Legends Never Die: A Student (ch. 54) (Patreon)

"You're nobility," I remarked, sitting across from Michalis, who seemed properly chagrined at the words. Next to him sat Hyginus, who leveled an even gaze at me. The negotiations for the goods were concluded and the silver had changed hands. The negotiations had gone on long into the afternoon, and even though I had profited greatly from the exchange, I couldn't help but feel exhausted with the talks. Weathering insults in Latin, while haggling prices because Chares was unprepared to pay so much in pure silver, so he had to negotiate paying in other goods.

In truth, I wanted nothing more than to go to bed and sleep the day away. Battles of words were every bit as exhausting as battles on the field, and I found that I was far more suited to the latter. I held off, because this needed to be addressed. This was either an opportunity… or it was a danger.

Michalis inclined his head to me, "Landless nobility. The only thing I possess is my family name," Michalis began and I fought off a frown. That did explain his education. However, it brought its own set of problems -- landless nobility, at least in my home, were often that way because their lands were taken by another Jarl or Thegn. So, they traveled to allies in the hopes of safe harbor, or perhaps even an army to regain what they lost. And, based on how bitter Michalis's expression was, that held true in this foreign land. "It is a recent… setback. A mistake of my father's."

I said nothing, merely gesturing for him to continue. He hesitated before nodding, "Our lands were modest, but we were influential within Constantinople. We were richer than most, thanks to our trade routes by the Black Sea, though before I, none dared to venture all the way to your homeland. That made many look down upon us, which worsened their resentment of our prosperity and influence. We had many enemies… and they found a weakness in my father which destroyed us."

It felt like a familiar tale, I thought, still saying nothing. I would reserve my words and judgment until I had heard all that he had to say.

"I spoke to you of the icon issue back in Athens, but I don't believe I stressed the severity of the conflict enough. The iconoclasts swept through the empire with the mandate of destroying every single religious icon, seeing their existence as heresy. It started only around fifty years ago, on the orders of Emperor Leo the Third, and since then it has been a decisive issue. Leo the Isaurian was a fierce iconoclast who wielded his considerable power to destroy as many icons as he could. The emperors that have followed have been less fierce, but they maintain the edict, preventing their creation, possession, and worship." He elaborated, and that seemed like such a foolish thing to be angry about or forbid.

Then I thought of the Parthenon. The great temples and churches that I saw. I could understand it a little better but in the end, it still seemed foolish. One could not dictate how another communed with the gods, or God. There were wise women, or priests, you could go to for advice as they were intensely spiritual and possessed the closest relationship with the gods, but in the end… one's relationship with the gods was personal. No king or emperor possessed the right to dictate how someone else could pray and worship.

"My father was an iconophile. There are many that still are within the empire. I would go as far as to say that most are, and it's only a handful of powerful hardline extremists that truly adhere to the doctrine. It's simply kept quiet or done in the privacy of your own home. My father was revealed to our liege lord in an effort to destroy us. It is someone I believe you have already met -- Strategos Michael Lachanodrakon." I knew exactly who he spoke of. The one that had revealed that I was a pagan in front of the Emperor's court to shame and discredit me. It was an obvious attempt to show that we had common enemies, but it also wasn't a poor one.

"He is one of the few hardliners. It happened when I was but a child, but Lachanodrakon, upon hearing that my father possessed icons… he swept across our lands like a scourge. He executed my father and mother for heresy, leaving me, a three year old, in charge of the estate. Before my parents were cold, the vultures sweeped in and took everything from my family. I would have likely been killed if not for Hyginus's father," Michalis said, placing a hand on Hyginus's shoulder. "His family worked with mine for generations, and he granted me safe harbor after my estate was stolen from me. We might not share blood, but Hyginus is a brother to me and his sister shall be my bride."

He was right about one thing -- I did severely underestimate the severity of the issue. It wasn't uncommon for Jarls to war against each other. What was uncommon was for a Jarl to attack their own Thegn for something as minor as possessing an icon. My own armband could be considered an icon, and gift from Horrik or not, I would sooner part with my arm than it.

"Is that how you became a merchant?" I asked, saying nothing of the story he just told me. It rang true to me and to Tell Spotter, but it also struck me as too clean cut. His family were clearly victims of manipulative nobility. It echoed my own story too well, and Michalis had sailed with us for some time. He would have heard my story by now. It could be happenstance, or it could be a deliberate twist of the truth so that I would empathize with him.

Michalis's expression tightened, "It is. For the past ten years, I have been gathering money to purchase lands. It will be a small estate, but there is a great difference between being landed and unlanded. I likely have enough to purchase some now, but there are a great many other expenses -- bribes, slaves, and gifts to potential allies." At that, his gaze became piercing and I could see how he wished to use me. As a way to make money. As an attack dog to be used against his enemies. Perhaps even as a tool for vengeance against those that wronged his family.

