Henri rises to address the Conseil

My Lords, my King and Seneschal,

At the Seneschals request I have reviewed Mercenary forces under the control of the Duchy of Lorraine, there are a good few in number but they fulfil roles that the Duchy cannot at this time replace in the main.

There is one company of spearmen that can be released who are currently under the command of my Vassal, André des Vaux, and one small group within the walls of Frankfurt which can also be released. However the greater numbers are of Crossbow companies, which the Duchy cannot replace at this time like-for-like.

If the Seneschal can locate and distribute like-for-like replacements for these troops the Duchy will be more than happy to release all of them as this will not effect our defences.

I ask that the Seneschal approves at least a company of spears to be raised in Metz as well as several companies of archers, if this is approved, I pledge that the Duchy will release the mercenary companies of spears and we will replace some crossbow companies with archers but we cannot replace them all as they server different purposes.

All this will be done next season should this be possible.

I am also concerned that there is a lack of cavalry in the Duchy and that only Metz can train light cavalry. This will be addressed in time I am sure however, and the Duchy will do what it can with the resources it has for now.

The Duchy has also commissioned and erected a fort South East of Frankfurt to defend the bridge over the Main river.

I have personally sent a request to my brother Villain that he refuse this latest request for family adoption, I feel, as the King does I am sure, that too many knights are seeking such a route to power now but the ultimate option to do so is fully in his hands and I ask the King to understand this should my brother accept it.

I have updated my orders instructions accordingly and have placed a request for a priest to be trained in Frankfurt this coming season as this was not effected in the previous term. A leather tanner is also requested for the end period of this term if possible for Frankfurt.

That is all,

Henri returns to his seat

((OOC: Some OOC stuff I’ll bring to the OOC thread also))