Rumors

[unmerged(9313)]

Kronborg

They were all their. The counts, the barons, the marshals, the bishops. Also, a few loyal Swedish nobles, who had managed to escape from Sparre and go to Denmark. Men of the military branches, mayors from the cities, head of guildes, merchants, and ambassadors from many different countries. In the middle, where the kings throne stood, all was draped in black. On the throne, on a little pillow, laid the crown of Denmark, alone, without its king. By the side of the throne sat the queen, dressed in black, all pale in the face…crying. Gjedde, the chancellor of Denmark comforted her, and the Earl Chamberlain, Galt, recently arrived in Copenhagen after his king had sent him home, told the young prince Christian some comforting words. The little boy did not understand what was going on around them. Noone smiled, the cheerful atmosphere normally present in the Danish court was dead and gone. All men knew what was at hand. Nobody wanted it, but the Swedes had not given them any choice. Everyone also knew, that Pommeria and the rest of tha Hansa had played a major role in this, but the chancellor had ordered the people present not to touch the subject. That would be handled at a later time.

The queen rose from her seat, hushing the already quiet assembly

“My… m-my… men of Denmark… I…I…”

She was on the verge of a breakdown, and several knights of Denmark hurried to her aid, and supported her fragile figure. She looked over at Gjedde and shook her head, She couldn’t do it. He nodded to her, and placed himself in the middle of the hall, clearing his throat.

“Defenders of Denmark, the queen is too heartbroken by the capture of her husband to speak, so I will do it in her stead…”

He walk up and down the floor as he spoke.

“The Swedes has once again defied their king. Again they have rebelled. Again they have acted like heathens. But we are used to that, stupid men do stupid things. But this time they have exceded themselves. They have imprisoned their king!” Gjedde yells out, his face turning bloody red.

“They have broken their allegiance to their their lord, their KING! Will we let this go unpunished, defenders of Denmark?” Gjedde screamed out in the hall.

The hundreds of men roared their lungs out, and the hall shivered under their yell: “NO!!!”
The men of Denmark began to yell, cursing Sweden, cursing Sparre. Some drew their swords and began hitting them against the pillars, tables and anything that made any noice. The roars, the banging, the yells, all melted together to one terrifying outburst, like the ancient roars of war, that their Viking ancestors used to scare their enemies with. This was unprecedented, but so was the entire situation. After fifteen minutes of roaring, Gjedde finally managed to calm them down, even though the thirst of blood was heavily inprented in their eyes.

“Gentlemen, I propose we take care of the Swedes once and for all. We made a mistake letting them exist after the last rebellion, but Denmark never makes the same mistake twice. I propose we all swear a holy oath, that our swords will not rest until the king has been freed, Sweden punished, and order restored!”

Again, the halls of Kronborg trembled as the defenders of Denmark roared, and all day long, the men of Denmark sweared the holy oath before the queen, with Gjedde as the first one. This took a very, very long time, and it would be a war that Sweden would not forget… ever.

 

[unmerged(9600)]

A letter arrives at Lorraine, carried by a rider in black.

My lady, the Duchess Myriam.

Across the lands of Burgundy, chaos reigns. However, should you be willing to ally with me, I am sure that I could convince my cousins Albert and Friedrich to give you aid and money to defeat the rebels, and to make Lorraine far more powerful than any of the survivors of the Burgundian civil war would be. I ask that you give my offer some thought, and then reply to me. I remain at my fortress at Innsbruck.

May God be with you.
Friedrich von Habsburg, Graf von Tyrol.

 

[unmerged(9313)]

Lund
A month or so has passed since the great oath was taken in Kronborg. From all parts of Denmark and Norway, strong men wearing heavy armor and bearing ready swords, mass in Lund, just south of the province of Svealand and the city of Stockholm, the stronghold of Sparre. The nobles have each brought their own men and supplies, and extra men have been conscripted by the nobles themselves. The mighty men are eager to show their support for the captured king, even those usually opposing him back home. But this is not just a matter of politics. It is a matter of the honour of Denmark. It must be revenged, or Denmark will be the laughing stock of all Christianity.
Further, it is one of the few occations to really fight a truly noble fight on chivalrous grounds. The rescue of their king. No war have ever been so just, and for that reason, the bishops of Denmark have also dressed themselves in armor. They never fully accepted that the Holy Father, a Dane, wouldn’t support their fight against Sparre, and so they have to take action themselves. Rumor has it that Iberian powers have taken a hold of the Holy Father, simply because the Sound due irritated a certain nation. With the bishops wealth at the army’s disposal, the amount of soldiers, horses and supplies is huge, and growing in numbers every day. And also volounteers from allied nations arrive. Later, regular foreign troops will join the war. But the Danes will take Stockholm themselves. It is a matter of honour. It is a matter of loyalty. It is a matter of pride.
When fully mobilized, the army will be the largest ever raised in the history of the kingdom. Sweden is doomed…

 

[unmerged(1463)]

In an unknown location in Sweden
Brahe and Christoffer was thrown into a dark cell, where they where chained to the walls.
Brahe made every effort he could to get loose, but failed, and he started to talk to himself
What a madman, Sparre is. Who knows what he will do.
Christoffer, you see you cannot subdue people by brute force, the ideas remains, and can never be quelled. Oh why did't you listen to the urges of some form of freedom. If you did i could have removed him without any issues whatsoever, now he controlls Sweden.

Sadly... i beleive we both are doomed. If he wins the war to come, we will be killed as traitors, if he loose, he will kill us without a trial... And if, for any reason whatsoever, we would be saved, he still has my wife. And as our mottoe are "Nothing but death will do us apart" i wont be saved without my wife.

Oh how i miss her, her sweet hands, her beutifull eyes.

 

[unmerged(1463)]

After the Escape
Brahe and Christoffer rides out in the woods with haste, but before they enter the woods, Brahe turnes around and looks at the castle, and shouts out.
Damn, it's Oravis, Christoffer we go north

An hour later Christoffer and Brahe dismounts in the woods, and hides in the thick forest, and they lay down, and Christoffer shout out
I am not meant for this, I am a King, i should not be treated like this. Theese pathetic peasants dear to rebell against me, i will show them what true repraisals is when i return to Denmark, i will kill the lot of them.


Brahe says with an angry voice
Christoffer, it is this attitude that have brought us to this situation. Your predessor Erick was loved by the people, and thus the people was not hesitant to aid him. You, however, is , worste case, hated, and in best case feared.

Fear is not good, you are an arrogant King, not able to communicate with your subjects in any way but the power of swords


Christoffer replies with an angrier voice
That is treason Brahe, i will have you hung when i get back.


Brahe replies with pity in his voice
You do that if you think that will make your people more loyal



The mornin therafter
Christoffer and Brahe set their journey up north. Christoffer cursing Brahe for his betrayl, and planning the retaliation.