However, I doubted that I should get involved at all. Michalis was of limited influence, and if he possessed enemies within the nobility, then by helping him, they would become my enemies. The best thing I could do was avoid politics entirely. I would go to this university, I would trade, and I would war against the enemies of the Romans. I would spend a number of years here, perhaps five at the most, as I will have become a man grown in appearance.

Simply put, helping Michalis brought me more problems than benefits. Even if I had to be involved in politics, it made far more sense to ally myself with established powers rather than lifting someone up from ruin.

I think Michalis saw that I wasn't swayed by his story even if I did empathize. Things were different here. In Norway and in Denmark, I was a giant. I was a force that others had to abide and step out of the way of, lest they be crushed. Here, I was a stranger with no influence. Worse, I already had enemies due to my beliefs. I couldn't afford to act on every sad story.

"My family still has many friends, and they would back my return. So long as they see it isn't a lost cause to do so," he at least admitted that much. "You are a stranger to this land. I say that we help each other. Aid me in restoring my family name and lands, I will see to it that you are richly rewarded. You will find yourself with friends in this strange land." He was also smart enough to zero in on the one good side of the argument.

If I had enemies, then I needed friends to balance the scales. Otherwise, my enemies could meddle with me with near impunity.

Still… I wasn't convinced, "You have given me much to think about, Michalis. I ask that you give me some time to discuss it with my fellows before giving you an answer." I could tell that wasn't the answer he wanted, but it did seem to be the one that he expected.

He stood and offered a small bow of his head, accepting the dismissal for what it was. Hyginus seemed less than pleased, but he said nothing. If I had to guess, I don't think he was fond of me. "Please, take all of the time you need. I myself will be quite busy making deals for all this wine you've generously sold us." With that as his parting words, he was escorted out of the room and no sooner than they were gone, Astrid let out an explosive sigh.

"Finally," she groused, sending me a dirty look. "Do you have any idea how boring it is to sit still for hours listening to a language you don't know?" Astrid questioned, telling me I was going to pay for this later in so many words. "Did the deal at least go well?"

"Sorry," I offered to everyone in the room, speaking in Norse so everyone could understand. "I wanted to put up a united front. A show of force, " I offered, leaning into my seat and rubbing my eyes. "The good news is that we made a great deal of money."

"Hear, hear!" Thorkell cheered, thumping a hand on the table. That was the truth. We did make a considerable amount of money. Enough to pay, feed, and house my men for the next six months. Which was considerable seeing as they were a force of two thousand men. It was a great lump sum of money, but I could also use it in other ways.

Bribes and gifts, Michalis said?

"And the bad news?" Jill prompted, looking at me. Whereas Astrid was slumped over the table, scarfing down some bread, Jill sat tall. If I had to put a word to it, she seemed… dignified.

I echoed everything that Michalis said, and saw a few expressions of surprise when I mentioned that he was nobility, but everyone was considering the offer.

"As a mercenary, the first rule is to never accept payment in the form of promises," Thorkell was swift to give his opinion. "They're too easily forgotten the moment the battle is won. And what he's asking is one long, uphill battle. Especially since it's generally a bad idea to fight the thegns of the king that pays you." A fine point.

"Seems like it's more trouble than it's worth," Astrid dismissed with a small shrug. “He's a decent guy, and all, but restoring his family? That's going to be a mess. Might as well stick your dick in an anthill. Probably be less painful," she added, her lips curling into a smile when she saw the reaction her words got from every man. Horrible mental image aside, I didn't disagree with her on that.

Jill, to my surprise, felt differently, "I believe we can use him." She voiced, bringing everyone's attention to her. She didn't exactly seem comfortable with it, but whereas before Jill would have wilted, now she sat tall. "We can't assume that we will be able to avoid politics. A Jarldom is never more unsteady than during a succession, and there is a boy on the throne. The Roman Empire will be unstable and, as we prove our worth as mercenaries, we will have the undue attention of nobles that will want to use that instability to their advantage."

I saw Hoffer shift in his seat as he crossed his arms. He swallowed a remark, but I could tell that he was displeased. Not with what Jill was saying, but Jill herself. I think Jill noticed as well based on how her eyes flickered in his direction and she paused for a moment before looking back at me. "We can use him. He needs us far more than we need him. He knows the customs and the history of this land, which will serve us well. It's not in our interest to force his way into the nobility, but it is in our interest to have him help us. Something we can achieve by offering less than what he wants but is still what he needs."

