Constantinople, Byzantine Empire
March, 870 AD
For centuries, the men who sat on the golden throne in this room believed they were the center of the world.
Emperor Basil I, however, was a man who knew better.
It had been nearly two months. Two entire months had passed since he had signed a historic peace agreement with the Iron Kingdom.
"Your Radiance," a soft, trembling voice broke the silence of the room.
Basil turned slowly. Standing in the doorway was Demetrios, his chief spymaster.
"Demetrios," Basil said. "You look as though you have seen a demon. Drink some water before you collapse."
"There is no time for water, Emperor," Demetrios gasped, taking a hurried step into the grand room. "A merchant ship just arrived from the western ports. It brought my deepest spies from Francia. The news... it is impossible."
Basil's eyes narrowed slightly. "Show me."
