The Glorious Realm of the Counts of Savoy

[Valdemar]

The Englishman had been kicking his heels in the Savoyard court for a few weeks when finally a herald came and bid him to follow. They passed by the main hall and ended up in a suite of delicately furnished rooms in the west wing.

An elderly woman sat in a large chair and nodded to the Englishman as he entered. It was clearly she had been a great beauty once, and her beauty had not been marred by age, but rather time had refined it. Now however some recent grief had taken away most of her beauty, and while it could still be seen the sorrow was still most vividly present in her face,

“I am the countess of Savoy, I am the acting regent until my son, and his wife, the young countess returns from their journeys. How may Savoy serve you?”

 

[Lord E]

Savoy

Edmund Peche had been using some weeks just sitting around the court drinking and gaming, so eh was glad when the man arrived to escort him to see someone. Edmund had actually started to wonder if there was anyone, except the servants, alive in this place, so he wondered what he would meet.

Entering the rooms of the old countesses Edmund gets a little surprise, he had though he would see the count or some chancellor, but he wasn’t close to expecting a lady. Standing still for some time a little surprised, Edmund soon regains his manners, and bows deep for the countesses.

“It is a great honour to meet such a trilling beauty as your ladyship!
I must say I was surprised to meet you, I though I was going to see the count, but I must say it is even better to meet such a nice lady.
Now I have here a letter from Sir John Hawkwood in Rome, I don’t know if you want it or if it should wait for the Count?

Anyway what Sir John proposes is that we put the differences over religion and past history away, and instead look to the future, and Sir John is sure that both Savoy and England would benefit a lot from trade between the two realms.
So I was sent here to overlook and negotiate any treaties that we might be able to agree on, and to act as Sir John’s and England’s envoy here in Savoy. As you might know Sir John is the King’s envoy to the entire Italy, and therefore he is based in Rome since it is central and because Sir John has got some “problems and discussions” with some of the northern nobles in Italy, so Sir John though is safer to stay in Rome!

So therefore we hope that Savoy would be willing to agree to something?!

 

[Valdemar]

The countess smiled slightly,

“My son is abroad, and his wife too, and I would not want to burden them with trivialities, thus I act as regent, now that my husband passed away.”

She scanned the letter,

“I have heard of this, well for starters Savoy controls the passes across the Alps between Piedmont and Savoy, access to those with a reduced tariff could be valuable, and one should not forget the wine of Savoy and Piedmont, it is after all us who taught the French how to produce, and they still lack a certain refinement, wouldn’t you say?”

 

[Lord E]

Savoy

Edmund listened to the Countesses and then smiled

“Oh, well you have my deepest condolences on the passing of your husband.

Might I ask where the Count and his wife is, you said abroad…

Hehehe yes, I very much agree. The French do not know how to do such a work properly, so it would be very interesting for England to trade such goods with Savoy, also a treaty about the crossings in the Alps would be very good since it would give easier and cheaper entrance to Italy and the other way to France.

I presume that it would be most interesting for Savoy to trade with the English lands in Aquitaine… knowing that Savoy hasn’t really got much of a navy, and also it would be better from what I can see if the goods were sent on land to Aquitaine and then maybe shipped form there to countries in the north, and to the rest of the English possessions. Would that sound good for Savoy?”

 

[Valdemar]

The Countess smiled sweetly,

“I am certain my son will ensure what ever needs of navy we will need somehow, however, a trade deal regarding the north sounds intriguing. Pray tell me good sir, how do you propose English traders come from Aquitaine to Savoy? I understand there would be a few French, and French favouring realm in between, my son’s countess’ father for one, and the Anjou to name another.”

She looked at him with deep eyes, as if she had no idea how that could be done, idly wondering if he knew who her father was and thus what her family lands were.

“There is off course also the question of what goods England may offer to us, in return for the goods of Savoy and Piedmonte, or is it only in red gold that England will pay?”

