Clermont, February 1429
The lamb chops had cooled on Theodora's plate, barely touched, yet she watched me with a faint smile as I finished my meal.
"That was truly delicious," I said, pressing a napkin to my lips. The taste of rosemary and garlic still lingered. "When did we last share such a quiet supper?"
"I'm glad you enjoyed it, my Despot," she replied in a soft tone. Then her gaze fell to her own untouched plate, and her faint smile waned.
I studied her expression. Over the past few days, I'd noticed her absentmindedness at meals and the way she seemed to drift through her daily routines. The memory of my sister's first pregnancy stirred in my mind, prompting a question. I spoke gently. "Theodora... Could you be carrying a child?"
She glanced down, tracing her fingertips along the rim of her plate. "I believe so," she admitted at last. "I've felt the signs."
Pregnant. The word echoed in my mind, and for a moment, I let hope replace the ever-present worry. A new life, here—despite all my doubts about who I truly am or how I came to be in Constantine's body. Perhaps it didn't matter, not in this moment. A child was cause for celebration—or so I wanted to believe.
I reached across the table to take her hand. "You must rest," I said, though my voice trembled with conflicting emotions. "We can call for a physician if—"
She gave a small laugh, almost embarrassed. "I don't wish to make a fuss. But I will be careful."
As I squeezed her hand, I was flooded with a sudden tenderness for this woman who had shown me so much kindness. Somewhere in the swirl of my borrowed memories and the life I'd left behind, she had become an anchor—a reminder that the future was not solely about war and political tension.
The squeak of the heavy wooden doors brought me back to the moment. A servant entered to collect the dishes. I rose, gave Theodora one last reassuring look, and made my way through the drafty corridors to the room I'd converted into a workshop.
Winter had drifted by in waves of planning and guarded excitement. Every free hour found me in a private workshop, sketches spread across a worn table. Keeping these projects secret felt like balancing on a razor's edge, but the risk was worth it.
The printing press prototype emerged slowly from piles of wooden frames and half-finished cogs. I tested homemade ink on crude sheets of paper, my fingers perpetually stained black. The smudges on my palms became a badge of silent determination, a reminder that each of these small leaps—no matter how messy—could change our fortunes.
In another corner of the workshop, near a rudimentary forge, I refined drawings for a more advanced firearm, referencing the Venetian hand culverin that had fallen into my hands some months ago. Bronze prototypes rattled across my palms while I thought of George, still away in Constantinople. We needed genuine gunsmiths to bring these designs to life. Until then, I could only test the simplest aspects with the local blacksmiths. They were competent but not specialized in the complexities of firearms. And gunpowder? That was a problem unto itself. One crisis at a time, I reminded myself.
Out in the courtyard, more modern forms of bookkeeping had begun to take root—though "modern" was a laughably relative term here. I'd introduced double-entry bookkeeping to a tax collector who eyed my ledgers as though they were demonic scrolls. Watching him stammer over the columns of credits and debits, I almost felt guilty. Almost. We needed these methods to streamline finances. Our region bled money fast enough without the confusion of outdated record-keeping.
Despite all this, winter had left me no illusions about our precarious finances. New fortifications, new workshops, new roads—every improvement demanded coin. The treasury, never robust to begin with, was draining at an alarming pace, forcing me to sell off some of my newly acquired estates in Arcadia just to keep everything afloat. A desperate measure, but it bought us some time. I prayed George would return soon, hopefully with funds—and with people.
Still, progress continued, piece by slow piece. Work crews gathered in Andravida to repair roads and storehouses. The plan was to shape Andravida into our agricultural centerpiece, funneling the bounty of the Elis farmlands into Clermont Castle. Glarentza, in turn, would act as our commercial heart, a hub for trade and eventual industrial projects—like the printing press. I pictured a future with small-scale assembly lines and, maybe one day, a modernized shipyard. A feverish dream? Possibly. But I refused to abandon the vision.
However, no dream takes root without people. My biggest worry was a crippling shortage of labor. Even calling up every able-bodied individual in Glarentza gave us fewer than fifteen thousand souls to work with—nowhere near enough to fill the ranks of farmhands, laborers, and militiamen. So we offered incentives to Christians fleeing Ottoman rule. Tsakonian families arrived, as did Serbian migrants from Theodora's maternal homeland. A smattering of Thessalonian merchants brought both money and ambition. By March, a trickle of settlers had grown into a small flood—two thousand newcomers and counting.
