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Chapter Ten: The Third Brick in the Wall of Christendom
Mukhran wastes no time in declaring war on the Golden Horde, much to the distress of the Khan.
A more pressing problem is the arrival of an Iconoclast teacher in Itil. He has already gained a wide range of followers, including many of the war widows.
The Alanians do not have to worry about sieges - they can assault them outright.
Generally, you should assault when you have a ten to one advantage. But since I have lots of heavy infantry, archers, and horse archers I can assault with less.
In worrying news, the King of Georgia has fallen prey to demons and they whisper in his ears. He has embraced Bogomilism and the demons give him military advice. Once Mukhran is done with the Khan, he plans to cleanse Georgia of heresy.
The Alanians have made much progress when it comes to fighting wars. Already knowledge is being spread around the kingdom.
The main army of the horde is here and the Alanians move to engage.
The army is destroyed and Mukhran wins his first war.
But he is king no longer. He is Emperor, the third brick in the wall of Christendom, along with the Russians and the Byzantines.
Tragically, his wife dies and he must look for a new wife.
He also has to get rid of troublesome nobles, like the Duke of Cherson. While plotting to kill the Duke, he holds the first Imperial Tournament.
Another alliance with the Russians is formed. When the Russians come, they turn the tide.
As the first Emperor, Mukhran feels like he must announce it to the Christian world at Jerusalem. As to why, he can't explain.
Mukhran is a charitable person and pays for repairs at the bridge. He is certainly wealthy enough.
He ponders where life will take him and what path he should take.
Firm in his faith, Mukhran sees the riders as welcome guides. He is correct in his belief.
On his pilgrimage, Mukhran meets an old scholar. The old man is quite happy to share his knowledge with the emperor.
Mukhran is awed to be in the most holy of cities. It's incredible to imagine that this is where Jesus walked with his disciples, where David held his royal feasts, and where Abraham met Melchizedek.
Henceforth Mukhran would be known as the Scholar Emperor, a title he would wear with pride.
It felt like it was a lifetime, but Mukhran feels it was worth it.
People are in awe of the zeal of the pilgrim emperor.
Mukhran adds another icon to the Imperial chapel. To think it goes all the way back to Tamar the Great!
Once again the English lead the Crusade to victory against the Muslims. Oddly enough, hardly any of the land is given to the King of Jerusalem, who currently resides in a small province in Burgundy.
Mukhran's in-law, Vasilko makes himself Tsar of Russia. Now there are three Orthodox Emperors.
During some daily maintenance of the empire, Mukhran notices that the Doge of Azov has a bit more territory than he should. The Doge refuses to give up his unlawful territory and is quickly put down when he tries to rebel.
The Iconoclast preacher spurs a mob in Itil to violence. They are crushed and the preacher thrown into jail.
On the same day (seriously) a group of peasants rises up in Saray, angry at their lord's new taxes. They too are crushed.
There's just one more matter to deal with when it comes to the Golden Horde.
Without Persia (which is facing some internal problems), the Horde is helpless to stop Mukhran.
The war is done.
Speaking of Persia, Mukhran joins the Byzantines in a holy war against them. Their combined armies are more than a match for Persia's legions.
One part of the Imperial Army deals with the Golden Horde, while the other deals with Persia.
Everywhere the Persians are being routed.
Even when a small force is caught off guard, it is quickly reinforced. Even the Russians join the war.
For the first time in centuries, land in the Middle East has been taken back by Orthodox powers.
Persia is rocked by several devastating revolts. First, a decadence revolt kicks them from power. Then the new caliph is attacked by the old one in a revolt.
There's one final war to be fought before the Renaissance begins.
No usurper king shall sit on the old capital of Georgia.
And no usurper king shall win against the rightful king.
Thank you for watching.