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Provinces of Bretagne:
Rennes 1081 -
Bruges 1101 -
Angers 1110 -
Nobles of Bretagne:
Alain de Rohan - Duc de Bretagne 1081 - / Lord of Rennes 1081 - 1101 / Lord of Bruges 1101 - 1109 / Lord of Angers 1110 -
Baron Alexandre Le Sueur - Chevalier 1081 - / Baron of Rennes 1101 - /
Baron Thierry de Rochefort - Chevalier 1081 - / Baron of Bruges 1110 - /
Robert Bouchart - Chevalier 1081 - Died 1110
Rulers of Bretagne:
1081 --------- Alain de Rohan
I, Alexandre Le Sueur, swear this oath to Alain de Rohan: When you call me to war under your banner I shall answer with all the forces I command, and I shall always do so, fighting under your banner with loyalty and courage. This I swear before the Lord.
Moving forward to grasp Le Sueur's hand in a warriors grip, the young Duke is full of enthusiasm and vigor.
"Excellent Le Sueur!! I accept your oath and give you mine in return. There will be much to do for my first C'evalier!!
We have English all around ess, and we must unite ourselves with the rest of France. This is our priority and that will be our first request from our most noble King!!"
Thierry de Rochefort enters the estate and he kneels for Alain de Rohan
I, Thierry de Rochefort, would like to offer my services to the Duchy of Bretagne. I hereby swear an oath of fealty to Duke Alain de Rohan. I volunteer to join or lead his army and to butcher whoever the Duke wishes me to butcher for him.
Thierry patiently waits for the Duke's answer.
Shaking his head a little at the wording the young Duke grimaces and steps forward.
I accept your oath Thierry de Roc'efort and give you mine in return.
There shall be plenty of butchering before time passes to much further.
Welcome to the Duchy of Bretagne.
The noble looking man approaches the Duke who is quickly shows a look of surprise and recognition ... there has been an long absence between the two men.
I apologize for my lateness and unable to participate in the tournament but much is happenning back home. I have come to offer my services to the Duchy of Bretagne and its Duke.
I Robert Bouchart offer my services and I hereby swear an oath of fealty to Duke Alain de Rohan. I will fight with honour and loyalty as kin will do for each other.
Though I ask for your patience for I must excuse myself and return to the estate. There are some legal matters to clear from my father's will. The neighbouring English are also causing some unrest with the local population. I will need some time to settle some issues I plan to return in a few seasons and with a company of experienced men.
Robert bows awaiting for the Duke's reply....
"Bouc'art!!
Excellent news. I completely understand the situation my good man. Take your leave, the Duchy wont be moving in the immediate future so bring as many men back as you can."
His man servant Pierre-Yves nudges him and whispers something that no one can hear.
"Ah yes..
I accept your oath Robert Bouc'art and give you mine in return."
Turning slightly back to Yves.
"Is that it...ah...excellent."
Taking Bouchart's hand in a firm warriors grip he slaps him a little too hard on the shoulder in his enthusiasm.
Thierry laughs softly when he hears the word "honour". He nods towards Robert Bouchard, right before he leaves.
"Welcome, seigneur. And goodbye."
Making his way into the Duchy's Paris chamber, Alain proceeds to cast aside his armour and weapons while he walk towards the bar which is located to one side of the great hall.
"Christ on ze cross, zat was entertaining!!
Yves I need some wine and tell ze nobles of Bretagne to gazer 'ere as soon as possible.
Ze King will call ze council to order soon and we must discuss ze Duchy's business immediately.
Also, ze black 'orse out ze front...it is mine so do not kill it and feed it to ze pigs like last time you imbecile!"
Thierry walks into the Great Hall, apparently not very pleased with his performance at the tournament field... One look at his face made it clear to most servants in the Great Hall that today was not the day to make mistakes when serving chevalier de Rochefort as he was clearly just waiting for an excuse to hit something. Or someone.
Entertaining? Bah. A silly game designed for idiots wanting to behave "chivalrous".
I felt like a jester entertaining the peasants on that "noble tournament field". A waste of valuable time and energy, if you ask me.
I prefer to butcher some English sheeplovers. Give me a decent army and I'll bring you English heads, seigneur. Plenty of them.
Thierry slams his fist on a table and sits down with an angry expression on his face.
