Prince Louis enters the chamber in an ugly mood. He glares at a page who is too slow getting out of his way before declaring,
The Germans at Bern have been dealt a bloody defeat. Over six hundred were captured and awaiting execution when a laggardly batch of their reinforcements from Staufen assaulted my weary men from behind and captured our supplies. I...
Louis pauses for a moment to grimace before continuing,
I withdrew and left them in possession of the field, thus releasing all those prisoners. The Germans appear to have learned of our intention to honor the Pope's demands, and so they leave Staufen all but unguarded to take advantage. Although I won a great tactical victory on the road west of Bern I am willing to admit I made a strategic mistake by riding into Germany, and unless asked otherwise I will now retire to reinforce my army and resupply my men.
By the time the enforced truce expires I will be back, God and King willing, and we shall fall on these fools like a hammer.
The Prince takes a seat, his head held stiffly high with a grim, proud look on his face.
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