 

[Lord E]

Savoy

Edmund nodded

”Very well countesses. The matter of the English traders coming from Aquitaine to Savoy is indeed a little difficult to see, I admit that, but Sir John has a very clever plan on the matter. As I am sure the countesses knows there are many French-English people living in Aquitaine, so the merchants will be French when they travel across the lands of France, and when they arrive in Savoy or Aquitaine they will be what they really are, English. A smart little trick to avoid trouble should the French start creating trouble, also I understand that there are supposed to be negotiations with the French over such matter and therefore soon it might be possible for English traders to travel safely trough the lands of France.
Of course if there is too much trouble for the merchants, there is always the possibility of a short campaign to clear the way….


You speak of the father of the countesses, might I ask who that might be, and also if you would be so kind as to tell me your background in all this countesses. I have been campaigning in France many years ago, but since the real end of the wars, I have been campaigning in Italy with Sir John for a long time, and I am afraid I have had little time to follow the politics and dynasties of France for that time, so I am not sue about the relations any more, so I would be honoured if you would be willing to inform me more about that subject.

As for goods, England has much good goods I am sure it would be good for Savoy to get. England exports the finest wool in the entire world, and we can give you a good deal of clothes and wool, as well as filling your coffins with gold…”

 

[Valdemar]

The Countess smiled,

“I am Bonne de Bourbon, my father easily extends his influence in greater parts of France, my son wisely married Bonne de Berri, daughter of the regent of France, the Duke de Auvergne.”

She looked out the window, then back at the Englishman,

“I fear my son will oppose any military agreements that will go against the French, however, perhaps trade can go by ship? How are the affairs of England in the trading republics of Italy, Genoa and Venice?”

 

[Lord E]

Savoy

Edmund got a little shocked, and he walked a few steps backwards as his mind reacted mechanically. Then he used some moments before he could return to his old self and really understand what the Duchess had said. She was in family with the regent of France! Now he needed to watch his words.

“I am sorry Duchess, but I wasn’t aware off that. Now I understand more about the situation, I really wasn’t aware that the French had such much influence in Savoy….

Then I can certainly understand that Savoy won’t have any conflict between England and France just over trade. Well then I think you are right Duchess, ships would be the best way. As for the cities you mention England hasn’t got any real connection or relationship with Genoa, but the relationship with Venice is, as far as I know, well, and the Venetians have a trade station in England. So therefore I think it would work fine if goods was shipped from Savoy to Venice, and then the Venetians could ship the goods to their land in England or English merchants could go to Venice to get the goods directly. I think that is the best way to handle this matter, don’t you agree?”

 

[unmerged(18481)]

Letters of the yesteryear

Pierre, Comte des Genevois & Gonfalonier d’Église; à son très-cher & très-amé cousin l’illustrissime & excellentissime seigneur, Amédée de Savoie, dit ‘le Rouge’, Comte de Savoie, Duc de Chablais & d’Aoste, Marquis en Italie, Prince & Vicaire Perpétuel de l’Empire Romaine: salut.

My sadness is very great indeed, my grief is beyond words now that the excellent lord Amédée, your father, is dead. For even though he was a few years my junior, he was always like a father to me, as I could but bow before his chivalry, his courage, his noble lifestyle, and also his very great honour and similarly great wisdom. And albeit I understand this knowledge would barely ease your torment, I wish you to know that your pain is shared by the entire humanity indeed: the chivalry declines in the world after his loss, the once so bright shining of the nobility goes pale, for – alas! -- never again the world shall see such a lord. Great is our misfortune, great is our misfortune indeed.

Know, cousin, that me and my household has gone into mourning for your father, and shall wear mourning for the upcoming six months. I also had a mass sung in his memory, and even though I myself am not a knight of the Order of the Collar, I wish to fulfill my deceased father’s and brother’s oath by donating two times a hundred silver denars for the greater pomp of your father’s funeral: I hope you shall accept this modest offering. Further, hoping to alleviate the very great pain of yours, wishing to put you in a better humour, I herewith send you the following humble gifts:

Item, a great ceremonial sword, its hilt adorned with one tiny diamond, three smaller rubies, and thirty-eight small precious stones. Item, a tapestry depiciting the major events of the lamented Count’s crusade in the east. Item, a rather large dish made of silver in which the fighting Green Count is engraved. Item, a roll of arms with coloured illustrations, depicting the arms of all the knights of the Order of the Collar, as drawn by the Master Antoine de Monblanc; along with a chronicle of that Order written on the backside of the roll.

