The History of the World V . . . .

[deity]

Re: HIS MAJESTY RODRIGO DIAZ DE VIVAR, KING OF ARAGON, KING OF LEON, KING OF SPAIN.

Dear King Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, King of Aragon, King of Leon, and King of Spain. World renowned Warrior known as El Cid,

Thank you for your personal reply.

May I suggest that the broad scope of your suggestion is out of step with current world pressures?

Although a good idea it seems to me to be ill-timed. I believe ALL diplomatic efforts should be focussed on the current impending war. With world stability your broader suggestion will make perfect sense.

We are a tiny fledgling nation and like the Inca wish to avert war as our primary goal.

I made a public announcement suggesting that Spain might be interested in brokering world peace and that the summit would be best suited for this.

Yours,

Elizabeth I

Originally posted by The Capo
TO: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth of England.
FROM: King Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, King of Aragon, King of Leon, and King of Spain. World renowned Warrior known as El Cid.

I have been told by my advisor Bartolo Calderon de Cordoba that you required a personal letter from the King himself. So here it is.

We understand that Russia and India stand as the world's strongest alliance, but that is not the purpose or reason for the summit. We don't wish to challenge India or Russia what-so-ever, in fact we would love if they joined our peace treaty as well. The only reason they were disincluded was the simple fact that they were currently at war. How inappropriate it would be to have members of a non-aggression alliance involved in warfare.

The meeting is not simply one of defense and conflict, other more pressing issues such as infrastructure development and technology sharing will be discussed as well. Possibly even land grants or agreements for countries who need more room to expand.

So please glorious Queen, do not feel entirely worried about the conference itself, it is only to foment peace, and prosperity. Not to lead to conflict.

I hope that helped, thank you.

King Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar.

El Cid.

[LzPrst]

-War is brewing my Lord Gustaf.

I know that. I have already mobilized our archers to stand ready for deployment. The Russians refuse to see sense. So does America unfortunately, but speaking war and waging war are a far cry apart. We must support America, we share their Religion, we have had a good friendship for centuries and most importantly, we cannot allow a Russian presence so close to Germany. Their expansionist policies are a danger to all smaller nations.

*Courier comes running. Sire! Russia has declared war on America, India has followed!

So be it. Send our archers north through France, we will do what we can to halt this aggression.

Several years later

-The war progresses slowly my Lord.

I know. Little has changed in these years. My health is the same, I wish for the time I could walk from my throne through the forests of Berlin. Yet here I am, stuck on this chair like an old man, barely capable of standing on my own two feet. This war is futile. Some good men have died. No advances have been made. Truly a sad spectacle. Perhaps we should... urgh... curses...

-Mylord! Are you ill!?

My time has come. Fetch my brothers. I must arrange my succession or we may face an internal struggle...
Help me from this accursed Throne, I need to lie down.

The following evening

*Gustaf lies on his bed. His leech shakes his head at the small crowd gathered in the royal bedchamber. The Warlord is pale and his face hollow. His eyes flicker, focusing barely then loses concentration. With his eyes closed he whispers: "Brothers. Are you here?"

Adolphe answers; -I am. Ulrich is out sailing. Your couriers have yet not reached him. What is your last will brother?

In a weak voice the Warlord utters: "The lands should be divided between you. Ulrich would rule the islands, you should take the mainland. Yet... Ulrich lacks the responsibility required for these trying times. My personal assistant has crafted a letter for Ulrich. Explaining... You must...

