Normanus

[Orb]

The Tale of the Norman, Robert Guiscard.

'Every man who wishes to rise superior to the animals should strive his hardest to avoid passing his life in obscurity, like the beasts of the field which go with their faces to the ground and are the slaves of their bellies’
– Salust

1015 AD – Hauteville, Normandy

Tancred stood at the side of the bed, cradling his new-born sixth son in his arms before passing it to Fresenda. William, eight years old at the time, stood dutifully by, filled with joy.

Tancred smiled at his wife and spoke quietly, ‘What do you think of Robert?’
Fresenda asked, ‘Why Robert?’
‘The name’, Tancred began, ‘is old German. It means “brilliant fame”. Just look at the boy and you can tell what he will have.’
She replied, ‘he looks like a fox, already preparing to snatch the chickens of the world!’
The knight laughed and decided, ‘Then that shall be his name, Robert The Fox, Robert Guiscard.’

Notes – Guiscard, Latin Viscardus is usually rendered as ‘the Cunning’, ‘the Fox’ or ‘the Resourceful’

1047 AD – the court of Drogo, the second son of Tancred, in Apulia, Italy

‘So, Fox, you have finally come to join us,’ Drogo began, ‘how did you persuade Roger to stay?’ Drogo got to his feet to greet his brother.
Robert smiled, ‘They don’t call me ‘the Fox’ for nothing, you know.’
‘It’s good to see you – although you appear to lack a magnificent entourage.’
Robert looked back at his thirty infantry and five knights and shrugged.
‘They are all the entourage I need.’
Drogo’s response was slightly stern, ‘What if you were set upon by a hundred bandits, or five-hundred Greeks? How would I forgive myself?’
‘The only thing you’d have to forgive yourself for is not seeing thirty-six men defeat five-hundred mice. I can take care of myself.’
Drogo grinned at Guiscard’s impetuosity, ‘Regardless, I cannot let my own brother ride around with the escort of a merchant. You know I can’t offer you land, or I would end up making you the lord of a desert, or making myself the lord of nothing. But I can get you some of the best damn fighters in the world. A hundred Russian bodyguards, fifty knights and three hundred infantry would seem appropriate.’

Guiscard stood stunned. Eventually he spoke ‘Russians? Where the Hell did you find those?’
The count smiled, ‘That’s for me to know, and for you to find out. I’m not foolish enough to let another great man recruit the best infantry we have from under my nose.’
He embraced his brother and roared, ‘By God, it’s good to see you again!’

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Here is the beginning of my tale of the deeds of Robert Guiscard. I'll try to keep it fairly historically accurate, but certain details may be added or removed and on some things I might just get it wrong.

Any comments/suggestions?

Enjoy!



- Orb

- edit: oops, delete this one please, sorry about the multiple threads.

[Orb]

Leaving the palace to investigate the city, having asked Drogo to supply his new bodyguards until he was ready to leave the city, he took with him two knights and five infantry.

‘Well, Amiketas, it doesn’t seem as if we are the most popular people here’, Guiscard stated, ‘but still, if I can secure the trust of the people here, I can secure that of any people.’
Amiketas, one of his knights, nodded in reply, apprehensive of the gathering crowd of Lombards. Guiscard stepped towards the mob, who simultaneously tensed; ‘Well? Why are you here?’ he demanded. The rabble slowly dispersed. Guiscard turned back to Amiketas, ‘Do they fear a Norman that much? Regardless, I’ve seen enough, find some inn for us.’

The innkeeper, a Greek named Alexander, was instantly worried by the Norman arrival, ‘You have to understand my situation,’ he grovelled, ‘I won’t survive the week if I let you stay.’

Guiscard placed his massive hand on the Greek’s shoulder, ‘You won’t survive the night if you refuse. Tell the Lombards that I’m here, I’m sick of shouting at those half-men.’
Alexander grimaced and swiftly hurried out. Guiscard grinned, ‘Alright lads, let’s make ourselves at home!’

[Ludens]

Interesting story, orb. Please continue.

[Ludens]

I hope you haven't given up on this story. It started out so interesting.

[Orb]

Somewhat swamped by trivial matters at the moment.

[King Henry V]

Nice beginning, but from what I've read Drogo and Robert didn't really get on that well and I think he was given the nickname Gusicard later on in life, not when he was born.
Eager for the next installment, though.