A good time for the king to burn off his political capital for the betterment of the realm. Some cracking dialogue in there, especially when Eadward began holding forth on his big ideas. Most enjoyable! 
The Heavy Crown [Book the Third on the House of Wessex]
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Successions are always a bit of a mess. Even when the heir is of mature years and education...
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And second, that has especially been true in this game. Only Eadward has had a relatively smooth transition and I had to jump through several hoops to engineer that. I still marvel that Uhtræd faced such opposition and had to come up with several story beats to make that seem like it made sense.
To all - One more post to come tomorrow before I go on vacation. With the above, you can start to see some of Eadward's late phase ambitions. When he states that he has many plans, he is not joking. The one that follows tomorrow has been one of the more enjoyable ones to write. I have been planning a part of it for a while (and sets up some later game action) but there were some things done on the edges that I really liked. I rather like that it will be the one that I leave open for a week while I am gone.
Thank you as always for your great comments and I will repeat what I have said many times - you all are the very best readAARs in all of AARland! From the ones that have been there from the beginning to seemingly new ones (question to @vandevere - have you been reading the whole time?) each and every one helps me to push forward and complete this beast which I do not mind admitting is starting to weigh heavily upon me. The vacation cannot come at a better time. I've got miles to go before I sleep (and then even there quite a few more steps) but as of next month, this will have been two years of my life (and yours) that I have worked on this tale. I truly could not have done so without your support. It has been crucial and so very appreciated!
That was my thinking during this part of the game play. Eadward was getting up there in age but still had chance to make some really big plays. The events above really are happenstance but fit together rather nicely once I went back through my notes. The only ambition left to Eadward was to amass wealth so it makes sense that he might seek to raise taxes on the cities. And yes, he does get rather excited about it. Really glad the dialogue popped. I find that these scenes with many characters are some of the hardest to write because you need to give each character a unique voice. Most of those involved above have been fairly well fleshed out, except maybe the Bishop, but it is very gratifying to hear when it has worked.A good time for the king to burn off his political capital for the betterment of the realm. Some cracking dialogue in there, especially when Eadward began holding forth on his big ideas. Most enjoyable!
There is that fear. The one thing Æthelric will have going for him at first is that he will not be seen as a tyrant. Eadward already has that so he figures "so what?" about all the rest of the blowback he might get. The Prince will not have that "luxury" as he will be saddled with the dreaded "short rule" tag for a while.
First of all, welcome and thank you for the comment!
And second, that has especially been true in this game. Only Eadward has had a relatively smooth transition and I had to jump through several hoops to engineer that. I still marvel that Uhtræd faced such opposition and had to come up with several story beats to make that seem like it made sense. To all - One more post to come tomorrow before I go on vacation. With the above, you can start to see some of Eadward's late phase ambitions. When he states that he has many plans, he is not joking.
The one that follows tomorrow has been one of the more enjoyable ones to write. I have been planning a part of it for a while (and sets up some later game action) but there were some things done on the edges that I really liked. I rather like that it will be the one that I leave open for a week while I am gone. Thank you as always for your great comments and I will repeat what I have said many times - you all are the very best readAARs in all of AARland! From the ones that have been there from the beginning to seemingly new ones (question to @vandevere - have you been reading the whole time?) each and every one helps me to push forward and complete this beast which I do not mind admitting is starting to weigh heavily upon me. The vacation cannot come at a better time. I've got miles to go before I sleep (and then even there quite a few more steps) but as of next month, this will have been two years of my life (and yours) that I have worked on this tale. I truly could not have done so without your support. It has been crucial and so very appreciated!
Eadweard wants to make himself wealthy and perhaps leave that to his heir or just use it up on projects to better the realm. Curious to see how this plays out.
I am still trying to figure Harold and Berold. It is like some kind of one upmanship is going on between the two. I wonder when the king will tire of it.
I am still trying to figure Harold and Berold. It is like some kind of one upmanship is going on between the two. I wonder when the king will tire of it.
How will we ever live without your regular updates?
I too rather loved the dialogue especially use of the word simony. Marvellous. For that alone I give you bravo but it was also a rather nice peep into the detailed stuff. The intricacies of political life under this Saxon dynasty so for that, too, well done.