*the Warlord coughs and small flecks of blood stain his sheets*

"Adolphe, I know you have waited for this moment. Planned for it. Seize power. Do what I have prevented you from for so long. Our people need a clever leader. Yet... "

*Gustaf's breathing becomes shallow, then a rattling sound can be heard, his body convulses then goes limp. Adolphe bows his head over his brother*

*In a sudden move the Warlord grabs his brothers shirt with his right hand and pulls him close, his eyes wide open and red, his hollow cheeks draw in, he spits his last words in blood in a throaty, coughing voice* "give! ulrich must not turn against you"

*The warlord falls back in his bed. Adolphe frantically dries blood from his face, Gustaf, ruler of the Germans seems still. A faint rasping breathing can barely be heard.*

*During the night Gustaf the Good, Ruler of the Germans dies*

[The Capo]

Open Letter to All Nations Embroiled in Conflict.

This is an open letter to all nations embroiled in the great war of 150 a.d.

From his Majesty King Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar of Spain.

We implore India, Russia, England, the Incan Empire, Germany, America and France to cease this terrible conflict at once.

The misery you will cause yourselves can never be repaired, the mistrust that will develop can never be repaired. You must choose on the side of peace, certainly you can agree to isolate yourselves from one another. Why couldn't you? If the religion is the problem stop the expansion and let peace reign supreme. Why the war over religion?

I invite all of you to please come to terms, which I am more than willing to broker myself, to ensure the continued prosperity we experience on this great continent. If you could please respond if you are interested in attending a cease-fire conference to end the slaughter it would be greatly appreciated.

Hopefully peace can prevail, I don't know if I have it in me to continue this call for peace. This is the last time I offer to help, then I'm gone.

Thank you,

King Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, known throughout the world as El Cid.

[OzzyKP]

SIXTH SESSION 350 AD

India(Gandhi) - OzzyKP
America(Washington) - CyberShy
Germany(Bismark) - LzPrst
France(Louis XIV) - NPDragon
China(Qin Shi Huang) - condor223
Russia(Catherine) - KunojiLym
Spain(Isabella) - TheCapo
England(Elizabeth) - Deity
Mongolia(Genghis) - AI
Inca(Huayna Capac) - NicodaMax

[LzPrst]

Adolphe paces around his palace with a madmans look in his eyes. His servants cower in a corner fearful of being the first to draw his attention.

"This must be a joke! A work of Indian propaganda! Impossible!"

For the rest of the week Adolphe is in a furious mood, threatening servants and slaves with decapitation for the slightest insult. Finally one of the older servants venture forth and bows deeply.

-My lord. Concerning the greatest cities list...

"YES!? WHAT ABOUT IT!?" Adolphe bursts out, his face red, his eyes bloodshot with lack of sleep, he seems near the verge of madness.

-There is one possibility we have not considered...

"YES!?!?!"

The servant shows a cold and calm exterior, but for those with an eye for such things he is not nearly as calm as he seems.
-It was released on... Avrils trickster day... Or April fools as the English say it... Berlin isnt on the list because India's foreign minister might be playing a joke on your highness...


Adolphe stops dead in his tracks. Staring with burning rage in his eyes at his servant he trembles and his fists clench and unclench repeatedly. Looking like a man ready to burst, spittle flying for every frantic breath, he screams out in rage.

"HOW DARES HE!?!?!? I want his head on a pike outside my palace!!! Send our Secret Servant force! Kidnap him and bring him here! I want to personally torture the swine!!"

That same night a small group of German riders clad in black leave the shantytowns of Munich and head north through France on the way to Delhi.

[The Capo]

Uh, I don't know that you can really legitimately DO that Lz....

Just saying.

[OzzyKP]

He sent them, it doens't mean they'll succeed. I get to write the next part.

