good sleep some commotions suddenly happened outside. we we''re suddenly surrounded by a group calling themselves Hashashins. This is literally impossible! How the heal did this group arrived here from Alamut?! And from the looks of it they know a lot about our group and organized a total of 200 assassins just to kill me! with our lack of preparation for this raid almost 30 of my men were killed during the first encounter. The old couple was released by the assassins though so i am quite thankful for that.


    Me and my men fought our way to where our horses are trying to use them to escape. But when we arrived at the stables only horses are left the others where left dead. out of 70 of us only ten can escape through horses...


    And so we go back to the beginning....


    Alberto: Alright! But I promise to rewards your families for your sacrifice but who would be coming with me?


    Soldier C: Dont worry milord it''s already been decided by us. The 9 most skillful fighters will accompany you while we sixty will try to delay them. I hope milord reaches safety!


    I never said goodbye to them. My eyes turned red out of anger for knowing that those guys would never make it out alive. How did this came to be in the first place. I was thinking what the answer is when suddenly we encountered an ambush.


    Assassin A: Kill them all! The grand master has ordered us to kill that man!


    10 assassins on horseback suddenly appeared riding towards where we were. My men and I defended ourselves with great difficulty, the enemy is well verse in using those daggers and that because of them always aiming for our vitals a desperate fight ensued. One of my men was stabbed at his neck, he was supposed to fall down when suddenly with the last strength that he could muster he chopped the enemies arms then died.


    Situations similar to that one kept happening and when there''s only 5 of us left, we immediately rode away to seville. We need to travel 34 kilometers before we can arrive at our destination a total of 17 hours of travel which is clearly impossible for a horse being chased.


    Along the plain of Carmona to Seville there were numerous instances when we got almost killed by our pursuers. At one time one of my men rushed to the group chasing behinds us to at least stall them and when the clashed happened suddenly a molotov burst happened leading to his and some of our pursuers dead.


    We had no time to mourn. 5 almost 6 hours had passed our horses are clearly getting exhausted and we have not even reached our destination yet and so we decided to stop at a slightly hilly area and battle it out to the death.


    Alberto: Men i''m sorry I''ve dragged you into this


    Soldiers: It''s our honor to die with you sir!


    Alberto: Then before we fall we should at least take some of our enemies with us eh? what say you?


    Soldiers: WE WILL KILL THEM GLADLY SIR!


    Alberto: Raise our banners high! Let them know that we died fighting and not running!


    In the horizon we saw 50 hashashin riding their horses towards us. It''s quite fortunate that they don''t like to use bows and because of that it is quite clear that its going to be a melee battle.


    With bows on our hands we fired at their horses. It''s not good to clash with horses while on foot so i ordered my men to target the horses and it was quite effective. While preparing for inevitable death suddenly a group of a hundred light cavalry suddenly approached from behind bearing the flag of my friend Ali.

 Chapter 24: Encirclement

    The world has changed. With Aztecs invading from the west has arrived. New technology keeps coming here and there. New kingdoms rise and some of the old fall, most of all some experience a new change. In the Far East A new kingdom has been reborn from it¡¯s ashes while in the African continent a new order arises. The Americas has turned upside down. While somewhere in the world a new obstacle lurks¡­


    In the year 1100 six were chosen to fight for the right of being a new god. Now 14 years has passed 3 out of 6 has now started to fight each other. One rebuilding her kingdom from the ashes while the remaining are still unknown.


    Alberto must now face two of his enemies. To live he must do everything on his power and abilities or he will fall. The other two has already begun their assault. One decided to do a head on confrontation while the other one decided to do things in a secretive way. With his enemies at his tail Alberto must now turn the tides to his favor.


    ¡­: Honored friend its good that we made it in time


    Alberto: Yes me and my men thank you for your help. We will remember this favor that you did to us!


    ¡­: It¡¯s of no consequence but I¡¯m quite curious¡­ who are those bastards that are trying to kill you anyway? As far as I¡¯ve currently seen those guys got quite the skill


    Alberto: May I ask your name good sir?


    Tashfin ibn Ali: Call me Tashfin son of the current Sultan


    Alberto: Oh! It¡¯s an honor meeting you crown prince!


