- ARCHIVE - Royal Court of Portugal

[unmerged(9167)]

Don Aquapubleo actually grinned with amusement upon hearing what Don Alfonso said. Aragon a servant of Castille!!! Then his grin was gone and he answered,

Yes, I was in the beginning. I was going to discuss the alliance with the Queen and possible marriage between our two nations when suddenly Elinor came and Queen threw me out of the court before speaking to Elinor. Obviously my mission had failed.

He spoke with matter of fact, with traces of sense of failure. He then walked to the table and took a drink. He gulped the drink in one swallow. After that, he spoke,

Aragon and Castille made a deal, even in behind scene which is not apparently yet, which would benefit Aragon far more in long term. Iberia couldn't afford a war of such huge scale and Aragon was focused more on the trade and to east among with north. However, Aragon is definitly not a lapdog of Castille, not with strong willed and independental King Constantine and Queen Blanca.

Then he turned to Don Alfonso with confusion on his expression and asked,

Why did your Queen gave in to Elinor so easy and act like Portugal is a vassal of Castille? I mean, what happened? I thought that the Queen possessed stronger will than this.

 

[Herr Doctor]

Small trade ship under the banner of the city of Groningen arrived to the harbor of Lisbon. One man in rich clothes and two men of his retinue got off from the ship and asked the road to the royal palace… Soon he was given a meeting with King Reginald of Witau and Queen Adalia Duarte:

”Your majesties, my name is Johannes de Boer and I was send from the Frisian Council to act in your court as Frisian delegate in this delicate trade negotiations. Frisian Council sends you greetings and thanks you for your warm words…

However, we wish to inform you that I will negotiate from the name of the Trade Union of the North Sea that includes now all Frisian cities and three Breton’s.

So, Frisia consider spice, cloth and wine trade with Portugal as one of most important parts of well-being of the new trade union and wish to receive it without trade tariffs. For exchange we offer your merchants to buy English and Frisian wool, Norwegian and Danish fish without tariffs too.

The other question we wish to negotiate is trade route. Frisia wish towns of Groningen, Stavoren, Nantes, Brest, Porto and Lisboa to become trade stations in this sea road where Frisian and Portuguese merchants can repair their ships without any tariffs too… So what do your majesties think about it?..”

And he bowed.

 

[Mettermrck]

The Frisian delegate was shown into the throne room, where Queen Adalia and Senor Alvarez awaited him, the King, of course, being absent. Adalia nodded politely and listened to the envoy's speech with interest. Her head was not for economic matters and she would rely on her Steward for the negotiations.

"We welcome you to Lisbon, Senor de Boer. Portugal is desirous of fruitful trade relations with northern partners, a situation which has been left to lapse for far too long. Quarters befitting your rank shall be at your disposal for the duration of your visit here. May I present my Royal Steward, Senor Alvarez, who shall be responsible for the actual negotiations of any trade agreement."

She indicated the gentlemen standing on her right, who was eyeing de Boer with a shrewd, calculating eye. At the Queen's words, he bowed politely to the Frisian envoy. "I think we can do business, Herr de Boer, most certainly. Portugal has successfully negotiated access to the lucrative goods of the Mediterranean, including silk and spices. To the south, our ships push ever further, and we have access to salt and ivory."

He paused for a moment, as he considered his next words. "First, I would ask, in regards to the Trade Union of the North Sea...who are the three Bretons? I am afraid such geographic colloquialisms elude us here in Lisbon. Second, our interests in the north extend beyond the North Sea, perchance into the Baltic or into Scandinavia. If your Trade Union would see fit to act as a middleman in our long-range trade, what sort of tariffs could we expect to facilitate this?"

Alvarez relaxed a little and smiled politely as the negotiations moved to less weightier matters. "As for the ports, we have no objections to allowing your ships to put in and victual at Oporto and Lisbon in exchange for the same privileges you have indicated."

 

[Herr Doctor]

De Boer listens to Alvarez and then says:

”Your Grace, as to your first question TUNS includes such big Brittany’s cities like Nantes, Brest and San Malo. Plus, all more-less important towns of Frisia are members of the Union too.

