Conseil du Royaume

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by AussieGiant

Alain takes a moment to hold the gaze of Raymond and Hugues.

---

*Gontran's mind is filled with the vision of Alain's eyes in separate directions, one eye on each person*

:dizzy:

I really don't see what is the problem?
My father, the King, used his right to veto Edicts he didn't like.
Previous Kings have done it so .. why can't he do it?

Hugues nods to Alain, and turns to Charles.

The King is within his rights to veto Edicts. The rub is that he vetoed popular Edicts. With a stroke of the quill, he wiped out almost half of the Legislation that we spent days crafting and debating. On top of this his Majesty did not grace us with an explanation.

So the King is within his rights, but we would be within our rights as well to register our consternation by certain acts. Some have been mentioned by Baron de Perrone: Denial of recruitment and armies. I might also add another: Lowering of taxes.

Finally, we have the option of Impeachment, but only if the King steps beyond his rights as Seneschal.

Indeed, zere are a number of effective options available at this time.

I am wondering if zey are necessary.

The explanation of recent events by our king may go far in telling us in whether they are necessary. I did not take offense when he decided to assume position of seneschal as it was his legal right.

But his action to oppose such clear positions of the conseil is a most troubling one. Defiance in the face of an enemy is one thing. This is quite different.

Philippe strides into the Conseil and settles himself upon the Throne.

Mes Seigneurs,

Long have I debated with you in these very chambers the way I considered our role in England. I hoped you might see things my way not as occupiers like many of you try to portray us (or rather portray me) but as a safeguard against the depredations the British sovereigns (be they Scottish or English) might have wreaked upon the people of the land you wanted us to give back to them.

As I stated many times here, I would not suffer it. The English people will soon find the French rule preferable to that of Guillaume or his descendants. They will soon live in an era of unprecedented prosperity, if you allow me to conduct my policies to their fullest extent.

But this prosperity is not destined to England alone. For I intend to sue for peace with our neighbours or at least maintain a vigilant watch behind our borders. But this can only be accomplished if you, mes Seigneurs, cooperate with your sovereign, instead of being the grain of sand in what I expect to be a well-oiled machinery.

This era of prosperity can only be accomplished also if we do not seek to lead wars in distant lands. Hence my opposition to the proposed crusade. I think we've already proven to God and His representative on Earth, His Holiness Gregoire, that France was a faithful vassal of the Church and have no need to request any Crusade on Heathen lands to prove our faith. However, should His Holiness call for a Crusade against the Moors or with the purpose of freeing the Holy Land from the Muslim yoke, I will not oppose the wish of any noble that would wish to answer the call and provide as any help as the Royaume will be able to provide.

And de Perronne, I'd like you to remember by whose grace you find yourself holding lands. Bordeaux fell under your rule because my son pleaded with me to grant it to him so that he could offer it to you in return for your service. Now, you would betray my trust and that of my son by calling your fellow nobles to join in what seems almost like a rebellion against the Crown.

I do not think to hold the absolute truth. Am I not the first of French sovereigns to give so much powers to his vassals over their lands or the ruling of the country ? Don't you trust your King to lead the country to the best of his abilities without tying his hands with Edicts that dictate our foreign policy ?

I have used my powers of veto simply to free my hands from the bonds you tried to put to them in dealing with the foreign powers. On matters of internal policy such as the use of mercenaries or the ratification of conquests, I let the majority rule.

Speaking of which, it came to my attention that many among you who wish to be separated from England (looks at de Peronne and Henri) nevertheless have voted for the ratification of London or am I mistaken ? Perhaps I am and you wished only to ratify our Iberian holdings but got waylaid by the fact that they were tied to the ratification of one of our English conquests. So please, mes Seigneurs, spare me your lessons on our legitimacy in England and I'll spare you some about Spain.

Father,

Simply put I voted in favour of ratifying those provinces in England so that you would be able to do as you pleased with them...or rather as Seneschal.

Point is, without full ratification, could we fully negotiate legally for their trade to our benefit.

Mon roi, simply put, I have no confidence in your grand plan of bringing peace to the poor oppressed of Europe. Firstly, because I have seen no details of any sort of plan. Indeed, it appears to be your policy to present this chamber with facts already implemented, rather than with plans. Others may follow you out of trust alone, I will not.