That was a fine point as well. "He works with us, and we give him opportunities to advance himself," I ventured and Jill offered an eager nod. Such as orchestrating the downfall of Chares. That man had insulted me, my kin, my wife, and my people. Such insults would be repaid in full. "It's a good compromise," I decided, and Hoffer fought off a scowl while Astrid nodded along, seeing the logic.

I turned to the others, seeking their council. Olek simply shrugged, "I don't know a damn thing about politics and I want to keep it that way." Fair enough.

Alfric spoke up, "What Lady Jill offers is the best solution. We stand to gain with little risk to ourselves for things we were already going to do anyway."

Hoffer, however, disagreed. "He's a rat in a storm. He'll jump ship or betray us the moment that he feels like it's to his benefit." On that point, I didn't disagree either. Michalis was opportunistic. He saw an opportunity with us, so he jumped on it. If he saw an opportunity to betray us in exchange for his lands and noble titles? I had little doubt he would jump on that opportunity as well.

I offered a small nod, accepting that point. Lastly, I turned to Morrigan, to find her avoiding my gaze. A sigh escaped her, "T'is a simple matter of reasoning then. We can use him, we know he will betray us, then is it not better to have a rat you know of rather than one you don't?" With that, she crossed her arms, and leaned against the corner of the room, deliberately avoiding the looks everyone cast her way.

I drummed my fingers on the table, feeling the weight of responsibility. It was a risk. A big one. One that could have far reaching consequences. Despite all the points in favor, I was inclined to wash my hands if the matter. It simply felt like an unnecessary risk.

Quest:

Objective: Restore Michalis's family lands, titles, and fortunes.

Bonus Objective: Destroy those that brought his family low.

Reward: 250 Prestige, 1 Diplomacy perk.

Bonus reward: 1 Boon Perk.

Just as I was about to speak, the gods made their opinion known. I still didn't think it was the wisest course of action, but I couldn't dismiss the will of the gods so easily. Michalis was far luckier than he realized, I thought.

"We will go with Jill's suggestion," I decided, making Jill sit taller. Out of the corners of my expanded vision, I saw a few frowns and a few pleased expressions, and a few indifferent ones. A mixed bag in total. "But first, we let him stew for a time while we settle in. We reach out to find other contacts, so we won't be reliant on him."

With the decision made, the others were quick to get up, glad to stretch their legs. None left the room quicker than Morrigan, though. I sighed as I watched her all but flee from the room, and I felt even more tired. Jill reached out and placed a hand on mine, making me look at her. "You should talk to her," Jill advised.

"I don't think she'd listen to anything I have to say," I replied. Was it a mistake to give a Morrigan a Blessing? It hadn't felt like it at the time. Morrigan was the one I've known the longest. Oddly enough, she was the one I trusted the most. But, since she received the blessing, Morrigan had avoided me like I had a pox. If I tried to force the issue, I had little doubt that she'd start fighting like a cornered rat. "I don't even know what's wrong. I just know if she doesn't want to tell me, then she won't."

Jill seemed to mull that over before nodding in acceptance, "I think you're right," she admitted. "I could try talking to her?" She offered and I looked at Jill.

She had changed. She was a far cry from the girl that ran away after giving me a shield. I wasn't exactly sure when the change took place, but Jill almost seemed like a different person now. "You did well today," I told her, catching her off guard. I fought off a smile when her cheeks flushed -- perhaps not entirely a different person.

"I'm not a fighter like Astrid. And I can't commune with the gods like Morrigan. I can help with this," she said, gesturing at the table. "Your mother helped me realize that. She is… a very strong woman."

She was. I gave Jill an even look for a long moment before I made a snap decision. "Hold still," I told her, making Jill's brow furrow before I began to flow Prestige into her. Her breathing hitched and she almost pulled her hand from mine, but stopped herself.

Blessing Granted: Diplomacy

Neutral Ground: Levels out extreme emotions during a negotiation. Rage becomes anger. Hopelessness becomes sorrow. Despair becomes regret. Thus making negotiations far more calm.

That was an interesting one, I thought. With both Mother and Morrigan, I had let them see things as part of Intrigue. Jill, however, had a degree of control over other people. It seemed rather useful too, considering how she was determined to carry her weight in her own way.

"What was that?" Jill blurted, rubbing her hand when I let go of it, her expression puzzled.

"It's… hard to explain, but I suppose you could say it's why Morrigan isn't speaking to me," I told her. I could feel the effects of the blessing. Was that because we weren't negotiating or discussing something important? Or did it only activate when emotions started to become more intense? "I think it would probably be best for you to get the whole story from her first." I figured it would help the discussion along.

For a long moment, Jill rubbed her hand and looked at me, saying nothing at all. Slowly, she nodded, and got up. "I'll go do that now," she decided, heading to the door. However, she lingered at the exit, stealing one final glance over her shoulder at me, her expression impossible to read, before she vanished down the hallway. When she was gone, I blew out a sigh, silently hoping that I hadn't made a mistake there.