 

[Auspend]

The defences of Stuttgart are being prepared. What was once to be an army prepared to march on Nurnburg has become a small defensive force a mere fraction of it's original size. The army is occupied in fortifying Stuttgart, a city never meant to be attacked by an army. In addition forces are adding makeshift fortifications to the castle. The castle itself, though stout and with thick walls, was not made to stop an Imperial army, and is still damaged from the fire earlier in the year.

 

[Innocent]

Coronation of Stephen, King of Jerusalem​

On this day, the 16th of November in the year of our Lord 1431, a new King was crowned. This King was not your every-day-king, if there is indeed such a thing, but the King of the Holy City, of Jerusalem. Blessed by the Lord with another King of Jerusalem to carry the Holy banner, all of Christendom rejoices at his coronation. But the athmosphere within the Cathedral of Nuremberg was quiet, the Holiness of the moment permeated the air. It was mostly empty, Lord Stephen Witau had wanted a quiet ceremony, and Cardinal Moscicki was not one to defy his wishes. The Emperor perhaps felt odd to be in public with so few people present, but all of those under the Cathedral’s hallowed canopy where of prestige, several Imperial princes and Lord Stephen’s retinue. The south-german winter was beginning to settle in, the pitter-patter of rain could be heard echoing off the roof. The cold humid air penetrated the walls of this House of God, but none seem bothered by this, for they could all feel the host of heaven observing this Holy ceremony. The full choir was assembled, and the proper hymns have been sung to praise the Lord, and glorify His presence.

Cardinal Moscicki stands before the altar, his soft voice pleasantly echoing through the interior as he finishes the prayer “Deus fidelium et lumen animarum adesto.” Making the sign of the cross, he looks down at the kneeling Stephen, whose dignity is evident even as he remains motionless before the altar.

“In these troubling times all Christian eyes look eastward, toward the orient. The levant, outremer, has once again been freed from the clutch of the Saracens. Yet Jerusalem is without lord, there is not yet a man who has grasped the banner of God and lifted it up to continue the most holy crusade. But you, blessed Stephen, you have volunteered for this task, despite the treacherous difficulties it entails. The Lord looks upon men such as you with the highest of esteem, and as with all who take the cross you shall have remiss from prior sin. For you are to be King of Jerusalem, Steward of the Holy Sepulchre, and a blessing to all Christendom.”

“Are you, Stephen of House Witau, prepared to lift this banner and bear the responsibilities which come with it? You must protect Jerusalem and the Holy Land. You must protect the pilgrims who seek the Holy places. Will you do these things?”

Stephen’s voice is resolute, without a tremor of hesitation,

“I shall.”

“You must honor the Clerics who practice in the Holy city, and to give protection to the holy Orders who reside within the Holy Land. Will you do these things?”

“I shall protect the religious and the clerics of this land.”

“You must always act chivalrously, showing respect due to each man and woman. You must be courteous and just. Will you do these things?”

“I shall.”

“You must stand strong on the field of battle. You must be unhesitant to defend Christians from Saracen hands. You must fear not the righteous death, but stand brave in the face of danger. Will you do these things?”

“I shall stand strong before the enemies of our Lord.”

“You must be loyal to the Empire, a loyal servant of the Emperor. You must swear to obey the Emperor and the Reichstag, and uphold their glory and their honor.”

“I swear my allegiance to the Emperor and the Empire.”

“You must be righteous and unwavering of faith in God, and the Holy Catholic Christian Church.”

“I waver not in faith before our Lord.”

“Then by the grace of God, and the will of the Emperor, you shall be crowned King of Jerusalem, Steward of the Holy Sepulcher.”

The Archbishop carefully placed the crown upon his head, and to the sound of hymnal chanting he was vested with the Sword and Scepter of his office. Cardinal Moscicki proceeds to bless King Stephen of Jerusalem:

“May the Lord bless and keep you; and as he, desires that you be king over his people, may he grant you happiness in the present world and the enjoyment of eternal felicity.”

Amen.

“Let him make the clergy and people be governed long and happily. Whom he has wished to be gathered by his aid and disposition under your decree and administry.”

Amen.

“Obeying divine warnings, spared from adversity, abounding in all goods, in faithful love obedient to your command, may your people be fruitful in tranquility in the present age and may they merit the fellowship of eternal citizens with you.”

Amen.

“May he be worthy to lead, and may his kingdom and empire endure without end throughout time.”

Amen.

“May the blessing of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit descend on you.”

Amen.

 

[BusterBunny]

The Battle of Sournay

December 3rd, 1431

Following the taking of Chateau Luzin and Chateau Guyon, Count Maximilien of Artois managed a brilliant victory against the Count of Romont at Mousset. Meanwhile, the armies of the rebels of Holland marched through Alsace to support the forces of Maximilien of Artois, taking Strassbourg and crushing the small army of the Count of Bern.

Following this, the Prince Regent of Burgundy, Alexandre de Beaufort of the House of Plantagenent, assembled the royal army of Burgundy stationned in Dijon, and marched in the Franche Comte to stop the Count of Artois. After receiving a letter from Maximilien confirming the order of battle, the Prince Regent presented himself at Sournay, a small town in the middle of Franche Comte.

______________________________________________

Cold.

Everything was frozen. Winter had come early this year, and it had not stop snowing for three days now. Horses had difficulty getting through the snow, and most of the soldiers were wearing many layers of clothing under their armor. The Royal Burgundian army marched ahead, to reach the fields of Sournay. At least, last night was a little warmer, and most men had slept well. Only a dozen soldiers had died from the cold, and hopefully, Maximilien of Artois will have lost much more troops. After all, to reach Sournay, he had to travel through the mountains, and the freezing temperature would have made the best Scandinavian run for the smallest fire.

"FOOOOOOR-WAAAAAARD!"

The army slowly marched ahead, uninspired by either the cause of this war, or the presence of the Prince Regent.

"A stranger in an alien world" the Prince thought. What was a Plantagenent doing in the middle of the Franche Comte, in the snow, marching toward a man that actually had more right to demand the throne of Burgundy than him. For wasn't the Count of Artois a REAL Burgundian? Wasn't he Burgundian by birth, and not through diplomatic marriage. The Count of Artois was a far son of the House of Artois, once proud owner of the Lower Counties.

The Prince's horse moved forward by its own, as if guided by the hundred of other horses surrounding it. Alexandre was starring at his hands. He couldn't feel them, it was almost surreal. Though the moving army made alot of noise, he didn't hear them. He was now starring at the emptiness in front of him. He had the look of those bitter men, ravaged by years of backstabbing and insults.

He didn't want to be here. He wanted to go back home... not Dijon, but England. Back to the merry festivities held every months, the glorious courts and churches of Wales and Britain.

Back to her, Eleanor, Queen regent of England, the untouchable mistress of his dreams. A dream that, though hundreds of miles away, seemed so real at night.