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As for surviving without updates for a week, I know not. It will be only the 2nd extended break I have taken in two years so I don't know how to survive it either.
To all - the next scene arrives in just a moment. It is a bit longer due to an early portion that I just had to flesh out. I am rather modeling it on a later day RL character but it made sense to me to use at this juncture.
The whole sorry episode with Ada has severely strained the relationship between Harold and Berold. What is more, Harold is rather bitter that it appears Eadward gives all of his trust to Berold and not himself. This will continue for the foreseeable future.
It had been a while since I did a full council scene and there was much to cover. I like that it allowed me to kind of naturally progress into Eadward's latest decision. And of course I had to include simony - it is surely rampant in the realm, right?How will we ever live without your regular updates?
I too rather loved the dialogue especially use of the word simony. Marvellous. For that alone I give you bravo but it was also a rather nice peep into the detailed stuff. The intricacies of political life under this Saxon dynasty so for that, too, well done.
As for surviving without updates for a week, I know not. It will be only the 2nd extended break I have taken in two years so I don't know how to survive it either.
To all - the next scene arrives in just a moment. It is a bit longer due to an early portion that I just had to flesh out. I am rather modeling it on a later day RL character but it made sense to me to use at this juncture.
The Heavy Crown
Thetford, England - November 1146
Mildrith of Wessex, the fourth child of the great King Eadgar and previously named Queen of France thanks to her disastrous marriage with that scoundrel Roubaud, was nearing to her sixtieth year. She had born three children though thanks to vicious rumors spread in the courts of France, a fourth was claimed for her though she alone knew for certain that the last was surely from some harlot. Of the three, only two survived and she had not spoken to nor seen them in many years. It was always to be a risk of her frantic departure to free herself from the clutches of her deranged husband yet she accepted her fate with grudging sadness and was at least thankful that she had been able to return home to the warm embrace of a family that did still love her. Most especially the late Judith, wife to the King, her brother Eadward.
Judith had been an accomplished woman in her own right serving as rightful Duchess of East Anglia after the death of her father Lord Skuli and mourned by all as Queen after her passing. She had been possessed of a loving heart and a shrewd mind and not a soul did test her for her wrath could be felt very sharply indeed. Yet from the start, Judith had taken in Mildrith as her very own sister and treated her just as kindly. At her death, she had willed the manor at Thetford to Mildrith and from that day on, the younger sister to the King began to rebuild what was left of her life.
As the de facto Lady of Norfolk owing to the current Duke being as yet unmarried and also Prince and heir to the throne, Mildrith held a prestigious place in the nobility. She was of the blood of Wessex, highly respected for her bravery in rescuing herself from the evils of France and indeed still styled herself as Princess though she could have demanded Queen or at least Duchess but she had no want for that as it was tainted in her eyes. Instead, she had set out to fulfill that thing in her life that she had lost the most. Her son.
For the last many years, she had made her home the most welcome in the land for young highborn boys who were found to be orphans with no land or title of their own. Indeed, she had considered young girls as well, but she still had two of those even though she did never know them since her departure. As well, the rowdiness of boys pleased her as it reminded her of her little Hugues who had passed on to God at much too early an age. She had never warded over more than four or five at a time and when they came of age, she always made sure to find them good appointments with higher nobility so that they might find advancement. None of them had ever lacked in education for the ability to read and write was demanded of them. As well, she had been able to count upon an unlanded knight of France named Louis d’Amiens who had showed to her door not long after she had fled and pledged his undying loyalty to her as the rightful Queen of France forevermore. Louis was an old man by this late date, but remained steadfast and once she started her wardships, he was quick to begin training them up in all of the proper martial ways.
It was a rather idyllic situation for her, especially for a woman that had once been so broken in spirit. She had grieved over her lost children. She wept when her eldest brother Uhtræd died as King in God’s year of eleven and thirty five. She had been more than distraught when the sweet Judith passed not long after and even more recently, with the loss of dear Beorhtmaer, the youngest of her father’s children. And yet, she was now able to return to Thetford every time to see her own fine brood of wayward boys who each looked to her as their very own mother. It was a place and position that she had always desired. Now that wicked Roubaud was thankfully deceased, she was a true widow, yet she had no desire to remarry for this predicament was the only way a woman might truly be free and she was more than thankful that Eadward had never demanded it of her. He might have, but he never did.
