Alain seems a bit put out by de Montpierre apparent lack of acknowledgment of what he said and proceeds to fire a squirt of wine at him. It's followed by a questioning look.
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Alain seems a bit put out by de Montpierre apparent lack of acknowledgment of what he said and proceeds to fire a squirt of wine at him. It's followed by a questioning look.
Alain, please...or next session I shall put forward an edict banning alcohol in the council chambers...
Henri laughs quietly
Fear not on that one...I hear your words and support you, none of us wish another vote at this critical time any more delays can be fatal to our men.
Hugues eyes widen at Henri's suggestion.
What!? You are cruel young man Highness to propose such a thing as banning wine in the Conseil. Sacre bleu! This is France, wine and good government go hand in hand.
Hugues glares at Alain.
And you good Duc, don't waste that vintage, 1066 was a good year. If you wish to spray wine at your peers, please use whatever swill you're able to produce in Bretagne.
Philippe strides into the Conseil, his armour still fleckled with specks of blood.
Mes Seigneurs, this here (pointing at his breastplate) is English blood... Our swords have finally drunk of that most foul beverage...
War with England is declared... Strike now... Strike swiftly... I and the other Crusaders will deal Guillaume the killing blow but I want to see you bleed him... Take everything from him... EVERYTHING !!
Turning to Alain and Hugues.
Would you share some of that wine ? I rode directly from Rambouillet and I'm thirsty as hell...
Taking a sip from one of the proferred goblets, Philippe calms down.
That fool Harold thought to defy us by riding against Paris. Hopefully I was still in the vicinity. Guillaume has refused to ransom his kin, the greedy and avaricious bastard that he is...
Now, we'll cross the Channel next year and I deem it a good omen that we take the Cross once safely on the other side. It will consecrate English soil once again as being part of God's Kingdom.
Join me at Calais, Crusaders, or join me in Folkestone but there only will we take the Cross.
Philippe takes another gulp of wine and finally sits on his throne.
Hugues raises a new wineskin, the one Alain stole a lost cause, in salute to the King.
Cry 'havoc', your Majesty, and let slip the dogs of war.
Simon looks incredulous at Duc Alain then decides to ignore his squirting, grinding his teeth at the words of the King.
So neither Paris nor Bruges then. I follow my King where he leads.
The English themselves have initiated this, in actuality we were withdrawing from their lands. Let it not be said in history that we drew first blood…this war has been started firmly by the English.
Good luck and good hunting to all on our Western front.
even Henri raises a glass in honour
Alain gives Simon another squirt, missing intentionally and going for the splash damage option. At the Kings statement he fires one long last shot straight up in the air the whole council is covered in a thin shower of excellent 1066 and then promptly belches.
"Well zen..."
In a rather effeminate and soft voice he says.
"'avoc!
He continues in a more normal tone.
I'll be in Angers by next season if anyone wants to speak to me."
Louis roars,
War! At last, at long, long last! All hail the King and praise his victory! William will be repaid for his treachery and his heathen heart!
At his gesture a number of pages depart the Council chamber on sundry preassigned tasks. Louis then raises a toast to his father.
Bordeaux will be under siege shortly. Valencia should fall as soon as Sir de Xaintrailles can reach the walls. Pamplona will have to wait a few seasons, but the English will find no shelter there in the long term. They will be expelled, and this will once more be the kingdom of the Franks, whole under her King, Phillipe the Lion!
I find myself surprised that William would not pay ransom... can it be that he has emptied his coffers to make war on the Scots? Or was it that his vassal's own ambition had been unleashed and Harold acted outside his master's orders? Ever do a traitor's own look to betray him.
I hope I have made it clear that I mean to repel the Moorish invasion of our lands, no matter what excuse it hides under. With that in mind I want to make my training requests in public, so that the Seneschal may deny them in public as well rather than attempt to backroom them away in some obscure political wrangling.
I ask that militia be trained at Marseilles and Zaragosa, the the cavalry at Toulouse be retrained, and that some archers be commissioned at Toulouse to hold the castle while I take the mounted men out against the Moors. In the immediate future House Aquitaine will likely see the heaviest fighting, do not short my men because of our disagreement.
With a sneer of faint disgust Louis continues,
Wine is never really the problem, the problem is those who cannot hold it. Set aside mere drink and instead let the blood of our enemies refresh your cup now Duke de Champagne! War calls!
:egypt:
Duc Raymond strides into the Conseil.
The Army of Bourgogne has ridden into battle! I am proud to say that we have taken not only the life of Gunther von Nurmerburg as he encroached upon my lands, but just a few leagues from Bern we engaged an army under the command of Kaiser Karl, and my vassal Raoul Chatillion defeated and killed the Kaiser in the ensueing melee!
I'm embarrased to say in my enthusiasm I forgot to send a unit back to Dijon, but it's nothing that can't be taken care of next season, while my army besieges the castle of Bern.
Hugues smiles at the good news.
Congratulations to Duc Raymond and Chevalier Raoul de Chatillon. We appear to have the Germans on the defensive.
Hugues turns to the Dauphin.
Your Highness's request for more men will be taken into account. However, military expenditures are at an all time high. I must warn the Conseil that barring further prioritizations, recruitment for new companies will be curtailed. If we keep enlisting Companies, there will be no money for building, diplomacy or trade.
I am sorry if this is troubling to the Dauphin, but Acquitaine must make do with the sizable forces it already has.
If the Moors become more of a threat, I may reasses the situation.
Then I will do my part to ensure Bordeaux is taken with a minimum of losses.
My Lords,
Rest assured that I will do my part with the forces I have at hand and take on any German forces near Frankfurt and defeat them wholesale. I further propose to hand control of one of my mercenary ranged units to Frankfurt so they may be closer to taking the field actively after I have negated this immediate threat.
Yvon smiles bitterly
One wonders what more must the Moors do to be considered a threat?
The Moorish army near Marseilles is not a threat to you, Baron Lacaze. I have no doubt their presence is disturbing, but they will only attack a city that was identified by their own religious leaders and so far as I am aware, Marseilles is not the one.
