Leo VI the Wise

Leo VI
Biographical information
Born	19 September 866 Constantinople, Byzantine Empire
Died	11 May 912 (aged 45) Constantinople, Byzantine Empire
Species	Human
Political information
Affiliations	Macedonian dynasty

Leo VI (866 – 912), also known as Leo VI the Wise, was Emperor of the Byzantine Empire from 886 to 912. A member of the Macedonian dynasty, he succeeded his father Basil I who had usurped the throne from the previous Emperor Michael III.

Biography

Early childhood

Leo was born to both Empress Eudocia Ingerina and Emperor Basil I. However, his parentage came into question due to Eudocia's former relationship with late Emperor Michael III. Thus, Leo became a target of assassination on the order of his father, with the help of the Order of the Ancients. As a result, Leo began to learn archery from his Varangian guard Justin. However, when demonstrating his newfound skill to his father, Leo's arm was broken by his father and this led Justin to distance himself away from Leo to save him pain.

His new protector

With Justin removed as Leo's guard, Leo was brought before his new guard Hytham, a new recruit for the Varangian guard under Thyra's Eagle Clan. Leo introduced and welcomed Hytham before Justin took him away from the boy. Later, Leo began his studies with his tutor Theodore before being met by Hytham again. Time for dinner, Leo showed him the dining hall alongside his nurse Anna.

At night, Leo began to sleep but began to have nightmares. When Hytham calmed him down, Leo and Hytham noticed a viper at the foot of his bed. Leo was instantly muffled and protected before Hytham killed the snake. Immediately, Leo was taken to Thyra while Hytham went to check the area. After Hytham found the last viper, Leo was secured by both Thyra and Hytham. The next day, Leo was brought into the emperor's room and was instructed to thank and falsely apologize to Hytham for letting the snakes inside his room. Leo was later escorted out of the room by Hytham.

Convinced he killed Drina, Leo was told that he did not and that his father was twisting his mind. Leo understood and was surprised when he met with Hytham's friend Basim Ibn Ishaq. With an injury to his shoulder, Leo was given a healing salve before Basim performed a trick. After closing his eyes, he opened them and saw Basim gone instantly. Alone with Hytham, he asked about Hytham's hidden blade and wanted to learn how to use it. Despite Hytham's rejection, Leo was promised on how to move quietly like a Hidden One. Elated, Leo agreed.

The next day, he tried to race his horse Sky accompanied by Justin and Hytham but kept failing and being insulted by Justin. Saddened, he gave up until Hytham told him to re-establish trust with Sky. Two weeks later, Leo trained about how to move quietly and how it depended on how you moved and what one wore. He also listened how he may be a fairer ruler than his father as he continued his training. That night, Leo slept through another attack but was fortunately unscathed.

The next day, Leo was left in the care of both Anna and Thyra while Hytham and Basim trailed Justin's movements. However, during the night, the children's wing was under attack by the Order as the guards were greatly overcome by their forces. Leo hid in one of the garden's fountains until he was found by Hytham. However, they were cornered by two Order members. Leo climbed and hid in a tree while Hytham held off the attackers. Although Hytham was close to dying, Basim came, killed one of the attackers, and scared the remaining one away.

However, Leo noticed his protector missing due to Hytham's own mission to track an injured Order member. Accompanying Thyra and Basim, he joined their search for Basim and came to an Order hideout. Remaining safe, Leo was told to hide while they attacked the Order assailants and their leader Isaac and rescued Hytham. After defeating most of the Order attackers and saving Hytham, Leo helped Hytham outside while Thyra and Basim inspected and cleaned their mess. Grateful, Leo admitted being glad Hytham is alive and hugged him as Hytham did the same. They later journeyed back to the palace with evidence of Theodore's part in the attack and Leo safe from harm.

Days later, Leo joined his family on a picnic to Philopation for Basil to escape the inquiries of the attack and hunted to garner recognition. The next day, Leo was joined at the stables by his former guard Justin, who disclosed the truth behind his behavior and they reconciled after Leo began riding Sky.

Leo's Capture

On the day of Basil's Hippodrome race, Leo and his family arrived and enjoyed the race inside their imperial box. However, when Basil came to race, his cart goes awry and crashed while at the same time, an arrow was shot into the box. With Thyra grabbing Empress Eudocia down, Leo was left alone and taken hostage by a female Order assailant. Fortunately, the Hidden Ones and the Varangian guards Justin and Thyra follow Leo and his captor outside the arena into a nearby alley, where Isaac later joined the scuffle.

Immediately, while both sides fought each other, Leo managed to break free from his captor by biting her. Grabbed by Basim, he was secured while Thyra took care of his captor and a fellow Order warrior. Leo was told to run into the streets and ran fast until being chased by the last Order soldier. Fortunately, Justin came to the rescue and Leo was protected. In a public fight, Leo was eventually saved while Justin killed the Order member. Successful, both Leo and Justin were hailed as heroes and applauded by the people around them.

Afterwards, Leo's life was no longer in danger and the alliance between Basil and the Order was severed. At Hestiun's house, he surprised Hytham one more time before saying their heartfelt farewells. Thanking him, he left the house with the empress while Hytham looked on their departure.

Behind the scenes

Due to the book's content and it being taken in 867, Leo would have been nearly one year old by historical standards. However, the actions showcased a different age such as a young child not a toddler. This is an odd choice for the author to have made given Basil had an older son, Constantine, whose age would have aligned more naturally, being somewhere between 2 and 12.

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: The Golden City