He could almost touch her. She was there, in front of him. His hand moved slowly in front of him, as if to grab her...

"SLOOOOOOOOW - LEEEFT!"

The army moved left and came about a small series of hills. Sournay was near. Alexandre woke up, and looked around.

"Charles, assume front defensive position. I want the feudal sargents first, then I want the pikemen in 5 square formation, supporting the sargents. Let's assume they could jump on us at any time..."

Charles of Coullieres, second in command of the army, and leader of the Royal Chivalric Knights nodded sharply, and shouted:

"MOOOOOVE, DEFENSE! FRONTLINE SARGENT! SQUARE PIKE! KNIGHTS IN POSITION!"

Charles looked at the Regent. "Do you want the pikemen to hold position and anchor their pike?"

"Not yet, these hills would be perfect to flank us. Let's be vigilant."

As diverse leaders voice shouted "In position!", Alexandre de Beaufort looked around. The surroundings were swallowing him whole, and he suddenly felt not only very small, but also vulnerable.

More than 2000 men had been conscripted. This was probably one of the largest army ever assembled by Burgundy in its history.

A horn was heard, and the echo of the surrounding mountains amplified it greatly. All the troops stopped, and looked around.

Alexandre, Charles and most of the soldiers knew what this meant: an army was approaching.

In front of the army stood a small forest, not very dense, able to let an army pass. The Prince Regent heard the horn again, and again. The other army was approaching. He looked at the small forest, and looked at Charles.

"Charles, I want 400 men to hide in this forest right there. If they jump on us, I want to be able to give them a little surprise."

Suddenly, a man shouted. "Look, there they are!"

Over the hill on left, flags could be seen, and then men waving them.

"Who are they? These are not the men from Artois? They're waving a different flag..." The Prince Regent made his horse turn around a few times, and looked again. "A black lion on a yellow flag...."

Charles then whispered, as if talking to himself "Flandern!"

"What do you mean, Charles?" the Prince Regent asked.

"That we are in luck, sire. The Count of Artois has sent the rebels of Flandern to meet us. Last reports told us of roughly 500 men, badly equiped. Added to the army of Artois, they would be a pain, but alone like this, they will be easily defeated!"

"Charles, I don't want to take any chances. Move three divisions of sargents to the left to greet them. I want the three other divisions to cover the front. Move the pikemen to surround the Knights and us."

Charles said "Very well... sire" then shouted: "Sargents, THREE LEFT! PIKEMEN - SURROUND! THREE LINES DEEP, ANCHOR PIKE! STAND YOUR GROUND!"

The army began to move in a logical pattern, very professionnaly. Everyone knew this battle was important, as it could show the rest of Europe that Burgundy could defend itself.

As the chivalric sargents drew their swords and began to fight the Flanderns, the earth began to tremble, and horses were heard.

"An assault... Mounted knights... this can't be the Flanderns...." Charles said frantically.

"Let's assume those men are with Artois, shall we. Tell the engaged sargents to protect their flank."

The rumbling hordes came crashing into the sargents, having no mercy on the outnumbered Burgundians. The Flanderns cut the fleeing Burgundians, and slaughtered them in a similar fashion. Meanwhile, the pikement had effectively surrounded the Prince Regent and his mounted knights.


The Prince Regent looked on his left.

"We're getting slaughtered on the left flank. Tell the one of the hidden division in the forest to jump on the mounted knights. Let's flank them from the right" he said, as he waved his hand to show his move.

Charles dispatched a messenger, who ran to the hidden unit, and soon after they came out of the woods, and attacked the mounted knights from behind. As one horse after the other came down, Alexandre shouted "YES!" Charles smiled.

But more men kept coming from the forest, and soon, the other hidden division was under attack, and bagan to suffer heavy losses. The three remaining division, clearly not doing anything on the right flank, were ordered to cover the front line.

At that point, it was obvious that the Count of Artois had managed to unite with the army of Flandern to attack in one shot the army of Burgundy. The flag of Artois was floating in the air right next to the flag of Flandern.

The first divisions to engage having suffered heavy casualty slowly began to retreat.

"DON'T RETREAT! For the love of God, STAND YOU GROUND!" Charles shouted.

As he said those words, Charles cut a glimpse of a vague line at the horizon. Left to the army of Flandern was approaching what seemed to be another army. This time, it was almost behind the Burgundian army.

"My God... " Charles cried.

The Prince Regent looked behind him.

It was definitely another army.

"Is it the army of the Duchesse of Lorraine? Is Myriam coming to help us?" the Prince Regent asked.

"Sire... Noord Holland... " Charles could only say. The red lion on the yellow shield was not lying.

The Prince Regent seeing how Charles was completely immobilized, shouted: "PIKEMEN, HOLD ANCHOR, DRAW PIKE, STAND YOUR GROUND." Every man was nervous. This had become a three front defense, and though pikemen were the best defense again mounted knights, the Noord Holland army and Flandern army was made up of marching units, and this wasn't the best way to "greet" them...

Charles, who could barely speak, looked around. The front line was not holding, and the pikemen were now defending the last line. The left flank, who had had the chance to have 6 rows of pikemen, was in disarray.

It's then that Alexandre saw. The Leading flag of the Count of Artois. It meant the Count was near. Very near.

The last line of pikemen went into retreat, and Alexandre was only moments away from the front. It was coming to him, and he knew it.

Charles and all the other mounted knights drew their swords, and waited for the signal from the Prince Regent to do the final assault. Mounted knights always went down attacking, never defending.

Alexandre drew its sword. Raised it in the air. He saw the golden lion on it, sign of the House of Plantagenet. He was finally there, the moment that would be remembered through the ages.


He looked at an incoming horse, and it's shield bore the golden Fleur de Lys, with a red line on top of it.

"Artois..." he thought to himself.

As he prepared to lower his sword, he focused on the Count of Artois, coming right to him.

He lowered his arm, kicked his horse, and lead the final assault. He almost flew by all the corpses of the brave men that had fought for Burgundy, for the House of Berry, for him.

He slashed through an incoming knight, and another... he looked to his left, and Charles had been hit by a fatal blow to his head. He continued forward, without thinking and there he was, the Count of Artois....

He kicked his horse again, and raged toward his ennemy, as if the world was simply composed of the Count and him.

"You're going to PAY!" he screamed, and as they approached, both tried to make one hit that would count. Alexandre's arm came down with all the power he could give to the blow. The sword clashed with the shield of Maximilien; so hard, in fact, that Alexandre Beaufort fell on the ground, as its horse ran away.


Maximilien stayed on its horse. And looked on the ground. The Prince Regent looked at Artois, and though "Why isn't he killing me, what is he waiting for?"


