The Lord of Glamorgan

Count Hywel of Glamorgan and Dyfed(884-931)

In coming to the seat of Glamorgan and Dyfed Hywel ap Llywelyn a man of 20 quickly learned he was far from up to the task of ruling his father’s land. Hywel stretched himself thin in trying to make sure the realm functioned but despite his best efforts both the mayors in the towns and the peasants in the fields chafed under Hywel’s mismanagement. To onlookers the root of the problem lay in Hywel own ideas on governing. On any decision he acted on the first solution or thought that popped into his mind. When he did heed counsel he listened to those who knew no better than himself. In addition to this Hywel was left to raise his young sister Maybl who had only just lost her father. With no children he was at a loss as to how to raise her and hoped Maybl’s infamous attitude would carry through the worst.

In the summer of 904 as the planting season in Glamorgan was underway things began to return to an air of normalcy at Cardiff Castle. Under the stress rulership Hywel retreated at least once a day from daily business to relax in his mother’s gardens. Originally the garden was an array of lush green meant to recreate Eithne's home in northern Ireland but in the years since her death it had become overgrown and disarrayed. One day that summer Ffion found her husband at work cleaning up the garden. This is how it went day after day, Hywel would attend to affairs of state and then retire to work on his garden. By the end of August the garden was returned to the state as his mother had meant for it. As the garden returned to its vibrant state so did the realm as Hywel took the lessons of a single garden and applied it to the realm. He may not have the talent to rule but like a gardner he had the patience for it.

As the fall of Hywel’s first year as ruler came to pass a son was born to him and Ffion. Hywel named him Llywelyn to honor his dearly departed father but it became clear that the boy might not live to see the spring. On an crisp morning in February the boy went to sleep for the last time. The parents were grief stricken and delayed the funeral for a week before finally putting the boy to rest next to his namesake. Some whispered this bode ill for all of Hywel’s reign. The young couple turned very insular comforting each other in their shared grief. God smiled upon the House of Llywelyn the following year when Ffion gave birth to a second son, Tysilio. Unlike his short lived brother the whole of Cardiff Castle knew the strength and vitality of this boy from his cries that filled the keep. Additionaly not long after the birth of Tysilio Maybl was married to a Prince of Scotland and scion of the pious King Constantine of Scotland. Hywel could now count the King of Scotland as a brother.

Tomos was born in the year 909 and Cadfan in 911. The House of Llywelyn was clearly blessed to have three strong sons.

King Hywel II grew more distant from his realm with each passing year. His favorite musing was proclaiming that all Welsh should be united under a single king that of course should be him. More troubling was his thoughts that the castle of Cardiff should pass once more back into the hands of the king for the good of the realm. While such talk remained talk Hywel ap Llywelyn saw no reason to act. Even though Hywel II was king, in time the throne would pass to Arthfael who was a deep personal friend of Hywel. Despite Arthfael’s every character flaw his deep piety impressed anyone who met the man.

The second decade of Hywel’s tenure was one largely of peace and prosperity. Breifly norse raiders landed in Glamorgan but were quickly repelled. Even the last norse kingdom in Albion recently converted to the teachings of Christ when confronted with the pious armies of Wessex. The money that made its way into the hands of Hywel quickly found itself being spent on the towns and ports throughout the land. Hywel prided himself on the things he could shape and see grow through his own influence. This influx of money saw the lands of Dyfed and Glamorgan become the richest territories in the kingdom. Though while the realm blossomed the home of life of Hywel and Ffion soured. Even as lord and lady welcomed their first daughter Angharad, Hywel had grown distant as Ffion gave more and more attention to the children. Hywel found his place in the welcoming arms of Elaine, a bastard girl that had known Cardiff all her life. Even though she is a bastard the blood of her grandfather the King of Gwynedd still runs in her veins.

The 9th of September 916 proved to be an interesting year. The House of Wessex which had ruled the kingdom of its namesake for as long as anyone could remember lost its young lord Æthelbert in 907 due to an accident. In the wake of his death a new house, House Hayles took the throne with its young Lord Leofheah at the head. Though in June of 916 the boy was murdered and the kingdom was seized by a base born bastard by the name Heahbert. Now the usurper has the audacity to demand the fealty of all Saxons, Angles and Norse invaders as the man proclaims himself the sole King of Albion. May God show mercy to his enemies. King Hywel II is quick to tie his throne to that of ‘Albion’ marrying off one of his sons to the low-born sister of that king.

Hywel was overjoyed when Arthfael agreed to betroth his only daughter to Tysilio. House Llywelyn and House Morgannwg had always been close but now they would be family. Ffion knew the years when she would see her eldest wed would pass before she knew it. Before her eyes this young boy grew holding his head high showing none of the meekness of his father and grandfather. He will make for a strong lord, a thought agreed upon by all.

The Church was officially exempted from taxes in 920. To Hywel it was the burghers place to pay taxes and the priest’s to pray. Though in this act was the understanding that should Hywel ever require it the levies pledged to the church would answer the call to arms from Cardiff. Though Hywel hoped such a thing would never come to pass.

The marriage of Ffion and Hywel began to truly breakdown in 922 when a celebration was officially put on in Cardiff in Elaine’s honor. Ffion’s outrage had grown to the point where she refuses to even speak to Hywel. Though Hywel on the other hand cannot bring himself to care about his wife’s whims when Elaine is so inviting. Whispers of Hywel’s carnal indulgences grow more infamous with every telling.

The largest heathen army that has been seen in Wales in 50 years landed in Cardiff in november of 922. The host was so large Hywel refused to call his banners preferring to hide behind the walls of Cardiff. Though one must wonder how he can sleep as the peasants and townsfolk are preyed upon by the norseman nightly. While secure in the castle the countryside can be seen burning day and night. Only the timely intervention of King Hywel II saw the norseman thrown back into the sea by christmas but the damage was done and it would be a very hard winter.

Tysilio a man of 17 has become his father’s principal advisor. In many ways the boy takes after his mother who was raised in the intrigue’s of her father’s court. Though Hywel no longer cares for his wife he appreciates the skills she helped to groom in his son. This is appointment is merely the first step of Hywel’s plan to ensure his son is ready to assume the lordship when he time comes. He has no doubt Tysilio will be a lord of Llywelyn’s caliber.

In 924 Tysilio was wed to Mealrys and Hywel refused any talk of Arthfael or King Hywel II aiding in the costs of the affair. The fortune of Llwelyn was used to create a lavish affair that welcomed clergy, burghers and even the peasants of Glamorgan. The whole kingdom came to Cardiff to see the two greatest nobles house of the realm bonded in marriage. Arthfael even took the time to proclaim that "the friendship between Llywelyn and Morgannwg would last until the end of time". Hywel embraced his friend and said “As long as i rule i will serve your royal house not out obligation or even fealty but out of love”. All agreed it was a tremendous affair. Tomos in turn would be wed not long after in a much more humble ceremony to Nesta of house Rose. House Rose was a vassal to the King in Gwynedd in those days.

Cadfan unlike his brothers was very quiet and reserved. Always more acquainted with books or prayers than the delights of simpler people. When Cadfan came to Hywel asking to take the vows he was none too surprised and was happy to grant his son the chance to truly serve God. Hywel even thought if his son were to be a bishop his service to God would be all the greater. Hywel could not have asked for better sons.

In 925 at Cardiff castle a ball was being held for all who wished to attend. The festivities were halted when Lord Hywel was humiliated in front of all his guests when Ffion proceeded to throw wine in his face. She had not taken kindly to his mistress being allowed to treat with their guests. Hywel not saying a word to Ffion merely wiped off the wine causing Ffion’s rage to only increase further. With a gesture the party resumed but the damage to the Lord’s reputation was done. The couple carried on their duties as husband and wife though begrudgingly and another son, Edwyn was born to them in 926.

Poor Edywn brought back memories of Hywel’s first child. Both frail and sick the boy was not likely to live long. Even if he lived it was clear that the boy would never be normal or fit for the duties expected of nobility. While the House of Llywelyn still waited to see if Edywn would live tragedy struck when Ffione died horribly. At a feast where the burghers of Glamorgan were in attendance Ffion fell to the ground after drinking from her chalice. Both the suddenness and the foam coming from her mouth clearly showed she had been poisoned. Though no one could prove who was guilty of this heinous crime. Yet the fact that Lord Hywel married his mistress the day after Ffion was buried left many to whisper.

Elaine and Hywel were blessed with a girl as their first child, Rhiannon. Though while the couple received the customary gifts and well-wishes Hywel’s other children were less than pleased at their father seemingly starting a new family. Not long after Rhiannon’s birth Tomos had his first child and Hywel happily took the young boy in his arms. As his first grandchild he was more than willing to have this boy be called Hywel per Tomos’s request.

The year 929 was the beginning of the end for Hywel’s reign. His son’s were sad to see their father's mind begin to wither along with his body. More and more his sons had to take up more of the slack of ruling the realm. Unrelated to Hywel’s health Bishop Ysfael of Llandaff died in an explosion while traveling the countryside of Glamorgan. No guilty parties were named but with the Bishop’s death Cadfan could assume his bishop-ship.

Thankfully Edwyn by the end of his first year seemed to be out of the worst danger concerning his health and Tomos celebrated the birth of his second son Dafydd. By christmas of 930 Hywel’s health degenerated to the point where he couldn’t even remember Tysilio or Elaine. The lords of the realm named Tysilio as regent and Hywel began to live out the rest of his days in his bedroom in Cardiff. King Hywel II died on the 12th of December 930 and Arthfael was crowned king in Gwent. Arthfael III was visibly sullen that his friend Hywel was not able to attend due to his health.

The spring of 931 saw Hywel’s daughter Anghard wed to the Saxon Lord of Kent, Oscytel. Tysilio remained to care for his father as the family attended the ceremony in Kent.

Hywel would not live to see another Christmas. He fell dead asleep on September 6th, 931; he was 47. Upon his death Tysilio inherited Glamorgan and Tomos per the laws of the realm inherited Dyfed. Hywel was not a warrior like his father but served the realm just as faithfully. He lived just long enough to see his friend crowned king but sadly not in person. The realm he left behind is one wealthier than when he inherited and many were thankful for the long years of growth despite the bad times when he first came to the lordship. He is the first Llywelyn buried in the crypt that was built beneath the castle of Cardiff but he will not be the last.

AN-Thank you to volksmarschall and DensleyBlair for your words of encouragement.