    Tashfin: Come I¡¯ll lead you to where father is


    With our horses exhausted Tashfin helped us with our luggage, we also had a bit of chat on what happened on our way here¡­


    Tashfin: I¡¯m sorry my friend I didn¡¯t mean to open your wound like that


    Alberto: It¡¯s ok I will avenge my men¡¯s death no matter what happens but for now I must deliver them message to your father immediately


    Tashfin: We¡¯re here¡­ you can go to where fathers¡¯ tent is now, its right over in that location


    Alberto: Thank you my friend¡­


    I went to where Ali is immediately to give him the news while I ordered my men to have a rest¡­


    Ali: My friend! I''m glad your safe. I heard you were chased by assassins how did you fair?Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    Alberto: I am doing fine my friend if it wasn''t for the bravery of my men I wouldn''t even be here today.


    Scout: Sir we''ve spotted some soldiers in the direction of Cordoba!


    Ali: Is it the enemy?!


    Scout: No milord i think they''re the counts surviving troops. They''re numbers only reached 20 though, some are fine and some are gravely injured.


    Ali: Then bring them here immediately and treat them! Go!


    Scout: It will be done milord


    Ali: My friend it seems like some of them had survived eh? Allah really grants those who are worth it his grace.


    Alberto: Yes my friend I''m really glad they''re alive. Oh I almost forgot you need to hear this immediately!


    Ali: What is it?


    Alberto: My friend the french are asking permission to pass the strait with their boats.


    Ali: Hmmm then that bastard really intends to pursue his plans... Very well bring in a messenger!


    Messenger: Sultan your servant is herr to receive your orders.


    Ali: Tell the french king that i will let him pass but i will never participate in his plans and that the coast near Seville is teeming with enemy troops so he should be careful understood?


    Messenger: Understood, I will pass the message immediately with my life on the line.


    Ali: Then go!


    Alberto: What''s it supposed about my friend? Maybe I can provide assistance?


    Ali: *Sigh the french wants to cut off the enemy from the sea via imposing a blockade with the venetians, genoese, novgorodians and the english. That''s why he needs access on gibraltar.


    Alberto: Does he know the composition of the enemy?


    Ali: I''m afraid not. That''s why i tried to tell him the foolishness of his plans but i guess he never listened.


    Alberto: Yeah it''s really foolish but if his plan succeed it will be quite a boost for the allied army.


    Ali: I hope your right


    Alberto: Whats your situation herr my friend? Did you already engage the enemy?


    Ali: It''s fine here some skirmishes happen from time to time but no blown out battle happened yet why did you ask?


    Alberto: I''m just quiet curious why it''s quiet here. Oh well then I better go rest now my friend and again thank you.


    Ali: It''s if no consequence my friend now go meet your men.


    I bowed then went out when a messenger entered his tent, a bit of commotion happened inside so I immediately went back inside...


    Ali: The enemy troops are amassing near us right now?


    Messenger: Yes milord and it seems like thet are trting to surround us with sheer numbers


    Ali: Damn it prepare the army right now


    Messenger: It will be done milord


    Alberto: Im sorry for intruding again my friend but is it true that the enemy is trying to surround us?


    Ali: Yes my friend I''m afraid your right


    Tashfin: Father! A scout reported that the enemy sent a detachment to Cordoba right now! Which means that the city is in danger we must send help immediately!


    Ali: DAMN IT! Who am i going to send i need every officers right now!


    Alberto: I can go my friend but I need some troops to defend the city and your permission to mobilize the cities garrison.


    Ali: But my friend you just arrived and still needs rest. Why do you volunteer yourself for this task?


    Alberto: well maybe it''s because that i want to pay back the kindness that you have shown me


    Ali: Is that really all of your reason?


    Alberto: Well honestly it''s to protect your daughter also


    Ali: I see so you''ve taken a liking for my daughter. I appreciate your honesty but i still need to think about it


    Alberto: It''s alright i can wait so could you lend me your troops and permission to mobilize?


    Ali: Well I suppose i can do it so please defend the city my friend I''ll try to do my best to go to to your aid immediately.


    Alberto: Then farewell my friend i hope your gods grace is with you


    Ali: And so as i hope that your gods grace is also with you my friend farewell.

 Extra Chapter: Hashashin

    I am one of the grandmasters faithful. I was chosen by the great one to accomplish one of the most important task that has ever been given by him.


    I am thankful and grateful for the grandmaster. He saved me and my brethren in the pits of despair and gave us a new purpose in life.


    It was the year 1108 when i was just wandering to and fro from the desert. I had a home once but it was taken from us.


    Jerusalem that was once my home but in fear for the safety of my life i fled. I miss my home. Days turned into months when one day i met the grand master.