Secondly, I do not believe that we can secure this prosperity you wish us to see. Already, the English people are threatened again by Viking raiders. How is this security? More importantly, why is it the business of good French nobles to defend the sons of Albion at the cost of many French lives?

Let me say it simply: If we had not invaded Albion, we would now not find ourselves in yet another pointless war! Where will it end? Do we invade Scandinavia? And then Poland? And then the lands of the Rus?

We are squandering time, we are squandering money and we are squandering lives for what, with all due respect, I cannot see as more than your personal ambition.

I once again encourage all nobles to refuse to continue aiding the defence of Albion and to return to our homeland immediately.

My King, I regret that I have promised to serve my Duc this term and am no longer on active duty with the Order Company. If my Duc wishes me to assist you in fighting off the Norsemen, I would be honoured to serve under you again. However, Duc Raymond had planned for me to return to Dijon. I will consult with him and report back.

[OOC: Cecil is moving Hermant this term.]

"May I inquire of his majesty what became of the spear company he reported to have recruited in Frankfurt? I see no evidence of any troops within its walls."

Aquitaine is honored to have Pamplona added to her domain, thank you Mon Roi.

At the same time I call on Sir Selvo to return the soldiers Aquitaine donated to the defense of Valencia and make his own arrangements for the defense of his castle. The matter can also be discussed privately at his discretion, but I make the request in public so that all may know the fairness of it. My House considers the conquest of the castle to be sufficient gift to my sister, garrisoning it can come from the land's resources.

As to the northern raiders they are naught but that, raiders. If they plunder England they do so in the wake of our own plundering, and I find myself little inclined to make trouble over it. Let them take what they want and sail back where they came from.

:egypt:

Louis returns to the chamber with four men carrying two heavy chests. They deposit them on the Council floor and Louis uses his foot to kick them open, revealing that they are full of Moorish gold.

The Sultan of the Moors has met me in battle once more, been defeated once more, and been mercifully ransomed by his ever forgiving subjects once more. Ten thousand florins was the price on his head this day. I confess that I was tempted to simply execute the coward, especially after the manner of his hasty surrender, but I am attempting to follow my father's noble example and learn... restraint... with my enemies.

There are two more matters I wish to bring before the Council. Firstly I ask the considered opinion of the men of the chamber on the matter of converting the castle at Pamplona into a town. I am not much of an administrator, but it seems to me that Bordeaux is more than sufficient to oversee the protection of that coast and that the development of better trade and shipping opportunities at Pamplona might benefit the realm. I am no expect, however, so I put the matter before men more accustomed to managing peasants at their lives. What say you?

Secondly I intend to pursue the Moors into their lands and punish them for their invasion of France and for having the termerity to declare war against us. With God's favor I and my men shall cast the Moors out of Iberia and back into the desert, securing it for Christians once more. In that vein it has come to my attention that there are more Christians around Cordoba than at Valencia. I suggest that Sir Selvo do something about his heathenish subjects at first opportunity, it would be unseemly to have a Muslim rebellion behind my path of advance.

Recruitment prioritizations are being processed for myself and my House. I trust I have provided sufficient funds to see that they are met without complaint.

:egypt:

My Lords,

Due to the actions of the Norsemen the Order will support the King in the defense of the defenseless.

I formally request the Seneschal allow the raising of another company of Spearmen in Antwerp.

I also request funds to hire mercenary crossbowmen to help me maintain the siege of Hamburg for now. If I have more spears I would invade and take the Norwegian captial!!

I request Nottingham and York to myself.

I think that Norsemen are too bold and should be trampled to death by our mighty forces. Even though I am young I am more than capable to defend our settlements in Albion!

*Henri baulks at Charles’ comments*

May I remind you younger brother that the King will grant provinces and the responsibilities they entail to those HE deems worthy and capable. Such overt “want” may not be seen with such generosity if you are not careful.

Are you even bloodied yet?

A figure in a dark cloak of blue, with a large hood pulled over his head masking his features, makes his apparition in the Conseil. The bulk of the apparition speaks of a man. He walks slowly with apparently great difficulty. Slowly he climbs upon the dais and sits upon the Throne. None of the sergeants make a move to stop him but a few swords are heard being loosened from their scabbards among the nobles. But before anybody steps forwards, a voice resonates from within the hood.

