Note: This Chapter is HUGE. I apologize for that, I didn't resize the pictures properly. I will fix it for next chapter.
Sounds of Eternity
Chapter One - Trials and Tribulations
Alyssa de Montero ‘the Drunkard’
Duchess of Barcelona (1066-1095)
Duchess of Mallorca (1095-1095)
Queen Regent of Denmark (1094-1095)
Prologue
I am Duchess Alyssa of Barcelona, my life up to this point has been full of sorrow and guilt. have no known family, from what I know, they were killed when I was a young child and I was taken in by Ramon-Bereugner de Barcelona, the previous Duke of Barcelona. My childhood was focused on me learning how to lead troops into battle. Ramon-Bereunger saw something in me that others had failed to see, he was the only one who realized my potential. He taught me in the art of killing my enemies and trained me into a hardened soldier, one who was able to lead their troops into any battle and come out unscathed, on top of this, he gave me my love of dueling, witnessing two great noblemen clashing swords, the anticipation of the audience and the sweat slowly trickling down the combates faces was exhilarating.
On his deathbed, he told me that he saw me as his daughter, his own flesh and blood, he told me his own children had gone off to other kingdoms, and didn’t even bother to send a letter or to take a ship and visit him. I remember his exact last words. He took my hands in his and told me “Alyssa, my child, my daughter and my heir, I bestow upon you my duchy. I want you to reign and triumph over my enemies, do not let anyone take away what you have earned.” And with that, I watched as his hands let go of mine and dropped to his sides, his face went a pale gray and stood still. I sat down by his bed and cried before standing up and walking out of his chambers. I was now a duchess.
10th September 1066
Controlling a duchy is a lot of work, managing counties, castles and keeping my court happy.. God has forsaken a lot of work upon me.
I will prevail, I must, for Ramons sake, I will.
I keep finding myself waking up, alone, and scared for the future. If I was to die tomorrow, who would take my crown? Who would become the ruler of a duchy I never expected to control?
Ramon wanted me to be in control.. He gave me the throne over his own children, I want to make him proud. I must keep the crown away from any pretenders
Marriage seems to be the best option, I need to find a suitable prince to marry and produce an heir with.
Perhaps England has a suitable Prince? I must send my chancellor to look.
1st December 1066
My chancellor has returned from his partial trek through Europe, aiming to find a suitable prince for me to marry, to my disappointment, England's’ Prince refused a matrilineal marriage with me. What was wrong with me? Am I too cynical? Too martial? I wish I knew.
He did come up with one suitable candidate though, Prince Knud of Denmark, second in line to the throne of the Duchy of Sjaelland, although it wasn’t for certain my child would ever inherit that land, that wasn’t the main concern.
I sent forth a letter to Prince Knud’s liege and father, asking for a marriage to which he accepted. I sighed with relief when the letter came to me, my house would be safe. I instigated preparations straight away, decorating the halls with the most beautiful silk and setting tables with the most expensive of linen. I made sure no expenses were spared. I must have spent our entire treasury on that wedding, but it was worth it. The drinks, the food, the music. It all came together in wonderful harmony. It was a day I’d remember forever.
25th March 1067
My chancellor came into my throne room today to discuss counties held by the Muslim infidels to the south that were de jure part of Barcelona, I was shocked and with due haste, I intended to raise a war chest in order to prepare my army and my realm for war, I thought about 500 gold should be enough to satisfy my army and hire any foreign help should need be.
I summoned a community of Jewish people living on the outskirts of my realm after hearing of their amazing luck with money and their jewels and gold from their home land, I was sympathetic with their story, their homes being overrun by Muslim invaders and them being forced to abandon their land and find a more suitable location to live. I told them they could stay in the castle for as long as they needed, on the condition they help me out with my war chest. They were grateful and lent me a sum of 350 gold, right away almost meeting my quota. I was happy to oblige them and told my guards to show them to the most exquisite rooms in the castle.
20th April 1067
I decided to host a spear throwing contest today for all the vassals and courtiers of my realm, it was a fun way to pass the time and it allowed me to practice my martial skills without having to go into true battle or risk injuring someone while dueling them.
Even I decided to participate, and I threw the spear - watching it fly through the air and land in the field a ways away was a lot of fun, the crowd cheered and I smiled with joy.
