Post by The Lord Our God (GM) on Nov 30, 2012 11:52:29 GMT
Justinian stood on the balcony, the mid morning sun warming his face and giving his golden locks an unearthly glow. His face was said to be pleasing to the eye and his bearing spoke of a man who knew his business. The great city of Constantinople laid sprawling at his feet, he remembered the first time he stood here when he entered into his uncles service. Justin was a highly moderate ruler by comparison to his predecessors and it was thanks to Justin that Justinian was able to marry his now wife Theodora. ‘Ah Theodora’ thought Justinian, there had been many times that her strength of character had seen him through. Theodora was from the plebeian class and was the daughter of a bear trainer, not quite the background you would expect of an Empress. Justinian smirked, at the thought and remembered seeing the face of his aunt when he told her of his intentions towards Theodora, true Theodora had a reputation, but woe betide anyone who crossed her. There was said to be none that could match her beauty apart from her elder sister Comito who was married to Julianus Germanus, Justinians cousin and Antonina who despite Belisarius’ belief was a liability and an adulteress. He lost count how many times his Magister Officorum had told him to cut the girls tendrils from around Belisarius. Justinian paused for a moment, Theodora was a keen supporter of Antonina, why? whenever he broached the subject she would swiftly re-buff him, perhaps he would need to challenge Theodora on that soon.
An eagle flew by overhead circling round the great palace of which was now his home, he looked up and a tear appeared at the corner of his eye, the solitary tear slowly slithered down his cheek dangling and hitting his cuirass which made a slight tapping sound, then another, then another, Justinian took a deep sigh and his memory flashed back to the previous evening where he was summoned to his uncles chambers...
The night was young, the torches flickered as a slight breeze surged through the imperial palace, Justinian strode through the corridors leading to his uncles quarters, flanked by his close friend Belisarius and a group of excubitors, of whom Justinian commanded. Justinian and his entourage headed swiftly and appeared at the door where they were challenged by three Excubitors. Justinian as Comes Excubitorum should have been guarenteed entry but the circumstances obviously were worse than he first believed. He entered the room the mood was gloomy, he left Belisarius and the Excubitors outside and strode to his uncles bedside, Sittas the Magister Militum Praetensialis was already there deep in discussion, Sittas looked up and smiled a knowing smile and moved from the bedside and took to standing behind Justinian, Justin beckoned the man in front of him...
“Justinian...” he said his voice rasping, “...time has come for us to conclude our relationship, my nephew you have grown to be a fine man in the time you have spent with me. Despite this there are a few things you must know before I place the burden of imperial control on your shoulders.” Justin paused, Justinian sensing a momentary movement turned and saw Sittas standing very straight watching Justinian intently.
“As you take the reigns of power from my grasp, you must know what you are going to inherit...As ruler you have many problems, the war with the Sassanids still continues with no signs of abating. Your people strive for greater legal freedom...” Justin paused and swallowed hard “...you stand at a crossroad, in one direction stands war, a war that will engulf your time as ruler a war that will define you and the realm you build, on the other stands civil strife, ignore it and your rule will be bloody and brief.” Justin wretched and Justinian leaned in.
“Uncle you taught me so much, I promise to you as you watch from the stars that you will see a greater realm built in your honour.” Justinian said grinning. Justin looked at him and sighed.
“Justinian, your ambition will get the better of you unless you reign it in.” Justin coughed hard and brought up bloody spittle. “Ambition is fine for a young man attempting to make a name for himself but not for men like us, men of power and responsibility, we have to ensure the survival and growth for both political and historical reasons. It is something you will come to understand as you advance through to old age.” Justin turned his head and looked directly at Justinian, “My next point, is your wife,” Justinian made to speak but Justin just lifted his hand. Which quelled any sound from Justinian, “Your wife is very ambitious, watch her and her friends, ambitious women are far more dangerous than ambitious men and are capable of much more. I have learnt to watch for this spark of ambition in people and men like Sittas and such will help you in dealing with such men or women. Do not mistake my words as disapproval Justinian, Theodora is beautiful but beautiful women bring with them men who seek there affection.” Justin smiled, “My eyes grow darker Justinian...Sittas come sit by the bed.” Justin paused Justinian looked intently at his uncle a solitary tear forming. “My time is coming to an end and I must conclude my affairs, Justinian, I impose upon you the title of Emperor, may your reign usher in a new era of prosperity for our realm. Sittas as my witness you will take the reigns of power and assume the mantel of Roman authority. You are Supreme Commander of all forces and head of the civil authority.” Justin paused and stared at Justinian one last time... “When you next see an eagle climb to the heavens it will be me, I will be watching...” with this Justin gave out his final breath. Justinian stood and stepped back from the bed his eyes bulging with fear and excitement. He looked to Sittas who nodded his head solemnly, showing respect to his former ruler. Justinian looked up and bellowed...