Count Tysilio of Glamorgan and Dublin(906-951)

With his Father dead Tysilio began the task of ruling the Castle of Cardiff and all lands sworn to his house. Years as Hywel’s advisor and later his regent prepared the man for a seamless transition to the lordship and it was agreed upon that Glamorgan had never been in better hands. With affairs of his home and lands in order Tysilio began to think how best he can serve the kingdom as a whole. As the days stretched on into months every problem and ailment that plagued the Kingdom of Deheubarth came back to a single truth, the king had failed his kingdom. Tysilio had grown up hearing his father praise Arthfael III awaiting the day when the man would finally come to the throne, always promising God himself would bless Arthfael's reign. Tysilio realized now friendship had clouded Hywel’s vision of the man who would be king. Arthfael was a miser of a man demanding everything in life, both what was his and what he had no right to. When people did not submit to his whims the man’s rage was legendary throughout the kingdom and on more than one occasion the king had struck his wife and children in open court. As the rightful king Tysilio could have accepted such sins if not for the king’s insistence on ruling as a petulant child, treating his land and people as nothing more than things for his amusement. Tysilio for a time became reclusive as dark thoughts clouded his mind. The course of action that came to his mind in that time he knew to be treason and the very thought of rebelling against his God given king repulsed him. To be a king though, a leader of men requires much more than blood, a fact Tysilio had embraced at a young age and if Arthfael III did not serve the realm Tysilio would find the person who would.

In October of 931 the armies of Deheubarth marched north to defend the land of Ulster against heathens that wished to massacre its good people. Rather than riding off to war with his countrymen a missive came from the king offering Tysilio to be the king’s chief advisor and chancellor. Tysilio readily accepted the appointment hoping such an option as outright rebellion would no longer be necessary if Tysilio could guide his liege to a more heavenly tenure. While settling in Gwent Tysilio was pleased to see his brother Tomos had also settled into the capital as the King’s Marshal at Arms. In those days Tomos was heir to Cardiff as Tysilio had not yet been blessed with children. Tomos however had two strong sons and even if Tysilio were to die that very day he had no regrets leaving his brother as his heir knowing he would care for the realm properly.

As spring came in 932 Tysilio realized he had to act. Arthfael III refused his council at every turn treating the appointment as a mere formality due to Tysilio’s stature as a lord of the realm. Tysilio could barely hide his disgust at the king, holding back his true thoughts for his wife’s sake who no matter what would call the king, father. How Maelrys would react if Tysilio acted against the king could not be known until the time came, but he hoped she would understand. Arthfael III had to be deposed before the damage to the kingdom became too severe. Though who should succeed him? For over 300 years House Morgannwg has ruled the realm since Morgan ‘The Great’ saved the kingdom from the paranoia and tyranny of King Arthwys. It was clear that if Tysilio was put to anyone on the throne it would have to be a Morgannwg and briefly Tysilio considered putting forth his wife as a claimant to the throne. She was of royal blood and the king’s eldest child but alas she shared her father’s deep seated anger. Also placing his wife on the throne would at best seem opportunistic. So one by one Tysilio considered the blood heirs to find one who was worthy. The King’s son Hywel while a better man was plagued by the famous Morgannwg rage and his brother as a minor was less than suitable. Of the King's brothers Peredyr shared the king’s temper while Brwyn was less than pious. Then Tysilio as he moved about the court came across old king Hywel II’s fourth son, Alan. Alan was a quiet lad of 19 but when he spoke his voice was calm and even but more importantly people listened. Tysilio one day talked to this prince for hours and when Alan walked away he knew he had found his king.

By the end of April Alan had accepted an invitation to come to the castle of Cardiff. It was not long before Tysilio made his intentions known and while Alan loved his brother he knew that his time as King must come to an end. On the first of may 932 Tysilio came before the court of Gwent and demanded that Arthfael III end his short and unwelcome reign. Without a drop of blood Alan I, King of Deheubarth was crowned before the lords of the realm on May 4th, 932. Long may he reign. It was without surprise that Tysilio continued his post as the realm’s chancellor happy to serve his King come what may.

The fall of 933 brought joy to Cardiff as a daughter was born to Tysilio by the name of Marchell. The girl was brought to Gwent when she was capable of traveling and there Tysilio intended on both serving the realm and raising his family. Among the tasks of raising his family was caring for his poor brother Edywn whom he knew would never have an intellect greater than that of a child. Tysilio’s character demanded he care for the boy regardless as if he was his own son.

To ensure that Arthfael was never again a threat to the realm he took the vows on October 3rd, 934. With the passing of the old bishop it was an opportune moment. Tysilio himself prayed that as a man of the cloth Arthfael rid himself of the sins that made him unfit to rule in time to be a true servant of heaven.

Once more norse raiders landed in Glamorgan in the summer of 936 but this time were quickly repelled. Tysilio found himself during this attack and his work with the king to be constantly incapable of providing sufficient military acumen. As a diplomat Tysilio had always been one for the dealings of court and not the clash of steel on the battlefield. The man that he was could not let this stand. Day after day tysilio could be seen in the training ground practicing with a sword. Most days he came home bloody and bruised but alas he took each blemish as a badge of honor.

December of 936 brought with it a decree bearing the seal of King Alan. Foreigners, especially those of other faiths were expelled from the realm. In practice this effected the jewish populations of Gwent and Cardiff especially. Desperate times meant the money that could be garnered from seizing the assets of these foreigners was especially lucrative. While Tysilio understood the reasoning behind the decree he made his objections known. Even though an old debt between the Jews of Swansea and House Llywelyn dating back to his grandfather effectively was void with the decree.

In the spring of 937 an odd occurrence happened during a feast at Cardiff Castle. Tysilio was home for some time away from the capital and decided to invite the lords of glamorgan to celebrate the end of winter. Mayor Trahaearn of Swansea considered by many to be a man who had too much of fondness for money jovially embraced Tysilio’s company as the lord seemed not to mind the man’s reputation at all. From clear across the hall the stories the two told each other about their respective youths made even the most lewd of the guests go scarlet. To make matters worse a group of hedge knights showed up at the castle in the middle of the night. A proper lord may have bid them a reluctant welcome a best but Tysilio led them straight to the feasting hall and seated them at the places of high honor. Deep into the night the group along with Tysilio could be heard trading stories of all natures. When morning came Tysilio who had looked exhausted upon coming home looked ready to return to the capital and his work.

As the years from Tysilio's ultimatum against Arthfael grew longer he found himself dwelling on it more and more. No matter how he rationalized it, it was still a betrayal of his oath as a vassal. Deep in his heart this truth gnawed at him. The many who knew Tysilio knew him as a strong and diligent man who did his best to serve, within however was a man in turmoil. To ease his soul he turned more and more to God knowing that only he can grant absolution.

Looking out over the Isles which Tsyilio called home he could not help but feel saddened by the sorry state he found much of the land in. Albion was ruled by a tyrant who God had rightfully cursed never to bear a son. Alba had turned inward and seldom looked beyond its own borders. Wales rather than under a single banner names three as king. The Irish however had no king amongst them and worse of all norse invaders had pushed out good people from their lands. In 942 Tysilio decided that the norse in Dublin had exhausted their welcome. With the banners unfurled Cardiff marched to war. Tomos hearing of his brother’s actions readily joined his host as they marched north. By January the brothers had crossed the Irish sea and had laid siege to Dublin. Leaving his bishopric behind the third son of Hywel Cadfan also joined his brothers and led the siege of Dublin himself. In a strange turn of events the Heathen King of Denmark joined his men to the banners of Cardiff angered by the lord of Dublin’s control of a Danish isle. It seems the lord does work in mysterious ways. In november Dublin finally succumb to occupation without a single battle fought. Assured of their victory Cadfan led the army to Kildare where the enemy had amassed his army and sought to bring the war to a quick and bloody end. Alas the army was routed and cowered behind the walls they had just conquered. Another year past before the Lord of Dublin finally gave into the complete secession of Dublin to the Kingdom of Deheubarth.

Dublin was nigh reduced to rubble during the war and much would have to rebuilt. Unable to oversee Dublin himself Tysilio entrusted its care to his chancellor an irishman by the name Ualgarg, a man who would know Ireland better than an welshman. Part of the effort in Dublin required the House of Llywelyn to put down roots in this new territory. Edwyn who many never thought would amount to much possessed an unrivaled skill in his mastery and memory of the liturgy. It was with a joyous heart Tysilio announced Edwyn as the successor to the Bishopric of Mellifont in Dublin. The fortunes of the House of Llywelyn were good.

Days before christmas in 944 Tysilio welcomed his daughter Esslyt, the heiress of Dublin into the world.

The 29th of May in 945 proved to be a trying day for Tysilio as Arthfael his former king passed into the arms of the Lord. Tradition dictated that either a child or the head of his house would speak for him at his funeral but Tysilio asked for this right. King Alan trusting he most loyal lord heeded his request. Many expected Tysilio to condemn the man but instead he praised him. As the son of Hywel Arthfael’s greatest friend Tysilio knew the man since he was a child and spoke of Arthfael as Tysilio knew him all his life. When Tysilio reached Arthfael’s abdication he called Arthfael "the bravest man he ever knew. For who among you gathered here today could have the courage and the humility to give up what is your right, for what is just? I hope Arthfael finds his place at Christ’s feet for of any man i have ever known he alone deserves it.” Maelrys who had never spoken a word when her husband forced her father to abdicate said "thank you" to her husband which brought the man to tears.

As Tysilio entered his 16th year as the Lord of Glamorgan many would say the man had changed over his long years. Gone was the man who harbored such virulent ambitions to bring the realm and any who might harm it to justice. With his most just act long behind him the man began to relax and let things take their own course trusting in his king to ensure the realm was attended to. Tysilio led a simple and kind life.

Tysilio had become fearful for the health of Maelrys who became pregnant at the age of 40. Though every fear was abated when on the 23rd of June 949 Maelrys gave birth to healthy twins; a daughter named Ffion in honor of his mother and a boy whom he named Morgan in honor of the family he had served for so long. Tysilio had long accepted he would bear no sons but now the fear that he would not see his son grown consumed him. Hywel had taught him for years how to rule but he feared he would not have enough time with Morgan to do the same.