And today as she stood on the wide steps that fronted the large manor house, she found yet another smile as her brother’s son rode forth with a band of men behind him come to greet his aunt and as many a young and landed nobleman did...come to see her fine stock of highborn lads. Æthelric had been before when he was first formally invested with Norfolk and East Anglia and had readily taken a liking to Albert of Itchington. As they rode closer, she could tell that Albert was in the van this day. Now twenty five, Albert had served Æthelric as squire after the Prince was knighted by the King and was one of his closest companions. She could also see the young and dashing Giles de Mortain as he rode close to Æthelric and himself had just recently been knighted by Lord Berold of Normandy.
Mildrith produced a wide smile as she swept down the steps to greet her nephew and he was barely off his horse before she moved to give him a deep embrace, “Though we be almost to the depths of winter, my Lord Prince, it is though summer dawns before me!”
“Ahh, sweet aunt Mildrith,” Æthelric accepted the embrace but then stood back as he held to her hand and bowed with a flourish, “I do not think that God’s grace ever shines so brightly as to here in Thetford. Surely due to your presence, my Lady.”
“You do have a tongue, my nephew,” Mildrith playfully pulled him to stand tall and then looked behind as Albert too bowed before her, “And you, Albert...I think not to recognize you! When last I saw, you were clean shaven and pure. What is this scruff about your neck?”
Albert stood with a grin as he pointed to Æthelric, “You may ask my Lord Prince, my Lady, for it is he that sets the fashion and not I. A squire may merely follow as he be so high.”
Pulling a loving hand to scratch at Æthelric’s own brushy beard she grinned as well, “Then I think that we shall have to do something about that, sir. I dare say that your Kingly father may not approve.”
“Fear not on that score, my Lady,” Æthelric smiled, “He has seen it and I think him to have more serious concerns of late than my recent growth.”
Mildrith laughed, “If it be recent, then you shall rival mine own father for he could surely grow a beard, sir.”
“My Lady Princess,” Giles de Mortain approached with a bow after handling the grooms and directing their baggage, “You do honor us with your great hospitality. Our Prince does thank you.”
“Stand down, Giles,” Æthelric suggested playfully, “My dear aunt has been there and back again and your charms may not work upon her, I assure you. She be too smart for that.”
“Nonsense, nephew!” Mildrith replied quickly with a wink as she held out a hand for the young knight to kiss, “There be not a lady in the land that might refuse the charms of this one. Welcome, Sir Giles. Now...may I bid you all enter?”
Both Giles and Albert were quick to follow when Mildrith led the Prince into her fine house and directed them to the solar. She clapped her hands upon entry and immediately three servants moved to provide refreshment of ale and plates of cheese. When they were finished, Mildrith directed her arm towards two younger men standing at great attention and the moment that she did, both bowed with quickness.
“My Lord Prince, may I present to you Master Robert of Ruthin and Master Thomas of Northall.”
Robert was the taller of the two with a lighter complexion and presented a smile desired by many a young lass. Thomas was more stout and less effusive, but his bow was the firmer one as straight and proper as it should be. Both had come of age but not yet found a placement and were eager to face an audience with the heir to the throne. For his part, the Prince was gregarious as was his want and moved to clasp both of their arms.
“Well met, my good sirs,” Æthelric stated as he pointed to his squire, “If what good Albert tells me be true, I think us to become fast friends.”
Sensing that the Prince had given them leave to greet their old mate, both of them moved to shake Albert’s hand in greeting and the squire was quick to speak with humor, “These two young scoundrels haunted my days here, my Lord Prince. You should watch yourself around them...especially Tom. He’s a quick wit but an even faster temper.”
As the three old friends slapped at each other playfully and the two younger ones began to pepper Albert for stories, Æthelric moved to his aunt, “They both seem fine lads, aunt Mildrith. I should like to speak with them for a time and see for myself. I would ask you to stay...but Giles and Albert...they both have tongues that would make a woman faint.”
