Conseil du Royaume

[Braden]

Henri stands to address the Conseil

My Lords and King,

In accordance to the wishes of the King and indeed, myself, I have instructed my brother Villain to reject this latest approach. We all grow bored with these attempts at self aggrandisement by these Knights. Perhaps Villain should duel them…that might dissuade any future, surviving, ones?

I have also requested that Count André des Vaux of Reims address the expansion of his city to the King directly.

Congratulations are in order for Pope Etienne; our new Pope and spiritual leader! I am certain we will all drink to his long health at the coming Winter Festival in our halls. It is a shame that worldly vices such as pride afflict our Catholic neighbours to such an extent that the Sicilians attack the Papacy army…likewise I am concerned that the Polish nation also feel aggrieved and with Lorraine bordering their nation I will move the Duchy forces accordingly to the border to monitor the situation.

I offer the services of the Duchy of Lorraine to help the King conduct his operations against the Danes if it is needed, to the extent that I would be willing to lead such an expedition should the House of Bretagne be unable to for whichever reason.

As to the issue of the Sicilians, I am sure this will interest my Brother Charles…perhaps he could lead an expedition to rout their forces and bring them into the Papacy fold once more should diplomatic means prove unsuccessful?

Henri bows to the Conseil and returns to his seat

[Ituralde]

A French Pope! It seems our efforts for the faith have been recognized by the Holy Sea. Now there's little standing in the way of further religious progress!

Simon smiles confidently.

[Cultured Drizzt fan]

Good enough news, although some strange happenings in Spain. The Russians seem to have a fleet sitting near by our coast, but for what reason I can not fathom. And a huge army of Spanish troops have entered Pamplona, once again for no discernible reason. Coincidence? almost 100% likely. But hey, good to be prepared.

[Braden]

Indeed, my own reports show this Russian fleet and not one but TWO large Spanish armies either in or mere miles from Pamplona.

However, my contacts advise me that we are still held in high regard by both the Russian and Spanish courts so it is unclear of their purpose. I am sure though that our King is well prepared should their intent not be to our "liking"...

[Marcus Agrippa]

My King as a noble of Bretagne I shall lead the force against The Danes if there is no objection from Duc Alain.
Also should a crusade to the holy lands be on the cards our time has come to build up with a french pope in Rome.