It was too bad that I wasn't the victor though, but the Bishop of Vic won! His throwing arm was extremely impressive and the spear soared through the air, landing further than anyone else, a few others attempted after him, but no one matched his skill.
20th May 1067
Training against dummies was growing boring, and never put up a fight, never allowing me to truly hone my skills in the martial field. I needed an accomplice I could fight against without fear of killing, and be able to put up a fight against me. A courtier in my realm was infamous for being a blessed warrior, and I brought him to my throne, asking if he would like to duel against me from time to time, and he accepted
I quickly learnt that my skill was far from his, and I could truly learn from him. We had a lot in common and when we weren’t dueling, we spent the time looking at the clouds and taking care of my horse.
21st April 1068
After over a year of hard work and trying to cut down my spending, I finally had enough money in my treasury to complete my goal, I hit 500 gold and locked it into my treasury for safe keeping, I could not let this amount of gold be trusted by anyone. This was for war and for war alone. With this much gold, any war declared would be easily won.
28th May 1069
This.. INFURIATING ANNOYANCE. WHY IS HE IN MY REALM. A noble from Sjaelland arrived today, bragging about his massive wealth, his many houses and stables, his concubines. He claimed himself to be a God amongst men, I was getting irritated, and as were my courtiers, they requested I take action and send a letter to King Svend, complaining about his delegate.
“Dearest King Svend II of Denmark,
I thank you for your hospitality regarding our alliance, and in trying to reconcile with me, you send your messenger, but I must complain about his attitude.
Constantly, he is bragging about is mass wealth and his many estates back home, causing a lot of ruckus amongst my people, and annoying me.
I apologize if this letter insults you, it is not my meaning to. But I wish for you to talk to him about the insulting nature he has brought upon himself and your kingdom.
Yours faithfully,
Duchess Alyssa de Montero of Barcelona”
Hopefully that’ll get that annoying nobleman some kind of punishment.
30th May 1066
King Svend sent a letter back, formally apologizing to me and my courtiers, convincing me that he’ll talk to his nobles about how to act if they are ever in my realm again, thank god that King Svend is a good man.
17th July 1071
I sent an official declaration of war to the Hudid Emirate to claim Larida, a county that rightfully belongs in my duchy. It was time to use my martial skills to good use and lead my soldiers into a glorious victory.
“The vile Hudid Emirate
For too long you have controlled Larida, a county that rightfully belongs to the Duchy of Barcelona.
This is a formal declaration of war to claim the territory back to its true owners.
I will see you on the battlefield
Duchess Alyssa of Barcelona”
This war will be short and easy, especially with the help of King Svend.
24th July 1071
Urgh.
My head hurts a lot, the room is spinning and I have thrown up twice since waking up.
All I remember is the Bishop of Vic looking at me in discuss and walking away..
What happened last night.
Oh, oh.. yeah
I had a meeting in the Council Chambers, discussing the war and battle plans. I had to make a toast.. The toast turned into two and two into three and before I knew it I was drunk out of my mind.
I must have fallen, my lip is swollen and there's dried blood on my lip, it stings.
I think I asked the Bishop for help and he just looked at me and walked away. I
made a fool out of myself.
23rd July 1072
After two long grueling years, the first siege against the Hudids was finally won.
We broke down the walls and began attacking the garrison stationed, launching arrows at the walls and setting a siege tower for us to storm. It took longer than expected, we didn’t realize that the Muslims had as many soldiers as they did. But, we still prevailed, as expected.
31st December 1072
Six days after the birth of Christ, a momentous occasion occurred, the deciding battle between Barcelona and Hudids happened, and to expectations of us all, we won.
My army mobilized and was able to wipe out the Hudd’s’ with ease and precision, attacking and capturing the captain of the army, reducing their morale
I had a conversation with the captain before my guards took him to the prison, we discussed politics and empires, kings and rulers. We also talked about our hobbies, finding out we both have a proficiency for dueling. For an infidel, he was a nice guy.
I sent a letter to the Hudids’, asking them to surrender and give up the claim to Larida, to which they replied, begrudgingly, that they accepted my demands.
#
31st June 1075
I woke up sweating. I ran to a bucket and I swear I threw up everything I have ever eaten. My chest is hurting and is just tender to the touch, oh god this is horrible.
Why am I so tired.. I keep yawning, I can’t seem to stop.
