The Island of Love - Cyprus Summer 1249

Extracts from Manuscript BNF. 33762.1, here after referred to as MS Paris.
Upon the Island of Cyprus Louis IX of that name did gather his assembled army and took council with the many lords and bishops who had accompanied him from the Kingdom of France. There they were joined by the nobles of the Kingdom of Jerusalem and Cyprus. Gathered at the royal palace in Famagusta King Louis set out his plan for the invasion of Babylon and on how they were to defeat the Saracen. The masters of the Temple, Hospital and Germans came forward and gave their expert council on the matters. It was expected that the Emperor, Frederick would send both troops and money to aid the holy expedition. All supplies were gathered and made ready to be transported across to the shores of Egypt, A fleet of some DCCC had assembled, upon which men and horses were placed.

Letter 1 between Subject Jared and Subject Georgus Proteus.
My friend Bishop, may the Lord smile upon you. I urge some caution in the preparations for the upcoming departure of the fleet. While we place our lives in His and as He determines all, I still fear that the Assamites and other Cainites who worship those false idols may attempt to sabotage our efforts and sow panic amongst the ranks of the Kine. Word has come to me of various types who have been spotted observing the comings and goings of our various brethren. As such I have taken the liberty of increasing the patrols and ranging of my brothers of the Hospital in Famagusta, Paphos and Nicosia. The life of his majesty King Louis is of course of great importance to us and nothing will be allowed to happen to him. We do not wish to earn the enmity of the Courts of Love.
Jared
Brother of the Hospital
May 18th 1249

Proclamation 1 by Subject Rathmonicus.
Be it here known that the IV days hence a tournament shall be held in honour of his majesty the King of France and our brethren from the Courts of Love who have come to aid us in these dark and troubling times. The tournament will be held in the Hospitallers fields beyond the city of Famagusta. That place for all purposes shall be declared Elysium, though rules concerning violence are to be overlooked in the tourney itself. The tradition concerning final death is still to be upheld though. Be aware that there will be Kine in attendance and as such all Cainites should moderate their behaviour, both on and off the field. Any infractions as per the standing ordinances of Nehemiah will be dealt with swiftly and without mercy. All Cainites who enter the lists or melee are expected to provide their own arms. Only those Cainites of High status and pureblood may enter.
Rathmonicus
Seneschal of Famagusta
May 20th 1249

Proclamation 2 by Subject Rathmonicus.
Be it here known that in accordance with the trial laid down by Prince Nehemiah, Jean de Montmorency is recognised as our herald and jongleur. He has been awarded the victors crown as befits his station, and is now an officer of the Court.
Rathmonicus
Seneschal of Famagusta
May 21st 1249

Letter 1 between Subject Georgus Proteus and Subject Rathmonicus.

Seneschal, You know as well as I that the Holy Father in Rome has proclaimed that Tournaments are banned throughout Christendom for the damage to good men that they do, and because of the needless shedding of blood and promotion of violent ways. Man might be better served in the contemplation of the Divine, or by putting those martial skills to a good work in smiting the enemies of God. I fail to see how this ill advised tournament will bring any benefit to the army or its objectives in Egypt. I therefore ask that you, in accordance with the strictures given by the Church, to cease this foolishness immediately.
Georgus Proteus
Bishop of Paphos
May 22nd 1249


Extract from MS Paris.

There in the fields beyond the city walls many knights from the army did gather and compete in contests of arms against each other for the length of the day and into the night. Many gathered to see them, all in contravention to the laws that the Holy Father had laid down. King Louis himself took part, distinguishing himself admirably, though he did so under a false name so that none would know who he really was, lest they fear striking him or hold back in their efforts. The victors crown went to a Knight from Constantinople in the army by the name of Caius Pelagius.

Proclomation 3 by Subject Rathmonicus.

Be it known that the Knight of Constantinople, Caius Menius Pelagius, childer of Gaius Menius Pelagius has proven themselves champion through tests of skill at arms. In both the lists and the melee they stand victorious.
Rathmonicus
Seneschal of Famagusta
May 25th 1239

Letter 1 between subject Reynald and Subject Alexia.
Alexia, it seems that officers of the Holy Inquisition have arrived on the island are currently making a nuisance of themselves. Track these individuals down and see if they might be persuaded to leave. I find it curious that they should arrive here with no warning, and my contacts within the Church have certainly given no indication of their activities. I am suspicious, so I suggest you proceed with caution. Heresy may very well abound, the perfidious Greeks are not to be trusted after all, do not bring too much attention upon yourself. In regards to the arrival of those particular individuals whom you hold responsible for the failure in Magdeburg, I suggest that you let it go. Matters have progressed beyond Jervais’s initial objectives. Little will come of this. The Tzimice is alone, there are more opportunites in Egypt, it is there we must focus our attentions. Do not be distracted from the higher goal by petty rivalries. We Tremere are above the other Clans in such things.
Reynald de Montdieu
Regent of Limassol Chantry.
May 29th 1249