Royal Court of Bohemia

[Petrarca]

Happy times were not to be found in Praha. At the manor of the Rokycana family, the lady of the house seethed vexedly. But she still had affairs to deal with.

”Milady, the Germans accepted your proposal. The greater part will enter your grace’s pay under the terms requested.”

”Thank you, Miroslav. You are dismissed.”

The chamberlain scurried from the room, leaving Katrina with Gruber and von Ehrlichman. The Captain was the first to speak:

”And these hunters from the forest shall become a military force? And will they perform better than conscripts?”

Katrina replied, ”They are skilled in the use of the bow. You cannot deny that the Black Forest produces some of the most able archers in Christendom, Hans.”

He said, ”You misbalance their skill compared to their numbers. They are few when we fight with thousands on each side on the bloodstained pitch of war.”

She curled her lip, disappointed at being contradicted, and said, ”Their service is mainly as a bodyguard and noble retinue, not combatants. If they are committed to the Imperial conflict, then it is because I order thusly. But I have not worked as long as I have so that I may be questioned at every turn!”

The Cardinal laughed gently at her outburst and commented, ”Don’t exaggerate, dear niece. You cannot say that the Captain intends anything besides the best and that anyone besides your father will enjoin those hunters to his command.”

She turned to him as tears began to form in her eyes: ” Perhaps the Captain does intend the best. But you are right, Uncle. My father and my uncle control my life to an extent that I could never dream of. After maintaining the household of one of the kingdom’s greatest families, maintaining the finances, arranging trips and audiences before the Emperor himself, Uncle, I still am a slave to your intentions.” Her tears grew and fell from her cheeks with alarming rapidity. ”You never married, Uncle. Father is never present. Hans can do what he pleases. But I am a woman bound to the commands of my Czech father who never attends to me and my German uncle who proscribes my own marriage, without my knowledge or consent, to a boy who thinks himself king! A cold, unfeeling boy whose only cares are about the state he controls. I have never disobeyed you, Uncle, but marriage to a callous child, who though older than me has no normal sentiment or passion of any type. I heard him in Stettin, Uncle, though you were not there. He compliments the Emperor’s sister, Uncle- and on what? On her hips, Uncle, on her wide hips so that she can more easily deliver a male child for her future husband. You don’t understand! How can you, a celibate cardinal, understand what I feel? I am in the prime of my youth with six and ten years and the feelings and attitudes normal to a woman, and I am telling you, Uncle, that I want to marry as I see fit.”

After that speech, Katrina fell further into tears. Cardinal von Ehrlichman stood paralyzed under her bombardment. It was Captain Gruber who made the first response. He moved out of the room.

Gruber said as left, ”I recuse myself from this family, er, discussion.” He paused on the threshold, though, and did not step out. Instead, he turned and said something more, ”I cannot deny that I sympathize. I agree with both your feelings and your assessment of your betrothed, Milady.” He then stepped out of the room.

Von Ehrlichman, once stunned, now spoke: ”But Katherine, dear Katrina, I have given you everything you have ever requested. I spoiled you as some other uncles do, yes, but I granted your every request. Never have I had anything but the best intentions for you.”

Katrina stopped her tears to respond, saying, ”Don’t you understand, Uncle? When I was younger, you allowed me to spend summers in the country, you took me to Vienna and Berlin and Munich, you let me choose a horse to be mine alone when the impulse seized me, you played with me at every request. But the most important event of my life- my marriage- you strip it from me, you give me neither choice nor protest. You announce my betrothal before I even know about it. You may think it wonderful that I would marry the King, enshrined in law as the foremost prince of the Empire. But I hate him, uncle! I cannot stand his callous acts nor his heartless words. If I am to be wed, uncle, let it to be with some man with a spirit and compassion as befits a true husband.”

The Cardinal let the words sink in. He had spoiled her at every opportunity and afforded her the privilege of conducting herself independently. Now the independence that he had treasured in her had voiced itself.

”Perhaps, my dear Katrina, you are right.” He sat down. He always imagined himself to be acting in the best interests of his motherless and practically fatherless niece. Now that image was challenged, and he reacted: ”I feel it best that the arrangements be discarded, then. If the King wants a heifer to bear children, and not a wife to comfort him in his life, then he can ask the Kaiser of the swamp for a relative. But you, dear girl, are too great a prize to give children and suffer the inattentions of a hollow man. Herr Gruber shall, as always, take care of the details. I am grieved, terribly grieved, to have done wrong by you, Katrina. I always intended the best for you…” At this point he, too, began to feel wet tears.