Alexandre enters the great hall with hands clapping and procedes to the bar.
when he reaches Duc Alain he pats him on the back as he orders a glass of the Scottish fire water they call whiskey.
Congratulations my lord, you fought well on the tourney field.
Alexandre turns grinning to Thierry.
Not your favourite sport then?
I wouldn't worry it's just abit of fun besides the english aren't very good at jousting and personal combat.
What's the next move my lord shall we let chevalier de Rochefort loose on them or do you have a plan in mind for reuniting France?
In his usual amusing and yet slightly ironic manner, the young Duke leans against the bar taking a drink.
"Rochefort, you miserable bastard, just because you did win does not mean you 'ave to crap all over ze idea. It was amusing and not a little entertaining, no'zing more, no'zing less. Ze King is 'appy and zat is the main idea.
There will be plenty of English to slaughter so zere is zat."
Peering into Alexandre's drink he wrinkles his nose at the smell.
"Good god man, zat is 'orrible, it smells worse zan a tit on a pig.
As to your question, zen we 'ave to decide on whezer we marsh souz or norz.
Do we 'ave any idea 'ow many many 'eathen English are in eizer castle?
Alexandre downs the glass of Scottish fire water and shakes his head quickly right and left then inhales. A look of excitment on his face.
Well that was a fierce one pour me an ale.
On my way here I saw some flags flying from Caen castle looks like a lord and maybe 3 regiments. The locals told me theres not alot of men inside some with spear some with bow. If you can rely on them that is.
I have spoken to some scouts who claim there almost double that in Angers.
Alexandre sways slightly then recomposes himself.
Is it just me or in hot in here hmm... Oh yes! ah.. scouts sayingg a lord and one regiment in Bord..
Give me that drink I'm parched.
Alexandre knocks be half the ale mug.
yeah Bordeaux hasn't many.
So I would say we get Caen the english are cut off. but if we take Bordeaux quickly then Aquitaine will not be so big, maybe we sell it to them or get allies.
Careful with that, Alexandre, or you'll start talking like our esteemed Duke de Rohan.
Thierry grabs a large goblet of water.
An English lordship in Caen, eh? I suggest we go look and see if he bleeds as much as any other pig that gets slaughtered.
"By ze way Le Sueur, well done on taking zird place in ze tournament.
I am not sure if ze codpiece managed to distract anyone but it was entertaining at ze very least."
Moving over to the main seating area Alain takes a seat while selecting a piece of fruit from the platter.
"Also gentlemen, give a zought to Rennes. What should we construct and 'ow shall we deal wiz taxes."
Taxes? Raise them as high as possible. Those lazy peasants should be happy that they are allowed to keep something. Let them earn their spot in heaven through hard and honest work. I wonder why we even bother to discuss the subject of taxes. Who cares about those peasants. They are nothing more than a source of income and we should get the maximum out of it.
roads, balista, church, land clearance?
high taxes so we can train troops.
The Duke has a few servant unroll a massive map of Europe across the very floor of the hall.
"I 'ad zis made for us. It should make decisions a little easier to make."
The massive 30 foot by 30 foot square rug is an incredibly detailed map of Europe, stretch from the Scandinavian penisular to North Africa and from the tip of Ireland to the far east.
"Ze more I survey ze scene ze more I zink we need Bordeaux. We must secure a reasonable level of military capability and ze castle zere is ze only option.
Your zoughts gentlemen?"
My latest news indicates that it will take us 2 seasons to get to Bordeaux but 2 spear 1 archer and a lord would make Bordeaux easier if the Aquitainians don't beat us to it. but we can take Caen if we're hard and get some support from Paris, to split their forces. We could pay mercs to bolster our forces.
"I agree wiz your assessment Le Sueur. 'owever zis is not a marshing contest but open war we speak of. If it is to be done it will be by Royal decree, not some mad frantic dash for ze province between us as ze Aquitainians.
Ze Prince already sits in Frances finest and only castle, plus ze Spanish and Germans are not far from 'im. Zere is little need for him to secure another castle except for the greater good of France."
The young man's eyes narrow as he studies the map further. While he does that, more servants and his squire bring large wooden military banners and figurines that represent the armed forces and agents of the realm.
They are placed across the map.
I'd leave Bordeaux for Aquitaine, seigneur, and let us take Caen.
Then I propose Thierry and myself take our soldiers and hire 2 mercenary spearmen units and lay siege to Caen. while we get roads a ballista maker and a church built.
