The Eagle In Winter

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

Yeah. I got confused. My shrink tried to analyze me once, but she got scared. This is blood for blood and by the gallon. These are the old days, the bad days, the all-or-nothing days. They're back! There's no choice left. And I'm ready for war!

Er, sorry. I digressed.

Once again women are pawns in the scheme of Kings.

I figured as much. As for your shrink...well, I don't believe I'd see her anymore.

coz1: ...His life and the inheritance of his line were at stake and one false move could cost him both.

aye, Leopold has a handle on things ! !

coz1: ...“..Away from me! Let me not see you again.” Philipp turned from the Count and looked to Father Kaunitz and Ludwig, “We shall have to be swift, sirs. Leopold cannot be far from here. We must find him before he reaches the limits of his land.”

hmmm. Philipp seems to not be interested in dealing with Count Goseck at this moment ! !

coz1: ...They continued talking for some miles and the crunch of snow and dirt under foot became rote...“Marriage, my dear. Once protected by the Church...”

certainly they talked long enough to seal an agreement on the marriage.

it is interesting how things change, and yet remain the same ! ! Judith being married, even against her will (which i doubt,) would require Heinrich to kill her husband to make her available ! ! (something even "his" Bishop may not condone (by way of an indulgence.)

magnificent update ! !

Indeed, they did GW. I was hoping that would come across. I didn't want to be too on the nose about it (and in fact was in a first draft.) The question is - will the ploy work? Just because he marries off his daughter doesn't exactly keep Leopold himself safe. He still has it a bit hairy.


To all - thanks for more comments. I do love 'em so. I hope to have the next update this evening sometime and then another to follow on Sunday. Saturday looks to be a busy day as I get the week's updates written.

Thanks for reading and commenting all!

 

[coz1]

The Eagle In Winter

* * *

Anhalt – January 21st, In the Year of Our Lord, 1104​

Father Kaunitz trudged along in the early morning snow, fresh flakes drifting past his face. It was cold and the fur cloak he kept bundled around his body did little to alleviate the chill in his bones. But his purpose did not waiver. He walked along for God and Duke Heinrich and he would reach his destination and do his work.

Count Philipp would not be pleased when he discovered the priest gone. But then, Father Kaunitz did not answer to that upstart. His orders came from the Duke and he was well aware that Philipp did not have his father’s ear. But he did have the means to find the Duke of Thuringia and they had been close behind the man for the past day.

Ludwig was another matter. It would have been preferable to bring the boy, but this was not business to be taken lightly. He was well aware of how Ludwig performed, especially after that night in Berlin. Oh, how the pupil performed. It was as if Kaunitz himself had been there, and in fact he was – hiding in the darkness - watching Ludwig kill the noble…a slice across the neck with a finely sharpened blade. Quick and precise.

But the boy had work to do now himself and it wasn’t tagging along with his old mentor. Kauntiz would settle this business and catch up with him just in time to see the deed done. Then they would both return to Wolgast and bask in their Duke’s praise. Until then, best to keep the head down and the mind on the task at hand.

He had his order. Kill Duke Leopold. And Father Kaunitz knew right where he was.

* * *

Anhalt – January 22nd, In the Year of Our Lord, 1104​

The church had not been hard to find but it had taken some time to locate the local priest. Once found, Leopold explained to the man that he had wish to marry his daughter to Bernhard of Weimer and as quickly as possible. The priest had complied and they now stood ready in the chapel.

“I take this solemn pledge that I shall protect your rights for all my days,” Bernhard knelt and spoke to Duke Leopold. “That you trust me with the life of your daughter is testament to the faith you have in me, my liege. I shall not disappoint.”

“Rise and be married, sir. You shall be my son in short time. But I thank you for this pledge.” Leopold gestured for the priest to begin and slowly, the man began the words.

As he moved through the ceremony, the priest seemed to eye Leopold more than the married couple. Leopold himself was content to watch his daughter. But Bernhard saw the odd look and took strong notice. It would soon come to good fortune that he did. As the priest finished the opening prayer, a dagger appeared from his robes. One second later, that dagger was meant to be lodged in Leopold’s chest.

