The Varangian's Shadow: Blood, Gold and Steel in the Queen of Cities (The Vaeringjar Trilogy Book 1) by Drummond Anderson Quentin

Author:Drummond Anderson, Quentin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-12-07T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11: The Battle for Ani – Redemption’s Price

“Why do I allow you to continue serving, knowing of your... relationship with my wife?”

The Emperor’s Gambit

Constantine XI lay propped up in his bed, the evening light casting long shadows across his gaunt face. His illness had taken its toll, but his eyes remained sharp as he regarded the small group assembled before him. Vadim stood slightly apart from the others, his posture rigid with tension.

“You wonder why I haven’t had you arrested, Commander?” the Emperor’s voice was weak but clear. “Why do I allow you to continue serving, knowing of your... relationship with my wife?”

Vadim’s face was drained of colour. Beside him, Atli shifted uncomfortably, while Harald and Erik maintained carefully neutral expressions. Solomon, standing near the emperor’s bedside, watched the scene with calculated interest.

“Your Majesty, I—” Vadim began.

Constantine raised a thin hand. “Love makes fools of us all, Commander. But it is not your heart that concerns me now – it is your sword arm. And your chance at redemption.”

Kofi, the African diplomat,but former slave, moved forward to adjust the Emperor’s pillows. “You should not tire yourself, Majesty.”

“I will tire myself as much as necessary,” Constantine snapped. “Ani cannot fall. Not now. Not with the Seljuks pressing at every border.” His gaze swept the assembled group. “You will all ride for Armenia. The garrison at Ani reports increased Seljuk activity – not just raiders, but organized military units disguised as trade caravans.”

“A probe of our defences,” Harald suggested.

“More than that,” Solomon interjected. “Our agents report that Alp Arslan himself may be coordinating these movements. If Ani falls, all of Armenia could follow.”

The Price of Redemption

Later that night, Vadim stood on the walls of the palace, watching the Bosphorus glitter under the moonlight. He heard footsteps behind him and turned to find Atli approaching.

“The Emperor knew,” Vadim said quietly. “All this time, he knew about Eudokia and me.”

“He knows more than that,” Atli replied. “About the Normans. About their manipulation of you.”

Vadim’s hands clenched on the parapet. “How can he trust me to lead this mission?”

“Because he understands the power of redemption,” came another voice. Solomon emerged from the shadows, his dark robes blending with the night. “And because he knows that a man fighting to reclaim his honour is worth ten fighting merely for duty.”

“The Normans will expose everything,” Vadim said.

“Let them,” Solomon shrugged. “Better to face shame with courage than live forever as a puppet.”

The Road to Ani

The journey east was tense. Two hundred Varangian guards, led by Harald, formed the core of their force. Erik commanded a contingent of mounted archers, while Vadim and Atli shared command of the heavy infantry. They moved fast, pushing men and horses to their limits.

On the tenth day, as they crossed into Armenian territory, a scout returned with news.

“Seljuk outriders,” he reported. “Three bands, moving parallel to our route. They’re watching us.”

“Let them watch,” Harald growled. “Better they know we’re coming. Might make them think twice.”

But Atli noticed Vadim’s thoughtful expression. “You disagree?”

“Something isn’t right,” he said.

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