Rhiannon the only child of Hywel and Elaine’s marriage grew up with Tysilio as her father. It was only fitting that when the house of Llywelyn traveled to Scone the seat of the Scottish Kings that he giver her away in marriage. June of 950 saw Rhiannon married to King Adam of Scotland. Once again the house of Llywelyn had given daughters to the venerable house of Mac Ailpan. Tysilio could only hope Rhiannon would find love in her marriage in the cold spaces of Scotland.

At the end of the year in 950 Tysilio did away with an ancient tradition of Glamorgan, the dividing of estates. To his son Morgan would go everything he owns, and unto Morgan’s heirs in perpetuum. This was a sign of changing times in Deheubarth as the law of inheritance in Glamorgan now matched the King’s laws in Gwent.

Suddenly on the 27th of June, 951 Count Tysilio never awoke again; he was 44. He never seemed to be in poor health but such is God’s will when our time is at an end. Tysilio lived his life championing what is just and did so until the day of his death. Like his father and grandfather before him he left the house of Llywelyn stronger than when he assumed the mantle. The abdication of Arthfael would have been Tysilio’s greatest regret had Morgan never been born. With Morgan the last great task of his life ended before it had a chance to begin.

Why thank you. I enjoyed Tysilio as well, a man of conflicting desires.

King Morgan of Ireland(949-1004)

As an infant the young lord Morgan was unable to rule and the realm was left to the care of his mother Maelrys. As regent however the realm that was entrusted her struggled under her less than watchful eye. The ability to govern Dublin from Cardiff castle at best was a strained affair. Yet in truth the realm was not her greatest priority but the health and well being of her only son. All around the young lord wolves circled him from his sisters, his uncle and even the King of Deheubarth himself.

March of 952 would prove to be a trial for the House of Llywelyn. The King of Scotland marched his army south to Wales intent on claiming Glamorgan for a kinsman. The claimant was a woman by the name of Mirren Mac Ailpan who counted Count Llywelyn as her grandfather. By this distant blood connection the scots made war. With the armies of Deheubarth in distant Navarra the tidings indeed looked grim. By June 4000 Scotsman landed and laid siege to castle of Cardiff. Maelrys desperate to save her young son contracted mercenaries from the land of Britanny and while it gave the family an army it was not enough. Cardiff was sacked for the second time in november of 952 and this pushed Maelrys to the point where she decided to exhaust the fortune Tysilio left for her son on a group of frenchman who may or may not turn the tide of the war. Alas nothing proved capable of doing what had to be done and the army was routed in sight of the burning castle of Cardiff. In January of 954 King Alan knelt in submission to the Scottish king and gave Cardiff to the foreign invaders dividing the kingdom in half. Morgan would never forget the sight of his home burning even at such a young age and worse still was the voyage across the sea to Dublin; the new home of the House of Llywelyn. King Alan won no admirers after seemingly abandoning his vassal to the devices of a foreign power, bringing his armies home far too late.

Marchell, Morgan’s sister and heir had petitioned her mother Maelrys as the de facto head of the household for years for a husband. Time after time Maelrys seeing her own daughter as a snake refused these requests on one basis or another. Finally in February of 955 in a secret ceremony Marchell roped her simple uncle Edwyn into marriage. Rather than press the issue Maelrys accepted the state of affairs and hoped it would bring a measure of peace to the family.

As a boy of six Morgan was sent to the capital of Gwent to be educated. There he was entrusted into the care of irishwoman by the name of Affraic. Maelrys knew of this woman’s reputation and knew that if she was going to instill the fire into her young son this woman was the one to do it. More pragmatically as an irishwoman she could teach the young lord of the ways of the irish for as God would have it he was now a lord of Ireland. As for the lord’s sister Ffion, she also went to Gwent as the twins had always been night inseparable. Ffion was taken into the care of one of the King’s brothers who fancied himself a statesman. Maelrys knew she would not always be there for Morgan but Ffion would.

The summer of 955 was a time best forgotten in the Isles. A fever swept across the land carving a swath through lords and peasants alike. Morgan himself in August was restricted to his bed as he awaited death. Maelrys for days sat at his bedside watching as her poor son wasted away as his grandfather Hywel had so many years ago. Only with the coming of winter did the illness finally abate. It is true that winter preserves while the warm months breed both life and death.

In Morgan’s seventh year of life King Alan was horrified to descend from his chambers and see a host of guests had arrived without his knowledge. These men were knights from the Kingdom of Gwynedd and young Morgan had allowed them into the castle giving them hospitality where it was not his right to do so. King Alan was always a quiet man but was astounded by this boy’s presence as he regaled the knights with stories of his family. Never too far away from Morgan was Ffion who served the weary knights food and drink. Rather than throw out the guests and make a scene Alan merely seated himself at the head of his feasting table and watched as the errant knights enjoyed their stay.

The marriage of Marchell and Edwyn was blessed with a son by the name of Edwyn in 958. By the grace of God the boy suffered none of the weaknesses of his father. In time Edwyn ap Edwyn would make a fine heir for Morgan.

Three years past since Morgan was sent to Gwent and in that time he has grown in many ways. Though for the denizens of the capital the boy had become something of a trouble maker. This was made all the worse when Morgan and Bronwen were put into the same room together. Where one could be found it was certain the other was not far behind. Some thought the friendship of a lord and a bastard girl to be shameful but to these children it was what made the world right.

Where friendship blossomed between Bronwen and Morgan rivalry and outright disdain grew between Morgan and King Alan’s youngest son Arthwr. No matter what the two turned on each other causing increasing acts of mischief all to be pinned on the other. How this rivalry that was already so fierce would play out when they were adults could would only be known in time.

September of 962 was a time of tragedy as Maelrys went to join her husband. Upon hearing of his mother’s death Morgan charted the first ship to Dublin. This would mark the first time the young lord had been to his home since he was sent to the capital. The funeral was simple and Morgan stayed in Dublin for sometime before returning to Gwent. During his stay the boy disappeared causing the city to go into a panic. He was later found outside napping under a tree on the outskirts of town.

Affraic demanded he tell her why he ran off and Morgan simply replied, “I wanted to see the land that i call mine.”
Taken aback Affraic responded, “Well what do you think of the Emerald Isle?”
“It is beautiful and i could grow to love it in time, but i hope i never do.”
Confused, “Why?”
Solemnly, “It will never be home."

With his mother’s death Morgan was in many ways alone if not for his friend Bronwen and his sister Ffion. Mealrys' death opened a power vacuum in Dublin that was filled by the bishop of Dublin, Anlaufr, a norseman.

Morgan received a missive from Anlaufr concerning his sister Essyllt in the fall of 964. She had been found conspiring to murder Morgan's nephew and cousin Edwyn, a boy of only six years. With a heavy heart Morgan gave his blessing to imprison his sister. Essyllt gave no resistance when the guards stormed her room and she quietly awaits her brother whenever he returns home to levy judgement.

After so many years away from Dublin Morgan returned to his lordship in 965 ready to assume his duties. Though in Morgan’s eyes Dublin could never be home to him. God willing his father Tysilio would not be the last Llywelyn to buried at Cardiff. Yet such thoughts however burning were by prudence distant in the mind of this young lord. Edwyn, his heir was taken under his wing and Morgan began the duty of finding a wife to secure his bloodline. He found a bride to be in Sláine, the daughter of the Duke of Gelre who was a Morgannwg. Besides her blood the woman had a unique reputation for a towering intellect unsurpassed by those who live in the realm of the Germans. Even if this is not true a woman that can fool others into such a notion is worthy indeed. The wedding would not be for a few years but Morgan found comfort in one of his duties being taken care of. His time at Gwent had trained him in all manners of governance. To those who met Morgan he was astute at all he put himself to excelling in all manners of statecraft, governance and especially the art of war. Though his most defining feature was the fire that burned in his eyes that caused some to whisper of a great but yet unrealized destiny.

Glorious news reached the court in Dublin in July of 965. King Heahbert the first king of England, cursed be his name died bedridden and is now surely receiving his divine punishment. With no son to bear his name the throne passes to the carrion vultures and only time will tell which Dynast will hold the throne of Albion.

Essyllt had been imprisoned for a year by the time Morgan returned to his land. As his own flesh and blood he could not order her executed but the weight of her crime was still grevious. The compromise Morgan found was to banish her to whatever place that would take her. Where she would eventually end up is Perfeddwlad not far from Dublin in the Kingdom of Gwynedd. Morgan was happy someone took the girl in no matter what she had tried to do. Yet such kindness did not go without risk should she one day return with either iron or coin at her back.

Arthfael was born to Edwyn and Marchell in 966. The boy in due time would show a quickness of thought that many would believe quite improbable. It would seem that the father’s curse merely allowed for the son’s blessing.

Sláine and Morgan were married in July of 967 in a simple affair at the Llywelyn estate in Dublin.

Morgan’s life at Gwent brought him no love for his king and many knew he openly disdained the man. Every missive that summoned Morgan to the capital to serve in any number of positions went unanswered. Such enmity stems from the fall of Cardiff which in Morgan’s eyes lies squarely on the shoulders of his monarch. For three generations the house of Llywelyn had been loyal servants of the realm and when the time came the King knelt to a foreign lord. The lords and ladies of the realm knew that should Morgan call his banners he would have cause. Through his mother Maelrys he has the royal blood of Arthfeal III running in his veins.

In September of 969 Morgan and Sláine had their first child, a son named Tysilio.

Edwyn and Marchell had their third child Marared in 971.

