The Holy Land.

[Ols]

"Agreed, the Kingdom of Jerusalem welcomes such and will offer the same agreement to all other states on the coasts. This is, to name, Tripoli, Antioch and the Armenian Cilicia," he paused wondering whether it was ethical to offer the same agreement to the Muslim Caliphate of Egypt and Damascus, who had access by river, for they too had access to the sea. He though, as a good Christian, that he should forgive them for their sins and for now be in good faith, "and the Egyptian Caliphate and the Emirate of Damas. I would offer trade to the other ctates, but you are landlocked and cannot trade in that way. What say you?"

 

[Lavi]

"What of the Country of Edessa?" interjected Count Mathias, "surely we can have some share of this agreement."

His point is valid, as Edessa is the only crusader state to be completely landlocked. As so, they cannot really trade by sea to other locations.

 

[The Balance]

Pondering the thought, Raymond took it as a sign from God. He had made these men offer a trade agreement, and wanted Raymond to accept. The gold would much benefit his people, and he too would offer trade opportunities to the other countries, even the Islamic ones. "Emperor Constantine, and King of Jerusalem, it is with much consideration that I accept your trade agreements and hope that our countries may prosper together. I also extent my countries trade to all those costal countries if they so will it."

 

[Wing]

Radamand turned to one of his advisers who knelt down to whisper something in his ear. Radamand nodded as his adviser spoke to him in Arabic, something the Christians couldn't translate. He turned to Emir Amajenam, and spoke in Arabic, a language he was sure a fellow Muslim would know. "These... Christians are speaking of creating trade agreements. We must form our own alliance."

 

[Imperator]

Emir Amajenam turned to Radamand and responded in Arabic, "I agree, though we would need remove those who would impose on our direct alliance." Amajenam spoke very directly considering he was near those he might consider enemies.

 

[The Balance]

Raymond knew that faith alone would not be able to save his people from this fight. Hearing the two Muslims talk on in their own language only enforced his belief. It was a time for action, motioning to the Count of Edessa, he started to speak to the man, noticing that no one else had taken up his trade agreements, "Count Mathias I propose a land trading route with you along with an alliance. If you accept then we will discuss terms if not, god bless you"

 

[Wing]

Radamand responed to Amajenam in Arabic. "Yes, it is imperative. We both have no access to the sea, but that was is good. We won't have to worry about any foes on each side and can concentrate assaults on one front if fighting is necessary."

 

[Imperator]

Amajenam continued his discussion with Radamad in Arabic, "The Atabegs cannot hope to stand up to me in a direct fight, nor could they withstand a siege from my army. My only weakness is that I lack cavalry, but my infantry numbers are quite vast compared to yours. I believe the first thing we should do is sweep aside the Atabegs. This will leave only Edesse between us."

 

[Lavi]

"I can accept this proposal," replied Count Mathias, "on what terms, do you say?"

The count also heard the Muslims speak in a tongue that he does not recognize. Although it is not understandable to him, Mathias is not one to easily respect his former enemies.

 

[The Balance]

Feeling a sigh of relief pass him as the count agreed, he continued to talk to Marthias. In the background he could hear the muslims continuing to talk about what could only spell trouble for them, "I propose we act as equals seeing as you have no access to the sea and my power on the land is not exactly powerful, we should each cover for the others weakness. In the event of an attack we will help each other." Raymond said, clutching the cross now hanging over his tunic, so tight it was starting to create an imprint.

 

[Sovereign]

The Emperor chuckled. Since his Empire housed an impressive amalgam of cultures and ethnicity, Constantine understood quite a few arabic words. He did not disturb their business however, as he wished to remain neutral for now. He leaned back in his chair and awaited for the Christian and Muslim Lords to conclude their agreement.

 

[Lavi]

"Edessa is not exactly the most powerful of the Christian nations, but I will aid in the defense of Tripoli the best I can," promised Mathias. He did not forget the fact that Edessa and Tripoli are some distance apart - it would take days for Edessan forces to reinforce Tripoli, and his army lacks cavalry.

 

[The Balance]

Letting go of his cross, Raymond extended his hand and shook the other man's hand then said, "We shall shake on it before we go try to convince the emperor Constantine to join our cause." He smiled, noting what the other leaders where doing at this, time seeing if they were drawing too much attention. Even though his army wasn't the biggest he would definitely make sure that they weren't alone.

 

[Wing]

"Yes, my calvary is numerous. We are nomads, our horses are strong. So, do we have an alliance?" Radamand held out his hand.

 

[Imperator]

Amajenam shook Radamand's hand. "Yes we have an alliance," Amajenam spoke in Arabic to finish securig the alliance. He then took a look around the room, "Should we add any others into our allance?" He asked in Arabic.

 

[Wing]

Radamand looked about the occupants of the table. He looked at the Christian Lords who worshiped a man who was nailed to a crucifix and couldn't even save himself even though he was the son of God. "No. These... Christians are unworthy of fighting alongside the followers of Allah. Constantine, he is neutral, but I think he wants all the lands for himself." Radamand looked at Constantine, then back at his new friend.

 

[Imperator]

"Yes, but I would prefer to have a few lines of Christian troops taking the fore in my battle lines," Amajenam spoke with perfect calmness despite talking about how he would use men as cannon fodder.

 

[Ols]

The Jedusalem king watched as Christians and Muslims discussed. He decided that Jerusalem, despite being the strongest Christian state, still needed security and could provide it to others in God's lands. He turned to the Christians near him and spoke in Latin, the language of the church and one the muslims would not understand, but his friends at this court would.

"Noble Count's of Edessa and Tripoli, Jerusalem offers you an alliance. An alliance in any war versus our enemies and trade and financial support."

He then turned to the Byzantine Emperor, "I would like to you offer you, too, a more substantial agreement than one merely of trade."

 

[The Balance]

Biting his lip, knew it was a sin to lie, but it would be for the good of his people, and eventually the good for God. God would understand he thought, and even so he would go to confession when he got home, thinking his sentence out in latin Raymond replied, "At this time it would not be of our best interest to ally with your country." Then winking he sat back down at the table and waited for the meeting to end.

 

[Sovereign]

"The Byzantine Empire wishes to remain neutral." The Emperor said as he rose from his seat. "This meeting is over, you are all welcome to stay in Constantinople for as long as you wish." And with that the trumpets blared again, and Constantine left the main hall along with his varangian Guards.