The Heavy Crown [Book the Third on the House of Wessex]

[TheButterflyComposer]

I thought that was an interesting angle too. I have been experimenting with more strict POV like scenes a bit and while it does not come completely natural to me, I like how it shines light on a character's attitude and conceptions/misconceptions.

I agree strict POV generally leads to better chapters. In my writing i tend to have one at most be the primary focus and have, if required, another few but removed from the source (a recording, a note scribbled, someone commenting on an inuniverse story etc). POV changing in chapter is the preserve (usually) of new fanfic writers and (apparently) million plus bestsellers. It can be done well but the post moderism of it all grates on my personal nerves most of the time.

 

[Asantahene]

I like the POV. Very interesting and different to bring it from a defeated family member. I especially like the nous you ascribe young Hacon. One to be watched for sure

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

Which would be alright except its happening too early for the monarchy to survive it. Theres still a gigantic power disparity between dukes and kings. Infighting, even if no one else has claims and cant reasonably get them, isnt good.

There is truth in that but each generation is changing that with a little more central power each time. The infighting is still there, but it is not quite as much as it was at the start of the game.

I agree strict POV generally leads to better chapters. In my writing i tend to have one at most be the primary focus and have, if required, another few but removed from the source (a recording, a note scribbled, someone commenting on an inuniverse story etc). POV changing in chapter is the preserve (usually) of new fanfic writers and (apparently) million plus bestsellers. It can be done well but the post moderism of it all grates on my personal nerves most of the time.

I usually have to decide first off if the scene is POV or not. If not, I feel free to switch around between characters within a scene, sometimes beginning with one and ending with another. However, if I am doing strict POV, it must stay from that character's perspective from start to finish of the scene.

I like the POV. Very interesting and different to bring it from a defeated family member. I especially like the nous you ascribe young Hacon. One to be watched for sure

Hacon is a wily one, that kid. I've been kind of suggesting it for awhile with both Judith and then Æthelric talking about him, but I thought it high time to bring him onto the stage. It proves to be rather dramatic in the long run.

 

[coz1]

The Heavy Crown​

​

Bath, England - January 1140​

Lord Harold took a deep breath before he knocked to the privy council chamber door and upon hearing the King’s familiar shout entered to find Eadward smiling wide. The Duke offered a deep bow but the King was quick to raise him up, “A great day this is, my Lord! One that I did not ever think I might live to see...but it is finally now upon us!”

“I now know why you did wish to see me, Your Grace,” Harold stood with genial curiosity, “What does bring you so much pleasure?”

Eadward pointed with glee, “Look there upon the table and read for yourself this wondrous news.”

The Lord Chancellor did as asked and upon reading the words, shared the same giant smile held by the King, “Can it be true, Your Grace? Is he finally gone?!”

“I would trust our Lord Berold, would you not?” Eadward moved to hold tight to Harold’s shoulders, “He surely speaks the truth. My sister’s long nightmare is over...this devil is done with us forevermore!”

​

“Indeed...a great day!” Harold nodded and shared in the King’s jubilation, “I know well what a hardship the Queen...the Princess has gone through. This Roubaud was no good man and surely sees hellfire as we speak.”

Eadward kept a large grin as he moved swiftly to pour two cups of ale, “I might wish to go to hell myself so that I may see in person his suffering so richly deserved! My good sister Mildrith is on her way back to Thetford. We must get word there before she returns so she is greeted with this amazing news!”

“I would be on that at once, Your Grace...” Harold smiled but hesitated, “...unless you would wish to write the words.”

“No, no,” Eadward was quick to return and hand Harold a cup, “You may pen it. You’ve a golden tongue that does come out upon the page. I would trust you to make it a happy letter for it shall be.”

“Most certainly, Your Grace,” Harold held up his cup to match the King’s, “The happiest letter I shall ever write.”

“Jesus wept but I did loathe that man!” Eadward knocked his cup and then moved to sit, “To think of what harm he did inflict upon dear Mildrith. Would that my beloved Judith were here to witness this day for all the suffering she did endure helping my sweet sister. Uhtræd as well...”

Harold shifted to sit himself and looked with interest as Eadward drifted off in thought, “Yet who may be this King Eudes, Your Grace? I fear that I am unfamiliar with his kind.”

“Of Burgundy...de Bourgogne...” Eadward waved a hand still in thought, “...the Franks still hold to elective, Christ’s keys I know not why.”

“Do you think him an ally?” Harold questioned with some concern.

