Constantinopolis (9 page)

“And Constantine?”

“He attends daily. He for one has been very honorable in his commitment. I daresay from our reports, he is not thrilled with the situation, but he has been true to his word.”

“Not thrilled aye? Well, he must do better. I am happy to hear that he is following the agreement but he is also responsible for his people. He has not done
enough
, he must force them to attend. In a year or two, they will forget the old ways, and the true Union will be complete.”

“That is sound reasoning Holy Father. But what should we do now? What about the city?”

What to do about Constantinople? That was the question ever on Nicholas’s mind. He had been prepared to do nothing. He had his own problems. Rome had suffered a huge revolt recently that he had had to put down with some bloodshed. He was surrounded by rival delegates from the Italian cities, all independent, all bitter rivals, none to be trusted. And even more powerful were the great kingdoms: France, the Holy Roman Empire, the Spanish Kingdoms. The only power the Pope held over these various Princes was religious. It was a significant power, but not always omnipotent. Any of these Princes posed a significant potential threat to Rome.

And then there were the Turks, the greatest threat of all. Those terrible infidels. They had power far greater than any individual Christian kingdom, or even many combinations of kingdoms. They had either immediately - or eventually - crushed every force and every crusade brought against them. They were deep into the Balkans already: not deep enough to threaten Italy, but only the Hungarians and the Greeks stood in their way. Once Constantinople fell, only John Hunyadi and the Hungarians would remain as a bulwark. Still, the Hungarians were the real Christian power in the Baltics. The Greeks were hardly more than the walls of their city and a few isolated islands.

That was the reality was it not? Any real defense of Europe must fall to the Hungarians. He must certainly do something for Constantinople, but not everything. And with God’s will, the city would survive as it had miraculously done so many times. The Pope turned from his contemplation to speak.

“I wrote to Venice about a relief fleet. I proposed that Venice provide a number of galleys and several thousand men at arms on behalf of Rome. Have you given consideration to this request?”

“Ah yes Holy Father, this request was debated at some length. We are prepared to assist in provisioning a relief fleet for the city, but there is the rather delicate issue of payment.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, with all respect Your Holiness, your predecessor also requested several military aid campaigns for the Hungarians and the Greeks. Unfortunately, those bills have not yet been paid.”

Nicholas was shocked. He was unaware there were debts still owed to the Venetians. “How much is due?”

“They are owed, including interest, a total of 42,000 ducats.”

The number astounded Nicholas. He had limited funds available from the treasury, another gift from the last Pope, who spent more than he earned. He was stretched thin. Could he afford to pay out of his dwindling reserves to save the Greeks? What would be the cost if he did not?

“Surely now is not the time for squabbling over petty debts. If the noble Doge would simply give us some time, I’m sure we can come up with a payment plan.”

The ambassador looked uncomfortable. “Father, it is most difficult for me to press this point with Your Holiness, but I am not authorized to extend additional credit. Unfortunately with all of our international commitments, we are simply too pressed to allow any person or state become too deeply indebted, even the Holy See. A thousand apologies.”

Nicholas had expected this answer but he had to try. If he had been able to delay the repayment at least by a year or two, it would have been helpful. The question was whether to commit his precious resources to do anything to help the Greeks or not. He paused and considered the issue for a few more moments, then made his decision.

“The church must support those who support it. The return of the Eastern Church into the fold is too important for us to treat lightly. We will pay the past debt immediately along with 30% of the estimated cost of a new fleet. I also ask that the Venetians contribute another force at their own cost. I will ask the same of your sister cities.”

“Sister cities indeed! A band of robbers all. You can certainly ask them Your Holiness but I doubt you’ll get anything but excuses. Remember that it was the Genoans who ferried Mehmet’s father back over the Bosporus to Europe and saved the Turks when we finally had them trapped in Asia. If you would only be willing to wholly support
our
cause, the Venetians could unite Italy for the greater glory of the church. I am sure any debts could easily be overlooked, and even forgiven, under such a circumstance. We could also provide troops to protect your lands, allowing you to focus on the spiritual world.”

