From Arras
A messenger arrives bringing a number of sealed letters for the Duke. Philippe reads them quickly, an expression on his face changing from disbelief to anger and from interest to fury.
"Most excellent Legate, my lords, this is an outrage! Thanks to the word games of our dear Duke of Brittany, my land of Alsace has been captured by the Badenian troops.
Yet, my noble guests, this is not the end to my fury! For I wish to present you with the following facts, found out by my informants. First of all, as you may see, noble Princes, Duke of Savoy, an ally of King of France in this war, who sent all his army to die in the fields of Paris, is not present in this council despite invitation.
What is more, though, I have learned that few months ago he has entered into a treacherous alliance, called the Order of Rhine, with the Margrave of Baden and the chieftain of the Swiss bandits. This is a letter, for your perusal, most noble Legate, sent from the Duke of Savoy to the Helvetian highwaymen:
To Rolph Sigerstraussen, Chairman of the Cantons of Helvetica , From Amédée VIII, Duke of Savoy.
Great Chairman of the Cantons of Helvetica,
I accept your alliance proposal. An alliance between our two nation would be a good thing. May our alliance and our friendship never be break. I understand that you do not want to participe to the war against England. I would also be interested to join the Order of the Rhine.
Amédée VIII, Duke of Savoy
Indeed, it seems that the "Chairman" finally decided to participate in this tragic war, in this most convenient for him moment when troops of my brother England and mine were locked in Paris, by the virtue of the sacred order of the Holy Mother Church, which I respect truly, and thus unable to defend themselves.
Most pious Cardinal, I could also speak of the marriage offer made by the good Dauphin to the leader of mountainous villains of Switzerland, yet I pray to the God Almighty that it was just a folly on the part of young and rash Charles, rather than a proof linking him to this vile conspiracy.
Yet not only for a disfavour and punishment of the treacherous Duke of Savoy and vile leader of Helvetians I call, most noble Legate, as they have committed exactly the same deed as Burgundy and Castille in my hypothetical question. For I have other news and documents, much more troubling and disturbing, which, I pray, will not dismay and sadden my brother England too greatly.
For while I have learned, from the words of my English brother, that there was some secret correspondence between the Duke of Brittany and Switzerland before the fateful attack, I have dismissed these rumours, however true, as I had no proof as to the Duke's evil and treacherous intentions. Truly, his lack of will to stand and fight at the side of his liege was puzzling, yet he claimed to be a man of deep faith, so I was understanding. And indeed, the Holy Mother Church teaches that we shall not accuse a fellow man if we have no evidence or proof.
Albeit, my lords, by the act of Providence, this letter has found a way to my hands, given in Flandres by some unknown messenger to the good merchants of Dijon, who were returning from their voyage to Sweden, happy with a beneficial deal made. Obviously, the foolish envoy has mistaken them for Swedes, while the good Burgundians saw it as something important and promptly returned to my governor. Thus allow me to read it, for your horror and final proof of my words:
(Duke of Brittany) bigyi wrote on 04-02-2002 19:29:
As you may have seen, (Philippe of Burgundy) Martinus is in the process of building up a bigger and bigger empire. I feel that the peace process will never be present if Burgundy is powerful, and it could very well present a threat to neighboring principalities such as mine, and kingdoms such as yours. Therefore, I need some help in stopping the Burgundian advance. Could you please aid the cause? Only united will we be able to stop this behemoth.
(OOC: Added the words in parentheses)
My lords, this is a disgrace! Outrage! Treachery! Notice the date on this letter. It was sent after I placed my signature under the treaty, hence the accusations of preventing the peace to occur are entirely false. Also, as this missive bears marks of a generic, rather than specific epistle, it is obvious that a number of similar letters was sent to the courts of Christendom, and perhaps even beyond, as I am now sure the Duke of Brittany would ally even with Muslim or Devil to further his treachery!
Albeit, it is not the point of my tirade. For the Duke of Brittany, while playing a role of a loyal ally to me and a loving vassal to my brother, England, conspired against us with rulers of Switzerland, Savoy and Baden, instigating the treacherous attack! Thus his words, mocking my pleas for the right of free passage so that I could defend my subjects, now dead or suffering under the yoke of invaders, appear in a different and a truly terrible light.
Hence, taking all present for my witnesses, speaking before the God and men, I accuse the Duke of Brittany, the Duke of Savoy, the Chieftain of Switzerland and the deceased Margrave of Baden, that they conspired to bring an unjust war (point 2); that they didn't seek papal blessing or indeed didn't formally declare a war upon my House, and started this treacherous war (point 3); that they conspired against my brother England and against me, with the Duke of Brittany committing a crime even more heinous and vile, as he schemed against his sovereign and his ally (point 9); and that they have been working against the vital interests of the Holy Mother Church, jeopardising the peace process in this noble Council by attacking in a moment so treacherous and fateful (point 15).
Through your hands, noble Cardinal, I now humbly lay these charges and evidence at the feet of St. Peter's Throne and beg His Holiness for his just and final verdict, so help me God!"