Then, he saw Eleanor, his untouchable love, the Queen regent of England, sitting on the back of Maximilien's horse. The fact that she was thousands of miles away didn't seem to bother the Prince Regent. His love was here... strangely holding the Count of Artois. The Count looked at him, kicked his horse lightly, and rode away.

Alexandre raised his arm, to tell Eleanor not to ride away with the Count of Artois.

He screamed "ELEANOR!!!!!!"

The Count of Artois turned back, and looked at him again.

If front of him lied the former prince regent of Burgundy, spewing blood from the fatal blow he had given him while he was assaulting him. He seemed to fix the back of his horse, and trying to reach it with his hand.

As he heard the Prince Regent screame "ELEANOR!!!!", he answered: "Go to the Hell you deserve, you Plantagenet pig. You've infected Burgundy with English blood... and now you're paying the price. Your Eleanor is not here, and you're now going to hell alone."

The Prince Regent coughed more blood, and tried to shout the name of his love, but the pain got the better of him, and as he watched the sky, light snow began to fall.


____________________________________________

The Battle of Sournay, in 1431, was a crushing defeat for the Royal Burgundian army. Out of 2000 men, only 300 survived, the rest were all killed. The Count of Artois lost roughly 40 men, and also part of the army of Noord Holland and Flandern.

Only Dijon was in the way of total victory for Artois.

 

[unmerged(1463)]

Brahe and Christoffer were riding with haste northwards, but they could not ride any longer, they needed to rest. And something to eat. Brahe saw a small village, with an Inn, and he rode there and when he entered the small village, together with Brahe, the citizens there, not more then 40 men, had recently heard news from their local bailiff about certain traitors and bandits coming their way. And the description of these men matched perfectly on Brahe and Christoffer. The 40 men surrounded Brahe and Christoffer, and the peasants pointed their axes and other weapons against them. Christoffer whispered to Brahe
I shall let them feel what death really is, they take up arms against their monarch, I shall tell me

Brahe replied
You shall do no such thing

Thereafter Brahe spoke out to the crowd
Why are you surrounding us friendly people

One of the peasants replied
I have served at the court in Stockholm, and I recognize you Brahe, and if you are Brahe, the man next to you is Christoffer the bloodthirsty. We have heard all about your escapades in Stockholm from our baliff, and you are to be sent to a trial, both of you, as ordered by our Riksföreståndare.


Christoffer was about to shout out something, when Brahe hit him slightly in the stomach so he would be silent, thereafter Brahe spoke.

People, people, you have been deceived by evil bailiffs and even more evil usurpers. Who was it that saved Sweden from complete annihilation? You might say the Pommeranians, which to some extent is true. But to a more extent I, your archbishop and Christoffer here are responsible for your existence.

You have probably heard vile rumours that Christoffer sought to kill you all, and cares nothing about your ancient right of self-governance. I swear by the grace of God that that is not the case, noble people. Christoffer here, next to me, has always promoted peace and prosperity within Sweden, but he, as well as you, has been mislead by evil usurpers and evil advisors, with the name of Galt.

Christoffer is a good king, whom wants nothing against you. And has not betrayed the vows he made when crowned king of Sweden.

You may believe your bailiffs, if you so wish, or you may believe the truth and let us go. The decision is up to you.


The people whispered to each other, they still had suspicions, they knew about Brahe being a good man, but they had not heard anything good about Christoffer.
Brahe whispered to Christoffer
Do you see it now, Christoffer, blood and death only creates hatred, show the people a fair monarch and they shall support you

Christoffer bowed his head and replied
What a fool I have been, I have been thought at the Palace in Copenhagen that my divine right is enough, and understanding of my people is not important. You where right all along Brahe.


Christoffer then spoke to the people
It is true, my people, I was mislead by evil advisors, whom now will be brought to justice. And you have also been mislead by Erik Sparre, whom seaks nothing more then destruction.
I am your monarch, your king and lord. And want what is best for my people. So please release us and let us continue


Right that instance when Christoffer had spoken 3 soldiers entered the town to take away Christoffer and Brahe to imprisonment.

But the people had saw the truth, and the leader of the peasant shouted against the soldiers
We will not be misguided to take up weapons against what is right anymore. Ride away from here if your life is worth anything. For we support our King, King Christoffer.
Long live Christoffer!!!


Thereafter the peasants over manned the three soldiers swiftly, and pushed them into a house, and locked the door.

One of the peasants walked up to Christoffer, and spoke
Your majesty, can you forgive us for our actions? What we know is what the church and our local bailiffs tells us, and occasion reports from sons and daughters in Stockholm. And we act upon that. We have never seen you before, only heard your name together with blood and tyranny. Now we see this is not the case. I know that it is the same for all of the Swedish people. I am but a simple man, and I am your servant.


Christoffer puts his hand on the head of the peasant and replies
You have nothing to be forgiven for. You acted in good faith, nothing else. It is the bailiffs and some nobles whom are responsible. They shall be brought to justice, and you shall once again hear the truth from the bailiffs.


Christoffer and Brahe then rode away, up north, fairly slow, speaking to each other
Brahe, I do believe this journey brought something good with it, I have now seen how Sweden truly is. You are not, as many of my nobles seem to think, a bunch of rebels and rabid dogs. But a people whom support their rightful monarch gladly, but eager to maintain the right to decide certain matters alone. It is the nobles whom corrupt, some nobles. As it is in Denmark as well.

And Brahe, a month ago, I would have thought of beheading you, for your words, and most of the peasants, for their uprising. But now I have no such thoughts. I see you as a great friend of mine, and an excellent advisor concerning Sweden.


After a couple of hours Brahe and Christoffer had reached the city of Finnmark, they where in Norway.

 

[unmerged(9313)]

The Return of King Christoffer and Brahe

So cold… always so damn cold. Like in the dungeon in Stockholm. Cristoffer tried to tug himself better in his rag coat. Didn’t help one bit. He looked over his shoulder. Brahe was stiff like a board, but one should imagine he was use to this. But the truth was, that none of them had ever been so far North. Finnmark was a poor place to ant living creature. Their horses were tired, and they hadn’t eaten for days.
Fortunately the weather soon cleared, and they got to lower grounds, where the ice cold winds didn’t bite their faces off. Soon they encountered one villagers after another, and the Norwegians had a totally different relationship with their king than the Swedes, for obvious reasons. Soon, the local nobles still left in the country, the rest were mobilizing in Lund, heard of the return of the king and rode out to meet him. Two weeks after Christoffer and Brahe had crossed the border into Norway, they were being escorted by hundreds of well-armed riders, and they were now heading with great speed to Lund. They needed to get there before Gjedde assaulted Stockholm. Not that Christoffer wanted to stop Gjedde, but because the king wanted to lead his own troops. And Brahe was eager to join the fighting Swedish loyalists in battle. During one of the nights in Finnmark, Christoffer had slipt a comment, that it would be the proper thing of Brahe to do and he had agreed.

