Episode 60
I received an urgent message summoning me to the imperial palace, so I headed there with Alexios.
As we waited to enter together, I asked Alexios, “Is it common for them to send envoys so suddenly?”
“Not at all. Normally, they would send someone ahead to inform us of the envoy’s arrival.”
This left me with two possibilities to consider. Either the Islamic side is handling matters so urgently that they can’t afford any delay, or they’re deliberately acting this way to give that impression.
Under normal circumstances, it would be the former. But considering the envoy is Saladin, we can’t rule out the latter.
Saladin is known as one of the most magnanimous rulers of the medieval era, but that doesn’t mean he’s careless in his dealings. In fact, his ability to build the strongest power base in Islam while maintaining a generous attitude even towards his enemies is noteworthy.
“By the way, what does His Majesty think of Saladin?”
I should have asked this sooner, but it slipped down my list of priorities with everything else going on.
It seemed like a natural question, but Alexios suddenly glanced around, as if checking for eavesdroppers.
Thinking he might not have heard me, I asked again, “To plan our next steps, we need to understand the Byzantine stance. That means knowing how His Majesty feels about Saladin and Islam. Surely, you have some insight?”
“Well, you see…”
Could it be that he’s such a staunch purist that he refuses to even speak with the Muslims?
There are certainly Christians like that, so there shouldn’t be any reason for him to hesitate.
I couldn’t figure out what might be so sensitive that others shouldn’t hear it.
Perhaps there’s something unrecorded in history, like a secret admiration for Saladin?
If that’s the case, I can understand why Alexios is being so cautious. It wouldn’t look good for the head of the Orthodox Church to show undue favor towards an Islamic leader.
“It wouldn’t be a problem if others heard, but… well, it might cause a minor issue…”
Alexios, mumbling to himself, led me into an empty room and closed the door, letting out a deep sigh.
It seemed less like he was about to reveal a secret and more like he was trying to swallow his embarrassment.
“His Majesty considers Saladin… to be several steps below himself.”
“Really? He thinks he’s several steps below Saladin… wait, what?”
Alexios’s words made my head spin for a moment.
“I didn’t mishear, did I?”
“Judging by your reaction, you heard correctly.”
Ah, our ever-unpredictable Isaac II, always exceeding expectations.
His boundless confidence is almost admirable at this point.
“What does he base that on?”
“Saladin doesn’t want to maintain a hostile relationship with Byzantium. About fifteen years ago, when we attacked Syria and Egypt, Saladin repelled us but didn’t pursue further aggression.”
“With the Crusaders as his main adversary, he had no reason to attack Byzantium.”
“Exactly. So when Jerusalem fell and the Third Crusade failed, we were on edge. Our resources were depleted from fighting Bulgarian rebels, and we worried about a potential invasion from Saladin.”
In the original history, Richard led a massive army south immediately after Jerusalem fell, but not this time.
If Saladin wanted, he could have incited the rebels to hasten Byzantium’s downfall.
However, given Saladin’s nature, he would likely focus on consolidating his territories and kingdom before considering an attack on Byzantium.
“But what does that have to do with His Majesty thinking Saladin is beneath him?”
“Well, after His Majesty’s defeat in the last rebellion, he fled in haste. Saladin sent a letter expressing concern for His Majesty’s health. It was just lip service, of course…”
“What exactly did the letter say?”
“It praised His Majesty’s exceptional abilities and unique spirit, assuring him that as long as he maintained his health, he would become the greatest emperor in Roman history. Saladin expressed a desire to maintain a friendship with such a Byzantine emperor.”
Why do I hear it as, ‘As long as someone like you is in charge, your country will crumble quickly’?
“Did he really get carried away by that one letter?”
“Yes. His Majesty believes Saladin recognized his greatness and submitted to him… Since then, he considers Saladin beneath him, claiming that whatever Saladin does is within his grasp. It’s not a pleasant situation.”
Now I understood why Alexios was so careful to keep this from others. It would be embarrassing to advertise that our emperor has such poor judgment.
I almost clicked my tongue but remembered we were still in the Byzantine palace and instead let out a chuckle.
“Still, it’s impressive. How many people can confidently claim that the great Saladin is beneath them? Haha…”
“Haha… Hahaha…”
Alexios also laughed, rubbing his forehead.
Yes, it’s impressive in its own way, so I wasn’t lying.
Not lying.
Thanks to Alexios, I had a clear understanding of the situation as I entered the audience chamber where the emperor awaited.
As soon as I arrived, the eyes of everyone present turned towards me.