Nicholas had heard this speech dozens of times from different Italian ambassadors. He grew angry inside thinking of the debts his foolish predecessor had left him. If they didn’t keep the Papal State strong, it would be swept up by one of these petty states one day. Your protection! Hah! Your control you mean. As for supporting one of these vipers over another, any of them would kill him and sacrifice the church for power or even for a little gold.

“Thank you Ambassador, but it is not my place to worry about kingdoms of this earth, except for our own humble lands near Rome. I very much appreciate the gesture, but we will certainly pay our debts and support those who support the church.”

The Ambassador bowed. “I appreciate your handling of this sensitive matter Holy Father. I am very encouraged and I will do everything I can to secure an independent commitment from Venice. I will communicate back to you as quickly as possible with our progress.”

Venice would build its own fleet and nothing else, unless Venice would profit directly. The same was true of Genoa, Milan, and all the rest. Still, even at a cost, he was providing aid to the Greeks without having to weaken his own limited military forces.

“Thank you and may God go with you.”

“And also with you Father.”

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1453

John Hunyadi rode down a forest trail in the mountains of Hungary, traveling back from Poznony where he had met with the Holy Roman Emperor. He had recently been named Commanding General of the Hungarian Kingdom by King Ladislaus. He was tall, nearly six feet, with jet black hair and a noble, muscular bearing. He was 36 years old, and in his prime.

Hunyadi was very aware of his importance to the Christian cause. He was the only commander with any real experience or success fighting the Ottomans. He knew them and he properly feared them.

He thought back on his battles with the Ottomans. He had led his knights to a victory in 1441 at Semendria against the Turkish commander Ishak Bey. He followed this battle up in 1442 with a miraculous victory against an Ottoman invasion force of 80,000. He had stopped this force with fewer than 15,000 Hungarians.

In 1444 Hunyadi led a large Hungarian force along with the King of Hungary against Sultan Murad at Varna. Hunyadi entered the battle with only a portion of his forces but was still able to hold his own against a huge Ottoman force. He would have won the day and perhaps driven the Turks from Europe but at that juncture the Hungarian King took command from Hunyadi and rashly charged the Ottoman center, losing the bulk of the Hungarian cavalry and his own life in the process.

Hunyadi eluded the Ottomans and escaped back to Hungary. Since the battle he had assisted in the internal politics of Hungary and did everything he could to keep his people protected and strong. He still stung from the loss at Varna and would welcome a viable opportunity to attack the Ottomans again, but his first priority had to be his people. He could not afford to gamble the flower of Hungary’s youth again without significant cause.

Hunyadi had sat back during the past few years after Mehmet took the reins of power. He was ready to strike at the proper moment but he wanted to watch this new Sultan, see how he acted and reacted, what moves he made, what his strengths and weaknesses were.

He had recently been contacted by the young Sultan, who requested neutrality in exchange for an agreement that the Ottomans would not invade Hungary again. Hunyadi had agreed but did not consider himself bound to agreements with an infidel. He would not have agreed at all except that Constantinople seemed so vulnerable, situated hundreds of miles within Ottoman territory and with few defenders or resources. If Hunyadi believed the city could hold, or even better if the Italians would commit substantial resources to a new crusade, Hunyadi would consider a new attack on the Turks.

He thought through these issues as he rode south with a few trusted retainers. Of course he had many problems of his own. Hungary faced challenges not only from the Ottomans but also from the Germans to the north and from the Italians. A nation surrounded by enemies with only partial natural barriers, he did not have a free hand to act without assuring the safety of his people.

A lone horseman appeared in the distance. Hunyadi and his men halted, several moving in front of their leader and drawing their swords. The approaching horseman put his hands in the air to show he meant no threat. He called out to them. “I seek the Lord John Hunyadi. Are you Lord Hunyadi?”

“Who asks?”

“I am Gregory. I serve the Emperor in Constantinople.”