To your second question… Frisia have good trade pacts with Denmark, England, Bremen and Pskov and we can really dispatch to Portugal all needed goods from this region. So, we can allow your merchants to buy iron, fish and salt by 95 % from the normal cost, and Russian furs by 80 % from cost in Frisian towns… And of course your merchants will be free from all extraordinary tariffs like tax on trade transactions and such…

So, what can Portugal offer us?..”

And he looked to Portuguese…”

 

[Mettermrck]

Senor Alvarez nodded at de Boer's words. "Well, being a coastal nation ourselves, fishing is not a needed commodity." He knew this for a fact, and indeed, there were rumors in the harbor of a place far to the west where fish were found in infinite numbers. Put down as the myths of fishermen and sea captains, there were those who still believed in the tales and set out from time to time to find it. If they could, Portugal would be a fish exporter, Alvarez thought.

"And salt? Well, Portugal's dealings in Africa have given us access to the Great Salt Road of the Sahara, up from Timbuktu through Taoudenni to Fez and Morocco. Indeed, we are a salt exporter in the Mediterranean." Perhaps the northern countries underestimated Portugal. We are not some infant kingdom looking for goods, he sniffed to himself.

"Iron and fir are both acceptable at the rates you offer, particularly in the absence of any additional tariffs beyond Frisia by any of your member states. For that, Portugal is willing to be generous. Goods arriving in Lagos as per our Mediterranean trade will be available to your merchants at 90% cost. This includes, of course, the silk of the Orient, which we acquire at a fair price already. We are also willing to offer ivory from the Sahara at 95% cost and in vast stocks, if you have the buyers for them."

Senor Alvarez stroked his chin for a moment as he considered a couple additions. "There are a couple more points of minor convencience. Portugal has had a history of trade with the British Isles for its wool. We would like the inclusion of a reduction of wool imported from the Isles, which will allow our merchants to continue their historical relationship with the north. 90% would be acceptable."

 

[Mettermrck]

Duke Alfonso's Chambers, Lisbon Castle

Duke Pedro ignored the ambassador's question as he had not been present when the Queen of Castille had visited. Unfortunate for Portugal, he growled to himself!

Alfonso looked thoughtful before replying. "It is difficult to say, Senor Aquapueblo, as their meeting was private. I suspect...and I think I am right in this. Queen Adalia is young...impressionable. Her husband was away jousting, most of the nobility are still nervous about the King, and therefore the Queen by association. She was...lonely."

Pedro scoffed. "So Adalia yields to Elinor because she wanted a friend?!? This is ridiculous." He shook his head. "Yet she's yielded. And I can't make sense of it."

Taking another sip of his drink, Alfonso regarded the two men before continuing. "Queen Elinor of Castille is...a force unto herself. You no doubt know this, ambassador, having seen her for yourself. She's powerful, beautiful, influential...and she's a woman. Adalia might see this and be drawn to her."

Pedro looked taken aback. "You can't mean?"

Alfonso shook his head. "No no no. Adalia sees something of what she could be in Elinor. A strong Queen...independent...ruling her kingdom and ruling her king, much like Elinor does Juan these days. She wants to be like Elinor, no doubt. She's...drawn to Elinor as a student to a mentor."

Pedro and Alfonso were quiet for a few moments, letting this
sink in. The idea was as unbelievable as it was plausible. Finally, Alfonso turned to the ambassador. "And what are your thoughts, Senor Aquapueblo?"

 

[unmerged(17500)]

In Crete...

The man responds to his majesty the King of France after bowing deeply.

• "You highness, such a surprise. I shall send a messenger immediately to their majesties to tell of your arrival. They are on the hilltops there. They are examining the ruins of the Minoans to decide where to build the great hall that shall rule."

A servant ten minutes before arrive don horse from the port to give the Doge a message of the King of France's arrival.

Francesco Foscari looks down the raod from the port. A massive chariot rides up with the brilliant colors of France flying in the wind. He turns quickly to Elionore first knowing that she is the one who he must discuss serious matters with. After a few words he realizes he could offend the King and speaks to him as well to ensure that he feels part of the discussion.