[The Capo]

The Madrid Monitor
January 1st, 359 a.d.
1/24 Gold

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TOP STORY
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War Breaks Out All Over Terra!
Robington, America - The tensions and antagonism between the Indo-Russian alliance and the Jewish Kingdoms of the South (America, France and Germany) reached a fevered pitch when neither side could agree on anything, and both took towards a position of aggressive talk, until finally talks broke down and the countries went to war. America formally declared war on Russia causing India, Russia's ally, to respond with a declaration of war against America. Like dominoes, one by one the countries involved in the tension began declaring war until the Indo-Russian alliance was formally in a state of war with the Jewish countries, Spanish officials declined commenting on the issue, or even getting involved at this point citing they had tried on numerous occasions to broker a peace summit, which incidentally fell on deaf ears. Soon after an amazing offensive on the part of Indian and Russian soldiers, a new alliance was announced in the north between the Incan Empire and England. The Americans on numerous occasions asked for international support claiming that the invasion force the Indians and Russians had sent was overwhelming. This was quickly contrasted by what Spanish diplomats are describing as a "sneak attack" by the Incas and English. As of right now the war is unbalanced; with the nations of England, Germany, the Incan Empire, America, and France engaged with the Indo-Russian alliance. Only Spain, China and Mongolia remain neutral at this point. Spanish officials are dismayed, sending an open letter to all nations calling for the end of hostilities, and calling for a cease-fire agreement, Spanish foreign minister Bartolo Calderon de Cordoba said that "the cease-fire summit was called instead of an all out peace summit for the simple reason that these nations seem to loathe eachother so much, the Inca and English have claimed that the Indians and Russians are too strong, too influential, and in many ways evil, while the Indians and Russians insist it is a land grab. The northern powers must understand the only road to success lies in cooperation, not conflict." As of right now Indian and Russians officials report potential losses in cities like Ti****a, and Novogrod, and a possible failure to defend Delhi as well. King El Cid reinforced his status as "neutral" by saying that "the misery you will cause yourselves can never be repaired, the mistrust that will develop can never be repaired." To this point the Spanish foreign ministry has received no response about the Spanish cease-fire plan.

____________________
DOMESTIC REPORT
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New Settlements of Santiago and Salamanca Established!
Salamanca - El Cid's policy of expansion has gone on splendidly, some would say. The Nobility is divided over El Cid's drive for expansion, claiming it is bleeding the royal coffers of all Spain's money, and creating trouble with paying for roads, defenses, and food for Spain's people. "To think that we need to expand our borders this quickly is ridiculous" said Duque Juan Diego Ramos de Sevilla, "There is all-out war in this world, and we can hardly pay for our cities defenses, let alone all of the buildings, the roads, and these new settlements on the frontier." This feelings is becoming increasingly popular throughout the Kingdom, as even the Spanish citizens are feeling the crunch "Its been tough getting food on the table" one citizen said "with the war goods from abroad are going to become more difficult to acquire, and all of the workers are out building roads and mines for the King." The King responded, however, saying that "Its simple, this world sees only power and influence as virtues, its clear. Spain can not afford to fall behind in any way, we have the means to expand, and through that expansion we will acquire the means to protect our people, and that is my most important job as King." The settlements nearly add a third more territory to the flourishing Empire.

Exploratory Force Under Pizarro Marches South!
Seville - An exploratory force, under the command of new general Francisco Pizarro, has taken off towards the theatre of the southern war. "We are interested to see how this war is fought, and who is becoming victorious" Foreign Minister Bartolo Calderon de Cordaba said "and if we clamor for peace we must understand war, so it is important. Besides, the Germans were offended by our map, so we wish to see the true state of political affairs in the southern continent." The army has marched through China passing the territory of Guangzhu (sp?), its directions are to march past India into the Wildwaldt forests.

Taxes Raised 10%!
Madrid - Due to recent increases in spending (on defense and settlement programs), the King has raised taxes 10% in order to keep up with costs. "Time and time again we are focusing our efforts on looking good to the foreigners" said Juan Diego Ramos de Sevilla "we must start working on Spain. These roads are important yes, but what is more important is getting our people the food they need, and our soldiers the weapons they need to defend our territory, we have already had two recent attacks on our frontier towns by barbarians from the north." The King is more optimistic, assuring everyone that with this increase comes a new program where the King will pay for the establishment of public markets in every city, He says that "the new revenue will be used to lower taxes, and will provide enough of a surplus to provide even more money for infrastructure and defense."

