A letter arrives at the residence of Cardinal Manrique de Lara, Duke of Santangelo, Metropolitan of Castille-Leon, bearing the crest of Cardinal Odo de Bauffremont, Archbishop of Besancon, Count of Charny and Metropolitan of Burgundy.
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The Order of the Sacred Cross
Assembly of the Three Estates
In the year of our lord 1419, the glorious year when His Royal Majesty Juan II, Head of the Trastamara Family, was declared by age fit to rule. Through all provinces of the Kingdoms, the summon went out. It was the first time in 50 years so the proceedings was somewhat unclear.
On the great day when the three estates has gathered in the Nations Capital, the meeting begun with the voice of the ”Speaker of the House”:
”Speaker for the Nobles, do you swear to enforce the will of your estate?”
Enrique de Mendoza, Duke of Alba answered:
“I swear your Majesty”
and the speaker continued with:
“Speaker of Spiritual Estate, may your blessing on this meeting have the proper effect”
”Speaker of the Commons, do you swear to enforce the will of your estate?”
Pedro Galliziano answered:
“I swear your Majesty”
“Your Royal Majesty, do you grant this meeting validity?”
And the King, Juan II answered:
“Yes, I pronounce this meting is valid”
“Then I pronounce, in the name of our Lord, and our righteous Sovereign, this meeting opened” and after that the Speaker withdrew to his place, and the king took over:
“Well we are today all gathered here, so let us begin, the first problem on the agenda is the civil war in Leon, and as I see, I don’t have so many representatives from those provinces, but that probably not so strange since, either they are defending their property and fights in the Royal army, or they support the heretic ex-count Peralada. The problem is not the war it’s self, we will win it’s just a matter of time. What do you think we should do with the guilty party when they are apprehended, and then I mostly think on the Aragoneese Princes.”
The King stopped and took a sip of the wine, and then continued:
“The second problem is the Islamic threat in the south, should it be dealt with harshly or should we use diplomatic channels? Should we attack at once or should we wait until the civil war has been “put to sleep”, this is all questions you should take into your mind. You will have the week to think it over, and then we’ll met again, and I’ll hear your suggestions. I will hear your questions on that time to, but now I bid you good day”
And with that, the young king left the State Hall, with Alvaro de Luna in his shadow.
“Your Majesty, there are some urgent matter you must attend to, they must be brought up on the next meting…” said de Luna
“There is a masquerade tonight, we must dress” the king said in royal plural, and wondered of, totally ignoring de Luna.
During the week the three estates, voted, shouted and fought for their believes and principals in the three chambers of State.
And on the next Monday it was time to gather in the State Hall again.
“Pre Silent for His Majesty the King, Juan II” the Speaker of the House proclaimed, and as the young Sovereign entered the hall all the delegates from the three estates rose from their seats.
“So now you have had the time to dwell on the problems of the State, so what say you? Shall we start with the First Estate…”
And the Speaker of the First Estate rose and said: “On the matter with the Aragoneese princes that have join the civil war we, the First Estate, have decided with two thirds majority that they should be executed as soon as apprehended. On the matter with the heathens is the south we call for a war on them as soon as the civil war has ended, with all are might”.
And then the Spiritual Speaker, the Archbishop of Toledo said: “The Aragonees Prince should not be harmed in any physical way, we should just ban them from Castille, and avoid further diplomatic travails with our neighbours. About the Devil in the south, we can only pray that your majesty will send your men on him as soon as possible, so that the evil will be driven out from the Iberian peninsula once and for all. Let this peninsula be the Lords paradise, instead of a keep for the Devil.”
And last the Speaker for the Commons said: “We the Third Estate has decided with full majority that all traitors of your Majesty should hang by the neck in the nearest tree… On the second problem we feel that the diplomatic channel should be used, since we are already facing a civil war and the people are suffering, the war should wait until our wounds are healed.”
After hearing all this the king rose from the throne and said: “Now I’ve heard your wishes and I will take them into mind when deciding upon the matters. Now it’s time for your problems” and the king rolled with his eyes and made a theatrical gesture, and sunk into the throne again. “So what say you Duke of Alba?”
And the First Estate started to bring up their problems which consisted of, taxation, mandatory service, compensation for losses in the civil war etc, etc.
And after the three hours the Speaker of the House interrupted on the specific orders of the King: “That’s all for today, we will adjourn on the mark of His Majesty”.
“Yes we will continue tomorrow, but before we are separated I wish to make an announcement. We have decided to found a new Order, to commemorate our Saviour, and the most sacred relic in Christianity after the holy grail, the Sacred Cross… The Service will be held in the Cathedral at eight tonight. May the Lord have mercy on us all”, and the king fell on his knees, making the move of the cross in the air, and all the three estate automatically did the same.
