Henri sits down with a slump, ashen faced and holds his face with his hands in shock
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Henri sits down with a slump, ashen faced and holds his face with his hands in shock
Hugues speaks.
A most unfortunate victory.
Hugues gathers his thoughts.
Baron Lacaze will be sorely missed. He was a noble and well spoken man. No victory, no matter how heroic is worth his loss.
Prince Louis enters the chamber fresh from battle. His tabard is stained and his armor is battered. As he enters he removes his helm and tosses it to one side. His face is full of barely contained rage, and his voice chokes with anger as he speaks,
The English are dead. Wood is avenged. They cowered under cover of darkness and rain, high on the mountainside above us, and still we coursed them and ran them down. And they did run, the yellow backed cowards, ran for their lives and threw away their weapons when I sounded my horn. None escaped. All who surrendered were thrown from the cliffs as they screamed for their mothers and their wives.
Gaetan de Rethel I honor your victory and celebrate your conquest of Pamplona. Nonetheless you are relieved of your command and I charge you to guard Pamplona until such time as the King provides another garrison or assigns the castle to a noble. I encourage you to petition him for it after it's ratification.
The life of a Baron of House Aquitaine was lost under your command. It is true that all men die, that many, many men have fallen on my orders, even noblemen of my guard, but it is also true that when I rode to assault the bridge over the river Rhone against the Sultan of the Moors I led the charge personally and, because of the risk, brought no other noble of my House with me. We leaders of France, we bear a responsibility to one another to safeguard lives entrusted to our command. Think well on this as you ward Pamplona in the coming seasons.
I go now to pray for the soul of a hero of France. I ask that the men of this chamber join me in that prayer, and raise a toast to the memory of Yvon Lacaze, Baron of Marseille, Hero of House Aquitaine, and servant of God, France, and King Phillipe!
Prince Louis bows deeply to the King and withdraws from the Council chamber.
:egypt:
Gaetan shakes his head.
"I have no need of Pamplona - it's taking is bitter for me, no matter how those under Yvon and I's command feel about it. As for the men - they were never mine to begin with."
"However, I feel insulted that you suggest I sent Yvon to his death - I threw myself at the enemy as hard as I could and I myself was thickest in melee. His death was unfortunate, and senseless - even now I question why it was not I who died, but him instead. If I could give my life in exchange for his, then I would do so."
"In fact, due to the results of the battle, I am considering resigning from the Conseil, and has been suggested many times, take that ship from the Royaume to whatever horizons may meet me."
He is missed. I suggest a mass be held in Paris in his name.
The King stands and formally bows to his son, then turns to speak to the assembled nobles.
Mes Seigneurs,
I grieve for the loss of Baron LaCaze. He was a valiant knight fighting for the greater good of the Royaume and he served faithfully to his bitter end.
I think my reign has been nothing but battles and I counted myself blessed that non of you, mes Seigneurs, had fallen in battle. Now, I wonder if we have followed the right course and we've not been blinded by our battle-lust, our dreams of glory...
I will ask our Cardinal Etienne Courtois to have a mass said in memoriam.
Still, Lacaze' s death is not to be put at the feet of Sieu de Rethel... The Baron marched under Rethel's command willingly and trustfully and I'm sure he engaged the enemies he saw fit to engage... We all know how fate can be whimsical in battle... All it requires is a lucky spear-thrust and a break in your armour...
His death is to be laid at Guillaume's feet, loading the scales even more against him when the Final Judgment comes.
I will make him pay, be sure of that...
Now, as my son Louis proposed, let us all pray for the soul of Baron Yvon Lacaze. May God bless his soul.
Lacaze is avenged once more.
Nottingham has fallen. I've released the few captured defenders and occupied the city, as was voted in this Conseil. I think I may have gained their respect, if not thier love, for they now dub me "The Honourable".