Frankfurt needs troops more than anywhere. Against substantial imperial forces, I cannot do anything more than hide behind walls with only three militia units and rely on the assistance of Prince Henri for protection of what is the most financially significant city in the royaume. That last point may not be of interest to many, but it is a fact.
Baron Thomas de Saint-Amand and my lords,
As part of my pledge I have stated I will release one company of crossbowmen to the Baron’s command after I have met the forces immediately arrayed before me.
I also intend to offer any captives for ransom back to the Germans in the hope that the Seneschal will agree that any funds raised from this will be used to help recruitment in Frankfurt.
The baron has been gracious enough to offer me any and all forces he has at his disposal, an offer I am happy to refuse at this time. However, should I get the opportunity I intend to march North an besiege Hamburg, a significant castle, for which I may require additional troops.
If or when this occurs, I will call upon Baron Thomas de Saint-Amand to aid me directly. I will not be requesting funds for myself to hire additional mercenary companies.
Prince Louis enters the chamber followed by four strapping young men carrying chests. They deposit them on the Council floor. With a grand gesture Louis begins to speak,
This, gentlemen, is a Sultan's ransom.
The Prince smiles broadly at the men, and tips a wink in the Duke de Champagne's direction.
Despite the Seneschal's refusal to live up to his end of our bargain and despite his further refusal to see an invasion of infidels as a threat I and my men have dispatched the foreign army in defense of France. The enemy's people, being a forgiving lot I suppose, have agreed to paid over fourteen thousand florins for his release. Obviously I've already negotiated the exchange.
A look of frustration and anger comes over Louis' face as he continues to speak,
This is my pledge. This is my bond. No matter how I am treated I love my country, love fighting for my country, more than anything else. Demean my House, mock my habits, and disguise your ambition to take my conquests for yourselves and it matters not, I will always serve the kingdom of the Franks to the fullest extent of my abilities.
Christophe de Perrone. Raynaud de Xaintrailles. Yvon Lacaze. Gontran de Linars... and now Gaetan de Rethel. These men are heroes of House Aquitaine. You may not care for our methods or the size of our lands, but you cannot question our results. We enrich, enlarge, and ward this nation. Someone made some claim or the other about the wealth of Frankfurt in requesting reinforcements. I match that claim now, with the wealth House Aquitaine brings to France. Reinforce us in kind, build for us in kind, or meet God's justice in the hereafter.
In particular Gaetan de Rethel is in need of mercenaries to reinforce his siege of Pamplona. We can afford them.
Secondarily there should be training and construction at Toulouse, also with an eye to completing the siege of Pamplona.
Thirdly, in my humble opinion, we might consider if some of this money should be set aside to fund the Moorish crusade which must surely someday come. I leave to the discretion of this body the method.
I vow this as well, should the Moors come again we will meet them once more. As God is my witness, no infidels shall invade France and cross her freely so long as I live.
With a self satisfied smile Louis plops into his seat.
:egypt:
A message arrives from Duc Raymond
As Lord of Dijon, the trade capital of the Royaume, I must point out that under normal circumstance Dijon is the wealthiest city of the Kingdom. The reason it is not at this moment is because it was necessary to lower taxes for the duration of my campaign to seize Bern.
May I point out Sieur that if developed properly, Marcelle would be far wealthier than Dijon. It is our gateway to the riches of the Mediterranean and the East.
Yvon rises, clapping his hands
My only regret is that I could not have taken part in the battle..... My lord has saved my city, for no matter what the rest of you say, I Believe that the moors would not have taken a second thought at sacking it.
He has brought riches before you none of you could have dreamed of. Perhaps next time you all wish to mock Aquitaine you look at our own coffers MY lord, And your PRINCE, placed those riches there.
Now I believe I shall go back to the city and spread the good word.
It is my hope that under my leadership Marseilles will become a trade capitol of the west.
Hugues is drinking wine when the chests are brought in. When their bounty is spilled on the floor, he expells a spray of purple over a report in shock. Daubing at his doublet, he speaks.
Most impressive Dauphin. Your Highness makes a better bandit than a martyr.
Standing, the Seneschal rethinks his last statement and genuinely bows to the Prince.
Your Highness shall have the stables at Toulouse and building in other parts of the Duchy. As for the mercenaries for Gaetan. . .I am loathe to reinforce a man who sieges a castle with just his retinue. Unless we take hostages every season, adding more companies to our forces will eventually bankrupt the Realm. This is not an insult to Acquitaine, it is a problem that faces the entire Kingdom.
We should not base the long term finances of the Realm on the continued expectation of such impressive wind falls as this.
Hugues recieves a letter, after scanning it, he shakes his head.
I have asked that requests for recruitment be made in public.
Baron de Saint-Amand, your request for two companies of mercenary crossbowmen is denied.
The army of Lorraine will be headed to Frankfurt to assist you with the Germans.
A messenger arrives bearing word from Franconia and reads aloud.
To his most honorable seneschal and Duc of Champagne. The crossbows are no longer required. The enemy has been driven from the field by my guard and spear militia. My attempt to secure a ransom was to no avail. Apparently the empire's fiscal resources were insufficient to come up with the necessary florins. Prince Henri and I will continue to do what is necessary with the resources we have to defend our lands.
Respectfully,
Thomas
Baron of Franconia
Alain glances at the pile of coin, raises a glass and says.
"'avoc."
Indeed my brother, what fortune you bring us this day! I do fear that I would have had nearly such a haul but…
*Henri pauses for effect*
…the new Kaiser decided to stand defiantly and not face me in hand to hand combat. He died with a crossbow bolt in his chest after allowing his entire retinue to suffer the very same fate by standing at the bottom of a hill and NEVER moving from his position.
Yes, my lords. I bring news of two further victories in the East against large German armies. My first battle was fought in difficult position atop a mountain pass. The Kasier refused to ransom back his loyal men that night.