    He taught me the real teaching of allah, the importance of the jihad and that we need to expel all infidels from this land.


    I admired him and because of that I followed him. For years we traveled together, recruiting other devotee to the Isma''ili belief.


    That continued for 4 years. Our small sect grew in a rapid rate. More and more believers slowly joined our cause when suddenly another grandmaster of another sect invited our grandmaster to join him and be his follower.


    That infuriated our grandmaster and ordered us to go the other sects headquarters located in Alamut.


    With the information that we had gathered we found out that the opposing sects leader is named Hassan-i Sabbah.


    A passionate devotee of Isma''ili beliefs, Hassan-i Sabbah was well-liked throughout Cairo, Syria and most of the Middle East by other Isma''ili, which led to a number of people becoming his followers. Using his fame and popularity, Sabbah founded the Order of the Assassins.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    While his motives for founding this order are ultimately unknown, it was said to be all for his own political and personal gain and to also exact vengeance on his enemies. Because of the unrest in the Holy Land caused by the Crusades, Hassan-i Sabbah found himself not only fighting for power with other Muslims, but also with the invading Christian forces.


    But clearly he''s just using that as a preface to grab power.


    And so our grandmaster challenged Hassan in a theological debate. It went for hours in front of all spectators until eventually our grandmaster finally convinced that his doctrine is right leading to Hassan''s abdication.


    Our grandmaster took over his sect called the Hashashin and immediately ordered the gathering of information in every corner of the known world.


    Every kingdon has a spy planted to them so we gather tons of information while the warriors and assasins are trained waiting to be used.


    From time to time we assassinate someone deemed dangerous by the grandmaster this lasted for 2 years when suddenly our grandmaster issued an order of utmost importance.


    Gather information about a man called Alberto von Habsburg.


    It all begun when our grandmaster read about a recent information about tyr battle somewhere in the Holy Roman Empire. Something in that information spooked the grandmaster leading to a mass gathering of information.


    Information about the man kept flooding when suddenly our grandmaster ordered the man be killed.


    We thought it was just a normal assassination mission when the grandmaster suddenly said that he will mobilize a tenth of our troops just to kill him and that most of all failure is not an option and that the faith of the world is at stake.


    To ensure the success of the plan the grandmaster ordered me to oversee the operation.


    And with that i''m headed to iberia right now with utmost haste because recent information says that the man called Alberto is being sent there.


    With my men we made haste to accomplish the grandmasters order. Everthing is for the grandmaster, we will accomplish our mission or die trying.

 Chapter 25: Silent Night

    We rode through day and night with little rest to arrive at our destination. With my remaining men and Ali''s troops we rushed to the city. When we arrived the city was in high alert, thankfully Ali''s messenger arrived much more earlier than us and notified the cities garrison. They were also informed that I will lead the cities defense until their Sultan has arrived.


    Somehow I remember the siege of Cordoba by the reconquista but now it''s those damnable Aztecs are doing it and much more earlier on top of that. With the Cities High-walls it will make the besiegers experience a bit of hardship before they can climb through the walls. The problems is that Cordoba is a Town City not a Castle City which means that it only has 2 walls to defend it self.


    The outer wall and the inner wall which separates the commoners from the nobles. The outer wall maybe strong but if that is breached then the inner wall which is much more less in height might experience some multiple breaches via ladders. Good thing is that the southern part of the city is blocked by the river which means that only the northern, eastern, and western walls a re to be defended. But i''ll still post some sentries in the southern wall as precaution though.


    Ahhh... this is insanity. I just wanted to live a peaceful life but why is it that im thrown to one war and another? While resting someone knocked on my door and when I opened it I saw the most beautiful desert flower...


    Aayesah: Pardon me for the intrusion honorable sir is it alright for me to disturb your rest for a bit?


    Alberto: No its alright please come in


    Aayesah: I would prefer if we walk outside for a bit though sir if you dont take offense on it?


    Alberto: I take no offense on that milady and in fact i''ll be glad to accompany you outside....


    I fixed myself then went out with her. I was curious as to why she requested to meet me this late at night though thats why I accepted her offer. When we got out my world falls into the river of love. Her beautiful features further beautified by the moonlight of the sky surrounded by flowers i thought i was being accompanied by the queen of the night. She''s wearing a white silk tunic, her face was still covered by a golden silk cloth. I also slightly noticed that under her tunic was a loose golden colored pants.


