((thanks to @delpiero1234 for being Prince Matthew, and @Cheffy for playing as Alexander of Huntingdon))
The crisp air pervaded the moors as the party searched for some game in Yorkshire. Duke Bourchier stood proud on his dessier, the young Prince with a air of confidence about his person. Beside them, and a little behind, was Prince Matthew’s young squire and Duke Bourchier’s future son-in-law, Alexander of Huntingdon.
Matthew: I’m glad you could make to Yorkshire, James. Matthew believes he hears some deer and looks around but it turns out to be nothing.
James: I am lucky, my Prince, with the recent court cases, your mother had called my person back to the mainland, to preside over the cases, as is my duty being a judge to the realm. But no matter to my person, how have you been?
Matthew: Are you growing old, my friend? There has been an attempt on my life!
James: The news had failed to reach my ears, I fear even in the capital, couriers are slow. But I see that you were able to fend those felons off, I am most proud of you my Prince, to be able to fend off an assassin is no mean feat.
Matthew: That’s nothing to be proud of James. Without Alexander calling the royal guards in time I would have been dead, given that they outnumbered me. This squire turned out to be more useful than I thought.
Alexander: It is still my lack of a quicker reaction that you got scarred ser. I apologise for that.
James: You were still successful, good fellow, for which I, and I am sure the realm, is most grateful for. So, my Prince, is there a particular reason to call this hunt, it is a most wonderful place to have a quiet talk after all.
Matthew: I like to go hunting because it helps me relax with all my work. I had planned to talk about more pleasant things but with the attempt on my life I feel that we should discuss safety percussions.
James: I am surprised your mother hadn’t organized a armed guard for yourself, with you being so close to being of age, it should be her utmost importance to protect her son, and thus her heir.
Alexander’s breathing increased
James: I must admit, I am at a loss to who would attempt upon your life. But I would certainly recommend to your mother that you are protected by an ensemble of guards for now. Hears a low rustling, and thus cautions the Prince and the squire, to be quiet
Matthew:
Whispers It could be a deer. Anyways, more guards do not solve the problem. You live in isolated Iceland where life is safe. What do you think about calling for a general investigation of the nobility.
Matthew spots the deer, a fine buck, and looses an arrow but misses. The deer runs. And then a second shot is taken, but this time from Alexander, and it impales finely into the flank of the deer, cutting deep. The deer falters, and its legs fall out from under it.
As he finishes off the buck, James commends Alexander for his fine shooting, and answers Prince Matthew
James: That would be wise, then there can be no doubt on who could have done it, just don’t send too many individuals my way, you hear?, teasing the prince.
Matthew: I’m not amused by your humour today.
Alexander: If I may, my Lords ?
Matthew: Sure, what is it Alex?
Alexander: Thank you sire. My suggestion is that more guards is not as effective as other methods. After all, you guards may supply muscle but it was observation that spotted the treacherous dogs I therefore put forward that a core of espionage is used to supplement royal security.
Matthew: James, what do you think about this young mind’s proposal?
James: It seems akin to your view of a general investigation, I would accept such a matter, but it could become reliant on the court to be honest to reporting events of note, so it is up to you as I see it my Prince, but I must commend your political mind, young Alexander.
Alexander: Thank you m'lord I got it from my father, ser
Matthew: I believe the entire nobility should be investigated. It might cause some unrest but these traitors has to be found and brought to justice. It seems unlikely that a non-nobleman would possess the necessary funds to hire such skilled assassins.
James: I shall leave that to your discretion my Prince, if I was you, I would check the couriers as well, many of them are crafty.
Matthew: For now, the investigation shall target the nobility of Britain. It can be expanded beyond Britain if nothing is discovered.
James: As you wish, my Prince, I feel we should return to the lodge.
Has finished with the buck, and he asks for Alexander’s assistance as they collect the fine specimen
Alexander: What do you want done with the carcass, sers?
James: Cut it into finer pieces, and place them, gently, into the saddle bags, we can tie the head to the back of one of the horses.
Alexander: Any part you would like to eat now, sires?
James: I would rather share this fine animal, but my Prince and you yourself Alexander, should determine the animal's end fate, after all you were the slayers of its magnificence.
Alexander: Merely performing my duties ser
Matthew: Alex, the duke offered you to determine the animal’s fate. It is rude to decline such an offer.
Alexander: I apologise Ser James but I have no idea on the butchery of meat and feel as though it is not my place to make decisions that could ruin a fine catch.
James: I would say it could make for a fine centre point to a noble feast, some time in the future, much as it looks appetising.
Matthew: Then that’s settled then. Alex, this is your opportunity to ask my friend the duke some questions.
Alexander: Thank you sire. Duke Bourchier you serve as an administrator for the crown which I hopefully will become is their any advice that I may need?
James: Keep a level head, and learn to accept the whims of the Monarch, they hold the knife in which you balance your life so delicately upon. Be versed in European languages, we may be an island nation, but our alliances are stretching further and further across the continent, as is our de facto territory. Finally, don’t be too extreme, a lot of little steps is better than one giant step towards the same goal.
Alexander: Thank you Ser.
James: Do you have any further questions, Alexander?
Alexander: None worth your valuable time my liege
Matthew: I suggest we head back home then. It’s quite a ride from Yorkshire to Oxford.
James: I can agree to that, your grace.
And so the long day passed, the sun drawing down over the flat moors, as the trio returned to the royal estates in Oxfordshire.