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J. Passepartout Time will show. But the Duke might be working for England also ;)


stnylan The cardinal is dangerous indeed. And I think in time his men will show to be dangerous also


GhostWriter Maybe the Duke will like that plan…


kingmbutu It might not be possible not to enjoy France but I think they will make his trip not very nice


coz1 As for now I think he is coming by alone, but maybe he will returned with more armed men in the future


Storey Hehe yes it is getting more intriguing I think, soon the Duke arrives


All I am sorry but I am unable to post an update today, there is a lot of other things doing on, and I need to finish a paper that I am going to deliver tomorrow. But I can promise you an update tomorrow :)
 
Cow Pie said:
A great read Lord E it's so well crafted and thought out. I can't stop thinking in the back of my mind though that musketeers are going to get involved :D
Thanks. Well maybe that thought shall become true in time, we shall see ;)


J. Passepartout said:
I'm sure the Duke is working for England but I also think Jean and co. want to work against the Cardinal.
Yes, when you put it like that I think that you might have a point indeed.


Well I promise you a new update yesterday, and now I am going to give you one. We travel to the Channel coast and we watch the arrival of a much awaited man…

I shall have it ready and posted in a couple of minutes
 




calaisbr2.jpg




15th of April 1625
Calais, France




The ship had only been at sea for one and a half day but still Richard was glad when he could once again see land, although it was France. He had never liked France, especially because of all the frogs in the country. Overhearing His Grace talking about France once he could only repeat His Grace’s words: France would be a lovely place if it wasn’t for the fact that it is filled with frogs. Still the sign of land made Richard so happy that he didn’t care much at the moment if it was France of somewhere else, still Richard were already dreaming of returning and see the White Cliffs again.

As the ship slowly sailed into Calais harbour Richard couldn’t help considering what The Black Prince or Henry V had though when they had arrive in France. Once Calais had been in English hands, but now it had been lost and in Richard’s eyes it was now clear that it was a French city now. The fact that the banner with the lilies of France was flying over the castle was the clearest sign Richard could notice of the fact that the city was now clearly French. He felt a little sad, and instead of looking at the flags he turned around and watched as the captain and the men were manoeuvring the ship into the harbour.





”Mr. Secretary you can inform His Grace that we have arrived in Calais. I suppose we shall soon get a visit from the locals, I suppose His Grace will want to prepare.”



“Thank you captain. I will inform His Grace now…”




Walking below the decks Richard continued passing sailors sleeping and officers preparing their uniforms for the visit from the French officials. Walking to the captain’s cabin James knocks on the door.



”Enter”



“Your Grace. The captain sends his best compliments. We have arrived in Calais and he is expecting the frogs to come onboard to greet us soon. I suppose Your Grace would like to prepare?”




”Thank you Richard. Would you get my sword please.”




“I though we were arriving in peace Your Grace?”




”Of course Richard… he he. But as a man of the nobility and the personal representative of His Majesty it never hurts to show the frogs some force.




Now have you seen the men in red at the harbour? Not the royal soldiers’ next to the chariot they seems to have waiting, but the three men on the horses trying to keep the chariot under watch while at the same time hiding a little. There at the corner.”






“I hadn’t noticed that Your Grace. Do you think it is a danger?”




”No, don’t worry Richard. These men would be Richelieu’s personal watch group I presume. It seems like the Cardinal wants to keep us under control. I can’t help from thinking that he is still pondering over the last letter we sent to La Rochelle.


The Cardinal seems to think he knows everything, but I am not sure, I don’t think he fully understood our message and that is probably why he is keeping us under watch. Oh and of course it is the fact that the Cardinal doesn’t trust me… Well I will never trust him either so I guess we are even.”




“Do you think he understood the code Your Grace?”



”The Cardinal is very clever so I don’t know, but I hope not…





Ah it seems like we have docked at the harbour.

Now Richard let us go and show these frogs how real Englishmen behaves.”






Leaving the cabin behind the two men walks up on deck the same moment as the harbour commander enters the ship. He is treated with all honours and after checking that there are no diseases onboard and that their papers are ok he allows for two royal officers to arrive on the ship. Smiling the Duke nods to Richard.




“Gentlemen, allow me to introduce His Grace the Duke of Buckingham!”