As it was, Bernhard moved to block the priest’s thrust and raised his sword to strike the man down. He ran his sword through and turned to face Duke Leopold.

“Are you hurt, my liege. Did the man strike you?”

Leopold brushed at his clothes and let a full breath of air into his lungs. His heart was racing and he looked down at the dead priest, now slumped on the floor. “Who is this man? It cannot be the priest.”

Bernhard squatted and lifted the man’s head. “He looks a harder sort than that, my Lord. An assassin to come for your life, I am sure.”

“Praised be that you have stopped this man, good Bernhard. I have made the right choice in trusting you.”

Bernhard bowed his head at first and then looked to Judith, “You have done me the greatest of services, your Grace. I shall die for you if need be.”

Looking down at the dead priest once more, Leopold shook his head, “It may come down to that, my son. It may come down to that yet.”

The Duke took stock of himself and then bade everyone to quickly leave. “We have little time to waste. If this man comes to kill me then another is sure to follow. Away.”

* * *​

“The foolish man!” Philipp shouted in his anger.

Ludwig sat on a nearby tree stump outside the parish church and watched his brother pace back and forth as he spewed obscenities.

“We had the Duke right in our sights and this fool priest of yours goes on his own!”

“Perhaps it was his order from Duke Heinrich, cousin. You yourself directed that Leopold be killed.” Ludwig challenged Philipp.

“I was to give that order! When we were ready. You see that we are not as we now sit one man less and Leopold still lives.”

“I’ll admit…it was a poorly executed attempt, my Lord.” Ludwig smiled slightly until Philipp’s look caused it to go away.

“We shall have to keep after this troublesome man and every moment further he gets from us, that much closer to safety he sits. And that much more likely that my father…”

Ludwig was listening earnestly and noted as Philipp cut himself off. “I am sure Duke Heinrich will be pleased as long as Leopold of Thuringia is dead. That it did not happen today is unfortunate, but trust that we shall get the job done, my Lord.”

Philipp eyed his bastard brother and smiled himself, “Indeed you are right. Though we have lost a prime chance, there is still time. But he will move swiftly so we must keep on the chase. I shall trust in you even more now that Kaunitz is done. May I?”

Ludwig returned the smile, “Of course, my Lord. I serve you in all ways.”

 

[Mettermrck]

Good thing Bernhard was there...looks like Kaunitz acted too quickly, though he was dangerously close to success. Will this drive Philipp to trust Ludwig too much?

 

[Myth]

To complete Mettermrck's thought, Phillip trusts Ludwig too much and then Ludwig kills Phillip!
As for Father Kaunitz, as an assassin he should know of the virtue of patience, which it seemed he didn't particularly show. His own fault, though perhaps it was all intentional.

 

[Estonianzulu]

A failed assassination always makes the second one all the more difficult. And now with Bernhard serving as a bodyguard, things might get even dicier for the next attempt.

 

[stnylan]

Once burnt twice shy indeed.

I am getting a slimy feel about Ludwig.

Heinrich uses assassins, and perhaps that is something that Phillip ougt to reflect upon.

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

Good thing Bernhard was there...looks like Kaunitz acted too quickly, though he was dangerously close to success. Will this drive Philipp to trust Ludwig too much?

Possibly. Or it may simply drive Philipp and Ludwig closer together. We'll see in good time.

To complete Mettermrck's thought, Phillip trusts Ludwig too much and then Ludwig kills Phillip!
As for Father Kaunitz, as an assassin he should know of the virtue of patience, which it seemed he didn't particularly show. His own fault, though perhaps it was all intentional.

It certainly is possible, but Philipp does pay well. And right on Kaunitz. I think I jumped the gun on his action there but I needed to move forward and did not want to waste time with building him up too much as a character.

A failed assassination always makes the second one all the more difficult. And now with Bernhard serving as a bodyguard, things might get even dicier for the next attempt.

Indeed, Bernhard has come on as quite the savior for Leopold. And to think I was going to originally introduce him much further down the line.

Once burnt twice shy indeed.