And then the King left the Hall, with de Luna once again in his shadow, trying to persuade the king in the matters brought up by the First Estate, but the king just ignored him with the phrase:
“Quod bonum, felix faustumque sit, and of course there is a banquette tonight, we have to, ehm, dress…”
TO BE CONTINUED
Carmello Di Meo enters the court, bows before the King and begins to address him.
"Noble King of Castille y Leon,
I bring word from Doge John I of Genoa. The crusade goes successfully, and your navy shall be returning to your ports. This great contribution to this crusade shall not be forgotten by Genoa, or by God. I would also like to inform you that Doge John I would like to perhaps marry one of his sons to your sister, Eleonore. Since he is in Egypt, he will not be able to arrange the marriage, but he merely desires to let you know of his thoughts."
Carmello the bows and exits the court.
"Noble King of Castille y Leon,
I bring word from Doge John I of Genoa. The crusade goes successfully, and your navy shall be returning to your ports. This great contribution to this crusade shall not be forgotten by Genoa, or by God. I would also like to inform you that Doge John I would like to perhaps marry one of his sons to your sister, Eleonore. Since he is in Egypt, he will not be able to arrange the marriage, but he merely desires to let you know of his thoughts."
Carmello the bows and exits the court.
In the Royal Palace in Toledo:
"The Three Estate's are waiting for you, your Majesty", Alvaro de Luna said to the king.
"Then let them wait, I'm going hunting today" the King replayed
"The Three Estate's are waiting for you, your Majesty", Alvaro de Luna said to the king.
"Then let them wait, I'm going hunting today" the King replayed
Letter from Portugal
A letter arrives from Portugal
"Dear King Juan II of Castille
As I recently has been draged into a war with Granada, I ask you if I could gain military access through your country during this war. It would help me a lot, and it would reduce the Moslim strengh on the Ibeerian Pennisula, witch aslo you have an intrest in. I hope you will let me pass your country, if you chose to do ,it won't be forgotten.
Signed: Prince João of Portugal"
A letter arrives from Portugal
"Dear King Juan II of Castille
As I recently has been draged into a war with Granada, I ask you if I could gain military access through your country during this war. It would help me a lot, and it would reduce the Moslim strengh on the Ibeerian Pennisula, witch aslo you have an intrest in. I hope you will let me pass your country, if you chose to do ,it won't be forgotten.
Signed: Prince João of Portugal"
Carmello Di Meo enters the court, bows before the King and hands a message for him.
"Noble King of Castille y Leon,
Your offer of the Order of Saint James of the Sword has come at a timely moment. My heart is still heavy with the death of my most beloved father, and I have been handed a duchy with an army that is starving for war with the heathens. Many enemies draw about me, but with God's help, I shall prevail, as I know your great kingdom shall. The rebels in Leon are weakened and you shall triumph over them, because of the great christian spirit you showed when Genoa went to war with the Mamelukes. Without the aid of your navy, the armies of Genoa would have been forced to split up to take them all to Egypt, and we would not have had victory at Cairo. Because of your contribution, the crusade was a success and the Holy City and all of the Holy Land is in Christiandom's hands. For this, I am eternally indebted to you. I will speak to the pope, so that he may give recognition to all who participated in this crusade, so that we can become a shining example to the rest of Christendom. May God bless all that we do.
Written by his own hand at Genova,
"Noble King of Castille y Leon,
Your offer of the Order of Saint James of the Sword has come at a timely moment. My heart is still heavy with the death of my most beloved father, and I have been handed a duchy with an army that is starving for war with the heathens. Many enemies draw about me, but with God's help, I shall prevail, as I know your great kingdom shall. The rebels in Leon are weakened and you shall triumph over them, because of the great christian spirit you showed when Genoa went to war with the Mamelukes. Without the aid of your navy, the armies of Genoa would have been forced to split up to take them all to Egypt, and we would not have had victory at Cairo. Because of your contribution, the crusade was a success and the Holy City and all of the Holy Land is in Christiandom's hands. For this, I am eternally indebted to you. I will speak to the pope, so that he may give recognition to all who participated in this crusade, so that we can become a shining example to the rest of Christendom. May God bless all that we do.
Written by his own hand at Genova,
Two men enteres the court of Castille Leon. One dressed in shining armour, one dressed in the finest cloth.
"Your majesty, i am Franz Grüber, sent here by Michael von Sternburg to represent our mighty nation here.
We have indeed heard of your troubles of the civil war and are fully on your side, we spoked for Imperial aid to you.. But was denied..
However we overlooked your requests and found the perfect man for you.
