Appeal of Medieval coins 3 - Claudia: Origins of the Bloody Raven – Knight in shining armor

in #steemsilvergold5 years ago (edited)


Leopold 2 Thaler by Coinshome Public Domain

A lovely dream list coin from Austria dated 1626 commemorating the wedding of Leopold V and Claudia de’ Medici, on the obverse and the Austrian Crowned Eagle on the reverse.

I know what you can be thinking. That there is an odd parallel going on here but there isn’t with my fictional story of Claudia Auditore Da Firenze aka the Bloody Raven. Claudia de' Medici is daughter to Ferdinando de' Medici of the House Medici an Italian Banking family and political heavy weight in the Republic of Florence/Firenze’ a coincidence. Built originally on the textile trade in the late 14th century the Medici bank had grown into the largest bank in Europe in the 15th century and with its power and influence yielded four Catholic Popes and intertwined with the bloodlines of European royalty for centuries thereafter. Despite the Medici bank itself faded and crumbled in the later years of the 15th century under the weight of bad loans, poor decisions and fraud. Not to mention the Florentine banks in 1494 operated a reserve as low as 5% (leverage) just before it failed. Yet the influence of the Medici family continue to linger long after.

The Knight in Shining Armor

Tavern table by Mysticartdesign license CCO

His voice rang with authority and clarity.
She could see that this knight was no stranger to combat. His white mantle was worn at parts with faint stains of blood either of his own or more likely his opponent's along with stitching at various places in makeshift repair. His shoulder pauldrons and arm rerebrace had several indentations that ended short of his riding gloves.
His leather gloved fist tightened on the hilt of a Nobleman's broad sword. "Answer me Watch officer!"
The officer nodded, "M..my name is Kobol sire." as he stepped slowly backward.
The imposing knight stepped forward his face remain within a hands breath from the Officer’s, "Then be gone Kobol, my charity is not without its limits!"
The soldiers picked up their equipment and clamored out the door as quick as they could.

At that moment the voice turned from authority into eloquence and concern. "Are you injured in any manner my lady?"
"I have yet to yield to any but I seem to be whole Sire." Replied Claudia.
"Very good." He turns with a gentlemanly bow, alighting her right hand with a kiss. "I am Lukkas Corneilius Benedictine IV of Trilona at your service."
"I am Cl... Maria, Maria of Menine, I have just returned from my journeys abroad to my old home town to find that my old home is no more."
"Do you not have any family left?"
"Some but I do not wish to impose upon their destitution so I left what silver I could spare in their laundry."
"Ah, and tis your reason to seek shelter here."
"It's been so long that they hardly remember me."
Claudia remembered to properly address a known Lord for the fiefdom of Trilona as with any Khazarian fiefdoms, right foot forward, followed by a simple curtsey before kneeling. "I thank you for coming to my aid Sir Lukkas."
He knelt and lifted her upon her feet, "I am glad to be of good Christian service Lady Maria of Menine. Please, I beseech thee to just call me Lukkas."

His eyes resurveyed the tavern for any further threat before the Knight's rugged grimace softened to that of a gentleman's smile.
The other knight accompanying him picks up the book off the floor. “Is this yours my Lady?”
Claudia lifted her hands towards the book, "Oh thank you sir, that heathen of an officer took my book and cast it aside to my horror."
Lukkas stepped to his college. "Allow me?"
"Sire." The knight brushed off the book before passing it to Lukkas.

M

The leather was supple, binding firm, the clasps brand new. Opening the book the pages were fresh, crisp and unsoiled. The intricate well scripted letters orderly, sharp and bold. The paragraphs begin with an eye pleasing illumination. His finger followed a line of familiar text.

In principio ert Verbum et Verbum erat apud Deum et Feus erat Verbum hoc erat in principio apid Deum omnia per ipsum facta sunt et sine ipso factum est nihil quod factum est in ipso vita et vita erst lux hominum…

The passage read:

"In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing is made that had been made. In him is life and that life was the light of all mankind…

"Why... this is the Holy Word of God!" He stared wide eyed at Claudia, "A fair maiden in possession of such a priceless tome?"
Biting her lip, "I intend to present this to the Bishop of Khazaria when I finish my journey there. The Abbott of Bvlgarius sent me to deliver this under his secret order."
"I see, highwaymen and rogues would lest likely to think that a woman would be a sole courier of such an important canon. Then you are an Angel sent by God! We shall escort you to see this properly delivered!" With a mere glance to his escort they unanimously agreed.

She shirked again under the weight of her own lie, as the Reformist Tynsdale once quilled, 'Out of thy pot and into yea flames'. He seemed more than willing to help, this old order Teutonic knight of a fading glory but his spirit had refreshed seeing this as a clear mission from God handed to him by an 'angel'.