Spanish Forces Defeat Barbarian Invaders From the North!
Toledo - Spanish forces on three seperate occasions had to march upon barbarian forces invading from the nothern lands. The cities of Toledo and Santiago were both threatened by barbarian attacks who seemed to march right towards Spanish lands DESPITE the position of Incan troops in the area. "I know the Inca are not required to attack every barbarian that passes their lands, and our forces only allowed one of these barbarian armies to actually enter Spanish territory, but the fact remains that they did pass Incan territory, and that is an alarming fact," said General Cadrez, top military advisor to King Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar. Spanish officials have announced they will ask for Incan support in sending an army into the nothern tundras in order to find and destroy all barbarian encampments. No word has reached the Monitor about this, but we will keep you posted.

____________________
FOREIGN REPORT
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Northern Alliance Announced as England, Incan Empire Escalate War in South!
London, England - English and Incan officials announced not only an alliance of northern countries, but also their involvment in the centuries old conflict between the Indo-Russian alliance and the Jewish Nations of the south. The English claimed that the invasion was protective, they see the Indians and Russians as oppressors, and potential invaders, and this war was a preemptive attack to restore a better balance of power. Spanish officials are unimpressed "frankly this is a disturbing trend" said Foreign Minister Bartolo Calderon de Cordoba "the English and Inca ignored our please for a summit, which could have prevented this war from escalating, now there is no chance for a summit, and peace doesn't look like its going to have much luck either." Tactically it puts the advantage square on the shoulders of the coalition alliance (France, Germany, America, Inca, and England), as their nations have positions to the north and south of both Russia and India, not to mention the element of surprise as English and Incan troops poured over Russia's northern border, which presumably was ill-defended. "The sad fact is that both of these nations wanted peace, or at least claimed to have wanted peace, and now with their recent sneak attack they simply appear to be opportunists" said foreign minister Bartolo Calderon de Cordoba.

Chandragupta Maurya Adopts Theocracy!
Delhi, India - As a war rages on in the east that was started over religious conflict, and particularly a Jewish-Hindu religious confclit, Maharaja Chandragupta Maurya of India has decided to take this conflict one step further by instituting pro-Hindu laws, which contain serious and inflamatory anti-Jewish language. "This is alarming coming from a country of such rich religious heritage, the Hindu religion is as old as time, and Confucianism has spread quite rapidly" the Guru Santo said of Chandragupta's decision "this is only going to cause the war to become more violent, and hateful." Already the Indian system is set up into castes of people, some of which are deemed 'untouchables' and are treated nearly as bad as farm-animals.

____________________
EDITORIAL
____________________

Duque Sancho Diaz de Barcelona is the brother of Queen Elena Diaz de Aragon, and next in line to be King. He has been trained militarily, and has also been trained as a lawyer. He is the Duke of Barcelona.

I would first like to thank the Madrid Monitor for this invitation, they took a lot of heat from the nobility for publishing Bainor's editorial years ago, and I would simply like to say they have been nothing but accomodating when dealing with me. What I came here to discuss though was the new war that has erupted, and Spain's place in it. We have historically been a fair and just society, the only war Spain has ever been involved in was our civil war between Dodabella and El Cid. So naturally we try not to become involved in wars, but this war is quite a large one, and I personally believe it would be better for Spain to involve itself before someone else decides to get us involved. I understand the King is against the plan, but think about it; how long will it be until we are accused of religious persecution? How long will it be until we are accused of being a 'bully nation'? or how long will it be until the victorious army gets a taste for conquest? The English and Inca are certainly trying to get territory from the Russians under the guise that they are protecting smaller nations. This makes no sense at all. Years ago England and Germany were at war, now they are allied? I agree with India when I say that these people are simple opportunists. How cowardly it is to declare war on a nation after their army has advanced towards the other side of the continent. I don't think this is reason enough to attack England, they have done nothing wrong to Spain. I am simply suggesting that we keep an eye out on this northern alliance. If they can attack Russia for being too big, why wouldn't they attack us?