“I am a Lady with a stout constitution,” Mildrith grinned as she gave her nephew a quick kiss to his cheek, “Yet I know young men will talk. Do not tarry too long for I have the cooks preparing a fine supper. I do hope that you find them to your liking. They be good boys, each. Different...but good. Task them well, as I have, and they will serve. That I promise.”
As she departed, Æthelric turned first to Robert, “So...from Ruthin, is it? My father’s keep in Rhuddlan...it is near to there, is it not?”
“It is, my Lord Prince,” Robert answered with swiftness and a smile, “When I was but a tyke, my father would go to that place and pay homage to your father the King when he was but Lord Chancellor and Duke of that land. He always spoke of the magnificence.”
Æthelric laughed, “I know not if magnificent is the right word...it is quite small compared to Bath or Gainsborough, but he did find many happy days there as I recall myself when younger. We look to be not far in age, sir...how old are you at the now?”
“I’ve just seen my nineteenth summer, my Lord Prince,” Robert replied, “The Princess Mildrith has been very kind to allow me to stay on and work with Sir Louis d’Amiens as he does get on in age.”
“So...” Æthelric grinned as he looked to Giles and then back, “...a fighting man, is it?”
Robert allowed a slight laugh, “I be not certain that martial prowess is my future, my Lord Prince, but I may hold mine own. If you wish a true warrior, look ye here to good Thomas.”
Thomas of Northall bowed once more as the Prince moved to look him over, “And your age, sir...nineteen as well?”
“Eighteen, my Lord Prince,” Thomas responded as he stood tall, “And Rob does speak it right. Sir Louis has done fine work with us both.”
“I may attest to that, my Lord Prince,” Albert moved to stand between them with his arms over their shoulders, “We have all felt more bruises from the quintain than any man alive! If he were not so old at the now, you might leave here with him as your marshal.”
Thomas was feeling a bit bold and grinned, “Indeed, were it a yesteryear, our good master may have even bested your Lord cousin.”
“Thurfrith?” Æthelric allowed a humored shock, “Surely you do jest!”
“He does not, my Lord Prince,” Robert quickly replied, “Sir Louis is master of both lance and sword and has made certain that we too find their worth.”
Giles de Mortain shifted to lean into the Prince’s ear, “Careful, Æth, or we may leave here with a crusading army in tow.”
Swatting him away with good nature, Æthelric gestured towards the hearth, “Please do not feel that you must needs rest on honorifics, good sirs. I may be Prince, but I am a young one at that and I do enjoy men of mine own age. Giles here is our elder, and poor Albert is doomed to be my squire even though he is four years my senior.”
“It is an honor and a privilege, sir,” Albert bowed with a grin.
“Then honor me with a seat, Albert,” Æthelric found a chair, “You too Rob...Tom.”
Giles de Mortain moved to stand behind Æthelric and smiled to the two younger men, “Sirs, you will find that our Prince holds his position dear but more so does he hold his friends closely. If you find your way into his employ, this will be your true marker.”
“Sir Giles is my oldest and dearest friend and he would know it true,” Æthelric smiled to them both, “Yet do not let his imposing nature get the best of you. Besides, you are here to speak with me and not him. Would you have some questions that I might answer?”
Robert and Thomas had found their seats but were reluctant to speak until Albert pulled a stool in between them, “Be not shy, lads. Our Prince is a fair man...trusting and loyal. Speak to him true.”
“Would you tell us of the King?” Thomas was the first to ask a question.
“Oh ho!” Æthelric sat back with mock horror, “That, sir, could take days!”
Robert was quick now to question as well, “Is it true that he remains as fit now as he was when he was forty?”
With a sidelong glance to Giles, the Prince returned with a grin, “That would be an amazing feat that even mine own father could not accomplish, but yes...he be right fit for his age.”
“Is it true that he was named Lord Chancellor at only sixteen summers?” Robert found another question.
Æthelric gave nod, “He was at that. A sharper mind than any one of us at that age, I dare say.”
“Are the rumors true...” Thomas began to ask but his friend nudged him in the ribs.
“Tom!”
Æthelric waved it away, “I’ve told you both...I be young. I have no way of knowing and beside the point...do you not have questions of me?”
“Of course, my Lord Prince...” Robert contorted his face as he tried to phrase it right, “...it is just...you do sit on council at the now, do you not?”
“I do,” the Prince answered readily.
