Ducal Court of Pommerania

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The Imperial household could follow closely the pregnancy of Anna del Grifone-Savoia. The Duchess of Piedmonte had been writing letters to her adoptive parents every three days since she had moved to Torino, and she had written even more frequently since the fourth month or so. She had stopped writing only a day before the childbirth… Obviously, the whole household, the entire Imperial court had been awaiting the further news with the greatest expectations.

________________________​

Onto His Most Serene and Pacific Majesty Joachim of the Greif, King of the Romans, King of Italy, King of Germany, Sword of Christ, Right Hand of the Church, Caesar Augustus, King of Sweden, Duke of Pommerania, Fürst of the House of the Greif. Duke of Poznan, Margrave of Danzig, Prince-Protector of Sweden, Overlord of Ingermanland, Kexholm, Memel and Gotland, Master of the Imperial Hunt, Master of the Knights of the Cross of the Red Star


Sweet Christine and Papa,

Boy! And he is healthy! I am so glad, I am so happy, I cannot find the proper words to describe my joy. Sweet Papa, I hope you are happy too: he is your first grandson! Just think about it, sweet Papa, you are a grandfather! We have already agreed on his name with Antoni, and I think you already know whose name it is: yes, from now on, there is another Joachim in the family – ‘Gioacchino’, as the Italians say it. He will have many other names as well: Riccardo is the second, given after Antoni’s father; Battista is the third, after St. John the Baptist; Arrigo is the fourth, after Henryk; and he will also get a fifth name, Umberto, after the founder of the House of Savoy. So the full name of your first ever grandson is: Gioacchino Riccardo Battista Arrigo Umberto di Savoia del Piedmonte.

He is very sweet, really. He already has some hair: black, like yours! Antoni says his eyes are perfectly like mine – but I suppose this is just a daddy-talk, every babies have blue eyes, after all. I almost forgot: he is a big baby, like every Griffon. So the delivery was quite hard, but now I do not mind. There were some complications, but nothing serious.

Sweet Christine, the cloth you sent have arrived safely. He will look really majestic in it. Speaking of it: Antoni will make Joachim – I just call him so; this Gioacchino makes my tongue hurt – the Marquis of Torino as soon as he is baptized. So we, his parents, will be just guests in his city – I hope he will not kick us out when he gets angry at us! I am just kidding, of course.

Oh, this letter is not a very good one. I hope you do not mind: I just gave birth to a big-big, sweet boy, after all! Tomorrow, I will write details. I kiss you both.


Love,

Anna


P. S.: Antoni is very loving and kind. A.

P. P. S.: Do not forget to tell the news to the duenna! A.

 

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A letter from Baden.

"To Most Serene and always August Majesty Joachim of the Greif,duke of Pommerania.

I Jakob I your humble servant and loyal follower would like to humbly propose a trade deal to your country of Pommerania.I know this thing is not matter of your interest but perhaps I could send to your court one of nobles in Baden to negotiate trade deal with you,or someone to represent your majesty.


I await your response.

Signed Jakob I margrave of Baden."

 

[Longinus]

Palace, Stettin,​

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​

Prince Andrei smiled at Longinus' closing quip, "Indeed. As for trade, I do not seek any great motions there, aside of course from the toll regulations that I stated before, through WHU association I believe our realms are already quite connected. I should also note, that with the upcoming renewal of the Baltic Gateway Accord we hope to include a more invigorated WHU as an entirety into the treaty which allows for greater distribution of resources outside of the region.

As for the toll regulations on the aforementioned rivers to be included in this upcoming pact that I am happy to know you are agreeable to the inclusion of a mutual defense article... I would propose agents from both our realms agree upon a mutually agreeable sum within three months of signing, a statistic that would have an annualy varrying rate of say 7% at maximum?" Andrei removed a bit of parmchment from his cloak and handed it to page for Longinus to view, "This is the draft I was sent with my lord..."

Longinus smiles back to Andrei.

"Your Grace reads my mind, as I said the pact of mutual defence, cooperation even is very much to our liking, especially since both our realms were almost always firends to bigger or lesser extent." he sights.

"However, there are certain rumours, very much unconfirmed and slandering the name of Your Liege, about Pskovite involvement in Lithuania." he pauses. "I personally don't belive in even single of them but still Your Grace must understand that my brother holds important and responsible position within Europe. Thus I would like to prolong our talks a bit, it shouln't a problem though since I have almost no idea what does the proposed treaty says about this tool in Narva, I need to consult my merchnts first." he winks.

"I hope that Your Grace won't feel ofended anyhow, I am simply sincere as I can only afford to be before friend."