I went to my court doctor, just incase I was poorly, but instead of being told the worst, I was greeted with splendid news.
I’m pregnant! Finally, after all of these years my duchy will have a heir. I’m so relieved.
5th July 1075
To celebrate the fact a heir will soon be born to the realm, my councilors suggested we go to war to claim the final piece of land that should be part of my duchy. I started to army my soldiers and sent a formal declaration of war to the Hudids, once again. It was time for war, it should be fairly simple if we keep to the same tactics as we did in the last war.
15th November 1075
I was rushed into the medical chamber as the muscles in my body started to contract as I started giving birth to my heir
The doctors walked me through the birth, making me breathe in deeply and push out. One of the things that springs to mind is the fact I punched one of the midwife's present and broke her nose.. I should probably send an apology.
My child was born, a son to inherit my throne, and I named him Pedro.
Pedro de Montero of Barcelona, it has a nice ring to it.
8th Feburary 1076
The first battle was won against the Hudids for our war, it was a small victory, but it counted immensely. We were able to capture one of the commands of their army and locked him away in the dungeon.
Ontop of our good luck, in that battle we only lost 13 soldiers. God was looking upon us today.
19th May 1076
The defining moment of the war, our main army had been dedicated since the war was declared to taking over the main fortress of the county, and I have now received confirmation that the siege has been completed and the garrison inside has surrendered.
I sent word to the Emir, requesting his surrender, to which he had no choice but to accept.
23rd July 1077
Once again, I woke up in a sweat, and I threw up, but this time, I knew what it meant.
I was pregnant again! Pedro was growing up into a wonderful young man, and he was almost ready to take the throne should I die, him having a little brother would be a good chance for him to learn how to look after people.
My new child, should it be a boy, would be taught the way of theology, I need some kind of grace in Gods eyes.
14th April 1077
I was rushed into the medical chamber to give birth, yet again. It went alot smoother than Pedro's’ birth, I knew exactly what needed to be done, and I didn’t punch the midwife in the face. I am sure she was grateful for that.
10th April 1083
Greetings, I will be writing in place of my duchess, for she has come down with something horrible. She is no longer able to move her body, her eyes have turned a sickly gray and her body is limp.. I fear the worst for her.
My name is Chancellor Iraelthi Nerjak, I doubt you care about my story, but I will tell it to you anyway.
I am a Jewish Exile from a land now held by Muslims, my family were wealthy and we owned a peice of land called 'Sud' life was good, I had eveyrthing I could ever want. Then, the Fatimid empire attacked and my family were slaughtered and I ran, ran so far away. I had to get out of there.
It was in the Emirate of Africa where I found a merchant ship heading to Barcelona, I boarded it, using the last of my gold and set sail to the duchy. It was here I met the Duchess and she was kind enough to give my the title of Chancellor after hearing my story and learning my skills.
Me
She designated me as regent until she passes away and young Pedro takes the throne. I am sure Pedro will make a great Duke, and I am sure he will be loved by the vassals of the realm.
17th November 1085
Duchess Alyssa asked me to host a feast in her name and invite all the vassals of the realm to it, and to make sure no expenses were spared. Before she departed from life, she wanted to be remembered as something other than a drunk, and she wanted her vassals to like her.
I organized the entire thing myself.
27th November - 3rd December
I made sure the greatest entertainment in the land had arrived, acrobats and jongeleurs, and made sure the greatest meats and vegetables were present, pork, venison, lamb, swan, turkey, boar, wine, spices, and to top it off, peacock, the greatest bird money can buy.
My preparations were completed and I sent out the invites, wanting every noble in the land to come and see the exquisite banquet their lady has set out for them.
9th Decemember
IMBECILES. ABSOLUTE IMBECILES. If it wasn’t for the council having power in the land, I’d arrest them all myself.
Every one of them refused the invitations, citing that they didn’t even wish to be in the same castle as the Duchess, that is counts of treason, how dare they speak to her in that way? They deserve a fate worse than death.
After all the money spent on the feast, this is what happens? I can’t believe it. They make me sick.
10th May 1087
These corrupt vassals have no end, do they?
Seeing the Duchess in a weakened state made them mad with power. They realize that have a chance and they took it. The bastards at the council want more power, what more power do they want?! They already control half the damn realm.