I am getting a slimy feel about Ludwig.

Heinrich uses assassins, and perhaps that is something that Phillip ougt to reflect upon.

Quite. Ludwig is not quite what we see and hear. But he may yet surprise you and not do that which we think he's certainly prepared to do. Cryptic enough?


To all - the next update follows a bit later today. I need to smooth and polish just a touch. Thanks for reading and commenting!

 

[coz1]

The Eagle In Winter

* * *

Anhalt – 23rd of January, In the Year of Our Lord, 1104​

The Inn was quiet, which was not especially strange for the small village in this part of Anhalt. There was still some distance to travel, but a brief respite was precisely what Leopold required. That he had silence and rest at once was a miracle. He sat at a table, rubbing his feet as he warmed himself with a hot drink. His wife sat next to him and his chancellor and spymaster sat off to one side. Together, they discussed how to respond to Heinrich’s latest attempt to murder one of the Thuringen family.

“He shall not cease these attempts, dear husband. If we make it home alive, I shall be thankful to the Lord for a miracle.” Maria of Bar shook her head as she looked to her husband with worried eyes.

Michael von Schrapelnau sat back and rested his back against the wall. He took a small drink and looked around the meager Inn while answering for himself, “I would not think remaining here for very long good advice either, my Lord. This is a dreadful place and not fit for your Grace.”

Leopold waved the thought away with his hand, “But answer me how to deal with Heinrich, man. We shall leave here in goodly time but I shall need to have an answer for his latest action, von Schrapelnau. You are my spymaster…what say you on that?”

“We must answer in kind, my Lord. Perhaps these assassins…”

Maria of Bar nodded her head vigorously. “Yes, my Lord. We know that some have found us already, is this not right?”

Leopold looked past the table for a moment, weary in his worry over possible death. “They follow us still…yes. Good Bernhard has kept watch as he rides behind us and tells me there are at least two.”

“Then perhaps he should just…take them out, my Lord.” Michael hesitated in his suggestion. “If Bernhard of Weimer has them in his sights, then…”

Leopold held up his hand, “No. He shall not risk himself in such an endeavor. I need him by my side.” The Duke looked to his aging spymaster and nodded, “You. You and Folkhard. Go speak with Bernhard and he will tell you where they are. I want you to kill them both.”

Michael von Schrapelnau looked to Folkhard von Mansfield first. He was not quite sure what to say. He returned his look to his Duke, almost pleading with his eyes. But he saw the resoluteness of his master and could not challenge and with a resigned tone answered yes. He would do this deed for Duke Leopold.

“We shall travel on, spymaster.” Leopold said before taking a long pull on his drink. “Do not be long yourself and join us in Weimer.”

Both Michael and Folkhard stood and bowed saying together, “It is as you wish, your Grace.”

* * *

Anhalt – 25th of January, In the Year of Our Lord, 1104​

The darkness of the moonless night made it difficult to move forward through the brush while remaining stealthy. Michael von Schrapelnau was no longer a young man, years in his position at court having made him more amenable to soft beds and comfortable seats. But he could not say no to his liege lord and these were the direst circumstances. It must be done to carry out his duties.

He’d lost site of Folkhard some ways back, telling the younger man to circle around so the two could sneak up on the encampment on two sides. It had been tiresome traveling with the stoical Folkhard. The dullness was easier without one of its parts and Michael preferred moving alone.

The snap of a twig in the distance startled him out of his brief thought and he shifted his head to find the direction it came from. Just to the left Another foot forward found more quiet purchase in the snowy underbrush, but only if slow and steady. Michael did not want to scare off his prey.

A light could be seen in the distance, a campfire surely. And low voices could be heard, though Michael could not distinguish what they said. As he crept forward, he produced his sword with graceful ease and soon recognized Count Philipp. The other young man he did not know but the sight of the heir to Brandenburg was enough to nearly make von Schrapelnau yell with delight. What a coup. If he could return to his master with news that he had killed Heinrich’s son, he’d surely be rewarded.