Holding his gaze on Le Sueur for some moment Alain replys slowly.
"And pray tell what do you suggest I do while you and Rochefort go off on zis little errand?"
Thierry grins and points at two cute servant girls at the opposite corner of the room.
I think there are plenty of opportunities here in Rennes for you, seigneur.
"Amusing Rochefort, very amusing.
I will consider the proposal for the moment.
But I will say this already.
Patience will be required before glory and advancement can be achieved."
I can be patient, if need be, seigneur. After all, being the first to rush in and charge the enemy is all good and well, if you like songs being sung about you or stories being told. I prefer easy victories and survival. I'm not in a hurry to meet God.
Smiling and shaking his head slowly Alain says;
"Nice and morose Rochefort. You are a joy to be around."
Alexandre folding his arms and lifting his gaze slightly with a playful grin at Thierry's words and turns to the Duke.
Thierry is right about the serving girls they need some teaching in the ways of our house.
I have a great deal of patience my lords but I also understand Boldness and haste.
I do not presume to suggest you do not fight my lord, you have proven your measure and skill on the tourney field.
I was just speaking for what I could do if I were sent to liberate our country.
Though if you stay here my lord apart from teaching the servants how to properly behave there is much to be done in Bretagne as we will need money and siege weapons to break the gates of castles.
I would say my lord that speed on the part of ourselves and our brother knights would stop the English organising themselves against us. That is the reason I thought about a quick campaign. Should they react quickly we might be spread too thin or cornered if we let them have time to train and buy mercinaries.
Ofcourse my lord it is just my thoughts as I shall carry out your wishes.
Nice rug by the way.
Noticing the serving girls giggling to themselve while looking in his direction Alexandre starts approaching them.
Maybe I should teach these two personaly my lords.
Thierry enters the room again, his lip still bleeding a bit after the recent tavern brawl.
He sits down with a sigh and takes a large goblet of cooled wine.
"I can use this," he says, and he drinks half of the goblet.
"Much better."
He stands up and looks at the other noblemen.
"Dear friends, I heard disturbing news. It seems like our foes are much stronger than the first reports initally suggested. I didn't have time to study the new reports in detail yet (*), but if it is as bad as it sounds, then maybe it's best to ask the counsil to reinforce our garrison, so that we are strong enough to attack the English at Caen. There's no use in wasting our valuable lives in an attempt to conquer English settlements that is doomed to fail."
Thierry takes another goblet, fills it with water and sips from it.
"Maybe it's best to follow the cautious route, like the Duke suggested. Let's build up our strenght first and attack the English when we are ready."
Thierry grins.
"In the meanwhile, somebody should advice that idiot Raoul de Chatillon that he should attack the English all by himself, in a jester suit and with a pitchfork."
Thierry looks at another cute servant girl.
"You there, please bring me some ice for my face. Then you can go to my room where you can wait for... your next task."
(*) OOC: will have a look at the savegame when I'm home.
Alain casts curious gaze at Rochefort as he crosses the large hall.
Shaking his head with slight annoyance at his apperance and statement he waits before replying as more figurines are brought in by Bretagne men and his man Pierre-Yves.
The man servant talks quietly with the Duke before departing.
"It seems our riders and 'eralds have misinformed us as to ze strength and composition of ze enemy.
While I was certainly agreeing wiz a lighting strike to take ze initiative now we must study ze situation more closely or we may suffer immediate set backs."
The latest news from Paris is not good.
While I have no objection to peace I fear without reinforcements we shall be assaulted by an oppertunistic English baron soon enough.
Walking round the map Alexandre signals a serving girl to approach with a drink. As he takes it she bows showing off her ample bossim.
Yes my lord we are in a difficult position I suppose all we can do is build roads, churches, markets and make agricultural upgrades.
My complements on you choice of servants by the way.
"I too am concerned. We are as ze English say 'sitting ducks' until such time as we are joined to the rest of the realm.
I will make our case in the council.
And yes, ze girls are 'and selected by me personally. I am a leg and arse man, but I can be persuade by an ample bosom on occasion."
A messenger walks into the great hall and hands a message to Alexandre. Upon reading Alexandre signals a maid to bring 2 drinks and he sits at the edge of the map.
