Jennifer Miller
Stories
10
Chapters
2,335
Words
302.3 K
Comments
0
Reading
1 d, 1 h
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--Desiderius Erasmus Nature's sounds were tranquil and silent. The birds were softly singing, and the sound of the sea waves crashing on the beach was relaxing. It is a sound that brings comfort and calm to the mind, it also helps one to appreciate the depth of the natural world's beauty and grandeur. This was the sound that seemed to be creating a symphony over Genoa's magnificent city. It was one of Italy's most beautiful and prosperous cities, a center of riches and power. Its people were famed…
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Although Florence was a wealthy, cultural city, it was also a place of considerable political intrigue and betrayal. It was a city that had witnessed the birth and fall of numerous significant revolutions, and it was one that was always changing and evolving as new political forces and figures gained strength. It was a metropolis brimming with huge chances as well as great perils. Between a Ghibellin and a Guelph regime, the fate of the city and its inhabitants was continuously in flux. The night was…
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Charles waited patiently for Giovanni to collect his thoughts, as he said nothing in the meantime. He was curious about what the other man had to say, and he was eager to hear his proposition in its entirety. But he was also wise to not interrupt the other man's train of thought, which was evidently focused and serious. He was content to remain silent and hear the other man out, and so he did not speak during the momentary quiet in the room. It was clear that Giovanni was trying very hard to find the right…
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― Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince Five days have passed since the Pope's ceremony was concluded and likewise five days have passed since Charles left the eternal city with an army of 6,000 men in order to ally with his Guelph friends. Florence was the most important Guelph city and an integral part of the Guelph power structure in Italy, as the new Sicilian monarch was aware. Charles would establish a firm foothold in Italy and be able to exert his support and influence over the rest of the region if…
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Returning to our young monarch, Conradin had just finished lunch as the guest of Oberto Doria. He had left Oberto's mansion with a smile on his face, for in his mind he thought that he had managed to establish a positive relationship with the men that would aid him in the next struggle against Charles. Conradin was a young but mature and capable leader, and he knew the importance of cooperation and unity if they were to defeat the French and retake his kingdom. He was determined to create an…
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As the sun rose over the sea, a fleet of ships sailed through the Mediterranean. The ships were sleek and elegant, and it was clear that they were the work of Venice, a city famous for its naval prowess. The ships were a spectacle to behold, with their masts and sails rising high above the water and their hulls cutting through the waves with ease. The fleet sailed forth majestically, a testament to the skill and power of Venice, as they made their way towards their destination. The scene was one of…
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The group was led through the city and to the mansion of Oberto Doria, where they would be welcomed in with all the pomp and glory of a rich Genoese oligarch. Conradin's thoughts were on what the Genoese could be planning by inviting him to lunch. Did they have some sort of ulterior motive or secondary objective that they were hoping to achieve? Or perhaps he genuinely wanted to have some small talk with him. Either way, it was likely to be an important meeting, and Conradin was ready to engage in some…
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– this line can be traced back to Alcuin in the 8th century, who wrote: 'They often say: the voice of the people is the voice of God. The meeting between the pope and the Sicilian king was a serious and somber affair. They were both clearly aware of the seriousness of the situation and the importance of their decisions. The pope's words to Charles were stern and clear, and there was no misunderstanding in their message. They spoke of the importance of unity and cooperation in the upcoming war against…
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The end of the feast of Genoa was a grand affair, as many dignitaries and their companions filled the room. Everyone was dressed in their finest clothes and jewelry, and the air was filled with conversation and laughter. As the guests dined on delicious food and wine, music and performances were taking place, entertaining the guests and creating a festive atmosphere. The atmosphere was lighthearted and joyful, as everyone enjoyed themselves and appreciated the fine cuisine and entertainment on offer. The…
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The 15-day march to Rome was grueling for the French army. The men marched through difficult terrain and humid conditions that drained them of their energy in order to increase their speed. They faced exhaustion, hunger, and heat, but they still pushed on, determined to reach the pope in Rome and ensure the safety of their future interests in the city of Florence. Despite the moments of exhaustion and doubt, the men remained strong and focused on their duty to their king and their country. The march was a…
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