The Duchy of Lorraine

[KnightnDay]

"If Bertin or the Duke will accompany me to Metz, and the available mercenary spear and crossbow companies are raised with us, the castle will fall with a minimum of bloodshed. We should not attempt to strike with less. That will in turn guarantee sufficient troops with which Bruges can be laid siege. Le Roi is sympathetic to our cause, I think, along with other men of wisdom. Once these two places are under our control, we have our position secured and can support the other worthy causes being advanced within the council"

[ULC]

"That is far to much expense Thomas! The rest of the Kingdom cannot suffer because we are afraid of shedding our own blood in battle. Metz is nothing, the garrison presents no credible threat, and Bruges will fall with the rest of our troops."

"Two Companies must go to Metz, with one laying siege and the other for support - the rest of our Companies must head north, and take Bruges. Once completed, I and whatever the Duc allows will stay behind to hold Bruges while Metz and Riems are reinforced."

"We have more then enough men to take both - we must not squander the treasury of the realm from fear!"

[KnightnDay]

"With respect, Gaeten, I believe the expense is not unreasonable. 2,500 florins will be delivered to the treasury upon the fall of the place. The expense of these mercenaries does not come without cost, it is true. They can be disbanded as soon as militia can replace them in garrison if need be.

As far as a siege goes, there should be no need for that. Our spy should be able to position himself to assist us in opening the gate when the time comes. That itself will save the lives of some of our men. And no one in this house is fearing the shedding of blood. We all know that is expected. But it is prudent to use every tool at our disposal to accomplish our task and preserve our forces where possible.

Also, the threat of Metz does not come from rebels, it comes from the empire to the east. If there is any opportunity for the Kaiser to take such a vital location, he will pounce on it, you can be sure of that.

In any case, it seems that Bertin sees things as I do, and your position is clear enough. And I do appreciate your candor and I respect your opinion. Perhaps the Duc can speak to where he sees matters? "

[OverKnight]

Metz is the priority for Lorraine. We currently only have enough men to take Metz or Bruges, not both at once. I doubt that the Conseil will vote extra troops for us, mercenary or otherwise, particularly if the King's edict concerning recruitment passes.

I find grubbing for troops and territories in the Conseil a bit distasteful. When it comes to the disposition of new lands, I have no doubt le Roi will judge each Duchy by its actions and not our words.

[KnightnDay]

"As you say mon duc, some of these matters are distasteful, but it is part of the political game which for better or worse we are all now part of. I accept the fact that we must live with its consequences. The King expressed his desire to see Metz freed from rebel hands. One would hope that might sway the opinions of some to see our point of view."

[ULC]

"My Duc, I heartily disagree with being unable to take Bruges with the men we have now. I know I ask much, but it can be taken, and it must be taken, or we will be vulnerable to the English or Germans."

[OverKnight]

A flash of irritation crosses Hugues's face.

Gaetan, let me be clear, I will lead the attack on Metz. It will be done with the forces the Duchy has in Reims. I will not need mercenaries. I feel they would be too much of a drain on our coffers, particularly if we wish to purchase Angers from the English.

Now, any of my vassals may join me in the field if they wish, but it will be my command. Is this clear to everyone? No more haggling with the Fleur de Lys or Conseil about what I consider an internal House matter.

You are all young, you will have your oppurtunity for land and victory later. Please show some patience.