Chapter 74
After the Council of Jerusalem concluded, I made a show of returning to Europe, only to slip away to a quiet village just outside the city. There, I gathered the Syrian Assassins.
To the Christian delegates accompanying me, I casually mentioned that these were Muslim merchants I had recently recruited.
“Let’s hear it then. How are things looking on the Islamic front?”
I had achieved all the objectives I had set for myself, but they were entirely self-serving. The Christians might find the results a bit lacking, and the Muslims or Jews might interpret them differently.
Of course, Nasr and the Assassins, who had been briefed beforehand, were looking at me with eyes full of awe.
“Everything is unfolding just as you predicted, Apostle!”
“Truly remarkable! The entire council went exactly as you said it would!”
“I was there and saw it myself. The imams and rabbis you pointed out suddenly changed their stance as if possessed. I’ve never witnessed anything so satisfying in my life!”
“Ah… I’m envious of you, Leader. I wish I could have seen the council firsthand.”
Most of the Assassins were disguised as merchants, so only Nasr could actually attend the council. It was enough that he, as their leader, managed to get in safely. Even now, he’s posing as a devout Muslim imam, extracting information from the other side.
“Let’s skip the flattery and get to the details. Is Islam reacting as I expected?”
“Yes. The Muslims are directing all their anger towards the Jews and are on the verge of a massacre. Saladin is trying to keep it in check, but soon, Jews won’t find it easy to settle in Islamic territories.”
“Saladin wouldn’t just protect the Jews, though.”
“Exactly. He’s prohibiting indiscriminate slaughter but has ordered the arrest of those who have illegally amassed wealth. The funds seized will be used to ensure pilgrims can travel to Mecca more safely.”
A rational decision that also considers the emotional aspects of the Muslims. That’s Saladin for you. Yet, I couldn’t help but wonder if Saladin was truly content with just these results.
If I were to assess who gained the most from this council, it would undoubtedly be me. I’ve managed to humble the Jews, make my name known within Islam, and gain recognition from the Orthodox Church. All this without drawing excessive ire from the Muslims, redirecting any blame towards the treacherous imams.
In a few years, I can consolidate my power further and drive the final nail at the next council. I’ve already laid the groundwork for that.
But what about Saladin? While he stood out for his neutral and rational approach, it wasn’t something that would be particularly praised within the Islamic world. People might start questioning if he’s too idealistic and gentle a ruler. Although he’s handling the aftermath well, it doesn’t seem like Saladin himself has gained anything tangible.
I suspect Saladin might soon make a request of us. While it’s beneficial for both sides to conclude the council without it tipping too far in one direction, one should still seize what they can. Or perhaps I’ve overestimated Saladin.
Based on historical records, the two rulers I deemed most cautious of were Philip Augustus and Saladin. But if those records were exaggerated…
“Apostle, there’s been some curious activity from the Ayyubids recently. You asked us to report anything unusual…”
“What is it?”
“Recently, the Ayyubids requested our support from the Assassins.”
“Who are they planning to kill?”
“It doesn’t seem like they’re targeting anyone in Europe or the Islamic world. They mentioned heading further east and asked if we could collaborate with Alamut if necessary.”
Eastward? That would only mean Khwarezm. But what’s their intention? Saladin wouldn’t assassinate a high-ranking Khwarezm official, nor does he have a motive.
“Is there any tension between the Ayyubids and Khwarezm?”
“Quite the opposite. Recently, a triangular alliance has formed between Saladin, the Abbasid Caliph, and Tekish Sultan of Khwarezm.”
“Of course. Even while overseeing the council, he was handling his affairs.”
With the Third Crusade averted and Saladin still alive, it’s impossible to predict what they’re aiming for. Having the Syrian Assassins as my eyes and ears was a stroke of genius. Without them, I wouldn’t have known what they were up to until it was too late.
“Do we know what kind of discussions are taking place?”
“We haven’t been able to extract that information. The risk is too high.”
“Then it would be wise to accept the Ayyubid’s offer of cooperation and gather more intel. Even if we don’t know their exact intentions, the fact that the Ayyubids and Khwarezm are collaborating is significant.”
Historically, the Ayyubids faltered after Saladin’s death, and after his brother Al-Adil’s death, they were in decline. Khwarezm, too, became a formidable Islamic power but was soon trampled by the Mongols from the east. If history is any guide, both states would eventually fall, but I can’t be sure this time.