• "Signora, as you can see I have invited, on the behalf of the Minoan Confederacy his majesty King Louis XI of France. As you read in those letters now called the Undertakings of St. Mark. There are only two copies you highness, and you have one of them. I plead with you to suppress them to guarantee that no one is able to gain access to that information. Memorize the plan as best you can as soon as you can, and then destroy them. I am sorry for the secrecy but this is a matter of national security.
  
  As per those papers, I have offered France a position within the Minoan Confederacy. They have been to loyal to me, I must reqard them for such. I am a man that when he seeks loyalty before everything else. As such I would like if the curent parties of the Confederacy agree to have them added. I suspect that you agree?"

The Doge then sets forth to welcome the King of France

 

[unmerged(9167)]

Don Aquapubleo considered what was said and he spoke,

That sound very plausible to me. That does how she seemed to act and spoke of Elinor.

He thought to himself, still the student doesn't yield to the teacher. There must be something more to this. Then he spoke,

Except that there are something more than what you said. I don't know what it is as the student don't just yield to teacher but to learn. So, I would say that you are correct about this, that the Queen seemed to be alone and Elinor took advantage of that, to gain the power over her, by acting like a friend and teacher.

He suddenly considered a possibility. He asked,

Is it possible that this could be a charade played by the Queen? I mean, after all Portgual is a small nation and is facing Castille under Elinor's control. So, the way to preserve Portugal by making Elinor regarding Portugal as non-threating thus won't plot against the nation and destroy it. What do you think?

 

[Mettermrck]

Duke Alfonso's Quarters, Lisbon Palace

Alfonso listened to him with interest. "Very shrewd, ambassador. You are certainly a politician at heart. If that were so, and I would sure like to be so, then why would she not take the Council into her confidence?"

Pedro leaned forward and nodded. "Not to mention, Senor Aquapueblo, that the King, for once in his life, has done the sensible thing in opposing her tendencies towards Castille. If this is a plot, she's doing it all by herself. Well, maybe Duke Fernando knows."

"If that is true, then what can we do about it? She's clearly in power, and anything overt would destroy our position before things can be put into motion. I suggest, for now, that we be watchful and keep our opinions muted. If we can find others of like mind, that might be useful."

He stood and reluctantly, Pedro followed suit. "Well. A pleasure, ambassador. Now I suggest you return to your quarters. My man is waiting outside and will make sure you avoid any prying eyes. And be discreet. If you're spotted in this wing often, tongues will wag. Good evening, sir."

 

[unmerged(9167)]

Ambassador bowed to Don Alfonso and Pedro and spoke,

Thank you for illustrative meeting. Good night and good luck.

Then he got out of the room and noted the man outside. That was only a moment as he turned to study his surrounding, which is something he often do. He walked toward the garden, where he had met the Queen long time ago. He gazed at the garden and thinking about what had occured.

 

[Mettermrck]

Duke Pedro's Quarters, Lisbon Palace

When Duke Alfonso opened the door and stepped into the lavish room Pedro used as his court residence, he knew the answer to his question. Nodding grimly, he walked into the room, approached the seated Duke, and set his letter down on the table. "I see you've been informed as well."

Pedro said nothing but leaned behind the table he was sitting next to and produced his own letter, which looked exactly the same as Alfonso's, with the same handwriting. Indeed, this was because the letters were from the same person: Alfonso's eldest son, Joao, who was currently in Pskov for a jousting tournament.

To Alfonso's surprise, Pedro was speechless. His lips were pressed together tightly, as if too much emotion wished to escape and he had no idea how to safely let it out. Shaking his head, Alfonso sat and helped himself to some of the bread and cheese that Pedro was so obviously ignoring. "They're young, Pedro. You must concede that."

SLAM! That did it, which had been Alfonso's intent. Pedro was glaring now, and his mouth was slowly opening and closing. "They're young? That's all you have to say? After this....?" he gestured to the two letters sitting on the table. "I would like to know, Alfonso...what in God's name is going on in your son's head? To write ME from thousands of leagues away, to tell ME that MY daughter is marrying?"

