[Venezia, Merchant Republic of Venice]
In the heart of Venice, where the labyrinthine canals intertwined with narrow cobblestone streets, rose the magnificent Doge's Palace, a testament to the grandeur of Venetian Gothic architecture.
The Doge's Palace, at the heart of the lively square, served as a symbol of Venetian authority.
Constructed from pink and white marble, the palace's façade bore the influence of Byzantine and Oriental design, standing proudly at the eastern edge of the bustling Piazza San Marco.
Amidst the narrow streets and vibrant markets, the canals of Venice snaked through the city like liquid pathways.
St. Mark's Basilica, adjacent to the palace and similarly, echoed the architectural splendors of the Byzantine era. Its domes soared above, adorned with intricate mosaics that depicted religious motifs.
As visitors gathered in the Piazza San Marco, the Campanile di San Marco overlooked the square, providing a vantage point to behold the timeless beauty of Venice.
The Porta della Carta, a grand entrance adorned with sculptures and reliefs, welcomed dignitaries and visitors alike.
A stone's throw away, the Bridge of Sighs connected the palace to the adjacent prison, its arches framing glimpses of the canal and the city beyond.
Gondolas, skillfully guided by gondoliers in traditional attire, glided through the water, transporting people through the watery streets of this unique city.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow on the city, its surroundings came alive with the essence of medieval Venice.
Arching bridges connected the islands, and buildings with facades painted in muted tones created a picturesque setting.
In this enchanting city suspended over the Venetian Lagoon, the Doge's Palace stood as a sentinel, witnessing the comings and goings of Venetian life.
The canals, bridges, and historic structures painted a captivating portrait of a city that had woven its destiny with the waters that embraced it.
'The Floating City, Queen of the Adriatic', that is the nickname of this marvelous and enchanting city.
However, this city that seems like filled to the brim with riches and beauty hides within its façade a terrible history that camouflage its darkness.
If one ask any Byzantine historian, they would immediately jump to criticize and resentment towards this city.
Each and every stones for the building, monuments and churches that it had erected comes from the riches it plundered from Constantinople.
'City of Thieves and Traitors' they call it to reflect their hatred and resentment.
While Constantinople were defiled, ravished and sacked, the people that lived within this opulent city were rejoicing and fattened with the booty they took from the Grand Cathedral, Hagia Sophia.
It was used to decorate the interior of their homes, churches and mansions.
The Byzantines would like better to see the city burn into ashes whence the opportune time arose.
But that time might've come earlier than they've expected it to be for John and Manuel II had already planned for its downfall.
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[Doge's Palace(Palazzo Ducale), Venezia]
The Doge's Palace, the seat of power for Venice's merchant republic, stands as an architectural legacy passed down from the Byzantines during their rule over parts of Northern Italy.
It represents the last of its kind, a testament to the grandeur of peak Roman engineering and architecture that persisted until its eventual collapse.
While not as imposing as the grand palaces of Constantinople, the Doge's Palace exudes the magnificence of Roman architecture.
Serving as the political epicenter of the republic, it houses a complex bureaucratic structure.
At its apex is the Doge, or in actual Latin, the Dux, a title originated from the Byzantine-era reign of the region.
Unlike hereditary dukes, a Dux attains the title based on merit and competence, wielding influences akin to an emperor.
In the republic, the Doge's role parallels that of a modern-day president, albeit without a fixed-term presidency; a Doge can rule until death or incapacitation.
Following the Doge, the influential nobles and patricians of the Great Council hold the power to elect the Doge and possess legislative authority.
The Senate, colloquially known as 'The Council of Ten,' constitutes the executive body responsible for various state functions.
Though there are additional roles within the Venetian government, they often pale in significance compared to the ones that were mentioned, and more often than not, comprised of one or two out of the three.
Currently, the 64th Doge of Venice is Tommaso Mocenigo, elected in the year 1414AD to succeed the late Michele Steno, who passed away on December 26, 1413AD.
Mocenigo, an adept statesman and military commander, earned distinction during the War of Chioggia against Genoa in 1378-1381 and commanded the fleet during the ill-fated Crusades of Nicopolis in 1396.
Before his Dogeship, Mocenigo served as the Venetian ambassador at Cremona.
However, his ascent was marred by political intrigue as the Lombardian city tyrant, Gabrino Fondolo, who plotted his imprisonment.
Mocenigo's escape and return to Venice marked the beginning of his rule.