Still, it wasn't enough to stand up against a serious threat. Our local forces amounted to a ragtag army: forty horsemen, twenty crossbowmen, fifty archers, and maybe two hundred fifty infantry. If absolutely pressed, I could levy a couple thousand ill-trained peasants who'd never seen a real battlefield. Thomas, my brother stationed in Kalavryta, might lend some decent troops if called. But Theodore in Mystras was more monk than prince, always lost in spiritual matters. I couldn't rely on him.
And looming larger still were the Venetians, who controlled key ports in the Peloponnese. We needed alliances with them, not hostilities, if we hoped to stand against the Ottomans. The seas could be our lifeline—or our demise.
Andravida Crop Fields, March 1429
The day was hot for March, the sun merciless above the Andravida fields. Sweat trickled down my temples as I held up the handle of a new heavy plough. Farmers in faded tunics stood in a tight circle, eyeing the contraption as though it were a mythical beast.
"Look here," I called, guiding the metal blade into the earth. Soil peeled back in neat furrows, the oxen plodding on with surprisingly little strain. "This deeper cut helps aerate the ground and should increase yield. Harder at first, but worth it when harvest time arrives."
An older man, with skin leathered from decades under the sun, frowned. "Despot, we've tilled with simpler ploughs for generations. How do we know your innovation won't harm the land—or exhaust the oxen beyond their limit?"
I pressed my lips together, reminding myself to be patient. "It won't be easy in the beginning," I said gently. "But we've tested it on smaller plots. The results were promising."
A younger farmer, arms crossed over his chest, chimed in. "I've heard stories of new ways, new contraptions. But rumors are easier to spread than results."
I nodded, acknowledging his point. "Fair enough. Let's see how it goes for a few more weeks. If it fails, we'll adapt." The last word was foreign enough in Greek that some farmers exchanged nervous glances. To them, tradition was ironclad. Yet I couldn't drag them into progress by force; they needed to see it work.
Before I could say more, a thunder of hooves kicked up dust across the fields. A lone rider charged toward us, reining to an abrupt halt. "Despot! George Sphrantzes has returned—he awaits you at Clermont."
Energy surged through me, cutting through the frustration. "Then I'd best be on my way." I turned to the farmers. "We'll continue our demonstration soon," I promised, trying to give them a confident nod before swinging onto my horse.
I galloped toward Glarentza, the countryside blurring past. Anxiety wrestled with excitement in my chest. Had George secured the wealth we needed? Had he convinced skilled craftsmen to journey south? My mind buzzed with possibilities.
George has returned. What news does he bring? Have craftsmen agreed to come?
By the time I reached Clermont, dusk lay in streaks of gold and pink across the sky. At the castle gate, a chaotic scene greeted me: carts laden with chests and sacks, families clustered together, animals bleating irritably. George stood amid it all, straight-backed despite the dust of travel, conversing with a lean, dignified man in well-stitched robes.
"Despot," George called, a tired but genuine smile creasing his face. "Your summons was well-timed."
I dismounted, tossing the reins to a stable hand. "George," I breathed, clasping his arm. "It's good to see you safely returned. And who is this you've brought?" My eyes scanned the assembled crowd. Mercenaries? Craftsmen? Scholars? The numbers looked far greater than I'd dared hope.
George gave a brisk nod toward the robed man. "This is Theophilus Dragaš, related to your family through distant ties. He bears letters from your mother in Constantinople."
Theophilus stepped forward and bowed deeply. "Despot Constantine," he said, voice carrying a quiet authority, "I come with your mother's blessings—and with many in search of a better life under your rule." He produced a sealed parchment, offering it to me with both hands.
Accepting the letter, I studied the man before me. Theophilus Dragaš—a name that stirred faint echoes within Constantine's memories. A scholar and distant relative, respected for his wisdom and piety. His eyes held a keen intelligence, and his bearing had a calm steadiness.
I took the letter, glancing at the small crowd behind him. "Welcome, Theophilus. Thank you for traveling so far." They were a diverse bunch: Bell makers, blacksmiths, carpenters, masons, families carrying battered trunks. The older ones wore the weight of displacement on their faces. The younger ones held a flicker of hope.
