Duchess Matilda - Chapter XIV: 1092 -1098 "The Final Years"
November 1091
It is time, I send the letters to the child Duke Weickhard of Lombardy stating our claim to the province of Ajaccio on the island of Corsica. To nobodies surprise he refuses our claims and it is war. Marshall Lorenzo believes it will be a quick war as Tuscany outnumbers Lombardy nearly 3 to 1.
"Excuse me Duchess"
"Yes Chancellor."
"I am sorry to report grave news Duke Weickhard has announced his betrothal to Edda Wigeriche and the forces of Upper Lorraine have joined the war in Ajaccio."
"Who is Edda ... wait isn't she the bastard daughter of Gottfried IV. I would never have expected Welfs regency council to sink so low. " pausing for a moment to collect her thoughts Matilda continued "So this means that Lombardy and Upper Lorraine are of similar size to us."
"Correct but Marshall Lorenzo is confident our men at arms are superior and the new Light Horsemen division will make a big difference."
"On the flats maybe but not in the mountains of Ajaccio. I need to speak to Vitale about the cost of mercenaries. Do you have any other news for me Chancellor?"
To my surprise Czyrzniech did not and even better he did not feel the need to confess to another sin from his youth where he pushed his brother down the stairs or something like that, Mara did say if he was ever disloyal he would not be able to keep it a secret and to be careful with what is shared with him.
July 1092
The battle for Ajaccio continues slowly as the various armies test each others mettle so to speak. The council are now of the opinion that the war will last longer than Genoa but of course Tuscany will prevail.
It is with great sadness that I attend the funeral of my favourite Knight Flavio "the Virgin" and Count of Lanciano, Ancona and Foggia. He had such a beautiful singing voice and was always good company over the years. I will wait till the war is complete before I decide what to do with his lands, in the meantime I will rule them directly just in case Duke Guy casts his eyes Northwards once he finishes his holy war for the island of Malta.
September 1092
It is with pleasure that I announce the marriage of my son and heir Michele to Eunike an exile from the Byzantine Empire, she is Greek (can't be helped) and Orthodox (refuses to convert which I can respect but am not happy at all with) but loves Michele deeply and I have to say is nearly his intellectual equal, Mara was also impressed by her devious mind and talent for ferreting out secrets as Mara said Eunike will be a great support to Michele as Gavril is to myself.
Image of Michele di Canossa and his wife Eunike circa 1094
February 1094
"Marshall Lorenzo sends word that we are winning the war in Ajaccio and victory is in sight" I announced to the rest of the Council meeting in Florence.
"And I can confirm that Gallura is now part of the Petty Kingdom of Connacht, Bishop Eriprando has checked and after the death of Petty King Ruaidri, Count Caissin inherited lands in Eire and due to succession laws he now swears fealty to his older brother Petty King Tadg." To say I was not happy would be an understatement my poor sweet Matilda may have to relocate to the cold and wet Emerald Islands.
"After the war in Corsica can we just not claim the title and take it back?"
I had to give a side-eye to my son Michele at his comment, surely he was well aware of the ramifications and that his comment was nonsense and by the glint in his eyes he was but expressing the thoughts of some of the other Council members who should know better.
"No Michele, Caissin is still married to your sister and the alliance stands and if reports are true about the state of Eire now then perhaps one day a Canossa will rule in Eire."
June 1094
Victory, Ajaccio rightfully belongs to Tuscany and the forces of Lombardy and Upper Lorraine have been sent fleeing with their tails between their legs.
My Council have also kindly reminded me that I need to hand some of the counties I am controlling directly as it is impacting on the taxes and levies from the counties and the opinion of my vassals and courtiers.
Deciding to keep the titles in the family I sign the papers and grant
To my son Michele: the counties of Ancona and Urbino (it is time for him to learn to rule)
To Wieshaw (husband of Silvana): the counties of Foggio and Lanciano
To Count Herold (husband of Paola): the county of Ferrara
July 1094 - October 1094
It is time to renew my faith and I decide to my make my pilgrimage north to the great Cathedral in Cologne. The trip was not without event and while driving off bandits one of the peasants managed to slice my leg with a pitchfork. I have made my fellows promise not to tell my husband Gavril or Michele about this. By the time I return home the wounds should have healed.
