I´m learning a lot about the city. By night I walk along the streets and talk to those I meet. The city is fascinating. A rich history, grand architecture and a lot of more or less mad rulers.

The ruler of today, Alexios III of the Angelic family, has his tint of madness also. He blinded his younger brother Isaac, the former emperor, and put himself at the throne. Now Alexios spends his money on the nobles to calm them down after his crime. The commons also need a share to not riot as they once did in favour of Isaac against the emperor Alexios I Komnenos before him.

Lucky his wife Euphrosyne is such a cunning knower of people. She rules the money shrine behind her husbands back. But even though the wife does what she can to mend the holes in the money pocket the ruler now got a very bad economical situation.

Alexios and Euphrosyne

I´ve heard Alexios once was in the court of the muslim Saladin enjoying his hospitality. I wonder if these connections are still valid?

Anyhow. I´ve made my mind up to make my way into the court. Maybe I can get the tools to clean the world of sickness and despair there.