Eadward suddenly turned back with a smile, “I care not. Any man is better than what held that throne before. You would brush up on your French if need be for you shall soon find out, my Lord.”

“I remain well fluent, Your Grace, and would gladly travel to take the measure of this new King,” Harold returned the smile.

“And while across, I would need you to travel north as well...” Eadward stood and moved to the window, “…I must needs have an accounting to Meissen for my nephew there. We are done with the one war and I would have us done with the other.”

Harold replied with some reticence, “It would be a long trip, Your Grace...”

“Think you it a bother?” Eadward quickly turned and showed a sharp brow.

“None at all, Your Grace,” Harold stood and bowed his head in obedience, “It is just...I hesitate to be away so long from your good daughter and now...you did honor me with the guardianship of the little Duchess.”

​

Eadward took a slow sip of his ale and then eyed his Chancellor with question, “I felt need to bring my daughter some company as it would seem that you are not yet ready to give her your seed.”

“Your Grace...” Harold held up a hand to protest but Eadward stepped forward and changed his tone entirely.

“I bore witness to the demeanor of my sweetest child this past season and I must tell you, sir...I was displeased,” Eadward moved again to stand before his Chancellor, “None would bring her more happiness than a swollen belly and it was doubly hurtful to her to find that dear Hextilda is now with child. You did promise me that you would care for her in all ways and yet...you do not give her what she wishes...what I would wish and her dear departed mother as well.”

Harold grew red in the face both from anger and embarrassment, “I am sorry, Your Grace. Yet you do know of my schedule...my tasks. I am hardly at my home as it is.”

“That is an answer...” Eadward kept a sharp glare, “...and one that should satisfy you for the action I take. My Hereswith would have some young thing to care for and none would be better than her brother’s intended. I see not how it might burden you.”

“It is no burden, Your Grace,” Harold answered with his head held low in a bow.

Eadward found a smile in reply, “Good. Then you will travel forth and see to my desires on the continent. I wish to know of my nephews there, especially Oscytel in Meissen. I would know if these Scots are helping in any way as well. The Duke of Lothian is having a devil of a time of it to the north and I would know if King Andrew assists there or to Germany.”

​

“I should think both, Your Grace,” Harold suggested with a low head still, “Yet I shall endeavor to find you your answer.”

The King offered a raised brow and a slight grin, “You do seem out of sorts, my Lord. Is there something that needs be said? I would offer you any chance.”

“It is no thing, Your Grace,” Harold gently lifted his eyes to meet with the King, “I only fear...that you do distrust me.”

“Nonsense!” Eadward exclaimed before downing his ale and moving to pour another, “I would not deny that I did question your actions at a time, but you have been nothing but loyal and the words returned by you to me from Kent were well received. Our Lord Berold does continue to give you high marks in your work and I see nothing to change that other than my daughter’s misfortune. I would have you fix that...but otherwise, you remain well in my service.”

Harold offered a plea in his eyes, “I wish to serve Your Grace at your pleasure in every way.”

“And that you do, my Lord,” Eadward turned once more with a smile, “There has been a changing of the guard, as it were, but once again we do get much needed youth in our ranks.”

“You speak of Bishop Æthelsige of Wells,” Harold gave nod.

Eadward kept his smile, “Indeed. Our Bishop Cytelbearn was near to eighty in age before his sad passing and did bring us no good news from York. Yet another reason I might wish the young charge that I give to you. This new man...youthful and vigorous in his actions. I do hope to see a change and push this heresy out of our realm.”

​

“It was a wise choice, Your Grace,” Harold answered again with a nod.

“I am pleased that you think so,” Eadward stepped to him as he dropped his smile, “For it is now eleven and forty and we live in a new era. I am now an old man myself and I bring about you young ones to carry on for my son. He will need you far more than I, and I would have you all trained up. This world that we live in, my Lord...it is an unforgiving one and I would not put that upon Æthelric without good counsel...”

The King stayed his eyes to his Chancellor with sharpness and followed, “...Honest counsel.”

Harold offered another bow and then looked to the King with misty eyes, “I did promise not to fail Your Grace and I never mean to.”

“That is fine,” Eadward gave nod and moved again to sit and read his correspondence, “Our world is a tricky place, my Lord, and I must needs know that I have good men about me. About my son.”

“I remain in my promise, Your Grace,” Harold bowed one more time as he began to back from the chamber, “I shall begin my preparations to travel and do your bidding.”