    She wore a dazzling jewel necklace while in her hand was a golden colored bracelet. Her long black hair was let down and while walking it further exudes her otherworldly beauty. Slowly time was moving on but for me I slowly admired the beauty of the desert flower.


    We went to the gardens and there I noticed that some food was prepared in the center of the garden. She looked at me and smiled for a bit and said


    Aayesah: Pardon for the surprise but I prepared ourselves a little meal for I though our conversations might take long and that it will cause you hungerEnjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    I just nodded and forgot to respond to her. She might have took my silence as an affirmation and slowly walked to where the table is. I was further confused by this setup, why did she do this? what is her intention? This questions keeps revolving on my head when suddenly she started the conversation


    Aayesah: I know this might be rude but I just wanted to say that... Thank you. Because of you the city might be saved and hundred or thousands of lives maybe saved and also thank you for making my father happy. After father had met you he lived a somewhat fulfilled life and because of that he started to drem that maybe someday our two religions and cultures might make peace in the near future... and also thank you for being here with me for entertaining me and for everything.


    Ahhh... I''m so foolish. I kept on thinking things to the point of uselessness. Thinking that this simple woman might be scheming something but alas she just wants to say thanks as a daughter, a woman, and a princess of her people.


    I''m such a disgrace, im not even worthy of her and I still dared to make her mine. Such innocent being. I was embarrassed of my actions which led my face to turn red.


    Alberto: I''m not worthy of your thanks milady i''m just a poor and disgraceful man


    Aayesah: What are you saying sir?


    Alberto: Sorry forget about that... Is that all you want to tell me milady?


    Aayesah: Honestly that is all milord


    Ahahaha I laughed hard when i heard it. She prepared all of this just for saying thank you to me? I was amused at the same time touched of her sincerity.


    Aayesah: Milord please stop laughing your making me embarrassed


    Alberto: I''m sorry please forgive me I was just touched by your sincerity and did not mean to laugh


    Aayesah: Lord Alberto! Hmph!


    Alberto: Please forgive this lowly one for laughing milady


    Aayesah: Alright I forgive you but if you laugh at me again then hmph!


    Alberto: Yes milady I wont do it again


    Aayesah: Sir is the city going to be alright?


    Alberto: I''m sorry milady I cant determine the absolutes but I can promise you that I will strive my utmost in the defending your home


    Aayesah: Sir is my father alright?


    Alberto: Milady when I arrived your father was hale and hearty so Im quite sure his alright. You also have your brothers watching him so no need to worry


    Aayesah: thank you for reassuring me sir. Sir do you know how to play any instruments?


    Alberto: Milady where did this question come from?


    Aayesah: i was just curious, no need to answer if you dont want to


    Alberto: I know how to play a flute


    Aayesah: Could I request to hear you perform sir?


    Alberto: Gladly milady


    With that I took out my flute. In my previous life I was quite accomplish with playing instruments so im boastful on that. I took out my custom made flute and decided to play Bachs Es-dur Sonata. The night was filled with the melody of the flute. Aayesah was listening with her eyes closed silently feeling the sadness and the desolate atmosphere of the piece.


    The sound of my music traveled far. The guards was surprised by the sound at first but slowly they let themselves immerse from the beauty of the music. The servants were aroused by the sound and went to the garden. They were enraptured by the beautiful music and decided to listen.


    Aayesah allowed them to when she saw them. Slowly more servants went to the garden to listen to the music. When I opened my eyes and saw whats happening I was dumbfounded. To satisfy their craving and to further entertain Aayesah I decided to play another piece which is theTaktakishvili: Sonata for Flute and Piano / 2. Aria: Moderato con moto. Even though it only has the flute part i guess its still going to be good to listen to.


    The night was filled with wonderful but sorrowful music. With the heavens in the sky as witness I promise to protect her home.

 Chapter 26: Friend or Foe

    As dawn arrived the city was lacking its liveliness. Soldiers here and there run forth carrying weapons, supplies, and etc.


    How the mortal realm suffers for its survival. Life is not deemed worthy in times of war. Mothers are saying goodbyes to their children. Fathers are burying there sons. What more pain and anguish must these people experience for it to stop?


    Alberto: Everyone man the defenses!


    The men¡¯s bravery¡­ I¡¯ve seen them. Their eyes shine like blazing fire. Their will to fight boils my blood for slaughter. The spare siege equipment inside the walls were position in all three walls except the southern wall. I had no time to prepare for my cheap tricks. So this will be a fight that contains no modern equipment.


