Seigneur Nicolas Rollin, Chancellier de Bourgogne and administrator of the Dijon Chateau during the Duke's absence, paced nervously through his spartan cabinet in the western wing of ducal donjon. It have been already several weeks with barely any news and rumours coming up from the battlefield. It was not the fate of his liege that worried him most, though. While the war counted among the most bloody and savage in the history of France, the young Duke was no weakling, and furthermore he had the Lion of Albion, probably the greatest military leader of his time, as his companion. Rather it was the situation of the Dijon court, ducal family and household that troubled him greatly.
He looked at a brief missive lying on the top of his desk. The uneven letters lining the parchment suggested that the epistle was penned in haste, perhaps even on a battlefield. It ended with a single letter, serving as a signature. The Chancellor's informant reported that the Dauphin, apparently weary of hiding in castles and fortresses, decided to move his army upon Dijon, thus hoping to force the Duke to withdraw from war.
The time was still young and he could order evacuation any minute. On the other hand, it was too early to verify the information. While he trusted his spy quite well, he knew also that the Dauphin was a cunning man, who could disperse false information to keep his opponents unaware of his real plans.
He came to the window and looked upon rolling hills of Burgundy, the vineyards spreading in every direction, young spring leaves already emerging on winter-torn bushes. He loved this land and hated to leave it behind. Yet the risk was too great.
When he turned from the window, the decision was already made.
The Chancellor called in his secretary and ordered him to inform the Duchess-Dowager and the whole court.
***
The Chancellor looked back at the Chateau Dijon, a place where he has spent larger part of his life. Unbeknownst to others, a small tear appeared briefly in his eye. He sighed heavily and turned towards their common destination, the estate of Archbishop of Besancon in Franche-Comte.