"
The Armoured man steps forward and speaks
Your majesty i am Wilhelm von Bülow. I have fought in the Holy Land. I have fought in the british and Imperial Army. And now i offer my services to you.
"Your majesty, i am Franz Grüber, sent here by Michael von Sternburg to represent our mighty nation here.
We have indeed heard of your troubles of the civil war and are fully on your side, we spoked for Imperial aid to you.. But was denied..
However we overlooked your requests and found the perfect man for you.
"
The Armoured man steps forward and speaks
Your majesty i am Wilhelm von Bülow. I have fought in the Holy Land. I have fought in the british and Imperial Army. And now i offer my services to you.
Letter from Portugal
Dear King Juan II
A time ago we sent you a letter, asking for military access through your country. We haven't recived any answer from you, and we are wondering if that's because maybe your messenger got killed on his travel, or if it has any other reason. Anyway we, by this letter, are asking you to reply. Will we be able to access you courty, to defeat the Moslims?
Signed: Prince João of Portugal
Dear King Juan II
A time ago we sent you a letter, asking for military access through your country. We haven't recived any answer from you, and we are wondering if that's because maybe your messenger got killed on his travel, or if it has any other reason. Anyway we, by this letter, are asking you to reply. Will we be able to access you courty, to defeat the Moslims?
Signed: Prince João of Portugal
Letter from Portugal
"Dear King Juan II
We're sad to hear that our countries can't stand united against the Moslims. I hoped that you would come to your senses, and help us defeat the Moslims, and inprove our relations, but as I see it, you only want to make them worse. Your wish for us to answer you in secret, hasn't been accepted. We won't help you hide what a Moslim-loving country you're ruling.
Prince João I"
"Dear King Juan II
We're sad to hear that our countries can't stand united against the Moslims. I hoped that you would come to your senses, and help us defeat the Moslims, and inprove our relations, but as I see it, you only want to make them worse. Your wish for us to answer you in secret, hasn't been accepted. We won't help you hide what a Moslim-loving country you're ruling.
Prince João I"
The Battle of Salamanca
The morning was bright and Carlos de Torrellas, Duke of Najera, General of the Grand Army, stood on the hill, overlooking the city of Salamanca, Region capital in the province of Leon. In front of the city was the Rebel troops under former General, ex-Count de Mozuic, who had fought hard, but also suffered enormous losses. This was the day, the duke thought, and returned to his tent, to confer with the highest ranked officers, who through the kings decision was the former lords of the Region, whom had been kicked out by the heretic Peralada, now a commonly despised man all over Castille.
“We will attack at precise 11 o’clock, here” the General, Duke of Najera said to the gathered men and pointed on the map, which was stretched out on the table.
“They will be crushed like an egg” the Colonel, Count of Lumbrales said with such sincerity, that it shown: “This man is committed to his task”.
Half past 10 the Duke of Najera once again entered the hill beside the camp of the Royal Army.
“Lumbrales, they seem to organise a defence” the Duke said to the Colonel.
“That was to be expected, your grace” the Colonel replayed.
Both sides arrayed their forces in three lines laid out in a comparable manner. The front line of Juan II’s army was led by Count of Lumbrales in person, with 1500 picked men-at-arms and 500 crossbowmen . To oppose this de Mozuic put his half-brother John de Cremence with 2000 infantry and 1500 archers. In Juan II’s second line were two flanking forces of Castillian light cavalry mixed with a core of heaves. Juan’s great grandfather had begun to experiment with light cavalry--later to developed into the 'genitors' of the Renaissance--for skirmishing purposes; an idea that had dropped out of contemporary European military thinking. The centre of the line was led by the Duke of Najera himself with the cream of his heavy cavalry, 1500 strong. The Rebel Army had the second line lead by de Ymville with Peralada’s 3000 infantry, l/2 of them archers. Flanking him were two similar forces under ex-Captain de Bazemas and the english bastared Sir Thomas Hemmington. The third line of Juan's force consisted of 20,000 Castillian infantry of mixed capability, ranging from well armed professionals to reluctant con scripts. On the Rebel's side, the third line was led by the several lords loyal to the former government and some Aragonese Princes with 3000 foot and 3000 archers.
On the mark for attack, which was given by the Duke of Najera at precise 11 o’clock the Castillian army was set in motion.
The first and second row in the Royal army had the task of disable the first and second rows of the rebel army under de Cremence and de Ymville . And when the first rows smashed into each other de Cremence was hit by a fatal blow to the head and fell of the horse and their first line was without leader. Colonel de Lumbrales took advantage of this and pushed even harder on his men whom trashed the first row in the rebel army. This seemed to scare the second row of the rebel army under de Ymville, but he led them merciless into the Royal army, were the first row divided it self so that second line under de Ymville crushed into the heavy cavalry under Najera. While the storm blew in the middle the wings of the Royal army, consisting of the modern light cavalry, rode to meet the enemy wings, who seemed more interested in aiding their second and third row than in the Royal army wings. Therefore the Royals could attack them on their unguarded side and Sir Hemmington fell immediately and ex-Captain de Bazemas was hurt in his shoulder.