Another step closer brought Michael’s foot down on a frozen over log and his leg slipped from under him. He caught his balance before falling but not before making enough noise for the two men by the campfire to look around. Philipp spied the man before Ludwig, but both were quick to stand and face their assailant.

Michael von Schrapelnau held aloft his sword and told both men, “Do not move, sirs. I am able to use this weapon and will if either of you tempt me.”

“Hah!” Philipp scoffed. “That would be a sight, old man. What harm do you think you will do?”

“Harm enough, sir!” von Schrapelnau tried to play boldly.

“Then step forward and show us your might,” Philipp now egged the man on.

The aging spymaster began to move from the woods and closer to the two men. He kept his sword raised high and produced a menacing frown. “I shall enjoy this. Know that, my Lord. After the many deaths your father has caused, I am honored to repay his favor.”

Philipp moved to pull his sword and Michael started to react. But he had little chance to do much else as an arrow hit him with force in the throat and his body slumped to the ground. Both Ludwig and Philipp turned to their right and spied Folkhard von Mansfield appearing from the woods with a crossbow in his hands.

“My Lord, please tell your august grandmother that we repay the debt we owe to her.”

“She paid you handsomely, sir.” Philipp moved towards the Thuringen chancellor and held out his hand to grasp.

Folkhard met him with his own and a partial smile on his face. He knew what he was doing was a bold step and he was unaccustomed to such intrigue. He’d always left that to his brother Albrecht. But young Philipp was a rising star and to attach oneself to one so young and promising could result in a lifetime of security. He knew his brother would agree.

“What will you tell your Duke?” Philipp was matter of fact. He had no time for games at present and doubted seriously this man could challenge him anyway.

“No thing, if I may help it, your Lordship.” Folkhard bowed his head slightly.

“Gracious…my grandmamma truly did pay you handsomely!” Philipp beamed. “But you shall go back, sir. I require it. You shall return to your master and speak with your brother. The two of you must prepare for my coming for I will be your Lord in due time. If you wish to serve me, begin now and do as I say.”

Folkhard von Mansfield nodded without apprehension or delay. “As you command. I will go forth, my Lord.”

“Splendid. We shall not be far behind.” Philipp placed his arm over Folkhard’s shoulder and looked to Ludwig, who had remained off to the side and watched the entire thing as if a show in his honor. “See there, boy - that is how you negotiate.”

Ludwig smiled and nodded, “I see it well, my Lord. Most skillful.”

Philipp recognized the sarcasm but let it be. “We shall have the head of this Duke yet.”

“Which one, my Lord?” Ludwig nearly teased.

“Such cheek,” Philipp frowned. “Be careful you do not find your own head with theirs, boy.”

The young man ceased his game and walked to Philipp as he looked to Folkhard, “Can you win your brother’s allegiance, sir?”

Folkhard did not know this boy and he looked to Philipp as if to question Ludwig’s authority. But Philipp nodded his head to answer.

“The Count already has it, sir. I can attest for my brother’s loyalty.”

Ludwig turned his gaze to Philipp, “Then indeed you are correct, cousin. We may yet see Duke Leopold dead.”

 

[unmerged(58610)]

Of course, I am thinking that Heinrich wouldn't be sneaky enough to use the Priest to get Bernhard close to Leopold with orders to wait until Philipp's there too and have Bernhard and Ludwig embark on a killing spree, would he?

Heinrich does have the grasp of intrigue that is positively Byzantine. I don't have the same feeling about Philipp. He seems a bit out of his depth.

 

[Mettermrck]

This shows off Philipp's cunning side nicely. It looks like, for now, he's a step ahead of Leopold though that can quickly change...

 

[stnylan]

Phillipe is sneaky in his turn as well.

It seems like every update there is a twist.

I am beginning to feel just a little bit sorry for Leopold.

 

[Myth]

My first thought upon reading this, even before von Schrapelnau's death, was that Ludwig wanted to get rid of him, so that he could replace him with a younger, perhaps more talented, spymaster. A bit cynical, but von Schrapelnau's dead now anyway

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

Of course, I am thinking that Heinrich wouldn't be sneaky enough to use the Priest to get Bernhard close to Leopold with orders to wait until Philipp's there too and have Bernhard and Ludwig embark on a killing spree, would he?