The second battle took place in a deep forest, the cowardly Kasier refused to take the field actively against me and I had to march my entire army around the forest to assail him. Luckily the incoming Kaiser…I care not his name…did pay a minor sum for his men of 620 florins.
I will ask the Seneschal to aid me to uphold my offer to Frankfurt. I ask that the florins I have gained this day be given to my lord Saint-Amand to allow him to either recruit or hire mercenaries for this immediate period. I will, next season, send one company of crossbowmen to stand beside the lord of Frankfurt and in return I ask for a company of spear to allow me to march North again for my forces are depleted after two such large battles in difficult situations.
Philippe looks at both his sons.
My sons, with your prowess, I see my reign will not be for nothing. When I die, I'll die knowing I'll leave the Royaume in capable hands.
Looking sternly at Louis.
Please, Louis, do not be so harsh with our Senechal. You've accomplished so much with so little, it is understandable he's rzeluctant to send more troops to your help... I think he fears you'll conquer the world if given free rein...
As to the slights against you, just point out to me those offenders, and I shall punish them myself... Our blood is the most noble of France and a slur against you is a slur against me.
*Gontran's squire intones*Quote:
Originally Posted by OverKnight
Forgive me Sieur, but my lord informs me the stables at Toulouse are already at maximum capacity. If you wish to proceed with your most noble statement we will need to expand the castle. With my lord's recent success at Bordeaux, that time draws closer. You would be the Seneschal responsible for approving the first fortress in French history. It's quite an honour.
Thomas enters the conseil having ridden from the battle of Champagne. He walks over to the bench of Lorraine and bows to the seneschal. Then, Thomas moves to the bench of Aquitaine where Louis is seated. Thomas stands before him and then kneels, his head bowed.
“Dauphin, I have been advised that my actions at Champagne warrant consideration for my adoption into your family. I would consider it the greatest honor if you would accept this humble offer. My words and actions in the conseil have been consistently supportive of France. To that end I spoke against the suggestion that your forces at Bordeaux be disbanded as the seneschal suggested.
My actions in battle when I have been given the opportunity have been no less. I have fought well at Metz and other places that have been properly documented. My latest action at Champagne was a victory for France, without benefit of anything more than spear militia and my own guard.
I have served by lord, the Duc of Champagne faithfully these years past and I offer my same pledge to you if you will accept. I earnestly pray that you will.”
Thomas then looks to the prince, and awaits his reply.
A troubled look crosses Louis' face before he replies,
Thomas de Saint-Amand I mean no disrespect to your great service to God and France, but I must decline. My wife has yet to provide me with a natural son and my daughters have yet to come of age, so in the absence of a direct heir to carry on the line I fear it could create chaos for me to adopt a noble, especially of another House, as my own.
In compensation for this dismissal and recognition of your valor I offer instead that the next company of Mailed Knights trained at Toulouse be sent to serve under your command. Though we face war on many fronts all parts of France can work together for the greater good.
:egypt:
"I quite understand, highness. I pray God delivers a son to your family and thank you for the favor you have bestowed."
Thomas then rises and takes his place at the bench of Lorraine.
Hugues glances between the two men, shakes his head and remains silent, a hint of a rueful smile on his lips.
With a wry look Prince Louis addresses the Council,
So, now that the Moors trouble lands other than House Aquitaine's they are finally seen as a threat? Perhaps if the Seneschal had taken my requests seriously Aquitaine would have the forces in place to meet them, but in truth recruitment has been insufficient to replace my losses from the previous Moorish invasion. No matter, we all know who places grudges ahead of the good of their people.
A sneer crosses the Prince's face before he continues,
I do not know how the English reinforced Pamplona, but I mean to consolidate my forces and secure that front first at this time. If any other House wishes to ask aid against the Moors I pledge my House to answer as best we are able, next season, dependant on what men are available to us, of course.
As to how the Moors reached the position they have... do we need to hear charges of treachery and treason again? I am not fond of some members of this Council, but even at that I cannot imagine they would stoop to treating with infidels, much less aiding them in crossing our lands. Some other trickery is at work. Fortunately the solution is simple, we should prepare a line of fortifications blocking passage from Iberia into France proper. Eh, a matter for the future anyway.
It is well that the German front seems quiet, as the English are rallying large armies to the defense of their King. We'll put them to flight soon enough, and the more the merrier, eh Mon Roi?
As I've said all along, training requests for Toulouse and Bordeaux, once the latter has been assigned to House Aquitaine, will be entertained fairly no matter who issues them. The defense of the realm cannot be left in the cold over petty disagreements.
:egypt:
Hugues shakes his head.
All the companies your Highness requested last season were recruited, as well as all your prioritizations met.
Hugues stands, back straight and head high, with a flash of rage in his eyes.
I tire of your baseless slanders. I tire of your holier than thou attitude. I tire of you blaming everyone but yourself for the problems facing your Duchy.
You are a mindless bully. A wart on the face of this Kingdom. Your heedless aggression has landed you in trouble and now you whine like a child whose toys have been taken away.
You pushed for a war with the English, you have it. You pushed for a war with the Moors, you have it. You have attacked on all fronts, leaving your Duchy without a reserve, and now events have overtaken you. That is not my fault, but your own.
So if you wish to impeach me, try it. If you wish to challenge me to a duel, I'll accept. But for the love all that is Holy, cease your snide insinuations and focus on the challenges that face all of us.
*Raynaud soundlessly licks his lips at the Seneschal's last statement, but says nothing.*
My lords please! Now is not the time with a Moor army deep in our own territory…surely you can both see this?
Brother, to say the German border is “quiet” is a bit of a misnomer seeing as a German army threatens Antwerp as we speak? Not only this but my sources tell me it is an army raised from Hamburg’s own garrison…leaving the castle largely undefended.
However, the watch towers also see another large Imperial army at Magdeburg just across the border.
So, it would appear the Germans are more active than first assumed huh?
Have we brought the English to heal yet in our own country? Do we know what holdings the English have in Spain? I suggest we find out urgently so that large forces such as those at Pamplona have come from deeper territories? Without intelligence we are likely to charge into the darkness and be consumed!