While the Rebel front seem pretty ok, considering the serious hits they got, they finally was forced to surrender when the third line with 20000 Castillian infantry showed them self.
The Battle was all over in late afternoon, leaving the beautiful meadows of Salamanca as an Utopia of Hell. But Leon had fallen.
The morning was bright and Carlos de Torrellas, Duke of Najera, General of the Grand Army, stood on the hill, overlooking the city of Salamanca, Region capital in the province of Leon. In front of the city was the Rebel troops under former General, ex-Count de Mozuic, who had fought hard, but also suffered enormous losses. This was the day, the duke thought, and returned to his tent, to confer with the highest ranked officers, who through the kings decision was the former lords of the Region, whom had been kicked out by the heretic Peralada, now a commonly despised man all over Castille.
“We will attack at precise 11 o’clock, here” the General, Duke of Najera said to the gathered men and pointed on the map, which was stretched out on the table.
“They will be crushed like an egg” the Colonel, Count of Lumbrales said with such sincerity, that it shown: “This man is committed to his task”.
Half past 10 the Duke of Najera once again entered the hill beside the camp of the Royal Army.
“Lumbrales, they seem to organise a defence” the Duke said to the Colonel.
“That was to be expected, your grace” the Colonel replayed.
Both sides arrayed their forces in three lines laid out in a comparable manner. The front line of Juan II’s army was led by Count of Lumbrales in person, with 1500 picked men-at-arms and 500 crossbowmen . To oppose this de Mozuic put his half-brother John de Cremence with 2000 infantry and 1500 archers. In Juan II’s second line were two flanking forces of Castillian light cavalry mixed with a core of heaves. Juan’s great grandfather had begun to experiment with light cavalry--later to developed into the 'genitors' of the Renaissance--for skirmishing purposes; an idea that had dropped out of contemporary European military thinking. The centre of the line was led by the Duke of Najera himself with the cream of his heavy cavalry, 1500 strong. The Rebel Army had the second line lead by de Ymville with Peralada’s 3000 infantry, l/2 of them archers. Flanking him were two similar forces under ex-Captain de Bazemas and the english bastared Sir Thomas Hemmington. The third line of Juan's force consisted of 20,000 Castillian infantry of mixed capability, ranging from well armed professionals to reluctant con scripts. On the Rebel's side, the third line was led by the several lords loyal to the former government and some Aragonese Princes with 3000 foot and 3000 archers.
On the mark for attack, which was given by the Duke of Najera at precise 11 o’clock the Castillian army was set in motion.
The first and second row in the Royal army had the task of disable the first and second rows of the rebel army under de Cremence and de Ymville . And when the first rows smashed into each other de Cremence was hit by a fatal blow to the head and fell of the horse and their first line was without leader. Colonel de Lumbrales took advantage of this and pushed even harder on his men whom trashed the first row in the rebel army. This seemed to scare the second row of the rebel army under de Ymville, but he led them merciless into the Royal army, were the first row divided it self so that second line under de Ymville crushed into the heavy cavalry under Najera. While the storm blew in the middle the wings of the Royal army, consisting of the modern light cavalry, rode to meet the enemy wings, who seemed more interested in aiding their second and third row than in the Royal army wings. Therefore the Royals could attack them on their unguarded side and Sir Hemmington fell immediately and ex-Captain de Bazemas was hurt in his shoulder.
While the Rebel front seem pretty ok, considering the serious hits they got, they finally was forced to surrender when the third line with 20000 Castillian infantry showed them self.
The Battle was all over in late afternoon, leaving the beautiful meadows of Salamanca as an Utopia of Hell. But Leon had fallen.
unmerged(2920)
Dark Surcouf ne meurt jamais
To all the good catholics, to those who believe in justice and Law, to those who have been oppressed by the heretic of Burgondy, to those who refuse the terror comming from Bohemia like it did not long ago with the hussite from Louis III Duke of Anjou count of Provence and rightfull count of Maine and Jean Baptiste Pocelin Archbishop of Aix en Provence.
Beloved cousins and friends a shismatic Pope as declared himself in Prague threatening the integrity of the christianity. Not only that he deny the power of the true Pope but he also deny the legality of the conclave who elected the Pope in Rome. Of course the second in the list during this election was the heretic Pope of Prage, and it seems that his declaring is not inspired by God but by the devil helped by the anger, the resentment of not being elected and his thirst of power.
