GR8Madmax
King of Undefended Cities
Thanks barbslinger. Hopefully the rest of the story will be worth reading also.
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Chapter 8 Fight to the Death
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Chapter 9 Its a Mad, Mad World

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Chapter 8 Fight to the Death
830 AD It was one of those years that you never forget. I have found out that there is indeed an underground military order in Madras and it has to be addressed. A meeting was arranged with one of the Crusaders in Delhi. When I met privately with him, I asked about their intentions. He made it clear that their sole purpose is to protect the religious citizens of India. Even though I was advised against doing so by my Military Advisor, I have agreed to let this organization continue to exist. I have also granted the Crusaders a rank in the Indian Army under the condition that they will only fight under an Indian General. I have mistaken their intentions after all.
Peace reigns in the world, but for how long? Reports have come in that tension between Spain and Carthage is on the rise. I have been informed that Queen Isabella of Spain has expressed concern about the ever increasing Carthaginian threats. She had confided in my Foreign Advisor during his recent visit to Spain that she is very concerned about being perceived as a weak leader, especially since she is the only female leader in the world. She had also asked for Indian support if any trouble arises over in the eastern continent. I have sent an envoy to Spain and have assured her that India will back Spain but is in no position to send troops overseas. I dont think any nation would attack a country run by such a beauty. It seems that I have a soft spot for the angelic Queen.
And then it happened Carthage has declared war on Spain! I immediately sent an envoy to Spain with a message: Dear Isabella, hope you give into what ever General Hannibal wants and end this conflict quickly. Youre in no position to fight. Give him some of your cities if that will quench the warmongers thirst for blood. Sign a peace treaty as soon as possible
But Isabella would have none of it. I will fight to the death before I let Hannibal steal my nation, she roared. If India doesnt want to lend a hand with fending off the aggressors, so be it. The great pacifist Gandhi can go to hell!
I was hurt. Why doesnt the beautiful Isabella understand the position India is in? We would need bigger ships to transport our troops overseas. The Foreign Advisor stole the only vessel in the Indian Navy, a galley. She will have to understand.



870 AD My Military Advisor came in with some disturbing news today and I was told that General Hannibal has sent envoys to nations all over the world to secure an alliance against Spain. As I was in the middle of this meeting, I was informed that an envoy has come from Carthage and is requesting an audience. I know what he is here for, I sighed. The envoy did indeed come with an offer of an alliance against Spain and he made it clear that General Hannibal is willing to give upwards of 600 pieces of gold if India willing to go to war against Spain. That much gold would be a huge boost to the Indian treasury. The offer was politely declined and the message was clear. India will not sell out.
890 AD War still rages in the East and I see no end in sight. To my surprise, Spain is holding off Carthaginian advances and majority of her cities are still intact. Isabella is proving to be a great leader. I was advised that Spain will stand a chance as long as Carthage is unsuccessful in securing any alliances against Isabella. But that will not happen. The Mongols have declared war on Spain!

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Chapter 9 Its a Mad, Mad World
900 AD Now that Genghis Khan has tossed his hat in the ring, Spain is in trouble. How can the Mongols justify going to war against the peaceful nation of Spain? I have assembled my advisors and asked for their opinion on the situation. They all agree that there is nothing India can do militarily. Let us just hope Queen Isabella can end the conflict soon.
The East needs to learn how to live peacefully like the nations of the West. After the short outburst several centuries ago, King Wang Kon has been well behaved. He is happy with his Palace in the jungle and his 1-city nation. The Ottomans and Americans were on good terms since the beginning.
It was my Military Advisor that came in with the news America has declared war on the Ottomans! Has the whole world gone mad?

950 AD It is rumored that Abe Lincoln got tired of being pushed around by Sultan Osman and decided to do something about it. But no one has yet to provide the exact reason why both nations have gone to war. It was a huge surprise to me since I always thought these two countries had an excellent relationship. I wonder why my friend Abe didnt mention Osmans antics. I guess not having a Foreign Advisor around has its drawbacks after all. I better start thinking about bringing him back from his voyage around the world.
I have not lost hope and will try every thing in my power to bring peace and harmony to this world. The Sistine Chapel that was just built in Delhi is proof of that. But how can this magnificent wonder be enjoyed if the world is busy squabbling over petty things? India has no ambition to take over the world or destroy enemies. If we did, Korea would have been squashed a long time ago.

990 AD War still rages in the World and I see no end in sight. Spain is struggling against two enemies and her cities are being run over by Carthaginian and Mongol forces. It was decided that an Indian envoy will be sent to Carthage. I will plead to General Hannibal on Isabellas behalf. I must try to reason with him and get him to sign a peace treaty. Surely Carthaginians and Mongols got what they wanted by now.
I have been told by the returning envoy that Hannibal has promised to take my plea under consideration. I was delighted to hear this. Once Carthage signs the treaty, it would be easy to get the Mongols to do the same. My hopes and dreams were dashed by the news that I received next The Vikings have declared war on Spain!
That was the nail in the coffin and I knew it. But Isabella did not agree. As far as she was concerned, the war is far from over. According to her, every Spanish citizen will fight till the end to defend their homeland. She would not budge from her decision. I was lost.





1020 AD New York has fallen. The news was shocking. One of the greatest cities that Ive ever been to is now under Ottoman control. The American capital is now in the city of Boston. America is struggling mightily against the much powerful Ottomans. The outlook looks grim for Abe. Why did Abe Lincoln never ask for my help to fend off the Ottomans? Is it because he knows I would never agree to it when India has an active trade relationship with Sultan Osman? It hurts to think that India is about to lose the only friends it has in this world.
Citizens are concerned. Advisors are grumbling. I am worried. It is becoming obvious that the talk around the country is that I am too soft to lead a nation. While most are happy that India has not been dragged into war, many wonder if I should have been tougher in my stand against nations like Carthage and the Ottoman Empire.
1030 AD Today my Cultural Advisor came in with more news that I could have done without. When I heard that the Vikings have finished Sun Tzus Art of War in Trondheim, I knew Ragnar Lodbrok was only interested in one thing finishing off the fragile nation of Spain.
1040 AD All I remember is screaming at the envoy from Istanbul and the rest is fuzzy. How dare he? How dare he ask for my help to eliminate America? What did Osman think of me? Does he think that Im a backstabbing bastard who will turn on his friends? NEVER! The envoy had to be escorted away when it seemed that I was about to strangle him. I was still shaking.
1070 AD The time has come. America is down to 4 cities. I can not stand idly watching while the Ottomans run over Abe Lincolns cities one by one. I will send an ultimatum to Sultan Osman and demand that he end his aggression against America. India might not be able to protect Spain but we will surely protect the only friend we have on this continent. It was time for Osman to pick. Will it be the easy way or the hard way? It will be the hard way.
The Ottomans have declared war on India!