Word has come from scouts watching Caen and Bordeaux. Aparently we underestamated the strength of the english occupation forces. They now poccess armies 3 times as large as anything we have. I don't think we can do very much accept hope they don't want the rest of France.
Alexandre downs 1 of his drinks and puts his arm around the serving girl.
I think I'll take my drink upstairs and relax in the company of this lovly young lady before the war horn sounds at our gates. Excuse me gentlemen.
I would humbly ask you permission to join the company of the order of the Fleur De Lys my lord.
"By all means Alexandre. Just make sure you do not get yourself killed."
Dear Duke, if Edict 1.11 would pass, then I ask permission to stay in Paris after the Conseil has ended, to serve as your eyes in the Royaume.
We don't want Bretagne to become completely isolated from the rest of the Kingdom. I'll use messengers to keep you updated about what happens.
"Of course Thierry. At least you asked. Zat is somezing a few ozers 'ere 'ave not bozered to do."
Alain enters the Ducal chambers in Paris, two pageboys under each arm.
Sending them on their way with a solid slap to their rears he plonks himself down in the Ducal seat and take a tankard of ale.
"Good god, how ze English drink zis &%$*! is beyond me.
Ok gentlemen, a few zings.
Firstly, it would be a little more appropriate to ask me if you wish to ride wiz ze Order. Of course at ze moment it does not take a genius to work out zat Bretagne 'as few options at ze moment, 'owever ze point remains important to me as your Lord.
Secondly, voting. Ze strength of zis Duchy is supported by our unity and our collective strength. This is as true on ze battle field as it is in ze Council.
So, while zis session I have no issues and no directives towards any edicts or amendments, zis may shange in ze future and if it does I expect you to heed my words.
Does anyone 'ave issues wiz zat?"
Thierry nods towards the Duke.
No issues here. I'll ride with the King towards Bruges, to butcher some rebel scum.
"Excellent Thierry, rebel scum they are."
I shall will riding with the order for France, but my loyalty is still with you my lord.
If you need my services you need be say the word.
"Yes indeed Alexandre."
Alain pauses for a moment. His usually casual and humorous demeanour replaced for a few minutes by an intense and sincere moment.
"Just a zought for you all before I ‘ead back to Rennes.
Where will you be in a few seasons time? And will you be able to fulfil your duty to zis Duchy?
Never ze less Alexandre, good luck to you in ze vote for ze Order Captain position."
Thierry looks at the Duke.
Mylord, if Rennes gets attacked by the English, then the King's army will be more than powerful enough to come to the rescue. I think it's good that at least one of us is close to him and willing to serve under his command. I'm sure he'll help us out either personally or by giving me the troops that are needed to save Rennes, when an emergency arises.
"Right gentlemen,
We 'ave some decisions to make.
Dublin is on ze list of provinces to take and I need to know who is coming wiz me and who is staying in Caernarvon. Either location could be dangerous so I am asking for your zoughts on ze matter?
Hopefully various provinces will be allocated to Bretagne and most of you will have land and a provicne to protect."
Duc Alain, I wish to accompany you to Dublin.
"Bouchart!! My god man, you are alive!!
Excellent, we will 'ave to get you over zere first. Where exactly are you stationed at ze moment?"
I would ride with you to battle the Irish my Duc.
"Ok Alexandre you 'ave been noted.
Given ze approach of ze Scottish zere is no way Bouchart can make it in time, so we need to 'ear from Thierry before I'm 'appy to move. Someone must stay 'ere.
Another zought I 'ad was to let ze Scottish attack and perhaps lose, zen we can move across ze Irish Sea and attack ze remaining Irish forces. Of course zis assumes zay lose.
Your zougths my lords?"
I'm ready to set sail for Dublin, mon Duc.
Or stay at Caernarvon, if that's what you desire.
Alain looks a little more serious and discerning for once.
"A question my lords. If I was to say, not lead the assault, would eizer of you be prepared to attack wiz just your two retainers and two ozer regiments of your choosing, zis season?"
Depends on the opposition, mon Duc.
Also, being the realist I am, I would also like to know if the ships would remain close by, so that, in a worst case scenario, I could retreat with the remainder of my troops.
I'm not in a hurry to meet God.
"Zat is certainly part of ze reason I ask Thierry.
No risk no reward.
I can confirm zat I would leave ze ships zere for you to use if zings went badly, but ze opposition is as 'known' is it will ever be. Ze Scottish will begin zere siege next season.