Not long into his rule, Mocenigo received staggering news from the East – the Ottoman Empire decisively defeated, its sultan captive, and the Balkans liberated.
Even more astonishing was the revelation that the crumbling Byzantine Empire was the one who orchestrated this triumph.
In the report, it was mentioned that the central figure of this triumphant was a young and inexperienced co-emperor, John VIII Palaiologos.
Doge Mocenigo, harboring skepticism toward the authenticity of the reports, summoned the Full College – the entire assembly of Venetian cabinet members – to convene and dissect the sudden upheaval in the region, seeking a comprehensive understanding of the unfolding scenario.
"Does any of this even make sense?"
Mocenigo grappled with the incredulous news that had reached his ears.
Not long ago, the crumbling Byzantine Empire had desperately sought reinforcements to defend its capital from the relentless Ottoman siege.
Emperor Manuel II had implored the Pope for aid, even offering to convert to Catholicism, but the papal assurances never came.
Frustrated, the emperor sought alternatives as far as the North Sea, yet his quest proved fruitless.
"And this co-emperor, John VIII – he's the true enigma."
The Doge vividly recalled how merchants whispered about a new port gradually diverting the republic's interests in the region.
Argos, Nauplia, and Thermisi, once bustling ports owned by the Venetians within Morea, serving as vital trade hubs, now languished, frequented mainly by humble fishing boats.
Gemstones, the prized commodity in the region, surged in popularity, revitalizing the once-neglected area.
Even the former Doge had sought to monopolize the mines by negotiating the empire's debt, but clashes with the fiery co-emperor left him utterly frustrated.
"This is bound to be intriguing," Mocenigo mused silently.
The undercurrents of animosity between the two great nations had persisted since the Fourth Crusade, an event that had dealt a severe blow to the Byzantine Empire, crippling it and annexing much of its territories.
Having convened a meeting to address these pressing issues the day before, Mocenigo now exited his office, making his way directly to the designated venue.
"Ah, His Serenity Mocenigo! Delighted to see you so eager. Ready for action, I see."
Abruptly, a voice greeted him from behind, a voice he recognized well.
"Signor Nicolo, good afternoon to you. Pleasant surprise. How was your journey to Vienna? Any concerns raised by the Emperor?"
Mocenigo responded with a smile, turning to face the speaker.
Signor Niccolo, as the Doge referred to him, stood before him—a middle-aged man draped in an elegant cloak over a luxurious doublet, the customary attire of European nobles and patricians of the time.
Beside him stood a well-rounded man, half his size.
"Yes, it was generally positive... Although, considering most of them harbor disdain for us, I doubt the Emperor is keen on welcoming any Venetians into the Empire anytime soon. Conflict is brewing, mark my words, and we need to be prepared when it comes."
Signor Niccolo's expression turned serious as he spoke.
Venice and The Holy Roman Empire—these two powers perennially found themselves at odds.
The Holy Roman Empire, in particular, viewed the Venetians as scoundrels and moneygrubbers, motivated solely by avarice for gold and silver.
Were it not for their shared faith and papal intervention to quell hostilities, these two nations might well have clashed on the battlefield.
The specter of the Ottoman threat had temporarily stayed their animosity, though Venice, in particular, sought nothing more than a period of peace with the Empire remained as such.
Their ongoing trade wars with the Genoese persisted, each conflict ending inconclusively, perpetuating a cycle of rivalry and economic competition.
Pirates had been raiding and plundering Venetian vessels and their ports all over the Aegean Sea, effectively crippling the merchants going in and out of the waters.
The blame game between the Venetians and Genoese over these brazen attacks had reignited hostilities that had lain dormant since the last war concluded in 1381.
"If we stir trouble with the empire now, it will only compound our already precarious situation. I trust, Signor, that you can skillfully navigate us through these challenges for the sake of our republic."
Mocenigo spoke with a deep frown, recognizing the need for diplomacy in these complex circumstances. He held confidence in Signor Niccolo, a seasoned statesman who, despite being the most likely candidate for Doge, had declined the post, leading to Mocenigo's election.
Mocenigo pondered the reasons behind such a influential figure rejecting the opportunity to lead the republic but refrained from prying, respecting the man's decisions.
As they continued their discussion, Mocenigo noticed another individual present who had remained quiet throughout the conversation. Just as he was about to inquire about the person's identity, Signor Niccolo took the initiative to make introductions.
