Brother Simon - I agree with your initial proposal, given the King's words in Council supporting the attack on Metz would be the logical first step for the Order. Provided Thomas can be persuaded to wait long enough for us to ride from Paris... What happens next we might even leave to the discretion of the Captain, although further discussion is certainly wise.

Brother Gaetan, you are welcome to run for Captain, but to do so I think you would have to commit to ride with the Company for the next ten seasons. I would not like to leave the Company leaderless even for a short period when another such as Simon is available to lead. Earlier you spoke of marching first with your Duke, so this may require some negotiation with him. If the Company were to support your Duke's march, there need be no conflict and I would not be opposed to that. Both brother knights and Dukes will have to become accustomed to satisfying obligations to both House and Order, but with good will on both sides, I cannot see this being a problem. After all, we already serve King, France and God without seeing a conflict.