-Sancho I, of Barcelona

[KunojiLym]

"How DARE he!! How DARE they!!! They will all pay!! PAY I say!!! What in the name of Ravana are you inbeciles doing!?"

Ivan III was in a foul mood, as lately seemed to be the case with him all too often. Around him, the courtiers cowered in fear. Only one stood firm, a calm expression on his face. This was the Chief Advisor to the Tsar, Nikolay Fyodorov, only recently come into service. One might forgive him for being foolhardy.

"Your Excellency, please rest assured. The barbarians may be at the gates, but they will get no further than that. Already, your far-sighted mobilization of our imperial resources is paying off handsomely, and the foolish Northern barbarians have wasted their troops upon the Impeskie Osi in Novgorod. Your excellency, the Zionists and the Northern barbarians will be taught a lesson."

"Well hurry it on, you fool!!" Ivan scowled, his eyes flashing with a dark rage. "Traitors! Traitors all! Have you got them all!? Have you!?"

"With due respect, your Excellency, we have apprehended another thousand in Yaroslavl'. Rest assured that they will all get their just deserts."

Ivan ground his teeth, as he paced up and down in a whirl of fury. "The bastard of a Zionist rat! I'll skin him alive, and then, I'll skin his family, his ancestors, his descendants, all the damn peons!"

"Yes, of course, your Excellency. The Zionists tremble before you, great Tsar."

"See to it that not one traitor is left alive! Not one!!" With that, the Tsar turned around, and stalked into the antechamber behind the throne room. The tension in the court lifted obviously as he left.

Nikolay half-smiled.

---

"Your honor, this cannot go on. The people are getting restless."

Nikolay, now in his private office, raised an eyebrow, as he studied the courtier before him. "What do you refer to, pray tell?"

"You know what I'm talking about. Mother Russia is but a shadow of her former self. Her people's blood runs in the streets. No one dares go out at night. Our people are but a fraction of what they were before. A fraction! Your honor, I beg you, this madness has got to stop!"

The Chief Advisor idly munched on a grape as he listened, as a disinterested look crept into his eyes. As the courtier finished speaking, he straightened up, a half-smile on his face.

"You are complaining to the wrong person, I'm afraid. Perhaps you could repeat these words to the Tsar himself." He snapped his fingers; the courtier's eyes grew wide with terror even as two burly axemen appeared behind him.

"Please!! No!! You're our only hope!! I beg you, don't, please!! Ahhhh!!~~~~" The courtier's voice faded into the distance as he was dragged away. Nikolay watched him go, the disinterested look still in his eyes.

"What a fool," he murmered. "Now is not the time for such things."

[KunojiLym]

The Bund, Sri Nikolaevsky

---

A huge bronze statue of Nicholas the Great stood next to the massive lighthouse known as Shiva's Light; both of them overlooked a broad avenue running along the harbor. This was where a crowd was now gathered.

"Behold! Look upon the wretched traitors on the cross! Look, and know the price that traitors must pay!"

Upon a raised platform, several crosses had been hoisted up. On each one, nailed by their hands and feet, dangled a heavily scarred, half-naked person, some men, some women, one barely of age. Muffled groans emated from some of the crucified; the rest hung limply off their crosses.

"The barbarians were upon us! Almost upon us! But we pervailed! Now, we must defeat the enemy without and within! Only then, will the Russian Empire achieve glory! FOR THE TSAR!!!"

A huge roar came from the crowd. Admist the fray, two men slipped away, and ducked into a narrow street, leading off the Bund.

"For the Tsar, my ass," spat one of them, as the roaring crowd faded into the distance.

"I know excatly what you mean," the other man said, a faint smile on his lips. "But you must admit that we face a crisis here."