*

They entered the province of Bergslagen, which they quickly rode through some days later, then into Vastergotland, from there into Skåne. In the conquered Swedish provinces, the welcome was somewhat balanced. Local Danish nobles, that had been granted estates in the formerly Swedish lands, welcomed the king with great dinners and celebratios. The only Swedish that were greeting Christoffer with flowers and corn, were those who had been paid in advance.

*

Soon they met the outer perimeter of the giant camp of the royal rescue army. Massive columns of soldiers in the bottom of the camps area began noticing a lot of riders heading for a hill, where some other riders had arrived. Suddenly like a fierce thunderstorm, the news spread:

“The king has returned! The kings is free!”

Giant roars of joy now rose to the air, and quickly the cathedral in Lund began rushing its bells of welcome. The king, noew dressed in red travelling clothes and wearing a mighty breast plate, greeted his soldiers, and especially the nobles. The knights that had escorted him since Norway, had to almost fight their way through the masses of ecstatic footsoldiers.
The king finally arrived at the royal tent, his very own mobile headquarters. Gjedde stormed out, only half dressed in his uniform, and dropped to his knees in front of Christoffer.

“Mylord, my KING! You have returned to us, God be praised! Words cannot express my gratitude, my joy, my…”

Tears were appearing in both Christoffers and Gjeddes faces. The king quickly pulled the chancellor up and ambraced him like a brother. Together they went into the tent. There were a lot of things that had to be done…

At the same time, Brahe walked over to the Swedish part of the camp, and the mood there was of course good, but with a distinct feeling of pressure. What was to happen to the loyalists after the coming battle. Brahe began to calm them down, for soon they would be given the chance to prove their worth to the king…

 

[Mettermrck]

You are cordially invited to attend the formal coronation ceremony of Stephen of the House Witau, as King of Jerusalem. Already officially crowned in Nurnberg, the ceremony will be a celebration of Stephen's assumption of the throne and his return to the Holy Land to take up his duties as monarch and Steward of the Holy Sepulchre.

 

[HJ Tulp]

Saxony,


Count Link of Oldenzaal rode through the forest in the vicinity of his camp.
He was accompanied by Jonker Jeroen Van Baler and Frederik van Wal, two pages who had been with the Imperial Army who saved the Crusaders.
“Aaah, do you smell this Frederik? This is the smell of Freedom.” Said Van Baler.
“Hmm” answered Van Wal “I smell chicken.”
“Quit!” ordered Link.
“Look what’s smelling, now!”
“Sir yes sir!” Jeroen and Frederik.
The two young men, boys actually, dismounted their horses and walked to the edge of an open field. A man in harness sat at an campfire. Some feathers were drawling in the air.
“Ssshht,” said Jeroen to Frederik “It might be one of Friederich the Spoiled Heretics men.”
‘We better shoot an arrow in his leg. If we’re wrong then he wont be death.”
“Good idea.” Said Jeroen and he made his crossbow ready.
Just when he had aimed and was ready to shoot someone yelled: “No Stupid!” and someone jumped on Jeroen. Because of that the crossbow went of and missed the unknown man by a half inch.
“Are you stupid or something?!” Asked Link, cause it was him who jumped on Jeroen. “Can’t you see that that’s Baron Hendrik Johan Tulp?”
“Baron Hendrik Johan Tulp?” asked Frederik.
“YES! You know, the baron of Apeldoorn and the Minister of Foreign Affairs!”
“OOOOH, that Baron Hendrik Johan Tulp.”
“No.” said Hendrik Johan. “It’s Count now.”
“It is?” asked Link.
“Yup. By the way Link, can we talk?”
“Sure.”
“In private?” said the new Count. Looking at Jeroen and Frederik.
“Offcourse¸ Jeroen, Frederik , get the hell out of here!”
“Sir yes sir” Jeroen and Frederik mounted their horses and headed in the direction of the camp.

“So, what do you want to talk about with me?” asked Link.
“We have found three suitable women for you to marry.”
Links face turned dark
“I can’t marry Hendrik, I could only marry to the women I love, and she’s death.”
“They are very beautiful Link, and either of them has a lot to bring in.”
“Hendrik! Listen! I don’t want to marry, I will never love any other women then Meike.”
Hendrik Johan who looked like he could rest in it said.
“Allright, Duke Willem agrees with you anyways, he said, and I quote: A van Egmondt can decide for himself.”
“YES! And he’s damn right, and that’s not the onl… what did he say, a Van Egmondt?.”
“Yes, when I and the Duke were looking into some books in the Ducal Library, you know, to see if we could claim the title of Khan of Sibir and..
“Sibir?” interrupted Link.
“Yes, we found that country on one of those maps you gave me after the Crusade.”
“Aha, continue please.”
“Yes, so what I was saying…”
“Yeah Yeah, come on.”
“Take it easy, take it easy or I wont tell you.”
“Hendrik Johan!”
“Allright, so we found out that the nephew of the aunt of the brother of your grandgrandfather nephews sister was married to the daughter of the uncle of the Duke’s grandgrandfather, so you’re related to the Duke.”
“Say it again please.”
“What part? The one of the nephew of the aunt of the brother of your grandgrandfather nephews sister was married to the daughter of the uncle of the Duke’s grandgrandfather or the part of so you’re related with the Duke?”
“The last one.” Said Link, getting a bit tired.
“Oh, ok, so you’re related to the Duke. It isn’t that much of a connection but the Duke said that in his eyes it is good enough to give you the name of Count Link of Egmondt-Oldenzaal. Or Oldenzaal-Egmondt if you prefer.”
“Let’s go to my men.”
“Okelidokeli.”

 

[Mettermrck]

The Coronation of King Stephen I, Scion of the House Witau, Steward of the Holy Sepulchre

The newly appointed Cardinal Archbishop Andrew Erudias of Jerusalem was vested in his Cop and Mitre and his Bishops Assistant in their Copes. The procession was formed outside of the west door of the Church, and there they waited until notice was given of the approach of Stephen and Charlotte, and then they began to move into the Church.

As soon as Stephen entered the west door of the Church, he was received with this anthem:

Psalm 122, 1–3, 6, 7.
I was glad when they said unto me:
We will go into the house of the Lord.
Our feet shall stand in thy gates:
O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is built as a city:
that is at unity in itself.
O pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
they shall prosper that love thee.
Peace be within thy walls:
and plenteousness within thy palaces.

Stephen and Charlotte approached up the aisle, past the onlookers until, reaching the altar, Stephen knelt at its base, crossing himself and uttering a few short prayers. Charlotte remained in front of the raised dais which dominated the main room of the church.