To my surprise after returning to Florence I received a bequest of 239 florences from Pope Silvester IV who had been elected after the death of my good friend and mentor Pope Alexander III at the end of 1093. The brief message attached stated this was in appreciation of my dedication and service to the Holy Church. I am quietly pleased that before the election I had expressed support for Silvester.
July 1095
The Duchy has returned to profit and there is enough funds to start building the Leisure Palace in Florence that I have wanted to do since I was a little girl.
February 1096
I have to wonder about Duke Guy, it has been almost 5 years and he is still battling the Muslims for the island of Malta but it has given me some ideas. Bishop Eriprando continues to work on the Tuscany claim for Capua and reports from the capital indicate that the young Kaiser Heinrich V has developed a paranoid streak which could be a problem for the Empire when he comes of age.
July 1096
Looking across the table to Mara and Lorenzo I smile slightly "Are we sure?"
"Yes Duchess" Lorenzo smiles back "Amir al-Umag ...ugggh .. Amir Tamim has lost his war , his armies are depleted and it is the perfect time to claim Tunis."
"And Duchess he no longer has any alliances he can call on, his older children are married and betrothed and the words from my sources are the other Amirs are not interested in any closer ties to Amir al-Umara Tamim al-Muizz." Mara added, Lorenzo hide his grimace very well.
"So be it Bishop please advise the Pope that Tuscany in the name of the Church declares a Holy War for the Emirate of Tunis and may the good Lord have mercy on the infidel's souls."
October 1097
Victory we have claimed the counties of Medjerda and Satfura on the Northern coast of Africa and won a great battle over the infidels. The Pope was very pleased and gifted me with another 232 florences in recognition of our success.
After a good nights sleep I grant both counties to Vitale the betrothed of my youngest daughter Beatrice and also the youngest son of my long time Steward Count Vitale.
The Bishop continues to natter that Tuscany needs to become a Kingdom to manage the various terrotries properly. I will deal with that issue in my own good time.
November 1097
I have been asked to serve on the Imperial Council this time as Marshall by Kaiser Heinrich V, it appears that the Kaiser has heard some of the bards songs about me leading troops into battle in my youth.
February 1098
Count Michele of Urbino and Ancona was meeting with his steward as he always did first thing in the morning to review the finances of the county and explore options to grow the county into the financial hub of the Duchy. Michele was certain that his Steward was dreading these sessions but it was a good opportunity for both of them to learn.
"Excuse me Count Michele, reports are coming in of a Ducal delegation coming at speed."
"Did you say Ducal Rosso?"
"Yes Count, they are carrying the Ducal flag and there are a lot of them and they are not stopping for anything."
"Thank you Rosso, we will continue our meeting later Steward."
"Of course Count and I will have the updated tax figures as you have requested."
Nodding Michele made his way quickly to the walls of the Keep of Urbino, it was very easy to spot the dust cloud of the approaching delegation and from the size of it
"That looks like it is the entire Horse company coming, it must be war on the Empire." Michele muttered to himself before turning to Rosso "Send word, all men at arms on full alert and on the gates and walls."
As the group of horse over 200 strong grew closer Michele could see that leading it was Marshall Lorenzo, Steward Vitale and surprisingly Aunt Mara as well. Now very uncertain Michele made his way to the courtyard as the horses of the vanguard and the Council members thundered in, outside the other horsemen drew up .
"Greetings what is of so import that my mother has sent the entire Duchy Company of the Horse?" Michele called out as the others dismounted.
Lorenzo, Vitale and Mara looked at each other before Mara stepped forward and saying in a voice that carried throughout the courtyrad.
"Duke Michele we bring grave tidings." and as one Mara and the council members sank to one knee followed by the Horsemen and like dominos the men at arms and courtiers of Urbino.
Shock gripped Michele, his Mother the Duchess was barely 50 years of age then it was time for action.
"Rise, we will ride for the capital, Lorenzo leave half the company here to escort my wife and son to Florence. Who else knows?"
"None yet but word will start to spread my Duke?"
"How?"
"In her sleep, she was found by her maids when she did not attend dawn prayers" Mara replied.
"And my Father?"
"The Bishop is drafting letters as we speak." Vitale added.