Gruber summoned a scribe and a messenger while the Cardinal and Katrina reconciled.




To His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor of Humanity, Successor in that bless’d office to His Imperial Majesty Karl IV of Bohemia, Duke of Pommerania, King of Sweden, et alia,

His Majesty Ladislav V, the King of Bohemia, Prince Elector of the Empire, has requested in under the solemn sacrament of marriage in the catholic and apostolic church the hand of the Alexandra of the Grief. His Majesty has recently gained his majority and reign over the kingdom, as His Imperial Majesty has so declared before the Imperial Diet, and wishes a wife to aid and comfort him in his years serving God as a sovereign ruler. It would give His Majesty great pleasure not only to be bound in holy matrimony to His Imperial Majesty’s close kin, Alexandra, but to enjoy the privilege of then being tied to His Imperial’s Majesty’s glorious house. His Majesty wishes this event to commemorate not only the love between the pair but also the brotherly love of those who share the same Slavic blood and heritage.

His Majesty has declared that none less than a Prince of the Church shall perform the ceremony. His Majesty has also suggested that as His Imperial Majesty may venture to Rome, such a ceremony could take place there in the presence of the Petrine Office or a more local candidate. As the customary dowry, the magistrates have noted that the Duchy of Silesia remains under the administration of His Imperial Majesty, and that this long-treasured land could return to the Prince Elector as enumerated in the Golden Bull of His Imperial Majesty Karl IV of Bohemia of Anno Domini 1356.


Written in Praha by a humble and base representative of His Majesty,

Hans Gruber, Captain to the King’s Minister and House of Rokycana

 

[Bagricula]

A Letter from Bologna

In the evening riding a mule a middle-aged friar enters Prag accompanied by a honey-haired novice both in the lily white robes of the Order of St. Dominic. These domini canes spend the night in a nearby seminary. After breaking fast with the students and teachers they journey to the Czechian palace. It takes only the sigil of the Holy Office to gain them swift entrance to the King's court, and soon they are ushered into his presence with minimum ceremony. The Czechians remember well the fires of the Inquisition and the wars of Jan Huss. The Imperial Inquisitor has acted with caution and tact, but these new Italians are unknown quanities.

The friar bends at the waist, still clutching a wooden rosary in his pudgy hands like some sort of charm. He straightens and addresses the King of Bohemia with a thin strained voice:

"King Ladislav, I, Leonardo, a humble dog of God, come begging your sufferance of my presence in the conduct of the investigation into vestiges of the heretical doctrines of Jan Huss in your lands. Brother Tonio here bears my orders from His Eminence the Grand Inquisitor."

The honey-haired youth does not blink his blue eyes but merely smiles slightly as he removes a sealed letter. When the seal of the Holy Office is broken, the letter reads:

"To Ladislav of Wittelsbach and Luxembourg,

King of Bohemia, Margrave of Moravia, Duke of Lusatia, Duke of Silesia, Prince-Elector of the Holy Roman Empire, Grandmaster of the Knights of the Cross of the Red Star, Arch-Cupbearer of the Empire,

When God's son Jesus Christ came down to Earth to proclaim the Kingdom of Our Lord, he bestowed upon the noble brows of those first Apostles, the holy and mighty duty of governing this world with the Word of God and his divine and righteous justice. The true successor to the Apostles, His Holiness, who sits on the Petrine Throne, through the Episcopate granted to you Ladislav a sacred and holy duty to govern, guard, and nourish the people of the lands you hold in vicarage for Our Lord Jesus Christ King of Kings.

So too were your ancestors and predecessors made kings of old, meant to rule over a pious and Christian land. Evidence persists of a serious breach with orthodox doctrine among your people. Such ungodliness and straying from the path of righteousness will lead, as in the past, to the downfall and destruction of your charge.

To ensure the swift and efficient execution of the investigation into the vestiges of the Hussite heresy in Bohemia, you are to make good use of Brother Leonardo as my voice, ears, and hands in Bohemia. In Nomine Patri, et Filii, et Spiriti Sancti do I ask your cooperation in these matters.