December of 971 proved to be opportune as King Alan drew his last breath. For the high crime of violating the feudal contract Morgan demanded Merfyn step down from the throne in lieu of the one true heir, Morgan II of the house of Llywelyn. Rather than follow the noble example of Arthfeal III, Merfyn chose to tear the realm apart. With 3000 men at his back Morgan made his way north to cross the Irish Sea and descend upon Wales. Proving God himself ordained this effort the Lord of Oriel summoned his host to attack Merfyn. While this pretender also sought the throne Morgan was pleased to see the two dogs tearing at each other. Before reaching the strait the Lord of Thomond in Ireland raised his banners to support Merfyn and Morgan decided ridding himself of this ally would prove prudent. With the army of Thomond defeated at Kildare, smote to a man, Morgan crossed the Irish Sea and entered England. On the Scottish border a small host of Merfyn was met and reduced to nothing. With the armies of Merfyn defeated by Morgan and the Lord of Oriel it was time to attack Gwent. For some time the Lord of Oriel had laid siege to the castle and if their army was crushed all opposition to Morgan’s claim would melt away. The Battle of Caerwent saw the Oriel smashed losing 3/4 of their host. Gwent fell on April 17th, 973 and Morgan relished the chance to show House Morgannwg how it felt to see one’s home burn. Before Merfyn could surrender the English invaded bringing their full might down on the Kingdom seeking it for themselves. Morgan’s host shattered and the war seemed all but lost. In the interests of the realm Morgan struck a truce with Merfyn for the time being as the English burned through the countryside. The English with their mighty host of 8000 could not be bested and they arrived to burn Dublin in February of 975. Before Dublin was breached Merfyn ceded Gwent to the English invaders and set up his new court at Dyfed. It would seem Wales was going to become oppressed by one foreign invader or another. Even with the English sated for now war still raged. Oriel gathered another host to descend upon Wales and the Kingdom of Gwynedd invaded with the intent to put Morgan’s banished sister Essyllt on the broken throne of Deheubarth. In the wake of these endless setbacks Morgan began to lash out even at Sláine the woman he had come to deeply love. Rage was becoming almost a daily occurrence for him. In the wake of this crisis Morgan had his second child, a daughter named Cicely. Dublin was finally breached and sacked by Gywnedd men in February of 977. Morgan’s son Tysilio was captured following the sack and Morgan was forced to pay a generous ransom for the boy’s safe return. The lords of Gywnedd forced King Merfyn to abdicate to Quenn Essyllt bringing peace after six years of war. In the end the realm was broken and burning and in a state of fragile peace that may shatter at any moment.

Morgan accepted a place at Essyllt’s court despite the now obvious hate he bore for the sister he once spared out of love. He did his work as was expected of him but with no love or passion. How can one train men to go to war when you feel there is no hope of victory? Morgan did his work anyway.

Edwyn was married in May of 977 to a french woman, Ermessinde.

While living in Dyfed attending to the shattered armies of Deheubarth Morgan turned increasingly to various depravities to calm his rage. The man could be seen drinking himself into a stupor daily or enjoying the various brothels in the city. Morgan once so promising seemed broken. This behavior came to a crashing end one night when Morgan was wandering the battlements of Dyfed in a stupor. A blinding light appeared to him and Morgan became so overcome with sorrow for his sins he fell to his knees. He thanked what he knew to be the Blessed Virgin for showing him the error of his ways and promised he would not stray again but do everything he could to serve God.

Morgan thanked God on the 10th of August, 978 for the birth of his son Brywn.

Queen Essyllt died on September 5th, 978 while returning to the Capital after a retreat. As the carriage moved along a cliff face the driver steered it over the edge diving off the cart just in time before it careened to the rocks below. When the driver was interrogated he revealed he had been paid by Count Morgan to murder the Queen. Actions against Morgan could not be taken despite this heinous act of kinslaying because Queen Essyllt died heirless and the throne of Deheubarth passed to her only brother, Morgan. Before his sister’s body could even be recovered Morgan was anointed and crowned Morgan II before the courtiers assembled in Dyfed. Many saw this act as another blatant power grab by Morgan but to Morgan it was the first step to doing what he knew was God’s will.

Edwyn celebrated the birth of his first child Mawd in decemeber of 978.

Morgan saw his family's future in Wales to be one that sadly had to be left in the past for now. Ireland remained kingless and Morgan saw himself as the man who could bring order to the Emerald Isle. In March of 979 Morgan declared war on the Lord of Connacht who had been swayed by the lollard heresy. Cleansing him will go a long way to securing the Llywelyns in Ireland. When Morgan arrived at the head of his army the Lollard Heretic rather than give battle cowered behind his walls.

Edwyn ap Hywel died on February 15th, 980. Though simple he was always there for Morgan in the ways that he could. He died a father and man of the cloth.

On November 8th, 980 Connacht submitted and was annexed by Morgan. No battles were fought and the defenders were starved out of their castles. One of the prizes of this cleansing was the Bishopric of Tuam which he granted to his gifted nephew Arthfeal.

Meilyr was born to Morgan and Sláine on August 10th, 981. It soon became clear that among their children only Meilyr had truly taken after their mother. Though as third in line to the throne what role this brilliant boy would play is unclear.

Connacht was only the beginning of Morgan’s plans for Ireland. Summer of 983 saw a man by the name Echmarcach invited to the court of Dyfed. This man was a son of then current lord of Leinster. Not long after his arrival in Dyfed he was granted Connacht and it was made readily apparent Morgan planned to give the man Leinster as well by force. In exchange for pressing his blood claim all Morgan asked was the man’s loyal vassalship. War quickly followed and the army of Leinster was broken at the gates of Dublin on October 17th, 982. On August 6th, 983 Leinster fell and it entered the realm. As part of the victory celebrations the royal court was moved to Dublin where King Morgan II declared his intent to be the King of all Ireland by the time of his death. There has not been a king of the Irish in 120 years since the death of the last High King and as such those who heard the rousing proclamation did not know if such a thing were truly possible.

Later in the month of August King Morgan II with the backing of the court sent word to Lord Echmarcach to return Connacht in good faith for giving him his birthright of Leinster. Rather than accept this benevolent offer the realm was plunged into war once again. By August of the next year what few levies the rebellious lord could muster were vanquished and he was forced to turn over Connacht. Due to the man’s treason King Morgan II also took Leinster and banished the ungrateful lord from the realm. During the war the Lord of Desmond, a distant relative to Echmarcach was captured as the man attempted to aid the rebelling lord. The capture of this Lord presented an opportunity. Murchard, the disgruntled uncle to the current Lord of Desmond and heir to the Lord of Desmond readily accepted vassalship and the county of Leinster. Once the vassalship had been confirmed Morgan ordered the Lord of Desmond executed. With the lord’s death Murchad inherited Desmond and brought it into the realm. Another piece of the puzzle had fallen into place.

Old King Merfyn who abdicated to Essyllt died on Jan 31st, 985. He had been living in the court of Dublin when he died of a simple tumble down the steps. By the time people went to him he had already passed on.

Morgan’s eyes turned in the spring of 985 to the country of Thomond. Tragically the old lord Ualtar fell to his death from his balcony window leaving a boy as the sole heir. For the good of the order such a state of affairs could not be left in Morgan’s opinion. Benabic, a man of Breton origins is a man grown with a family of his own and a much better candidate than years of debilitating regency in Morgan’s opinion. He was granted Connacht and the armies of Deheubarth prepared to grant him Thomond as well. On July 2nd, 985 the war for Thomond began in earnest. With a host of 2000 men Morgan set forth from Dublin. On the fields of Cashel north of Desmond the army of Thomond was destroyed. Before the battle even began in earnest the commanders of the army’s flank abandoned their general to be surrounded. It was a massacre and the ensuing siege of Thomond lasted just shy of a year. During the final month of the siege a final sally by the defenders succeeded in only one regard, injuring Morgan. Unperturbed by this injury Morgan celebrated another victory by crowning himself King of Munster.

In times past when there was a High King of Ireland it was the disparate kings of Ireland who chose who would rule. These kings were Tara, Munster, Leinster, Connacht, and Ulster. Since the passing of the last King of Tara there had been no king amongst the Irish. Morgan was determined to bring back old crowns and older glories.

With the crown of Munster in hand Morgan saw himself as the rightful lord of the still independent count of Ormond. Morgan set out to rectify this in February of 987. The battle of Nenagh pitted Morgan’s army of 1600 against Ormond’s 1200. Despite his wounds Morgan led the army to victory from the front lines. After the left flank of the enemy collapsed the battle was easily won with the rest of the army melting away. While besieging Ormond Morgan was grief stricken to hear Sláine had past away without him there by her side. When peace came again in November of 988 no celebration was held despite the victory for Morgan who merely grieved when he returned to Dublin.

Tysilio, Morgan’s heir apparent was wed to Affraic, Countess of Ulster in 989. Ulster for many decades had been lorded over by the Kings of Scotland but this marriage would see Ulster returned in time to the Llywelyns, Ireland’s true lords. Morgan attended the ceremony completely in black and had yet to begin the search for a second wife. When Tysilio attempted to broach the subject at the wedding Morgan announced he was taking a vow of celibacy to honor Sláine until the day he died. Cicely also attempted to speak with her father when the family had returned to the court in Dublin but could not bring herself to enter the family chapel when she approached. Inside she heard her father who had always been a man of iron and fire openly weeping and sobbing within. Sláine’s death had broken Morgan like a sword never could.

Morgan called his banners once again in March of 991, this time to place the mother of the lord of Ormond on the throne of Tyrconnell. Tyrconnell would be brought into the realm when she died and her son inherited. Desperate to fend off the armies of King Morgan, the Lord Tyrconnell summoned his kinsman, the Lord of Ossory into the war. Alas even with this aid Tyrconnell fell in June of 992. Though the insolence showed by Ossory was enough for Morgan to contemplate marching against them and forcibly bringing them into the kingdom. Sadly this plan for Tyrconnell ultimately failed when the candidate Morgan placed on the throne succumbed to a coup before the year’s end.

Cicely, Morgan’s only daughter was married to the King of Lotharingia in 992.

Two years past before the realm marched to war again, for when the armies recovered Morgan began his conquest of Ossory. The army assembled in Ormond before marching north on Ossory. Every available man Ossory could assemble met Morgan’s host that day and still provided little challenge to his battle hardened armies. Seán, Ossory’s current lord attempted to lead the men himself and proved so incapable he got himself captured. He ceded Ossory quickly in exchange for his life.

On the 15th of April, 995 the lords of the realm gathered at the court of Dublin in celebration. The mostly Irish lords were taken aback when King Morgan entered into the throne room draped in a cloak of Emerald Green and lustrous Gold. It seemed Morgan would assume his throne before his guests when he turned and addressed them, “A king’s place is a divine one. To live in a realm without a monarch is to reject the majesty of Heaven itself and commit a sin tantamount to rejecting God Almighty. For too long have the Irish been without a King and thus beyond the grace of God but no longer.” Without another word Morgan took a seat on his throne and the Bishop of Dublin revealed from amongst the folds of his robes a Golden Circlet with an Emerald as the crown jewel. When the bishop placed the crown on Morgan’s brow for moment it seemed as if the world had stopped. The bishop with a thunderous voice broke the silence, “ALL HAIL THE KING.” For a moment the lords of the realm stood there in stunned silence before joining the chant. As the chant continued to shake the keep the new banner of the realm was unfurled revealing the Golden Harp of David set against a blue background. A 133 years have past since the last High King of Ireland died and here in Dublin on the eve of the second millennium the Kingdom of Ireland is born anew.

The Summer of 995 was a time of peace. All across the realm Morgan worked to bring his royal proclamation from more than just a proclamation to fact of reality. Doing so required interplay between the nobility and the royal court to construct laws and agreements by which the Kingdom may live. Morgan’s law code as it stood sought to increase the power of the King in Dublin but could not do so without the consent of the nobility. A single man would be incapable of bringing the Irish to heel. Yet by the time winter came in 995 Morgan had succeeded in making his Kingdom more than simply words despite the objections from vocal elements of the nobility like the count of Ormond.

Count Benabic became the voice of the opposition to the law code and it seemed that before long the realm would be plunged into civil war. To counter the immense power that was vested in the nobility Morgan began building a small standing army. Such an undertaking was expensive but for Morgan the security of the realm was worth any cost.

Christmas in 997 was a resplendent affair. Morgan who was rarely seen at such festive occasions came out in force dancing and drinking with the lords of the realm. Even Tysilio who visited with his wife was wrapped in an embrace that some thought might kill the crown prince. It seemed Sláine’s ghost had finally been laid to rest. The realm and Morgan breathed in the fresh air of a new day.

On December 31st, 998 Morgan called the banners against the Countess of Tyrconnell. Even as the King of ireland half the kingdom still laid either independent of the crown or under foreign occupation. The battle of Dungiven saw the host of Tyrconnell cast into oblivion. With the enemies’ right flanked collapsed there was no hope of victory for the Irish Lady. On the 9th of December, 999 Lady Ben-Ulad with her capital occupied pledged fealty to the crown. Though rather than signaling the end of open conflict Morgan received troubling reports from Ormond. Count Máel-Máedóc was gathering support to claim the crown of Munster for himself and possibly secede from the kingdom entirely. With the war at an end Morgan ordered his arrest. Rather than allow the envoys of the King inside the walls Máel-Máedóc raised his banners in rebellion. Before his armies could gather Morgan marched his host to Ormond hoping to end the rebellion before it got truly underway. The battle of Leighlin near Leinster saw the enemy army routed but Morgan sadly was injured during the battle. Despite his injuries Morgan began the siege of Ormond in February of 1000. Ormond finally surrendered on November 20th, 1000. As punishment Morgan stripped him of his lordship and subsumed Ormond into the royal Demesne.

The last two independent lords of Ireland were the Lord of Oriel and Kildare. Before the the dust had even settled on the war against Ormond Morgan declared war on Kildare. Morgan’s actions seemed to have a hint of urgency as the man entered his 51st year. Oriel rallied to Kildare’s side but before the armies could merge and threaten Morgan he descended upon the army of Kildare. The battle of Knockaulin was another victory for Ireland’s one true king. After Kildare was conquered in Novemeber of 1001 Morgan marched north to smash the army of Breifne. The battle of Roscommon ended any real resistance. Kildare in 1002 joined the expanding Royal Demesne.

As the spring of 1002 came and went Morgan became increasingly bedridden. Despite his body’s growing weakness Morgan still planned his next conquest. In the middle of May he declared war on the Lord of Oriel attacking him before he could properly recover from the last conflict. Sadly Morgan for the first time remained home from the war effort entrusting the war effort to his nephew Edwyn. During the course of the war consumption spread to Ireland from Scotland. By July the plague had reached Dublin and even Morgan was not safe from the disease as the consumption tore at his already weakened body. In October Prince Brywn was married to a Princess of the West Francian Kingdom, Tiburge. The armies of Ireland were forced to retreat from the field after the battle of the Oriel inciting Morgan to authorize a mercenary army to supplement the levies of Ireland. Morgan also after hearing of this defeat roused himself to the field despite the illness ravaging his body and led his men once more. On the 15th of March, 1004 at the turn of the Battle of Armagh with the enemy fleeing Morgan died as he lived, leading his men in battle; he was 55.

Morgan was a man of endless ambition. Every day of his life was a battle for what he saw as his by birth, what he thought he had all the right in the world to and what he thought had to be done for the good of the realm. Alas his greatest ambition, to reclaim Glamorgan never came to pass. The fires burning from Cardiff that were forever emblazoned in Morgan’s mind he hope resounded in his sons. For it is now their their duty to reclaim the ancestral home.

King Tysilio of Ireland(969-1011)

With King Morgan dead Tysilio returned from Ulster as King of Ireland. However with the war against Oriel ongoing his coronation was delayed. On the 28th of April the Lord of Oriel surrendered to Tysilio and the armies of Ireland returned home. Tysilio was officially crowned King of Ireland on the 13th of May, 1004. His reign by all signs would not be one of conquest but of consolidation as he lacked the marital spirit of his father. Instead Tysilio reveled in courtly intrigues. His first act as King was to send messengers to the Count of Breifne offering the protection of the Kingdom of Ireland. This very lord had warred with King Morgan on several occasions but without a drop of blood the Lord of Breifne joined the realm on 22nd of May, 1004.

As Tysilio looked out from his estate in Dublin he imagined much he could do to ensure the safety and prosperity of the realm. Yet the Irish lords presented the greatest challenge to such simple ambitions. Those that had been subjugated by Morgan Tysilio knew only bided their time and it would not be long before they made demands of monarchy or outright rebelled. Morgan fought the war without, Tysilio would have to fight the war within.

The Irish Lords made their move on July 29th, 1004 as a venomous cabal of Tyrconnell, Dyfed and Connacht demanded Tysilio abdicate to Meilyr, the youngest son of Morgan. Tysilio's simple response was that he would “give them their just due." The rebels very quickly were able to raise a host far greater than Tysilio’s so like his father he called upon foreign mercenaries. A company of Navarran sell-swords landed in Dublin ready for their cut. The army set forth from Dublin and met the bulk of the rebel army in the country of Connacht. The rebel army eluded engagement until the battle of Breifne where the war suddenly came to a quick end. Meilyr who was loyal to his brother and King marched against the very rebels that fought in his name. Sadly he died on rebel steel and the war ended with its goal no longer a possibility. With a tenuous peace restored and the show of force Tysilio hoped the Irish Lords would keep the peace for a time.

The peace was short lived for on the 21st of April, 1005 Dyfed and Connacht demanded that Morgan’s law code be abolished in lieu of local custom. If they wanted war so vehemently Tysilio was happy to indulge them. The Navarrans were happy to resume their contract with the Irish Kingdom. The battle of St. Brigit saw the armies of Connacht melt away leaving Lord Edwyn Llywelyn of Dyfed to stand alone. Edwyn Llywelyn died at the battle of Cavan along with his army. Rather than lay down his arms Edwyn’s son Edwyn carried on the war. The war was brought to a swift close when a rebel raiding party landed in Dublin attempting a surprise attack. This effort marked the last manpower the rebels truly had and they surrendered swiftly after. Edwyn was allowed to keep Dyfed because it was his father who rebelled but the Lord of Connacht was stripped of Thomond for his part in the rebellion.

Tysilio had no desire to keep Thomond for himself and so granted it to Alan Morgannwg, eldest son of old King Merfyn. A welsh lord amongst the Irish rabble Tysilio hoped would keep the peace in the nearly formed Kingdom. Though childless Alan boasts a number of brothers that could inherit should the 38 year old man fail to produce an heir.

Prince Brywn and Princess Tiburge celebrated their first child, Brywn in September of 1006.

The last lord that seemed to hold inclination towards rebellion was the new countess of Tyrconnell. Rather fight another needless war Tysilio dispatched his principal advisor Annun Morgannwg to Tyrconnell to attempt some accord with the disgruntled countess.

The long years of war under Morgan had drained his coffers nigh continuously. Tysilio however had the fortune of inheriting a whole kingdom rather than forging one. Such a privilege meant the treasury was accumulating quite well and Dublin in many respects was found wanting. He began drawing plans for new settlements and expansions to the city though it would be years before such plans came to fruition.

Annun reported that Lady Imag had agreed to end any seditious activity as long as Tysilio did not attempt to solidify anymore more power to his person. This news in June of 1007 made Tysilio believe peace was possible.

As part of the peace Tysilio gave orders for a grand event to be held in Dublin. The summer of 1008 saw all the Lords and Ladies of the realm gather to witness a martial contest of the greatest warriors in all of Ireland. Bringing nobility together in such a grand display Tysilio hoped would not only show the power of the monarchy but its legitimacy to rule over them. The nobility however were astounded when Tysilio himself entered the competition as any normal knight. Over the days of the fierce competition Tysilio received a thunderous applause when he bested every other competitor showing he amongst them all was the greatest warrior in all of Ireland. Second place fell to the King’s brother Brywn.

Brywn had his second child Bronwen in December of 1009.

Tysilio grew up hearing his father speak of his home back in Wales and Tysilio with Ireland well in hand thought it might be time to look back towards the home country. The old Kingdom of Gwynedd had long shattered with Gywnedd itself now ruled by a distant German lord. Yet the lordships of Powys and Perfeddwlad remained free. As a leap of faith envoys were sent to the lord of Powys offering him to join the growing Kingdom of Ireland. The court in Dublin held a celebration when the Lord of Powys came and pledged his fealty to the king. Perfeddwlad followed Powy’s example not long after. Where Morgan excelled at war, Tysilio excelled at statecraft.

The Kingdom of Cornwall had long been divided between its monarch and the insatiable Kingdom of England. The rebellious Lord of Connacht had much to say about Cornwall and came before Tysilio with a request. A woman is currently Queen over the weak kingdom and Lord Benabic of Connacht is second in line for its throne. The request was simple enough, if Tysilio put Benabic on the throne of Cornwall he would faithfully serve his king till his dying day. Cornwall shared a common history with the Welsh and bringing the bretons of Cornwall into the Kingdom would go a long way towards liberating Wales. With a simple yes Ireland marched to war. An army of 5000 men embarked from Dublin to sail across St. George’s channel to land in Cornwall. When Tysilio’s army landed in Cornwall they met little resistance and laid siege to the capital. Cornwall’s army had marched north to attack Ireland’s holdings in Wales.