    While waiting for the enemy I heard a sudden blow from the horn near the eastern gates. I though it was the enemy but when I saw there flag I was surprised because the kingdom of Hungary has sent their troops.


    King Coloman was supposedly sending his troops to the Christian Army but due to the distance of Galacia his son Stephen decided to first help the city of Cordoba and with the help of the Sultan try to do a pincer attack to the invaders troops near Portugal.


    With 10,000 defenders now further bolstered with 15,000 troops by the future King Stephen the cities defenses was further enhanced.


    Prince Stephen requested to meat the cities leading defense commander. When the princess met with the prince of Hungary some unexpected occurrence happened the prince does not know the language of the Muslims so I volunteered myself to translate for him.


    Prince Stephen: [Milady mi¨¦rt van az, hogy te vezeted a v¨¦dekez¨¦ssel a v¨¢rosban? Vajon az apja a szult¨¢n tud err?l?] Milady why is it that you lead the defenses of the city? Does your father the Sultan know about this?


    Aayesah: [A tisztelt herceg igazs¨¢g nem igaz¨¢n vagyok a vezet?je a v¨¦delem a v¨¢ros. Ez sz¨¢m¨ªt Alberto a Szent R¨®mai Birodalom, aki vezeti a v¨¦delem.] Your honored prince in truth I¡¯m not really the leader of the defense of the city. It is count Alberto of the Holy Roman Empire who¡¯s leading the defense.


    Prince Stephen: [Akkor is tal¨¢lkozom ez a sz¨¢m?] Then can I meet this count?


    Alberto: [Bocs¨¢sson meg, fels¨¦g vagyok sz¨¢molni Alberto h?b¨¦rese a r¨®mai cs¨¢sz¨¢r] Pardon me your majesty I¡¯m count Alberto vassal of the Holy Roman Emperor


    Prince Stephen: [Azt¨¢n an¨¦lk¨¹l, hogy tov¨¢bbi t?bb ¨¦rtelmetlen ¨¢tad¨¢si nekem a hat¨®s¨¢g vezet? v¨¢rosok v¨¦delmi!] Then without further more nonsense surrender to me the authority of leading the cities defense!


    What is this idiot saying? Is he expecting me to just hand the authority over like that? Oh now I remember this guy is quite an idiot in the original history too huh? As far as I can remember when he was crowned king in Sz¨¦kesfeh¨¦rv¨¢r within thirty days of his father''s death. His peaceful succession showed the effectiveness of the measures Coloman had implemented to prevent ¨¢lmos from usurping the throne. Upon his councilor¡¯s advice, Stephen initiated a meeting with Vladislaus I, Duke of Bohemia, in order to improve the countries'' relations, which had deteriorated in the previous decade. The two monarchs met on the river Ol?ava, which marked the border of their realms. However, the lack of mutual confidence hindered the opening of negotiations, leading to armed conflicts which evolved into a battle on 13 May. On the battlefield, the Bohemian army inflicted a serious defeat on Stephen''s troops. The contemporaneous Cosmas of Prague blamed the young king''s advisors for the fiasco, but later medieval Hungarian chronicles ¡ª all completed under kings descending from Stephen''s opponent, ¨¢lmos ¡ª wrote that the king acted without consulting his advisors "... for he was of an impetuous nature"The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Added to that according to Cosmas of Prague the Hungarian people are prodigious in energy, mighty in strength, and very powerful in military arms¡ªsufficient to fight with a king of lands anywhere. After the death of their king, Coloman, their princes was sent to Duke Vladislav to renew and confirm with the new king, named Stephen, their ancient peace and friendship. ... Vladislav came to the River Ol?ava, which separates the realms of Hungary and Moravia. Immediately, the Hungarian people, innumerable as the sands or drops of rain, covered the whole surface of the land in the field of Lu?sko, like locusts. ... But, as scripture says, "Woe to the land whose king is a child." Their princes, through their inborn pride in themselves, strayed from the duke''s peaceful words and sent replies more to stir up strife than to bring the kiss of peace.


    So it¡¯s quite evident that he¡¯s an idiot well not that much but more of a fool maybe. While trying to think of ways to reject his proposal Aayesah suddenly retorted in anger. I still translated it though¡­


    Aayesah: Prince! This act is unacceptable! Why are you requesting the authority that my only my father could grant?! [Herceg! Ez a t?rv¨¦ny elfogadhatatlan! Mi¨¦rt van sz¨¹ks¨¦ge a hat¨®s¨¢gnak, hogy ¨¦n csak ap¨¢m ny¨²jthatna ?!]