With this accomplished, Guillaume is now cornered in York unless he flees once more north up to Edinburgh but that would place him even more between the Scottish anvil and our French hammer.
Hence, I will ask permission from our Senechal to send Aubert Fevre north to York this very season (OOC : OK, can I have permission to move our spy ?). I will then follow him there and finally bring down the Bastard.
I'll leave my army in the command of the Order knights, tasking them to garrison Nottingham and defend it against the relief army with the English Prince. It is up to them whether they wish to defend from th walls or attack in the field.
Whatever option they choose, our army lacks missile troops and I know that some mercenary have asked for employment. While I know our treasury may not afford this, I kindly ask our Senechal to provide two mercenary companies of crossbows to the Nottingham garrison. All the recruitment capacity of Nottingham is also put at the disposal of the Senechal, as is the case with all provinces within the King's Demesne.
Turning to his son, Philippe eyes are full of anger.
Louis... Do not pretend to act out of vengeance for your lost comrade when it is only your beastly nature thta expresses itself.
What need had you to mercilessly kill those English soldiers you captured ? They surely were no more of a threat. At least, you could have tried to ransom them... That would have served us better than...
Clearly at a loss for words, Philippe stays silent, looking intently at his son
How many times has it been stated in this Conseil, that we're not at war with the English people but with its rulers ? Don't you see that your acts may ruin all the work I've been doing in England, gaining the trust of its people ? Don't you think that word of your senseless massacre won't reach the ears of those same people ?
By acting thus, you've violated the will of this Conseil, going against Edict E1.9. I am not even sure of the fate Valencia, Bordeaux or Pamplona have suffered at the hands of your cronies. (OOC : I'm not sure I read anything abuot whether the cities were sacked, occupied or exterminated ...)
And you want me to release inot your hands even more possibility to commit those dreadful acts by releasing the potential to create a larger band of felons.
I am almost of a mind to go to Rome myself to ask the Pope to launch a Crusade on the Moors, a more fitting target for your beastly instincts.
Philippe then shuts up, simmering.
(OOC : I considered that Ramses' actions in Iberia and my own in England were at the same time, hence Philippe newly acclaimed Chivalrous' status doesn't fit well with Louis' behaviour).
Hugues speaks.
The spy in Nottingham is at your Majesty's disposal.
Hugues glances between Gaeten, the Dauphin and the King. He wisely holds his tongue.
Seneshal, I know I am not the first to ask nor will I be the last, but I find myself faced with an enemy superior in number and training, any and all help will be appreciated.
Hugues slowly pours himself a glass of wine. He takes his time slowly perusing a report. Setting the parchment down, he carefully tips the glass, spilling a few drops of red on the rushes of the Conseil floor while muttering a prayer. The Duc then finishes the wine in one violent gulp before hurling the glass to crash against the wall across the chamber.
Why is it that so many of the Nobles of the realm request funds for mercenaries only after they are within an arrow's flight of the enemy? The object is to ransom the foe back to their own ruler, not hold your own men hostage at the expense of the treasury.
The Seneschal grimaces and turns to Duc Alain.
Mon Duc, you have my full and unreserved apologies for any complaints I made in this chamber concerning your term as Seneschal, particularly when it came to the hiring of mercenaries. You grant one request, and then another comes, and another and another. . .
Hugues speaks with a falsetto impersonation of his own voice.
"Seneschal, I only need a few companies for my insane and possibly wine soaked strategem to work! Grant them to me and I promise victory and glory!"
Then, "Seneschal, my insane plan has worked, but I need a just few more companies to defend against the suprising but inevitable and overwhelming counter-attack. Oh, by the way, skirmishing has already started, so hire those companies tout de suite. If not, my poor men, who's only crime was following my insane, drunken orders, will be chopped into cat food!"
The Seneschal sighs.