While laying siege in Cornwall Tysilio came down with a illness. Before anyone knew what had happened the illness had become feverish and burned away King Tysilio before his time on January 5th, 1011; he was 41. Tysilio did much to solidify the kingdom his father forged in war. After several failed revolts the kingdom had become peaceful and tame. His efforts came to enough success he was even able to look beyond the borders of Ireland to reclaim parts of the fatherland. Had he lived the Welsh, like the Irish may well have had a king. Tysilio leaves a woman on the throne of Ireland, his 8 year old daughter Alys who has been cursed with a deformed foot. Whether she will reign long or short is for God to decide. The only thing that is certain is that Tysilio’s work was left half-finished.

Queen Alys “The Just" of Ireland, Wales and Consort of France(1002-1046)

With King Tysilio’s death the fragile peace of the realm seemingly shattered. The war in Cornwall was ongoing but developments in Dublin had far reaching consequences. The old Chancellor Annun Morganwwg was named Regent for the young Queen and the heir to the throne Prince Brywn was named her guardian. Annun knew the Irish Lords if they were to revolt would do so soon. The realm merely awaited to see who would make the first move.

Cornwall fell in April of 1011 but the Cornish army was still ransacking Wales in the north. Marshal Brywn with his army in hand marched north to bring the war to a close. The Cornish army marched south and the two armies met at the Battle of Corfe in Wessex where the Cornish army was routed, and with that Benabic was crowned King of Cornwall and pledged fealty to Queen Alys.

On December 20th, 1011 a foul cabal gathered at the Capital to make their demands known. Led by Count Murchad of Leinster they made many demands and objections to the monarchy but principal among them was the law code established by Morgan. Regent Annun rather than defend the royal prerogative readily gave into their demands. It seemed the coward of a Regent would see the Kingdom torn apart by factionalism rather than protect what had been entrusted to him. Though other voices whispered a darker reality that Annun rather than giving in was a confederate of this cabal. Annun had, had little love for Tysilio but would he destroy a kingdom over a hatred for a dead man?

Count Edwyn of Dyfed came to Dublin in December of 1013 to petition the Queen. Among the Queen’s titles was the crown of Deheubarth which had been held by the family of Llywelyn since Queen Essyllt. Edwyn asked his Queen for the title to pass from the Monarchy to him. As the ruler of Dyfed Edwyn saw himself as the the one true ruler of Dehuebarth. Queen Alys a girl of 11 had proven a meek monarch and was more than happy to grant her kinsman his heart’s desire. The ceremony was held in Dublin and Edwyn was crowned Duke Edwyn of Deheubarth.

As the young queen queen grew into adulthood some began to have concerns as to her strength as a monarch. While always happy to please those who came to visit her in Dublin when such people left her avarice was legendary. When it came to gold and jewels nothing could sate her thirst. Most matters of statecraft bored her but when it came to the business of taxes the things she proposed even jokingly were draconian. Alys was none too pleased when Annun dipped into the treasury to fund the clearing and building of a new settlement in the outlying areas of Dublin. Despite the Queen’s tantrums over the use of so much wealth doing so was in accordance with the expansion and development plans laid out by King Tysilio. At the mention of her father Alys would often stop to listen about the father she barely remembered absorbing every word.

The city of Tys was officially formed on December 20th, 1016. Named in part for its architect King Tysilio. The title of its first mayor fell to Chancellor Annun. With this appointment Annun left the regency and Brywn took up the title of Lord Regent.

In August of 1017 Brywn secured the vassalship of Tyrone and it entered the Kingdom. Only Ulster remained disunited from the rest of the realm.

Money was secured from a combination of Royal funds and loans to finance new settlements in the Royal Demense of Kildare in February of 1018. Brywn knowing how his niece always is was quick to remind her of the just nature of such an action, “It is the monarch’s place to care for and provide for their people.” Though she did not respond to the statement young Queen Alys shook her head in agreement.

Alys' regency ended in March of 1018. The ceremony was simple and attended by the closest confidants of the Queen. When she was mingling amongst the courtiers and attendants the most common question people asked was when she intended to marry. Alys had no reply for them but simply blushed and skirted around the questions.

In May of 1018 the first of the suitors showed up at court. The King of Aquitaine sent his son and heir Evrard and though Alys entertained the Prince she humbly denied his request.

As the assault of suitors carried on Alys spent her days meandering around the Palace in Dublin. She often spent longs days in the fields and gardens surrounding the keep. Eventually she found the gardens to be less to her liking and ordered a refurbishing of the entire area. Of the many plants that were brought to be part of the garden many of them came from Wales. Tysilio would often have flowers from Wales around the Castle when Alys was a girl as his father had done for him.

Alys married on July 29th, 1019 to Prince Thierry of Burgundy. Though part of the wedding arrangements was that Thierry married into the house of Llywelyn both due to Alys’ own desires and her Uncle Brywn’s pressuring. The affair brought the whole Kingdom to the capital and it was a wondrous occasion. The Kingdom now awaited to see whether a girl or boy would be first born. Within months Alys knew she was with child.

Alys deep into her pregnancy presided over the grand opening of the city of Clonard in the county of Kildare. On a brisk morning in February, 1020 she was so glad to see the royal treasury had been put to such a grand use as to build a whole new town where there had been none before. Gamall Rose a long time courtier in Dublin was named the first Mayor of Clonard.

Brywn and his wife Tiburge celebrated their third child Morgan on March 29th, 1020. Alys on the 4th of May gave birth to a daughter that she named Alys.

In June of 1020 Alys became privy to a plot to kill her daughter by her aunt, Tiburge. Alys was never one to interfere in the plots of her vassals and courtiers but this was going too far. She ordered Tiburge imprisoned but the arrest attempt failed. Before Alys’ men could get to the docks Tiburge and Brywn had fled the kingdom, leaving their children behind. Had Alys been any other monarch these children would have had cause to fear.

While never a proactive monarch Alys attended to her duties as monarch with due diligence. As the realm prospered and the threat of civil war became a distant possibility even the irish lords started to call her Alys the Just. At the young age of 19 it would seem the realm would truly prosper under her certainly long reign.

After the stunning success of the city of Tys, Alys authorized a second settlement to be expanded to supplement the capital of Dublin. Unlike Tys this new city would act as a secondary port of the now bustling capital, that has seen a rejuvenation since the advent of the monarchy. Though it would take an even larger investment than Tys Alys happily paid the cost.

Alys began a new initiative in May of 1023 which resulted in the creation of a new administrative area of the Kingdom. The Dukedom of Connacht roughly corresponded to the old Kingdom of Connacht and was entrusted to the Lord of Breifne. This Lord was always more trustworthy lord than the Count of Connacht. With this consolidation Alys would have to personally administer less and leave the troublesome Count of Connacht to the new Duke of Connacht.

On the 28th of October Alys’ daughter was murdered, smothered in her crib by agents of Tiburge. Alys was inconsolable after the act and began seeking revenge. Sadly Tiburge seems to have made cause with some denizen of hell because no assassin could seem to smite her.

A second daughter was born to Alys in December of 1023, Heledd. The city of Christ’s Church opened to little fanfare. Alys was clinging to her new born daughter and shirking many of her duties. Rhydderch Morganwwg was named its mayor.

Alys gave birth to a son named Tysilio on February 6th, 1025. On February 27th of the same year Alys’ mother Affraic died. With her death Ulster entered the Kingdom of Ireland and the Emerald Isle was united. Along with this inheritance came the castle of Dunlace. In light of this inheritance Ormond was given to an Irish Lord who was also named Duke of Munster.

The House of Llywelyn was honored in 1027 to see Bishop Arthfeal Llywelyn named to the College of Cardinals.

After the vast expansion of towns and settlements in the Royal Demsene Alys spent most of her time overseeing them. Rather than risk seeing the towns struggle Alys ensured a steady stream of capital to see to the towns' developments. By the second decade of her reign the towns were prospering as peasants moved from the fields to the towns.

Catrin was born to Alys and Thierry on Decmeber 4th, 1028.

On January 27th, 1029 the Kingdom of Scotland declared war on the Kingdom of Ireland seeking to reclaim Ulster. Alys gave order to the banners to gather and prepare to fend off the invading scottish armies. Alys had always been reluctant to increase the standing army created by Morgan but in light of the invasion pragmatism outweighed any concerns she had. The Irish army 8000 strong awaited in Ulster for the Scottish to attempt a crossing of the Irish sea, when they landed the Irish would throw them into the sea.

Prince Madog was born on August 23rd, 1030.

Instead of attacking the Irish directly the Scots marched south to lay siege to Wales. Rather than wait for the Scots to engage them the Irish invaded Scotland. As Wales burned Scotland burned in turn. Only after the fall of Scone, the Scottish Capital did the Scots abandon their siege of Wales.

Prince Goronwy was born on April 4th, 1032.

Rather than fight the Scots head on the Irish withdrew to Ireland. Only once the Scots attempted to liberate Galloway did the Irish go on the move. Gywnedd had entered the war on the side of the Scots but separated from the main scottish host to liberate Scone. As Gywnedd laid siege to Scone the Irish landed at Scone by sea and surrounded their army casting them out of the war. With the war in their Favor the Irish marched against the Scots in Galloway. The battle of galloway saw the Irish forced to give the field to the Scots. With this defeat the Irish retreated to Ulster and from there set sail to Wales which they proceeded to liberate.

Princess Sara was born on September 4th, 1035.

It took years to recruit the men required but at the battle of Perth the Scots were finally defeated. This final battle saw King Dugald of Scotland captured as well. He was brought to Dublin to pay an act of submission like King Alan of Dehuebarth did so many years ago when Cardiff was stolen. The peace demanded the Scottish King forsook any and all claims to Ireland. Ireland was united and would remain free of any that tried to enslave her. Never again would the house of Llywelyn be humiliated as it was then. The long Scottish War ended after nine years of war in 1038. Though it awakened a fire in Alys, an ambition and hunger that she had never shown in near 40 years of life. The Scots forced her to take account of the wider world and she had no intention of becoming insular again.

Months after the war ended Scotland devolved into Civil War. Rather than wait Alys did not waste this opportunity. She declared war for the first time and deployed her armies to take back Glamorgan. Cardiff castle did not stand for long as its petty Scottish lord buckled. With Glamorgan retaken the Irish army marched north and destroyed what few royal troops had been mustered by King Dugald. Rather than fight this civil war and an invading Ireland he ceded Glamorgan in exchange for peace in 1040. With the war finished Alys set aside time to leave Ireland for the first time to visit Wales and the Castle of Cardiff. When she arrived she attempted to ignore the mewlings of the Scottish lord who resided in Cardiff castle. Alys saw the gardens built by Count Llyweyln’s wife, the family crypt that lies so empty and what brought tears to the Queen’s eyes was seeing the Llywelyn crest cast aside, dirty and broken in an old wing of the castle. The Llyweylns stayed in Cardiff for a month making many demands of its current lord if he was to keep the castle. The primary demand being its lord was to keep part of the castle ready at all times to receive the monarchy should they desire to visit their home. When Alys left she hoped her grandfather Morgan would be proud.

