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June 19th, Year of Our Lord 1338
It is good to
finally escape that damned duchy, if only for a day and if only to a neighbouring town. The air around Poitiers, though clogged with smoke from the pillaging, is somehow still fresher and more attractive than the oppressive atmosphere of Brittany. It is even summer here with the strong sun warming the timbers of siege equipment… I need not contrast this image with the lands just a few leagues north.
My time in Poitiers is to be brief, I return to Brittany tomorrow morn, and my presence in the English camp supposedly secret. It would be poor fortune indeed if Jean de Valois was to discover that the Chancellor of Brittany spent the night in the company of English nobles outside of a beleaguered French keep. It is good then that I have already successfully concluded my business de Ufford in short order.
The Englishman was obviously preoccupied with coordinating the considerable task of starving the defenders of Poitiers into submission. He is confident however that the town shall not resist for long, a probable judgement given the recent string of French defeats, and we were able to discuss other matters over the midday meal. Again de Ufford requested the direct intervention of Brittany in the war and again I was forced to decline. Until the Duke has been convinced that it is in his best interests there is little that I can do in that regards.
Our current arrangement, in which English soldiers avail of passage through Brittany, still stands however and I have pledged that indirect support of the English cause shall continue. The success of Edward's armies in France has placed much strain on his kingdom's ability to maintain and defend these new conquests and so Brittany's strategic role only grows. This much the Duke appreciates. A withdrawal of this aid would greatly weaken English fortunes… where else can their soldiers purchase supplies or their ships harbour in safety?
June 22nd, Year of Our Lord 1338
The journey home was uneventful although I was disturbed by the numbers of refugees that clog the road to Nantes. I suspect that Steward Jeanne will be fully occupied with managing these vagrants in the days to come. On more important matters, I was disappointed to find little correspondence awaiting my return. There are always reports of general unease with the Valois conduct of the war but still no sign that the Dukes are considering withdrawing their support. How frustrating.
July 2nd, Year of Our Lord 1338
Rumours have reached my ears of trouble in England. The Scots, led by the savage and fearsome David Bruce, have left their mountainous strongholds and have begun to launch raids across the border. Already York has been sacked by these fierce barbarians and they threaten to sweep across the entire north of England spreading rapine and terror. While I will refrain from faulting the efforts of the Highlanders to honour their alliance with the French Crown, I, and all men of civilisation, cannot help but be appalled by the devastation wrought on innocent England. I fervently pray that the English barons are able to deal with this blight without disrupting Edward's campaigning in France.
Bruce is said to be seven feet tall and can shoot bolts of lightning from his arse
July 8th, Year of Our Lord 1338
The fortifications at Poitiers have fallen to the English sooner than expected. No doubt this is a sign of wavering French morale following their string of defeats some months ago and the relative inaction of Jean de Valois since. I can only pray that this feeling of discontent is shared by the upper echelons of the French armies. For now however we have new neighbours… by all appearances de Ufford and his men will not be leaving Poitiers in the near future. I can only wonder why Edward has halted his army's advance when the road to Paris lies open.
July 17th, Year of Our Lord 1338
I have finally succeeded in locating those pirates plaguing my "friend" in Flanders. It was no surprise to learn from my contacts that the rogues are using the harbours of Cornouaille as safe havens. The continued absence of the Bishop de Donges has only encouraged such lawless activities in his lands and I fear what other brigands haunt the countryside of Cornouaille. This ill-management of the county is rapidly becoming intolerable and the Duke must surely act soon to correct the Bishop's negligence.
With regards the seagoing villains themselves, I passed on their location to our ever-eager Marshal and he was only too glad to sally forth and deal with this menace. I was tempted to encourage the pirates to offer their services, and a portion of their plunder, to Countess Jeanne, in exchange for safe harbour, but I would not wish to force such unscrupulous rogues on the fair lady. I am also unwilling to bolster the means of the Countess to press her claim the Duchy unless I can be certain that she will prevail. A civil war would be to no one's advantage… least of all my own.