As Harold was about to leave, Eadward held up his head and grinned, “Think not that you do not have my love, sir. Yet I am overly harsh to one that held my position. I do know the hardships and that I have felt them myself...it shall never be an easy task. Take heart my Lord Harold...you do represent my person, like me or no, but moreso you do represent this crown. That is everything.”

Harold stopped at the chamber door and offered a large bow, “I do love you, Your Grace. Please do never doubt it.”

“I’ve no question of it,” Eadward looked to Harold with a sharp eye, “So let us have no more of this concern about your worth. I trust you implicitly within this realm and throughout all of Europe. See to my needs...my son’s needs...and you shall never need do so for your own. I shall see to that.”

“I thank you...” Harold bowed deeply before leaving, “...Your Grace.

​

 

[stnylan]

Hooray the git is dead. Let us celebrate for Robaud (or however his name was spelled) is no more. Let us find his grave so we can dance up on it...

Ok, not quite sure what came over me there.

But I very much understand Eadward's jubilation.

 

[JabberJock14]

Robaud is dead, finally. And the ping-pong of kingship between the two branches of the Capetian tree continue, away from Henri's line and on to Robert's. France should be a mess for years to come.

There's a weird feeling at least for me in this chapter. Eadward has always been the perceptive one, sometimes pulling the wool over different characters' eyes, but rarely ever hoodwinked himself. And yet he has been here. Yes he admonishes Harold for not spending enough time with his daughter, and fulfilling his duties as a husband, but ultimately, his greater crime is left unpunished. He can count himself lucky, I suppose. But I wonder how it bodes for the future of the House of Wessex, as their vassals remain more loyal to each other than the crown.

 

[RykaS]

Robaud is dead, finally. And the ping-pong of kingship between the two branches of the Capetian tree continue, away from Henri's line and on to Robert's. France should be a mess for years to come.

There's a weird feeling at least for me in this chapter. Eadward has always been the perceptive one, sometimes pulling the wool over different characters' eyes, but rarely ever hoodwinked himself. And yet he has been here. Yes he admonishes Harold for not spending enough time with his daughter, and fulfilling his duties as a husband, but ultimately, his greater crime is left unpunished. He can count himself lucky, I suppose. But I wonder how it bodes for the future of the House of Wessex, as their vassals remain more loyal to each other than the crown.

I dunno, I feel like Eadward may know perfectly well what's going on, but doesn't feel like he has the moral standing to punish Harold for it. Most of the old guard are dead, but I'm pretty sure there are enough people left to raise some eyebrows at the parallels (and hypocrisy) if Eadward went after Harold for infidelity. I suspect that's why he pushing for Harold to distract Eadward's daughter with children.

Coz, you are really great at making England feel like it's on the precipice of turning into an epic wildfire at any minute. I want to wipe my sweat off my brow and go 'we made it one more day!' after every update.

 

[Bullfilter]

Good riddance to the monstrous Robaud - he will be in one of Satan’s cooking pots by now, being eternally sautéed, without doubt. As for Harold: he is lucky, and had better use this luck to learn an important lesson. Or his star will fade.

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

Hooray the git is dead. Let us celebrate for Robaud (or however his name was spelled) is no more. Let us find his grave so we can dance up on it...

Ok, not quite sure what came over me there.

But I very much understand Eadward's jubilation.

I figured many would be pleased at Roubaud's demise. He truly was a git and worse! Makes me thankful that he was not my main character as I do not think I could stomach writing for him all the time. These few scenes were quite enough.

Robaud is dead, finally. And the ping-pong of kingship between the two branches of the Capetian tree continue, away from Henri's line and on to Robert's. France should be a mess for years to come.

There's a weird feeling at least for me in this chapter. Eadward has always been the perceptive one, sometimes pulling the wool over different characters' eyes, but rarely ever hoodwinked himself. And yet he has been here. Yes he admonishes Harold for not spending enough time with his daughter, and fulfilling his duties as a husband, but ultimately, his greater crime is left unpunished. He can count himself lucky, I suppose. But I wonder how it bodes for the future of the House of Wessex, as their vassals remain more loyal to each other than the crown.

I understand your point and agree with you, mostly. I might put it down to Eadward's age and other factors like his wife dying and preoccupation with the recent war, but there is no doubt that a younger Eadward would have been right on top of this situation with great help from his man Wulfnoth. Age has slowed him somewhat. However, I don't know that he is entirely hoodwinked as his admonishment to Harold shows. I leave it rather unsaid in the scene but he says that he trusts Harold yet his eyes suggest that he is still skeptical. He seeks to reassure his Chancellor but lets him know that he above all will be under scrutiny. Eadward says that is was because he himself held the position, but you might imagine there are other reasons as well.

