The scholar, Gregoras, came to the palace this noon.  With him, a common fortuneteller from the streets.  She is skilled in augury and divination - and she has caused despair among the people by interpreting the eclipse of the moon and the awful accident at the procession.  She told my future.  Nor would she spare the Emperor her honesty; and still, he so graciously offered her the protection of the palace.  

Despite Gregoras' pleading, the Emperor will not save himself.  This night the battle began.  

My lord is prepared to do and suffer all things in the effort to redeem his city.  He left me with a farewell embrace; he prefers to die with his country and his subjects. . . .

May 29, 1453 :: The Trebizond Concubine