I request that we try to find an agent to investigate before we commit more to this theatre.
My lord of Champagne, I thank you for allowing the recruitment of spears for the Kings army. With greater German forces ahead of me I feel I may require further re-enforcement before I take Hamburg.
I also agree that we are again in a significant position to sue for terms with the Germans. However, to ensure this I strongly believe both Nuremberg and Magdeburg should be captured for potential exchange.
Gentlemen, now is the time to focus and consolidate our forces. Look to garrisons and take the field with as much as we can as we have Germans and Moors to repel from within! Dijon AND Marseille are threatened by the Moors large army…I care not HOW they got there all I care about at this time is HOW we are to remove them!
I cannot, in good conscience, leave the Eastern front to combat this new threats. Should I leave Magdeburg and Hamburg unchallenged the armies from these regions would surely threaten Frankfurt, Antwerp and beyond.
Brother, it seems the coin you got for us will be used up faster than we all envisaged huh?
Mes seigneurs,
The Moorish threat has been proven true... While we bickered among ourselves, us Christians, our lust for battle fueled by the Pope's writs, the Mohammedans have gathered their forces and are now walking our lands, desecrating them... This must stop.
Now, England has almsot been brought to heel. The Order knights and myself are in position between Nottingham and London, poised to strike the killing bow to the heretical self-styled English King.
We've taken back the lands Guillaume and his minions had taken from us or we are about to do so.
I know that I've been pushing hard these last years for a Crusade to be called upon England. But I did so only to have our foray be done with his Holiness' sanction, allowing us to do God's work unopposed and not be seen as acting out of selfishness and with the wish of claiming lands for our own.
Now, it is time to consider if this Crusade is still required. Would it not be better if another target was chosen ? I can almost already hear some of you say "I told you so" (looks pointedly at Xaintrailles and Rethel) but the duty of a King is to look to the greater good of his Royaume before loking to the good of his soul.
Now, the Moors are desecrating our lands and we need our Senechal to alter our boat's course, steering us away from the shoals, only his hands are tied by our legislation.
So I'm calling to you my Lords. Do we need to change our legislation ? Do we need another Emergency Session ?
I'm waiting on your views, mes Seigneurs. Should you wish it, I'll be calling that session myself.
Hugues looks drained.
If the Conseil chooses another target by something approaching acclamation, I will have the Crusade called on it.
I would suggest Granada or even Marrakesh. If we cannot come to a consensus on a target, than another session might be required.
Hugues sighs at the thought.
As for England, an option, barring a peace, is to withdraw our forces from the Island to focus on the continent. We could recruit a fleet and blockade Dover, keeping them from an easy crossing.
While we are considering our options, should we have peace for our time with Germany? What should we give if this palatable?
Looking to Hugues.
I concur with you. Another will only be needed if we have dissension on the Crusade target. Granada or Marrakech would be fine.
As for England, I'm not prepared to leave until Guillaume has been brought down. Once this is accomplished, and if a Crusade is called upon the Moors, I will certainly join, though it may take some time for me to reach those God-forsaken lands.
Finally in the matter of the Reich, I dearly hope their new Kaiser will be more amenable to peace than their last one. As to what offers we can make them, I would propose lands but that will have to wait as the lands taken from the Imperials are not yet ratified and thus cannot be traded yet.
Lords,
Do we need to call a full session to answer but one question? I, myself, called for and had the Edict approved for a Crusade against the Moors. If our situation against the English is so far in our favour already then would not a crusading army now be mere “overkill”?
I propose that our ultimate goal of ousting Guillaume from power remains true but the ultimate sanction of a Crusade is no longer needed against Christians but perhaps we can enact Edict 1.8 NOW with the forces we have in England!
What better way for the English to seek redemption in the eyes of the Pope and God than to have the opportunity for their normal men to join a just Crusade against the Moors?
I say to my father and King. Finish Guillaume and then call the Crusade outside Nottingham! Allow the Good Christian, ordinary fighting men of England a chance to expunge themselves of Guillaume’s folly by joining you there to march back to fight the true enemy of every Christian.
As for the ultimate destination of a Crusade on the Moors, I know not but to be honest care little. The very fact that we will do this is enough for me.
As to my own feelings on the Germans. Yes, a peace with offers of land seems the most agreeable. However, I will ask the council, my King and Seneschal to wait until I have completed what I set out to do. I wish to seize Hamberg and Magdeburg…once ratified I would see Magdeburg used as an addition to any negotiations to find peace. Hamberg, being a significant castle would act well as a re-enforced border guard with the Empire.
((OOC: yeah, I know…potentially one-of-THE most stupid ideas to put forward due to in-game mechanics but In-Character…its what Henri believes is a good idea))
Hugues coughs diffidently.
Not to be legalistic. . .
He narrows his eyes and briefly glances at the Aquitaine benches.
. . .but Edict 2.2 pre-ratified any land seized from the Empire after an excommunication. Granted, only Staufen currently fits the bill, but other territories may soon follow.
Staufen is currently within the Royal Demesne.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Philippe nods to Hugues.
You did well to remind me, Senechal. It seems I've been poring over battle plans too long and have not given enough thought to our legislation.
(OOC : will update my SOT to add Staufen, for now...)
Father, I would urge against using Staufen as a bargaining chip. Its location is too strategic and should it be held by the Germans again it would leave Frankfurt exposed from the South more so than it is now.
I beg a few seasons to give you Hamberg and Magdeburg also under the Edict. They will be pre-ratified and I believe Nuremburg and Magdeburg would be more appealing to a Kaiser who will surely be sorely pushed for coin than either Staufen or Hamberg.
Looking at Henri.
Do not fear... I've no intention to give back Staufen. Twice have we claimed it and it will now remain Frank at whatever cost.
But please do not over-extend yourself. If you venture too deep into German territory, you may find yourself with your way back cut-off.
*Henri smiles at his father*
Fear not father, my first intention now is to ride closer to home before moving again against the Germans.
