- ARCHIVE - Royal Court of Portugal

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The King gazes with suspician at Chrétien D'Angoulème's words, and then proceeds:

Surely, the Duchess has matters of her own. However, she cannot ignore her friends. We have had deep respect for the nobility of Bugundy, however, it seems that she dosen't see Portugal in the same light. My good man, I have sent this request three months ago. She surely was available at this time, I'd imagine. Though we support your august Duchess's quest for the crown, and pray that she shall be granted it. I just would like to be treated with some respect as a King. You are accepted. Even though are relations have tarnished with this act slightly, I pray that we will repair this. Let me send for a diplomat to your grand state...May God be with you.

The King then glares at Chrétien D'Angoulème once more, and then motions for his guards to show him, his room.

 

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The Savoyard captain, already an experienced navigator, takes a day off from the academy to meet with King João.

As he enters the court, this minor member of nobility bows low.

"King João I of Portugal, I bring greetings from Duke Amédéé of Savoy. My Duke wishes to meet with you, or perhaps your son, Prince Henry, if you are unable to come. The meeting will take place in Savoy, and he wishes to discuss matters of mutual importance with several other leaders."

 

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The King looks and frowns slightly at the Italian.

Hmm...I regret to say...that I won't be able in my present condition...make it to Savoy good sir. My son, Henrique, won't either, as he is tied up with his missions. I have yet to see him for some good time myself he is so busy...In any case, in good interests between our two states, I shall send my eldest son to Savoy Affonso. Heir to the Portuguese royal throne and the House of Avis. Please, tell the good duke, that he will be attending. I shall send word to him now. May god be with you good sir.

The King dismisses the good man, and motions for a parchment and messenger. He then, begins to write and send the message to his son in France.

 

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The King of Portugal was thinking of the preparations for the marriage in Roma between his two sons and their engagements. However...as he was moving to his quarters for the evening and he stumbled down the flight of stairs...on the ground he laid in back throbbing pain. He yells out with his face blushed as if it were bleeding, and he suddenly shouts less and less, more silent each time...His guards had dashed over to his aid, and picked him up to lay him on a more comforting spot. Princess Erin awoke from her sleep and went to see for herself what the noise was. She quickly ran to the diner to fetch some water. She took the Kings wrinkled hands, and she knelt beside him, not saying a word the rest of the night...During the seemingly endless night, the King's children and doctors attended to him further, the pain wouldn't stop and carried into the next day...

 

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At the disturbing news at Lisboa about his famous father, he temporary leave from Sagres to Lisboa, and leaves Sir Gil de Eannes his chief adviser in command of the Ordem de Christo and academy until Prine Henrique returns.

 

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A Castilian noble arrives in Lisboa with a small retinue. Consulting first with the courtiers of the King, he learns of the King's accident. Arriving in the royal court, he presents himself.

"My lords and ladies, I am Mateo Guitierres, ambassador of Juan de Trastamara, King of Castile and León. I beg you make known to the King my concern for his health. My lord of Castile shall be informed at once of matters. I shall remember the King fervently in prayer."

The Castilian stands back so as not to intrude upon the worried court.

 

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At the dark of evening, and the concern of the good Castilion's face for the ill King, the somewhat startled court turns to him, nod their heads in either sadness or as if accepting his comfort. They do not look upon the man as another foreigner, but as a friend as he presents his good words.

 

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A letter arrives from England

Brothers and sisters of the Federation, Nay . Dear friends.

It is now time to relax the implementation of article ten and call, once more the council of the Federation of the Commonwealth of Nations to session again.

Not only does the second Consul call for a meeting but , I myself, as First Consul, have issues I wish to address also that we may all remain close friends.

They are...

1. Frances breach of the Armistice and its merits and our policy of tolerance

2. Castilles position with us after the war

3. The Federation back at peace and it's policies.

4. The HRE. Our policy towards it (Review)

5. The Jousting World Championships.

6. Moving of the Federal seat to the Louvre

7. Disbandment of the Federation. When? If ever?

The order will be reset at the start of the proceedings of the council.

So would you immediately repair to Calais, and our Federal seat so we may address these matters and more.

By his own hand at Windsor

 

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Some while later at Lisboa...

It seemed as though a miracle had happened...the good King has survived his episode, however he may never be able to walk again. His speach is somewhat crippled. He still suffers from pain...however...he is still alive and mentally capable of leadership...at least for a while...

As the King showed sign of how he will be alive, Prince Henrique and Prince Affonso took to their duties afar, as they said their farewells. The other members stay with the King, by his side.

His good wife finally has the heart to bring forth the medals to show him, from their state's victory. The King smiles. The good Queen stays by his side, ever vigilante as if she were a loyal dog. The King adresses the noble from Castile through his wife.

My husband, says that you are welcomed here. His wish and goal is to repair the damage that had befallen our states and families. He says, it is an honor to recieve a man of nobility here. It is a sign of grace, and honor. It is a sign of hope for a better, more closer Iberia. He also gives his deepest symphaties to your King for his wife in England...he shall do what he can to see her back to safety. God bless you.

 

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At Sagres...

The Chief of the Ordem de Christo, the Prince of Portugal, and the Cheif of the Navigation Academy; Prince Henrique has returned after his vigile over his father as of late. He has relieved his loyal and competent assitent, Sir Gil de Eannes of his duties, and begins indulging lost time promptly at the school. He begins to prepare his next voyage...shortly.

 

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In Calais

John looks up from reading a scroll as the Portugese arrives.

"Ahhh ........ my dear Prince Affonso de Avis. A glass of wine old chap?"

"We are awaiting some guests, but while we wait i would ask you about any issues you may have with Aragon."

He gestures for the wine to be placed close by.

 

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A sealed message arrives from Prince Affonso to the north to the King. Another to the Duke. And another to his brother, Henrique in Sagres.

 

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His good majest was aided by his wife and cane down the stairway to take his place at his throne at morn. He looked out the window, with his aging and doscile eyes. He then looked at his old wife. He smiled and grabbed a hold of her hand. He looked her in the eyes, and said.

My love...you have been a wonderful person all your life. I am thinking of abdicating my throne here...so that I may spend the rest of what God has given to share with you completely. You are so...beutiful. I love you very much. Please forgive my busy schedule...alas I do not deserve such a good wife such as you...

The old Queen looked at him. Both clasping their hands. She looks in his aging eyes, and smiles while listening carefully to the wise words of her good lover.

My love. You are the closest person in my life. We have been with each other under the good grace of God for 30 years now...I know that I won't ever lose my love for you. You have not done anything to be sorry for. You are a King of Portugal, and under God, but you are still and for always shall be my love. It brings me a shock to here of your late decision, to give up the position of the state and people you have longed and suffered for. However, even if I am shocked, I am happy....This will be better for you...now...I am most glad that we may finally be able...to spend the last years together at peace.

A deep morning rises and blazes in the throne room at early morn. They kiss one another. She then stands next to him, as he writes his abdiction. She and him exchange smiles and feelings of warmth and memories past.

After the formal Abdiction is written at his own hand, with his wife as witness, he is aided by her, and they slowly walk, gazing in each others' eyes, like a pair of newly weds, as they go back to their room. Both still in their morning wear, they reside where they are able to lie together once more...without worry.

 

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Portuguese Succession:
Article I: King João is to retire due to stress and medical condition. He is leaving for the sake of saving his realm and for a more able ruler.

Article II: All nobility shall pledge liegence to the new and pious King de Portugal.

Article III: Crowned Prince Affonso Avis de Portugal, shall inherit King Affonso IV de Portugal y Mastre de Avis.

Article IV: Crowned Prince Affonso Avis de Portugal, shall inherit Prince Archduke de Lisboa.

Article V: Crowned Prince Affonso Avis de Portugal, shall inherit Duke de Lisboa.

Article VI: Crowned Prince Affonso Avis de Portugal, shall inherit Count de Lisboa.

Article VII: Crowned Prince Affonso Avis de Portugal, shall inherit Baron de Lisboa.

Article VIII: Crowned Prince Affonso Avis de Portugal shall not inherit the crown of Azora y Madiera. He shall have to appoint a Duke in command of the lands therein.

Article IX: Crowned Prince Affonso Avis de Portugal shall remain loyal to the one true Catholic Apostolic Church in Roma. He shall uphold the Catholic diocees and metropolitans therein Reino real de Portugal and protect them by all means.

Article X: Crowned Prince Affonso Avis de Portugal shall remain true to the word of the Holy Father in Roma and abide by his will.

Article XI: Crowned Prince Affonso Avis de Portugal shall protect the most pious realm of Portugal under all circumstances.

Article XII: Crowned Prince Affonso Avis de Portugal shall carry on the Holy Quest for Prestor João de Africa. He shall fund all expeditions therein.

Article XIII: Peasents and bourghers shall respect and pledge complete loyality in the new King Affonso IV, Mastre de Avis, de Portugal.

Article XIV: All residency in Reino real de Portugal are to be under the protection of the King.