With My Warmest Regards,

Prospero Vivarelli"

Beneath the Grand Inquisitor's spidery signature the sigil of the Holy Office has been placed in blood and fire red wax.

 

[cccino]

Syndicate Council House, Buda...

"Right," determined Linczak. "There will be a Syndicate Meeting in one week. At that time, I will be recommending to those present that any delegate absent at that meeting (OOC: Tomorrow) have their voting priviledges suspended for one month. Send out the word," he told his assistant.

The chairman looked down at the list in front of him. The only delegates he knew were in the city were from Moldavia, Serbia, Transylvania and Wallachia. And of course there was the new Bohemian delegate. Of particular concern were Bavaria and the Palatinate, the location of whose representatives he had no idea, and who had not responded to any of his official letters. If the Wittelsbach states were planning to reassign new ambassadors, they were taking their time.

"Bogdan," Linczak cried out, spotting the man down the hall. "I trust your councillor Dragos Doucestu is still in the city, ready to return to the council? Or will you be taking his place? Either way, I trust you are preparing an outline of the economic situation of Moldavia for the meeting next week?"

Linczak received a note from Prince Ugo. He looked up at his assistant, and asked him to add something to the agenda.

"It seems that the government in Austria, having been accepted into the Syndicate some time ago, has finally gotten itself together and is willing to join. Since the original offer was not time limited, nor has it been annulled, another vote on the exact same issue is unnecessary. At next week's meeting a representative from Austria will be present to sign and officially join the Syndicate"

He thought some more.

"Can you contact Vikomt Rokycana for me to find out if the Duke of Bremen has approved Bohemia to join us?"

There was one more item to add to the agenda. "I believe we should reassign duties to each member, as much will have changed and it has been some time since we have had a proper meeting. Make a note please Miklos."

 

[unmerged(17303)]

With no Entourage aside from one servant, a Priest, and an armed Guard, Baron von Villach walked through Prague until he reached the Royal Court.

[color=FF5555]"As per the request of the King of Bohemia, I have been sent by our Lord, the Ruler of Austria.
Yes, although your people do not formally pay tribute or fly the flag of Austria throughout this fine city, we still consider ourselves rather close to Bohemia. My Lord Markus von Habsburg has established quarters for your ambassador in Vienna for whenever the King is ready to send a diplomat."[/color]

With that, the Baron bowed and waited for someone to show him to his quarters.

 

[unmerged(7347)]

A letter arrives from the Mamelukes.

"Infidel Ruler of the Lands of Pitty,

The time when you could tear up the Mamelukes neighbours like a scavanger is over. The Mameluke Sultan will honor his alliance with the Ottomans, united against agression we stand, and your pitty excuse for war will not be overseen.

You can now consider that a state of war exist between our realms."

 

[unmerged(6629)]

Leader of Bohemia,

your unrighteous attack will be the end of your soul. If you do not cease this witless aggression you will find your self in the depths of hell for all eternity, eating hot coals which are still burning when they come out of your behind.

I ask you for the sake of your undying soul, repent! If you renounce your unholy war and come before me to ask for forgiveness your sins shall be forgotten and forgiven. In the name of God, He who knows all and sees all, I call you to answer for your crimes.

I would also like to inform you that your claim of being Grandmaster of the Order of the Red Cross impresses no one. We have recently defeated the Knights of the Cross and the Grandmaster is currently our guest. You're unrighteous and false claim does not help your situation.

Abandon this attack! The forces of Oman shall cut down all men that are unrighteously sent against the faithful.

Imam Malik, leader of the Kharijis and defender of the faith.

 

[unmerged(9313)]

A letter arrives from Genoa.

To the King of Bohemia.

It is with extreme disappointment that I now know that you have chosen to be the friend of my greatest enemy, thus chosing to be my great enemy. Very well, I shall see you on the battlefield, where I promise you as much resistance as I can muster.

Signed
Andrea Doria
Doge of Genoa

 

[Prince Eugene]

An emissary arrived from Denmark.

"Your Majesty Ladislav V von Bohemia,

May I introduce myself as Baron Alfred von Egdrup. I have come from the Kingdom of Denmark-Norway to represent the will of His Majesty Frederik von Schallenberg. His Majesty bids you thanks for sending an emissary to his court, thus he has sent me to yours.

I wish to serve as ambassador to your court. Perhaps we could arrange some sort of a deal of mutual friendship."