With the words tumbling out, Pedro stood and now began to pace, hitting his stride. "And is she marrying a high lord? No. Is she marrying someone of our culture? No. Of a nearby kingdom? No. IS SHE...Alfonso...marrying someone of our own FAITH?!?" SLAM! His fist hit the table hard, and his skin was throbbing red now. "NO! She's marrying a HERETIC! A godforesaken schismatic!" Pedro looked angrily at the sky, pointing his finger. "You! Is this what you want?!? You want my Serena damned?!? You want her in eternal misery?!?" With a bellow, he let out some of his rage and walked to the window, where he set his hands on the ledge. Pretending to look outside, he was heaving visibly, the tension flowing in waves.

Alfonso said nothing, preferring to let Pedro talk himself out. After a few moments, when he saw that he was finished, Alfonso sighed and set down his bread. "My son is no fool, Pedro, whatever the circumstances of this. Did he try to hide this? No. He wrote me...and you...and told us precisely what had happened, sparing nothing. Joao is an honest young man."

Pedro said nothing, still heaving, but shook his head as if to brush off Alfonso's words. "Did you even read the letter, Pedro? I mean really read it? This wasn't some callous thing. This knight...this...Vuh---lad--o-meer...fought three times for Serena's honor. Three times! And once he was challenged to the death! You ask God if he damns Serena? I wonder."

Finally, Pedro relented, and turned back to the table, where he approached and plopped himself down in the chair. He looked spent. "Then you are a fool, Alfonso. You were always overindulgent of your children. What matters is that my Serena, my heir, is the distance of Europe from me, and seeks to abandon her faith."

Alfonso shook his head, picking up his copy of the letter. "That's not what Joao says here. He mentions needing help from the Church, but it doesn't look like Serena would become a schismatic. Pedro, seriously, you need to read this letter...thoroughly. If this knight was not Orthodox, I would dare you not to embrace him immediately. You're not a fool, Pedro. Three duels? If that is not God's judgement, then tell me what is."

Pedro just sat there, continuing to shake his head. He looked up at Alfonso, his features contorted by the stress. "If Serena stays there, then little Nanci would be all I have...to carry on my line." Then he adjusted his face and the vulnerability was gone. He looked matter of fact. "Well, I'm not going to let this happen this easily. If we are to even consider this...." he meant to say something harsh, but thought better of it. "...then we had better make sure. First off, we'll need to speak to the Queen." Alfonso nodded thoughtfully, agreeing with him. They both stood, awkwardly, and set off for the throne room.

 

[Herr Doctor]

De Boer addressed to Alvarez:

”Your offers is really great... However we also wish to have a monopoly position for shipping of Portuguese goods to Northern Europe. Or may be on some of them… Especially spice and cloth. In exchange we can offer Portugal to be a sole deliver of furs from Frisia to Iberia… Furs trade is really profitable… And this is the last thing I wish to know before start the project of the treaty…”

 

[Mettermrck]

Throne Room, Lisbon Castle

Queen Adalia was watching the discussions between Senor Alvarez and the Frisian representative, Johannes de Boer, when the side door opened and two of her Councilors entered - the Dukes Pedro and Alfonso. Raising her eyebrows, she held up her hand to forestall Alvarez's latest reply and waited as the Dukes approached her and bowed.

Nodding politely, she looked curiously from one to the other. And what have you two been up to, I wonder? Shrugging, she smiled genially at them and signalled for them to rise. "Your Graces, such an unexpected honor. How might I be of service?"

Pedro and Alfonso looked at each other and then at the Frisian representative. Adalia caught the subtle hint and nodded to de Boer. "Milord, I must hear this delicate matter of state in private. Perhaps, Senor Alvarez, you could escort the envoy to a private study and continue the negotiations there? I will send for you when we are finished here."

Nodding graciously, Senor Alvarez beckoned for Herr de Boer to follow him and together they left the room by another side door. Finally, Adalia turned to look at the Dukes and regarded them for a moment. "Well, milord Pedro. You look positively pale. What's happened?"

Pedro looked at Alfonso before speaking. "It concerns your nephew, Your Majesty. And also my daughter, the Lady Serena." When Adalia's eyebrows rose, Pedro waved his hand. "No, not them two. Serena...and...well, let me explain." Pedro went on for a few moments about the letter he had received from Count Joao. Alfonso chimed in from time to time with his impressions, and together they told the Queen what the situation was.

