Antwerp, 1330

"So this is an arquebus?" asked Wolfgang, "How powerful is it, exactly?"

Wolfgang examined the firelock with interest. He had faced a company of Danes with handguns, but he had never had been in possession of them himself.

The Flemish gunsmith, Willem Tykel, strolled towards his new patron, "It is capable of piercing all but the thickest plate, something that you will need against the French."

"Indeed." remarked Wolfgang drily, "However, you leave the French to me, and I'll leave the production of the firelocks to you."

As the gunsmith left the room, Wolfgang began to think. With these weapons, he could revolutionise warfare as the world knew it.

"Chivalry has been sorely tested these last thirty years," he though out loud, "and the reign of the horsemen is waning. The combination of pike and firelock is a deathblow to any mounted foe. And as the French are especially fond of horsemen, we shall be glad of the changing times."

Collecting his thoughts, Wolfgang left the room.