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August 15th, Year of Our Lord 1337
The Duke held his first conference of the court this morning, well the first since the beginning of my tenure in the castle. The immediate court did crowd into his chambers to discuss the war breaking out across the border. I noticed the disturbed looks of both Marshal Jean and his wife as they worried that the old Duke may be recovering enough to tend to the affairs of state himself. Fortunately for them their fears were quickly dispelled by the Duke's appearance - the man was a ghastly shade of grey and a cold sweat plastered both his tunic and thinning hair to his body. It was the face of death, if I may be so florid. Throughout the assembly the Duke could contribute little save his ear.
It is a pity that the Duke was not in full possession of his facilities seeing as I performed so well. In addition to the news of de Vendome's treachery I was able to confirm that Jean de Valois has raised and army from his western lands and is marching on Anjou. De Pontchâteau could merely sit in silent fury as I upstaged him. It was clear that the fool had no inkling of the events occurring just across the border.
Of more significance was my ability to sway the room to my ideas. Admittedly it was not difficult as there were few staunch opinions present. Marshal Jean was the only member of the court to favour action, joining France in crushing its errant vassal, but wiser heads won the day. There is little love for the King of the Franks in Nantes and I suspect that the Marshal was simply eager to take to the field of battle. Instead we will wait and see the reactions of the other lords before committing the duchy to an irrevocable course of action.
My advice was sound, as always, and I emerged from the congress with my standing within the court much enhanced.
August 24th, Year of Our Lord 1337
Rumours abound that the fighting has already begun in Anjou. There has been no smoke on the horizon but a number of refugee peasants have already arrived in Nantes. I have at least discouraged Marshal Jean from riding out with a party of local nobles to view the battle, if there is indeed one, as I fear that his lust for battle might overtake him and spin the situation out of my control. Thankfully his wife was also of the same opinion and together we were able to dissuade him.
I have heard little from the rest of France on events in Anjou. While there has been no rush to aid the hapless de Vendome I remain hopeful that the King's stringent actions will alienate his subjects even more.
August 30th, Year of Our Lord 1337
I have received distressing word from Anjou. Jean de Valois has secured a decisive victory upon the field of battle and has begun to invest the town's fortifications. The King obviously intends to make an example of Anjou and has spared no expense in equipping an army many thousands strong. No doubt he also seeks to send a warning to Brittany and others. The other Dukes will chaff at this heavy hand… but will they take up the banner raised by de Vendome? I admit to growing doubts as my contacts amongst the courts increasingly refuse to commit to a course of action.
September 13th, Year of Our Lord 1337
It is now apparent to me that as long as the siege of Anjou continues Jean's position as King of France is safe. No vassal will dare to rise against him while he maintains such a host, perhaps twelve thousand souls strong, in the field. With his inevitable victory in the siege, the small castle cannot hope to hold out much longer, Jean may well secure his future on the throne. I curse the hesitant fools who dithered rather than leap to the aid of the brave de Vendome.
For once the weather does not match my spirits and the sun is high and glorious in the heavens above. Even this rare display of Creation's splendour cannot lift my foul temperament this day. What chance that Jean de Valois will be so weakened again? Will I ever end my banishment? Bah. I am so reduced to asking rhetorical questions of my journal.
September 19th, Year of Our Lord 1337
News from England! Edward Plantagenet has announced his attention to aid Bouchard de Vendome and force his claim as true king of France. The lands of Anjou were once ruled by the Plantagenets and no doubt Edward feels that the current blood shedding defiles his ancestral lands and thus constitutes just cause for war. The opportunity to press his claim as King of France is surely peripheral to such a noble cause. The rumours that I have heard suggest that the English fleet is already putting to sea. Perhaps the demise of the family Valois is closer at hand than I had hoped? Should the French dukes rally behind Edward then I may be in Paris within the year.
I shall celebrate tonight with a flagon of wine and a servant girl.
My Saviour? King Edward of England