A bit taken aback, Adalia leaned back in her throne and thought quietly for a moment. How long ago was it that I met a stranger in far off Rhodes? she wondered. Love seems aided by distance. A part of her was drawn to the story of Serena and Vladimir. Indeed, the idea of the knight fighting three duels for her was particularly moving. Our bards could write a tale of that, she mused. Yet she could not ignore the intense look on Pedro's face. This would have to be dealt with.

"And so, Your Graces. What do you propose?"

Alfonso spoke first, shooting a quick glance at Pedro to forestall him. "We believe Joao is acting in good faith by letting us know this up front and not hiding it. To that end, we are willing to investigate the matter further."

Adalia was surpised, and looked at Pedro closely to see if she had heard correctly. That he would actually consider such a marriage was a shock. She caught his eye and queried him silently, after which he sighed and nodded gruffly. Her eyes widened briefly. "Well then. How do we investigate the matter?"

Again it was Alfonso who responded. "Two things, Your Majesty. We need to get the ear of His Holiness and find the official Church position on...well, this situation. I believe His Majesty has some standing in Rome and perhaps via Cardinal Montais, we can come to an understanding with the Church?"

She considered this for a moment. Reginald had indeed been to Rome and had come to some kind of arrangement with Pope Pius. The result of which was being built in Lagos this very minute, she thought. How much would it cost this time? "Well. It's certainly conceivable. I will write to His Eminence to pursue the necessary steps. I take it this would ease your conscience, Your Grace?" she asked Pedro, who seemed annoyed at her having asked. Again, he gruffly nodded after some delay.

Adalia smiled again and turned to Alfonso, prompting him. "Ah yes, Your Majesty. The second thing. We need to make sure that Joao's account is the way of things. I trust my son, of course. But with such distance and the arrangements that have to be taken...it would make things easier if we knew...for sure...to know their minds, Joao and Serena."

This made the Queen think. "So...we send to Cardinal Montais and someone goes all the way to Pskov. This would be acceptable to you both?" Alfonso smiled and nodded, and Pedro hesitated, then added his gruff assent. The whole affair was peculiar to the Queen but, not wishing to interfere in her Councilor's personal affairs, she refrained from asking any direct questions.

Finally, she signalled for a page to retrieve Senor Alvarez and Johann de Boer. Nodding to them both, she adjusted herself on the throne. "Well, milords, it seems we have a convergence of purpose. Senor de Boer, I think Portugal would be interested in accepting your terms as presented. Before we do so, I would like to send someone northward to inspect your ports, warehouses, etc. to gauge the volume of trade involved, and what capacity we are discussing. This representative would probably have to travel beyond Friesland to some of the far northern lands to inspect the products themselves at their source. It would do well to acquaint Portugal with its northern trade route."

Senor Alvarez blinked at the proposal, surprised at the Queen's sudden shrewd nature. She usually deferred economic matters to him. Duke Pedro suddenly looked wary. "S..surely...you don't mean..?" Alfonso looked at him, perplexed, while Adalia beamed. "Most perceptive, Your Grace. Why yes, I think the Lord High Chancellor would be well suited for this role. He can see to your requests, Duke Pedro and inspect the trading states of the north for me. Fits together nicely, don't you think?"

Pedro grew pale but said nothing. He had walked into her trap, and knew better to wriggle, for that only made it worse. Turning to Alfonso, he nodded and both Dukes bowed and excused themselves from the room.

 

[Mettermrck]

Cabo Blanco, south of Rio de Ouro

Rounding Cabo Blanco ('White Cape') brought Portuguese explorers approximately 50 leagues south of their tiny settlement at Rio de Ouro, and slowly increased their knowledge of the African coast and the surrounding waters. Spearheaded by Antonio Goncalves, who was accompanied by Nuno Tristao, the expedition, which consisted of four ships of the barinel type, had put into a small beach just south of the Cape, where they could refit and regroup.

Goncalves had sent a few search parties inland, not knowing what he expected to find. Thanks to Aduha's knowledge of the interior, there were plans in motion to capture more of the tribals he had divulged, who could be used for labor, to gain knowledge of the kingdom of Prester John, and to find any signs of wealth in this barren waste.