My King. For several seasons now you have lured my men north with the promise of a Crusade being called as is asked for by legislation passed in these halls. We could have been done by now, our men fueled by the fervour of Christ had the King not delayed in meeting with us. I know of the situation in the South, I voted for a Crusade against the Moors myself but only after William has been brought to justice. Not by us as mere Frenchmen, but as Crusaders, servants of the Popes will to bring just punishment to William!
Unless you propose a curse of action where the Pope approves of us both killing William in the name of the Lord and then moving against the Moors, I ask the Seneshal to stick to the legislation we voted upon. We already bent Edict E1.3 into a shape beyond recognition, but what use is the legislation passed in this body if we opt to ignore at every possibility?
Maybe the detour towards Nottingham can be incorporated into any request against Marrakesh or what not sent to the Pope?
Alain raises both eyebrows at the last statement from de Montpierre.
He crunches down loudly on a large green apple, an amused and curious look on his face.
Prince Louis offers the Duke de Champagne a broad grin with lots of teeth,
Good, good! You've some spine in you to stand up for yourself! That's better than creeping about cutting me off from behind. We're not back to a place where we need a duel yet, at least not by my account, but I am glad I've answered the insults you levied against me over riding to the walls of Bordeaux.
My Duchy faces nothing it can't handle, even if you should find a way to have us attacked from a fourth side. We alone border all of France's current enemies, though the Germans at least haven't made an attempt to invade Aquitaine. We alone have dedicated recruits from our castle to the armies of other Houses, and promised further. It is not whining to point out that we've fought hard and lost many soldiers while supporting our neighbors at the same time.
Still, it was one of my own who pointed out to me that I proclaimed Aquitaine would need no more mercenaries for the English war. I spoke in error here last season and I renounce my request for mercenaries, which is the one you failed to meet due to some excuse or the other. The men we can train will be sufficient. To that end I humbly petition the King to assign Bordeaux to House Aquitaine without delay, so that training and construction can begin there in service and support of the whole Kingdom.
I will not move that you be impeached Seneschal de Champagne. France has prospered under your hands, though I may question the methods, and that carries more weight in my heart than our dispute.
I have made my opinion on the Crusade clear, but I will repeat it for emphasis; The infidels deserve a crusade. The English are nearly cast out of France, crusading to punish William may be fruitless and unecessary. Surely the loss of so much in exchange for his rash act at Edinburgh is punishment enough? All the same, where Mon Roi leads Aquitaine follows, as it should be with all Frankish Houses.
Louis looks hard at Simon de Montpierre before returning to his seat.
:egypt:
My son, I've heard your plea that your House be granted Bordeaux. In the light of Edict E1.5, men of your house have already acquired Bordeaux and Valencia and are poised to take Pamplona from the English.
So granting you Bordeaux today would prevent you from laying claim to any other land reclaimed from Guillaume's hands. Is that your wish ?
I prefer we wait until the term ends before any land allotment from the Demesne is made. But if you have any request as to recruitment in Bordeaux, make it known to me and I'll be sure to include them in my requests to the Senechal (OOC: update my SOT accordingly).
As to you, Sieur Montpierre, the Order knights have served me faithfully these past years. For that, I thank them, but I fear that your ideals of chivalry and your dreams of glory have befuddled you. The Crusade of Edict E1.3 was to be a guarantee that our war waged on a Christian Kingdom was waged according to God's will and not against it.
Now, our success against Guillaume's men at Bordeaux, Valencia or even here on English soil are omens that God looks after us in this endeavour. So why do we need the sanction of a Crusade when God is already marching beside us ?
But we may need a Crusader zeal to march down from these northern wastes to the heathen South, under the Cross, extending the reach of God's Word upon the face of the Earth... That would be a true Crusader aim, don't you think ?
As soon as Guillaume is defeated and I hope to see his kingdom reconciled with his death, I will take the Cross and march on whatever Moorish city his Holiness will see fit to assign to us as our pious goal. I encourage any and all of you with sufficient men under your command to join me on this most Holy of missions.
Let's put behind us Edict E1.3 and make use of Edict E1.8 as soon as Angers falls.
I had merely hoped we could use this opportunity to solve two problems at once. We have two Edicts, both calling for Crusades, for Crusaders to defeat King William and for Crusaders to march against the Moors. If we put it to the Pope accordingly he may grant us our wish now and have us travel as Crusaders towards the Moorish heartland after bringing punishment to William. We are poised to strike either way. This is only a suggestion to at least keep the spirit of Edict E1.3 if we can't keep to the words due to the changed circumstances.
Whatever the decision I will proudly follow your Majesty where he leads.
Pamplona and Valencia, as I understand it, would not be ratified at this time and must remain in the King's domain until a Council session anyway. At that next Council session the absurd edict tying your hands will have expired and you can grant those lands to the House that conquered them, as is only just. Any from another House who press a claim to lands I and my House have conquered will face consequences for their umbrage.
As to lands taken from William elsewhere, I and my men will not likely aid in taking them, and so we will press no claim to them.
It is, of course, entirely your privelege to dispense Bordeaux at the time of your choosing, but it is a natural and historical part of Aquitaine and in my mind there can be no doubt about it's final resting place. Duke de Rohan and I have already struck an agreement between us regarding Anger and Bordeaux's disposition, so he has no complaint, and the other Houses seem unlikely to interfere. Christophe de Perrone has been on campaign at my side for many years and I mean him to govern in Bordeaux. It would sit well with me to reward him with title and lands as soon as possible.
I thank you for your consideration of my request.
Prince Louis bows deeply to his father before returning to his seat.
:egypt:
After Louis' speech, Philippe nods.
I agree with you Louis... Bordeaux is historically part of Aquitaine, stolen by force of arms by the English... Just as Marseille rightfully belongs to Bourgogne...
I know you've already made the gift of it to one of your vassals but would you be ready to return it to the Duchy it belongs to historically ?