Archbishop Andrew, together with Lord Reginald, went to the east side of the coronation dais, and then to the other three sides in this order, south, west, and north, and at each of the four sides the Archbishop spoke with a loud voice to the assembled Lords: and Stephen, meanwhile, turned and showed himself to the People at each of the four sides of the dais as the Archbishop faces it, the Archbishop saying:

Sirs, I here present unto you
King Stephen,
your undoubted King:
Wherefore all you who are come this day
to do your homage and service,
Are you willing to do the same?

The Lords signified their willingness and joy, by loud and
repeated acclamations, all with one voice crying out,

The Lord bless and keep our most royal sovereign, King Stephen.
Then the air was rent with a mighty blast as the trumpets sounded.

The King was recognized.

Stephen returned to the center of the dais, kneeling before the Archbishop.

My lord, is your Majesty willing to take the Oath?

And Stephen answered,

I am willing,

A Bishop Assistant approached Stephen and placed a Bible in his hand:

Will you solemnly promise and swear to govern the Peoples of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, according to their respective laws and customs?

I solemnly promise so to do.

Will the royal justice be righteous and merciful?

It will.

Will you hold to true to your oath of fealty to his Imperial Majesty, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, and to his justice commend yourself and your kingdom?

I do.

Will you to the utmost of your power maintain the Laws of God and the Holy Church, as laid down through the sanctity of his Vicar on earth, His Holiness the Pope in Rome?

I promise to do so.

Stephen arose and approached the holy altar. A royal page carried his sword before him. Kneeling, he prayed once more, swearing his Oath to God. Stephen then stood and was guided by the Archbishop to the front of the dais, his right hand placed on the Bible. He announced:

The things which I have here promised, I will perform, and keep. So help me God.

He then bent and kissed the book, whereupon it was passed to a Bishop Assistant, to be placed reverently upon the altar.

Stephen then sat upon the throne next to the altar, while Archbishop Andrew began the Mass, starting with the Communion. The lords stood expectantly as the service was conducted, and the sounds of the anxious crowd waiting outside could now be heard. There was an intense feel of excitement in the air, and it was a struggle to maintain the calm and formal dignity of the proceedings.

Psalm 84, 9, 10.
Behold, O God our defender:
and look upon the face of thine Anointed.
For one day in thy courts:
is better than a thousand.

After the Gospel was ended, a spiritual hymn Veni Creator Spiritus was sung, and then Stephen arose and kneeled once more before the altar. Laying his hand on the sacred pool of oil, Archbishop Andrew began the ceremony of anointing:

O Lord and heavenly Father,
the exalter of the humble and the strength of thy chosen,
who by anointing with Oil didst of old
make and consecrate kings, priests, and prophets,
to teach and govern thy people Israel:
Bless and sanctify thy chosen servant Stephen,
who by our office and ministry
is now to be anointed with this Oil,
and consecrated King:
Strengthen him, O Lord, with the Spirit of wisdom and government,
the Spirit of counsel and ghostly strength,
the Spirit of knowledge and true godliness,
and fill him, O Lord, with the Spirit of thy holy fear,
now and for ever;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Andrew beckoned for Charlotte to approach and kneel beside Stephen.

Though she was Queen, she was not recognized and anointed as the kings of old were. Yet she was present for the investiture. Behind Andrew, Bishop Assistants brought forth the royal regalia, the scepter, orb, and the two robes of office.

Receive this sceptre of kingly dignity,
and the orb of Catholic Faith:
and as you are this day
consecrated to be our Head and Prince,
so may you continue steadfastly
as the Steward of Christ's Religion;
that being rich in faith
and blessed in all good works,
you may reign with him who is the King of Kings,
to whom be the glory for ever and ever.
Amen.

The ceremony was repeated for Charlotte, minus the scepter and orb. Then Stephen took the scepter and orb in his hands and stood up alongside Charlotte. Bishop Assistants then brought forth the robes of office and placed them around the shoulders of Jerusalem’s new King and Queen.

Finally, Archbishop Andrew was given the royal crown, the very same which was presented to Stephen in Nurnberg by Emperor Erich.

O God the Crown of the faithful:
Bless we beseech thee this Crown,
and so sanctify thy servant Stephen
upon whose head this day thou dost place it
for a sign of royal majesty,
that he may be filled by thine abundant grace
with all princely virtues:
through the King eternal Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Repeating the prayer for the Queen, both sovereigns, newly crowned, stood and were seated upon their thrones. Standing before them, and smiling benevolently now, Andrew spoke a final admonition:

Stand firm, and hold fast from henceforth
the seat and state of royal and dignity,
which is this day delivered unto you,
in the Name and by the Authority of Almighty God,
and by the hands of us
the Bishops and servants of God, though unworthy.
And the Lord God Almighty,
whose ministers we are, and the stewards of his mysteries,
establish your Throne in righteousness,
that it may stand fast for evermore. Amen.

The ceremony was now completed and the pent up energy of the spectators burst forth in a mighty roar as lords and commoners alike, inside and outside the church, cheered the new King and Queen. There were still more ceremonies to come, including the oaths of homage from the lords of the realm, and ascension of Reginald to his rightful place as royal heir, the Holy Prince of Jerusalem.

 

[unmerged(8054)]

They were all there, and each and everyone of them knew they might very well die from being there.

A few hundred Burgundians, who had fled the battlefield as the count of Artois defeated the loyal armies of Burgundy, and who now tried to make a living from the only trade they knew, and who had to accept lousy pay due to their reputation as cowards.

A small group of Italians, "Guiseppes Canoners", wellpaid and well equipped. The 30 of them had travelled Europe, bringing their two large cannons with them on wagons custombuilt to that purpose, and as befitting a mercenray company of such status, they had their part of the camp wellordered, with own guards set up.

Some Bohemians, who were shunned by the rest of the men. Rumors said they were Hussites, and that they spitted on the crucifix every sunday. They were despised and hated, but excelled in using their pikes, and would be important if the army ever came under attack from cavalry.

Two mercenary companies, mainly consisting of Germans, but willing to accept just about everybody, no matter nationality or armement. They yelled curses at each other, and their infighting had allready caused two bodies to float down the rivers, even though they were technically allied in this war.

And as yet, not a single one of them had been paid, and their hardwon gold from other campaigns were slowly being spilled in the taverns and whorehouses of Bremen.
But soon, really soon, the letter from Denmark would arrive, so everybody thought, and then the duke of Bremen would have to pay their high fees. And then, and only then, would they march to their deaths for a ruler most of them didn't even know the name of.

 

[unmerged(3110)]

EVENT​

Winter attrition​

The winter is not so hard this year and the forces of the Palatinate and
Württemberg don't suffer much.
-------------------------------------------------

Latvian EVENT

Riga... A confused city. Capital of where? Ruled by who? The symptoms of the
land are focused here, with noble, cleric and peasant alike trying to
understand what's going on. The rise and fall of Livonia, the rule of the
Teutonic order and many differant policies. Now to be called Latvia and
ruled by Graf (Count) zu Livland as king and the order to range east again
once more. His staff and beurocrats find the structural change tramatic and
the nation trembles. No matter. The renaming and crowning are accepted by
all, but more with some than others.The mood of the populous is eventualy
felt....

