Taking a seat and sipping some wine the Duke studies the young man for a few moments before speaking.

I'm glad you realise the blood lines carried in this family. I believe only myself and Elby can say we are grandson's of the late Kaiser Heinrich, I think many men don't realise that anymore.

You certainly have my blessing to take up the cross Dieter. Siburg has always spoken favourably of the East and I'm sure she would be happy to go back there. But please keep in mind what Matthias has said. You could be desk bound or part of the reserve cavalry forces out there for sometime, plus I'm not sure how you would get out there, I hear there are rumors that the fleets will be disbanded for fiscal reason's.

As for your knighthood, then my first thoughts are to have Lord Zirn and his son Johann take you east and attack a small Hungarian force that I have field reports on. There we can see if it would be possible to get you knighted before heading to Outremer. That would have you placed in better stead for surviving out there.

Just between you an me Dieter, I have no edicts or amendments to propose at this time. The less the better at this stage of the game my boy. It's going to be about survival more than anything right now.

As for your support or voting direction...then contrary to what many believe I do not dictate what you should do. You should vote with your head and heart on matters and I freely expect you to argue and debate here in the Austrian Chamber on whatever you wish.

I will as a matter or policy send all Austrian nobles my thoughts and recommendations on what I believe and outline anything of special significance to me...but it is a guideline only.