Hunyadi observed the Greek closely. He was young, probably twenty or less, with sandy blonde hair. He was thin and his armor and cloak seemed to swim on him. Hunyadi took an instant liking to the youth. This Gregory had ridden alone hundreds of miles through hostile territory, an act of bravery that immediately endeared him to the Hungarian leader. He was careful not to show these emotions on his face.

“Approach.”

Gregory rode forward slowly, keeping his hands in view. When he was within a few feet of Hunyadi he halted his horse and bowed in the saddle. The Hungarian leader nodded slightly in response.

“What can I do for you?”

“Constantine sends his regards. He regrets he was unable to join you in your previous endeavors as he was otherwise indisposed in the Moria.”

Hunyadi knew Constantine by reputation. Gregory referred to Constantine’s previous position as the ruler of the Peloponnesus. Constantine had been a capable military commander and administrator on the Greek mainland, even before ascending to the throne.

He also knew Constantine had almost insurmountable difficulties. In addition, he was a potential rival. If Hunyadi was successful at driving the Turks out of Europe would that not mean a resurgent Greek Empire? Whether Christian or not, he might replace a Turkish threat with a Greek one, and then Constantine’s capabilities could quickly become a liability for Hunyadi and his people. The Hungarian leader could not afford to be idealistic. He chose his words carefully.

“I am not offended that Constantine could not join me from the Moria. He kept the Turks busy there, and that helped us indirectly. I’ve always admired your Emperor, and wished he had more tools to work with. I have watched his frustrations from afar.”

“My Emperor would like to invite you to become much more closely acquainted.”

Hunyadi raised an eyebrow in mock surprise. He knew where this conversation was going and his mind was racing. He knew what he would want to do, but was it the right time? Was it the right decision? He had overextended his lines stretching to Varna with disastrous results. He might not survive another daring raid into Ottoman territory, and more importantly he might fatally weaken his own people if he failed. If he succeeded, then what?

“How might that be accomplished?” he asked.

“You are probably aware that the Ottomans appear prepared to attack Constantinople again. They have gathered a large force.”

“Yes I have heard, I’ve even heard from Mehmet. I have assured him in writing that I will not get involved.”

“Surely you would not sit back and let the city fall?”

Hunyadi smiled to himself again. He liked this young man’s nerve. On the surface he frowned and feigned offense. “I keep my own counsel and decide what I will and will not do Gregory. Your Empire has not always been an ally. What possible advantage can be gained by action?”

“I know we haven’t always fought together, my Lord, but you also speak of days long gone by, days that will not likely ever return. We Greeks do not seek domination any longer. We just wish to be free in our own lands. Long now have the Turks kept all of our attention, yours and ours. We all fight to stop them from taking our lands. Constantinople has served as a buffer. If it is taken, where will Mehmet look next?”

Of course the Greek was correct. Constantinople had long served as a distraction to the Ottomans, with many seasons occupied by fighting Greeks or laying siege to the city. With the Greeks gone, the Ottomans would certainly look to Hungary next. But Hunyadi was not prepared to admit this.

“Perhaps Mehmet would look to Italy?”

“Perhaps. But the Italians are masters of the sea. The Ottomans are masters of land. It is far easier for Mehmet to look north, to Buda and Pest and the crown of St. Stephen.”

“True enough, at least until they are at the top of the Italian boot aye?”

“At least until then. But can we afford to let them get there? And how much do you really have to fear from the Greeks? If they did manage to defeat the Ottomans, even if they were driven from Europe and all the Greek dreams come true, would they really be a threat? They have not been a threat to Hungary for more than two centuries. How much longer would it take before they would be again? Another two hundred? And of course they would owe you a tremendous debt.”

Hunyadi smiled. “I have seen many debts go unpaid. I will not put too much stock in future promises of Greek good will. But I am more than somewhat interested in the future of my Turkish neighbors. What I am
not
interested in is another terrible defeat deep in Ottoman territory. Therefore, you will have to explain to me how such a defeat might be avoided.”