 

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A letter arrives from Buda with urgent messenger.

 

[Petrarca]

A note arrives, asking politely the health of Her Majesty, Princess Maria-Katarina. It is signed by Ladislav, and with it are two letters, both sealed, one each for the Princess and her father.

 

[unmerged(9313)]

Another letter arrives from Buda.

 

[N Katsyev]

Stettin, Palace​

​

​

Longinus smiles back to Andrei.

"Your Grace reads my mind, as I said the pact of mutual defence, cooperation even is very much to our liking, especially since both our realms were almost always firends to bigger or lesser extent." he sights.

"However, there are certain rumours, very much unconfirmed and slandering the name of Your Liege, about Pskovite involvement in Lithuania." he pauses. "I personally don't belive in even single of them but still Your Grace must understand that my brother holds important and responsible position within Europe. Thus I would like to prolong our talks a bit, it shouln't a problem though since I have almost no idea what does the proposed treaty says about this tool in Narva, I need to consult my merchnts first." he winks.

"I hope that Your Grace won't feel ofended anyhow, I am simply sincere as I can only afford to be before friend."

Andrei tried to hide his visual dissapointment - that's when damage control kicked in. If anything, he may be able to go home with this, someone other sent in his place. However Longinus' words about Lithuania puzzled him, he knew nothing of any intentions of doing anything in Lithuania. There was Veliky Luki of course, but if Pskov-Novgorod had gone to war, he would have known. Andrei bowed respectfully, "Of course my lord. Your sentiments are both understood and appreciated.

As for the nature of time of this postponement... Do you believe it to be an extent where it would be best if another ambassador was sent in my absence? Or do you believe that I should be awaiting an answer and further delegation in the near future?" Andrei kept a polite, patient expression as he awaited Longinus' answer.

 

[Mettermrck]

To His Imperial Majesty, Joachim of the Greif, King of the Romans, King of Italy, King of Germany, Sword of Christ, Right Hand of the Church, Caesar Augustus, King of Sweden, Duke of Pommerania, Fürst of the House of the Greif. Duke of Poznan, Margrave of Danzig, Prince-Protector of Sweden, Overlord of Ingermanland, Kexholm, Memel and Gotland, Master of the Imperial Hunt, Master of the Knights of the Cross of the Red Star

Your letter was a boon to our grieving heart and it pleases us to know that friends are still there in our time of need. The Queen's passing is a bitter blow to the happiness of my realm, and like the soldier I am, I will endeavour to move on and maintain its peace and stability. Despite the loss, I still have a promise to keep in the Baltic, and will be travelling near Pommerania next year, most likely. Would Your Imperial Majesty be present for a visit perhaps?


Reginald of Witau, King of Portugal, Prince of Jerusalem, Steward of the Holy Sepulchre

 

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The Arrival...

On a rainy night, a group of 50 knights in full armour arrive in Poznan, along with many servants and ordinary soldiers. They wear the standard signs of Hungarian nobility and their shields show a great deal of different coat-of-arms. The greatest banner among them is that of Ugo of Hungary. They are part guard of the king, part along because they yield conciderable power within Hungary. Having travelled for many days, Ugo is tired but nonetheless enteres the city castle. As the servants come rushing, he takes of his wet clothes.

"Are the king of Bohemia and the Emperor here?"

 

[Petrarca]

Poznan​

Crossing the river Oder at Breslau, the royal party passes through Silesia, bound northwards. Ladislav surveys Poznan, known as Great Poland to many but controlled by the Greif, as the group winds through the forests and fields towards Poznan. Count von Dohna grumbles mildly at the inclement weather that he witness from his coach, but ze Skorkova, Grandmaster of the Knights of the Red Star, suffers on horseback stoically. With the Czech nobility restless and Austria hungry for more troops to garrison the duchies, they ride with the escort of a few Knights of the Cross of the Red Star and a sizable contingent of the Crown's Rangers. Poznan, portentously forbidding, presents a silent welcome to the King and his men, who await their reception at the castle.

 

[unmerged(9313)]

Ugo witnessed the Bohemians enter the city from a window high up in the the city castle. He was drinking some wine while he silently damned Ladislav to Hell. Along with those greedy merchants in Venice. All that Ugo had fought for for so long was again threatened. This time from that damn man. How he'd love to get in a duel with him and cut him to pieces. But he had to suppress his anger. This was not the time nor the place to open up for his rage. Though the Bohemian certainly deserved it.
Some day... some day, Ladislavus... *Rex*, he tought.
Ugo emptied his wine and again asked the servant behind him where the Emperor was.

 

[Longinus]

Przemysl's Hill, Ducal Palace in Poznan​

Joachim artrrived in Poznan a week earlier then the invited parties. He used the whole entrprise as a god opportunity to remind the nobles and burghers who was their overlord since more then the decade now.

Although many Poles called him "pesky Pomorzanin" or German even, he always higlighted the ancient Piast's blood and his Polish-Slavic roots.

The entire week was fully packed with admitting the nobility, recieving their oaths and judging their quarrels. Regular, yet so important tasks of the Landlord. Poznan was also busting with activity, preparing to recieve crowned heads of two powerful coutries. Usually sleepy town was now full of life.

Finally they have arrived. Joachim admitted both of them with respect and warmth. As a host he wanted to provide them with best possible conditions and help to reach a compromise, after all, any conflicts in Hungary and Bohemia were definitely not in Imperial and Greif interest.

In the central hall of 300 years old palace the meeting begun. Joachim rose from his seat, bowed with grace to all participants and said aloud.

"Let this meeting begin, in the Christian Spirit of cooperation and understanding. We kindly ask both parties that we value so much to air their concerns and thoughts before us. We shall try to help reach the consensus and compromise."

 

[unmerged(9313)]

Ugo spoke first.

"Emperor, I thank you for taking the time to mediate in this matter. Well... no need to delay this. For some time now, the king of Bohemia has claimed my throne, by claims not valid and for reasons so utterly despicable that I will not go deeper into that yet. Not only that, but they have plotted with the Venetians to gain their goals. If they cannot get their claims seen through by negotiations, they will keep the military option open. This troubles me greatly, not only because of the imminent danger to my kingdom, but also because Hungary and Bohemia in the past have been good friends. Something changed, and that is truely sad. Just as sad as the cloud of war that hangs over us. In these times where the Moslem threat grows greater day by day, it saddens me to see a good Christian kingdom like Bohemia ally with the very republic, a word I despise, which has de facto allied itself with the heathens in the east. Your Imperial majesty has fought these threats to Christianity for so long, and therefore it is also not in the Empire's interest to let Bohemia and Venice crush Hungary over a old and illegitimate claim. A weak Hungary will mean a threat to Christianity. That should be unacceptable to the Shield of Christianity.
I am of the firm belief that God and right is on my side, for I seek to honour what was in the past, what is now and what should be in the future. We stand here today to find a compromise of some sort, but let me say right away, that Hungary shall NEVER bow before blackmail in any form, and if the king of Bohemia plans to threaten me with the un-christian might of Venice and Bohemia to get his will through, then the negotiations end right here, right now. I hope the Emperor will agree with me, that threats and blackmail will never amount into anything constructive."

Ugo then calmed down. His secretary gave him a glass of water.

"Hmmm... Now that I have spoken my mind so freely, let me also say, that we do wish for a compromise that is acceptable to Hungary. I am willing to hear the case of the Bohemians, if not for anything else than to show that I care about their complaints and worries. I am a civilised and humble man, though certain people constantly claim the opposite. I look forward to hear the king of Bohemia speak his mind."

 

[Petrarca]

Ladislav was silently infuriated by Ugo's speech, but sat back, taking in the beginning to the proceedings unsurprised by the venom or the ferocity of the other side.

He rose to speak, finally, with a profound lack of good humor. “Your Imperial Majesty, we understand the deep concern others have for the affairs of Bohemia and Hungary, and so we consented to our liege’s request to mediate any disputes.”

“It is indeed a most tragic day to hear of our forefathers insulted as ‘illegitimate’ and their rights denied as ‘not valid.’ This scorn is even expressed for the wearers of the purple, His Imperial Majesty Sigismund, deceased ancestor of our house and uncle to our present reign. He held the Crown of St. Stephen through his marriage to the Angevin Queen, and his daughter Elisabeth inherited both Hungary and Luxemburg by rights of blood. We see no reason that the Crown of St. Stephen, and the Kingdom which it entails, does not pass to the rightful heir of House Luxemburg.”

“If these are the free thoughts that all nobles of Hungary hold, that our inheritance, as clearly validated by our birthright and royal heritage, is suddenly invalidated, then I wonder what laws do actually bind the Hungarian nobility. We seek to put to rest the fears of the nobility, so frightened apparently that they evade the law, by assuring them that their rights and the due customs of the land will be respected. Our reasons, derided as ‘utterly despicable,’ are the preservation of true and just succession in the Kingdom of Hungary. It falls to us, something His Majesty, Frederick, Count Palatine and King of Epirus, recognized with his gift.”

Vaclav Holub ze Skorkova and Wenzel von Dohna came forth with the Crown of St. Stephen into the hall as Ladislav spoke.