 

[unmerged(7347)]

A letter arrives from Egypt.

”To the infidel son of a mule, calling himself King of Bohemia,

Do not think we for a second have forgotten your agressive actions and do not assume we will let your villages and crop fields stand untouched as you invade Dar l Islam…

As the crockodile who hides in the Nile, you cowardly sneak up behind innocent people. Without even a minor warning, you strike upon thoose who wish you no ill. Well take my word, as an old lame camel you have been led, like the blind fool you are you will fall in the holes you digged yourself. If your mother didnt already regret she gave birth to you the Sultan himself would happily help her see the fact that you are nothing more then a bitter goat, wandering around on the steppes with no succes of finding even the smallest waterhole.

The wrath of Allah is nothing compared to the devestation that will fall upon yourself, your pitty knights and your people when the Most Glorious Sultan of Egypt will marsch his troops against you. Then remember who started this war…”

 

[Petrarca]

Ladislav scowled. The expression had reached a state of near-permanence upon his face. He turned to von Ehrlichman and spoke: “I still am disappointed that we shall marry fair Katrina. I admit, I admired her beauty immensely, and the merest glance from her countenance could suffice to warm the coldest hearths in winter’s quiet time. Ah, had you only kept that engagement, herr Cardinal. And yet you saw fit to abridge those plans.” His countenance turned sour again after a brief smile.

“As I have mentioned on several occasions to Your Majesty, it is entirely the fault of those jealous nobles. They do not desire marriage to the sainted Crown that does not tie their own to the highest dynasty. They fear, Your Majesty, …” von Ehrlichman trailed off, unwilling to continue his lie. Katrina had persuaded him to cancel the marriage, but who better to place the blame upon than the subversive Jan Rohac, who doubtlessly harbored those opinions yet dared not voice them.

Ladislav misheard, and responded: “They should fear us. We should inspire both dread and awe in out subjects as sovereign monarch. But remember, herr Cardinal, that this failure still entails punishment. Fortunately, our attentions are directed elsewhere.” As he finished, he strode towards a window where below, mercenaries assembled in ranks and close order.

Von Ehrlichman knew, war or not, that the king needed him. Despite his ambitions, Ladislav was not politician enough to rule by decree alone. Tet.

Ladislav broke the silence while still watching the troops: “And now, war. To punish lawbreakers and gain the favor of sweet Alexandra. But tell me, herr Cardinal, what ever has become of your niece?”

“Still in Nuremberg, doubtlessly enjoying the spas and appearing before potential suitors,” replied von Ehrlichman, his mind wandering to the kingdom’s finances. Trade to the north continued steadily due to a friendly border; the south and east were members also of the syndicate, but everything could stand improvement…

“We must embark for Nuremberg at once!” came the shocking declaration by His Majesty.

“But, Your Majesty has only just recently returned from Nuremberg. With armies in the field, we cannot neglect crises at home lest we be overwhelmed by internal problems.” said von Ehrlichman, now desperately searching for some pretense to avoid the king’s amorous intentions.

“Yes, well, we must confer with the Emperor on the order of battle. Confusion could lose us this fight.”

von Ehrlichman pondered this. Yes, confusion could easily decide the matter in one way or another. He began mentally composing a note, and then remembered to respond to the king: “But the Emperor has already left, my sources tell me.”

“If you are wrong, we cannot avoid this chance to solidify our royal ties with my betrothed’s family. Yes, prepare for Nuremberg at once.”

War of the probable royal motivations, von Ehrlichman nodded in assent, departed from the royal presence, and wrote down the letter he had pondered. Soon, it was sent.

Dearest Niece,

The King travels presently to Nuremberg and the Diet. I fear the rashness of his character, and therefore I beg you to leave without delay. His Majesty would probably like to see you— and his matrimonial ambitions spurned have doubtlessly inflamed his miniscule passions. Fly, lest he force a wedding while in Bohemia, or worse, some unspeakable arrangement outside the Church’s sanction.”

Katrina stared at the note in disbelief. She asked the omnipresent captain a question: “I have no desire to become a royal mistress, serve a man’s passions, and be discarded as he finds a new flame. Simply tell me where to go, Hans, that we may leave now.”

Gruber pursed his lips and thought for a moment: “I remain at your beck, Katrina. It shall do no good to turn any feelings into anger of permanence, so a good pretense is requisite. And we must also avoid all combatants.”

