Eagle Byzantium

After the melee reached noon, the wind and rain gradually stopped. Most of the blocks, towers and bell towers in the entire city of Za'tar were captured. Some soldiers were killed, and most were captured along with the citizens and escorted to the "temporary headquarters", St. Paul's Church. at.

Venetian warships in the direction of the sandbar also successively transported soldiers and equipment, occupying the southern wall facilities of Zatar City. In the end, only the southwest corner was left with flags still flying, that is, the palace fortress of Prince Constantine Bertin. Yes, the battlements here were specially heightened and reinforced, and there is also a double-layered city gate made of bronze, which is covered with trebuchets and various mechanisms.

So under the command of Freyer, all the coalition soldiers and ships completely surrounded Bertin's palace: more than 300 royal guards, dozens of Slavic nobles, Prince Bertin and cardinals were all inside. Covered up tightly.

Subsequently, the Venetian consul coldly issued a "purge" order, and Gonletto's mercenary company began to rob and kill people from house to house. Panic filled the city, and many women and children rushed to the St. Paul's Church District, crying. The parish where the Red Hand Dalian Company is located requested asylum.

Amidst the panic, Gawain walked to the front of the parish and said to the soldiers guarding there, "Let the refugees in, treat their injuries, provide them with some hot food, don't embarrass them, and don't insult or kill them."

Then something unbelievable happened: when the escaping refugees opened their eyes with great horror, they got permission from the Byzantine Roman Grand Duke and walked into the colonnade at the entrance of the hall. They were surrounded by soldiers with bright military sticks. As they sat on the ground in the center, comforting the crying children, no one came to torture or kill them.

Then, they got a large pot of food and soup carried by the soldiers, and the Archduke looked very frightened. Sitting in the middle of the church hall under the candlelight, he seemed to be the patron saint of everyone. Suddenly, there was a scream at the entrance of the hall, and Gonletto walked in with a fierce face, followed by his followers. The blood of the victim was still dripping from the sword blade. All the refugees were crawling around to hide.

"You are disobeying the Archon's order to purge."

"The relationship between me and the consul is just an ally. There is no reason to obey his orders." Gawain, who was sitting there with his sword in hand, replied loudly. Then, before Gonletto could say anything, Gawain, who was covered in holy armor, stood up, walked down the steps, and came to the mercenary commander. "Besides, I think this purge order is wrong. Destroy the city of Zata, destroy it." Just take down the towers, walls and armories that Bodin relies on, there is no need to kill and loot so many people."

"Lord Felaye said that all the men in Za'tar should be slaughtered or castrated, and all the women and children should be sold as slaves. You can consider sending them to your Bari City market. You can tax the trade, and you can buy whoever you want. ." Gonletto actually laughed. He said this in front of Gawain, which made his face even more ferocious. He was naturally disgusted with handsome nobles like Gawain, even if he had a very masculine beard.

"I'm sorry. The city of Bari has passed the Jinshu Grand Senate and abolished the slave trade. It is not allowed to sell Slavs to Africa, nor is it allowed to buy black slaves to local manors and workshops. Citizens and members of parliament are not allowed to keep slaves privately." Gawain replied coldly.

"As expected of a priest, these high-sounding words are more powerful than my sword." Gonletto raised the bloody sword sarcastically.

Gawain's next reply was beyond his expectation. "No, this is done to raise the standard of servant wages for the citizens and villagers of Bali. Because once a country uses a large number of slaves for pride, the people's wages will inevitably drop. The moral will also be corrupted, and This will lead to market decline.”

After hearing this, Gonletto froze on the spot, not knowing what to say to communicate with this grand duke who talked about some incredible theories, but Gawain continued to speak, "I want to meet with the consul, During this period, you must immediately order your men to stop the senseless killings, otherwise I will put forward conditions in the memorandum of talks that are not beneficial to the city-state of Venice."

But soon a new order came from Felleyer: Before the city of Bourdin Palace was taken, the soldiers of all companies should stick to their respective posts and neighborhoods and stop senseless killings and robberies. Any diplomatic matters would be handled by me and Grand Duke Gao Wen and the co-signer broke off.

Then, Ferrier enthusiastically invited Gawain into the main hall of St. Paul's Church. The military servants placed the consul's ancient Roman-style scepter and Gawain's red-handed battle flag in front of the door. .

"Za'tar City will be given to your country as a spoil of war, but just leave me a warehouse area where I can transfer supplies tax-free." After shaking hands, Gawain stated the plan generously. He knew that Venice coveted this city. It has been a long time coming, and it is inevitable that he will win, but for his current expedition, he still needs to rely on Felleyer in terms of navigation. After all, Amalfi's distant water cannot quench his thirst nearby, so he might as well do it as a favor.

"Your Majesty the Grand Duke, you should still remember the allusion about pigs that I once told you." Felaye smiled enigmatically, and the corners of his eyes were full of wrinkles, like lines made of iron, "But we It’s a pig, a pig that abides by the spirit of the merchant’s contract, not a jackal that even eats carrion.”

"Are you going to sign an agreement with me on the disposal of Za'tar City?" Gawain replied quickly. After Felaeye nodded, Gawain pulled out the Turkic scimitar he was wearing, picked off the leaves on the potted plant, and cut it Quickly cut it from the middle, "Well, the loot and money will be divided into five points, three for you and two for me; and for the city block, four for you and one for me."

"But you must also indicate in the memorandum of agreement that your 'one' can only be used to transport soldiers, military servants, craftsmen, and necessary supplies for the jihad expedition. It cannot be leased to Bari and Amalfi. and merchants from all other states, selling any goods and specialties that would harm the interests of Venetian trade." Felaille put forward this item cunningly.

"Absolutely, but you also have to give me a discount, that is, the supplies and personnel from Bari City in the future, and the Venetian merchant ships must not exceed the transportation price agreed by Amalfi." After speaking, Gawain cut the big leaf , handed it to the hands of the Venetian consul, "For the specific amount, you can discuss it with my confidential secretary Andodat." Then the thin little priest who had returned to secular life was pulled to the eyes of Felleyer by the archduke. , Felaye looked at this person: his hair had just grown out, but because he had to wear a helmet, he had to shave the back of his head, making it look nondescript. His face was small and pale, his shoulders were hunched, and he was carrying a heavy document box. As he swayed, he couldn't help but laugh, "This little chick reminds me of when I was seventeen years old, when I had just become the family business agent and went to the Levant to negotiate the first deal. "

"Grand Duke, I can't do it. You should sign it and I'll just watch and remind you." How could Andodat have any experience in handling such a big incident? He waved his hands hastily. (To be continued ~^~)