The man who had spat smirked. "True that. We don't appreciate that Yankee trying to tell us what to do, don't we Leo?"

"You mean the King of America?" Leo chuckled slightly. "That wasn't very wise of him, trying to stir us up against the Tsar. Outsiders, much less the damn Jews, have no business telling us what to do. That is just schemetics now, anyway. Have you thought upon what I said, Peter?"

Peter's eyes grew serious. "Are you sure about this? It's a risky plan, to say the least."

Leo's smile widened a fraction. "You're not one to tell me what is risky, my good man. And it's certainly better than engaging in idle, frustrated talk."

"Heh. Alright, you're on."

[NicodaMax]

Cuzco, Incan Empire, 350 AD
Pablo Díaz, Special war correspondent, The Madrid Monitor

To
Editor en Jefe:

We have received unconfirmed reports that a large contingent of armed men, escorting the youngest son of Huayana Cápac, Huascar, have just disembarked on the shores of the Chanca Peninsula and are headed for the capitol. There are several contradictory rumors, but it is clearly related to recent unrest in the city generated by the forced labor camps recently put in operation for the war effort in which thousands of Incan citizens have been forced to work in subhuman conditions, resulting in many deaths.

Government officials refused to comment as they are clearly focused on the war effort and seem strangely indifferent to this news. The Sapa Inca has not made any public appearances for some time and it is feared that this war has taken a toll on his health, especially after hearing of the death of his eldest son, Atahualpa, at the hands of Russian Horsemen, near the city of St. Petersburg, where he was allegedly heading expeditionary forces scouting that Russian city.

I’ll try to keep you informed of the political events in Cuzco as they develop, but there are serious difficulties for getting information out as there are clear signs of civil unrest in this city.

[The Capo]

Madrid, Spain...

Isidor was extremely nervous. It had been decades since his wife died, since he was exiled, and more importantly since he had seen his daughter Isabella. In fact, he was quite sure she wouldn't even recognize him. The servant opened the large doors on the estate his father had built hundreds of years before. "Right this way my lord." the servant said as he directed Isidor to the backroom.

It had been a long time, but he still knew his way around "Where is she?" he asked nervously.

"Here comes the lady now." the servant said with a smile, as he nodded towards the princess.

Isidor could not believe his own eyes; she was beautiful. She looked just like her mother, but she had his blonde hair, a genetic tradition that had existed among Spanish royalty, which they held great pride in. This tradition would not continue for much longer. She wore a white robe, and looked as if though she had been preparing for bed. She approached her father slowly, and looked him over "You are Isidor Bainor de Castilla?" she asked.

Isidor was almost drawn to tears... "Y-yes, I am. I am your father Isabella."

The young woman cracked a slight smile, and then promptly slapped Isidor in the face "You terrible terrible man!"

Isidor was angry, but understood where this had come from "Darling Isabella, you must understand! I was going to be killed! You would have been killed too, along with your mother, if I had stayed here in Madrid. I did it for you!" he pleaded.

"Don't tell me these lies!" Isabella said, she was a quite intelligent girl, having been forced to stay inside her estate, she took to reading and had learned stories and information from the far reaches of Terra "And I know why you are here, and you can tell King Rodrigo I WILL NOT marry a Chinaman!"

Isidor was puzzled "What do you mean?"

"I'm not an idiot Isidor!" she barked at her father, she had also become accustomed to ordering around her servants, they were practically the only people she ever had contact with since her mother died "I know they sent you here to convince me to marry some Chinese prince, but I won't. I love Spain far too much to be carted away to China."

"Isabella, I didn't know your mother when-"

"Don't talk to me like that!" she said with a scowl "You are not my father, you are nothing to me. Get out of my sight!" she yelled "Guards!" they didn't budge.