“Where, where? Time draws closer, and I cringe at the thought of seeing his dispassionate yet lustful eyes again.”

“The Peloponnesus, then. A tournament, drawing knights from all of Europe, is held there under the auspices of the Hispanic convert. It provides haven amidst the multitudes, and cause for flight too.”

“I follow your sage counsel, Hans, as you followed mine when my father was last here and dissolved my ties with the wretched boy. You shall enter in the tournament, then, and fight for the Kingdom? Our house may yet gain favor through this act.” Katrina looked at him, awaiting his response.

“I have no desire to partake in mortal combat and to gallop into an encounter. Such times in Italy I found myself performing the same, under the fabled Francesco’s command,” said Gruber, recoiling from the muddy stench of battle that stained his memories.

Katrina whispered softly to him, “I understand. Let us praise God that Sforza was always victorious, then, shall we? And none shall have to know if you withdraw, for reason of some defect of mount, before the first round. I am young, Hans, and I wish only to live forever, or die in the attempt. I believe you too feel the same.”

 

[Petrarca]

Where azure Strait of Corinth lay,
from wooded mountains far beyond,
arrived a knight and lady fair,

to seek in Sparta refuge there,
diverting distress’d wits from long
held fears, enjoying blissful days​

“Proof of nobility? They require evidence? Of my noble blood? How rudely judgmental”

“That is precisely the desired comportment, Hans. Years of being taught conduct, all so now I may teach you the arts of arrogance and disdain.” Kristina smiled. She much rather enjoyed the conservatory, or indeed anything else, to the strictures of her governesses.

“Arrogance I can manage. Warring with the Italians taught me plenty about how bluster and bristle. But under whose name do I fight? The Knights of the Cross of the Red Star are eminently suitable, but their names are known and most are now assembled in the King’s own.”

“My father always wanted a son, Hans. Claim to be the heir to the Count of Teplice, and carry the heraldry of our house. We are but little known outside Lusatia and Bohemia, let alone the Empire. The only ones who would recognize the name would be the Magyars, yet they know nothing of his family.”

“Then it is settled. Let me present ourselves to the master of the tourney, and hope that His Majesty’s spies report back to Praha.”

Katrina laughed. She said, “Hans, I have already written a letter to my uncle describing our journey. His Majesty probably retreated to the kingdom once he learned we had departed Oberpfalz.”



They claimed a small, grassy, inconspicuous but central knoll as their site. As the pair and their pathetically small retinue approached the officials, Hans was quickly asked for his Christian name and title.

“I am the firstborn of the Hrad z Teplice, loyal vassal to our liege, the King of Bohemia. These are my arms:

“And who is the fine noble lady?” called a voice nearby in the crowd.

Katrina whispered, “Your wife. I do not wish to suffer the propositions of these boors.”

“She is my sister, now betrothed and soon yet married.”

“If you had said I was eligible for marriage, I would have gleefully attacked you in the night with a dagger,” she whispered again.

With that auspicious beginning, Gruber approached the master of ceremonies.

 

[Petrarca]

Ladislav settled back down. Upon the Cardinal's receipt of his niece's latest letter, the King had ended his plans to journey to Nuremberg.

Cardinal von Ehrlichman quietly brought up matters of state back to His Majesty's attention: "Sire, the infidels and the seaward coward have sent letters that require Your Majesty's righteous response. In addition, several gentlemen await the royal presence..."

After expending most of his passion in vitiriolic letters, Ladislav was far calmer, and audienced his guests

"To the good people of the Friars Preachers, sent here by His Eminence Prospero Cardinal Vivarelli, we welcome you to our kingdom. For some time now, due to the ineptness of my predecessors and the conspiracies and lures of Satan, as your office has divined, the land has been plagued by followers of the Hereseriach. Here in beautiful Praha we retain a monaster of the Friars Minor, and as Sts. Dominic and Francis granted privileges to the followers of each other normally reserved for their own members, you may make your seat there. Bar that possibility, the rectory of the Cathedral of St. Vitus should welcome honorable men of the cloth such as yourselves.