1. Rebellion. Several
provinces rebel. No armies are built but provincial capital guards refuse to
follow orders and City officials hold no sway over merchant, nobles and
churchmen alike.
(25% rounded up of provinces rebel, and - 2 Tech, -2 to morale to
the TO for 4 turns )

2. City officials hold little sway over merchants,
nobles and churchmen alike. (-
2 Tech, -2 to morale to the TO for 4 turns )

3. Merchants, nobles and churchmen alike express
displeasure. (- 2 Tech, -1 to morale to the TO for 4 turns
)

4. Merchants, nobles and churchmen alike express
displeasure. (-2Tech to the TO for 4 turns )

5. Merchants, nobles and churchmen alike express
displeasure. (-1 Tech to the TO for 4 turns )

6. No effect

A 6 is rolled

There is No effect other than general resignation to the changes in, what is now, Latvia under a new king



---------------------------------------------

Württemberg Event

"We good Württembergers must all stand together against the foul forces of
Imperial oppression." Many of the army and nobility alike shudder at this
thought. The thought of going against the church AND their emperor is a
daunting prospect and the figting already prooving hard. The clerics decide
to speak up and add their voice. Dekkeret von Lichtenstein and Baron von
Bebenhausen act as their conscience dictates.

1. Dekkeret gets the gaurds to release the generals loyal to the emperor.
They stir Wurttemburg and Rumelia to rebel against Ulrich and support the
Emperor. Rebellion. The armed forces of Wurttemburg, and both provinces rise
up to follow Baron von Bebenhausen in the Emperors cause.
All remaining Wurtemburger provinces now controlled by the
Palatinate. Current land mil of Wurtemburg set to 0.

2. Wurttemburg (province) rebels against Ulrich in support of the Emperor.
The Palatinate gains control of Wurtemburg. Wurtemburg suffers
-1 to morale until her return to peace.

3. Rumelia rebels against Ulrich in support of the Emperor.
The Palatinate gains control of Rumelia.

4. Dekkeret convinces most of the generals loyal to the emperor to change
their view.
+2 land mil to the Palatinate. -2 land
mil to Wurtemburg.

5. Dekkeret convinces some of the generals loyal to the emperor to change
their view.
+1 land mil to the Palatinate. -1 land
mil to Wurtemburg.

6. Dekkeret convinces few of the generals loyal to the emperor to change
their view and is considered by many to be a traitor. Fanatical support is
shown for Ulrich. New men rally to the
levee. +1 land mil and +1 morale to Wurtemburg.

A 2 is rolled

Wurttemburg (province) rebels against Ulrich in support of the Emperor.
The Palatinate gains control of Wurtemburg. Wurtemburg suffers
-1 to morale until her return to peace.


-------------------------------------------

Saxony (Würzburg) EVENT ​

Albrecht I, Duke of Saxony makes his move on Würzburg. Sending lavish gifts
to the Noble houses and throwing a feast for their HoS, which is attended by
churchmen and Imperial officials alike, he addresses the matter of the
proposed vassalisation of Würzburg to Saxony. Along with the Emperor's
approval and the money spent things might go well.

(2 econ spent by Saxony in favour for vassalation. Along with
Imperial consent, 1 econ is required to trigger the event)

1. Würzburg sees great rewards to be had if they vassal themselves to
Saxony.
(Würzburg becomes the vassal of Saxony and +2
morale to Saxony for 2 turns)

2. Würzburg sees fair rewards to be had if they vassal themselves to Saxony
but only for a while. (Würzburg becomes the vassal of Saxony and
+1 morale to Saxony for 2 turns)

3-4. No effect. "Good party and good relations. Maybe next year we'll do it"

5. Würzburg see a great threat in the suggestion of vassalisation and the
people of Saxony fear for their economy.(Vassalisation request denied.
-1 morale for 2 turns to Saxony)

6. Würzburger nobles mortally insulted by the mere suggestion of
vassalisation by the people of Saxony. (Vassalisation request denied.
-2 morale for 2 turns to Saxony. Had Würzburg not been
NPC, it would have gained a casus belli against Saxony.)

A 3 is rolled (-1 mod) = 2

Würzburg sees fair rewards to be had if they vassal themselves to Saxony
but only for a while. (Würzburg becomes the vassal of Saxony and
+1 morale to Saxony for 2 turns)End July 1431

 

[unmerged(8054)]

"I am a pirate... Haha, now I come for you, stupid dane!!"
The 4 year old boy rushed at the grown soldier, who pretended to be afraid, and backed away, while his collegues smiled at each other. Johann-Kazimierz, heir to the ducal throne of Bremen, had heard his father and his high-ranking advisors speak of the pirates that plagued the Danish commerce, and obviously decided it sounded like fun.

The old Johann, duke of Bremen, stood silent and watched his boy play. He didn't want to show himself, as he knew the soldiers would immediatly stop the game in an attempt to appear watchfull and worthy of the great responsibility shown to them.
He thought of the boy and the boys mother, Maria-Elisa of the Greif. What had once been a political marriage to secure an heir and bring the duchies of Bremen and Pommern closer together had grown to a marriage of close friendship and trust, allthough the fabled feeling, love, remained forever out of their reach. The two of them were simply to different, and that even more so as Maria-Elisa was one of Johanns closest and most trusted advisors.
As such, he had discussed with her before he let lose the pirates which had by now been the death of nearly a thousand Danish sailors, and once again before he wrote that illfated letter to Sparre, which he now feared had sparked the rebellion in Sweden.
Much could be said about Maria-Elisa, and her vitrues were many. She was loyal, intelligent, and a good duchess and queen. But she was soft at heart, and the knowledge that her husbond had signed orders and letters that had so far brought death into many Danish families and war once again to the suffering lands of Sweden was to much for her to ignore. She was no stranger to ambition, her own brother, Joachim of the Greif was one of Europes most ambitious men, but as the deathtoll in Scandinavia rose, the distance between them grew.

Johann hoped her new baby would change her feelings. He had feared she was unable to bear any more children after Johann-Kazimierz, but now the good Lord had heard their prayers, and Elisa-Maria was once again pregnant. Johann guessed his wife might be right about him being cynical and calculating, but for the sake of Bremen, he hoped for a daughter. She would be of immense value to the four-year old "pirate" later, even if he was still much to young to realize so.

Johann smiled a sad smile at his son, turned and walked away. He had a meeting with a few close advisors to attend... Swedish issues needed discussing again.