"Ah, I nearly forgot in the midst of our delightful conversation, my dear friend here."
Signor Niccolo laughed, making a self-criticizing gesture.
"His Serenity, this is my esteemed friend, Signor Vernon; Mikhail Vernon."
The well-rounded figure turned out to be Mikhail Vernon, formerly the Demarchos of Constantinople, who had fled the city and sought refuge in Venice but of course, the Doge doesn't know that.
"Is that so?"
The Doge's eyes sparkled with intrigue.
"I apologize, Signor Vernon, for unintentionally overlooking you while catching up with Signor Niccolo. Since you are a friend of his, consider yourself a friend of mine. I am Tomasso Mocenigo, pleased to make your acquaintance."
Mocenigo extended his hand toward Vernon, who graciously reciprocated.
"The pleasure is mine, His Serenity. I am humbled to be counted among your friends."
Vernon replied with respect. In the background, Signor Vernon patted both of their shoulders.
"Take good care of him in the future; I have high hopes for this friend of mine."
He then laughingly said.
"If you say so, that means I should!"
Mocenigo joined in the laughter, shattering the image of a stoic leader in the minds of Vernon who was awkward at the moment.
"Before we delve into our matters, Signor Vernon, may I inquire about your origins? Your dialect suggests you hail from distant lands."
The Doge posed the question, prompting Signor Niccolo to respond on Vernon's behalf.
"You might find this intriguing, especially considering our agenda today may involve the Byzantine Empire. Our friend here hails from Constantinople, a high official of the empire before he chose to leave his post and join us. Rest assured, he's no spy—of that, I can personally vouch."
Signor Niccolo, finding humor in the spy jest, chuckled once more. The Doge raised an intrigued eyebrow upon learning of Vernon's Constantinopolitan background. This revelation presented a perfect opportunity for the Doge to gather insights into the character of the Byzantine Empire's co-emperor.
Unconcerned by the spy jest, the Doge believed that anyone chosen by Signor Niccolo as a friend was reliable, discerning friend from foe with precision.
"Is that so? If that's the case, then it's perfect! Hahaha!"
Both men shared carefree laughter, transcending the expectations associated with their esteemed statuses.
Despite the levity, they held significant influence within the republic.
Observing their lightheartedness, Vernon couldn't help but feel perplexed. He trailed behind them silently, responding when required.
Inquisitive about Vernon's past, the Doge inquired about life in Constantinople before his departure, the circumstances leading to his exit, and most notably, the co-emperor of interest, John VIII.
"So, what you're saying is that when you left a few years ago, Constantinople wasn't nearly as prosperous as it appears now? This co-emperor John seems to possess remarkable capabilities, turning adversity into prosperity. Quite intriguing."
Mocenigo's curiosity deepened, especially concerning John, the co-emperor of the Byzantine Empire. It appeared the young man possessed more than met the eye.
Singlehandedly altering the predestined course of a decaying empire was a feat not witnessed since the conclusion of Justinian's reign.
Vernon felt a deep discomfort discussing John, the memories of the humiliation he endured that day a persistent source of anger.
Escaping the city proved challenging, but upon discovering that the emperor had initiated an investigation into the corruption plaguing the city's ports, he felt relief for safely extricating himself from the perilous situation, even if it came at a considerable cost.
Swearing to one day reciprocate the humiliation inflicted upon him by John, he found solace when the 'Duke' he served chose to 'pardon' his transgressions instead of severing ties.
He feared the organization with which he had signed a devil's contract, especially the still unknown 'Prince' who headed the organization despite never meeting them.
This granted Vernon a new lease on life within Venice, where he effortlessly ascended the ranks, ultimately securing a place among the republic's influential figures and a position in the government as a council member under Signor Niccolo.
Needless to say, life was smooth sailing after leaving Constantinople.
Unfortunately, the worst scenario he hoped to avoid found its way back to him.
The name John VIII Palaiologos, the person he hated the most, continued to haunt his new life despite not knowing the full story.
He did hear that the empire had made its comeback after defeating the Ottoman Empire. At first, he was shocked, but that was it. He no longer had any connection with the Empire or with John, so he wanted nothing to do with this co-emperor he so hated, despite his desire for revenge.
Nothing good would come if he became entangled with John, and he knew it all too well.
After all the chatting and laughter, the trio finally arrived at the venue, Sala del Maggior Consiglio, the Great Council Chamber where the future and present of the Republic were decided.