In accordance with decrees of Christ, and his beloved apostles, and their successors in the episcopate, most notably the Petrine Ministry, we grant you unrestricted inspection of the Kingdom, in its entirety, so that you may redeem the heretic fallen to Christ’s mercy. As the many saints may testify, such as Sts. Vaclav, Ceslaus, Vitus, Karl, Wolfgang, Thietmar, Adalbert, Procopius, Agnes, and more, Bohemia has been a loyal fief in Christ’s Empire until this plague of heterodoxy befell. Cardinal von Ehrlichman, the Metropolitan of the Archdiocese, shall assist you in any manner possible; I shall brook no obstructions to your work. May God bless his secular and religious leaders, for we must maintain the flock Christ left us.”


Ladislav dismissed the delegation from the Holy Office of the Inquisition and welcomed the Austrian ambassador once more:

“Baron von Villach, we as always enjoy the presence of representatives from the Duke. However, for reasons of etiquette we demand that any men at arms not enter the court or the royal palace. They could be a threat to the Crown and the enjoyment of the court. Should you fear arrest, then we give our pledge, as a sovereign ruler under the divine law, that no man or woman who is a citizen of the Kingdom shall be arrested without just cause, and if arrested must gain notice of the charge within two nights or be freed, and that envoys to the Crown shall be considered, as a matter of courtesy, immune to charges or they be given a fortnight’s warning. As to your request of ambassador for Wien, Baron von Werngau is already entertaining our interests there.”

Slightly disappointed in the Austrian tact or lack thereof, the King turns toward the Dane:

“Herr Baron, we welcome you to the Kingdom and bid you pleasant stay. We congratulate your monarch on his ascension to the throne; we pray that through his wise and just leadership he may be an example of leadership to Denmark. And we are sure that arrangements may be discussed in private.”

 

[unmerged(17303)]

Baron von Villach angrily walked to the Royal Court.

[color=ff5555]"How can this be? Months ago, As was Requested, the Duke of Austria sent me to Prague, and your promised Diplomat has not returned to Vienna. I have been told by Courier that the Duke has been insulted. It has been approximately six months since he sent me to Bohemia and not a single word of reply was sent to him from Bohemian officials."[/color]

 

[Petrarca]

In Sparta

Gruber sought out Sir Paul, desiring to speak to the impresario yet feeling out of place surrounded by boastful nobles on all sides. Finally, he summoned long-hidden courage and shoved his way to the front, disregarding protests from half-drunken men.

"Herr Rebolodicus, noble master of these events, I desire to formally put the name of my family on this roster."

Gruber quickly depleted his strength in blood and choleric humor and soon lacked the notion as how to proceed. Katrina whispered to him- "Claim the baptismal name of Hans and get it over with!"

With his blood and therefore his humours balanced, Hans finished while other knights looked upon him oddly: "I am the firstborn son of the Count Rokycana, hailing from Teplice. I was christianed Hans in Mother Church; I may be registered as Sir Hans Rokycana should your lordship see fit to include me. Is the crest of my family required again?" With that rhetorical question, Hans strode off in his best imitation of a highborn buffoon.

 

[Petrarca]

In Sparta

Amidst the greatest wonders here
The knight lay stricken while supine
As ladies waiting did yet come near

To complement the beauty d’vine
Came both those of vanity and grace
And of the chaos came design​

“A loss is bad. A loss to an apostate heathen who blasphemes the name of the Almighty is crushing.”

“Keep quiet, Hans. Preserve your strength; the pharmacist says to rest.” Katrina speaks softly to him. Gruber is lying on a makeshift bed in the tent with his body curled from the painful cramps that rack his stomach.

He is able to sneer, “Try to see how long your cheery disposition of a mother hen will last when you are stricken,” before vomiting once more into a nearby vessel.

With every part of his body straining to function, Hans gave up and passed once again into unconsciousness. While he slept, Katrina ordered servants to move him and burn all the bedding he lay on. Just to expunge both the foul winds and the defeat endured, she commanded a new pavilion to be set up.

As night began to fall, a fallen knight lay huddled while Katrina watched the fire with insufferable boredom. She composed a letter, sent to the master of events, stating that despite ill balance of the four humours he would compete and signed in his name.



As Virtue’s brief reign in Dorian lands closed, so Vanity rose in contrast, waxing to the waning goodness. Shouts from new arrivals in the distance brought a familiar tongue to the camp. One spoken only in the Kingdom; one known as Czech. In the dim dusk light Katrina is able to recognize the two unexpected figures stepping down from their coach, and is shocked at the lack of a male escort. Nevertheless, she conceals her surprise as she addresses them:

“Snejanka! Elisabet! Welcome to these rock-strewn grounds! I despair from the lack of company in this barbaric place and I cannot express my joy upon seeing you! I finally have some company now whom I may confide in. Please stay, I entreat you. And let us talk, for tell me how you were permitted to come?”