Saladin is still alive and well, and if he allies with Khwarezm, their fate could change. Khwarezm’s downfall to the Mongols was due to their provocation of the Mongols, who initially sought peace. If the Ayyubids and Khwarezm maintain their strength and grow, history could be rewritten. The Ottoman Turks might never rise, and the fate of the Byzantine Empire could take an unpredictable turn. It might fall to Islam sooner than expected.
I raised my guard against Saladin once more and instructed Nasr to be vigilant.
“Deploy all resources to understand the Ayyubid-Khwarezm alliance. Report every detail, no matter how trivial, to me.”
“Understood. Should I send someone to your domain?”
“No. I’ll remain in Constantinople until we fully grasp the Islamic situation. There are still matters to wrap up here.”
Though it was already planned, with history diverging from what I remember, there’s no time to be complacent.
Back in the Byzantine capital, Constantinople, I was welcomed with a grand reception and stayed at the palace. While I hadn’t brought the entire Islamic world to its knees, my personal achievements were significant.
First, I had put the haughty Jews in their place. Even the often-at-odds Catholics and Byzantines unite when it comes to disparaging Jews. The church even officially declared that Jews should be perpetually tormented to atone for their sins. While I don’t personally support such collective punishment, the exclusivity of Judaism needed some dilution. My only concern was a Holocaust-like frenzy of Jewish massacres, but with Saladin keeping it in check, I was somewhat relieved.
The surprise event I orchestrated at the council also played a part in elevating my reputation.
“I heard directly from the Patriarch. When you spoke with the imams, they immediately recognized you as the true Apostle.”
The atmosphere in the palace was familiar yet subtly different. Alexios, who had been prophesied to be the next emperor, faced me with a determined posture. His eyes burned with a fierce resolve, as if he had made a significant decision.
“It seems you’ve heard everything.”
“Yesterday, His Majesty summoned the Patriarch to hear the details. I was present and heard your exploits firsthand. But His Majesty…”
Alexios paused, letting out a small sigh and furrowing his brow.
“What did His Majesty say?”
“Yes, it was truly unbelievable…”
“Please, go on.”
“He suggested that once you leave, we could slightly alter your prophecies to increase tax revenue. The Patriarch opposed, warning that falsifying your name would bring divine retribution, but His Majesty seems to think it’s the best way to secure funds.”
“Remarkable.”
This time, my admiration was genuine, not sarcastic. Typically, such fabrications occur when one knows the other is a fraud but sees an opportunity for exploitation. Yet, Emperor Isaac II genuinely believes in me and still plans to implement such a scheme. It seems he operates on a different mental framework than Alexios or me. I’m genuinely curious about the thought process that leads to such cunning strategies. An emperor who believes in God yet has no qualms about exploiting His name.
In the modern world, among those who exploit the name of God for profit, there might actually be some who truly believe.
I laughed genuinely, but perhaps Alexios misunderstood my reaction, as his face turned pale and he quickly bowed his head.
“This is by no means the will of Rome. It’s something His Majesty is contemplating alone, so please, have mercy…”
“Oh, it’s fine. But Alexios, coming all the way here to say that means you’ve made up your mind, doesn’t it?”
We both knew exactly what that resolve entailed, even without saying it aloud.
Alexios slowly lifted his head and met my gaze directly.
“Does that mean you’re accepting the proposal I made last time?”
“I’ve thought it over from every angle, and it seems like the best option. However, I think it would be wise to hold the ceremony after you’ve successfully secured your position.”
The union of a true prophet recognized by both the Catholic and Orthodox churches with the Roman imperial family.
To maximize the symbolic impact, it would be more effective if the union involved the emperor’s daughter rather than his niece.
Alexios, being perceptive, understood my intentions without needing further explanation.
“Understood. But I must add a condition of my own. Once everything is settled, I need you to personally justify my actions.”
“Agreed. The quicker the Roman imperial power stabilizes, the sooner I can return to my own lands with peace of mind.”
Given that we don’t know how Saladin might use Khwarezm, it’s crucial to establish a firm means of controlling the Eastern Roman Empire.
And there’s no more direct or effective method than marriage.
With Emperor Isaac II still obliviously accumulating his own burdens, now is the perfect time.
Finally resolute, Alexios opened and closed his fists several times before he managed to speak.
“Very well. Before you leave Constantinople, Prophet…”
A declaration that could never be taken back filled the small room.
“I will become the Emperor of Rome.”