Need I also remind Captain de Montpierre that the settlement entrusted to the Order is under threat? And that the army tasked with defending that settlement is driving on Hamburg? Or that the Steward of Antwerp has not roused himself to deal with this threat despite reinforcement? And that most likely I will have to travel for two seasons to resolve it myself? All while the Order is picking fights it doesn't have to.
The Duc throws up his hands.
One day our over reliance on mercenaries, and I am much to blame as anyone, will come back to bite us. Where will these men go once peace, or at least a semblance of it, returns? Do you think these companies will quietly leave the realm once we stop paying them? They'll take up banditry, set themselves up as robber barons. One need only look to Sicily to see what could happen.
Hugues grits his teeth and looks directly at Simon.
But you don't need a lecture Captain, you need men. Reeves tells me that a company of crossbowmen and a few more of Welsh spearmen are in the area. You may hire two companies.
Bonne chance.
Mon Duc, I thank you for recruitment of spears in Frankfurt...unfortunately they appear to have ALL marched with Thomas.
Henri is clearly more than disgruntled and continues through gritted teeth
Despite the fact that I am to assault a castle and am outnumbered more than 2:1.
It seems I will have to proceed without resupply.
Henri spins on his heels and leaves casting Thomas a glare
Your Grace you do right in admonishing me. The only defense I have for myself is that the early scout reports I had riding out from Nottingham did not account for the high level of professionalism of the army that is facing me. I'm still trying to figure out how the English managed to field these men when they don't even have the proper infrastructure to train them.
None the less it was my decision and I now have to live with it. I appreciate your forthcoming on the matter, but like you I am unwilling to pay mercenaries for my blunder. Maybe it doesn't have to come to a confrontation? After all William is slain and the mainland conquered, maybe peace with the English will put and end to the fight? If not I'll gladly take two companies of Welsh Spearmen to best the English facing me.
As for Antwerp, your offer is gracious but Brother Gaspard should be able to resolve the situation. And even if he doesn't our work on the island is done, I will return towards Antwerp as fast as the army facing me allows. At least the German army holds no surprises.
A herald with the colours of Prince Henri enters to address the council
My Lords, I will not keep ye long. A brief missive from His Royal Highness Prince Henri states:
"My lords, father, I have refused the marriage proposal put to me this day. I feel that I am too young for such a commitment at this time and that a marriage proposal from outside the country will be more favourable in the future for the Roi."
I thank you my Lords for your brief attention.
The herald bows deeply before withdrawing from the chambers
Alain nods his head in acknowledgment of Hugues' words.
Yes, I do remember writing to you regarding my final and incomplete report prior to me stepping down.
I mentioned a number of disturbing characteristics in relation to ze realm. It seems we are now slowly starting to realise zose consequences.
Alain moves into the chamber centre, relaxed and calm. His voice steady and strong.
Gentlemen, Lords of France.
We 'ave ze bitter sweet consequences of our unbridled thirst for war and conquest, Baron Yvon Lacaze has paid ze ultimate price, zat of 'is life.
Wrapped in words of honour, unity, papal decree and chivalry we have become a kingdom all fear. Maybe zat is our aim, maybe it is not, but our expansion is clear to zose who care to observe. We now 'ave lands on ze British Island, we 'ave pushed so far east I believe we will meet ze 'ungarian soon. We 'ave gone so far souz zat lands historically belonging to Spain are now ours.
Are we to continue? Will we stop only when we 'ave ze pleasure of calling ze Pope our neighbour?
Is Spain to receive its ancestral lands from us? Will we give ze now reconciled English back their holdings?
What we 'ave done is make France whole once more, a noble and righteous cause, ze rest, well zat is debatable and already I 'ear fear in ze words and actions of our neighbours and friends.
France 'as raged and fought, raged and fought again, seemingly wiz unlimited anger and fury, is zat what we are? Is zat what we wish to be in ze eyes of ozers? Our borders are over extended, our generals begin to feel mortal, we cry for more and more men to feed our expansion and conquest.