Snejanka spoke with beguiling forthrightness, “Cousin, you of all must know that when I suggested to our father that we could find highborn suitors here, the game was done. And I do desire to see both you and the dark sapphire waters of the ocean sea.”

Elisabet interrupted, chattering about the handsome possibilities all around her while Katrina rolled her eyes at the thought of some of the more crude boors.

“Perhaps, Lisbet, we may find some truly husbandly men here,” Snejanka offered.

“Sneje, I’m not looking for some Solomonic wise man that you talk about. Some say heaven is contemplating God’s face, but I’m looking for a striking lord whose own visage I can gaze at. That is what I seek in a husband.”

Katrina smiled at her cousins, arguing once again. The servants brought food and wine, and they talked into the night.

Snejanka, Elisabet, and Katrina​

 

[unmerged(8915)]

Event

Bohemia rushes to war​

The royal army of Bohemia is quickly assembled. The feudal host, before it can muster all its strength is ordered into battle. The old nation, under a young king joins its Imperial protector in the war against the merchant republic of Genoa. Fast are the horses of Bohemia, fast are the foot soldiers of Moravia. They race across borders, they race across rivers. Mud on their boots, and sweat in their faces and still they press on.

Onward, onward! Scream the sergeants. The lion of Bohemia and cross of the Empire, replacing the chalice of the Hussites on many of their shields. For new masters, but with same fervor they march. Before long, these seasoned veterans of the war against all of Christendom join forces with their now Imperial allies and force battle onto the garrison of Genoa. They fight against heretics, which they were long accused of themselves. The thirst for plunder greater than any moral objections.

1. The troops raced across the Alps and won, but are now utterly exhausted. A few leave their posts (-2 morale for 1 year, -1 current LM to Bohemia).

2. The troops raced across the Alps and won, but are now exhausted (-1 morale for 1 year, -1 current LM to Bohemia).

3. The army won, but is now exhausted (-1 morale for 1 year to Bohemia).

4. The army retains its disposition (no effect).

5. The army wins a great victory! (no effect).

6. The Czechs still know how to fight, and fight they will! (+1 morale for 1 year to Bohemia).



Roll:1; The troops raced across the Alps and won, but are now utterly exhausted. A few leave their posts (-2 morale for 1 year, -1 current LM to Bohemia).

 

[Petrarca]

Snow, wet and heavy, fell and dark clouds obscured Karlstein. His Majesty had decided it was past due for a coronation.

“Cardinal, you mean to tell us that even the magistrates have rejected the idea?” spoke a dour young King.

Von Ehrlichman responded cautiously, “Yes, Majesty. The burghers have refused to allow an increased expense because of the monies designated for the war effort. At the same time, the nobles, Majesty, have-“

Ladislav interrupted harshly, saying “I know what the nobles have done. They have betrayed the kingdom, using the coin intended for the provision of our soldiers to line their own pockets. Now we face the world with the army of a crippled and degenerate host in what could have been our finest hour. The Pope does not let us pass! The Doge ignores us! And now our own nobles pose active hindrance to our designs for the Kingdom’s glory? Heaven have mercy on the man who we let escape to Hell once we are done with him.”

Von Ehrlichman shuddered involuntarily at Ladislav’s cold threats. He cleared his throat, wondered if he himself should fear the King, and spoke: “Majesty, the burghers, unlike the aristocracy, do maintain good reason. Much is in disarray. We do not draw from Your Majesty’s ancestral lands across the Rhine in Luxemburg nor from Bayern-Straubing. The mints have been ignored, and this neglect has not proven salutary to the Crown’s treasury.” The Cardinal thought about strangling the nobility. If he could only hang each of them using their own entrails, or leave them out to die in the snow with ravenous dogs. Or even wolves… Except for his brother-in-law, of course. It would be inhumane to deny his niece a father.

Ladislav said, as deep anger grew within him at the incompetence of other men, “Is that all, Cardinal? Or must we hear more of the failures of others? We sought to receive the crown here in Karlstein at the place of elections, and yet we cannot invite any dignitary, for the Estates do not allow the expense. How may they deny us the pomp and ceremony deserved to our rank? How can they deny us our divine right?”