It is more obvious of the devilish inspiration of this declaration by the activ support made by Burgondy. Strangely the declaration of the Heretical Pope happend just after an attempt of assassination on the Holy Pope made by the Duke of Burgondy and the excomunication that followed, isn't it obvious that they only try to avoid there right punisment after the sacrilege they tried to commit?
Beloved cousins and friends we must support the true Pope with our catholic faith. Lets unite behind Jean-Luke I, the only and true Pope.
May god be at your side
Louis III,Duc of Anjou, Count of Provence, rightfull Count of Maine
Jean Baptiste Pocelin Archbishop of Aix en Provence
Beloved cousins and friends a shismatic Pope as declared himself in Prague threatening the integrity of the christianity. Not only that he deny the power of the true Pope but he also deny the legality of the conclave who elected the Pope in Rome. Of course the second in the list during this election was the heretic Pope of Prage, and it seems that his declaring is not inspired by God but by the devil helped by the anger, the resentment of not being elected and his thirst of power.
It is more obvious of the devilish inspiration of this declaration by the activ support made by Burgondy. Strangely the declaration of the Heretical Pope happend just after an attempt of assassination on the Holy Pope made by the Duke of Burgondy and the excomunication that followed, isn't it obvious that they only try to avoid there right punisment after the sacrilege they tried to commit?
Beloved cousins and friends we must support the true Pope with our catholic faith. Lets unite behind Jean-Luke I, the only and true Pope.
May god be at your side
Louis III,Duc of Anjou, Count of Provence, rightfull Count of Maine
Jean Baptiste Pocelin Archbishop of Aix en Provence
To His Eminence Cardinal Manrique de Lara, Duke of Santangelo, Metropolitan of Castille-Leon from His Eminence Cardinal Odo de Bauffremont, Archbishop of Besancon, Count of Charny and Metropolitan of Burgundy,
In the name of the Most Sacred Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Christian greetings and benedictions. Amen.
Most beloved brother, truly, I am concerned with your unwavering and recalcitrant heart, that makes you stand by the side of Satan the Archdemon even as his coven crumbles around him, his minions fleeing the approaching armies of God.
Verily, I am sure you can see past your sinful pride, into the benefit of Castille and indeed all Christendom. It would be a great shame if, once His Holiness Martin V is enthroned in Rome, your ancient Kingdom lost any voice in the matters of the Holy Mother Church, all Iberian Cardinals coming only from Aragon and Portugal.
Hence, I beg of you, beloved brother, repent and recognise Cardinal Olbrecht of Prague as the true and only Holy Father.
So let us pray,
By own hand at Prague,
Cardinal Odo de Bauffremont, Archbishop of Besancon, Count of Charny and Metropolitan of Burgundy
In the name of the Most Sacred Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Christian greetings and benedictions. Amen.
Most beloved brother, truly, I am concerned with your unwavering and recalcitrant heart, that makes you stand by the side of Satan the Archdemon even as his coven crumbles around him, his minions fleeing the approaching armies of God.
Verily, I am sure you can see past your sinful pride, into the benefit of Castille and indeed all Christendom. It would be a great shame if, once His Holiness Martin V is enthroned in Rome, your ancient Kingdom lost any voice in the matters of the Holy Mother Church, all Iberian Cardinals coming only from Aragon and Portugal.
Hence, I beg of you, beloved brother, repent and recognise Cardinal Olbrecht of Prague as the true and only Holy Father.
So let us pray,
By own hand at Prague,
Cardinal Odo de Bauffremont, Archbishop of Besancon, Count of Charny and Metropolitan of Burgundy
At the Hunting Palace of Juan II.
The mid-morning was just turning in to noon and the king returned to the castle for lunch. When he entered the dinging room, Alvaro de Luna was awaiting him.
”Your Majesty, we must attend to important matters of State, it is bad enough that you have neglected the Meeting of the Three Estates” de Luna said.
“Stop crying Alvaro, I surrender – we’ll do it over lunch” the Sovereign replied.
Alvaro de Luna was surprised by this since his master has neglected many affairs of state and sheltered him self at this hunting estate far from the capital.
“Very well your Majesty, the first matter is of Rebel character, we have taken Cantabria, as I’m sure you have been informed of, now I recommend that we attack Astrurias”
“Yes, you have my consent, do so” Juan replied
“Good Your Majesty! Very good, then we can turn to the foreign problems. It is like this, Grenada has become somewhat intolerable, if we let the Portuguese attack them..” de Luna started but was interrupted by the king:
“No, that will not happen under the current circumstances…”
“But it is the best idea to…” de Luna started but once again interrupted by his king:
“Alvaro, lets pretend that I am the King and you are my chief adviser, and that my wishes are you law…”
There was a silence were de Luna seemed a little pale, but the king then continued to speak:
“As long as Prince Joãu or whomever runs Portugal, have such claims as “rightful heir” they can only pray to God for such miracles as going through my land. Because they are sure as hell don’t going to get the approval from me. And specially not since all those insults the dumped on us in their last letter. People don’t think I have a clue of what’s going on but Prince Alessandro of Ugarte was here and told me, as he always do. You know Alvaro time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils.