Robert twisted his fingers as he tried to form the question, “There is word from Ruthin...and elsewhere...a new tax be upon the land. Does this be the true wish of His Grace, your father the King?”
While they talked, Giles had procured for them five cups of ale and began passing them around, “You had best get your minds right, lads. Our Prince could no more divine the wish of His Grace than a seasoned rider might direct an ornery donkey to stable.”
“He does speak it true,” Æthelric laughed as he accepted his ale, “Yet, I would say to you both. Indeed, that was my father’s wish. At last hearing, it would seem that he has accomplished it.”
Even Albert was slightly taken aback, “God’s balls...how did he manage it?”
With a grin, the Prince answered, “Our Lord Chancellor of Gloucester has a very sweet tongue indeed, though he does have his faults. I suspect our man Giles here may tell you more about that.”
Giles laughed, “Speak not on that, sir, for my Lord Berold had none of the doing of it. Lay it all at the feet of our great Lord Harold...master of all that he surveys.”
Æthelric sat back with his drink feeling as though he was amongst friends, “You are right kind about the man they call Harry.”
“And the stories we might tell,” Giles followed with a laugh himself as he sat.
Thomas found some courage from his ale as he asked, “What is it like...my Lord Prince...to be so young and Duke...heir to the throne?”
“It is like anything else, I suppose,” Æthelric answered with a shrug, “After I was born, I did never think to be a Prince nor surely King. My father was but Lord Chancellor and my uncle Uhtræd...you surely well know that he was the boldest man alive. Yet...from a young age...my father did become King and now...here we are. I cannot say that I do not like it...”
Giles ribbed at him, “I dare say not!”
Æthelric grinned, “...but I do not dwell upon it. If it is to be my fate, then so be it. Otherwise, I think to use my influence in all of the best ways. Like to you two here.”
“I think you to make a right good King, my Lord Prince,” Robert suggested.
Albert was quick to answer for his Prince with a mirthful smile, “If he can find the right Queen!”
“Ah!” Giles was just as quick to add, “I think our man here has found his Queen already!”
“The two of you would cease,” Æthelric allowed them to be playful as he laughed, “And you, Giles...I think you to have spent too much time with our Lord Berold. Your jesting does become tiresome!”
Giles showed a mock apology that quickly became a smirk, “I know a playful kitten when I see one.”
The Prince turned to the younger men with a shake of the head, “My men do not think that my intended has the...best of hearts.”
“The Lady of York, my Lord Prince?” Robert questioned.
“For such a pretty thing, she is rather sour,” Giles moved to hold at his nose.
Æthelric shot him an amused but still sharp eye, “Now you bridge to slander, sir. I would not have it.”
“Yet, my Lord Prince...” Albert could not help but add, “...the way that she looks at you. Dutiful...but cold.”
The two younger men were awestruck that they were hearing this intimate conversation and yet Thomas found his courage, “I have heard tales of her Lady mother, my Lord Prince. Not at all what was said about her.”
“My Lady’s mother found a sad and early death,” Æthelric showed some confusion in his reply but held forth, “Lady Cynethryth has grown to age as if some ball from a juggler...tossed from here to there. I could not blame her for being cautious.”
Robert was quick to reply, “My Lord Prince...Thomas did not mean to imply...”
“No, my Lord...” Thomas himself held up a hand before Æthelric smiled a them both.
“You need not fear,” Æthelric sat forward with a smile, “It was never meant to be a love match. None ever is. Made so early, I recall thinking that she was more sister than soon to be bride. And that is my lot.”
“If only...” Giles ribbed again.
Æthelric turned with a sharper eye this time, “Now you must stop. These young men need not hear such things as that.”
Sensing the mood was changing, Albert held his hands towards both of his young friends, “So, my Lord Prince...what do you think? I believe that they would serve you well as promised. Rob is a golden tongue and Tom an able hand. I vouch for them as ever.”
The Prince looked to them both with a grin, “Yes. I think you will do very nicely, lads. Come into my court and let us see what mischief we would find. Is that a thing you might like?”
Both were quick to nod and Albert raised them so they might offer the Prince a bow. Giles stood as well and stood over Æthelric’s shoulder, “Our new generation, my Lord Prince...Your Grace.”