"May I introduce my fellow pilgrims, a childhood friend Brother Issak of Fiye," His hand slapped the shoulder paudron the brown bearded knight,
He performed a well mannered bow, "My lady."
"Sir Issak."
Lukkas slaps the shoulder of the other knight, "Then Brother Theodore of Talo!
He removes his helmet revealing his shavened head, face and minimal ring of hair of a man more accustomed to monastic life. "God bless you my child."
"Sir Theodore."
"Then Markus my Man-at-Arms, and two of our four squires Mathias, Elgan and two other capable squires now stabling our horses."

Vessels from Pixabay by Vivian6276 License CCO

Lukkas turned to the Innkeeper, "Good man, I understand this as a late hour but do you have accommodations for my eight men as well as myself?"
"Certainly my lord and may I offer a hearty meal as well?" Pochatta the innkeeper was elated that everything was well and offered his best wine. His grin was expectant and eager.
"A Good suggestion, that would give us plenty of time to be acquaint with our fair maiden and her vital mission." Lukkas ungloved reached in his pouch and placed a gold coin into Pochatta's right hand.
“We shall about three nights to accommodations good man.”
“This is far more than enough sire.” Pochatta politely shook his head
“Then accept my generosity and I shall cover the cost to our lady as my guest… ”
Claudia protested only slightly, “I wish the Inn keeper to keep my money, he tried to protect me the best he could as my reward for seeing to my interest.”
“Indeed.” Smiled Lukkas, “The old Menine was reputed to have fine hospitality and self-sacrifice, then let it be so to its favor in my future endeavors here.”

Venezia Ducat licensed by CCO2.5

After Grace the men quietly indulged into their meal of stew and slightly hard bread. It was perhaps the best the inn could provide on such short notice and late hour. Only after the meal brisk conversation ensued in earnest. Claudia avoided the dark aspects of her life embellishing where needed to conceal her own business and personal mission of revenge and to find any relatives still among the living, especially her older brother Grigory II. Her last memory was his valiant attempt to protect her immediately after she was whisked into the slave market to be sold like cattle. How he must have suffered at the hands of evil men with evil motives. She had to find out if he was still alive. She needed information. The avenger must not reveal thy self to the prey. They must not know until it is too late.

Claudia focused back to the present, "You see that my education and travels have wrought much learning and wisdom."
"Amazing, you have traveled much," Replied Issak.
"I was not exactly forthwith about traveling throughout the most of Europe but made the most of it."
Lukkas put down his goblet, "Amazing, I have yet to visit Firenze myself. However my beliefs have changed somewhat from what Rome speaks and teaches about God and his good will. From what I have read from the Khazarian Cathedral library's only tome I can see why this theological division has discouraged my desire to visit Rome. But most apparent is the fragile and tattered is the state of the tome now in the library so it is in need of a new copy is that correct Issak?"

Sir Issak grinned, "I can attest that is the dire need of the Cathedral library that we had in earnest prayed together for many times even before our pilgrimage that such prayer be answered!"
“Then it is no coincidence, nor by fate that this meeting here is but by the very providence of God!" Sir Theodore turned to Lukkas, "My apologies my brother for being against your choice of destination your choice was truly inspired by the Holy Spirit!"
All the men nodded again in agreement.

Old Book Pexels Image by Skitterphoto License by CCO

“Lukkas pointed at her book, "This further proves that the 'Sword of the Spirit' as our Lord and Savior Jesus’ words are mightier than any weapon fashioned by men."
Before Claudia realized it, Lukkas lifted her sword yet he realizing it alarmed her.
“Oh, my apologies Maria. That was rather impolite of me to do. May I study your sword?”
Claudia nodded but internally struggled to reserve her surprise and anxiety. “Damn, he mustn’t touch the blade.”

“I shall take caution with this my Lady. It seems quite delicate, too delicate to withstand the rigors of combat. It is different, small, very light, yet the detail and workmanship appears extraordinary.” He partly unsheathed the blade and observed the grain. “Fine craftsmanship, appears to be ceremonial but still a weapon owned by the noble or hero but never met a woman bearing such an exquisite sword.”

“Extraordinary enough that I could have single handed trashed those soldiers before thy entered this Inn.” Claudia wielded her sword hand in the air in an amateurish manner, “…at least enough to frighten them to death.”
The nine men erupted in laughter at her gesture. Theodore chuckled, “Perhaps we would have arrived in time to remove the bodies and I would provide their last rites.”

"Indeed you may be right Brother. Please take this..." Lukkas sheathes the blade and returns the sword to Claudia. "...before I die a most frightful death before my lady Maria."