    Prince Stephen: [Hm! Ha nem ¨¦rt egyet, hogy a javaslatom, akkor azt fogja h¨²zni a katon¨¢im vissza ¨¦s hagyja, hogy megv¨¦dje a v¨¢rost magatokat!] Hmph! If you won¡¯t agree to my proposal then I will pull my troops back and let you defend the city by yourselves!


    Alberto: [Fels¨¦g ez a t?rv¨¦ny el¨¦g aljas nem gondolja? Nem a m¨¢s ¨¢llamok ¨¦s kir¨¢lys¨¢gok gondolom rosszul a becstelen akci¨®k? Szedhet? a k?vetkezm¨¦nye, amely miatt, mert a ?nz¨¦s? Hagyta meghalni ezer kedv¨¦¨¦rt dics?s¨¦g?] Your highness this act is quite despicable don¡¯t you think? Won¡¯t the other states and kingdoms think badly of your dishonorable actions? Can you take the consequence that might result because of your selfishness? Letting thousands die for the sake of glory?


    Prince Stephen: [Te rohad¨¦k Csin¨¢lok fizetni ezt a megal¨¢ztat¨¢st Hm! Elmegyek most!] Tsk! You bastard I¡¯ll make you pay for this humiliation hmph! I¡¯ll be leaving now!


    Alberto: Wait your highness what about the defense?! [V¨¢rjon fels¨¦g, amit a v¨¦delmi ?!]


    Prince Stephen: I¡¯ll defend the eastern wall. You defend the rest yourselves! [Majd megv¨¦deni a keleti falon. Megv¨¦deni a t?bbit magatok!]


    Alberto: But your highness! [De fels¨¦g!]


    He left just like that. After stirring up some trouble he does not even bother to fix what he broke¡­ Sigh now I need to defend from the outside and inside at the some time. This idiot prince might do some stupid along the way and I must prevent that. I hope everything goes well¡­


    Prince Stephen POV


    That bastard from the Empire refusing my order! Just he wait I¡¯ll really make him pay ten times the humiliation. But I must say the daughter of the infidel is quite beautiful it wouldn¡¯t be bad if I bed her right? Well I won¡¯t really for myself into her but if I can persuade her to convert then maybe father will approve of me asking for her hand. Speaking of father, father is quite ill already and that hound of an uncle of mine scheming behind his back. I must quickly gather some achievements and stabilize my position as crown prince to prevent further mishap.


    I¡¯m quite glad that my brother is supporting me on my quest for the thrown so I won¡¯t touch him just yet. I hope everything goes well I suppose.

 Extra Chapter: The Grandmaster

    Deep in the fiery chasms of hell its ruler the great Lucifer oversees those souls who are damned by heaven. Once the great demon of hell waged war against the heavens but failed and so he was thrown in this dark place and had been made as it sole ruler. Black smoke rises, screams of the damned filled the place. Souls can be seen walking to and fro experiencing their rightful punishment. The place might be seen as dreadful but in reality hell is not a complete evil place but instead hell is a prison, a prison for those who had offended the heavens.


    Angels who have sinned were banished in hell, souls who had committed grievous sins were sent to hell. Because only in hell can you contain the evil that might spread and to the world. As I travel hell I suddenly came to a stop. A little imp has come and suddenly urged me to follow it. The little imp is quite small in stature has red eyes, small protruding horns, little bat wings in its back with a fork shaped tail.


    I followed the little Imp. Slowly we traveled the dead land where black smoke, lava and disgusting fumes filled the area. Memories of my sins came to me like a burst dam. I saw myself stealing when I was a child. I also saw myself raping that young woman when I was still a teen. I also saw myself committing murder. Various sins of my past came flooding right down in my head.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    Slowly those memories kept repeating to the point of almost making me go into madness. When I looked up I finally saw a decrepit palace. Strewn bones where hung everywhere. Its gate is like a gaping maw that will eat you when you entered it. Flying beast can be seen at top while lava encircled the palace.


    My body was forced to walk into the palace. I tried to stop it but it seems like my body is not in my control anymore so I gave up and let myself be grabbed by the mysterious force. Time went by so slowly. Screams filled my head. The excruciating feeling of the damned filled my soul.


    [Hmm¡­ so you finally arrived eh?] A voiced suddenly said. When I looked up I saw in the throne of bones a being that will instill fear in the hearts of many, Lucifer the Lord of Hell.


