January 7th, 1411 AD
Somewhere off the coast of Edirne listening to reports from abroad...
"My King, grave news has reached us from the continent!"
"Speak freely then!"
"The accursed Ayyubids have come to aid of the Austrian heathens, and taken up arms once again against the faithful Swedes! Also, we intercepted a letter..the rulers of Antwerp were have found to have deposed of their pious counterparts - with the aid of Spanish agents!"
"You cannot be serious. How have my lords responded to this aggression?"
"They were glad to report the treacherous French have been vanquished; our Norman heritage has been restored. As for the traitorous burghers of Antwerp, Cologne is now in command and will exercise regency going forward. Perhaps one day they will become a state in itself...no, it would surely never work. The Swedes have been sent ample men and material from the Joint Conclave to help in their just cause."
"Good. While we are masters just of half an island, and yet we make ourselves feared by Spain, by France, by the Empire, By all."
"Ah yes, Spain. What has been done there to punish them for their interference in Antwerp's affairs?"
"My King, the lords have insisted on leveling a penance upon Spain for their insolence...we will see how that progresses."
*hears somber chanting coming from the sailors quarters, and snatches of song from across the sea*
"Admiral de Laybourn! What is going on out there?!"
"It appears the Byzantine sailors are singing my King..but, I cannot understand it..."
*hears a slight cough from the Byzantine Ambassador*
"It is a chant of celebration sire...for on this day we celebrate the entry of our Christ into this world..."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgVK3ruQks0
*everyone listens intently to the Byzantine carol as night falls*
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A belated Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Merry Christmas to all!
It's been great playing with all of you over the last few years and I hope everyone has a wonderful 2015!