Heinrich does have the grasp of intrigue that is positively Byzantine. I don't have the same feeling about Philipp. He seems a bit out of his depth.

Heinrich definitely has more years under his belt, that is for sure. However, Philipp had better get a handle on it now if he wants to rule.

This shows off Philipp's cunning side nicely. It looks like, for now, he's a step ahead of Leopold though that can quickly change...

Indeed it can and will. One needs a few good roadblocks.

Phillipe is sneaky in his turn as well.

It seems like every update there is a twist.

I am beginning to feel just a little bit sorry for Leopold.

That's true. I am trying to get from point A to point B with a few hairpin turns in the middle.

My first thought upon reading this, even before von Schrapelnau's death, was that Ludwig wanted to get rid of him, so that he could replace him with a younger, perhaps more talented, spymaster. A bit cynical, but von Schrapelnau's dead now anyway

Once they had returned home, Leopold probably would. That's one reason why Michael didn't really argue the point. He wanted to get in well with the new Duke.


To all - fb-fb today and tomorrow another update. Thanks for the great comments!

 

[coz1]

The Eagle In Winter

* * *

County of Weimer – 30th of January, In the Year of Our Lord, 1104​

The weary party traveled up the dirt path towards the castle. An unusually warm day had melted the snow and the mud made the travel worse. Still Leopold pushed on. Bernhard was proud to lead the way as they were finally at the castle of his father, Lutbert von Weimer, Count of these lands. And he would be pleased to know that the new Duke wished to marry a son of the house of Weimer to his own daughter.

As they slowly moved over the drawbridge, many looked over the dirty and tired four. They were wet, covered in dirt and their horses were ready to drop. Leopold finally stopped amidst the crowd of peasants and men at arms and stepped down from his courser, bending to the ground when he hit. He led his wife and daughter on foot and was soon greeted by Count Lutbert.

“Your Grace…what troubling news this is to see you in such sorts. How have you come to be in such a state? Why did no one come to your aid?”

The Count’s concern was genuine knowing already of the news of Duke Ludwig’s death. Leopold embraced the man and kissed him upon both cheeks.

“Your own son has done me a great service, good Count, and your Duke is happy to repay that favor. For now, I require a place to rest for my family and myself.”

Count Lutbert bowed towards Leopold and gestured towards the arch leading into the castle. “If you would follow me, your Grace, I can show you to a warm room and suitable requirements. This way…”

As the Count turned and led on, Leopold waived his arm for his party to follow. He caught up with Count Lutbert and placed his hand on the man’s shoulder as they walked, “Soon we shall sit, you and I, and discuss the future. I have made certain decisions that will benefit the both of us.”

“I am most grateful, my Lord. My deepest thanks. And I am pleased to hear of my son’s aid during your time of trouble.”

“It is he that benefits most, I should think, sir. For I have given him my daughter’s hand and he shall rule after I am gone.”

“Let us not speak of such a thing, your Grace. That day is far from now. However, I am certain my son will ably serve you as should I if ever asked of me.”

The Count stopped and gestured for Duke Leopold to enter the hall before him. “I am at your command, my Lord.”

Leopold nodded in thanks and stepped foot into warmth and more tasteful surroundings for the first time in a long while and he was thankful. He had made it through to his homelands and was protected now from Duke Heinrich. He was now to marry off his daughter and protect the succession. And he hoped to hear of the success of his men in stopping the assassins out for his blood.

He would find out soon enough when Folkhard returned to him just two days later.

* * *

County of Weimer – 2nd of February, In the Year of Our Lord, 1104​

Ludwig sat quietly drinking his mead as he watched Philipp talk with the page from Von Weimer castle. He had snuck out and brought word of Folkhard’s return and Duke Leopold’s reaction. Ludwig was unsure of the next step as the Duke now had protection. To kill him would be much trickier. But Philipp was determined to find a way.

Count Philipp pressed a gold piece in the page’s hand and walked back to the table, his head down in thought as he approached. “He’s made it back but Leopold has gone forward with his decision and the girl is to be married.”

