"So highness, you left the field in posession of the enemy. I find it hard to believe that laggards would catch your forces unaware. Non, I suspect some treachery was likely involved here. In any case, do not let the thought trouble you. I think there is no man here that expects every general to win every battle. The important thing is that you have found your way back safely to the Royaume, and will in time too to your caring family. Three lovely daughters now? They must be a joy to behold!"
Louis responds in an angry but controlled tone without rising from his seat,
"Treachery. I will consider that possibility. Certainly there are many in France, even in this room, who are honorless and would consider such a course.
It is also possible that I was merely careless. Next time I will kill the Germans as I run them down rather than gathering them up to see if their latest master will pay a ransom.
My daughters are the most beautiful things in all the world. Their service to France will be beyond reproach."
Standing now, he turns to face the members of the Council as he speaks,
"I will concur that we should surrender no lands to the Germans at this time. If the Pope declares that we cannot retake them we will have no ward against further German treachery. They are not a people to be trusted.
I also wish to congratulate my father on putting down the most recent claimant to their throne. I had encoutered the fool myself, and I must say that his armies will be the better for his absence.
As to my intentions, I will remain in the region if requested to do so by the Seneschal, otherwise I intend to retire to Toulouse to resupply my army and perhaps retrain some of my depleted regiments. I believe the Germans will gather their forces at Bern for a time before they come again. We have dealt them many stinging defeats in the field and they have no bold commanders remaining."
Re: Conseil du Royaume
Originally Posted by KnightnDay
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks