Prologue - part III
Barony of Czersk, January 1067
Courtiers have gathered in the dining room, waiting for the feast, when count suddenly decided to make a speech.
“My friends, I have something to tell you. As you know, I have a beautiful wife.”
Maria nodded, as her introduction was met with the applause. Her rudimentary knowledge of Polish let her understand just the introduction of her husband speech.
“I am happy to say, that Maria is bearing my child. And I strongly believe, that the God himself has heard my prayers and that he will give me a son.”
The count’s words were followed not only by clapping, but also by sounds of astonishment.
“My dear friends, it is not the only matter I would like to talk to you about.”
The audience was seemingly surprised.
“I hope that words you will hear here won’t leave this place, so I call you for the utmost discretion.”
Silence suddenly filled the room.
“As you might know, my family has a beautiful history. We were once in power, but lost our positions to Piasts from Greater Poland. My wife made me realize, that I can no longer ignore this fact. I spent whole autumn thinking about this matter and I hereby announce, that I will do my best to bring the house Mazowiecki to its former glory!”
Courtiers couldn’t believe in his words. They couldn’t believe it was the same count, who would wander aimlessly in the castle’s corridors, showing no interest in politics and having no ambitions.
“My dear,” Lutosław continued, once more receiving the attention. “Having said that, I announce, that I will reclaim the County of Płock. And to achieve that, I appoint Mayor Lambert as my new marshal.”
Courtiers stood still, not being able to believe in count’s change. People were unsure whether this claim was true, it could be a clever intrigue instead, so nobody decided to applaud. Lambert would probably do so, but he was not present at the time - he already knew about his promotion.
“To reach our aim, we need funds,” Lutosław continued. “And that is why I am forced to introduce a new tax for merchants.”
Count ended his speech and servants brought the meal, but courtiers and their conversations wouldn’t let the commotion die down.
The feast has ended, courtiers went back to their everyday activities, and count’s favourite thing to do was reading. It was, nonetheless, a good opportunity to ponder, and now, Lutosław had plenty of matters to think about. His decision could seem hasty, but if he were to pursue his new dreams, he had to do it now. Recently, he was visited by a royal messenger. He didn’t bring good news - Bolesław, young king of Poland, has decided to institute a law granting more power to the crown. Lutosław, as a direct vassal, opted against these changes, but in the end the law was passed. If king, or his successors, went on with another reform, Lutosław wouldn’t be able to wage war against other vassals in the kingdom of Poland. And he knew, that war was the only way to set the foot in Płock once again.
Lutosław was abruptly pulled out from reading by his chancellor, who apparently had news to deliver.
“My lord, have a look.”
Chancellor showed him an opened letter.
“What is it?”
“This is the letter from my agent in Płock. He managed to forge the document giving us rightful claim to the Płock.”
Lutosław was happy to hear this, but had enough talking for today and decided not to respond. Chancellor smiled. He was accustomed to having a silent liege, and this view was very pleasant, contrary to the unexpected, socially active Lutosław from the dinner.
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