Prince Louis returns to the Council chamber in a more subdued mood,

Where my King leads, I shall follow, but I think if we wish to set an example for the rest of Christendom we should ask for a crusade against the Moors. Such a course would aid our allies in Iberia and set God's banner against it's natural enemies, the infidels who terrorize the Holy Lands and have invaded Christian Spain. Such matters, however, are beyond my ken; I still don't see why we would wish to crusade against the English when we could've simply driven them off the continent with a straightforward war last year.

In any case, Sir de Linars remains in striking distance of Bordeaux with ample forces to force the Englishmen there to submit. The other English holdings in the south will not long outlast the fall of Bordeaux. It is our good and natural right to expel William and his band of theives from our kingdom, and my House awaits only word of the declaration to begin the work!

I and Sir de Perrone have ridden south with my new recruits to block the mountain pass out of Iberia. If the Moors wish to pass through our lands they will be forced to take the coast road, and if we catch them there next year they will be brought to God's justice for daring to march across France.

I petition the King once more to release the soldiers from the garrison of Valencia (OOC: The spearmen and mercenary crossbowmen south of Zaragosa) to the command of Sir de Xaintraillies so that they may be used for the defense of the realm.

With a dark glance in the direction of the Seneschal Louis continues,

I cannot comment on the fighting in Germany, but I would have it known that training requests for troops from Toulouse to defend the eastern front will be heard equably no matter who submits them. The Germans are mad to continue on this course. I regret only that I will not be able to confront them myself due to the Moorish invasion and the pending English war.