“You speak too soon,” Æthelric moved to raise their heads and kept his grin, “Let us have some fun at the first. There will be time enough for all the rest.”
Very much we are looking here at the next generation, or so it seems Æthelric is making his own coterie of future followers perhaps?
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To all - I guess everyone knows they have a week to read and comment, so no reason to rush. Well indeed you do for this is a sign off until next weekend. Like I said, I will have access but I likely won't be dropping in that often. This is likely the last time I will have chance to go on a family vacation with my nieces for awhile since one graduates high school this year and the other next year. I intend to spend as much time with them as I can. And boy...Max sure knows we are going somewhere! He's ready to leave now even though we don't head out until the morning. That is what happens when you mess with the boy's leash...ADVENTURE TIME!!! I expect to wake up in the morning and find him right next to the front door.
So to one and all, please enjoy the scene above and for many of those waiting for a chance to catch up, now is your time to do it! I hope to come back refreshed and recharged, ready to hit the ground running with our usual time schedule. Enjoy it while it lasts. Thank you to everyone for getting me this far and here is to the rush to the finish. Can we make it before the new year? Not sure, but I did complete writing the year 1147 and am headlong into 1148. (And I have now played to the year 1276 and promise that I will cover it one way or the other.) Lots more to look forward to, I promise.
That is exactly true and on both counts. While Giles is a completely made up character, the others are most certainly in the game and each one has a role to play in the future though it may happen after the narrative ends. I found it interesting enough going through the actual gameplay that I made a note to include it when I could and it has been quite a long time waiting for this moment (I needed them all to come of reasonable age before I could do so.)
To all - I guess everyone knows they have a week to read and comment, so no reason to rush.
Well indeed you do for this is a sign off until next weekend. Like I said, I will have access but I likely won't be dropping in that often. This is likely the last time I will have chance to go on a family vacation with my nieces for awhile since one graduates high school this year and the other next year. I intend to spend as much time with them as I can. And boy...Max sure knows we are going somewhere! He's ready to leave now even though we don't head out until the morning. That is what happens when you mess with the boy's leash...ADVENTURE TIME!!! I expect to wake up in the morning and find him right next to the front door.So to one and all, please enjoy the scene above and for many of those waiting for a chance to catch up, now is your time to do it! I hope to come back refreshed and recharged, ready to hit the ground running with our usual time schedule. Enjoy it while it lasts.
Thank you to everyone for getting me this far and here is to the rush to the finish. Can we make it before the new year? Not sure, but I did complete writing the year 1147 and am headlong into 1148. (And I have now played to the year 1276 and promise that I will cover it one way or the other.) Lots more to look forward to, I promise.
Been v busy leading up to and during the weekend. Will endeavour to read and comment in the next day or so.
The young prince begins to gather those he hopefully can trust when his time comes. A very interesting chapter to show this happening.
Bluff Prince Aethelric builds his court. He will need good people around him, as he is no great all-rounder or prodigy himself. But a good heart and intentions might still take him far. If not struck down by treachery or ill-luck. One gets the feeling this is the last of the wild oats being down before things get more serious ...
I just caught up and I must say this was interesting. I like Aethelric and his probably new court (it was nice to see Mildrith again).
I hope you enjoy your vacation. It will be my turn when you return so see you after that.
I hope you enjoy your vacation. It will be my turn when you return so see you after that.
Hope you are enjoying/enjoyed your vacation coz (depending on when you read this)!
Caught up again and while I've mentioned it before I think, I was struck by how reminded I am of Eadward to Eadgar in their handling the affairs of state. Including the hypocrisy and plotting behind closed doors, all while turning the kingdom to potential kindling for their successor. Even the comment about House Hwicce, while it wasn't intended as a link I don't think, reminded me of how yes, Eadgar was good the brothers of the house, but ultimately worked against Morcar and plotted to murder his sons.
Likewise, Eadward is perfectly fine with one part of these Hwicce successors, his wife, or two, if you count the offshoot Duchess of York now promised to his son, but is cool with murdering every other part that doesn't fit his plans.
No, Eadward has never been the military man his father was. But in terms of everything else? Yeah, he's a match. Which is why he was always the best option as an heir to Eadgar to begin with - you'd need another morally bankrupt king to salvage the mess the last one did.