"They won't kick me out Isabella, this is my estate." Isidor replied "Please, darling, it isn't important that you love him, you can learn that. You are a princess, and you must understand your place in the world. You will live a glorious life, the Chinese Empire is vastly rich. You will be the Queen of China!" he said smiling.

"Get that pathetic smile from your face!" she said, "I don't want him!" she pulled up a peice of parchment with a picture of a man on it "I want him!"

Meanwhile, at the Palace...

Prince Sancho had come of age, and with age came arrogance, and with arrogance came an editorial in the Madrid Monitor that put him in a bad position with El Cid. It wasn't entirely Sancho's fault, his sister the Queen was pregnant, and El Cid was nervous about his child's well-being. Sancho entered the royal chambers and El Cid quickly told his guards to leave; anything discussed with members of the immedeate royal family was private.

"My Lord, King of Spain, I am happy to make your audience!" the prince said.

"There's no need for that Sancho." El Cid replied, he was starting to look a little older now "I am a little dismayed about your article in the Madrid Monitor, where you seemingly suggest Spain joins this war effort."

Sancho nodded "Yes sire, we must act decisively, lest we procrastinate and find ourselves in an undesireable position."

Sancho had a tendency to condescend people, even the King himself, he was a highly educated young man, but El Cid resented the way he flaunted his education "Be that as it may Sancho, sending people to war is not glory, it is terrible. You have yet to feel the sting of war like I have, you have yet to even kill a man Sancho, you know not what you speak of."

While this statement was entirely true, Sancho was offended "My lord, El Cid, do you understand what the outcome of this could be? If the Indians and Russians are victorious they would be in a position to punish Spain!"

"And what would they punish Spain for?" El Cid asked.

"I am not finished speaking sire. I don't know what they would punish us for, but they would be in a position to do so. If this nothern alliance is victorious, they would have turned Russia into a slave-labor force, they would conquer it and India, and they would be in a very strong position having the Jews as their allies, then what would Spain do?" Sancho asked.

El Cid laughed a bit "Sancho, that is complete and utter paranoia! India and Russia have been nothing but great friends and allies, as have the nations of England and the Incan Empire. For you to assume simply because they acquire more power and influence they would harm Spain is ludicrous."

"With all due respect my liege, Russian troops not too long ago explored our interior, and the Incas have already established a settlement which is clearly in OUR sphere of influence, and have even hinted at further expansion. Both of these realities, in my mind, hint towards future aggression towards Spain. I am not saying we join the war effort sire, and I apologize if that is the picture I have painted, but I am trying to be as realistic as possible. We are wasting our generals. Why have we sent this army under Pizarro to the south?" Sancho replied.

"Sancho," the King said "I am becoming an old man. When you grow older you learn some things, you are young. You only see what glories the victors will have, but you don't understand in a war like this there will be no victors. These great countries, at the end of this struggle, will be reduced to nothing. That is when Spain will become the most powerful, and important nation on Terra. You think the victor will come out looking like a god, but that will not happen. Everyone will be ravaged, this is a war fought over religion, it is a terrible thing to happen, but religion can make someone who is normally pious, into an enraged killer." he sighed "I just hope that you learn that war is not as glorious as it seems when you hear about it, and I may be at fault for teaching you this, but Prince Sancho, you are the leader of men. You must be patient, and thoughtful, don't let the rhetoric these nations spew out color your judgement."

Sancho thought about the King's statements for a moment and replied "I understand my liege. The nobility has called for a meeting, to discuss our role in this war, I am going to attend and I believe you should as well."

"I'll tell you what Sancho." the King replied "You may be as my proxy, you can speak for me, but you must understand Spain can not afford to be involved in this war. I will stay here with your sister Elena and see how the birth goes."

"Ah yes, and congratulations sire, it seems you will have an heir after all." Sancho said, he was a little jealous as he wished to be King one day, if El Cid's baby was male that would not happen.

"Thank you, go speak with Bartolo (the foreign minister), he will tell you what the royal position is on this war..."