Well enough about Portugal, I can’t let them spoil my good mood. I have heard about the alliance against the Warriors of the Blessed Mother. How can they? To war on a holy army? What does that show Alvaro?”
And then de Luna, realised it wasn’t a rhetorical question, no his master wanted an answer:
“Well Your Majesty, Sweden is a poor peasants country in the north, they still worships heathen Gods like Oden, Tor and such. They are naturally twisted, but Poland-Lithuania and the other states, they have no such excuse as ignorance. They will probably burn in hell for all eternity!”
“Yes on that point your probably right” the king started and continued with: ”
Awaken to darkness on this place we call Earth,
One vampire's bite brings another one's birth.
A vampire wakes with blood thirsty needs
On the warm rich sensation he feels when he feeds.
He stalks in the night like a disastrous beast,
And what once was alive will soon be deceased.
So when the last bit of sunlight disappears from the sky,
You better watch out unless you want to die.
Oh yes that piece of poetry reminded my of what they are called, you know those blood suckers in the North – they who wants to exterminate the Army of the Holy Mother also known as the Teutonic Order… I hope that when the light comes to Europe again, then they, Sweden and their allied nations, the bloodsuckers, will have to hide at the one place where they will be at home, at the Residence of Satan.
Well to narrow it down a bit, I can say that they are fools, foolish countries governed by true fools, that is the only thing to say. When a new Pope has been elected, they will sure as hell all be excommunicated with anathematising, every single one of the whom fights against the Teutonic Order.”
De Luna saw that it was time to speak, and he was not the man who missed opportunities.
“Your Probably right Sire, now I’m afraid that we have to go back to the matter about Granada, it is a problem we must solve. You know that there are a civil war going on down there. The Emir of the heathens down there has almost been overthrown by his citizens. I think it’s time to act, and if Portugal is out of the question there is few solutions left, something has to be done before that powder factory explodes”.
“Yes I know that Alvaro, I will have Prince Alessandro, write them a formal letter explaining our demands, and if they don’t agree to that we’ll just have to slay them and incorporate their territory with Castille, just as my father did with the Canaries Isles.”
“Very well Sir” de Luna replied.
“Of course Alvaro, they are as intolerable as the Scots, who insulted the whole family of Valois for some time ago, they are just as Grenada, the most Intolerable horde of steaming social animals that I ever had the misfortune to turn my nose upon, I spurn them as I would spurn a rabid dog Alvaro!”
“Of course your Majesty” Alvaro said with a smile.
“And how is the matter with the German conflict? Has it been resolved?” Juan asked
“No there are no indications of that Sire, however there has been rumours that your sister has been in contact with the new “candidates”, and I have to say that we do not gain anything by supporting either side”
“Alvaro, we can not let the history be written by those who hang the heroes! Our hearts are free, have the courage to follow it!”
”But Sire, there are no good and no evil in those countries, they are all pretty bizarre. Some of them are just better at hiding it. Yes, we can support Sigismund, he has the potential heritage, but he is dangerous fool, if you pardon the expression and the Archduke of Austria is a mere Hillbilly count from the Alps and…”
Alvaro de Luna was interrupted by the king..
“Alvaro, the Archduke has ruled Germany in a good way. He may be a Count but he has the heart of an Emperor. Perhaps he is the one chain that keeps that card house from falling apart, and Alvaro we can’t afford them to crumble in to ash because of internal struggle.
And now I had enough, we will have to talk later, the partridges are waiting…” the King finished and walked out.
Carmello Di Meo , the Genovese ambassador to Castille y Leon enters the court, bows before the King and begins to speak.
"Great King of Castille y Leon,
I am here to speak with you about an alliance between Genoa, Portugal and Aragon. I propose to make an alliance that we shall call the Iberian Crusader Alliance whose goal shall be to finish the Reconquista of Iberia and to Christianize the Iberian Peninsula and the lands of North Africa. You have helped us in the past with the use of your navy, so I know you have the good Christian spirit in you. I also know that with your lands racked with rebellion, it will be hard to fight the Moors. I propose that we have a meeting in one the capitals of Iberia where we can discuss the terms of this alliance."
Carmelle bows and awaits the King's answer.