"Then we ride."
It is time, I send the letters to the child Duke Weickhard of Lombardy stating our claim to the province of Ajaccio on the island of Corsica. To nobodies surprise he refuses our claims and it is war. Marshall Lorenzo believes it will be a quick war as Tuscany outnumbers Lombardy nearly 3 to 1.
"Excuse me Duchess"
"Yes Chancellor."
"I am sorry to report grave news Duke Weickhard has announced his betrothal to Edda Wigeriche and the forces of Upper Lorraine have joined the war in Ajaccio."
"Who is Edda ... wait isn't she the bastard daughter of Gottfried IV. I would never have expected Welfs regency council to sink so low. " pausing for a moment to collect her thoughts Matilda continued "So this means that Lombardy and Upper Lorraine are of similar size to us."
"Correct but Marshall Lorenzo is confident our men at arms are superior and the new Light Horsemen division will make a big difference."
"On the flats maybe but not in the mountains of Ajaccio. I need to speak to Vitale about the cost of mercenaries. Do you have any other news for me Chancellor?"
To my surprise Czyrzniech did not and even better he did not feel the need to confess to another sin from his youth where he pushed his brother down the stairs or something like that, Mara did say if he was ever disloyal he would not be able to keep it a secret and to be careful with what is shared with him.
July 1092
The battle for Ajaccio continues slowly as the various armies test each others mettle so to speak. The council are now of the opinion that the war will last longer than Genoa but of course Tuscany will prevail.
It is with great sadness that I attend the funeral of my favourite Knight Flavio "the Virgin" and Count of Lanciano, Ancona and Foggia. He had such a beautiful singing voice and was always good company over the years. I will wait till the war is complete before I decide what to do with his lands, in the meantime I will rule them directly just in case Duke Guy casts his eyes Northwards once he finishes his holy war for the island of Malta.
September 1092
It is with pleasure that I announce the marriage of my son and heir Michele to Eunike an exile from the Byzantine Empire, she is Greek (can't be helped) and Orthodox (refuses to convert which I can respect but am not happy at all with) but loves Michele deeply and I have to say is nearly his intellectual equal, Mara was also impressed by her devious mind and talent for ferreting out secrets as Mara said Eunike will be a great support to Michele as Gavril is to myself.
Image of Michele di Canossa and his wife Eunike circa 1094
February 1094
"Marshall Lorenzo sends word that we are winning the war in Ajaccio and victory is in sight" I announced to the rest of the Council meeting in Florence.
"And I can confirm that Gallura is now part of the Petty Kingdom of Connacht, Bishop Eriprando has checked and after the death of Petty King Ruaidri, Count Caissin inherited lands in Eire and due to succession laws he now swears fealty to his older brother Petty King Tadg." To say I was not happy would be an understatement my poor sweet Matilda may have to relocate to the cold and wet Emerald Islands.
"After the war in Corsica can we just not claim the title and take it back?"
I had to give a side-eye to my son Michele at his comment, surely he was well aware of the ramifications and that his comment was nonsense and by the glint in his eyes he was but expressing the thoughts of some of the other Council members who should know better.
"No Michele, Caissin is still married to your sister and the alliance stands and if reports are true about the state of Eire now then perhaps one day a Canossa will rule in Eire."
June 1094
Victory, Ajaccio rightfully belongs to Tuscany and the forces of Lombardy and Upper Lorraine have been sent fleeing with their tails between their legs.
My Council have also kindly reminded me that I need to hand some of the counties I am controlling directly as it is impacting on the taxes and levies from the counties and the opinion of my vassals and courtiers.
Deciding to keep the titles in the family I sign the papers and grant
To my son Michele: the counties of Ancona and Urbino (it is time for him to learn to rule)
To Wieshaw (husband of Silvana): the counties of Foggio and Lanciano
To Count Herold (husband of Paola): the county of Ferrara
July 1094 - October 1094
It is time to renew my faith and I decide to my make my pilgrimage north to the great Cathedral in Cologne. The trip was not without event and while driving off bandits one of the peasants managed to slice my leg with a pitchfork. I have made my fellows promise not to tell my husband Gavril or Michele about this. By the time I return home the wounds should have healed.
