Alberto reported to me that the Doge escaped from the battle, but is now besieged in the nearby city of Zagreb. Although it would be more strategically beneficial to capture the nearby castle in Illyria, I could not let the Doge go after the death of one of my family members.
News of Alberto's victory reached throughout Italy. The army breached the city walls, and dragged out the Doge, tying him to a cross and burning him as they paraded him arround. Purging the city of its Heretical leader.
Unfortunately the Crusader's fanatical act of Zeal caught the attention of the pacifistic Pope again.
With the faction reconciled, I cannot convince Alberto's crusaders to attack Venice any more. For they can only attack God's enemies, not my own.
It is fine, the men are talking of deserting due to the unnecessary delay of the force and attack against Venice. I will not be surprised if Alberto reports a good number of losses.
I am starting to wonder if it is even worth having the Pope's favor... it is not that the Pope is against me personally, but that he is simply upset at violence in itself. Perhaps I should vote for an war mongering Pope next election...