“Belisarius!” Belisarius flew into the room followed by the Excubitors who had waited with there usual patience.
Written by the Lord Our God (GM)
This is a very short story simply depicting Justinian's rise to power, he was Comes Excubitorum prior to becoming emperor and had been at the side of his uncle Justin for over twenty years. His wife Theodora was of plebeian origin which angered all and sundry. I have paused here because from this point is where you players can start to write your own saga's.
An eagle flew by overhead circling round the great palace of which was now his home, he looked up and a tear appeared at the corner of his eye, the solitary tear slowly slithered down his cheek dangling and hitting his cuirass which made a slight tapping sound, then another, then another, Justinian took a deep sigh and his memory flashed back to the previous evening where he was summoned to his uncles chambers...
The night was young, the torches flickered as a slight breeze surged through the imperial palace, Justinian strode through the corridors leading to his uncles quarters, flanked by his close friend Belisarius and a group of excubitors, of whom Justinian commanded. Justinian and his entourage headed swiftly and appeared at the door where they were challenged by three Excubitors. Justinian as Comes Excubitorum should have been guarenteed entry but the circumstances obviously were worse than he first believed. He entered the room the mood was gloomy, he left Belisarius and the Excubitors outside and strode to his uncles bedside, Sittas the Magister Militum Praetensialis was already there deep in discussion, Sittas looked up and smiled a knowing smile and moved from the bedside and took to standing behind Justinian, Justin beckoned the man in front of him...
“Justinian...” he said his voice rasping, “...time has come for us to conclude our relationship, my nephew you have grown to be a fine man in the time you have spent with me. Despite this there are a few things you must know before I place the burden of imperial control on your shoulders.” Justin paused, Justinian sensing a momentary movement turned and saw Sittas standing very straight watching Justinian intently.
“As you take the reigns of power from my grasp, you must know what you are going to inherit...As ruler you have many problems, the war with the Sassanids still continues with no signs of abating. Your people strive for greater legal freedom...” Justin paused and swallowed hard “...you stand at a crossroad, in one direction stands war, a war that will engulf your time as ruler a war that will define you and the realm you build, on the other stands civil strife, ignore it and your rule will be bloody and brief.” Justin wretched and Justinian leaned in.
“Uncle you taught me so much, I promise to you as you watch from the stars that you will see a greater realm built in your honour.” Justinian said grinning. Justin looked at him and sighed.
“Justinian, your ambition will get the better of you unless you reign it in.” Justin coughed hard and brought up bloody spittle. “Ambition is fine for a young man attempting to make a name for himself but not for men like us, men of power and responsibility, we have to ensure the survival and growth for both political and historical reasons. It is something you will come to understand as you advance through to old age.” Justin turned his head and looked directly at Justinian, “My next point, is your wife,” Justinian made to speak but Justin just lifted his hand. Which quelled any sound from Justinian, “Your wife is very ambitious, watch her and her friends, ambitious women are far more dangerous than ambitious men and are capable of much more. I have learnt to watch for this spark of ambition in people and men like Sittas and such will help you in dealing with such men or women. Do not mistake my words as disapproval Justinian, Theodora is beautiful but beautiful women bring with them men who seek there affection.” Justin smiled, “My eyes grow darker Justinian...Sittas come sit by the bed.” Justin paused Justinian looked intently at his uncle a solitary tear forming. “My time is coming to an end and I must conclude my affairs, Justinian, I impose upon you the title of Emperor, may your reign usher in a new era of prosperity for our realm. Sittas as my witness you will take the reigns of power and assume the mantel of Roman authority. You are Supreme Commander of all forces and head of the civil authority.” Justin paused and stared at Justinian one last time... “When you next see an eagle climb to the heavens it will be me, I will be watching...” with this Justin gave out his final breath. Justinian stood and stepped back from the bed his eyes bulging with fear and excitement. He looked to Sittas who nodded his head solemnly, showing respect to his former ruler. Justinian looked up and bellowed...
“Belisarius!” Belisarius flew into the room followed by the Excubitors who had waited with there usual patience.
Written by the Lord Our God (GM)
This is a very short story simply depicting Justinian's rise to power, he was Comes Excubitorum prior to becoming emperor and had been at the side of his uncle Justin for over twenty years. His wife Theodora was of plebeian origin which angered all and sundry. I have paused here because from this point is where you players can start to write your own saga's.