When do we call a 'alt? When do we show mercy to our enemies? What is our purpose? We expand and expand again, is it for ze sake of expansion itself or is zeir a plan?
Alain takes a seat.
I ask all 'ere to zink a moment on zis. We 'ave a made good sense in zis council from ze beginning, but now...now zat we look back on ze last two Seneschal terms I do not know anymore.
Hugues nods to Alain.
The Duc de Bretagne raises some important concerns. No doubt they will be discussed at the next Session.
Captain de Montpierre, before granting your request, I sent out feelers to the English. A peace offer of Nottingham, York, trade rights and 1000 florins, the approximate cost of the mercenaries, despite being balanced, would have been rejected. This is one of the reasons I granted you the men. Perhaps taking London will make the English realize the futility of their situation.
I can see why unchecked aggression is so appealing, our enemies won't acknowledge they've been beaten until they're in the grave.
I'm afraid that both peace with England and the Empire may be a burden passed on to my successor. Though I will continue my efforts to the end of my term. Of course now that the English have been reconciled, the Pope may step in again.
Philippe, having listened to the Ducs, stands to speak to the assembled nobles.
Ducs, you raise good points.
Indeed, France is now known as a nation to be feared on any battlefield, against any opponent, at fearful odds even...
I had expected my reign to be a peaceful reign.
I made overtures to Guillaume to resolve peacefully our differences, negotiating trade rights as a beginning and comtemplating offering an alliance for the return of our lost territories... Now, most of you here have opposed such an alliance and see what your efforts brought us : another war, the death of countless French sons and the death of one of our noble knights... Had we obtained our settlements through a fair exchange as I had proposed (looks in Alain's direction), we might not have had to unscabbard our swords against Guillaume and his cronies and Yvon Lacaze might still be alive and here among us.
I would have prefered to pay those settlements in gold rather than in blood, mes Seigneurs.
As to the war with the Reich, there has been some plot at work that has unwillingly plunged us into this war. Nothing has been yet uncovered about the hand that pulled our strings and I fear we may never know whose agency it was that worked against us.
All I see looking back is fields of battle littered with the corpses of our vaunted enemies and the bodies of our brave soldiers. Do you think I relish the sight ? Don't you think I wouldn't rather see those men toiling in the fields, reaping wheat and barley ?
I have had enough of warring. I had hoped we could make France once again what it was under Charlemagne's rule. What I had not anticipated was the cost of such a venture.
Now, we must take stock of our conquests and see if they can bring us peace. The Senechal tells us England will not sue for peace. There is no easy solution to this and all solutions to this problem unfortunately come through fighting : either we fight them to the bitter end, obliterating them from the face of the earth as a nation or we fight them until we capture enough of their lands that they'll agree to a ceasefire.
The same goes for the Reich.
I will ask our Senechal to sue for peace with those Kingdoms, bartering the captured settlements in the King's Demesne to achive that aim. I understand that is one more heavy weight put on the shoulders of the Senechal, taking on responsibilities that should truly belong to the King and thank him for the good work accomplished so far. Had I known such hard times were coming, I would have put more pressure into being elected as your Senechal against Hugues, for those hard times are my responsibility to handle.
We've made France whole once again, mes Seigneurs... It is now time to make it shine as a beacon of enlightenment and progress, to make it proof of God's blessing on us.
And you, Louis ? What do you have to say on these matters ? You who have killed and maimed indiscriminately left and right, showing not one ounce of mercy, hiding behind a professed desire to serve your country when it was in fact your battle- and blood-lust that you served ?
The only heartening news I've received is that your vassals seem to show more restraint than you, as the cities and castles Aquitaine conquered have been spared.
Have you nothing to say about this, Louis ?
Philippe then sits, glaring at his son.
Simon returns into the Chamber a weary look on his face.