We move now or wait."
"I 'ave received important information which means we will attack zis season.
I will lead, Alexandre will join me. Thierry you will stay 'ere and defend Caernarvon.
Good luck and god speed to you all."
You lead I follow my lord. I shall see command in the future no doubt when you feel I'm ready.
We shall be returning to Wales Alexandre. Ze English 'ave completely surrounded Dublin by sea and land. We 'ave no choice.
Given ze most recent comments in ze council I would recommend at least one of you petitions ze King for Caernarvon. It would seem only fair given ze blood we 'ave shed.
I will zen 'ead back to Rennes. Who ever is given Caernarvon should obviously stay zere.
I will speak privately wiz you all about ze coming council session soon.
God speed.
Thierry looks coldly at Alain.
It seems to me that I should have stayed with the King's army as I intended, but then I would have disobeyed a direct order from my Duc. Maybe I could have proved myself to his Majesty in battle and maybe then, he would have been a bit more favourable towards the Duchy of Bretagne, mon Duc.
Thierry shrugs.
An ironic smile plays across Alain face.
"Yes Thierry, it is amazing how perfect you can plan AFTER the events occur.
How about stating now your next move so we can compare your planning BEFORE events happen."
Alain shrugs in immitation.
Thierry looks back at Alain, a calm expression at his face.
You're the Duke Alain. You make the decisions, we follow your lead. I have sworn an oath to you, I'm just a vasal, a chevalier with no land.
I can only hope that my lord is capable of leading the Duchy of Bretagne. You had your shot, 15 years of power in the position of Seneschal. And what did Bretagne gain?
Thierry stands up, still very calm.
You were the Seneschal, Alain. And this is your result.
Thierry looks at a map and lays his finger on the settlements acquired by the other Houses, then he looks at the lonely settlement of the Duchy of Bretagne.
Alain snorts through his nose.
Yes de Rochefort, stating ze obvious seems to be a forte of yours.
Pray tell what are zose red provinces to ze south and east, and while your at it what is zat blue zing to ze north and west?
We took Caernarvon which was a dubious move in itself if you read ze Edicts carefully.
Perhaps our only solution is to call for a crusade. Where would you have expanded?
I would have done as the Edicts said and nothing more.
I would have read between the lines that it wasn't the King's desire to go on frivolous expeditions and thus, I would have refrained myself from doing so. Unless, of course, I had a clear and obvious written order with the Kings' stamp on it. But the initiative and the idea would have to be his, not mine.
As for my presence at the battlefield, I would have joined the King's army. First, because he's the King and it is our task to protect his life. Second, well, one can't make big mistakes in the eyes of the King when he's following his lead. Third, maybe, just maybe, the King would never forget the man who was riding next to him and blocked that sword that was aimed at his head.
But then again, I am a man who is used to obey and do as he's told by others.
You on the contrary are a man who thinks for himself and orders others.
Maybe that is exactly what has caused this inconvenient situation, mon Duc. Perhaps, you were too creative.
Alain shakes his head and laughs.
If zat is what you zink, zen renounce your oath to me and make yourself known to ze King. I am sure if you do as you 'ave said you will receive ze rewards and ze recognition you strongly desire.
An annoyed expression apppears on his face when Thierry answers.
At the moment, I have no desire to renounce my oath, Duc Alain.
You asked what I would have done and I replied.
If you wish your vasals only to answer what you want to hear, then next time you ask me a question, you should also tell me which answer you want me to give.
Or maybe you could buy yourself one of those exotic animals? What are they called? Parrots?
Indeed de Rochefort.
If you too wish to only hear responses from me zat fit your version of what you wish to 'ear zen do not engage in conversation wiz me.
Why don't you ask ze King about zis 'frivolous' enterprise zat finds us boz cooped up in zis Welsh shiet hole?
I would like to 'ear 'is response.
Indeed de Rochefort.
If you too wish to only hear responses from me zat fit your version of what you wish to 'ear zen do not engage in conversation wiz me.
Why don't you ask ze King about zis 'frivolous' enterprise zat finds us boz cooped up in zis Welsh shiet hole?
I would like to 'ear 'is response.
The hall is deserted while Alain sits gazing into the fire of the great hall. Outside the weather has turned sour, the rain and lightning plays across the room.