“Most troublesome, my Lord,” Ludwig was quick to reply.

“Indeed it is, though not terribly important at present.” Philipp remained in his own thought.

“How so?” Ludwig was slightly confused. “I was under the impression her marriage was not desired.”

“By Duke Heinrich, boy. I could not care less what the whore does. If she wishes to let forty men in her cunny at once, she should have at it for it is none of my concern. I care only that Leopold is dispatched.”

“Working at your own game, is that it cousin?” Ludwig sported a grin that displeased Philipp.

“Never you mind what I am working at unless I tell you, boy. You’ll do as I say and when I say it, understood?”

“Of course, my Lord. I am your man in all ways.” The slight bow Ludwig offered convinced Philipp the boy was still playing games but he allowed it pass. He was still concentrated on his task.

“We must receive guidance. The business we are at is tricky still. I must get off a letter and we shall return to Goseck’s.” Philipp now seemed resolute.

“What good be that porcine prick?” Ludwig was genuinely astonished.

“Not him, you fool. There is another I must consult. Be still and follow as I command. You shall see your recompense.”

“I trust in that most assuredly, my Lord,” Ludwig smiled once more. “As long as your generosity is assured, then so is my allegiance.”

“If I do not have your loyalty, boy, I might as well kill you.” Philipp looked Ludwig square in the eye.

After a moments silence, Ludwig finally answered, “I shall offer no reason for that outcome, cousin. Do not worry over my loyalty. I have received my charge and I shall carry it out to the best of my abilities. Fear not.”

“I have little fear of you, dog. I have even less time to argue the point. Collect yourself and let us be away.”

Philipp stood and walked from the table leaving Ludwig to watch after him. The Bastard considered the various outcomes of their task and decided that any outcome would suit him. There was little risk involved. But he did have his orders. The question was – would he carry them out?

 

[Myth]

Well, Leopold finally seems like he's in relative safety. As for Phillip, he's quite blunt when he so chooses, eh?

 

[stnylan]

And safety is a very relative thing.

I wonder if Heinrich in his youth was like Phillip is now. I wonder if Phillip in his older age will be like Heinrich. I would not be surprised.

Perhaps that is one reason why they do not get alike - each forces the other to look into a mirror of what they themselves were/will be, and it often isn't pretty.

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

Well, Leopold finally seems like he's in relative safety. As for Phillip, he's quite blunt when he so chooses, eh?

Indeed, Philipp usually says what is on his mind. If anything, he likes others to know where they stand.

And safety is a very relative thing.

I wonder if Heinrich in his youth was like Phillip is now. I wonder if Phillip in his older age will be like Heinrich. I would not be surprised.

Perhaps that is one reason why they do not get alike - each forces the other to look into a mirror of what they themselves were/will be, and it often isn't pretty.

Quite. I have found myself more and more considering what father would do in the situation that presents the son. If anything, it helps me to keep them in character.


To all - the next update arrives tomorrow. Thanks for your support and comments!

 

[coz1]

The Eagle In Winter

* * *

Wolgast Castle – 10th of February, In the Year of Our Lord, 1104​

Heinrich Staden, Duke of Brandenburg, stood at the window of the tower watching the snow gather on the fields outside his castle. He loved the winter and the harshness with which it was known. It was his element and he embraced it. What he did not embrace were the actions of his family. He disliked not knowing what others were up to and in this area, he knew exactly where to turn. For the past hour, he had harangued his mother and spymaster and asked her for all knowledge of Philipp’s doings from his wife, his actions in Silesia in the previous autumn and even about his court at Rügen.

“As you know, my Lord, he governs well and in your name always. I see no reason to anger yourself over that which does not require it.” Oda von Werth sat still and calm, knowing well how to handle her son.

The Duke scratched at the unruly hair on his cheek as he looked down at his mother, “Then why does he leave at such a time and leave no word for a fortnight? Answer me that, woman?”

“The Count has his concerns, your Grace. He must see to them.”