He sighed and turned to Tristao. "I'm beginning to regard Africa as a giant wasteland...an eternal desert. The only thing we've found so far is a few indigents. We can put them to use, certainly...but what else?"

As if in answer to his question, there was a cry from the other side of a small rise in the beach. Goncalves and Tristao set off, followed by the other two captains, and the small party rushed to find the source of the noise. From the top of the rise they spotted a copse of trees - raggedy ones - around which seven of the crewmen appeared to be standing over something. Squinting, Goncalves could not make it out, so they walked closer, their scabbards clinking as they hit the side of their legs.

Standing under the shade of the sparse leaves, they looked down on what appeared...a tribal, for sure. Which one, Goncalves wondered, He cursed himself for not having Aduha with him, but Prince Enrique had insisted he be used for the operations at the trading post - teaching the officers to speak the native languages, as best they could, and help them scout out the best areas for raids which were planned for the coming year.

They stared at the native for a moment. His skin was very dark, much more than the Berber-influenced tribesmen they'd spotted further north. Shaking his head, he turned to Tristao, who was squatting and staring at the man up close, as if inspecting him. He was barely dressed, in ragged cloth that covered his hips and was tied around his shoulder, leaving most of his upper body showing. There was a crude band of cloth around the top of his bald head, and...something in his nose.

Gold! The crew didn't need to be told twice. Within seconds, the native was pushed on to the ground as the men wrestled to remove the decoration. In the chaos, the man screamed as several fingers grappled to yank it off. Goncalves pushed several of the men out of the way and screamed at the others to stop.

"You fools! Two of you hold him down, and one of you see how it's attached." That settled things, and the native was nervously held down as one of the crewmen inspected his nose. Finally, spotting the slight imperfection, he was able to remove it. Goncalves snapped it up and stepped back, examining it. It was a small circle, and the metal seemed to be gold. He tested it with his teeth...yes it was. Not much...but still, the first good news they'd had all day.

Turning to Tristao, he smiled a little. "Well, it's better than nothing. But none of us can talk to this tribal. Bring him on board the Catalina and we'll take him back to Rio de Ouro. Have your men search the surroundings some more. We'll stay the night, and if nothing else is found, we'll set out when the tides are favorable." Between a few native tribals and the first speck of gold, perhaps Africa was not completely barren. But Goncalves would leave that to Prince Enrique to judge.

 

[Herr Doctor]

De Boer addressed to the Queen:

”Your Majesty, we will be happy to see your ambassador in our towns… And I add one article to the project of our agreement that allow you to send a man even to the Union Council of the TUNS if you will wish…

In gratitude of your warm reception our Stadtholder send you the map of Frisia that will be useful for your traders shipping to out towns… And here is also a project of the treaty…”
And he bowed before the Queen.

Lisbon Trade Pact
Portugal from the one side and the Trade Union of the Northern Sea (TUNS) from the other decided to improve trade relations between each other in such articles:

1. The Kingdom of Portugal and the TUNS decided to establish trade route between their cities and to allow their merchants to stay and to repair ships without taxes in such towns as Groningen, Stavoren, Nantes, Brest, Lisbon and Porto.

2. The town of Lisbon will be announced as closely associated with the TUNS and can send a delegate to Union Council of the TUNS in Groningen. He will have status of “ambassador” but will not have right to vote.

3. The Kingdom of Portugal gives to the TUNS a monopoly right on the shipping to Northern Europe of such goods as spice and cloth. The TUNS can buy all Mediterranean good in Lagos by 90 % of the normal costs. Also, the TUNS can buy ivory from the Sahara at 95% cost.

4. The TUNS gives to the Kingdom of Portugal a monopoly right on the shipping to Iberia of furs. In addition, Portugal can buy in the TUNS iron, furs and wool by 90 % of the normal costs.

5. Portugal and the TUNS agreed to support each other in the trade and not to support any aggressive acts of other unions or states.