No, I refuse to let them take the Duchess for granted. TO WAR
22nd December 1087
Two battles won, their army is decimated, I will not let them win. I have no time to write in the journal until this menace is sorted out. I will continue writing when they’re all dead or imprisoned.
9th November 1088
Almost a year later. The war is finally over.
So many battles.
So many deaths.
For what?
For what reason? The corrupt council wanted more power, power they don’t deserve
I showed them.. I showed them all.
They’re imprisoned, the lot of them.. The power I have over them.. Hahahaa, Oh I love this feeling.
I will make sure they are dealt with personally.
22nd April 1089
What a liberty.
The leader of the rebellion - Count Ermegnol is asking for a more suitable accommodation? WHAT A FUNNY PERSON THIS COUNT IS
HE DOES NOT DESERVE ACCOMMODATION
HE DESERVES DEATH
HE DESERVES HIS FAMILY TO BE SLAUGHTERED IN FRONT OF HIM AS HE WATCHES.
The only reason he still lives is because I refuse to let the young Pedro see the death of a man, albeit one who deserves a fate much worse.
I shoved him into the Oubillette, where he will spend the rest of his days,regretting his every action in life.
10th September 1091
It seems at the Duchess’ husbands father, King Svend, had died, and the crown was passed over to a random elective. Prince Knud.. was a cruel leader, and didn’t feel as if the elective was deserving of his father's crown and declared a rebellion to install himself on the throne.
And to my, and the Duchess’ satisfaction, most of his realm agreed. The elected King was left with three counties to his name while the true King of Danes, Knud, had three duchies and the might of the Barcelonian Duchy to his name. This would be an easy war.
15th November 1091
Young Pedro had grew into a fine young man, one who would take Barcelona to victory throughout the ages, I was sure of that. There would be nothing this young man could accomplish, not with me by his side atleast.
Together, Young Pedro and I would take over all of Hispania and rule with an iron fist, eliminating any threats in our way.
With Pedros’ education finished, he was ready to take upon the throne.
19th August 1092
To consolidate the Duchess’ power, I decided to show off a little by declaring a holy war for Mallorca, a emirate off the coast of Barcelona. This would be an easy win, our coffers were full of gold, thanks to me, obviously.
Mercenaries were lining up to be hired, and in the end, we had an army of 9000 strong, we sent two thousand of our own levies to take over the island while the seven thousand left stood guard. Which was useful as a messenger ran into the great hall, and got an arrow sent through the back of his head as he entered.
I remember, Queen Isabel of Aragon, armed with an army of three thousand strong, aimed to storm the castle, citing that our Duchess’ misdeeds were told from Ireland to Cathay.
How dare she
HOW DARE SHE INSULT THE DUCHESS?
The duchess is the greatest human to bless this land.
I will show her. I WILL SHOW THEM ALL
18th May - 28th September 1093
Two battles and a siege was all it took to finish the Aragonese nuisance, as we got word that their army was eliminated and their capital sieged, it was the Queen of Aragon herself who begged for forgiveness, we accepted, for the sake of kindness.
The war in Mallorca still raged on, the Muslim infidel had called for backup, getting the other Muslim rulers on the peninsula to help them.
They were still no match for the power that is Barcelona.
4th July 1095
Finally, after four long battles and three sieges, the Mallorcan Emirate bowed down to the might of the Barcelonian Duchy, and gave us the duchy. Barcelona had grown nicely in the Duchess’ reign, and thanks to me, it would continue to grow all throughout Pedros’ and his heir, and the heir after them and them.. I will live forever. I will become eternal with the Barcelonian Duchy.. I am forever.
20th October 1095
The day has come.
Duchess Alyssa of Barecelona, Mallorca and Queen Regent of Danmark has passed away, she fell into a sleep the previous night and didn’t wake up. I was the last one to see her.
Rest in Peace, Duchess, your name will be remembered in history forever. I will make sure of that.
I will publish your journals, and instruct my heirs to do so to Pedro, and to continue your houses’ legacy forever. That I swear to you.
Some of you may call me mad. I am not mad. I am loyal. There is a difference.I am loyal to House Montero, and so will my children and their children after them.
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WOOOOOOOOO, First chapter completed! It would've been out yesterday but Alyssa decide to live until she was 61.. LONG LIVE KING PEDRO.
Janha, don't mess up the kingdom I've built. XD