Our Royaume cannot be built on discrepancies between the Houses. We must tend to have equal powers between the Houses so that equilibrim is maintained. Already your House has taken the lead and by far, if all its conquests are ratified and given to you and your vassals... It creates envy, jealousy and tensions such as exist between you and the Senechal.
Only through equilibrium can our Royaume thrive...
Do you see my point, Louis ?
Yvon stiffens but stays silent, his face scrunches up into a grimace.
Mon Roi if the other Houses are jealous then let them make their own conquests. What pride could they take in begging the scraps from my table anyway? As House Aquitaine is not ashamed that France itself is larger than our House lands, so let the other Houses not be ashamed that they are not as large as House Aquitaine. We are all Franks, are we not? When aid was needed at the German front I and my men rode to give it, instantly! When soldiers were needed, I gave them up out of my own pool of prioritizations for the good of France.
It is a dangerous precedent to look on success as something to be punished. If my House is to be the conquerors and the other Houses merely gate wardens for our conquests then I will need larger armies and more support.
Marseille is not mine to barter with, it belongs to Yvon Lacaze, fairly given after he and I cast the Germans from it in battle. If House Bourgogne wishes to petition him for it they have my permission, but I will not pressure him to surrender it. I wonder if Bourgogne will remember who rode to their aid, securing their flank by the conquest of Marseille and setting to flight more than one German army along the way.
It is my opinion that giving provinces to the House which conquers them is fair, by definition, whereas distributing lands to Houses across borders and without reason is unfair, also by definition. If we want to create Houses that are perfectly equal we shall first have to petition God to remake Europe out of neat little squares for us, and then petition our enemies to only come at us when the correct House is ready for them.
After the Tournament my House had the noble opportunity to propose a Crusade against the Moors, at which time we proposed that the provinces taken in that Crusade be split evenly between the participating Houses, with House Aquitaine taking last place in the list. This was done because it was taken for granted that the Crusade would be a group effort among all the Houses. No one proposed such an edict for this war precisely because it was clear it would not be a group effort. No House aided Aquitaine in the capture of Valencia or Bordeaux, just as none will aid us at Pamplona, just as none aided us at Marseille or Zaragosa, or Bern when I withdrew from the walls there.
Instead House Aquitaine won a great prize for France by ransoming the Moorish Sultan, a prize which has already been used to enrich the lands of all Houses. If you call on Aquitaine to sacrifice for the other Houses I say we have done so already, in war, in finance, and in territory, as it was Valencia which was traded for Caen, and Caen surely shall not be awarded to House Aquitaine.
Valencia and, God willing, Pamplona will be yours to dispose of as you wish my King, as Bordeaux is now. Ever and always may it be so, but surely all present can see the rightness of my words. To beggar my House in favor of the others does no service to either, for it demeans them while disheartening us. If you wish to weaken Aquitaine to prevent envy let me suggest that you simply hold Valencia or Pamplona in your own domain for a time, to give the others a chance to catch up if they like.
Louis' voice ends on an almost plaintive note, and his face shares Yvon's discomfort.
:egypt:
A letter arrrives from Duc Raymond at Bern.
Seneschal, I hope you will allow the recruitment of some additional soldiers to ward off the Moorish army that could strike at Provence or Burgundy. It seems to be quite a beastly collection of heathens, one I would wager to be thrice the size of my own forces.
Also, word has reached me that his highness the Dauphan has spoken recently of his aid to Bourgogne. I must confess I was confused by this, as it was the first time I had ever been informed such aid ocurred. It is quite odd that I would not notice such a thing, even in my small domain.
Alain chuckles quietly after Duc Raymond's letter is read out.
*Henri stands and takes a deep, cleansing breath before speaking*
My Lords, My King and Father,
I feel I must speak of the Crusade and the options ahead of us. I feel wholly responsible for this current situation as it was I who put forth the approved Edict for a Crusade on the Moors…I had hoped that the Popes issues with the English would have been resolved either by act of war, crusade or God by the time such an Edict would be considered.
It is to my disappointment that we find ourselves in the situation where we are considering abandoning our Godly task against William.
The Moors are a threat, perhaps the greatest we face or any Catholic nation faces. However, I must say now that our priorities must be defence of our realm and the completion of our task against William before a Crusade against the Moors should be called.
We must ensure we are focused in our task to force William face God and repent. How this is done is immaterial to God, by the sword or by persuasion but account he must before we abandon our call to arms against his realm.
I ask the King and Duc’s under threat now to show patience. A crusade must, of course, be called against the Moors but let us complete one task before we embark on another, epic, one? The East is not secure…the German army marching to Antwerp is surely testament to that…but by conquest and negotiation I hope we can bring our war with the Germans to a close in the next few seasons.
Likewise, William cannot hide in Nottingham much longer and again, we will seek and come to terms with the English.
I plead with the council for patience. If we do not wait and bring our full force against the Moors, I fear we will suffer greatly. However, our immediate needs are clear. Complete our task in England as fast as God permits…raise troops to defend ourselves from the Moors who impinge on our sovereignty and hold our borders until a Crusade can be sent to defeat the Moors in their own lands.
I do not believe my father requires much more for the task against William and I will not require much more than I have to secure the North Eastern front. So I ask now, Duc’s…what forces to you need now to combat this immediate threat?
Be clear on your requests and consider what you have now already which may be excess and can be used already.
Henri sits with a sigh. A weight lifted from his soul perhaps
Hugues nods.
Metz stands ready to reinforce those who need it. I also ask the King to place Staufen and other powerful Castles in the Demesne at my disposal to shore up our defenses. This will be particularly important if Aquitaine needs more men.
I have in the past spoken out against more recruitment, but given the circumstances, now is not the best time for restraint. I will not bankrupt the Kingdom, but I will loosen the purse strings.
Prince Henri raises a good question. There seems to be a rough consensus towards a Crusade on the Moors, but the timing of such is still in question.
Should it be called immediately, next season, or once we have disentangled ourselves from Germany and England?
Hearing both Henri and Hugues speak, Philippe adresses the Conseil.