    [Well this is interesting¡­ You committed quite a lot of sins eh? So what do you say I should do to you?] Lucifer asked. I was quite lost on what to say when suddenly he shouted at me. [SPEAK! DON¡¯T MAKE ME WAIT!] He said. With haste I answered [Please spare me] but he just laughed it off. [Hahahahaha Stupid little creature your sins cannot be forgiven. So maybe I¡¯ll just let you experience the pain of hell?]


    My mind was in chaos because of those words. I can¡¯t take it I must do something to prevent my eventual fall. When I looked at his face I suddenly saw his face full of entertainment. When I was about to ask why he is looking at me like that he suddenly said [Well maybe I could with hold your punishment if you do something for me]. And with haste I accepted it without even listening to what it was leading to my current situation right now.

 Chapter 27: Battle of Cordoba - Battle of Destiny

    From the Chronicles of the Battle of Iberia


    The Battle of Cordoba, also known as Battle of Destiny, was the first grand-scale battle of the War of the 3 Armies (It''s 3 armies because it''s was a war compsed of Muslim army, Christian army, and the Aztecs Army)where the Muslims under Sultan Ali and the reinforcement from Prince Stephen defended the city of Cordoba from the Aztec Army.


    Pre-Battle


    After being allowed by the Sultan to lead the defenders, Alberto went to the city of Cordoba where the city defenders were busy enhancing the city defenses. When Alberto got there, he realized that the army was not enough, so the Princess told Alberto to conscript the populace and send them to the defenses of the city to defend the people of the city. Soon Prince Stephen brought the Hungarians to defend Cordoba from the Aztec attacking forces. A local captain called Saif the Old led the soldiers. Unfortunately, according to Saif, "The soldiers have seen either too many battles, or too few." The night before the battle the Count and the princess met at the center garden where they filled the night with sorrowful music.


    The Battle


    Alberto at the walls


    "Ready yourselves to fight for your lives..."


    The army of aztecs was damaged on the way due to casualties in the battles near Sevilla. They arrived in the middle of the night next day at the city of Cordoba.


    The Aztecs quickly arrived at the first walls of the city, but sustained many losses in it "filling up the dike to the top" which led them to fall back and regroup. After regrouping they resumed the attack on the City of Cordoba, they sent arrows into the City. However they did not get any response. But when they got closer they were met with a volley of arrows and rocks which made them break ranks. The Aztecs soon got close enough to the first wall and attempted to break the gate down with tree trunks, but were scattered by a small attack team led by Saif and the Prince Stephens lieutenant from a postern-door. After the team had driven back the aztecs with the ram, the team retreated from the new assault upon the gate. While running back, two Aztecs who had faked their deaths knocked the lieutenant to the ground. As Saif ran back to save him, a hidden Alberto hewed the aztecs heads saving the lieutenant and giving the count his first two kills of the battle.


    The attackers then raised hundreds of ladders to scale the first wall; the worn-out defenders threw down the ladder attacks, but were attacked from behind by the aztecs who had crawled through the culvert at the base of the wall. The Prince and Saif the Old with a unit of men from Hungary attacked the aztecs who got through the hole. Aberto helped block the culvert with stones flooding the stream. Unfortunately, this blockage was destroyed along with a good portion of the first wall by Mangonels; the Lords Plague (most likely invented by that manned who named himself as Quetzalcoatl).If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Out from the new larger hole a huge host of Aztecs poured in, and after a desperate battle inside the city, the defenders led by the Prince, Saif and Alberto retreated into the Second walls while the Prince Stephens lieutenant fought his way into the inner walls via the main road to the City keep. During the retreat, the Prince was overcome by Aztecs; but was saved by Alberto and a boulder that was cast down upon the Aztecs from the wall. Alberto called for a parley and told the Aztecs that they would die if they didn''t surrender, but the Aztecs laughed at his threat and attempted to shoot Alberto down, almost killing him. The aztecs then made it to the gate of the inner wall/second wall and almost destroyed the gates with the ''Lords Plague''. Suddenly, Prince Stephen and Saif led a vicious cavalry charge out of the gates to the blasts of the horn of Cordoba, followed by the defenders of the Cordoba, driving the Aztecs away from the remains of the gate. At the same time, Alberto and the lieutenant with the men from the caves pushed the aztecs out of the top of the second wall. The army of the alliance drove the Enemy behind the first wall into the outer fields of the city.