Which... well good luck Æthelric! It will be your kingdom, or your soul, especially that your father seems intent on giving your brother lands that will rival all of England's when all is said and done.
Caught up again and while I've mentioned it before I think, I was struck by how reminded I am of Eadward to Eadgar in their handling the affairs of state. Including the hypocrisy and plotting behind closed doors, all while turning the kingdom to potential kindling for their successor. Even the comment about House Hwicce, while it wasn't intended as a link I don't think, reminded me of how yes, Eadgar was good the brothers of the house, but ultimately worked against Morcar and plotted to murder his sons.
Likewise, Eadward is perfectly fine with one part of these Hwicce successors, his wife, or two, if you count the offshoot Duchess of York now promised to his son, but is cool with murdering every other part that doesn't fit his plans.
No, Eadward has never been the military man his father was. But in terms of everything else? Yeah, he's a match. Which is why he was always the best option as an heir to Eadgar to begin with - you'd need another morally bankrupt king to salvage the mess the last one did.
Which... well good luck Æthelric! It will be your kingdom, or your soul, especially that your father seems intent on giving your brother lands that will rival all of England's when all is said and done.
The introduction of a new generation. It wasn't so long since Berry and Harry was wee toddlers themselves. Time does fly.
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To all - And I am back! I ate so many oysters, I may have become one. So good! The time on the beach was great fun outside of the aforementioned sunburn. Being the pasty Casper the ghost that I am, it is usually inevitable to happen. Max made great strides with getting into the water (he can swim but is not really into it) thanks to my sister's English bulldog that defies all convention by swimming with the best of the water dogs. Many great laughs were shared, much beer was swilled and frankly, I could have used another week down there. That said, Max has slept pretty much entirely since we got home. I think the boy needs a vacation from his vacation.
I am pleased that folks liked the above scene. I have discussed already the finer points I wanted to get out there but it was fun just having the Prince among his friends rather than dealing with the great Lords and his father. Many might have noticed that I am still trying to pepper in some references to knighthood and the like as well as still making some small hint at Æthelric's affections. As well, many might have noticed that I patterned Mildrith here much like the later Duchess of Norfolk whose home became rather an orphanage for highborn girls (Katherine Howard, anyone? ) It made some sense and helped me provide more for Mildrith to do.
Now we move forward and this last was the end of 1146. The next scene follows and takes us into 1147 and as always, many interesting things happen. Glad to be back and ready to get back into the story. I hope all who needed the time have used it to help catch up and thank you to all that have continued to read and comment along the way. Much more to do before we are done so strap yourselves in!
It was indeed quite wonderful except for that sunburn on day 2. I won't be using that particular brand of sunblock anymore (and will definitely stay under the umbrella!
No worries and glad to see you did catch up.Been v busy leading up to and during the weekend. Will endeavour to read and comment in the next day or so.
As mentioned, all three will at some point matter during the next many years and I liked the idea of setting them up now.
There is no doubt that when (not if) Æthelric becomes King, he will need to surround himself with good and loyal men. Some prove better than others in that regard. I liked the idea of seeing them all when they were younger so when things get a bit testy later, it means more.
Glad you appreciated the Mildrith bit at the beginning. She has been a bit of a tertiary character these last years and I felt it important to give her a moment at the start of the scene to explain what she has been up to. And hope you enjoy your vacation now that I am back from mine.I just caught up and I must say this was interesting. I like Aethelric and his probably new court (it was nice to see Mildrith again).
I hope you enjoy your vacation. It will be my turn when you return so see you after that.
A fine distillation of Eadward there and true. What matters to him in the end are his plans. He is not one to take chance when he can effect the outcome which he has done through various means over the years. I don't know that I can say that Eadgar left a mess, but it was not yet solidified when he died. Eadward has spent the better part of his reign (and the time before) making certain that any potential threats are neutralized before he is gone. That said, there are a few that he may be blinded to which your last comment makes plain. The great Lords may have been mostly neutered, but now Æthelric will most likely have powerful and perhaps ambitious brothers to contend with. Unintended consequences are such fun, aren't they?