Article XV: The King must uphold the decency of the Clergy and Church lands in Reino real de Portugal.

I hereby renounce all titles, and retire as King de Portugal. I shall not interfere in any affairs. I shall be able to rest with my good wife at Lisboa for the remaining of my years under God.
Signed at his own hand,
King João de Reino real de Portugal, Prince Archduke de Lisboa, Duke de Lisboa, Baron de Lisboa, Count de Azora y Madiera

 

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A handsome gray haired man kneels before the assembled nobility before speaking in perfect Portuguese.

"My lords,

Henri of Bourbon sends his sympathies and best wishes for the new king and the continued success of Portugal. Our humble duchy wishes to open diplomatic channels with Great Portugal. My name is Alfonso Coimobra.

I was born on the outskirts of Lisboa, but lived in France since I was a boy. It overjoys me Duke Henri chose me to represent him here in beautiful Lisboa with your permission, my lords."

The aged man smiles and stands slowly before speaking once more.

"The Duke himself may even visit Lisboa soon. There are many issues to be discussed between you. Matters so important they are unknown even to me!

My lords, may the Duke of Bourbon come to the lands of Portugal and have audience with the most glorious and catholic King of the Algarve, Tagus, and el Porto?"

 

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A Monk walks up to the diplomat from Bourbaines and speaks to him.

You have come at a destabilizing time my good friend of the Church. You will have to wait for a reply from his majesty, the King of Portugal for any real decisions or discusions to be made. Sadly, now with destabilization in the area he is in, it may take a while...but you are welcomed to stay with us, the St. George Monastary in Lisboa if you wish.

The old Monk looks upon him with a glare in his eyes, he holds his rosary, and smiles at the envoy.

 

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At Sagres

At Sagres, Prince Henrique, has achieved much in the months of lecturing his new recruits from both afar and close. He is now setting out for his 17th expedition since the begining of his school of Navigation. He will send his sailors afar to break the dreaded Cape Bojodar when Sir Gil de Eannes returns.

 

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At the Sagres Dock

As Sir Gil de Eannes arrives with the sailors from Aragon, Prince Henrique was pleased. He took the good sailors and had them enjoy a feast then he was to quickly give them brief training in the basics of the Caravel. The men were in awe of the great vessel and such design. Had never seen such, they were amazed. The sailors that Henrique had been training for some time, were now well learned in the arts of navigation and ocean-farring. The men aboard the boat and begun some basic training exercises, and the other learned men hopped aboard. It was a great site.

Thirteen brand new Caravels were ready for the voyage. Over 60 foreigners and some 300 Ordem de Christo knights boarded these fine ships. The Caravels were amassed. Then the 16 fiars boarded and the voyage had begun.

It was a sunny day at high noon. The final preparations of rations and water were later supplied. Sir Gil de Eannes took the position as Captain and Flortila Admiral. The men were anxious, and a little afraid as of the rumors. Some were drunk before hand and limping all over as they boarded. The Friars dressed in gold rosaries and brown robes boarded for God and the Church.

Prince Henrique placed on his rather large hat in commemoration. He did not board himself, however he had seen them off and prepared for another voyage.

Their first stop was to be positioned at captured Ceuta in Fez. Then they were to travel down to the southern Canary Islands and restock at Mederia. The southernmost tip of the edge of the world. Then they would have to prepare and breach for the dreadful Cape Bojurtor just directly south of Mederia.

After this, nobody had known what laid beyond the Cape. All men had feared this, but they knew it was for God and the Catholic Church. Most did it for God, some did it for piety, and some did it for adventure. A journey to the edge of the Earth.

The journey for Prestor John had failed 17 times before hand, not crossing the Cape. Prince Henrique feared the same outcome of this one, but he had high hopes. He was pressed by the Chruch and the Order to seek out Prestor John and his Catholic kingdom in Africa to fight against the heathens in Africa. He did this as he had thought it was his duty ot the Order, the Pope, and most of all God.

Stolen astrolabes and other instruments from the crusades against heretics in Africa had provided the Caravel with the most favorable chance of succeeding. Now it was up to God what will befall the crew and the success...

 

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At Calis

Letters arrive for D. Affonso from Cardinal Alvaro and Roma.

 

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A Brittanese man approaches the King

Sir my Lord Duke Edmund of Brittany cousin of King Henry VI son in law of the Regant of England asks the Hand in marrage of Your Brother Henrique for his Daughter Anne He also offer Henrique 3 ships to join him on his expedition and Here is the Dukes son Edmund to accompany him also. My Lord awaits your answer.