The return of the fallen king

Chapter 25: Planning the way

<<"Unfortunately, the world does not always act in a manner consistent with one's plans for it.">>

― Peter David, Sir Apropos of Nothing

Now that he had received the responses to his letters sent to Frederick and his uncle Ludovico, he needed to organize the potential march of his campaign with his three retainers.

Conradin and his three retainers collaborated to design an invasion strategy, they talked about the best routes, the necessary troops and supplies, and the probable perils of such an undertaking. They also analyzed the possible outcomes of success and failure, and they were to devise a strategy to maximize their odds of success while reducing the possibility of loss or harm.

Manfredi Maletta, Corrado Capace, and Galvano Lancia were in Conradin room discussing various routes into Italy from the north.

Galvano Lancia was the first to speak, outlining to the council the several paths that could be pursued at the outset of the campaign: ''I believe that first and foremost we should look for a way that would connect our army to the reinforcements from Genoa and the other communes. As far as I am aware, there are two feasible routes, one through Savoy and the other through the Alps."

After Galvano finished speaking, Corrado expressed his thoughts on eliminating one of the two options.

''I think we can all agree that the Alps route is not feasible. It will not only cause casualties due to the snow and kill many of our horses, but it will also lead our army to a border with the state of Milan. Which is ruled by a devout Guelph named Napoleone della Torre, who will gladly assist the Pope in bringing us down. If we fight, he will almost certainly send help to Charles. As a result, our current best option would be to travel through Savoy to Genoa.

After understanding the options for his invasion, Conradin asked his council about the political situation in Savoy, which was then addressed by Maletta.

''Well, your highness, the count of Savoy Peter is currently at war with Rudolf of Habsburg, who is currently occupying the canton of Vaud; as such, Peter may allow us to pass through his realm for some modest concession."

Conradin picked what to do after hearing about Peter's severe position.

''Maletta, I have decided your first task under my reign . I'll have you dispatched as an emissary to Peter, requesting safe passage across his territory. I give you the authority to negotiate and make decisions. However, you must decline any invitation to participate in the fighting.

. The most you can offer as tribute is an amount of gold that cannot exceed 50,000 gold coins. I also give you permission to use 200 knights as guards for your quest.''

When Maletta learned of the order, he immediately bowed to his majesty and began preparing; however, Conradin was not finished, as he turned to both Galvano and Corrado, assigning them missions similar to the one he assigned to Maletta.

''Galvano I want you to go to the Republic of Pisa's court to see if they will support us in our campaign.

Promise them that I will give them some trade advantages, I assign you negotiating power but not of decision . Invite them to send an envoy to me to decide on the treaty to sign.".

''I obey your Majesty," Galvano said, bowing in front of him.

''Now for you, Corrado.I have a mission for you as well; whereas Galvano will travel to Pisa's court, you will be dispatched to Pavia, the last municipality I believe will support our cause. Inform them that we are considering allowing them to annex some of the neighboring cities of Milan after the war .''

''I will do everything in my power to ensure my task's success. I'll depart on the assignment now, with your permission."

Following this, Conradin directed his butler Gerwaim telling him to dispatch an envoy to bring gifts to Verona, as his ruler had already dispatched an envoy to Conradin assuring them of his support.

''I have faith in all of you, and I believe your mission will be fruitful for our cause. This council session is officially closed, and I wish you all the best''.

Conradin then exited the room. The impending invasion was growing closer, and he needed to be ready. Every member of his entourage had their important duties and tasks, and they were all too important to be taken lightly for what their cause needed most were allies. With his resolve stronger than ever, his confidence in his cause never wavering, and a great belief in the righteousness of his mission, he was ready for what was to come. He knew that if he was to succeed this time, he would need to be ready for anything.

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