Mes Seigneurs,

All recognize the voice of the King though it comes slightly changed.

I grieve for the loss of Hugues de Champagne, my friend and faithful vassal. His death reminds us all of our own mortality. I have asked our Cardinal to say mass here in Paris in his honour in a few days' time. His vassal Bertin will also be honoured in the same ceremony. We'll recommend their souls to God.

With the passing of both, the House of Lorraine has lost almost all of its leading nobles. Though this is a sad time, we must nevertheless the rise to Duc of Thomas de Saint-Amand. Let all acclaim the new Duc.

Waiting the hurrahs to quieten down, Philippe stands with difficulty. He then lifts his hand up to his face and draws back his hood. Murmurs of dismay can be heard through the assembled nobles as they get their first sight of their King new face. Or semblance thereof. For in lieu of the flesh, all that can be seen of Philippe's face is a leather mask that covers his whole head, with slits for his eyes, mouth, nose and ears.

This is the work of Danish axes. My face is such a mess that I could not impose upon the look of my torn flesh. Do not pity me... "Who lives by the sword shall die by the sword"... I am not dead yet but I've already received my sentence in this life rather than in te next.

Forgive me if I do not seem the same but my wounds still hurt.

With these words, Philippe slumps back upon his throne.

*Henri moves to aid his father but is waved back by him*

Father, just give me the men and I will destroy Denmark for what they have done to you! It galls me to leave the siege of Hamburg…but as you request I will withdraw towards Frankfurt.

*Henri remains standing beside Philippe, one hand on the back of the Throne in a gesture of support*

Duc Saint-Amand, it pains us all that your title will come to you in such a sorrowful way but Dukedom has come to you. My Father and King wishes us to combine our forces at Frankfurt and due to these reasons and others…

*Henri steps forward, nods to his father and kneels before the new Duc*

I, Prince Henri, of my own free will and volition pledge myself to Duc Thomas Saint-Amand as vassal. To serve with honour and chivalry in the defence of our realm and to the betterment of the Duchy of Lorraine. Until Mon Duc or Death release me.

Philippe turns his head towards his son.

Peace, my son... As I told already, this is not the deeds of the Danes... I've done this to me myself by living by the sword...

Almost unheard, Philippe adds.

But could I follow any other course ?

Alain swears quietly under his breath. Taking a moment to compose himself, he stands and bows to the King and Duc Thomas.

"My fellow Duc and friend 'ugues was a great man whom ze realm will miss more zan most of you realise.

I acknowledge Duc Thomas as ze new ruler of 'ouse Lorraine and remain at 'is disposal if 'e needs any assistance in zis trying time."

Alain turns to the King.

"My liege, you seem severely wounded. Is zere anyzing we can do to assist you?"

Not sure of his next sentence he continues regardless.

"Are we intending on retaining Albion?

All of it?"

I thank Mon Roi and Duc Alain for their support.

I also accept the oath of Prince Henri with gratitude.

This seems not the time nor place for eulogies. Duc Hugues was a teacher to his vassals and a gifted leader who won many victories against the enemies of the Royaume. His service as Senseschal earned the respect of many in this hall. Baron Bertin was my brother-in-arms and our first action together against the rebel garrison of Metz under Duc Hugues seems as if it were only yesterday.

There is no doubt that the House of Lorraine has suffered two terrible losses. But I am determined to see that it is restored to good health in time.

The mask turns to face Alain.

I have indeed been severely wounded, but it is my soul which hurts more. I thank you for your offer of help but I shall learn to deal with the pain, of the body or of the mind.

After a pause, Philippe goes on.
I've asked our diplomat to bring the matter to the attention of the Scottish King. He did not seem interested in the least in any English provinces, lest we give them up for free.

Though until we've asked the English King at what price he will have peace, I think we're in Albion to stay. Which reminds me that you've not stated if you were willing to have London as one of your Duchy's provinces, Alain.

I've also commissioned several buildings in the Isle. I wish to recoup these investments if ever we return these provinces to a Norman, Saxon or Celt sovereign.

