The return of the fallen king

Chapter 32: The time has come

"Getting lost is the only place worth going to."

― Tiziano Scarpa

02 March 1267

The final week of preparing for the invasion was a frenzy of meetings and coordination. The campaign's last elements were being worked out, and troops and supplies were being prepared for the voyage ahead. Everyone realized how important this campaign was and the serious ramifications of failure, so it was a moment of intense stress and nervous energy. They'd have trely on one another to keep disciplined and focused, and they'd have to be ready to confront some hard truths and obstacles along the way.

Conradin consulted his treasurer, who provided him with a detailed report on the state of his funds. The finances were sufficient to cover the cost of the troops, supplies, and other essentials required along the journey. Furthermore, there was a significant amount of funds in the treasury, which indicated that the campaign would not be running on a tight financial budget and that any unforeseen expenses would be easily paid. He was pleased with the assessment and was optimistic that the campaign would receive the required financial support.

Following the account of the assets they had , Conradin reviewed his troop strength and army makeup.

Conradin's army was a formidable force, with some of Germany's best men and warriors. They were combat-trained and armed, as well as disciplined and organized. They were also filled with zeal and enthusiasm, and they were willing to fight and die for their cause. The army was a magnificent display of power and authority, and it was evident that it would be a daunting and overwhelming force to face.

Without adding the Italian backup troops, Conradin could be backed by 5,000 German soldiers.

2,000 of these 5,000 come from Frederick's fief, while 3,000 come from his Swabian estates. For the time being, Conradin's army consisted of 1,500 men at arms, 500 archers, and a whopping 3,000 knights.

After reviewing his army's composition, Conradin's accountant informed him of the daily expense of maintaining a single man. Conradin felt pain after hearing his treasurer's words; he now understood why so many kings fell bankrupt during campaigns.

Conradin was told that a man at arms earned 0.25 denarii a day, a knight 1 denarii, and an archer 0.15 denarii. So Conradin would spend daily 3385 denarii simply on salary; and still the food cost had to be included in.

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In total, one denarii could buy 48 bushels of grain, which was enough to maintain 2160 men for one day, therefore Conradin would need to pay 140 ducats in total at day for food.

So, in total, he'd spend almost 3500 denarii per day! So taking notice of that Conradin could keep his army going for another four months. The young monarch realized he needed to act swiftly and to possibly strike a steady supply of money for himself, however he knew that the last was just an unrealizable hope.

The army began moving after counting all of the necessary items; the campaign had officially begun, and Conradin was about to realize how malleable but also deceitful the politics of the communes could be.

The campaign's initial stage was to cross through the County of Savoy, immediately before the boundary between the two countries. Conradin moved ahead of the army and addressed his troops, warning them not to pillage or raid while they were in neutral territory.

''Soldiers, remember my words, bury them deep within you. We are currently in neutral territory, and the lord has graciously permitted us unfettered passage; no looting is allowed. If I come across any of you engaging in such behavior, may God's hand come to you before I descend with righteous vengeance on your evil self.

Show discipline and gratitude for being allowed to begin this campaign, which would be halted only if the count of Savoy refused to let our forces pass. Behold behave as a noble man would, not as a savage , we are not Frenchs we do not show sword and fire on generosity''

The soldiers obeyed Conradin's command; after all, no one would be so stupid as to risk being caught by their king pillaging when looting was forbidden, after all there would be plenty of opportunities in the future to do so.

The army marched for three days before Peter dispatched an emissary to invite Conradin to his court for a feast. Conradin pondered his options there; he was hesitant to attend because it would require pausing the campaigns for a few days, time that may be better spent by instead continuing their march. On the other hand, he wanted to accept the invitation in order to persuade Peter to endorse his cause.

Rodolf of Hausburg and Peter made peace in the last months; every territory taken by Rudolf in the county was returned to Peter, enhancing his reputation and standing in the Savoyan nobility.

Conradin eventually decided to accept the invitation, but only for a day; after all, he didn't want to spend too much time that was needed elsewhere.

The army then was led toward the Count of Savoy's palace; after a few hours they arrived and were allowed inside, Conradin was lavishly entertained by the count, who recognized his kingship.

Conradin accepted Peter's invitation to his castle and was allowed to participate at a banquet held in his honor, after all it was not everyday that a count would receive a king as a guest.

Evening came, and Conradin sat beside the old but powerful count with his retainers and friend.

Food and drink were poured onto the table, but Conradin sought to avoid the latter so that he could speak with the Count and convince him to offer support for the imminent. This did not escape the Count's notice, who assumed Conradin wished to talk with him after the feast and thus did not overdo drinking wine too. Unlike them, Frederick actually let himself go, pouring drink after drink down his throat, for all he had to do that day was to have fun.

Conradin's retainers and his friend let themselves go at the end of the feast; only Galvano did not overindulge in the drink because he needed to be sober to assist his majesty in the negotiation.

Galvano, Peter, and Conradin exited the hall and went to a separate room, away from prying eyes.

''So, your Highness, please tell me what you need to."

''Well, your lordship, I was wondering whether you would be ready to assist me in my quest to reclaim the Sicilian throne, which had been seized by the traitorous French."

''I am sorry, your highness, but my holding has just come out of an extended struggle, and engaging in another and garnering the wrath of the French who are close by is not an appealing idea." Peter vehemntly refused

''I can make it worthwhile for your time, your lordship, and I would be happy to provide you fair money in exchange for some minor assistance from you." Conradin said before being answered with an ambiguous question

''Can you tell me what you see in front of you, your Highness?"

Conradin stopped talking and attempted to understand what Peter was saying. After few second of silence , the old count gave the corresct answer to his question.

"What you see in front of you, your Majesty, is an old man whose old bones were unable to conceive children who would continue his dynasty; as such, please tell me what you can offer me that will serve me in the imminent arrival of my death and that will not throw my family legacy in turmoil due to his predecessor's rash action?"

Conradin realized at that moment that Peter was unwilling to lend help and upset the nearby French, and that no amount of wealth or promises could persuade him to change his mind, after all he was near death, so he abandoned his attempt.

''Please excuse my attempt, your lord. I wish you a restful night."

''And good night to you, your Majesty."

So after all the discussion ended in failure and Conradin appearead to have squandered a whole day on a fruitless quest.

This was Conradin's first modest setback since his endeavor to reclaim the throne; nonetheless, Conradin managed not to be discouraged by this initial tiny setback because he knew he would experience numerous obstacles along the way, after all, every man must experience some failures during his long life, the important thing is to learn from one's mistake not fear them as one can always better himself from them .

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