Emperor Wilhelmus had established quite a nice cabbin for himself in the Alps. The fighting went on some 75 kilometers southeast from there, but that didn't concern him: he was confident in his army.
Now his army leaders were there, at his cabbin, giving him a status report.
"You should have seen it, sir! We flooded the city down! Venecian people were screaming out of agony as the water drowned their homes! Some tried to swim away but the water was too strong for them.. and those few who managed to get away were killed by our soldiers! I don't think anyone survived!"
"And.. the city of Venice is now compeltely under water?" asked the Emperor.
"Yes, sir, it is!" was the general's happy response.
Still, Wilhelmus was not happy. Due to the fall of Rome, the Genevans had had to retreat before Carthagians could come to Venecians aid. Negotiations with Gaul had not went as Wilhelmus had hoped; they had good relations, but a full alliance had not been signed.
Furthermore, the Venecians had followed the Swiss army to the Alps.
"This is the final line where they will be allowed", said Wilhelmis to his generals. "You will pay it with your life is Venecians cross the city! For it is the last outpost of civilization and valor against the forces of Satan!"
"Not to worry, my lord, our army is stronger than theirs!" responded the general, but Wilhelmus could see a blink of fear in his eyes..