Richard noticed the Duke was smiling and he knew the Duke enjoyed this, he showed his rank and power, and Richard knew that just now the Duke was the King of England. But the struggle for power was also a game for the Duke and Richard knew that is was a game the Duke of Buckingham play very well, very well indeed. No matter what the French sent against him Richard knew the Duke would enjoy his days in France.
 
Very suave, very cool, playing the game. All is about show, and how one is perceived. And one must be perceived as an Englishman of course - God's own country and all that ;)

An interesting switch of viewpoint. Time to see a little of the third side.
 
I wonder if they might not be a little too confident. After all, they are on French soil, a field which the Cardinal owns.
 
coz1 said:
I wonder if they might not be a little too confident. After all, they are on French soil, a field which the Cardinal owns.


True... there is a fine line between confidence and unwarranted arrogance
 
J. Passepartout Thanks. As you will see Richard is the Duke’s secretary and assistant so he will certainly stay with the Duke during the entire trip in France


stnylan Indeed, it is actually all about the show, at least the Duke thinks so, so he plays the game very well and keeps cool.
Glad you liked the switch of viewpoint


coz1 Yes, I guess you can say that, but I don’t think the Duke is considering that just now, he knows the cardinal is dangerous, but he will not bow down and give up, instead he will do his best to stand firm and keep his confidence


kingmbutu Indeed, there are, but the Duke hasn’t crossed the line yet… but he might ;)


All Thanks for all comments and all readers. Glad you all enjoy the story.
I am working on the next update now, and should have it posted within the next hour…
 




sunriseyf2.jpg




16th of April 1625
Guyenne region, Southern-France





Jean was waiting for the Baron to appear. The men were already on their horses ready to go, but they were still waiting for the Baron. Jean turned his head as he could see the sun slowly rise over the horizon. Slowly the sunbeams were getting stronger and stronger as the sun was growing in size. Jean smiled; it was a new day with new possibilities.

They had been chasing and killing bandits and outlaws for a week now, and although Jean felt honoured to know he was making the roads of Southern-France safe, he still felt it had to be better ways they could aid the King and the Kingdom. Jean knew most of the men agreed with his thoughts and that was the reason why they all felt that this day would bring something new and better. The Baron had hinted about it yesterday, he had received orders he had said and those orders would bring them away from the south. But they didn’t know what they were ordered to do or where they would do it, so they all just waited and hoped the Baron would tell them.

After yet another five minutes of waiting, something that felt like an hour to Jean the Baron appeared from the house. He walked out slowly, greeted the men and then mounted his horse. All the men were looking at him and hoped that he would tell what was going on.






”Good morning men. Let us ride!”




Kicking his horse the Baron got the horse moving forward, for a second all the men just sat there disappointed because he hadn’t told them anything, but then their reflexes got them to act and they followed the Baron’s orders and they all rode out. Although they didn’t know anything new at least Jean knew one thing seeing the road they were taking, they were riding north and according to the sign Jean saw on the Inn at the end of the small village, this wasn’t just any road, it was the road to Paris.


After having been at horseback for close to four hours the men were all glad when they arrived in a small village and the Baron said they would rest and eat lunch at the inn. Putting their horses in the stables the men then walk towards the door into the in. Just as he was to enter Jean feels a hand on his arm and turning around he sees the Baron standing there, signalling for Jean to follow him. As they walk back into the stable the Baron speaks in a low voice.




”I am soon going to tell the rest of the men Jean. But I think you need to know first because this might have to do with our adventure in Bordeaux.

The King have ordered our return to Paris, it seems like His Majesty in all his wisdom has decided to recall all forces from Southern-France… From what I understand the Cardinal wants the land left open so that the Huguenots will rise in open rebellion, as you know Jean the Cardinal has been planning war against them for long, and it seems he has decided to act…”



“So we are going to Paris… Well I can understand that with all forces withdrawn it might increase the level of confidence and self-government feelings among the Huguenots, but I still can’t understand how the Cardinal will get them to rise into rebellion, they must know just like we do that such an event wouldn’t do them well.


If not…


The Cardinal doesn’t need them to start a rebellion; he just needs to claim they did. Damn, he could even send his own men in to start some unrest and then decided to strike.”



