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The year is 1016 and God is quite irritated or perhaps very annoyed about something. Earthquakes partly destroy the Dome of the Rock and berserkers have finally been banned in Norway. It has been two years since the Christ Loving Emperor Basil won his great victory over the Bulgarians. An uneasy peace holds over the occupied territories.
In the Thracian borderlands of Mesembria , Nessebar is the main centre of trade with the Bulgars, but also an important naval base and prosperous part of the Black Sea routes travelled by foreigners from near and far. Contested by ancient empires and empire builders, this trading post and frontier town has a rich history. Imperial agents as well as those of other interested parties are afoot. Mercenary bravos, pouches heavy with the Emperor’s pay, swagger through the teeming streets. Power struggles continue over everything in Mesembria – influence, gold, trade rights – the inhabitants form strategic alliances to secure their future in the face of uncertainty. Nestled amongst the traders and other folk of Mesembria, all are engaged in their usual game of one upmanship, diplomatic interventions and espionage…
In the mountains near Nessebar is the village of Balgari, renowned for the custom of fire walking. The ritual involves falling into a trance and dancing on hot embers, to furious bagpipe and drum accompaniment. The fields around are filled with tents of the pagani and the faithful alike, gathering for the feast day of Konstantin and Elena… |
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