As Alys returned to Dublin news from the continent demanded her attention and that of all Ireland. Prince Thierry’s father had for many years waged a protracted war against the French Throne. King Thierry “The Kind” of Burgundy sought to restore the Karlings to the throne of France. The Salians, a German House and then the Mac Ailpan the ruling house of Scotland stole the throne from its rightful lords. When King Thierry finally cast out the Scots for a moment he was the King of France and Burgundy. The good man died within the year. Three decades previously King Thierry agreed to see Prince Thierry his eldest son marry into the house of Llywelyn. This was allowed because the monarchy of Burgundy was so weak it allowed the lords of the realm to choose their king. With this state of affairs it was clear Prince Thierry would never inherit and so no harm would come to pass if he married into another family. However with the acquisition of France, a more civilized place than Burgundy Prince Thierry suddenly was the heir to France. With King Thierry of Burgundy dead in August of 1040 Prince Thierry rushed to Orléans where he was crowned King Thierry II of France, with Burgundy passing to another Karling Lord. While Alys could now refer to herself as the Consort of France more astounding her young son Tysilio, a Welshman was the rightful heir to the throne of France. At that precipice civil war in France threatened this opportune state of affairs. Queen Alys knew she had to act and ordered her armies to Normandy to aid the French Throne in quelling any opposition to her husband. For the first time the Llywelyns were looking not to the Isles but to the Continent.

Before the armies of Ireland departed a missive arrived from King Thierry declaring peace in France. The rebel leader had been captured and the rebellion ended with him. With France in order Alys lowered her banners awaiting the next opportune moment.

On the first of July, 1041 Prince Tysilio was married to Princess Béatrix of Burgundy. To commemorate the occasion the University of Dublin was commissioned by Queen Alys.

To mend ties between Scotland and Ireland Princess Heledd of Ireland and Prince Adam of Scotland were wed on May 4th, 1042. Those this was marriage was not enough for Queen Alys to aid the Scots in their civil war. It was clear it would take many years for the wounds to heal between these two realms.

A daughter was born to Tysilio and Béatrix named Alys on October 1st, 1042.

On March 25th, 1043 Alys received an invitation to Powys. The Count of Powys and Perfeddwlad had named himself Duke of Gwynedd to challenge those in Gwynedd. As a gift for the Duke’s new found stature Alys declared war on the pretenders on Gwynedd on April 16th, 1043. Scotland declared war on Ireland again entering the war as an ally to the Prince of Gwynedd. Gwynedd fell to Irish forces in November of 1043. The Battles of Chester and Rhuddland broke the Gwynedd forces but still their will to fight remained unbroken. Gwynedd capitulated on December 8th, 1045.

Christmas 1045 proved to a memorable affair. As mass ended and the feasting began the lords of realm were given a peculiar sight. Normally behind the throne and harp of Ireland stood the banners of the counties and dukedoms of the realm. All were placed equally together with no privilege given to any of them. However the Irish Lords were now placed to the right of the throne and the Welsh Lords to the left of the throne. More curious was that before the banners of Cornwall, Deheubarth and Gwynedd stood a yet unfurled banner. When Alys took her seat before the lords the Duchess of Cornwall demanded to know which lord’s banner was given pre-eminence over the Welsh Lords. Alys calmly responded, “My Banner.” With that Alys gestured to an attendant who unfurled the banner revealing a red dragon. “My grandfather, King Morgan blessed be his name once spoke on the nature and necessity of Kings. To him, a people and their king are inextricably bound. Morgan gave the Irish their King but as time has past I’ve reflected on these words. Though the Welsh had a king lord over them it was not their King. This day i declare unto eternity the creation of the Kingdom of Wales, and the Union of the Golden Harp and the Red Dragon.” Alys received applause and cheering but to some it seemed like Alys, like her father and grandfather was gathering too much power to herself. Any objections went unvoiced that day however.

Princess Catrin and Prince Jean of Aquitaine were wed on July 6th, 1046.

Prince Madog and Princess Gunnhildr of Sweden were wed on September 24th, 1046. Per the alliance between Sweden and Ireland Alys sent troops to aid Sweden against Norse and Danish aggression. Prince Madog was given command of the army and tasked to defend his wife’s home. The day before the army was to set out Queen Alys fell steadfastly asleep and never awoke; she was 44. Alys presided over the ebbing of royal authority in her early years. Though even as the monarchy weakened Alys became a patron of cities in the lands which the Monarchy administered. It was at the end of her reign when Alys proved to be a worthy heir of Morgan and Tysilio. Wars against Scotland proved Ireland was to be respected if not feared and the proclamation of Wales ensured Ireland as the third power of the Isles. Abroad on the continent and even in far away places such as Sweden, Ireland began to make its presence known. If the nobility can be brought to heel the reign of Tysilio II can be one of greatness built upon the foundation of the Mother of Ireland, Alys.

King Tysilio II “The Wise" of Ireland, Wales, France and Burgundy(1025-1090)

With Queen Alys dead her eldest son Tysilio was crowned King of Ireland and Wales. Tysilio was with the army meant to leave for Sweden when the news of his mother’s passing came to him. Before his mother’s body was even cold he had the Bishop of Dublin crown him. All around him Tysilio saw enemies from his brothers to the Irish Lords and the Welsh Dukes. The army that was once meant to aid foreign thrones would be stationed at Dublin to protect the fledgling king. Alys ruled through personal charm not royal authority, Tysilio would not even have that luxury.

In an attempt to prevent a crisis Tysilio offered positions of power at court to various lords of the realm. Even as the Duke of Gwynedd, Deheubarth and the Count of Leinster joined the royal court their concern for their king seemed to be fleeting. As a martial man Tysilio debated acting against his errant vassals before they united against him. Alas such an act of subterfuge would reduce him to their plotting ways. If the time came Tysilio would match steel for steel.

The king of Sweden sent his regards to King Tysilio and asked for his assistance as Alys had once agreed to do. Knowing that in time he may have to call upon the distant monarch Tysilio agreed but he didn’t know how much aid he could truly give. With Ireland unstable and the nobility gauging the strength of the new king sending the army away would be foolish.

On December 1st, 1048 King Tysilio and Queen Béatrix had their first son Tysilio.

The first few years of Tysilio’s reign passed without incident. The nobility did little more than grumble at the monarchy and any attempts at factionalism did not become true threats. However this did not stop Tysilio from spending the royal treasury on fortresses and castles throughout the royal demesne. If war was to come Tysilio wanted to be ready.

Duke Maredudd of Gwynedd proved to be a godsend for the realm. As the principal advisor to the king he acted as an intermediary between the nobility and the king. Often the Duke would travel from court to court soothing worries and grievances. While things did not truly in fact change if the nobility believed things were getting better, they did. Despite the changing fortunes Tysilio still slept with his sword within reach should the worse come to pass.

The court of Dublin in 1050 was rocked by scandal. The Court Chaplain, the bishop Anarawd of Connor attempted to steer Tysilio away from God. Tysilio though was never a man for the church as it was. Nevertheless what this priest was spouting was heresy and the bishop was imprisoned and forced to recant. After prostrating before the king the priest was allowed to take up his office again.

Six years had passed since Tysilio’s accession. The winter of 1052 was particularly brutal. While cloistered in the keep away from his men at arms Tysilio held himself up in the royal library. After Alys’ patronage led to the creation of Dublin’s university books had been steadily pouring into royal hands. As winter dragged on this warrior king surprisingly could be seen with a book in hand or burning the midnight oil in his study. Of special interest were maps of realms long past and as it would seem from the new maps Tysilio commissioned, realms yet to be.

Princess Sera and King Odd of Norway were wed on July 24th, 1052.

Tysilio was always a man to embrace new tactics and strategies when it came to war. Since he took up books as a hobby the king became vocal in his displeasure of Ath Cliath, the main keep in Dublin. Beginning in the fall of 1054 a new expansion of the keep began. Drawing on inspiration from old roman settlements Tysilio II would spare no expense in seeing his home become a mighty citadel.

Winter of 1054 also marked the first time Tysilio II put a sword in his son’s hands. Night after night Tysilio II would dismiss his son and drink away his shame. Generation after generation of Llywelyns even Queen Alys had been trained in the ways of war but Prince Tysilio was pathetic. The boy could barely lift a sword above his head and the few times when the King actually struck his son the boy would be laid up for days. Even as Prince Tysilio continued to embarrass the King, Princess Alys proved herself a worthier heir.

A son was born to Prince Madog and Princess Gunnhildr named Tudwallon on November 12th, 1055.

On the tenth anniversary of his reign Tysilio II gathered the lords of Ireland in the capital. There various disputes and disagreements of the realm were discussed and dealt with if possible. After much of the principal business was dealt with Tysilio II caused the council to devolve into chaos. Tysilio II proposed that Morgan’s Law Code which had been dissolved during Alys’ reign be reconstituted. Rather than the council adjourning for Christmas the debates lasted well into the New Year. Some argued that this would make the realm stronger by bringing one law code to all and other’s claimed it violated the liberties of the vassals. With the adamant support of the Duke of Munster the law code was reinstated. A reversal of Alys’ reign was undone and royal authority advanced.

A daughter was born to Prince Madog and Princess Gunnhildr named Gwenwyn on April 29th, 1058.

As the winter of 1058 ended King Tysilio II had been nursing a bad cold. When the king began coughing blood and phlegm the realm began to fear his reign was at an end. When the bells began tolling in Dublin for a moment the people thought their king had been taken from them. Yet a public appearance by the king put these doubts to an end. To celebrate his return to health Tysilio II gave orders for a festival to be held and new church to be commissioned.

Bishop Anarawd of Connor struck again in november of 1058. This time Tysilio was less forgiving, he would sit in the dungeon till the day he dies.

