Episode 118
Spring of 1200.
A war that would be remembered throughout history was about to unfold across the vast Anatolian Peninsula.
The Khwarazmian Empire, having inadvertently crushed the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum, was unstoppable.
Though poised to advance with a massive army, the Khwarazmian approach was calculated.
Upon hearing of the Crusaders’ mobilization, Sultan Tekish anticipated a prolonged conflict and immediately began preparations.
Future historians would likely agree that Khwarazm’s strategy at this time was sound.
The report I received upon returning to Constantinople was as follows:
“The Seljuk Sultanate of Rum is now completely under Khwarazm’s control.”
“With both the Ayyubid Sultan and the Abbasid Caliph acknowledging this, any resistance seems futile.”
“So, should we assume that the Ayyubid Sultan and Abbasid Caliph al-Nasir have sided with Khwarazm?”
“According to the intelligence I’ve gathered, Khwarazm has secured supplies from the Ayyubids. However, it’s unlikely the Ayyubids will send troops directly.”
“They’re hoping we’ll exhaust ourselves fighting each other.”
From Damascus, the Assassins were sending near real-time updates.
I had made it clear to Nasr that this war was not in Allah’s will, and he seemed to be working harder than ever.
That was the general sentiment.
Though not specifically prepared for this moment, the intelligence network of the Syrian Assassins proved invaluable.
Alexios III and Richard were curious about the source of my information, but I deflected by saying many had recognized me as a prophet at the last council.
If I didn’t, it might raise suspicions later.
“At least we can count our blessings. If Khwarazm had advanced while we were focused on Bulgaria, it could have been disastrous.”
“Perhaps it would have been better if they had…”
In truth, my ideal scenario was for the Holy Roman Empire and Khwarazm to be locked in battle, allowing the rest of the Crusaders to join as reinforcements.
Though Khwarazm was formidable, the Holy Roman Empire’s forces were not easily overcome.
If they leveraged their defensive advantage, Khwarazm, burdened by a long campaign, would be at a disadvantage.
However, it seemed unlikely that the Holy Roman forces could decisively defeat Khwarazm, leading to a stalemate.
With reinforcements from England and France flanking them, we could turn the tide in our favor.
But with our forces delayed, Khwarazm was in no rush.
They advanced methodically, proving they hadn’t gained their vast territories by chance.
Unlike Alexios III, who was sidelined due to health issues, Richard viewed Khwarazm’s movements as a significant threat.
“Marshal is right. Khwarazm understands the importance of supply lines and is prepared for a prolonged conflict. I hope the Holy Roman Empire doesn’t act rashly before we arrive…”
“Don’t say that, Your Majesty. Words have power!”
This man was setting up a flag all by himself.
What if Heinrich VI suddenly decided to charge into Khwarazm recklessly?
In truth, Heinrich VI was no fool.
He was smart enough to read the room.
With the threat of divine retribution hanging over him, as long as no major incidents occurred, we should be fine.
Or maybe even thinking this way is setting up a flag?
Perhaps it’s best to let go of any expectations regarding the Holy Roman Empire.
With a clear mind, we must join forces as quickly as possible.
“Now that Khwarazm’s preparations are complete, they will soon advance. From now on, this is a full-scale war between Christianity and Islam. Everyone, prioritize victory over personal gain.”
“Of course.”
“Don’t worry about supplies. With Bulgaria no longer a concern, we’ve redirected all resources to Anatolia.”
Fortunately, Alexios III and Richard remained cooperative as always.
The only concern was…
“France is only interested in the success of the Crusade, so rest assured.”
Despite the circumstances, I couldn’t fully trust Philip II’s words.
Antioch, the gateway to Anatolia and the key to Syria, was a strategic Byzantine stronghold.
The Holy Roman forces were camped near this city, which had changed hands from the Byzantines to the Turks, then to the Crusaders, and back to the Byzantines.
“Your Majesty, the English and French forces have departed from Constantinople.”
“They’ve taken their time. We’ve been waiting here for ages, and now they’re finally on their way?”
“They were delayed by the war with Bulgaria.”
“I heard rumors, but is it true? Did Bulgaria ally with Khwarazm?”
“Well… the timing was suspicious enough to dismiss it as mere gossip.”
It’s hard to believe an Orthodox country would ally with Islam, but the world is full of surprises.
Ultimately, whether Bulgaria truly allied with Khwarazm is irrelevant.
With the Byzantine rear secure, Hungary joining the Crusade, and England and France on schedule, the truth doesn’t matter.
“What are Khwarazm’s movements? Are they still testing the waters?”
“They were until recently, but now there’s a noticeable shift. It seems they’re preparing to strike.”
“If they have any sense, they’d want to engage before England and France arrive. So, how should we proceed?”
Heinrich VI was more invested in this Crusade than any other ruler.
Perhaps, aside from the Byzantines, no one was as desperate as he was.
For the Holy Roman Empire, the term “Crusade” had been a sore spot.
The great emperor who revived the Holy Roman Empire had died in a humiliating accident.