I dunno, I feel like Eadward may know perfectly well what's going on, but doesn't feel like he has the moral standing to punish Harold for it. Most of the old guard are dead, but I'm pretty sure there are enough people left to raise some eyebrows at the parallels (and hypocrisy) if Eadward went after Harold for infidelity. I suspect that's why he pushing for Harold to distract Eadward's daughter with children.

Coz, you are really great at making England feel like it's on the precipice of turning into an epic wildfire at any minute. I want to wipe my sweat off my brow and go 'we made it one more day!' after every update.

That is a very good point and one of the things I thought so delicious above this little subplot. While I don't think Eadward would blink at at hypocrisy should he admonish Harold for what he himself did (and he still does not know the whole of it) there is an irony behind Harold's crime and what Eadward did for so many years.

And pleased am I by not just your comment (your first in these threads!) but so too keeping you on the edge of your seat! A fine compliment! Thank you and I am so pleased to see that you have been reading all this time! Please feel free to comment any time.

Good riddance to the monstrous Robaud - he will be in one of Satan’s cooking pots by now, being eternally sautéed, without doubt. As for Harold: he is lucky, and had better use this luck to learn an important lesson. Or his star will fade.

Satan's Cook Pot is my next band name now.

Harold is indeed lucky and I felt I needed this scene to show that. Yes, it gives over the important news that Roubaud is dead (thank God!) as well as some other important info, but I needed a scene of peace between King and Chancellor after stirring the pot for so long. You could say that I played it as a mcguffin and perhaps I did as it was snuffed out fairly quickly, but I wanted to show that the younger set is not above some dirty dealings and of course, it did help to liven up the scenes.


To all - At last our long national nightmare is over. Roubaud is dead! His was a character that I loathed but loved to write for in limited fashion. It allowed for me to use the worst of humanity which is not something that I long for but find interesting to explore. I took specific liberty with that subplot as in game, Mildrith never left him and even had another child. I just found this far more interesting for what truly was a peripheral character even if France continues to loom large. He also rather bridged the gap between the first story when Eadgar marries off his daughter to a promising suitor, to Uhtræd's disasters at trying to rein him in and finally to Eadward where he must at first harbor his fugitive sister and then find glee when the scoundrel is finally dead. Not bad for one that had only a few scenes, really.

And of course, no one is happier about it than France itself which seems to be on the upswing somewhat. I'm not sure what mechanic made it so, but ever since Eadward has been King, France seems to have pulled together and seems much stronger than it has been in years. I wanted to use that last map especially to show you all of Europe in this new age but it and the other shows that the France we know is now basically a mixture of France, Aquitaine, Pisa, Brittany and of course, England with a smattering of HRE around the edges. Not terribly unlike our real timeline during this age.

I also thought I should make point to address the guardianship of Cynethryth of York by Harold of Gloucester. I guess because she is betrothed to my son, she resided at my court. When she needed tutoring, I was happy to send her off to Harold and it certainly does help the story. It takes Harold and Hereswith quite a while to have children and this seemed a natural way to express that, especially given what paces I have put Harold through of late.

Your comments remain the very best and I thank you each and every time! The very best readers in all of AARland!

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

Funnily enough, france looks almost exactly like what some feared it would become in Before Plantagent. England and the HRE expanding in from the north and east, Aquitaine controlling most of the west and the south being a cluster truck of italy, france, aquitiane and other invaders.

 

[Idhrendur]

That may be done of the best news of the AAR. Which I suppose just shows how well you worew him as a terrible person.

 

[Nikolai]

Whew! I am moving these days and discovered last night I hadde missed for updates! This is now fixed. Good to see Roubald dead, finally. I really dislike Hacon by the way. He seems like a candidate for the title sociopath. At least very shady!

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

Funnily enough, france looks almost exactly like what some feared it would become in Before Plantagent. England and the HRE expanding in from the north and east, Aquitaine controlling most of the west and the south being a cluster truck of italy, france, aquitiane and other invaders.

It is a lot healthier now than it has been. Considering the mess that it was just 20 years ago, it is somewhat miraculous.

That may be done of the best news of the AAR. Which I suppose just shows how well you worew him as a terrible person.

It pleased me greatly when he passed. One of the worst matches I ever made in the game. Really came back to haunt me.