The Cardinal responded, “A monarch’s worth is determined not by the ceremony but by the works he performs. Follow Christ and shun the pageantry. Each shall have his place in the sun, whether in this world or the next.”

Ladislav nodded: “We must agree. You have proven wise counsel to us, Cardinal. Your recommendation of the abilities of herr Miroslav Netolicky has proven most beneficial so far.”

He strode towards the window and looked upon the snowfall of the new year. Perhaps the spectacle and circumstance of coronations did not matter. Either way, he still was King, and foremost of all save for the Emperor himself.

“Cardinal, we shall be crowned here, in the Chapel. Our great-grandfather, Karl IV, His Serene Imperial Majesty, constructed this artifice with the work of the finest craftsmen of the Empire, including Master Theodoric. A coronation here is an homage to the Golden Age of his reign and the glories Luxemburg achieved, its majesty spanning the Empire and Christendom. It would only be proper.”

Cardinal von Ehrlichman sighed in relief.

“The ceremony shall take place in less than the fortnight, Cardinal.”

Cardinal von Ehrlichman’s face went aghast; he left to make the preparations.

 

[cccino]

In Buda...

The Prince replies to the Bohemian Viscount. "Indeed, I agree with you. A treaty between our nations would be most productive. Have you considered any terms?"

The ambassador continues to speak, and eventually offers his daughter's hand. The audience chamber begins to murmer. One of the nobles of the Diet steps forward and addresses the Prince. "My lord Prince, one day you will be King, and you have no heir. For the stability of the realm this must not be so. If we were to lose you we would have to see..." he pauses, "the Voivode Hunyadi as King, or..." again he hesitates with even more distain, "the Prince of Hellas... or one of us." It is difficult to judge how the nobles view this last proposition. The man continues, before the Prince can accost him for speaking so freely. "It has long been my desire to see you married."

Another man speaks, the Count of one of the eastern provinces. "No doubt the lady Rokycana is a fine young candidate, but all fathers' eyes see their daughters as things of Hellenic beauty. As you will one day be King, the woman you marry must be fit to be queen. No father will miss the opportunity to promote his daughter to such goals. My counsel is to determine if the lady is a suitable Queen of Hungary." He steps back.

The Prince waves away all further attempts at advice. "Vikomt, the King will no doubt be interested to meet your daughter. He shall be the one to decide if she will make a fitting wife. I have my own requirements for a wife; I would be most pleased to meet your daughter if you will arrange for her to travel to Buda. Now, I do not wish to cause offence to her father, but you must agree that you cannot help but wish to see your daughter promoted to the most royal position, and there may be more... eligable ladies in the Kingdom?

"But if your daughter is as lovely as you say, she shall be considered. Inform your King that I wish to marry a woman of standing in his Kingdom, and see his reply reaches me at once." Sadly, marriage is as much about politics as anything, and it would be far wiser to discover who the King of Bohemia would advance before looking further.

 

[Petrarca]

Miroslav felt relief as Liguria fell to his back. During the assault of Genoa, he worked to breach the fortifications of the city, using siege weapons and simple techniques such as fasces and earthworks to broach the walls. As an engineer of no stature, he often had the perilous task of directing from the front, and he was now happy to see combat behind him.

He bore in his pouch a letter from Praha, directing him to return to the Kingdom and leave his combat post. It was sealed with the stamp of the Cardinal, the King’s Minister, and required him to report to His Majesty’s service. Miroslav didn’t care what it required of him, so long as he did not face an anonymous and brutal death in battle.

His horse snorted, breaking his reverie. The nondescript chestnut mare would carry him over the Alps back to Praha to abide by the King’s whims.

 

[unmerged(7347)]

A letter arrives from Egypt.

"Infidel Ruler of Bohemia,

With a wide and broad open mouth have you spoken about your "glorious" crusade, thus I ask you... where is it? Well, upon his mercy the Sultan of Egypt, Lord of Africa gives you the oppertunity to open peace discussion. The Mamelukes offers you a honorable white peace with all your muslim opponents. In addition to this the Sultan also offers you a chanse to visit Jerusalm, so that you with your own eyes will see that there is no need for your ridicilois, so called crusades ever again..."