I hereby give permission to the Senechal to recruit any units he deems necessary to the good conduct of our wars from the castles and cities in the King's Demesne (OOC : This overwrites any SOT proscriptions).
All I would ask of him is a fair assessment of the needs and priorities of the Houses, to preserve the equilibrium I mentioned earlier.
I myself have enough men under my command to bring down Guillaume and any of his minions that would wish to raise their swords against us, though my army is lacking in missile infantry, having left them in the care of my son Henri in the Eastern theater.
Henri, never have I mentioned not bringing Guillaume to justice, to account before God for his sins, to repent for all the wrongs he's done France and Scotland, refusing to heed God's word.
I'm sure that if our Senechal could send our spy Fevre in Nottingham, the castle could be ours by next season, provided he manages to bribe the right men in the garrison... Then Guillaume would either be our prisoner or burning in the fires of Hell.
Then the Crusade could be called next season to the target this assembly would see fit to choose and once again, I'll promise you I'll be the first to take the banner of the Cross and march against the followers of Islam, and I'll encourage all of you not otherwise engaged to do the same.
We never intended to hold the English lands we claimed in Albion so they will not require garrisoning. But it will require that one of our diplomats be sent towards London, York or Caernarvon to negotiate a truce and the return of said settlements.
A last word to the Senechal : Be wary not to hire too many men yet for I'm sure that our call to Crusade will see many men flock to our Banner, under the Cross, good soldiers and pilgrims alike, that will bolster our forces when we march against the Moors.
Hugues bows his head.
I will be judicious when it comes to recruitment Majesty.
Diplomats are ready to negotiate with both the English and Germans if need be.
Our spy shall be dispatched to Nottingham.
*Henri nods approvingly before rising*
Father, I could not ask for more at this juncture. I am certain the Seneschal will do as he pledges and allow sufficient recruitment immediately to ensure the integrity of our lands, whilst also allowing for those who will heed the call to our Crusade that will come.
I would still prefer us to have come to terms with the Germans also, but I hold by your will and your instructions my King.
I urged us all to decide when and where to call a crusade only after William has been dealt with..such a call was not directly aimed at you father, for I was certain of your drive in this matter but mainly aimed at those who worried that we would be distracted by the Moors too early.
With a united France there will be nothing to stand in our way…I await the day when this is finally true, soon it appears from reports I am happy to add.
Henri turns to the Seneschal My lord, we’ll have to see how much more manpower is truly required in the East to force a truce…not much I am sure by my part. I would prefer not to use mercenaries but until later that may be the only option open to many of us near the front for true re-enforcements might take too long to reach us. I will review my forces and put forth a formal request shortly for you to review.
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Duke Raymond it is very odd that you didn't notice me defeating a German army in your territory or dedicating some Mounted Sergeants to your own army. Perhaps your attention was drawn to something in your town, where you were sitting with more men and resources than I had at the time, or perhaps you are simply being snide because you lack any other response?
If you need help with the Moors you may ask House Aquitaine.
:egypt:
*Kip readies his pen in anticipation of the expected request for aid.*
Alain, bedecked in black and white trimmed armour has clearly seen action. He makes his way to the centre of the council, his hand resting on the bloody hilt of his long sword.
My King, Dauphin, Lords of France.
The realm of France is once more whole.
All English troops on our ancestral lands have been slain.
Prince Rufus was killed in action and Angers taken.
He bows to the King, Dauphin and Seneschal.
A bright smile brightens Philippe's face.
Well fought Alain !!
Great news, Mes Seigneurs !!
Ah ! Alain ! I find once again the young man I thought you were !
As I told my son, I cannot give you Angers yet... It will in the King's Demesne for now to allow our Senechal easier access to our recruitment pool.
Nevrtheless, your men are free to come and go in an out of the castle without any risk of being seized or disbanded. You have my word on that.
Alain is clearly please hearing praise directed towards him by the King.
Thank you my lord.
We will garrison Angers until the next move in the attacks against our numerous enemies.
Philippe turns to the Senechal, a smile still on his lips.
May I ask the Senechal to recruit one unit of armoured spearmen in Caen to free the spear militia currently garrisoning the castle ? While it will be a costly expense, it will save us florins in years to come by sending the militia back to Paris... Thus both units will be sustained by the respective populations of the provinces (OOC : They'll both have free upkeep).
My Lord de Champagne,
My hand is forced by the Germans now, I must face the large army arrayed against me. It is clear that this force is the one my scouts noted outside Magdeburg and that is has been re-enforced by garrison troops from the same city.
This now means I cannot turn West to defend Antwerp.
Should I have any troops left after the battle I will march immediately towards Hamberg. The intention is to seize Hamberg and then move to Magdeburg and do the same as soon as possible. I hope that the addition of Magdeburg to your negotiations will be sufficient to tip the scales to a peaceful resolution.
That “strong negotiating position” you required perhaps? Draining troops from both Hamberg and Magdeburg to create the army that now faces me and the one threatening Antwerp has left both settlements wide open for us.
Perhaps the Frankfurt Garrison could march on Magdeburg now?
I formally request funds to hire a single mercenary infantry company for the battle ahead. They will be disbanded as soon as Hamberg is taken however as I hope to recruit locals and replenish my own forces from the castle itself.
Hugues drums his fingers.
One company of spearmen, make it count.
Henri reads to the end of the Seneschals report and snorts with derision as he reaches the end sentence but he composes himself before rising and bowing to the Seneschal
My Lord Champagne,
Thank you for the floins, I hope that I will be able to refund the treasury with a ransom payment shortly should the Germans wish to see their son’s again.
I sincerely pray we are still set on a crusade against the Moors though! Just because they are no longer an immediate threat does not mean they still do not threaten Valencia, it does not mean that they do not actively attack our Catholic brothers in Italy and that they will not pose a real and constant threat to our nation, its people and our eternal souls.
"I will march on Magdeburg this season and the fall of the place will certainly bring the new kaiser to the bargaining table, especially once good Prince Henri has rid the foe from our lands.