After the success of the Irish Council in Dublin Tysilio II called for a similar council among the Welsh lords to be held in Gwynedd. The primary topic of debate however was the king’s clear intent to bring Morgan’s Law Code to Wales. By this point the law code was 60 years old and the Duke of Deheubarth argued it would not work in Wales as it had in Ireland. Debate was eventually settled by a simple vote among the Lords of the realm on May 26th, 1059. Without support from Duke Maredudd the measure could not have hoped to pass. The duke had always and continued to be a loyal servant of the realm. The rule of law continued to spread throughout the realm.

September of 1059 brought word to Dublin from the King’s father. War raged in France and without the arms of Ireland the rebels may seize the throne. Tysilio II called his banners and prepared to lead the men to the continent. The Irish army landed in Normandy on Christmas Eve. Before heading south to crush the Duke of Orléans Tysilio II spent christmas in a French City. The Lord of the town was not given word that foreigners were coming to aid the king and a siege almost commenced. Once Tysilio’s identity was known the Duke of Normandy was more than happy to give lodging to the mighty host of Ireland. The traditions, the language, food and even dress all seemed so foreign to the man who was expected to one day rule this land. When Tysilio inquired as to why the Duke had not raised his levies to defend his King the Duke merely responded that it is the king’s duty to defend his own titles. This brief time in France showed Tysilio that in France the monarchy of his father was clearly weak. He could only hope that when he wore the crown of France he could bring it the peace and order he brought to his home. The army set out the day after christmas making their way along the Seine before marching on Orléans. A missive reached the host as it was marching from the King of Norway asking for Ireland’s aid against a civil war. Tysilio quipped, “Norway I’m sure is nice in spring.” The war in France ended with the fall of Blois and the capture of Aimery Karling heir to Orléans. Tysilio spent a week in Paris before heading north to depart for Norway.

Tysilio landed in Norway on July 4th, 1060 crushing a rebel army that was laying siege to Akershus. The rebellion in Norway ended when the combined forces of Norway and Ireland stormed the rebel stronghold in Oppland in November of 1060. Without need for them the Army of Ireland left for home.

The King’s Brother Goronwy died of consumption on January 27th, 1063.

Dublin years ago was liberated by Count Tysilio of Glamorgan. Despite that holy work the norse that had immigrated to the land truly became apart of the land. Only with the advent of the Irish monarchy and Dublin’s bustling status did the norse culture erode. A child born in 1063 may be able to speak the language of the norse heathens but their native tongue would be that of their King and Wales.

December of 1064 saw Prince Tysilio wed to Princess Pernelle of Burgundy.

The moment that Tysilio II had awaited all his life arrived on June 24th, 1066. With King Thierry II dead Tysilio headed to Paris to be crowned as King of France. The affair was held in a dual French-Welsh ceremony so that the foreign king as much of the nobility saw him could understand the proceedings. For the time being the capital moved to Paris so that Tysilio could properly administrate his new holdings. Ireland and Wales had, had Queen Alys to ensure their unity and stability but France was broken. Much of the power that was once held in the hands of the Karling kings was now deeply invested in the local nobility. Thierry II’s reign constituted mostly administering to Paris and the surrounding lands for the true power lies with the Dukes who hold vast estates. Even as a whole the Realm was minuscule compared to what it once was with Aquitaine in the south as its own Kingdom and the Duke of Burgundy ruled as a petty king independent of the crown. This state of affairs to Tysilio was an opportunity to build a monarchy to match and exceed the Karling realm of yore. Before such ambitions could be tackled the holdings that lay independent of the crown had to be integrated and the nobility broken. As part of the transition the king’s uncle Madog was granted the castle of Dunlace and given the title of baron. The king could not properly rule all his holdings back in Ireland.

One of Tysilio II’s first edicts as King of France was to expand the standing army which was then deployed to Paris. As the Dukes of France began gathering to rebel Tysilio knew that if he was going to retain his birthright he would have to put the rebellion down. In January of of 1068 it became clear the Duke of Berry was forming a plot to murder one Raynaud de Chiny. Tysilio gave the order to detain the lord and should he rebel it would be a prime moment to show the French who their true king was. Without issue the Duke was imprisoned and any sedition from him died. Without his support any threat of wide-scale rebellion ground to a halt.

With the threat of rebellion reduced Tysilio II declared war on the Duke of Burgundy in the attempt to restore the patrimony of Valois. The war took a drastic turn in June of 1069 when England entered the war on the side of Burgundy. An English army landed Brugge and Tysilio marched his army against them before England’s full host gathered on the continent. The battle of Nieuwpoort ended with English defeat. The subsequent Battle of Amiens smashed the army of Burgundy and the city of Amiens fell in August of 1070. Burgundy conceded after the occupation of Amiens.

The victory at Nieuwpoort emboldened Tysilio to attack England. Days after the war with Burgundy concluded Tysilio declared war for the old Morgannwg home of Gwent. The last of the English forces that were deployed to France were crushed at the battle of Longueville in Normandy. After this initial skirmish the combined forces of Wales, Ireland and France were called to war. As Tysilio and his army laid siege to Gwent the English rather than attack directly landed in Normandy. Forces from Ireland attacked them at the Battle of Eu destroying what forces the King of England was able to muster. In an attempt to end the war quickly that same army sailed up the Thames and laid siege to the Saxon capital of London. Gwent fell to Tysilio in October of 1071. London was sacked by Irish forces in the winter of 1072. Tragic news reached Tysilio while on campaign. Duke Maredudd who had served the kingdom for decades died at the old age of 60. The realm was poorer due to his death. England conceded defeat and ceded Gwent on December 10th, 1072. The county of Gwent was granted to Duke Edwyn II of Deheubarth.

Prince Tysilio and Princess Pernelle had their first child, Elaine on August 22nd, 1073.

Word reached Tysilio II in the summer of 1074 that the old King of England Ælfstan died and in the fall of 1074 opportunity arose. With a civil pending in England, Devon long part of the Cornish kingdom was ripe for the retaking. With the banners called Tysilio II invaded England again. Tysilio II led the siege of Devon while Mayor Énri led an attack on Hereford. The war expanded greatly when the Kingdom of Aquitaine rushed to England’s defense. Devon fell in April 1076 but Tysilio II pulled back to Cornwall as a massive Aquitaine army massed in Wessex. The army of Mayor Énri was attacked in Hereford and forced to retreat losing 2000 men. The retreat to Gwent would have been a massacre if Tysilio did not land and join the battle. The English/Aquitaine forces had amassed 10,000 men pitted against the full might of the Irish host numbering 15,000. The great battle of Caerwent saw 4/5 of all English forces destroyed. After the sheer weight of this defeat became known to the English King he ceded Devon to stop the Irish onslaught.

On January 4th, 1077 the cries of a new born child were heard from the palace. Long ago King Tysilio II had turned to the comforts of other women as his wife failed to bear him a progeny. The woman who comforted the King was Euronwy and on this day she gave her king a son. Euronwy died to bring this son into the world and Tysilio was distraught. If he recognized this boy and named him a prince, this boy, not Tysilio would be King of France when he died. When Tysilio II made his decision Queen Béatrix stormed out while Prince Tysilio went to his wife determined to bear a son of his own. The bastard prince was named Thierry after Tysilio’s father and if Tysilio had his way he would one day be King of the French. Though despite this last act of love for Euronwy it seemed the boy would not live after all. Though a blessing straight from God he saw the boy strengthen and live.

Prince Tysilio’s wife Princess Pernelle died of Great Pox in November of 1077. He was remarried to Princess Agnès in December of 1077.

Princess Alys who had remained a maiden became a nun the spring of 1078.

The decision to legitimize Thierry physically strained King Tysilio II. If he were to die before his son came of age the Frankish dukes would tear the boy apart. Also Ireland would be weaker with the loss of continental territories. Burgundy however provided an opportunity. The realm was weak and with a blood claim through his father Tysilio II could lay claim to its throne retaining continental territories for the Irish. Almost on a whim Tysilio II declared war on the boy king of Burgundy. Bern, the Burgundy capital fell in October of 1078. After the battle of Bern any formal resistance to King Tysilio II collapsed. It was only a matter of time before the Burgundian lords recognized their true king. On April 24th, 1081 King Tysilio II added a fourth crown to the realm. The nobles of Burgundy hold even more power than the nobles in France and so it was not guaranteed that they would choose a Llywelyn to succeed him. Prince Tysilio may have to prove his claim through strength of arms.

Prince Tysilio had a son named Tysilio on June 1, 1081.

King Tysilio II as a show of strength against the Burgundy lords deprived the Duke of Savoy of the Count of Bourges. In turn the Duchess of Berry was given the territory.

1082 saw a grand tournament in the style of King Tysilio the First called for all four kingdoms. Lords and Ladies from throughout the realm gathered in Paris, the center of the burgeoning Irish Kingdom. Prince Tysilio who as a child caused the King to fear he would not be true heir proved his worth handily. While not fierce enough to be named champion he took second place for the glory of the house of Llywelyn. It proved a majestic affair that entertained the entire realm in the summer of 1082.

A second son named Meilyr was born to Prince Tysilio on July 2nd, 1083.

King Tysilio II had never been a pious man and when he found his young son Thierry in the company of the court priest at first he was furious. Though he could not bring himself to discourage his son because it seemed to make him happy. Not long after many were surprised to overhear Thierry asking questions or recounting his favorite stories to King Tysilio II. It seemed the fire of cynicism that had burned for so long gave way to an accord with God and the church.

The Mohammedans who are in constant struggle with the King of Aquitaine are on the move. The Romans in the east it seem have angered the heathens enough for them to unite under a single banner. Only time will tell if they will be able to stand against the onslaught. Thankfully such concerns are far removed from the mind of the King of Ireland.

Queen Béatrix died on December 1st, 1087. She was buried with honor below the keep in Dublin. At the age of 62 Tysilio said he would not seek to remarry.

On January 30th, 1090 King Tysilio II died in his sleep; he was 64. The realm he ruled over splintered upon his death. The throne of France passed to Thierry III the child born of passion and the throne of Burgundy passed to the King of Lotharingia. Under King Tysilio II the house of Llywelyn was brought to its highest point of any of its predecessors. Royal authority grew, the standing army expanded and all throughout the realm cities and castles expanded under a long era of peace and stability. England was humbled and the continent was made aware of the power of Llywelyn. Tysilio III inherits two kingdoms where the Llywelyns cannot be challenged.

On the Eve of the Crusades-1090 Anno Domini

Well simply as the Crown forged by Morgan it has the premier place. Most interesting though is the Kingdom of Bohemia which a union of Poland, Pomerania and Bohemia. The Slavic faith is quite strong.