 

[unmerged(7347)]

As the sun rised in the east, bringing the first light to Alexandria, muezzins cried out their callings for the morning pray from the minarets witch was spread out all around the mighty city. Numerous men and women washed their hands, feets and face and then kneeled in the direction of Mecca. One who didnt do this but instead kneeled before a crucifix hanging on the wall of an ancient church in central Alexandria was the Patriarch of Alexandria, Dioscorus. He had hold this position for several years and guided the faitfull through several rough times, aswell as shifting Sultans and Imams of the Mamelukes. Now the leader of the Mamelukes had shifted once again and Dioscorus knew what was necissary to do.

After he was finished with his pray he called for a schriber who assisted him with a letter, witch was to be send to the new leader of the Mamelukes.

 

[unmerged(5730)]

The fog went in over Dresden as the people begun to gather in the newly built church, the Chatedral of St: Sigismund. The funeral was about to begin, and nobles from within and outside the boarders of Saxony had arrived. At the front row sat Count Albrecht, heir to the throne and his brother Karl Wilhelm, Prince Georg, temporary ruler of Saxony, the Dowager Duchess, Katharina, Princess Eli with her twinchildren Karl Sigismund and Eugénia, Friedrich Tristian together with his nanny and also the Duke of Saxe-Lauenburg. Also in the curch were Dukes and Kings from all over Europe. The Duke of Gelre, the Duke of Hessen, The Kings of France and Eire among others. And still a lot of men had decided not to come, one of those was Duke Johann of Bremen, who felt that he didn't want to honour the man who killed his sister by attending on his funeral.

The mood was sad, as it often is at a funeral, but there was only one of the dead brothers that caused to mayor part of the sadness, Sigismund. Friedrich was despited by most people in the church, only his wife, Eli, felt sorrow for him.

The Chatedral was magnificent. It was built by the finest stone, transported from the alps for an enormous cost. Chopped by the very best stone extracters, and then but together in Dresden by the best stonebuilders in Europe. The Cathedral was drawn by Germanys best architecture, and the bells in the two top towers was made of the purest, Austrian gold. The painted windows was beyond all human imagination, so beautiful that one had to stay studing them before entering the building, no matter how non interested in art you were. Over the entrence a pictured was carved in stone, a picture of Sigismund.

Yes, Sigismund was loved by a whole nation, aswell peasants as nobels, and he had become a bit of a martyr in Saxony after his suicide during the Imperial Elections in Frankfurt, where he was stepped on by a Pomeranian delegate, who stole all his honour as the Duke of Saxony. It was a disaster for the young boy, and hade driven him to take his life. That was the thing that made this funeral complicated. The Pope in Rome did not want to let Sigismund be buried on sacred, blessed soil, because of the suicide. That meant that the greatest, most beautiful Church in whole Saxony, and proberly one of the finest in Europe, was built on unholy ground, and not blessed by the Holy See in Rome. It was built to honour a Saint, not accepted by the church, and it would now also be the restplace for Sigismunds brother, Friedrich, who was decleared a heretic and excommunicated by the Church. The Saxon Council was really jeopordizing its reputation and status at the Holy See but allowing this. So a lot of things was strange about the curch, first of all it was not to be called a church, but the rest place of Sigismund von Sachsen. Priests were not allowed to enter the building, and nothing relation to God was to be done in there such as prays. Among the people Sigismund was now known as Saint Sigismund, and reviewed as the national saint of Saxony, but it was strictly forbidden to call him Saint Sigismund, everything to avoid to upset the church.

In front of the alter stood now two coffins, one filled with roses on it, the one of Sigismund, and the other with only one, lonely rose on it, Friedrich's. No priest was attending, as they were fobidden to even enter the building.

Not much happened during the rather strange funeral, the orchestra played music, although not religious ones, no, also that to avoid to upset the Holy See. Prince Georg stood up and spoke, and that was the only words that was spoken within the walls during the entire funeral.

"Dear Friends, Rulers from all over Europe with their family, Nobles from all over Germany, Great Men and Women, Ladies and Gentlemen.
We have gathered here today to say goodbye to two young former Dukes of Saxony."

He made a pause and looked in the floor.

"Sigismund, whose life ended to abrupt and unnesseccary, for no use. A bay that with no doubts would had become one of the Greatest Princes within the Empire, maybe even the greatest when growing up. He managed to, even though he was at very low age, gather the Saxons behind him, and make Saxon stadn again after the abuse on it by his older brother Friedrich. He was an honourble person, not to be forgotten.

But, he had one weakness, he let the Pomeranian man in the Elections drive him crazy, and that was his fall. He saw no exit but to take his life.

Me myself only had the chance to meet him once, I know that alot of you here saw him more often, while some of you never seen him at all, only heard of him. Let us honour him by living the way he did, let us think of him in difficult situations. His way was the fair way, the way of justice, let us walk on that one once in a hile, for Sigismund."

That was the end of the speach, the orchestra begun playing again, and then the short funeral was over. Everyone gathered later at the Ducal Castle to celebrate and eat good food.

And finally Sigismund and his brother Friedrich was buried, in front of the Alter, side by side like brothers ought to spend their life after the one on earth, even though they are different as light and darkness.

 

[Auspend]

It seemed as if there was hope. Dekkeret did not abandon him as he said he would. Ulrich watched and commanded from his horse in battle, yet unlike during the crusades he actually was in command. The armies were disorganized and were crushed by the smaller Palatine force. Fully one third of his troops, those who were most loyal and obediant, were killed in the process. But there was still a chance for the defences of Stuttgart were not broken, nor were the armies gone.

And then disaster struck. Ulrich was preparing for a counterstrike, and ordered all his forces to attack the Rhinelanders. They follow his command and begin to charge. The Rhinelanders look as if they are unprepared for the strike, and then all of a sudden a horn blows and the Württemberg armies stop, turn around and return to the city. From the walls the flag of the Rhineland Palatinat is raised and the gates are opened to the invading army. Dekkeret had finally betrayed him. The city was theirs, only the castle with its few defenders and servants was still under Ulrich's control. That was one week ago.

Since the city was taken once a day as the noontime bells were being rung a herald came to the walls of the castle asking for Ulrich to make peace. Every day a servant would respond for Ulrich saying no peace would be given. But today was different. When the herald came Ulrich himself was standing atop the highest tower, the gate tower. The herald approaches, recognizing the self styled Grand Duke of Württemberg. He calls up, hoping the wind does not steal away his call.

"Ulrich of Württemberg, do you surrender to the forces of the Emperor? Will you step down from the throne and make peace?"

There is no response from Ulrich, in fact it seems as though he doesn't even see the herald. He is looking off into the distance, cloak flowing in the wind. The herald calls again.

"Ulrich of Württemberg, will you talk peace?"

Ulrich does not respond. Instead he steps onto the edge of the tower, still looking off into the disance. And then he takes one last step.

 

[unmerged(8915)]

Rumour has it that the realm of Provence, fair and strong, rich in goods and arts alike is once again actively engaging in foreign affairs.