I do request from the Seneschal permission to raise one company of mercenary crossbows to guarantee victory. The expense of their hire is not cheap I understand, but if it brings about peace with the empire, is it not worth it?"
Hugues drums his fingers again.
Baron, you have a company of peasant archers on the way to you, and you already have some crossbowmen. Make do with that. Prince Henri is facing worse odds, which is why he is getting those spearmen.
Hugues, if you keep up with your drumming, I think I will have you impeached and enlisted in my army as master drummer.
More seriously, the Bastard has no guts... He fled north from our advance but that will not save him... We'll flsuh him out of the last rathole he can find in his country... We'll cut off all of his exits... He'll be trapped, forced to fight or surrender.
To those ends, I will strike at the large force barring our way near Nottingham and try and capture the city in the following days.
After that I'll release from my service those Order knights who do not wish to pursue Guillaume up north, freeing them to strike at either London or the small English forces entrenched in the countryside.
I will face Guillaume by myself... Once this has been dealt with, we'll put our Crusade to better use against the true threat of Islam.
Duke de Rohan my congratulations on your conquest! I trust you have received the wine I sent north to Anger in celebration? The Kingdom of the Franks is whole once more! Let us raise a cheer for our King, his Dukes, and all the fighting nobles of the realm!
To return, for a moment, to the matter of Bordeaux I do still wish to reward my loyal servant. I understand the issue of recruitment, and to appease this desire I offer to open Bordeaux and Toulouse for recruitment for any House at the Seneschal's discretion after the transfer of Bordeaux is effected. I ask only that the first Mailed Knights recruited be sent to Thomas de Saint-Armand as I have committed.
It would seem William has become a coward in his dotage. Sir de Perrone and I have discovered that the bulk of the English at Pamplona have fled to the docks, seemingly hoping to get away by ship. They take the spirit of their King very well, but I doubt any will escape.
I am very pleased to hear that a Crusade will come against the Moors! As soon as it is declared I will prevail on my men to open all training facilities in House Aquitaine as a whole to the Seneschal for the recruitment effort, as Toulouse will be opened once Bordeaux is assigned to Aquitaine.
Brother Henri please take great care in the east! We've room to withdraw and rearm on that front, indeed if the threat to Antwerp is serious that may be the best course. I am not present and will not second guess your assessment, but the Germans have been defeated so many times it would surprise me if there was any boldness left in their commanders.
It is a glorious time to be French mes ami!
:egypt:
I thank you for your concern brother but the Germans force my hand by displaying a large army within a league of me! I cannot back down from the challenge or the chance to not only obtain a clear path to Hamberg and clear this army from others way to Magdeburg but cut off supplies and retreat for the German army at Antwerp.
"It is indeed a glorious time, highness. I have every confidence that Prince Henri shall sweep the enemy from the field."
Thomas reaches for his cloak off of the bench.
"As for me, it is time for my return to Frankfurt and prepare to head east. The church which the Seneschal kindly funded there is well under way now."
"Mon duc, as you say, I shall make due. My apologies if I have been overly demanding in my requests for troops. With so many Germans about, it tends to make one uneasy."
Aye! Soon the East will be loud with the sound of shields and lances being splintered.
Brother, should I fail, I will repent my possible folly THAT day!! *Henri laughs loud before turning and following Thomas*
*Henri bursts into the chamber, bloodied and soiled, grabs the nearest goblet of wine and throws it down his throat*
GAH!! Ha! I met the enemy in the night, before me five companies of horse and SEVEN..SEVEN companies of archers and crossbowmen...and those were but the ones I cared to count. My own men accounted for more than ten dozen of the enemy. Exhausted we became victors of that field my Lords.
I offered, for a mere 1330 florins, for the Kaiser to have much of his army back but he refused. Their heads now adorn spikes near the forest.
Those that fled, for we were to tired to contine the pursuit, have found their way to Hamburg castle and my men continue our march there...now only half a league away across the ford.
My dear Seneschal, I'm sorry to say that the mercenary spearmen are mostly dead and my forces are down to two companies of spear, one mercenary and one of brave French and one company of peasant archers...and my own body guard, but we continue forward to attemp to seize Hamburg next season.
Now, I believe I need to wash...
I congratulate Prince Henri, my Duc, my sovereign the King and many other nobles for their great victories. It is an honour to serve beside you.
I am deeply disappointed that a crusade has not yet been called on the English as per Edict 1.3. I understood it was the King's intention that we go to war under the banner of a crusade or not at all. We voted for a crusade. We gathered for that purpose. But now it seems to have been abandoned for no good reason that I can see.
Nonetheless, I will serve my King and my Captain as required. Should any crusade be called upon the Moors, I would ask the Seneschal to follow a procedure similar to Edict 1.3 and opening the crusade to any nobles wishing to serve, and allowing them a place in the final assault. Needless to say, I would wish to fight alongside those fine men.
*Henri returns to council seemingly more refreshed*
My lords,
I have made it know I will besiege Hamburg as soon as my forces can arrive at the city. We do face significant odds as the garrison now comprises some 500 men.
This is unfortunate.
I ask the Seneschal if there is any assistance he can provide me in this venture. For an assault on a castle I will need more fighting men, the enemy comprises mainly archers and cavalry however so once we are past the walls the fighting should be in our favour.
Gaetan enters, flanked by two men, one older, with years of wisdom upon his face and in his step, and the other with the look of youth, recklessness, and a bit of mischievousness, a seemingly perpetual knowing smile upon his face.
"Pamplona has been taken - the English army of 1300 strong vanquished for a mere 200 French lives. But in this noble conquest, a most heroic victory, one amongst us has given his life for the cause of the Royaume - Baron Yvon Lacaze."
"He died a noble death - bringing the huge swarms of English cavalry to heel, and in doing so insured French victory! Few men would have held as fast as Yvon had that day upon the field - I doubt few men here would have died so nobly in the face of death, would have so steadfastly died for the rest of the Royaume..."
"I ask that we give a moment of silence, of respect, in honor of this hero of the Royaume."