Eagle Byzantium

In order to deal with Antioch and Tarsus, and also to gain recognition from the Isfahan court and truly become the Seljuk Sultan, Ridvan generously reached an agreement with the emperor and Marash's chief emissary, and immediately made a deploy:

General Mabolo led 3,000 of the weakest tribal soldiers in the country, carried bright flags, and carried a large amount of gifts and money to accompany Bohemond in his expedition to Marash to paralyze the opponent;

A total of 5,000 soldiers from the Suwak Brotherhood, the most elite in the country, plus 300 Midrese warriors (mostly young and brave students from the seminary) gathered and hid in Muya Castle and returned to Os. Du.Jangmo Bolduka commanded, and Vizier Daura acted as supervisor;

Leader Ridwan led the warriors from all the Iqta fiefdoms in the territory to defend the city of Aleppo, and sent envoys through Azaze to sign an armistice agreement with Kobuha, the governor of Mosul, and called on the other parties to gather in New The banners of the Lunar Cult worked together to deal with the pagan enemies.

In the midst of the intensive conspiracy, the large square flag with a white background and gold rim was swaggering and erected in front of the dog gate of Antioch in August, when the sweltering heat had not dissipated, that is, the grape harvest season. Bohemond was covered with light scarves. The red velvet cloaks, with extraordinary magnanimity, were surrounded by battle flags and four hundred knights. They lined up in a long line, and amid the cheers and salutes of countless battlements and tower guards, they crossed the ancient stone bridge and arrived at On the plains of the Orontes River, there are countless camps ready to go. Among them are mercenaries from various ethnic groups summoned by Bohemond, as well as private soldiers of feudal Norman lords who have defected to his command. Although Tancred He did not come in person (because he followed Godfrey to attack Asuf), but still sent 70 knights and 1,500 ordinary soldiers to let the two naturalized Turkic officers Adian and Joseph supervision.

Among them, the camp near the Iron Bridge Fortress is the largest and most organized. There are trenches dug out and wooden fences lined up all around. The double gates left behind can allow two carriages to enter and exit. The core camp is erected with a large silver flag. , it is the Gemmage Brigade commanded by Gregor.

In order to express his gratitude and attention to Gawain's assistance, Bohemond set up the assembly point before the expedition here. When the leader of Antioch saw Gregor in front of the camp, he specially condescended to him. Gui, dismounted and hugged the general who was born into a monastery slave, and asked about his welfare.

"Richard of Samosata is ready. After our army passes through Azaze and arrives there, Richard will bring out a hundred knights and corresponding troops to join my expedition." Jimai In the main camp of the Ghis Brigade, Bohemond held a ceremonial dagger and gave instructions to the rivers and valleys on the map, as well as to all the commanders of the troops participating in the battle.

"Your Excellency, since we are attacking Marash directly this time, we must also pay attention to the protection of the enemy's flank along the left bank of the Euphrates River. I would like to ask for a tassel to cross the river to monitor Lavodra and Tuba of the Ani people. Senna." Gregor asked proactively, and then he clenched his fists, "My former comrades were buried alive by the Ani near Lavodra. This will be the place of my revenge. "

"That's right, General, smear the blood of the Arni people all over their castles and hills. This is how these monkey-like bastards in the mountains deserve to be treated." Bohemond cheered loudly and happily accepted the other party's plan. .

Four days later, Bohemond's entire army marched forward. He had nearly 500 heavily armored knights, and the remaining sergeants, soldiers and mercenaries of his servants reached a staggering 20,000 people (including more than 4,000 people from the Gemmagis Brigade). ), like a torrent comparable to the Phrates River, quickly arrived in the Azaze area.

There, the fortresses on the Mosul side were silent and closed, but they were trying to protect themselves.

Mabolo from the Aleppo side took the 3,000 men appointed in advance and drove a large team of mules and horses to Bohemond and offered a lot of date wine, grains and figs. Lord, this army is simply too weak, we should question Ridwan." Reinold, his subordinate, looked at the wheat straw-like military situation in Aleppo opposite and was very angry.

However, Bohemond was too arrogant and careless. His previous good luck and brilliant results, as well as his aggressive and aggressive attitude, made him more interested in the rich military supplies provided by Aleppo. He raised his fingers on his back and simply asked Mappolo, "In the past when I was in Maidensburg, I saw that your monarch had an elite infantry team. Where are they now?"

"Honorable prince, because the prince of my country heard that our enemies Mosul and Damascus will launch a powerful offensive against Aleppo in the autumn, the prince must have some elite troops to deal with it." Ma. Polo is pitiful.

Bohemond laughed loudly, "In the autumn, I should have triumphed from the ruins of Marash. By then, no matter who the enemy is, I will easily defeat them for your prince."

“Thank you for your generosity and kindness!”

In such a state of confusion, Bohemond led a long and majestic team through the Azaze Corridor. Under the hot clouds and blue sky, the yellow earth embankments on both sides of the road and the water from the diverted river reflected the diffuse atmosphere. The hot light, the date palm trees swayed in the wind, the horses' nostrils grew big, many The knights on horseback hung silk curtains in front of their iron helmets and nose guards, swinging in the wind, while the stoic sergeants and soldiers on foot carried heavy spears, shields and crossbows and formed a winding line. The column, sweating like rain, kept moving forward, while the dust rising from the distant sky floated in a confused yellow color.

The column of Gemmage's brigade followed him, and all the soldiers put their large spears into the baggage cart and walked with them. Gregor was riding on his horse and saw the Aleppo servants who were still forming a team over there.

Under the bright sun, behind him was a young man from St. Paul's College, Stalianus, who was serving as the quartermaster of the brigade at the moment. His skin was dark and sweaty, and he was wearing a turban like a Crescent believer. He lowered his head. He asked the general in front of him in a loud voice, "Are we just going to follow this arrogant Lord of Antioch like this?"

"After passing Samosata, we will cross to the left bank of the river." was the answer Stalianus received.

"I am very curious about the attitude of the great patron towards this expedition of the Antioch king." Stalianus, who was curious, continued to ask.

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"Of course I don't want the other side to suffer defeat! After all, under the current situation, if Bohemond fails, it will cause us much greater losses than if he wins." Gregor turned his head impatiently, thus interrupting Si. Tallianus pressed further, and then the general Looking back, looking at the gray sky in the distance and the eye-catching Antioch flag in the distance, I couldn't help but sigh and added, "However, good or bad luck is not in the hands of me and the patron. We can only look at the shrewd Norman prince himself." To be continued ~^~)