NationStates Jolt Archive

The Duchy of Malta


Duke: Robert de Malta
Consort: Victoria di Calabria *Deceased*
Heirs: Robert II and Vincent I
Lords: King Roger I of Sicily
Dominions: Duchy of Malta and 2,000 Acres in Calabria
Allies: Kingdom of Two Sicilies
Crest: White Flag with a Black Eagle
Army: 1000 Knights
5000 Men-at-Arms
7500 Spearmen

Knights are mounted Cavalry units equipped with Longswords and Spears for flanking and breaking enemy lines.

Men-at-Arms are standard footsoldiers equipped with a longsword, buckler, and a shortbow.

Spearmen are common soldiers or militia who have large oaken shields and sturdy spears.


The Duke rose from his table and began to pace across the hall. His men had recieved word that emissaries from Rhodes were speeding off towards his master in Sicily. Normally, this news would not have phased the Duke who, while Christian, played no important part on the large stage politics of Europe. But this, this was horrifying.

"...filthy seljuks? Planning to invade good Christian lands? This is unacceptable, completely unacceptable."

Robert of Malta was the first in his family to govern over the island. Ten years ago he came to power after his small army drove out the last of the barbaric Muslims from the small island nation. After the conflict, however, the island needed rebuilding. He managed to accomplish this, and establish his own pseudo-control of the island by swearing fealty to the Sicilian King.

The King was a just ruler, whom Robert promised aid to if trouble ever arose, but until now it was never needed. This news had ill omens about it though, and Robert mustered the courage to do what must be done. He turned to one of his most trusted naval captains:

"Send word to his Majesty in Sicily, Malta pledges herself to any decision that the King comes to."

The man nodded and turned to leave but was stopped by the half-mumbled words of his Lord before he left.

"God protect those brave Christian souls..."

The king of Sicily responded with this letter:
Your oath of fealty has been accepted and I hope that we may develop a strong alliance and friendship. As well I am pleased to add to your estates 4,000 acres and 10,000 serfs on the Italian mainland to be held as your own under the protection of the Crown of the Two Sicilies. May Malta grow and thrive under your rule.

Signed,
King Roger of Sicily

Letter Addressed to the King of Two Sicilies:

"My Lord, your generosity is immense and I am pleased to serve your kingdom. I have begun to mobilize the main Maltese army and navy and can have 500 Knights and 3000 Footsoldiers ready for movement in a fortnight. We also can prepare a small fleet with our military and non-military vessels for transportation. We await your word on whether or not we will act, and, all things willing, when.

Your Loyal Servant,

Duke Robert of Malta

Response Letter to the Duke of Malta:

“I am honored by your graciousness. As for the mobilization of our forces I am willing to contribute 100 knights, 500 men-at-arms, and 6 galleys to participate in the campaign against the infidel. As well I put these forces under your command and give you full go ahead to do what you see fight as me and non of my house can go. Godspeed to you.”

Signed King Roger the First of the Two Sicilies

Duke Robert de Malta stood at the bow of his mini-armada as it pulled away from his island coast. His eyes, transfixed on the waters ahead of him and as his breath escaped in stark contrast to the frigid air around him. He pulled his cloak tighter around him as he fought to find warmth on this November evening. The White Crest of a Black Eagle twisted and contorted on the back of his cloack as it ruffled about in the sea breeze.

The Duke stepped away from the bow and surveyed the small fleet he had gathered. 600 Strong Italian Knights and 3500 Men-at-Arms, surely this would provide some aid to Knights of St. John. While he held probably the smallest detatchment of men that would arrive, he was confident in their ability as strong soldiers. So confident, that he left his youngest son Vincent to govern his island dukedom whilst he was away.

Turning towards his Commander of Cavalry, Martin Louis, he quietly voiced the growing concern in the back of his mind:

"Old friend, what if we arrive too late? Or if no other Christian nations heed their calls? Our men are noble and brave, of this I have no doubt, but against the hordes of the Seljuk dogs? What are we to do?"

Louis, who had been an old friend of the Duke's since before his tenure as Lord began, shook his head and sighed:

"My Lord, we look to God for these answers. Our fate is in his hands, and it is our duty to protect our fellow Christians in any possible way. We all know the risks we take by making this voyage, but it is done for all the right reasons."

Robert smiled at these words, but that smile quickly faded as the wind rose up and the stinging cold forced him further back into his cloak.

"I fear a storm is coming..."

Disaster.

Duke Robert de Malta rose to his feet, his once silvered breastplate tarnished with sand and seaweed. How could this have happened? Does the Lord not know we ride in the defense of his people? The Duke surveyed what remained of his Norman soldiers and bit his lip to hold back the tears.

The storm had fallen on them with an unbelieveable suddeness. He tried to get his ships through the storm, but it was the early months of winter, and the sea was particularly vicious. They could do nothing but pray until the storm let up. It seemed like years at sea, but in the end the had arrived at Rhodes.

But at what cost? Of the 4100 men we had left Malta with, only 2200 survived. And our fleet? Only one battered unseaworthy ship remained, barely making it to port.

The Duke shook his head and whispered a prayer to the heavens.

No, we must not lose faith now. We are here, and by the grace of God, not another Christian soul will die needlessly.

He strode away from the wreakage before him and approached one of his riders.

Only 200 horses...How can Knights fight without--

He shook his head again:

"Soldier, ride to the Master of the Knights of St. John. Do not stop until you have reached him. Tell him Malta, and Sicily ride to their banner."

The Soldier nodded and rode off to the East, towards hope.