Whew! I am moving these days and discovered last night I hadde missed for updates! This is now fixed. Good to see Roubald dead, finally. I really dislike Hacon by the way. He seems like a candidate for the title sociopath. At least very shady!

Well, you know I always need one. Now that Roubaud is gone and Eadweald humbled, I need a new heavy and Hacon certainly fits the bill. For more on him, see the next scene.

 

[coz1]

The Heavy Crown​

​

Bath, England - March 1140​

Hacon would not stop baiting the alaunt as he held the marrow bone high over his head and let the dog jump at him even with a fevered howl. His sister rested in repose on a settle near to the window in the solar and chuckled at his fearlessness even though she tired of the game, “You had best be careful, brother, or the beast may mount you to show who is most dominant.”

Her twin grinned and finally tossed the bone the length of the room. The alaunt chased with speed as Hacon turned to her, “And you may be the fattest person that I have ever seen, sister. You would hold no hope of being mounted by this or any other creature.”

Cyneburg rolled her eyes before closing them with disregard, “You would not tempt me as you do the beast. I would not care in either way.”

Bored by the lack of effect in his taunts towards his sister, Hacon turned to step to his uncle Æthelric. Only a year younger, the Prince was studying a book having ignored the play and Hacon pushed it from his hands, “Always got your nose tucked away in some corner. Come on, man...let’s have some spirit!”

Æthelric kept his hands to the air and looked with irritation to his kin, “I would just as soon not, if it be all the same to you. I be forced to spend my time with you, but I would like it little.”

“Hmm...” Hacon grinned once more as he bent down to pick up the book, “...now there’s some spirit after all. You may not be totally useless.”

The Prince held out his hand with a sigh, “The book, sir...you would hand it over.”

Hacon held it forth and then dropped it just as Æthelric was about to take it from his hands, “I know not why you care for these lofty words. Wasted on your mind, I should think.”

“Hacon!” Cyneburg suggested without opening her eyes, “Leave him alone. Keep your spirit with the dog if you must...and mayhaps take it outside!”

Her brother was about to taunt her further but was surprised when he was pushed from behind by Æthelric as the young Prince shouted, “There is much to be wasted about you, sir! Think you a man now that you turn your sixteenth year? Then mayhap you would act as one!”

​

Hacon was taller than the Prince, but thinner as well. Unlike Æthelric, he did not take up the martial arts expected of a Prince and heir to the King no less. Yet he was quick and stepped aside as Æthelric threw a punch towards him. The Prince stumbled and nearly fell but caught his balance on a table as he turned with fury, “You think me soft? Then stand and fight me if you dare?!”

Cyneburg was suddenly alert and sat up to take in the new activity and Hacon too was far more curious now, “You do surprise me, uncle. I did not take you for a pugilist. Yet you must know that I could not strike you even if I wished. You are the son of the King.”

“And you had better not forget it!” Æthelric stepped towards him with a deep frown, “In short time, I too shall come of age and when I do I will be truly invested with my lands of Norfolk and titles...most especially Duke of East Anglia! And what shall you have? I think naught. I do love my sister, but I think her to have born a hell-spawn and he stands before me at the now!”

The words stung and though Hacon tried to hide it with a smirk, Æthelric could see the wound he had inflicted ran deep. Allowing the blood to settle and a calm smile over his face, The Prince gently shifted to bend and pick up his book and then moved to leave the room wasting only one last chance to return the grin to his older kin.

As he left the solar, Cyneburg finally raised her hefty self and moved towards her brother, “Why must you goad him so? He really is too sweet to deserve it.”

Hacon let the grin leave his face to be replaced with deep scorn, “He bores me silly, that one! Thinks himself high and mighty because he is the heir...born of a King. Yet good grandfather Eadward was no King when little Æthelric was brought into this world and only gained it by...well, I should not say.”

“If you wish me to be intrigued, then know that I am not,” Cyneburg waved a hand and moved to taste at some few treats left for them by the servants, “I would just as soon have fondness for our young uncle and leave it there. I did see how his words stung you. Do you think to gain any favor in that way, brother?”

“Hmm!” Hacon snorted, “I think to gain favor by using my wits, dear sister.”

She turned to stuff a pastry in her mouth but said before she did so, “Then you are sorely lacking in them at the now for I think not that the Prince does like you very much and would just as soon see you away from his person forever.”

Hacon shook his head at his sister’s over indulgence but allowed a laugh as well, “Your mind is as limited as that, sister...to the point of a puff piece and no thing other. Well...I have a mind for more than that. I have done myself a service, you see...taken it upon my time to find some favor by these Lords that do come and go. They do not wish to offend the grandson of the King, don’t you know?”