I thank your Grace for giving me the funds necessary to defeat the English. It looks like peace will not be had and we are forced to meet them on the battlefield. Prince John and his Cousin Henry fought valiantly as lions against our Knights. Robert Bouchart gave his life for victory against the English!
He came to us as a noble and chivalrous man from the Duchy of Bretagne. He followed my call to do Gods work in a Crusade against the English. His wish was not to be granted and despite my efforts I could not hold my promise of a Crusade nor bring him home safely. For that alone I am deeply humbled and apologize with all my heart to Duc Alain for letting my guard down and depriving him of one of his men.
Simon bows deeply towards the Duke of Bretagne.
I mourn this loss as much as you do. But Brother Robert knew what he was getting into when he joined our ranks. He did not want to hold back, he was amongst the first into the fray and I was close to him when he died in the decisive fight against Prince John and his followers. My Battle Report will give you more detail, but without Robert Boucharts efforts victory would have not been possible that day. For that alone he bears my eternal gratitude and I hope that he will recieve in Heaven what has been denied to him here on earth, to serve God and ride under His banner!
Simon raises a goblet in memory of the deceased then waits a moment before adresing Hugues de Champagne again.
Seneshal, I attempted to regain the florins given to me through ransoming back the prisoners I had. The English refused. Should our coffers require it you have my permission to release the Welsh mercenaries from my command.
Hugues bows his head and then raises his glass.
To Robert Bouchart!
The Duc drinks deeply.
I must confess I did not know the man well, but he died a warrior.
Hugues sighs.
I hope his sacrifice will be worth it.
Having already paid for their service, the Order may keep the mercenaries.
Hugues looks to the King.
Your Majesty, I will again send out our diplomats to seek peace. If it can be had on acceptable terms, I will take it. We may have better results if London, Hamburg and Magdeburg fall. We shall see.
Philippe takes his head in his hands. Those nearest to the King can hear what seems to be sobs.
I salute the memory of Robert Bouchart and Yvonne Lacaze. They were true soldiers of France and died well, fighting for their country. I did not know Yvonne well, but Robert was a valued member of the Order of the Fleurs de Lys who I will sorely miss. He was a quiet man, but when he spoke, his opinions carried weight and I am honored to have served with him.
Nobles of France, I venture to say that up until these recent losses, we have been lucky. We have won victory after victory, and while we have paid for those gains in the blood of our men, the membership of the Conseil itself has been spared. Now, outside Pamplona and in England, our luck may seem to have run out. But in truth, this is nature of war - it is not costless but extracts its bitter price.
To Robert and Yvonne, brave fighters who served their country well!
Sieur de Montpierre,
I order you to march with your Brother knights to Antwerp and take up the defense of the city. Our Senechal has enough to do watching the Eastern border without having to cross half of France to defend our holdings in Flanders.
Need I remind you that the city is your responsibility. Where is your Steward when he's needed ? Stewardship doesn't only mean counting sacks of grain, casks of wine and heads of chattel... It also means providing safety for the citizens living behind your walls and in the countryside... Should I have heeded the words of my Dukes when they appealed to me not to grant lands and thus power to your Order ?
This is not a punishment, Captain... But we've neglected for too long the needs of our citizens by running headlong into this mad English venture. Therefore, I'll bring it myself to an end. And as a further proof of my continued trust in you and your Order I'll release to your command every single men under your command right now, provided that a single unit remains to maintain the siege on London if I haven't arrived when you decide to go (OOC : Ituralde, if you take the save before I do, please leave one unit at least to maintain the siege if you move the Order knights out).
I'm only a season's march away from London and I'll take up the siege in your stead. London will not remain in our Royaume long enough to be considered part of it and I will not insult you by letting you believe you might stand a chance of claiming it for your Order.
Let me also state that I will make my will known as to which Houses will be grabnted what provinces before the start of the next session of the Conseil.
I've already heard the pleas of some of our Ducs and Lords. My secretary will receive all the requests now, unless, mes Seigneurs, you wish to make those publicly. (OOC: PM me or speak up in this thread...)
