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In several discussions, it's come up... what if Alexios actually went to Antioch. Bohemond's propaganda was chiefly aimed at the lack of the Basileus to uphold his end of the feudal oaths taken at Constantinople. The oath itself meant nothing to Alexios, as Anna is pretty clear in the Alexiad. It arguably didn't mean much to cynical westerners, either, but even the most cynical operated under the premise that feudal oaths were bidirectional. A lord was expected to provide patronage, providing for ransom of his liege and protection through his influence and prestige. A vassal was obligated to provide military service in knights or infantry or money, depending...

POD:

2nd June, AD 1098

Stephen of Blois is about to abandon the siege of Antioch, but suddenly has second thoughts. Was his illness more than just feigned cowardice? Or did he ponder on the reaction of his comrades or even the judgment of wife, Adele of Normandy (daughter of William the Conquerer)? Stephen hesitates until word comes that day Firouz offers to surrender Tower of Two Sisters to Bohemund, who confides to his fellow warrior-princes of the [First] Crusade in his tent...
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