Between chews, Cyneburg was able to ask with a full mouth still, “What would you hope to gain by that?”

“You do know that our grandfather the King was named Lord Chancellor at mine own age, do you not?” Hacon asked with a sly grin.

“So?” his sister shrugged and eyed another piece of pastry.

Hacon moved towards her and held a hand to hers as she began to lift the new pastry to her mouth, “I have taken it in that mayhap the King is not so pleased with his current man...the Lord of Gloucester. I think perchance that he might like to make a change. What better man than I?”

Cyneburg used her other fat paw to swat away her brother’s hand as she rolled her eyes at him, “You are like to fly too close to the sun, brother. Take a care that you do not get burned.”

“My ambitions rest far away from the kitchens, sister...” Hacon watched her stuff her face once again, “...and sustenance does rest with more than just a piece of sweet meat.”

She smiled and laughed as she licked at her fingers, “Mayhap it is so...yet I would hate to lose you, sir, as would our dear mother though I know not why. You really are the devil. But you are my devil and my twin. Be careful, Hacon.”

​

 

[Asantahene]

Wow Duke Harold has some pretty amazing all round stats! Impressive.

So First we have the king playing a game with his Chancellor then the odious Hacon playing one with Prince Æthelric. Both like cats with their pray...coincidence?

2 first chapters that have set the scent for time to come

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

What a good duke. Hopefully the heir is that good? Lord knows, england needs a quiet succession once in a while. Hacon seems to be punching waaay over his weight. Maybe it'll pay off but making enemies of the two up and coming nobles in the land doesnt seem very clever.

 

[stnylan]

Hacon aims high, and one can see why he might do so. After all precedent, such as it is, is with him. Though one the King can over-rule.

 

[Bullfilter]

And while Harold is a great all-rounder, he has had his issues and Hacon is slightly higher in the key diplomacy stat. And he is family - even if he does seem to be a bit of a prat. Who knows, if Harold puts a foot wrong ...

 

[Nikolai]

Indeed. Harold is impressive, very impressive. But 17 beats 16. However, there is loyalty hits to consider too. Which it seems coz knows, as he chose the being patient path.

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

Wow Duke Harold has some pretty amazing all round stats! Impressive.

So First we have the king playing a game with his Chancellor then the odious Hacon playing one with Prince Æthelric. Both like cats with their pray...coincidence?

2 first chapters that have set the scent for time to come

In Hacon's case, I think that he underestimates Æthelric. Granted, I have slowly built the Prince from a meek little boy to something a bit stronger now but the growth is not complete. There is more to the Prince than meets the eye, but not so much with Hacon.

What a good duke. Hopefully the heir is that good? Lord knows, england needs a quiet succession once in a while. Hacon seems to be punching waaay over his weight. Maybe it'll pay off but making enemies of the two up and coming nobles in the land doesnt seem very clever.

For Hacon's diplo score, I have written him as not extremely bright, or at least overly ambitious. Way above his weight indeed. And no, Æthelric's scores will not be that good. Few are that well rounded. Harold does also have the "brilliant" trait which is part the reason that I had the whole Ada affair thing - no one is that perfect.

Hacon aims high, and one can see why he might do so. After all precedent, such as it is, is with him. Though one the King can over-rule.

That is true - two out of the last three Chancellors began in the job at 16. Hacon will find it a lot harder, however.

And while Harold is a great all-rounder, he has had his issues and Hacon is slightly higher in the key diplomacy stat. And he is family - even if he does seem to be a bit of a prat. Who knows, if Harold puts a foot wrong ...

With family like Hacon, who needs enemies, eh? Just wait - you will see.

Indeed. Harold is impressive, very impressive. But 17 beats 16. However, there is loyalty hits to consider too. Which it seems coz knows, as he chose the being patient path.

Very true, and I do hope that assists with Harold's rel. score. I will touch on this again in a scene or two, but Eadward does not take his grandson seriously even if he allows some consideration of it.


To all - So, we have a little more built on for Hacon. Good to see most people getting his measure quickly. And originally, I did not plan on Æthelric even being in the scene but felt I needed to include some of his growth in the process. While I have kept a pretty solid every other day posting scheme of late, I am going to go ahead and post the next scene just after this given that the above was rather on the short side and this next is a pretty big one. Enjoy! And thank you so much for your excellent comments!