[The Capo]

Official Decree of the House of Diaz, and His Royal Highness King Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar.

The royal scribes regreat to inform the world that Queen Elena Diaz de Aragon has died during childbirth. The unborn child was also unable to be saved by royal doctors. There is currently no explaination, and the funeral for both Queen Elena, and the child (who was a boy), will take place tomorrow afternoon.

His Royal Highness hopes that during this time of mourning, the nations of the world can realize how delicate and precious human life really is, and put a cease to their fighting momentarily, to allow Spanish diplomats to broker a peace settlement.

The King will take a small leave of absence, and has announced that Prince Sancho Diaz de Barcelona, Duke of Barcelona, will be his Steward until further notice. Any diplomatic material should be directed to him or his foreign minister Bartolo Calderon de Cordoba.

Thank You

[NicodaMax]

To
His Majesty King Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar of Spain

We are truly saddened that your house shall be filled with tragedy, specially in these trying times of turmoil and bloodshed. We send our condolences and abide by your request to momentarily cease all hostilities.

Yours truly,

Huayana Cápac, Sapa Inca of the Great Incan Empire

[NicodaMax]

Main Palace, Cuzco, 350 AD

Huayana was sitting on his desk, intermittently looking out the window, as he browsed the reports from the frontlines. He could still see his little boy playing in his mind, all those years ago, riding his horse with the wind blowing back his dark hair. But just as easily came the images of that same young man, his body all trampled up and bloodied. Those Russian bastards! he thought. All of the sudden, the doors to his chambers swung open.

"Who dares to enter without permission!? Ah, it’s you Huascar. What do you want? I've asked not to be interupted, and, why are you carrying that axe around for..."

It hit him like a ton of bricks, but it hurt him like a dagger piercing slowly through his skin and into his heart. "No, not you Huascar..."

"Yes father, it is time. Don't make me do something you will regret. I've got a nice little cell all fixed up for you..."

"Guards!" he screamed. "You insolent little brat! I'll have you executed for this. Your brother will come from his grave to spit in your lifeless corpse, but not until I'm done beating the crap out of you! I may be old, but I taught you everything you know!"

"Yes. Indeed you did."

As his father swung his fist at his face, a slight move of his feet and a little smack on his father's behind with the axe was enough to through the old man off balance, sending him face first to the floor.

"Your personal guard will not come. They have been relocated. Sinchi is with the army generals right now and we have their support. The people are with us as well. I am now the new Sapa Inca..."

"But...but, the war....what will become of our nation? I have to finish this..." The old man was now crying like a baby.

"You have done but harm to what was once a great nation, but the damage is not beyond repair. The ministers and I have already taken steps to remedy the situation, while you were locked up here grieving that idiot Atahualpa. He let himself be surprised by those puny Russians, and paid the price for his incompetence.

"You will be formally charged with treason, and will face trial as any other Incan citizen. It is now out of my hands. You will be treated fairly, but you are as of now a disgrace to the Inca people." As Huascar said that, a group of soldiers entered the chambers and proceeded to tie up their once glorious leader and escorted him out of the palace to the main Courthouse, where he would await his trial.

"Well done, Huascar. I thought he'd put up more of a fight. It would have been easier that way,” said Lloque Cusi, the Minister of the Interior, as he stepped into the room. “He still has supporters among the people, you know."

"You sinister bastard, you would have loved to have seen some grisly parricide take place here. This was very difficult for me, you know."

"Spare me the sentimentalism; besides, it would have been tyrannicide, at best. You have a lot of work to do Huascar..." He could not finish the sentence, for a 20 cm axe was now sticking out of his chest. "You tricky bastard..." he managed to cough out with his last breath, as he dropped dead.

"As Minister of the Interior, your loyalty should have been to my father. How can I lift this nation from the hole it's in if I can’t trust my closest collaborators. Sorry old fart, but nobody is pulling my strings…"