 

[Mettermrck]

Throne Room, Lisbon Castle

The Dukes had been gone for some time before the Frisian ambassador, de Boer, returned with a copy of the proposed agreement. Adalia studied it for a moment, frowning at some of the clauses before passing it to Senor Alvarez, who studied it more thoroughly. They discussed a few issues quietly before the Queen turned to the ambassador.

"Overall, we believe the treaty represents a great step forward for our two states. There are only a few minor adjustments we would make. In clause 1, we would like the word 'such' removed. The towns specified are certainly open for resupply and repair of each other's vessels and there would be need for our ships to require any other towns for this purpose."

She looked at Alvarez briefly, who nodded. She studied the document a little more before continuing. "And while we thank the Frisian delegate for their gesture at allowing a delegate to your Council, we decline the invitation stipulated in clause 2 and prefer the agreement to be between Portugal and the trade union as two separate partners. If there is need to send a representative to discuss matters of trade, my Lord High Chancellor, Manuel de la Braga, will serve in such capacity."

She rose, feeling tired all of a sudden and wishing to dine on a light supper before retiring. "We will ratify the treaty when our Lord High Chancellor returns from his journey to the north. My Steward," she beckoned to Alvarez, "is available should you have any questions or concerns. You are welcome to remain here in Lisbon until your affairs are concluded." Smiling politely, she stepped from the throne and walked towards the rear exit, her attendants in tow.

 

[HJ Tulp]

A tall man rushes into the court.
He takes a few deep breaths and then adresses the Queen.

"Your Highness, I'm sorry but matters of the upmost importance forced me to enter the court in such a state. Again my deepest apology. I am Rutger Hauwer, send by the Hanza Council. Captains and merchants from Hanseactic nations have told us that the noble Kingdom of Portugal is signing a treaty concerning trade with the upstart trading Union from Friesland. I'm send too discuss a treaty about trade with you aswell, could someone please forward me the proposal sothat I can see if the Hansa can give you a much better proposal."

 

[Mettermrck]

Senor Alvarez was shocked to see the tall stranger rush into the quiet throne room and start shouting to the Queen's empty throne. Too surprised to stop him, he calmly waited for him to finish before speaking. One of his eyebrows raised in bemusement, he nodded in greeting. "Greetings to you, Rutger Hauwer. Please, no need to rush. As you can see, or now can see, the Queen is not here presently, though I can request her presence as your issue seems urgent."

He snapped a finger to signal a nearby servant, who took the hint and left hastily through the door behind the throne. A few moments later, the door opened again and Queen Adalia, looking mildly concerned and not quite as formally dressed as she usually was for audiences, stepped into the room, and placed herself gingerly on the throne. Her attendants filed in, eyeing the stranger who had interrupted their meal.

"Well...Senor..." she looked questioningly at Alvarez, who provided the name. "...Senor Hauwer. Welcome to Lisbon. Sorry to see you in such distress. Perhaps you may repeat your questions?" The corner of the mouth quivered as she had been told of the ambassador's shouts to the empty throne.

The ambassador repeated himself and she nodded. "Sooo...the issue is deeper than we had at first foreseen. Well, you may rest assured that Portugal has ratified nothing at present, though we are indeed negotiating with a Herr de Boer from Friesland. If the purposes of the Trade Union and the Hansa are at odds? Then we will need to talk more."

She turned to Alvarez, who are growing concerned about the news from the north. "Senor Alvarez, if you please. Have Senor de Boer summoned to the throne room immediately. Perhaps he can help Senor Hauwer shed some light on just what the trade situation is in the north."

Adalia nodded to Hauwer. "I thank you for your visit, milord." They waited calmly for the Frisian envoy to reappear.

 

[Herr Doctor]

Soon De Boer open the throneroom and saw a Dutchman together with the Queen and Chancellor:

"Did Your Majesty ask for me?.."

 

[Mettermrck]

Throne Room, Lisbon Castle

Adalia nodded to the Frisian ambassador and beckoned for him to come forward, towards where Senor Alvarez and the Hansa envoy, Rutger Hauwer, were standing. "This gentleman has just arrived from the north with some interesting news regarding the Trade Union of which Friesland is a part and its relation to the Hanseatic League. Perhaps both of you could help shed some light on this for me?" She sat calmly on her throne, awaiting their replies.