He writes three letters, signs each and seal them with his ducal signet ring. The look on his face is forlorn and grim.
From the corner of the room his two retainers look on with an equally grim expression, even Madoc his head resting on his paws, looks on from in front of the great fire.
"I have no idea what he is writing to his nobles, but it is not good." Julien the veteran knight says quietly to his fellow retainer.
There is a pause while Amaury his mercenary captain studies his lord.
"You are right about that Julien, I've been in his service since we left Rennes and he has never behaved like this.
I'm going to go and get help, keep an eye on him."
My lord Duc Alain,
I shall not withdraw my pledge of fealty.
I shall ride with the order once again if you feel my services are not of use.
I think you have done a good job as Senechal and the critisism you get will partly be what every leader gets because he can't please everyone.
My lord, I too shall not withdraw my oath. I am a Bretagne it is in my blood and who I am!
I shall remain here in this House.
Alain brightens at the show of support.
My Lords,
We 'ave a task and I will speak to you privately about.
Expect correspondence on ze matter very soon!
Alain enters the chamber with some renewed vigour.
Lords of Bretagne,
it is time to discuss zings.
le Sueur, de Rochefort, Bouchart we must co-ordinate matters of ze Duchy.
As ze ex-Seneschal I can confirm zat without ze ability to provide an alliance to ze English ze chances of gaining a land exchange are slim. As our esteemed King decided to keep Caernarvon for 'imself we must decide what to do.
le Sueur, you are ze Order's number two I believe, 'owever you are wiz us 'ere in Caernarvon.
Bouchart, you are also displaced somewhat, what are your intentions.
Rochefort, where ze 'ell is Rochefort!!??
Medoc, find Rochefort and bring 'im back 'ere immediately!!
With that the massive poodle bounds from the chamber growling ominously.
If my presence isn't needed to defend Caernarvon then I shall return to France to serve the order and build relations with our Duchy.
"You know gentlemen, 'ow about we leave zis backwater and join ze fun on ze mainland.
I simply can not sit 'ere waiting for our beloved leader to do somezing constructive wiz zis place.
What say you all? Shall we leave a skeleton garrison 'ere and do somezing good for ze Duchy and France?"
I'm with you my lord lets join in the fun.
Excellent.
Given ze de Rochefort's inability to attend ze council he will be sent to Rennes for the moment. The rest of us will move to Bruges and add ourselves to ze fun and games.
Bouchart, once we reach ze main land I will ask you to form on me.
(OOC: NN please update your SOT so I can co-ordinate the Duchy).
My Duc I have reviewed my priorities and will return to Bretagne to form up with you and therest of the men.
Excellent Bouchart,
I 'ave spoken to ze Seneschal and we shall be moving immediately.
Gentlemen,
Zings seem to 'ave taken a turn for ze best and worst.
Firstly let me proclaim zat Ser Alexandre Le Sueur is now Baron of Rennes as reward for his long service and loyalty.
Please submit your papers and orders to ze Seneschal's office as soon as possible.
Secondly, we are in a bit of a bind.
Ze negotiations wiz ze English 'ave occurred at an inopportune time. Le Sueur, de Rochefort you are to make all haste towards Bruges, I will attempt to extract myself from ze situation wiz ze German fleet and send it towards you for your use.
DO NOT antagonise ze English in your travels. Especially you de Rochefort!! Your orders are to get out of ze as fast as possible.
Bouchart, you might like to move to Bruges to better assist ze coming conflict wiz ze English. It is only a matter of time in my opinion.
Questions?
Bouchart!!
Can you get yourself to Bruges?
My Leige it is done! I move like the wind and am now awaiting further orders.
"Lords of Bretagne,
Ze die is cast it seems. Unfortunately we are spread far and wide.
My intention is to take some men from Rennes in support of ze action against Angers when it is called. Ze will be returned immediately upon ze successful completion of zat action.
Le Sueur, I ask zat you allow me to do zis in your orders regarding Rennes.
To you all,
If you wish to join ze Crusade please do. I will not take ze cross at zis time, for a variety of personal and operational reasons. Zose of you zat wish to take ze cross 'ave my full support.
Good luck and Gods speed."
"Lords of Bretagne.
Ser Robert Bouchart's passing 'as taken ze shine off an ozerwise positive moment.
de Rochefort, you are now assigned Bruges. It is the land bridge between England and the Continent. Guard it well."