"I've been telling them," George added, "that the Morea promises security and opportunity. Frankly, conditions in Constantinople worsen every day." He exhaled slowly, meeting my eye. "I convinced over twenty skilled craftsmen to come. And nearly two hundred others—some minor nobles, scholars, laborers—who simply want a fresh start."
Relief and gratitude warred within me. This is more help than I dreamed. I cleared my throat, suddenly conscious of so many ears listening. "You've done wonders, George. All of you," I added, raising my voice for the newcomers. "You're most welcome here. We'll find you land, work, a chance to rebuild."
A murmur of relief and gratitude rippled through those nearby. George gestured toward a stout man with soot-stained hands. "Despot, allow me to introduce Elias, a master bell maker renowned in the capital."
Elias bowed deeply. "At your service, Despot. I've heard of your plans and am eager to contribute."
I clasped his forearm in a gesture of camaraderie. "Your skills will be invaluable, Elias. We have a lot of need for talented hands like yours."
Theophilus stepped forward once more. "Despot, I have also brought texts and manuscripts from the remnants of the imperial library."
"Excellent," I replied, envisioning the wealth of information those works could contain. "Your contributions are most welcome."
As we moved toward the castle entrance, the sun dipping lower on the horizon, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. The obstacles ahead were formidable, but with these new resources—both human and material—the path to strengthening the Morea seemed more attainable.
"George," I said quietly as we walked, "did you encounter any difficulties on your journey?"
He nodded solemnly. "There were challenges. Pirates in the sea, and tensions in the capital are high. The Ottomans press closer each day."
A shadow passed over my thoughts. The urgency of our mission weighed heavily upon me. "We must accelerate our efforts," I asserted. "Time is not a luxury we possess."
"Agreed," George replied. "I shall begin organizing the craftsmen immediately."
"Good. And Theophilus," I added, turning to the scholar, "we will convene soon to discuss how best to utilize the knowledge you've brought."
He inclined his head. "As you wish, Despot."
Before we could proceed further, a familiar figure approached—Theodora, her gown flowing gracefully as she walked. Her eyes met mine, reflecting warmth and quiet strength.
"George's return was more than fruitful," she noted. "Look at how many have come to join us "
"Indeed," I replied, taking her hands gently. "His journey was a success beyond measure."
She smiled, a hint of relief in her expression. "This will bolster our efforts."
Noticing the subtle shadows under her eyes, I felt a pang of concern. "Are you feeling well?" I asked quietly.
She nodded. "Just a bit tired, but nothing to worry over."
I squeezed her hands lightly. "Remember to rest. The welfare of you and our child is paramount."
A soft blush colored her cheeks. "I promise I will."
Turning back to George and Theophilus, I addressed them with renewed determination. "There is much to be done, but tonight, we shall rest and welcome our new companions. Tomorrow, we forge ahead."
They both nodded, understanding the significance of this convergence of events.
As evening settled in, the castle came alive with activity. Fires were lit, meals prepared, and the newcomers began to settle. The air was filled with a sense of cautious optimism—a stark contrast to the uncertainty that had loomed for so long.
I stood on the balcony overlooking the courtyard, watching as people found places to sit, sharing food and stories. Laughter mingled with the crackling of flames, and children chased one another under the watchful eyes of their parents.
Theodora joined me, slipping her arm through mine. "Look at them," she said softly. "Perhaps this is the beginning of something new."
"Indeed," I agreed, my gaze sweeping over the scene. "A foundation upon which we can build a future."
She rested her head on my shoulder. "I have faith in you, in us."
Her words warmed me. "Together, we will shape the destiny of this land."
She looked up at me, her eyes reflecting the flickering light. "I wanted to tell you—I've received a letter from my brother."
"Carlo?" I inquired. "What news does he bring?"
She hesitated briefly. "He writes of concerns in Epirus. Tensions with neighboring lords and whispers of Ottoman movements. He... also inquires about the prospects of an alliance."
I considered her words carefully. "An alliance could be beneficial, but we must tread cautiously. The political landscape is delicate."
She nodded, then leaned against me, her presence gentle. "We'll talk more soon. I don't wish to add more burdens to your mind tonight."
"Your wisdom is invaluable, Theodora," I assured her. "We will discuss it further and decide the best course of action."
A comfortable silence settled between us as we watched the festivities below. The challenges ahead were numerous, but with allies by my side and a vision for the future, I felt a steadfast resolve.
We will rise to meet the trials before us, I vowed silently. For the sake of all who look to us, and for the generations yet to come.