”I am glad to see you are learning the politics of France quickly Jean. I will need to watch my back I think, if you continue like this I fear you will outsmart even His Eminence…

I would never have thought of it like that, but when you say it I think it makes sense, and it is pretty much just the thing the Cardinal might plan…


But there is more. As far as I know no one knows about what happened in Bordeaux, and I can’t imagine how anyone should know… But it might be true as they say that the Cardinal knows all and sees all.

This is something that the men shouldn’t know Jean, it needs to say between the two of us.

I have been ordered to report to the Cardinal the moment I arrive in Paris….”




“The Cardinal? But… but he can’t know can he.”


”I don’t know Jean, but I fear we shall know in a couple of days when we go to meet the Cardinal.”
 
This would be a good time to practice avoiding having a guilty conscience.

Jean is going from the cooking-pot straight into the fire.
 
One must wonder what the Cardinal has in store for the Baron, and is it any good thing? Let us hope it is not too horrible, for Jean's sake.

One little nitpick as well, Lord E - because I am enjoying this work so much, I feel it is time to suggest a little something. Occasionally you will mix past tense with present tense and it is a little jarring to me (one of my pet peeves, if you will.) Take this for example:

After having been at horseback for close to four hours the men were all glad when they arrived in a small village and the Baron said they would rest and eat lunch at the inn. Putting their horses in the stables the men then walk towards the door into the in. Just as he was to enter Jean feels a hand on his arm and turning around he sees the Baron standing there, signalling for Jean to follow him. As they walk back into the stable the Baron speaks in a low voice.

The Orange is past tense and the yellow present. I would suggest trying to keep it all the same as it does make the reader pul back for a moment when they see it. Of course, many times it can be used for effect, but I dare say not in the same paragraph. I just think this is too good not to mention such a thing. Hope you don't mind. :)
 
stnylan Yes, I think this would be a good moment to play not guilty. It seems like our young friend have a certain ability of getting into trouble…


coz1 Well to put it like this, I guess it would be a little to early to kill him… ;)
As for the mixing of the past and present tense I am sorry about that, I will try to avoid doing it in the future. I hope the next update won’t contain too many, if any of those mistakes.


J. Passepartout As you shall see the Duke is indeed in Paris. As for the Baron time will tell, but him not coming away unharmed, that might be… But then again it might be that the cardinal just wants to talk… time will show


All Thanks for your support.
I am working on the next update right now, I need to find a picture that works and then I shall try to get it posted soon…
 




pariskg4.gif




21st of April 1625
Paris, France





Jean was shocked the sight was larger and more impressive than anything he had ever seen before. He heard the other men around him and they seemed just as shocked. As they got closer they could see Paris grow in front of them. The city was larger and more impressive than anything Jean had ever seen and he could only gasp as they entered into the capital of France.

The Baron smiled and turned to face the men.




”Now men, I am proud to welcome you to Paris. I can understand your feelings at seeing our capital for the first time, and I can tell you Paris is even more than anything you have ever dreamt off.

But remember men Paris is not just a wonderful city is has several dark sides as well, so keep your sword at the ready and take care…”




As they continued into the city Jean noticed the feelings among the men had been altered a little, although they were still impressed by the city it now sounded like the men also understood the dangers of the city and Jean heard them talk about who they though were dangerous and what streets were scary as they passed it. Further and further into the city, they passed streets filled with shops, men, woman and children doing their daily business, they passed soldiers marching and even a group of prisoners being escorted to a prison.



”Those guys are going to the Bastille I suppose… Not a very nice place to end up, so be nice men. Don’t get too drunk and do something silly or else you might find yourself among that lot tomorrow…”



As they continued forward they soon entered into a larger street and Jean noticed that it seemed like they were approaching an enormous building. It was then they suddenly had to react quickly.



“OUT OF THE WAY! OUT OF THE WAY! MAKE WAY!”





As the men followed the Baron and moved their horses into the side of the road they soon saw the chariot that rushed past them. First came two riders in the front, then the chariot with four horses pulling it and then another two riders at the end. Jean was sure it had to be someone important, the chariot was guarded by four riders and it also had two soldiers at the top of the chariot as well as the driver so it had to be someone important. Jean couldn’t see anything as they raced past and moved towards the enormous building.