*Henri rises after Duc Saint-Amand accepts his pledge*

I thank you Mon Duc. I will serve with honour and I am sure we will discuss Duchy matters out of these chambers.

My King, father, rest well and reclaim your great strength. It seems all our neighbours wish to only take by force…even that which we offer in favourable terms, it is almost as if an unseen hand moves against us. It is clear we must bring stability and safety to England until the true English King accepts his provinces back…not by the tip of the spear but by accepting negotiation with us.

I will ask if you are possible to release some of the troops currently under your command back into the command of the Order of the Fleur De Lys? I feel they may be needed elsewhere soon, especially with a revitalised enemy on our Eastern border and perhaps a new threat in the North with the Norse.

Louis makes a striking contrast to his father, dressed in light formal clothes, his skin bearing a golden tan from enjoying the southern climate, and his disposition bright. He is the very picture of health, though he has begun to thicken about the middle. He bows deeply to his father before speaking,

Mon Pere your wounds are noble testament to your valor and dedication to your realm. What other King of this decadent age rides at the head of his armies? What other man of your years could drive back so many of the fierce northmen? You need wear no mask on my account, for what could be more beautiful than marks of your foe's failed blows as you carried your soldiers to victory?

I do have a concern with regards to Albion, however, which is simply that it strikes me as unseemly to spend excessively on those lands while native Franks at Marseilles live in squalor. I ask that the improvement to the walls there be built, and that in the future the people of that city be considered when funding is set aside for construction. I will instruct my vassal to make the necessary paperwork available to you (OOC: Change his SoT).

The death of a Duke of the realm is always regrettable, especially so soon after the loss of a Baron. House Lorraine has my sympathies.

:egypt:

I too mourn with the House of Lorraine. They have lost two of their members today, one of them being Hugues de Champagne, a lion on the battlefield and a noble Seneshal to all of France. He will be missed! I congratulate Duc Thomas and hope that Lorraine will recover from this blow.

On behalf of the Brothers of the Order of the Fleur de Lys I would ask you Duc Thomas if you want to continue the patronage of the Order as was done by Duc Hugues before you? Having the Dukes of all Houses as our patrons has always been a clear sign that the Order belongs to no House and all Houses and has its only purpose in serving France, God, and Chivalry!

Simon then turns towards the King.

I thank your majesty for sparing my feelings while riding against the Danes. I'm afraid it was not necessary though. I have told you how I feel about the matter of Albion, but this does not mean that I will disobey your orders or that I wasn't willing to lend my full support to your Majesty when I decided to bring those men to you personally! I have been and will be a loyal servant and obey your orders even if I haven't grasped their full wisdom yet.

With that in mind I ask you if the services of my men and those of the Order are needed by you in Albion?

Alain nods in agreement while listening to the Dauphin and Ser Simon speak.

"If we are to stay in Albion for ze moment zen I will govern London my King.

I will make the necessary arrangements."

My King and Seneschal.

You have hinted that I could recruit mercenaries to aid me, I have been approached by a company of spearmen for employ. Do I have your authorisation to hire them for now?

I will also request, as Baron of Metz that two companies of Sergeant Spearmen and one company of Peseant Archers be recruited there in order to march to Frankfurt as soon as possible.

I thank you

((OOC: Updating SoT now))

My King, Seneschal, I must again ask if there are an troops that can be released from England back into the care of the Order. Our line in the East is perilously thin when matched against the armies arrayed against us…Germans, Poles and potentially even the Danes!

If the Order attains troops in England they would be ferried to Antwerp to join troops there before moving directly East to aid me and the Duchy of Lorraine against these enlarged threats.

Philippe turns to his son.

My son, England is not yet pacified. The English King still has a sizable army under his command and as such is still a threat to the provinces I have made my duty to protect. Hence, the forces currently in England will have to remain there. I will check the reports (OOC : the save) to see what men can be spared. You are also authorized to recruit the mercenary spearmen you requested (OOC : one unit).

I will make it known to you soon what men can be spared and brought back to the continent by Brother de MontPierre.

Philippe comes back to the Conseil with a parchment in his hands.

Henri, your request for reinforcements will be implemented. I will see also to the recruitment of mounted sergeants in Staufen.

*Henri bows to the king*

Thank you indeed. I could not ask for more at this trying time.