To my surprise after returning to Florence I received a bequest of 239 florences from Pope Silvester IV who had been elected after the death of my good friend and mentor Pope Alexander III at the end of 1093. The brief message attached stated this was in appreciation of my dedication and service to the Holy Church. I am quietly pleased that before the election I had expressed support for Silvester.
July 1095
The Duchy has returned to profit and there is enough funds to start building the Leisure Palace in Florence that I have wanted to do since I was a little girl.
February 1096
I have to wonder about Duke Guy, it has been almost 5 years and he is still battling the Muslims for the island of Malta but it has given me some ideas. Bishop Eriprando continues to work on the Tuscany claim for Capua and reports from the capital indicate that the young Kaiser Heinrich V has developed a paranoid streak which could be a problem for the Empire when he comes of age.
July 1096
Looking across the table to Mara and Lorenzo I smile slightly "Are we sure?"
"Yes Duchess" Lorenzo smiles back "Amir al-Umag ...ugggh .. Amir Tamim has lost his war , his armies are depleted and it is the perfect time to claim Tunis."
"And Duchess he no longer has any alliances he can call on, his older children are married and betrothed and the words from my sources are the other Amirs are not interested in any closer ties to Amir al-Umara Tamim al-Muizz." Mara added, Lorenzo hide his grimace very well.
"So be it Bishop please advise the Pope that Tuscany in the name of the Church declares a Holy War for the Emirate of Tunis and may the good Lord have mercy on the infidel's souls."
October 1097
Victory we have claimed the counties of Medjerda and Satfura on the Northern coast of Africa and won a great battle over the infidels. The Pope was very pleased and gifted me with another 232 florences in recognition of our success.
After a good nights sleep I grant both counties to Vitale the betrothed of my youngest daughter Beatrice and also the youngest son of my long time Steward Count Vitale.
The Bishop continues to natter that Tuscany needs to become a Kingdom to manage the various terrotries properly. I will deal with that issue in my own good time.
November 1097
I have been asked to serve on the Imperial Council this time as Marshall by Kaiser Heinrich V, it appears that the Kaiser has heard some of the bards songs about me leading troops into battle in my youth.
February 1098
Count Michele of Urbino and Ancona was meeting with his steward as he always did first thing in the morning to review the finances of the county and explore options to grow the county into the financial hub of the Duchy. Michele was certain that his Steward was dreading these sessions but it was a good opportunity for both of them to learn.
"Excuse me Count Michele, reports are coming in of a Ducal delegation coming at speed."
"Did you say Ducal Rosso?"
"Yes Count, they are carrying the Ducal flag and there are a lot of them and they are not stopping for anything."
"Thank you Rosso, we will continue our meeting later Steward."
"Of course Count and I will have the updated tax figures as you have requested."
Nodding Michele made his way quickly to the walls of the Keep of Urbino, it was very easy to spot the dust cloud of the approaching delegation and from the size of it
"That looks like it is the entire Horse company coming, it must be war on the Empire." Michele muttered to himself before turning to Rosso "Send word, all men at arms on full alert and on the gates and walls."
As the group of horse over 200 strong grew closer Michele could see that leading it was Marshall Lorenzo, Steward Vitale and surprisingly Aunt Mara as well. Now very uncertain Michele made his way to the courtyard as the horses of the vanguard and the Council members thundered in, outside the other horsemen drew up .
"Greetings what is of so import that my mother has sent the entire Duchy Company of the Horse?" Michele called out as the others dismounted.
Lorenzo, Vitale and Mara looked at each other before Mara stepped forward and saying in a voice that carried throughout the courtyrad.
"Duke Michele we bring grave tidings." and as one Mara and the council members sank to one knee followed by the Horsemen and like dominos the men at arms and courtiers of Urbino.
Shock gripped Michele, his Mother the Duchess was barely 50 years of age then it was time for action.
"Rise, we will ride for the capital, Lorenzo leave half the company here to escort my wife and son to Florence. Who else knows?"
"None yet but word will start to spread my Duke?"
"How?"
"In her sleep, she was found by her maids when she did not attend dawn prayers" Mara replied.
"And my Father?"
"The Bishop is drafting letters as we speak." Vitale added.
"Then we ride."
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