Alain's head sinks into his chest. After a moment of consideration he speaks in a quiet tone.
"And so it continues my lords. Another honourable man has lost his life, Bretagne was greater for the quite and steady presence of Lord Robert. I will notify his family and ask for succession to be organised by his household.
I am thankful of the words from the King and members of the Order."
He bows to Simon and Hermant.
To the east of Antwerp, Henri and myself continue to do what we can to keep the Kaiser's troops busy. But it is quite apparent that the prince and I need assistance beyond what Frankfurt can provide. One only needs to see a single company defending Nuremburg as evidence that our position is hardly one that encourages the Kaiser to seek terms.
Perhaps some more professional troops can be raised at Caen and then transported by ship to reinforce Henri. A prospect of a long siege is what currently faces us without proper reinforcement.
Simon stares shocked at the King and it takes some time before he realizes what he is doing, upon which he bows deeply.
My King, I thank you for showing your trust in the Order by releasing into my command the infantry I led to London, led towards London following your permission as given in your report to the Seneshal. I don't know what I have done to anger your Majesty. I had only acted as you have instructed me. Seizing London was never my aim, but I hoped to help in initiating the siege with your army since I was moving south anyway.
Which brings me to the matter of Antwerp. I have already stated in this very chamber that I will move towards Antwerp as fast as possible. While I thank Duc Hugues for his initiative the situation was well under control. Brother Gaspard while for some reason loathe to attack the Germans would have been in a position to repell any attack against Antwerp. I assure you that I take my responsibilities seriously as do all members of the Order of the Fleur de Lys.
Bowing stiffly Simon leaves the Chamber.
Hugues turns to the King.
Lorraine took Staufen from the Germans. . .
Hugues grins wryly.
. . .twice, actually. I would be most grateful if it was granted to my Duchy. The territory fits nicely into the existing Duchy, allowing for quick defensive movement. This would strengthen Lorraine in its service as the de facto German march.
Hugues bows and then addresses Thomas.
It may be time to build a Channel fleet, but any troops transported by ship would be subject to attack by the English and German fleets. We will not have naval parity with them without spending a great deal of Florins.
As for proper reinforcement, the Dauphin's gift will most likely be galloping towards you as we speak.
Philippe looks at the departing Order Captain with a note of puzzlement in his eyes.
Anger ? There was no anger in my words... If any of you encounters de Montpierre, be sure to tell him so. If the man cannot take orders, then he shall know my anger... There is no more need for so many knights on the English island
Philippe then turns to Hugues.
Your request has been duly noted, Hugues. I'll wait for the other requests before giving it right.
The smiling man from Gaetan retinue enters, and bows clumsily, obviously drunk beyond reasonable limits. He pulls out a scroll and proceeds to juggle it as he loses his hold on it. Finally, after grasping it firmly, he proceeds to open it and stares very closely at the print, mumbling to himself as he reads. Finally he throws the scroll to the ground, frustrated, and begins to speak in a mix of broken French and English, all the while gesturing drunkly.
"Members of the council, Chevalier Gaetan de Rethel wishes to make known that he is terribly sorry for the death of Robert Bouchart, and sends his best, no, heartfelt regards to his family. My lord recognizes that the Order may be in need of men, and he would make it known...that, that he would be open to joining the Order again if, it is acceptable to the good sirs."
With that, he takes a dramatic bow, and proceeds to exit in a zig-zag pattern.
Henri enters, muddy but in good health and hearty
My lords,
I must, again, thank the Seneschal for his efforts to re-enfoce me. My plans, which have been supported by my father, are to wait for the enemy to sally forth against me where I will have the advantage.
Should forces arrive from Caen then I will be glad for them certainly.
I am shocked that the cowards do not sally already...perhaps I leave a bitter taste in their mouths still from our last encounter!