“Ah, you’re finally here. I thought it best to start once you arrived, so I asked everyone to wait.”
The emperor greeted me warmly, raising his hand in acknowledgment. Among the crowd, one person stood out with distinct attire.
‘Look at those eyes. They’re practically boring holes into me.’
To them, I’m a heretic defiling the Quran. They would love nothing more than to see me gone, but the Ayyubid envoy showed no sign of hostility.
Of course, it’s not that he doesn’t harbor any ill will, but as an envoy, he’s adept at concealing his emotions.
As I approached, the crowd parted like the Red Sea.
“I apologize for the delay in welcoming our guest from afar.”
“Not at all. Considering the suddenness of their visit, it’s understandable. Isn’t that right?”
The Ayyubid envoy nodded politely, bowing slightly.
“Indeed. I’m grateful for such a grand reception.”
Technically, I’m just a guest in Byzantium as well. I walked over to stand beside Isaac II, smiling inwardly.
‘Let’s see what they have to say.’
No matter what convoluted arguments they might use to avoid the council, we have countermeasures ready.
Once Alexios joined me by the emperor’s side, the meeting finally began.
Alexios addressed the envoy calmly, “The Sultan of Ayyubid has a message for our emperor?”
“Yes. To be precise, it’s a message for His Majesty as the head of the Orthodox Church, not just as an emperor.”
“His Majesty is interested in hearing it, so please proceed.”
With permission granted, the envoy handed a parchment to a nearby attendant and spoke.
“Recently, the Pope in the West proposed a peaceful conference to address the deep-rooted religious conflicts and the tragedies they have caused. I understand the Orthodox Church received a similar proposal.”
“Indeed. Our Roman Orthodox Church is considering it positively.”
“The Sultan anticipated as much.”
Depending on the perspective, it could seem like Catholicism and Orthodoxy are resolving their long-standing conflicts to pressure Islam.
Yet, the envoy’s expression remained perfectly composed.
Perhaps annoyed by the envoy’s calm demeanor, Isaac II clicked his tongue as he unfolded the parchment.
“If you expected that, you must have brought a response.”
“Yes. As stated there, it’s a proposal that’s difficult for us to accept. However, the Sultan has decided to accept the Christian proposal from a broader perspective.”
“Accept it? Just like that?”
I was as surprised as Isaac II. But unlike the ever-optimistic emperor, who saw it as Saladin yielding once again, I suspected ulterior motives.
Isaac II laughed heartily, handing the letter to Alexios.
“As always, the Sultan understands me so well. Indeed, indeed. Why should civilized people like us shed blood with swords and spears? We can resolve things through intelligent dialogue.”
Once again, the emperor was burning with optimism, thinking Saladin had submitted to him. Alexios sighed and interjected.
“Your Majesty, we should hear them out fully. They wouldn’t accept without any conditions.”
“Really? Are there conditions? Since Marshal is here, let’s hear them. Marshal, are you okay with that?”
“The Pope has given me some authority to decide, so it should be fine.”
Are they trying to attach unreasonable conditions to back out of the council?
I had considered this possibility, but it seemed too simplistic for Saladin.
If true, it would be disappointing. Just as I was thinking this, the envoy smiled faintly and spoke.
“If you’re worried about unreasonable conditions, you can rest assured.”
“The Sultan is a just ruler who despises deceit and treachery.”
It was the kind of statement one might easily dismiss, but for the first time, the envoy’s tone carried a ring of genuine sincerity.
Even this single remark offered a glimpse into the true nature of the leader known as Saladin.
“Then let’s hear what this just Sultan has to propose.”
“Yes. The Sultan intends to send experts personally selected by him to the council. However, he requests that you choose the location for the meeting. Since you proposed the talks, it’s only fair that you decide the venue, don’t you think?”
“That makes sense, but it would be a bit problematic if you suggest places like Mecca or Baghdad.”
“Don’t worry, that won’t happen.”
The envoy unfolded a map and pointed to a spot between the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea for everyone to see.
“A sacred land revered by Christianity, Islam, and Judaism alike. Let’s hold the peace talks here in Jerusalem.”
The proposal was far more moderate and reasonable than expected, leaving both Alexios and me momentarily speechless.
Was there some hidden agenda?
Or was it just a bluff?
No, more than that…
As I looked at the exact spot the envoy’s finger rested on, the word “destiny” came to mind.
“So, it all comes back to Jerusalem.”
The holy city, the cradle of three major religions and the place where everything began, was once again beckoning to me.