Noble cousin, please accept my deep-felt sympathy in your very great bereavement.​

Donné en mon château en Annency, A.D. MCCCLXXXIII.

Petrus Comes​

​

Clement, Bishop, Servant of the Servants of God; onto his very dear & beloved son, the Count Amadeus of Savoy.

Cherished son, We cannot find the words that would properly describe the shock and dismay We felt upon recieving the news that the Lord God has called your father away from this Vale of Tears. A year Our junior, he was like a younger brother for Us in Our past mundane life, and We have never ceased loving him ever since, hence We feel great sorrow, even though We know that he was a very noble lord, pious and just indeed, and thus there is little doubt he has found the Gates of Heaven open before him. Furthermore, We are most certain he is now a Servant of God in the Heaven in the way he was on the Earth.

We fully understand the sorrow and grief you feel upon your percieved loss. But We urge you to draw comfort from the knowledge that you still have a father alive on this Earth who loves you and cares for you very greatly: We Ourselves are this father. And even though We are merely a spiritual father of yours, be assured that Our love and care for you is as great as though We were your natural father.​

Written in the City of Avignon, in the year of Our Lord MCCCLXXXIII, in the fifth year of Our Pontificate and the fourth year of Our exile, by the hand of the brother Lucius who is our secretary, signed by Our own hand:

Clemens PP. VII


​

 

[Valdemar]

The Countess smiled slightly as the Englishman beat a quick retreat when he realised the connections,

“Savoy is Savoy. My late husband, and his son, the current Count, may look to France, but they do what they find is best for Savoy.”

She looked at the Englishman for a long moment as if deciding what to say,

“How well, Milord, do you know Savoy?”

She continued without waiting his most likely modest and polite reply,

“Savoy is Savoy, partly French, partly Italian, and a realm within the Holy Roman Empire, it is not part of France, and yet favours France in certain matters. Do not judge Savoy on the language, or by the family ties alone and you may be sorely regretting it.”

She smiled to show she meant no offence,

“Savoy is ruled by its Counts, and they are ruled by their ideals, chivalric ideals, as well as strong adherence to the Pope in Avignon, however, whatever is done is done for the best of Avignon.”

She shrugged, hoping the Englishman understood how live on a border between three major areas of influence could be like,

“As to the trade we are currently negotiating with Venice regarding their convoys and trade routes, perhaps that could be of use, if not, then Genoa would be most appropriate, we do after all share a border.”

 

[Lord E]

Savoy

As the Countess explained the situation Edmund felt glad..

“Ah now I understand Countesses, I thank you for explaining the situation more closely to me.
Both Venice and Genoa sound like good ports for the shipment of trade, and I am sure we should be able to get everything to work in a way most satisfactory to both Savoy and England.
This will surly do us good. So should we write up something, or do Savoy want to negotiate more with both the fellow Italians about the shipping rights or any other matter you feel must be address, Countess?”

 

[Velasco]

A short Moorish man entered the back of the court. The entrance of an ambassador, from none other than King Charles III of Naples, at once set the entire court into a great clamour. He awaited the countess' approval to speak.

 

[Valdemar]

The Countess smiled,

“Surely England have access to those two harbours? But if it suffices we are negotiating with the Venetians as we speak, I believe we will be able to use their harbour, and if need be their merchant convoys. What sort agreement did England have in mind? One of tarifs or goods, or one of more… lasting effects?”

 

[Valdemar]

As the Neapolitan envoy made his appearance the guards shared one look before one of the moved of a brisk walk to find the Countess to hear her orders.