When the chariot had passed they continued on their way and some minutes later they rode into the courtyard. Here there were even more soldiers and when they arrived Jean noticed one of the soldiers came to meet them. He saw the chariot standing at the other side of the courtyard, but he saw no people so he guessed they were already at the inside.





”Welcome to Louvre monsieur. Baron de Coligny I presume?”



”Thank you Captain. I understand we are expected.”




”Certainly Baron. Monsieur Tremoille arrived just one hour ago, so now we are only missing monsieur Brulert and then all commanders from Guyenne and Gascoigne have arrived…


Now monsieur Baron your men can stay in the barracks there on the other side of the courtyard, the only other men there are monsieur Tremoille’s so I think it will do very well.”




”Thank you very much captain. That will do very well indeed.


Now we were passed by a chariot on the road and now I see it is here, important guests?”




”Oh yes monsieur Baron, His Grace the Duke of Buckingham has arrived from England…”




Both the Baron and Jean looked shocked at the man, so did the rest of the men also, but Jean knew they were just shocked to hear that an English Duke were in Paris. The Baron and Jean knew more and were probably even more shocked.




”Buckingham? What the hell is he doing in Paris?”



”I understand Southern-France have left you with little information about the business of Paris monsieur Baron.

The Duke is here as the personal ambassador of His Majesty Charles, King of England. He has arrived to take care of the final arrangements for the wedding between Princess Henrietta and the English King.”



”Now that is something… Well captain thank you, now the men and I am tired so we would like to go to the barracks for some rest and something to eat.”



Jean was still shocked as the rode across the courtyard; the Duke was in France, not just in France but in Paris even, in the same castle they were in. Jean couldn’t really image it, this was a man that had written the letter that had almost got Jean killed and now he was in Paris.

Some time later after they had eaten and rested the Baron announced his intent to go outside, he had some business to take care off he said. The Baron asked monsieur Tremoille and Jean to come with him.

As they got on the outside the Baron turned to the two other men.




”It is time. We can trust Tremoille Jean, he is one of my oldest and best friends and he is a very good friend of your father as well. He knows and he has agreed to come with us.

Now monsieurs are you ready, it is time to leave Louvre and go to meet His Eminence!”




Both the men nodded that they had understood. Then they walked out of Louvre on foot. They talked casual as they walked; it was like no one wanted to speak about or mention the meeting they were soon to have. After they had walked for some time they stood outside a large palace. Jean saw that there were guards on the outside and seeing their red uniforms he knew at once. This was the Cardinal’s palace.

They entered and found that they weren’t the only ones waiting to see the Cardinal. The room where people waited was filled with people: soldiers, monks, farmers, salesmen, women and even some children. The three of them entered and was approached by a servant at once.




”Welcome to the Cardinal’s palace monsieur. Please state your business!”



”The Baron de Coligny arriving to meet His Eminence upon His Eminence’s request.”



The servant bowed and then left the room quickly. Five minutes later he returned.



”Monsieur Baron, the Cardinal will see you now. Your companions have been requested to wait here…”



”That will be fine. You two wait here…”



Jean could see that the Baron was nervous as he followed the servant out of the waiting room. There were several men sending the Baron angry looks, they obviously though he had cheated to get fast forward in the line, but there was no one that spoke. They all knew that in the end the Cardinal decided who were allowed to see him and if the Cardinal allowed for the man to enter quickly it must be someone important so no one moved although some sent out angry looks.

Following the servant down the hallway the Baron soon stood outside a large set of doors. The servant knocked on the doors and waited until an answer came from the inside.




”Enter”





The servant opened the doors and the Baron moved inside. Then he saw him, the Cardinal was setting at his desk and smiled cunningly.




”Welcome Baron de Coligny, I have been expecting you…”
 
If only the Cardinal was wearing black... ;)

But I imagine de Coligny will survive this interview. Too many saw him enter. If the Cardinal wished to have him killed, well, there are so many easier ways to go about it.
 
Ahh...so now we have both the Baron and Buckingham in Paris, as well as a meet and greet with the Cardinal.

[Mr. Burns]Exxxcellent. It's all falling into place.[/Mr. Burns.] ;)
 
So the Baron de Coligny walks into the spiders lair. :eek: Let's hope he doesn't get stuck in the cardinals web. I admit I'm not sure what is going to come of this. :cool:

Joe