"Great King of Castille y Leon,
I am here to speak with you about an alliance between Genoa, Portugal and Aragon. I propose to make an alliance that we shall call the Iberian Crusader Alliance whose goal shall be to finish the Reconquista of Iberia and to Christianize the Iberian Peninsula and the lands of North Africa. You have helped us in the past with the use of your navy, so I know you have the good Christian spirit in you. I also know that with your lands racked with rebellion, it will be hard to fight the Moors. I propose that we have a meeting in one the capitals of Iberia where we can discuss the terms of this alliance."
Carmelle bows and awaits the King's answer.
Carmello bows again and speaks.
"Great King,
If you would allow us to hold the talks in Madrid, we would be most honored to travel here. My Doge shall personnally come once he returns from Tunisia. Thank you my lord."
Carmello bows again and exits.
"Great King,
If you would allow us to hold the talks in Madrid, we would be most honored to travel here. My Doge shall personnally come once he returns from Tunisia. Thank you my lord."
Carmello bows again and exits.
Carmello enters the court, bows and begins to speak.
"Great and Noble King,
My Doge has informed me that he is at sea right now, and can quickly divert to Iberia if you are ready to hold the meetings. My apologies for the misunderstanding, I knew the capital was in Toledo, but old habits die hard. The Kings of Portugal and Aragon will need to be informed, if Aragon is willing to participate in this alliance, of course. I also have word that if this alliance is made, Portugal shall rescind all claims on the throne of Castille y Leon."
Carmello bows and exits the court.
"Great and Noble King,
My Doge has informed me that he is at sea right now, and can quickly divert to Iberia if you are ready to hold the meetings. My apologies for the misunderstanding, I knew the capital was in Toledo, but old habits die hard. The Kings of Portugal and Aragon will need to be informed, if Aragon is willing to participate in this alliance, of course. I also have word that if this alliance is made, Portugal shall rescind all claims on the throne of Castille y Leon."
Carmello bows and exits the court.
A letter arrives from the Union Counsel of Sweden
What are these false lies you come to our doorstep bringing to us? Like the snake of Eden, the Teutonic Order have with lies and treachy convinced you of something as preposterous as that Sweden would have attacked the Teutonic Order, and that Sweden would be the agressor?
M'lord, this is blatanty untrue, Sweden is allied to the nation of Poland and thus we have rushed to the support of our ally. Do I really have to remind you that it was the Teutonic Knights, and nobody else, who in foul treachy declared war upon a fellow catholic state, the fair nation of Poland?
We hope you sort your facts out next time you feel an urge to send a letter to the country of Sweden.
What are these false lies you come to our doorstep bringing to us? Like the snake of Eden, the Teutonic Order have with lies and treachy convinced you of something as preposterous as that Sweden would have attacked the Teutonic Order, and that Sweden would be the agressor?
M'lord, this is blatanty untrue, Sweden is allied to the nation of Poland and thus we have rushed to the support of our ally. Do I really have to remind you that it was the Teutonic Knights, and nobody else, who in foul treachy declared war upon a fellow catholic state, the fair nation of Poland?
We hope you sort your facts out next time you feel an urge to send a letter to the country of Sweden.
A letter arrives to Toledo
Dear Alvaro de Luna , my King and Master João I of Portugal has given me the mission the represent my mother country in these Alliance meetings going to be held in Toledo. The King sends his best wishes to the Alliance and to the King of Castille. He wishes me to tell you that Portugal are only positive to this act of friendship, and that I am one of his best men to be placed as a member of the Council of the Alliance. As you read this I should proberly be on my way to Toledo, and I will see you soon.
Best wishes, Count Erico G. Asvente,
Dear Alvaro de Luna , my King and Master João I of Portugal has given me the mission the represent my mother country in these Alliance meetings going to be held in Toledo. The King sends his best wishes to the Alliance and to the King of Castille. He wishes me to tell you that Portugal are only positive to this act of friendship, and that I am one of his best men to be placed as a member of the Council of the Alliance. As you read this I should proberly be on my way to Toledo, and I will see you soon.
Best wishes, Count Erico G. Asvente,
The Four Nations Meeting in Toledo
A view of Toledo with the Royal Palace
”Well you don’t have to persuade me Alvaro, I am leaving for Toledo, see my horse has been sadel” King Juan said.
”Yes I see Your Majesty, very good – I urge you to go the straight way to Toledo” Alvaro de Luna replied.
”Remember that Aragon hasn’t answered to our invitation” said Juan.
”But King Joãu has, and Doge John de Grimaldi of Genoa is arriving in the south shortly” Alvaro de Lune persisted.
”Yes, yes, I know, I will do as you say” the King said with a sparkle in his eye.
