Chapter 375: Fall of the Teutonic State (1/2)
Deep within the region known as Pomerania stood the last vestiges of the Teutonic State. For years they had given their all to hold out against the coalition forces of Poland-Lithuania, the various Rus states, and the Golden Horde.
In the Castle of Marienburg, also known as Malbork, the last surviving leaders of the Teutonic Order stood gathered around a table. Their expressions were grim as they came to a realization. The war was lost, and the tiny remaining territory they clutched to would soon fall to their enemies.
The armies of the German states were busily embroiled in a war with one another and could not assist the predominantly German Military Order. As such, they were left with one last option to ensure the survival of their Order, even if it went against every instinct they had as Catholics.
The current Grand Master was named Hennek von Rotenburg; he was a Count from lower Saxony who had dedicated his life to the Teutonic Order. If not for the crisis that the Order currently faced, he would have never risen to such a renowned position within it.
After the death of the previous Grand Master in defense of the easternmost portion of the Teutonic State, various men had risen to his position only to martyr themselves in the battle against the Order's enemies. Currently, the Teutonic Order was a Rump State holding on to a fraction of their former territory in the west.
One of his Commanders by the name of Ebert Reimers had just uttered the unthinkable, and as such, there was a stern expression on Hennek's face as he spoke the words on his mind.
”Can you repeat what you just said?”
The room was silent as the various heads of state glared at the man; despite this, he remained confident in his proposition and thus reuttered his plan without the slightest bit of hesitation in his voice.
”We should submit to the Kingdom of Austria and become reformists. King Berengar is the only one with the power and wealth to help us survive! If we were to be annexed by the Austrian Kingdom and convert to the German Reformation, our Order could very well survive!”
A year ago, if Ebert had suggested this, he would immediately be burned at stake. Yet, now circumstances were different. The Teutonic State was on the verge of collapse, and their enemies were at the gates. It was because of this that the various Heads of State entertained his proposition, even if none openly declared support.
To many of the members of the Teutonic Order, the Kingdom of Austria, and the German Reformation, which had spread like wildfire across the German States, was something that the Catholic Church could not prevail against. Its attempt to engage in a crusade against them was sure to end bloody.
As such, the room was in silence for several moments as every man present began to consider the option as a valid alternative; after all, if they continued as they were, the Teutonic Order would be annihilated. Despite this being their only chance to survive as a Chivalric Order, various council members were reluctant to accept such a proposition. Eventually, one man broke the silence.
”What you are saying is Heresy! If we submit ourselves to Austria and its so-called King, we will be forced to convert to the Berengar Heresy! As such, we will be full-fledged Heretics! I, for one, would rather die in battle against the enemies of the Church than convert to Heresy to save my skin!”
Three other men instantly nodded their heads in agreement with this assertion. It was becoming increasingly clear that the surviving leaders of the Teutonic Order were split on this issue. Other men immediately began to side with the Commander who had suggested the action.
”Our enemies are at the gates! If we do not submit to the Austrian Crown, we will be annihilated! This is the only way for our Order and centuries of tradition to survive!”
Instantly the chamber began to erupt in furious debate as the two sides began to bicker. The Grand Master watched with a wary expression as he saw what remained of his Order tearing itself apart. If things continued in such a manner, there would not be an order to preserve, for the members would have destroyed themselves in the face of extinction. Ultimately the man sighed heavily as he came to a decision; after doing so, he yelled at the top of his lungs so that the foolish men around him would stop bickering.
”Silence! I have come to a decision!”
After saying this, the chamber became so quiet that not even a mouse could be heard scurrying in the background. All council members that made up the remaining leaders of the Order stared at Grand Master von Rotenburg with complicated expressions. What he said next would either save the Order or doom it to extinction. After gazing upon the men gathered before him, the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order made his decree.
”We will send word to King Berengar of Austria, informing him that we are willing to submit to his authority and be annexed by his Kingdom in exchange for protection against our enemies! Anything else can be left up to negotiations!”
The moment he said these words, the council was split in two. Many had a relieved expression, but others were scowling. Some even tore off their regalia and barged out of the room, signaling that they had abandoned the Order then and there. They would genuinely rather die than embrace any perceived heresy.