“Your Imperial Majesty, I present the regalia of Hungary, safeguarded by His Imperial Majesty Erich von Wittelsbach since the death of His Imperial Majesty Sigismund von Luxemburg. Our dear cousin Frederick returned the royal array, and we stand prepared to be crowned as King of Hungary, as is our right and just claim.”

“We protest the cries that Hungary will be weak and falter in the face of threats to Christendom. Bohemia, Austria, and the lands of our cousins will stand together with Hungary against any foe who threatens the proper sovereignty of God and King. We will not repeat the mistakes of Sigismund in allowing either rebellion against the Crown or neglect on the King’s part.”

“As for the compromise, we leave it to the Hungarians to accept their rightful monarch, then we can truly begin.”

 

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Ugo shakes his head in disbelief.

"What the blo... *cough* you see no reason why the crown should not pass to you? I can give you a hundred reasons. Also, that you have my crown proves nothing more than the fact that is has been stolen. You insist that your "right" surpasses the will of the magnates of Hungary. Are you thereby saying that the nobility of Hungary shall have no say in the matter? If that is truely your opinion, then I have taken the opportunity to bring with me 30 of the most respected and powerful nobles of Hungary. Perhaps you would like to explain to them why you will defy their will and disregard the electoral nature of my kingdom. No, king of Bohemia, the nobility IS Hungary.
How does your majesty figure you can rule a kingdom like Hungary? Not only are you a foreigner, but you are a hostile one too. Foreign kings friendly to Hungary have tried the same and failed miserably, which your actions and words have proven these last months. Not only are you insisting on disregarding our confirmed traditions of kingship, you even want to replace our electoral system with a tyrannical hereditary one. You will repeat the same mistakes as the foreign rulers of Hungary made in the past. Why should we allow a weak foreign king rule us when it is the clear will of the nobility that I rule? And for this you better come up with something better than hereditary laws and your "rights". Whether you like it or not, your rights are not recognised by the Diet of the Nobles. If you disregard the will and power of the Diet, then you will have to rule like Nero did. Of course, right now you have every opportunity to attack and conquer Hungary, and by keeping a large military "Praetorian Guard" you might be able to suppress the will of the nobles... for a time.
Boasting and threatening with rights, claims and war is one thing, keeping law and order in a country that never wanted you is another. So please, enlighten me, how in the world did you think that you could just wander into the Diet in Buda and explain to the nobility why you should rule? Because you do not recognise our electoral system? Because you suddenly out of the blue decided to put strength behind your "ancient" demands? Because you have the crown, which is nothing more than a piece of metal without a mandate from the nobles? Because if we do not bow to your will, you will unleash the Venetians and your own upon us?
Why, Ladislavus Rex, should you be king of Hungary, besides your supposed "right by blood"? I do not see, the magnates do not see."

 

[Petrarca]

Ladislav waited a moment before responding. “The same nobles that are with you, are they part of the conspiracy that rose in rebellion against Sigismund? Or the traitors who defied the rule of Elisabeth? Or the rebels who overthrew the monarchy at Elisabeth’s death?”

“Perhaps we are being overly harsh, characterizing all Hungary with the recalcitrance that one obstinate man displays. We shall seek the appropriate compromises with the nobles—not the magnates alone, because Hungary is properly a democracy of its greatest men. Sigismund made the mistake of elevating the magnates and then ignoring the rest of the nobility, something most unbecoming.”

“And we will swear the Coronation Oath required of us to obey the laws of the Kingdom. By no means will we allow our reign to become tainted with the stain of illegitimacy that touched others in the past and immerses some here now.”

“We are familiar with the customs and commandments dictating the accession of a new monarch. ‘Firstly, that he should be crowned with the Holy Crown; secondly, that the Archbishop of Esztergom should perform the coronation; and thirdly, that this should take place in Fehervar.’ Should the Archbishop have us, we shall swear the oath before the Hungarian Diet and be properly crowned.”

“We possess both the crown and the inheritance from Queen Elisabeth, which she herself received from Emperor Sigismund without dispute. We will hold to the Coronation Oath, we will accept the Hungarian Golden Bull and the proper place of the nobility and the Diet—but we will not accept an outright denial of our claims.”

 

[unmerged(9313)]

Ugo suddenly smiled.

