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Chapter 26: Going on a mission (1)

<<\'\'Many strokes, though with a little axe, hew down and fell the hardest-timber\'d oak.\'\'>>

— William Shakespeare

Manfred Maletta, one of Conradin\'s three retainers was dispatched on a diplomatic mission and he departed from the castle of Schwyz where he was living while serving Conradin . He set out with 200 knights to persuade Count Peter of Savoy to give safe passage to his liege\'s forces.

Peter was currently engaged in a fight with Rudolf of Hausburg, leading an army to liberate the canton of Vaud, which was currently controlled by Rudolf\'s forces.

As a result, he rode with his 200 knights to the location where Peter\'s army was last seen.

To avoid inciting enmity due to the unexpected entrance of 200 knights, he decided to dispatch an emissary to notify them that they were a neutral force that was not interested in participating in the war.

Manfred Maletta and his troops rode quickly and purposefully. They had heard reports of war in the area and and they were on their way to arrange safe passage for their lord\'s troops via Count Peter\'s domain. They had a lot on the line, and they knew their actions could greatly impact big on how things turn out in the future .

They were determined to succeed in their objective, and they wanted to persuade Count Peter of the importance of their cause and the need of allowing their army to march freely through his holdings.

If words were insufficient, the sound of gold could be far more compelling. The count\'s flag was flying high with pride, and Maletta could see the Savoyan soldiers killing time because all they could do was wait for the defense to starve or prepare to assault the walls under their count\'s orders. Vaud\'s siege had begun. The count was clearly determined to take the city at whatever cost, and he was willing to commit his forces to an assault on the wall if necessary. The besieging army had established up camp outside the city walls, methodically prepared for their assault on the walls.

After a three-day march, he arrived in Vaud, which was under siege by the count\'s forces. The count had wooden walls built near archer outposts, and Maletta saw that he also had a battering ram and a siege tower made. Apparently, the count was not content with starving the defender and instead desired to assault the wall; that was however none of Maletta\'s business.

It would be difficult, but the count was confident in his ability to conquer the city and determined to win at whatever cost.

Maletta\'s coming was anticipated, and when the count saw the flying banner of three lions on a gold field, he directed that wine and food be prepared for the emissary.

Maletta entered the army\'s main tent and saluted, explaining the cause for his visit.

\'\'I am an ambassador sent by his majesty Conrad III of House Hohenstaufen, Roi Hierosolymitanum (Jerusalem), Roi of Siciliae, and Duke of Swabia to request the potential of having a free passage through your land in my liege\'s forthcoming expedition promising that nor he nor his man will harm your interests.\'\'

Hearing this, Peter had little reason to reject it; after all, they had promised not to pillage while in his territory. He held his tongue, however, to see what he could gain from it.

"And tell me, esteemed envoy, what would be offered in exchange for permission to pass through my land unharmed?"

\'\'As a symbol of friendship between our two families, His Majesty Conrad IV gives a gift of 30,000 gold coins.\'\'

After hearing that, Peter paused to reflect, and after being told that the present would be 30,000 gold coins, he remained silent for a few seconds, and after failing to think of any solid reason not to allow Conradin to walk through his territory, he accepted the offer.

"We thank your lordship for your generosity, and may this be the start of good relations between the two houses."

Manfred Maletta felt relieved and satisfied when the two men reached an agreement. He was relieved that the Count had been reasonable and understanding and that he had not objected or argued to their request. He was confident that his efforts would contribute to a smooth and successful campaign for his liege, and he felt a sense of pleasure and honor at being a little part of such an important work.

Maletta was not the only one dispatched on a mission; Galvano and Corrado were also sent as envoys to distant realms, their mission equally important to Maletta\'s

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