The other guards quickly ensured the envoy was comfortable, but he was never left alone, and there was constantly a guard on his door and windows.

The guard interrupted the countess as she debated with the English noble and she smiled coldly at his message.

“Let him wait. But under no circumstances may he leave the palace, I will have the title of the Captain of the Guard if he escapes.”

The guard bowed and left to follow his orders. Soon a double guard was on all exits of the small audience chamber of the Neapolitan envoy, though servants ensured he was well served.

 

[Lord E]

Savoy

”Countess indeed England has access to those two harbours, and we should be able to get the goods out of there and into our ships, that would be a good deal. Well Countess England would be interested in a lowering of tariffs, but England would be even more interested…”

He lowered his voice

“As you say… a deal of more lasting effects would be of very much interest. So what do you think off Countess?”

He smiled, and looked as the Guards made sure to put the man from Naples under control.

 

[Velasco]

The Neapolitan had grown tired of waiting. He told the guards that he must talk with the countess, at once, of matters of extreme importance and urgency.

 

[Valdemar]

The Neapolitan guest:

The guard lowered his weapon slightly and sneered at the guest,

“The Countess will see you when she is good and ready Neapolitan And with your master it may take a while.”

The frost in his voice was unmistaken.

The Englishman’s audience:

Meanwhile the countess was busy entertaining the charming Englishman. She smiled sadly, her husband was recently dead, and even if the mourning period was over she was not quite ready to let go yet, and the awaiting guest was merely salt in that particular wound.

“Sire, I do not dictate the policies of Savoy, permanent arrangements would have to await the return of my son, however, I am curious to he extend of the English policy in southern France.”

She smiled more warmly,

“As to trade I believe I can trust you to draw up a suitable treaty.”

She lowered her eyes a tad, feeling a brief exhilaration,

“Perhaps I can persuade your grace to stay as my guest until the treaty is finalised?”

She paused,

“Or perhaps until my son returns?”

She shared a brief look with the Captain of the guard standing out of earshot by the door,

“And now, if you will excuse me, I have a troublesome guest awaiting.”

She stood and nodded gracefully to her guest before moving towards the door.

 

[Lord E]

Savoy

Edmund smiled and nodded.

“Very well Countess, then I presume that I should stay on as your guest until the return of your son makes it possible to discuss more matters in person.
Now I shall bid your leave to draft up a suitable treaty, and inform my immediate overlord Sir John Hawkwood about the agreement and what Sir John believes the treaty should contain.

I accept your offer of staying on as your guest while I work on the treaty, and possibly also until the return of your son.

If I can offer my aid with this troublesome guest I offer my services to you Countess, I am well trained in the matters of war and dealing with troublesome persons…”

 

[Lord E]

Savoy

Edmund returned to the Countess. He was long overdue, but because of some rather long and wet nights in the local taverns he hadn’t been able to do work on the treaty for some time, also he had awaited a reply from Sir John. Now after receiving the reply and making sure he had sobered up Edmund walked to the Countess to present a treaty proposal.

“Honoured Countess, I am very sorry for the delay. I have had some things I had to take care off, but I have returned with a treaty proposal. So what do you think Countess, is this acceptable or do you want something altered?”


Savoy Treaty in the year of our lord 1385

On trade

I. English merchants operation in the County of Savoy shall enjoy a 15% discount on usual tariffs and fees. To improve trade the County of Savoy will promise not to confiscate goods owned by English merchants

II. Merchants from the County of Savoy operation in the Kingdom of England shall enjoy a 15% discount on usual tariffs and fees. To improve trade the Kingdom of England will promise not to confiscate goods owned by Neapolitan merchants

III. To avoid confrontations with the Kingdom of France, and her allies and vassals all trade between the Kingdom of England and the County of Savoy will be carried by ships to the ports of Venice and Genoa from England and from there by road to Savoy. Goods travelling from the County of Savoy will travel by road to Venice and Genoa and from there by ship until it reaches an English harbour.