Dux of Lazica
…Accordingly, We appoint the noble Rogerius Uranus as Dux of Theme Lazica and Admiralis.
A missive from the emperor. Its contents were not just shocking—they were downright revolutionary.
"What in the world…"
I muttered to myself without thinking. And who could blame me? Theme Lazica was a theme that didn't exist. Why? Because there was no place called Lazica within the Eastern Roman Empire.
Of course, that didn't mean the land itself was entirely fictional. It was a region not far from the Anatolian Peninsula, along the Black Sea coast—a territory named after a kingdom that had stood there since the 1st century BC, in western Georgia. Once part of the Tao principality, founded by Bagrat III as the Kingdom of Georgia. After the death of David III, portions of Lazica had been reclaimed by the Eastern Romans. But roughly half still remained Georgian territory.
Thus, no region called Lazica existed within the empire yet, and naturally, no Theme Lazica either. Yet the emperor had appointed me as its duke and naval admiral. That could only mean one thing: attack Georgia, seize it for the empire, establish military rule, and swiftly integrate it into Roman lands. Hence the dual command over both army and navy.
"I can use this to leverage the Turkic nomads."
I could promise them that if they helped conquer Georgian soil, I'd grant them a portion as pastureland. The problem was uncertainty whether they'd accept such a deal outright. As I'd noted before, their numbers totaled three thousand. Honestly, that was enough force to overrun Georgia outright. Lacking siege expertise, it might take time, but they'd fall eventually.
"The real issue comes after divvying up the land and incorporating it into the empire…"
Establishing military governance and stabilizing the region quickly would require funds, naturally. But nomads produced no revenue. Taxes typically came from common citizens or nobles. That's why conquering states often absorbed local aristocrats as-is. Nomads didn't fit that mold. Taxing fur trade volumes might work, but it could spark rebellion.
Damned if you do, damned if you don't. A pounding headache forced me to postpone future worries.
"First, conquer Lazica. Then figure it out."
With that in mind, I summoned Halvar.
"You called, Jarl?"
"Prepare to meet Arslan with Chaur. I'm going to see the chieftain."
Negotiations could turn bloody. To prevent that, I'd bring the captive Chaur along. If things went south, we'd use him to escape. Better than being swarmed by nomads and turned into a pincushion. No other options.
Thus, with those two in tow, I headed toward the walls. Upon arrival, I saw tents similar to gers yet somehow different—several pitched nearby. The Hazar nomads' mobile homes and transport. I'd seen them before; shape aside, they were wagons like Mongol gers.
Women and children ducked out of sight as we approached. Meanwhile, the men stepped forward.
The nomads stared at me from a safe distance, eyes brimming with wariness. I met their gaze unflinchingly.
After a moment, Arslan emerged from the crowd, dressed in the same belted-sword attire as before.
"Welcome. Forgive any shortcomings in our hospitality."
Shortcomings? It felt more like a threat. No need to belabor the point, so I cut to the chase.
"An imperial edict has come down."
"And?"
Basil II's decree. Arslan fixed his eyes on me, awaiting the verdict.
"I will accept you."
Arslan exhaled in relief. The Turkic nomads behind him slumped, tension draining away.
Nomads had a reputation for loving battle and war. But they were human too—no one wanted constant life-or-death duels, especially not with women, children, and elders in tow. My own Vikings were the same. It was just survival in harsh lands. The frequency was the problem.
"But there are conditions."
"Name them."
"As your employer, you must obey my commands. Not merely as mercenaries, but as subjects of the military district I govern."
"Military district?"
"Subjects?"
The nomads murmured in confusion. Arslan raised a hand to quiet them, then questioned me.
"I don't follow. Territory and subjects? Are you a khan, not just a commander?"
Khan. It meant lord, but reducing it to that missed the mark. A leader guiding nomads to fertile pastures for their herds. Conquest inevitably followed, so warlord fit better.
My titles: Dux and Admiralis. Army and navy commander, and ruler of a military district—so yes, I could affirm Arslan's query.
"His Imperial Majesty has appointed me Dux of Theme Lazica and Admiralis. I hold governing rights over that region."
Arslan beamed as if it were his own triumph.
"Then why tarry here? To your lands! My tribe and I will follow you as khan."
The very concern I'd harbored slipped from Arslan's lips. Admit there was no land yet—that we'd seize it from enemies—and that sword at his belt would aim for my throat. Thus, a slight distortion of facts was needed.
"The land granted by His Majesty has long been Roman territory."
Before the Eastern Romans, ancient Rome had conquered the Lazican kingdom and claimed it. My words held truth.
"A land rich in history."
Arslan bought it—good. I seized the opening.
"Yet Georgia, a vassal of the Eastern Romans, dared ally with rebels and steal it."
David III and Phokas. Ancient history, but after David's death, parts returned—so Rome hadn't lost all sway.
"His Majesty, as rightful owner, has magnanimously forgiven the thieves and demanded the land's return."
Arslan's face darkened. I dropped the preamble.
"But the foe ignored it and attacked the empire instead. We will strike the rebels and reclaim this soil."
"So... no land yet?"
Killing intent laced Arslan's words. I played my next card.
"His generous Majesty permits plunder of Georgian lands."
Arslan hesitated at "plunder." The Hazar nomads knew Georgia's Black Sea trade wealth; interest flickered.
Time to drive it home. I'd use olive oil profits. Low margins but monopoly yields—vast riches. Hiring three thousand mercenaries strained it, though. Funds earmarked for expansion. Regrettable, but better than war's toll.
"Separately, I hire you as mercenaries for the Georgian war."
"Didn't you say that from the start?"
"That was guild work—miscellaneous tasks."
Arslan perked up. As chieftain, he grasped it quickly.
"We'll sign a dedicated war contract and pay accordingly."
Money for service. No nomad refuses. Arslan sheathed his ire and extended a hand.
"You sure about this?"
Angelos eyed me worriedly. I nodded.
"End the war swiftly, and we win."
Three thousand hired, but sustaining them? Impossible long-term. Speed was key.
Angelos looked baffled.
"Swift end? Georgia's weaker than Bulgaria, sure, but no pushover."
During the Bulgarian wars, Georgia struck from the rear. Manuel and son Asakios met them in the field—stalemate proved Angelos right; no easy foe.
His concern was valid, but mismatched my goals. Time to reassure.
"Georgia's tough, as you say. But that's for full-scale war."
"Isn't this that?"
I shook my head.
"No. We fight Georgia, but aim for regional conquest, not total war."
I pointed to the map on my right.
"Seize Lazica, and it's done."
"You think it's that simple? Infantry up front, cavalry behind for hammer-and-anvil to shatter their momentum, then..."
Angelos trailed off, eyes on my finger's spot.
"That's where Lord Manuel and Lord Asakios lead the Basilike Ethereia infantry? You can't mean...?"
"Of His Majesty's troops, three hundred are cavalry. Add three thousand Turkic horse—thirty-three hundred total. Plenty for hammer-and-anvil firepower."
"Without Lord Manuel's permission?"
"Does a smith ask the anvil before swinging the hammer?"
Angelos fell silent. I took it as assent and prepared to act.