R. Clip art from 123RF
W. Wiki Commons
Assassin’s Creed rights belong to UBIsoft Assassin’s Creed Universe Website
M. The Gospels of Maeiel Birth Mac Durnan plate 1, The Art of illuminated manuscripts 1988 by Bracken books. ISBN 1 85170 177 X

Previous Episodes of Claudia

The Heart of Ezio
Claudia Auditore da Firenze
Claudia: Origins of the Bloody Raven -The Inn
Claudia: Origins of the Bloody Raven –Sword of the Beast
Claudia: Origins of the Bloody Raven – The Knight in Shining Armor

Claudia from DeviantArt by WisesnailArt

By Connormah – Wikimedia Public Domain

“Et lux in tenebris to serve laboro, sum sicarius” “I work in the shadows to serve the Light, I am an Assassin”

Sort:  

Hi there @kerrislravenhill!

Such an interesting story.. I git hooked and got curious what are these coins about. Now im wanting to read your previous post as to how it all started. At first I thought that the coins must have been enchanted with magic or something..

Thanks for sharing your story! Congrats on your curie love..

Cheers! ❤

Posted using Partiko Android

I've read my fair share of those pulpy Historical Romances. I'm still finding myself around on how to incorporate elements of spirit, ghosts, demons, and the supernatural and fitting into the context of history. Economic history is what really fascinating and the vital role of real money played by those in power to concentrate both power and wealth to the few rather in the benefit of the populace. This 'Conspiracy' by a cadre of multi-generational elite bankers are actually playing out today in our global and national politics. I'm a student of Charles Savoie's The Silver Stealers documenting the decades and even centuries of planned economic upheavals to make huge profits and causing untold human misery at the process.

Oh wow! I have not know about it. But yes, there are untold and mystical stories behind some ancient coins. Probably a few comes with a curse too. Thats what i always hear about old stuff, what more in coins..

Posted using Partiko Android

Besides, how would a typical person of the 15th century think?
Chance and fate, health and sickness, life and death, good and evil are still mysteries than are commonly regarded and explained in the realm of the supernatural. The age of the Renaissance is just getting underway. Knowledge is still slow coming out from those gifted enough to pursue that. The Gutenberg press was new (1448 AD) and someone has yet to formulate the scientific method. Unitl reasoning, logic, philosophy, education become the everyday tools the common individual they will still dwells in the world only explained in the supernatural.

I dont think the subject is open for the real truth. Maybe that is why stories about them had not been revealed.

Posted using Partiko Android

It is certainly as interesting way, and challenging to write from that perspective and context of the supernatural world view.

Indeed it is.. i find it very amusing and of course curious of how things wete back then..

Posted using Partiko Android

Another twist to the story. Looking forward to the nexf installment

Gotta think about the consequences before lying, it may be expedient but it's not good on the long run.

Peace
It is my first time reading the appeal of medieval coins.
I must admit that I will check the part 1 and 2 to catch up the story line.
Exiting work.
Thank you for sharing this story.

There area actually five parts now.
Never expected where my imagination would go from the first one I started as another fictional flashback story of the Bloody Raven. The previous four links are listed above for easier navigation.

Hi kerrislravenhill,

This post has been upvoted by the Curie community curation project and associated vote trail as exceptional content (human curated and reviewed). Have a great day :)

Visit curiesteem.com or join the Curie Discord community to learn more.

Thank you so much for the boost @curie , putting the kind of effort into this makes it feel more worthwhile rather than the felling of just spinning my wheels.

I'm thinking there is an odd parallel going on...

It's that nose of Claudia de' Medici. Looks almost as big as my real nose.
Italian Rivals as Auditore and Medici in Firenze with future conflicts.
Can't blame her for marrying into position, power and money.

Sir Ron of the Low Countries likes this and he also notices you have been curated by curie. What great achievement. Must do similar ( boost this post) myself today.

Thanks and appreciated the Resteem too, I wasn't sure if I could post in time for #piratesunday as I was quite behind. I don't have a lot of free time in the day.
Hunkered down in a marathon session to put this out. Is dotted, Tees crossed, pictures attributed, upload and went to sleep for 10 hours.

Happy #PirateSunday Birthday to you @kerrislravenhill and way to Bring History to Life !

Sharing some of my Dream list coins, adding bit of context and drama but it is a bit tough to work around historical events. Happy #piratesunday @stokjockey!

Congratulations on a Curie Visit Young Lady !

The old coins are some of my favorite to look at. My brother has always been real fascinated with old Middle Eastern coins (Ottoman Empire) and other world currencies. I got him a few old Roman coins awhile back and I think he is hooked just like the rest of us. Haha!

There's a feeling of holding a coin that has the hallmarks of a history behind it. In the struggle for power is often synonymous with the concentration of wealth. The Holy Roman empire was rife in conflict, literally back-stabbing, and barley held together. With the Invasion of the Ottomans, they were one of the few things they somewhat cohesive upon. As Voltaire is quoted: "The Holy Roman Empire was neither Holy, Roman nor even an empire." It's fascinating as one follows the economic history. And the Medici Bank did it's share of debasing money.

Coin Marketplace

STEEM 0.35
TRX 0.12
JST 0.040
BTC 70351.33
ETH 3563.43
USDT 1.00
SBD 4.72