His Majesty Juan II travelled all the way from the Hunting Estate to the Royal Palace in Toledo, showing that he was first to the meeting. The King headed for the Royal Apartments, and when he reached his study, he was greeted by Arias de Sequera, Count of Villafranqueza, a childhood friend and the Admiral of the Grand Fleet. The Count had been the person that escorted the Genoese fleet from the mainland of Europe to the continent of Africa.
“I want you to sit in on the meeting Arias” the King started
“If it is Your Majesty’s wish” the Count of Villafranqueza said with a smile on his lips and continued with:
“Why isn’t de Luna here? As your Chancellor he should be present shouldn’t he?”
“I rule Castille, I and I alone, I want that to be quite clear to everyone, therefore, Alvaro has been ordered to continue the partridge hunt in my place, since it would be very rude to the local gentry to call of the hunt” said King Juan.
“I suppose, and this meeting, wouldn’t this be the perfect time to award Prince Grimaldi with the Order of Saint James by the Sword?” the Count of Villafranqueza said.
“It would be a perfect opportunity Arias! I will have my heraldry staff making the shield of the Grimaldi Family and the Grand Star” King Juan said…
“If I’m not entirely mistaking, all the three countries that are supposed to join in the alliance with you was in the last crusade, wouldn’t it be good to award them all with the Order, they all did the same deeds for the sake of Christianity” the Count of Villafranqueza said.
“You always had a clear mind Arias, the deserved one should be honoured, and why not by one of the most Christian orders, now when we are going to fight the infidels…” King Juan replied.
Next days a lot of things was in motion in the Palace, food was prepared, wine was brought up from the cellars, the guest rooms was prepared and the Royal Apartment that had been promised the Doge was renovated.
All was ready for the three party’s to Arrive…
A view of Toledo with the Royal Palace
”Well you don’t have to persuade me Alvaro, I am leaving for Toledo, see my horse has been sadel” King Juan said.
”Yes I see Your Majesty, very good – I urge you to go the straight way to Toledo” Alvaro de Luna replied.
”Remember that Aragon hasn’t answered to our invitation” said Juan.
”But King Joãu has, and Doge John de Grimaldi of Genoa is arriving in the south shortly” Alvaro de Lune persisted.
”Yes, yes, I know, I will do as you say” the King said with a sparkle in his eye.
His Majesty Juan II travelled all the way from the Hunting Estate to the Royal Palace in Toledo, showing that he was first to the meeting. The King headed for the Royal Apartments, and when he reached his study, he was greeted by Arias de Sequera, Count of Villafranqueza, a childhood friend and the Admiral of the Grand Fleet. The Count had been the person that escorted the Genoese fleet from the mainland of Europe to the continent of Africa.
“I want you to sit in on the meeting Arias” the King started
“If it is Your Majesty’s wish” the Count of Villafranqueza said with a smile on his lips and continued with:
“Why isn’t de Luna here? As your Chancellor he should be present shouldn’t he?”
“I rule Castille, I and I alone, I want that to be quite clear to everyone, therefore, Alvaro has been ordered to continue the partridge hunt in my place, since it would be very rude to the local gentry to call of the hunt” said King Juan.
“I suppose, and this meeting, wouldn’t this be the perfect time to award Prince Grimaldi with the Order of Saint James by the Sword?” the Count of Villafranqueza said.
“It would be a perfect opportunity Arias! I will have my heraldry staff making the shield of the Grimaldi Family and the Grand Star” King Juan said…
“If I’m not entirely mistaking, all the three countries that are supposed to join in the alliance with you was in the last crusade, wouldn’t it be good to award them all with the Order, they all did the same deeds for the sake of Christianity” the Count of Villafranqueza said.
“You always had a clear mind Arias, the deserved one should be honoured, and why not by one of the most Christian orders, now when we are going to fight the infidels…” King Juan replied.
Next days a lot of things was in motion in the Palace, food was prepared, wine was brought up from the cellars, the guest rooms was prepared and the Royal Apartment that had been promised the Doge was renovated.
All was ready for the three party’s to Arrive…
Doge John II entered through the magnificent gates of Toledo. He was shown to where the meeting would take place. He bowed before the King and began to speak.
"Greetings my good friend,
I received a message from my ambassador in Aragon, that the King of Aragon will not be attending this meeting. There are some issues in his lands that prevent him from entering this alliance. Tis' a pity, I was hoping all of Iberia would join this alliance. It appears as though we are only awaiting the arrival of the Portugese representative."
"Greetings my good friend,
I received a message from my ambassador in Aragon, that the King of Aragon will not be attending this meeting. There are some issues in his lands that prevent him from entering this alliance. Tis' a pity, I was hoping all of Iberia would join this alliance. It appears as though we are only awaiting the arrival of the Portugese representative."
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