    Just then, Sultan Ali on his arrived with his two sons and 5000 swordsmen on foot, and they charged the Aztecs, trapping them between the Defenders army, The Sultans army and the Gendarmes of France atteack led the aztec army to be defeated. After the aztecs were driven into the outskirts of the county, some of the captured Iberians surrendered and were spared, but were forced to take an oath to reveal anything they know on the enemy. None of the aztecs driven into Sevilla were ever seen again. The aztecs that survived, if any, made for Galicia.


    Immediate Aftermath


    Less than half of the 70,000 aztecs survived the main battle, after being driven into Sevilla at most one fourth managed to escape into the provinces near Sevilla. The surviving captured iberians were sent home and their slain were buried in a communal mound. The aztec carcasses were simply piled off to the side of the battlefield and left to rot. One of the city defender dead was the lieutenant, a trusted adviser and friend of Stephen¡¯s and also personal guard. Saif had lost his helmet in the battle and was wounded badly on the head.


    Later Aftermath


    The battle was critical to the survival of Iberia and their participation in the War of the 3 Armies as a whole; had the Muslims lost the Battle of the Cordoba, their nation as a whole would have been obliterated by the rampaging legions of Aztecs. Prince Stephens persuasion of Ali to pincer attack the invaders in Portugal was critical as well, and guaranteed western Iberia¡¯s survival for a time. Had the battle been lost, and the Ali refused to attack the Aztecs, the enemies forces would''ve opened up a two-front war with the Christian kingdoms of the north and crush them. This battle also gave valuable, albeit painful, war experience to the hitherto-lax armies of Sultan Ali that would prove to be invaluable on the Battle for Iberia but a short while after.

 Chapter 28: Clashing tides

    With the victory in Cordoba, peace was temporarily restored. The wounded were tended and the dead were honorably buried.


    Sultan Ali and Prince Stephen had a discussion on what they should do next regarding the aztec invaders.


    While on the other hand I recently received a message coming from the holy roman emperor that requested me of my immediate return to the empire.


    With the order coming from the emperor I reluctantly bid my farewell to the Sultan and Prince. But before i left i asked the sultan for his permission if i could marry his daughter.


    With his daughter and his sons approval, I almost had the permission if it wasn''t for that swine of a dumb prince also asking for the sultans daughter for marriage.


    Under the condition that she converts to Christianity he asked for her hand in marriage which enraged the whole royal family. This outburst almost threatened the stability of the alliance of both religions and to prevent further damage the matter was set aside leaving me quite furious and a bit disappointed.


    It was already June when I arrived to the Empire and without pause i headed directly to the emperors palace.


    "Welcome count Alberto! How''s your travels? I heard you were in quite a situation in Iberia is it true?" The emperor inquired me. I responded with utmost respect and told everything that happened in my journey.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    "A group of assasins ambushed you huh? Dear count i have some bad news for you... Some of your domains men were killed overnight a few months ago while you were in Iberia. No information was sent to you during that time for I feared that it would compromise your mission. Please forgive this emperor" he lowered his head after saying that.


    "Please stop lowering your head your highness this is inappropriate! An emperor should not bow easily to his subjects or he would be seen as weak by his enemies and servants" i told him as i urged to stop him from lowering his head to me.


    "Count Alberto you may now return to your domain until further notice and as a reward i will grant you the whole duchy of upper burgundy for your spectacular services furthermore you will have my consent in marring that infidel woman and i will also assure you that i will support you firmly on this matter"


    "But my emperor wont this sour the empires relationship with the kingdom of Hungary?"


    "Bah! Let those fools do whatever they want and if they try to go against us then i will spare no effort to crush them to dust!"


    "The your majesty what are you planning now that the invaders are attacking in Iberia? Would you help them or stay idle?"


    "With the rebellious counts and dukes near Saxony it would be hard for me to help them there so i should stabilize the realm first before joining to prevent any traitors from doing something annoying"


    "Then your majesty i bid you farewell!"


    "Stay well young duke!"


    After that short conversation with his highness I immediately went to my expanded domain. When I inquired Anselm about the attack according to him some normal villagers and servants were killed by an unknown assailants which resulted into a bloodbath in the castle.


    Luckily none of my inventions were discovered by the enemy so the production of smoke bombs and molotovs is still in the process.


    With the parts of the bombs and molotovs separated the process of making them were further hidden.


    With my territory expanded I immediately assessed the whole territory to know what i should and shouldn''t do for the future of my turf.