“He has my concerns and no other,” Heinrich spit back, tired of the back and forth. He spun around and lifted a letter from his table, “This comes and tells me that he has been in Anhalt. Goseck tells me the boy has just missed Leopold there.”

“So he must be doing your work, my Lord. He is surely soon to find the Duke and dispatch the man.” Oda nodded her head in satisfaction.

“Or he plots with him!”

“Why suggest such a thing?”

The Duke did not like the line of thought and threw the letter to the floor. “Goseck tells me the boy helped Leopold escape. This sounds as if assistance to me, old woman. Do not play dumb with me. What is the boy up to?”

“I would not trust such lies from a man like Goseck, my Lord. He answers thus only to be heard at court. Nothing more.”

Oda stood and walked to her son, resting a hand on his arm. Heinrich did not care for the touch and brushed it away. “Do not offer kindness, witch. Offer me answers. Why should we not consider Goseck’s words honest and true?”

“I have told you, my Lord,” Oda was irritated and let it show. “He is not a trustworthy man and speaks ill of your son!”

“He is no son to me, but a bother!” Heinrich stood himself and walked back to the window. There was a silence as the Duke thought to himself and then he turned once again and announced, “I shall call up my knights.”

His tone seemed calm and the decision considered, but Oda knew better. She smiled as she replied, “Whatever for, sire? Do you wish war upon the land?”

“I do!” Heinrich answered eagerly. “I shall send them to Thuringia and take my throne there before I turn them north to snuff out whatever that young buck thinks he can throw at me. And once I have achieved victory, I shall send them east to face the Hammadid and we shall take them before King Adolf has whiff of what chance he has lost.”

Oda was astonished. She knew well her son might consider such a thing but to carry it out would be something entirely different. If Heinrich even attempted to call his Lords up to fight, she wondered how many might rebel. And if he sent a small force south, the Thuringen knights would cut them to pieces. This still did not answer on how wrong the Duke was in regards to his King. Adolf would not stand by and watch his wayward Duke attempt to ignite the north of his realm.

In cautious tones, Oda tried to talk some sense into her son, “My Lord, allow me to travel to Anhalt and question Friedrich Goseck. We must know all there is before we embark on such a plan as you suggest.”

“There is little information that I need to know further from that man,” Heinrich tried to say before his mother continued…

“I shall take young Friedrich with me and we shall set to arming and preparing for whatever needs be. Goseck will call forth a heavy contingent, my Lord. I shall ensure that he answers his Duke’s call if such a need arises.”

Heinrich pinched his brow together as he looked upon his mother. Up to something or not, she would surely help in this regard. “Very well. You will go to Anhalt. I shall send Ulric along with you to provide protection.”

The Duke smiled and walked closer to his mother, placing his own hand on her shoulder, “You can find out what you wish and then I shall found out if this man Leopold has anything at all with which to beat me. I think not that he does.”

Oda bowed and backed away from her son, “Indeed, my Lord…I shall write back to you as soon as I am able. Do not make any decisions until you hear from me.”

There was nearly a laugh but Heinrich stuffed it back in. “I shall travel there myself in a fortnight. We shall see each other again, lady, and then we shall make the decision together, both you and I.”

“Very well, my Lord. Until then…”

Oda walked from the room and immediately she began to think. She had accomplished one goal – traveling to Anhalt. But she had not counted upon Heinrich rash idea of war with Thuringia. That must be prevented at all costs. There was much work still to be done and she wasted not a minute as she prepared to travel. By the time she reached Anhalt, she’d know what to do.

 

[Estonianzulu]

Heinrich may be biting off more than he can chew. I have to say Coz1, you have a great deal of talent at putting together a plot, I've found myself having to go over everything a few times to make sure I have it all right.

 

[stnylan]

It is very nice to see another episode with Heinrich. I know it has been a theme of my recent comments, but I am quickly finding the similarities between him and Phillip most engaging - similarties but also the little differences.

Oda, it seems to be, is one of those mediaeval women who must curse regularly - at least six times a day - that if only she were a man she would be able to sort the whole lot out in next to no time, but as she is not she has to resort to using men and that has never been reliable prospect.