"Indeed, some of my companions here today are indeed those who, as you say it, "rebelled" against Sigismund. Would your majesty like to explain to the most powerful men in Hungary just how "despicable" they are? That can easily be arranged. They are only a few hundred yards from this very room. You can get your revenge on these "rebels" today. And if you do not, and if you by some miracle does gain the crown, these men will be the very ones whom you must swear an oath before. And the very ones whom you will have to face over and over again in the Diet. I would chose my words more carefully when I confront these great men, if I were you.
*sigh* I'm tired of this talk of rebellion. It gets us nowhere. Now, let us say that you against all odds are elected king of Hungary. And God forbid it... would you work in the best interest of Hungary? Be careful now. You may feel a natural urge to answer a fast yes, but beware! This answer is not as easy as you might think. How far would the king of Bohemia go in defending his other kingdom? Is the king of Bohemia willing to spend Bohemian ressources and mapower on the defence of Hungary? Is the king of Bohemia prepared to pay the price of a personal union? I doubt it, for the cost might prove much greater than any benefit that your majesty could ever receive. Fighting for the right and honour of Hungary is a long, tough and extremely dangerous task. It will take a man of grand courage and commitment to see to all of this. I have not yet met any foreigner worthy of that responsibility."

 

[Petrarca]

Ladislav seemed quite content with the question put to him.

“We condemn not them but their actions. Is it right for the nobility or any other party to revolt against the monarch which has sworn and abided by the proper customs and laws of the land, the precepts of the Holy Crown, after swearing themselves fealty and obedience to that selfsame crown? We described none as despicable; you toss the word around as an accusation without consideration for its gravity, not us.

Dare we cite another example from recent memory? Are the campaigns of Sigismund against the Turk, which though lamentable in their result but admirable in the marshalling of resources throughout the dominions of House Luxemburg, so quickly forgotten? The lands of our crown form a motley complement, presently a kingdom within an empire and seven duchies, each independent with its laws and protocol. Yet under our rule, they are joined together in the common defense, because we know that if one falls the others shall soon follow. We swore oaths to rule and protect, and we fulfill those oaths to the fullest extent. No stone lays unturned nor soldier unlevied, from Styria to Silesia, when the foe threatens our rule in any of these selfsame territories.

Your protestations of excessive cost bear the same insufferable tone that others have long shared. We detest the idea of abandoning realms under our rulership to enemy potentates without contestation simply because it would trouble the magnates or the burghers of the other territories to dare rally for their brethren also under our rule. They pledged aid in times of conflict to our martial host, and their oaths of loyalty do not expire beyond the bounds of their estates— Hic et ubique were the words, and we hold them to them. Count Sebrle and Count ze Skorkova would doubtlessly be willing to explicate the minutiae and regulations they have compiled and seek our approval for, to create a Union of Arms formally pledging our realms’ defenses in common cause, but even without the document the spirit remains. Do not doubt our resolve.”

 

[unmerged(9313)]

Ugo takes a moment to think about what Ladislav has said. He exchanges a few words with his secretary.

"As for the right to rebel, I do not believe that a corrupt and decandent ruler has a God-given right to rule. Especially not if he has sworn to uphold the rights and privileges of a body of nobility. That is a very ancient discussion, the right to overthrow an unfit ruler or not. To continue it here would be too great a task.
As for aid in defence... Very well then, let us for argument's sake say that you are prepared to give Hungary the support it needs. I promise I still think you are taking too lightly. There is the ability of Bohemia. It does not carry the greatest record when it comes to the defence of its own land. Until not so long ago, I seem to remember Bohemia as being in a world of trouble. But never mind that. Let us see this proposition to its limit. How would a Union of Arms look like in wording?"

 

[Longinus]

Stettin, Palace​

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​

Andrei tried to hide his visual dissapointment - that's when damage control kicked in. If anything, he may be able to go home with this, someone other sent in his place. However Longinus' words about Lithuania puzzled him, he knew nothing of any intentions of doing anything in Lithuania. There was Veliky Luki of course, but if Pskov-Novgorod had gone to war, he would have known. Andrei bowed respectfully, "Of course my lord. Your sentiments are both understood and appreciated.

As for the nature of time of this postponement... Do you believe it to be an extent where it would be best if another ambassador was sent in my absence? Or do you believe that I should be awaiting an answer and further delegation in the near future?" Andrei kept a polite, patient expression as he awaited Longinus' answer.

Longinus sighed slightly.

”Your Grace, these slanderous rumours depicts that Pskov was somehow involved in financing the rebellious princes in Lithuania, and above all, my brother detest those who rebel against their lieges, be it God or earthly Landlord.

My brother simply wants some of the questions to be answered and by all means desire not the ties with Pskov and Novograd to be severed. Rest assured, House of the Grief is most interested in the peace and stability in the region. I do think however, that a military alliance, even limited must be postponed until My brother will decide that all matters have been cleared.

We can however move immediately to those “economical” points of Your Grace’s mission, I can have Pommern prominent guilds members assembled in no time.”