So how much longer till I'm the master of all Mongolia?![]()
So how much longer till I'm the master of all Mongolia?![]()
The Pope walked out of his private quarters. Why did he have to Pope at that time?
That morning had brought many messages. Firstly, and most critically, France was being invaded by the English. Oh well, nothing to be done for it. The English were failing to see reason as it was anyway, and they were already excommunicated.
Secondly, excommunicating the Byzantines would mean excommunication from the Greek Catholics, and a possible invasion of Rome. Rome would be able to hold, and perhaps...?
An idea struck the Pope.
"Someone get me some paper! I need to send a message to the Catholic nations!"
OOC - more coming later... ;)
Rest in Peace TosaInu, the Org will be your legacy
Originally Posted by Leon Blum - For All Mankind
I read the letter from France.
Dearest King of Sicily,
The English have attacked the Coast around Caen and Bruge. Being an ally and a friend of our nation, we seek your aid. We are well aware of your situation against the Moors, but you can help us in other ways. We realise that you are of the same stock of the Anglo Normans and thus, wish to see if your opinion of their treacherous attack might convince them to hold their sword hand while France defends Catholicism in Iberia. Any other aid would be welcomed, O great friend.
Sincerely,
Le Roy
While Robert was rapt in thought, I opened the discussion. "What is to be done about the treacherous English?"
Walter, always rational and well spoken spoke, "We are all Normans, why not ask them to stand down?"
Simon, my somewhat naive, yet always sincere and loyal son seconded the Chancellor "Of course, Blood forms the strongest bonds. They cannot ignore their brothers!"
Robert, my brother, shared his opinion "Well, we cannot totally abandon the war against the heathen Moor. If we did, our battles and conquests up to this point would be for naught."
Everyone murmured agreements, unable to grasp the reason why England attacked such a noble and good nation.
Walter ventured an idea "What if we were to persuad all of Catholic Europe to stop trade with England, surely that would economically cripple them and decrease their forces!"
I approved "An embargo, a wonderful idea. But that will not be all that can be done"
Simon disagreed "We cannot abandon our cause in North Africa."
Robert cautioned "Boy, you have much to learn, I said earlier we cannot totally abandon North Africa. How about going on the defensive?"
Walter expressed his view "Exactly! We go on the defensive, hold the areas we have taken and withdraw troops from our most secure postions, namely Tunis as it is far behind our lines and assist the French using our superior archers and infantry. Who can stand up to such a coalition of infantry, archers and calvary?"
I explained the plan "Yes, it is settled. We will fortify our positions in Africa, relieve some troops in our most strongly defended encampents and have all relieved troops assembled in Tunis. Robert, you will sail to Tunis and wait for the army to assemble there. After the army has been gathered, they shall be loaded onto boats. You shall go with them, land at Marseille, and march to Paris where you will be under command of only the King of France, unless he specifies otherwise, though I trust he will allow you to work semi-indepededtly. Forsake honour and pride, dear brother. Seeing as we have a much weaker army than the English, we must work with the French and use guerilla tactics. I want you to maximise English Casualties while minimising our own. Advise the French King that you should operate in Northern France, preferably Normandy, you remember it, don't you?"
Robert confirmed "Of course, brother."
I continued "Good, I cannot stress enough the importance of guerilla techniques."
Robert exited via the large wooden door, leaving Walter, Simon and I in the room.
"Simon, prepare for a journey. You will campaign around Italy for support. Make sure to ask for approval of the embargo and military support. My son, You must learn a trade much more important than that of a military leader. To be King, you must be able to play the diplomat and speak charismatically. Keep a level head, stay collected, be respectful. Learn the importance of humility, but do not lose your dignity. You must walk a very thin line, but if I did not think you were up to it, I would not have you go. Have the first ferry to the mainland and your finest horse prepared. You may go now."
My son then left Walter and I.
"Walter, I have kept you here for good reason. You are the wisest man I know. Simon has much to learn, and Robert is too warlike to understand the delicate times we live in. Send a letter to the Pope, explaining why we have currently ceased Catholic expansion in North Africa. Send a letter to the King of France telling him of Robert's arrival and that Robert should be allowed to work indepedently for most of the time. Send letters to the other European Nations allowing them time to prepare for Simon's arrival. Let them know that by coming to the aid of France, they are allowing for a faster resolution to this problem that will allow us to continue with our campaign against the heathens."
"My scribes' wrists shall be sore, my lord." He chuckled.
I let out a laugh. "Time is of the essence, my friend."
We both left the chamber. How would this sequence play out?
"Half of your brain is that of a ten year old and the other half is that of a ten year old that chainsmokes and drinks his liver dead!" --Hagop Beegan
Oh thankyou Sicily! When the Vile English have been beaten back, France will send troops to help you in Africa! And of course, you're army may work independantly of course. We are VERY,VERY grateful for your show of care as the Pope has no time to act, we had our army in Leon! They attacked us while our backs were turned! There cowards I say, attacking while our backs are turned... i wonder what the HRE thinks that there once noble allies are now attacking people when there backs are turned? What do you think Kaiser?
Basil II has opened up trade routs with England, in hopes to help their economy.
What!!?? But Byzantine is my ally, and there helping my enemy? So there opening, you mean you want France to go DOWN? Are you France's ally?
Byzantium has canceled the alliance with France. We do not wish to be brought into your affairs.
Basil II
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