Now that I was alone in the room, I could turn my attention to the messages that I received at the end of the negotiations.

Hidden Gems: Value is determined by popular belief. Thus, there are many things that are deemed worthless simply because their true value isn't recognized.

These things will be marked for the user, who may or may not be able to realize their true worth.

Grading: Quality can radically change the value of an item. Upon inspection of an item, it will be graded F, E, D, C, B, A, or S -- with F Grade representing quality that is so poor that the only worth of an object marked as such comes from the materials it's made of. S Grade is supreme quality, and the pinnacle that can be achieved with the means used to create it.

They were my first Stewardship perks in a long while. Too long, really. There was a point where Stewardship had been neck and neck with Learning and Martial, but in the past few years, it had fallen to the wayside. Partly that was due to a lack of trading, but I also noticed it was becoming increasingly difficult to improve. I had half expected to see more perks offered, simply because it was such a huge deal that I made such a large amount of money from.

Both options had their own appeal. Hidden Gems appealed to me by virtue of the fact that it would alert me to valuable things to buy for cheap that I could then sell on for their true value. But, that was completely dependent on me finding a way to make whatever I found valuable. Which could be locked behind my Learning Stat, and there was no promising that I would eventually find a way to use whatever I found. In short, it was a risk.

Grading, on the other hand, struck me as far more situational. If someone tried to sell me something that was cheap with a lie that it was valuable, it seemed far more probable than me stumbling across something that was valuable that was being sold for cheap. At least, that's how it seemed initially. The word item was key there. It could grade something like iron, marking the difference between good steel and poor steel. And it would be useful in grading my own work.

Both were useful in their own way, but I simply found myself leaning more towards Grading. Simply because I would see more use out of it than Hidden Gems. Making my selection, I picked up a cutting knife and inspected it.

Knife - Grade D

Inspecting a handful of other things helped me establish a baseline. Grade D, as far as I could see, was standard quality. Not good, but not bad. Everything below D was considered poor, while everything above had grading levels of good. It was simple to see and understand and I could see it working well with another Perk -- Assess Value, which told me if a price was good or poor for a region.

Standing up, I was the very last to leave the room and despite the fact that I already felt exhausted, the day was not yet over. And what I was looking forward to gave me enough excitement to power through my mental fatigue as I went to get dressed in some fine clothing.

Today was the day I entered the university. I shrugged on my clothing, put my hair in a single braid, and left our quarter building. There were a few mutterings about giving me a guard, but the collective decision was that it was kind of pointless. While I was going to the university, Jill, Astrid, and most likely Morrigan would be learning Greek and Latin. It might take some time for them to get used to it, but I figured they would be quick learners.

When I left our area, I felt eyes on me as I walked down the streets with enthusiasm. They could be spies, but it seemed just as likely they were looking at me bask in the sights. I took a long way towards the university, wishing to see as much of Constantinople as I could. I had potentially years to see it all, but it couldn't happen soon enough. How could such a city function with so many people? It felt like I could shove everyone I had ever seen inside of the city and the jump in population wouldn't even be noticed.

Before long, I saw the same statue that drew my attention to the university before. That of a wizened old man reading from a scroll, and beneath him was another wizened old man made of flesh that seemed to be waiting for me. He nearly shooed me off until his gaze landed on my neck, his wrinkled face of bronzed skin furrowing as he considered me. He was a weedy man with a long gray beard, thin arms, and hands that were stained with ink. I wasn't sure what to make of him and I got the impression the feeling was mutual.

"You are Lord Siegfried? May… I ask where your retinue is?" He questioned me, his brow furrowing the longer he looked at me, his gaze lingering on the axe at my belt.

"I don't need guards," I answered simply, feeling a hum of anticipation.

The Greybeard hummed for a moment, considering that, "Very well. I am Alexios. A teacher of history at this university. I understand your admission is… unusual. There are a number of questions that will need to be addressed, but the most important of all, young man… is what do you wish to learn from the University of Constantinople?" Alexios asked me, stroking his beard as I considered the building before me. I could only imagine what it contained.

I considered the question and gave my answer. "Everything. I wish to learn all that you have to teach," I replied earnestly and that earned a bark of laughter from Alexios, and he flashed a smile in my direction. I noticed he was missing some teeth. Not from rot, but the ones that were usually lost when they were punched out.

"I've been here for more than thirty years, and I don't think I've learned half of it. So, I suppose we best get started then," Alexios remarked, gesturing for me to follow and the large double doors open to allow me entry to the university.

And the moment my foot crossed the threshold, I became a student.