And it was said that this happened because the Papacy and the Holy Roman Empire, blinded by greed, pushed for an ill-fated Crusade.
Though he became emperor by chance, this had been a significant political burden for Heinrich VI.
Even after securing northern and southern Italy, he couldn’t pressure the Papacy as much as he’d like.
He needed to prove he was a pious emperor, unlike his father.
Without this, the dream of the Hohenstaufen dynasty’s exclusive claim to the throne would remain a fantasy.
This was a rare opportunity.
The disgrace of the Crusades could be redeemed by the Crusades.
Though the title was largely ceremonial, he had become the supreme commander of the first unified Crusade in Christian history.
If he led the war successfully, no prince could deny that the Hohenstaufen dynasty was the true ruler of Rome.
Conversely, if the war ended unfavorably, the dream of the Hohenstaufen Empire would be lost forever.
In that case, being labeled as the one who ruined the Crusade would be the least of his worries.
The risk was high, but Heinrich VI was undeterred.
To gain, one must bear the burden, as the saying goes.
In fact, with the prophet Marshal leading the way, this was a war he couldn’t lose as long as he didn’t mess it up.
So, safety must be the top priority.
‘But if I play it too safe, I might be criticized for being passive…’
He needed to strike a balance between public and private interests.
It was a challenging task, but the emperor wasn’t worried.
He had always been lucky, and the heavens had always favored him.
In fact, he wondered if this Crusade was God’s way of binding the Holy Roman Empire to the Hohenstaufen dynasty.
Otherwise, how could such a perfectly timed war occur?
‘Yes, Christ has chosen me as the ruler of a new era.’
Marshal was the prophet sent to guide him, making everything fall into place.
One might question why Marshal came to England instead of the Holy Roman Empire, but the emperor didn’t concern himself with such trivialities.
“Khwarazm won’t engage in a full-scale battle immediately, will they? Neither side fully knows the other’s strength yet.”
“That’s correct. The princes predict they’ll send reconnaissance units to gauge our forces.”
“What about their tactics? Are they similar to the Ayyubids?”
“They rely heavily on cavalry, so their tactics are quite similar.”
“The details might differ slightly,” he said.
“We mustn’t let our guard down, but there’s no need to be overly fearful either. Whether it’s the Eastern Roman Empire or the Islamic forces, neither can stand against us. Our late emperor already proved that.”
Though Frederick I drowned in a river barely waist-deep, the journey to that point was far from a failure. From the Holy Roman Empire to Asia Minor, no nation or tribe dared to block Rome’s path. Most opened the way themselves, and those few who didn’t understand the power difference quickly learned their lesson after a few battles. The Eastern Roman Empire and the Sultanate of Rum were no exceptions.
As I piece together these objective facts, my confidence begins to soar. Perhaps we don’t even need England or France. With support from the Eastern Roman Empire, the Holy Roman Empire alone could crush Khwarezm and, while we’re at it, reclaim Jerusalem.
“No, I mustn’t entertain such blasphemous thoughts. God might punish me. Perhaps this is a trial from Christ, a test to control my desires if I am to become the true emperor of the world.”
Heinrich VI, having chastised himself, turned his attention to a young man sitting silently among the princes.
“Duke of Brunswick, others believe Khwarezm might make a move to test our strength. What do you think?”
“I agree. But with the armies of England and France arriving soon, any provocation would be meaningless.”
“Ah, yes. The King of England is your uncle, isn’t he?”
“Yes. In my youth, I benefited greatly from his kindness.”
Duke Otto of Brunswick was the son of the Lion Duke, once the highest noble of the Holy Roman Empire who opposed the red-bearded Frederick I. After the Lion Duke lost the power struggle with the late emperor, Otto had to leave the empire. His uncle Richard stepped in as his legal guardian, replacing the fallen Lion Duke. When Frederick I died unexpectedly and the Lion Duke returned home, Heinrich VI reached an agreement with him.
“Most of the lands we reclaimed won’t be returned, but you can keep the title of Duke of Brunswick. Be content with that. Your son will face no restrictions, and his inheritance and legal status will be secured.”
The aged and weakened Lion Duke accepted the emperor’s offer, and Otto returned to the empire, inheriting his father’s title. He followed the call to war, hoping to restore his family’s honor. Of course, with his uncle and benefactor Richard participating in the war, he naturally wanted to help.
The emperor decided to take advantage of this sentiment.
“We won’t make the first move, but ignoring even a small provocation would harm the Crusaders’ honor. Would you like to lead the charge in repelling them?”
“If you entrust me with the task, I will do my utmost.”
Otto, unsure of the emperor’s true intentions, nodded reluctantly, aware of the eyes watching him. With time before England and France arrived, there was ample opportunity for a small skirmish. If he won, the glory would be his; if he lost, it would rid the empire of the Lion Duke’s lineage. It wasn’t about his desires; it was about assembling the best team for an inevitable battle.
The young emperor, dreaming of his family’s perpetual rule, felt a twinge of fear at his own brilliant strategy.