Indeed it does and while I know the Harold/Berold relationship can get muddled at times, I hope that I have made their breakdown believable. It is always good to get a head start which is why I wanted to bring these young men into the story now. It will make much more sense when one or more proves a problem later.The introduction of a new generation. It wasn't so long since Berry and Harry was wee toddlers themselves. Time does fly.
To all - And I am back! I ate so many oysters, I may have become one. So good! The time on the beach was great fun outside of the aforementioned sunburn. Being the pasty Casper the ghost that I am, it is usually inevitable to happen. Max made great strides with getting into the water (he can swim but is not really into it) thanks to my sister's English bulldog that defies all convention by swimming with the best of the water dogs. Many great laughs were shared, much beer was swilled and frankly, I could have used another week down there. That said, Max has slept pretty much entirely since we got home. I think the boy needs a vacation from his vacation.
I am pleased that folks liked the above scene. I have discussed already the finer points I wanted to get out there but it was fun just having the Prince among his friends rather than dealing with the great Lords and his father. Many might have noticed that I am still trying to pepper in some references to knighthood and the like as well as still making some small hint at Æthelric's affections. As well, many might have noticed that I patterned Mildrith here much like the later Duchess of Norfolk whose home became rather an orphanage for highborn girls (Katherine Howard, anyone?
) It made some sense and helped me provide more for Mildrith to do.Now we move forward and this last was the end of 1146. The next scene follows and takes us into 1147 and as always, many interesting things happen. Glad to be back and ready to get back into the story. I hope all who needed the time have used it to help catch up and thank you to all that have continued to read and comment along the way. Much more to do before we are done so strap yourselves in!
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The Heavy Crown
Bath, England - January 1147
Bishop Æthelsige of Wells sat opposite to the King at the large privy council table and remained silent as did Eadward. The Bishop watched as the King read over some letters and nursed at his cup of ale before finally raising his head, “I am sorry, my Lord Bishop. Some notes from the Lord Chancellor. It seems that our magnates will always remain restless no matter.”
Æthelsige was a young man still and blessed with a calm spirit and a shrewd mind that placed him in good stead with the King, “Lords would always bicker when one under them complains. A matter of your late tax, Your Grace?”
“Let them dilly,” Eadward waved a hand and then finished his ale before offering a smile, “So...what news have you to tell me?”
The Bishop of Wells looked around to the empty table and then back to the King with a questioning eye, “Are we to have a private audience, Your Grace? I should think the rest of your council might be to here.”
“It is not often that I might have you all here together, my Lord Bishop,” Eadward stood to refresh his cup, “I have you all so very tasked for I have a great many ideas in play.”
With a nod, Æthelsige still kept question, “That much is certain, Your Grace. Yet what of your son the Prince? Should he not be here at the least?”
Eadward turned and poured as he kept a smile, “The Prince is finding his party and I would allow it. He is young still and will soon enough feel the pressures of state. As for the others...the Lord Chancellor remains to York where he completes the plans for my son’s marriage. Our Norman Duke remains at service where I require. My nephew Thurfrith does divide his time between his family and his role at seeing to our defense.”
“And I have missed so many of these council meets due to mine own tasks,” the Bishop replied with his own smile, “Yet what of our Lord Bishop Cearl? Surely it is he that might be here if you have so many troubles with your tax as he be your Lord Steward.”
“Also to Lincoln...” Eadward dropped his smile as he sat the pitcher aside, “...collecting said tax.”
The Bishop replied with a grin, “A worthy goal...for an administrator.”
“I am certain that he preaches to the Cathedral, my Lord Bishop,” Eadward found a defensive posture, “Or is there some other concern that you might have?”
“None at all, Your Grace,” Æthelsige was quick to answer, “Yet...I too have dual roles at the now and it is difficult for me to be off in the wilds of the north when I also have my flock at Wells...as well as your court chaplain. It is difficult to do my Holy duty to both God and yourself, and I hope you do know well that I remain in your service.”
Eadward found a slight smirk, “You mean to do your duty to both the Holy Father and myself, do you not?”
“I shall always do duty to God Almighty, Your Grace,” the Bishop gave nod, “Yet...with all of your plans of late, I do feel remiss that I have not been here to full council so I might add my voice.”
“A voice I do require and respect, my Lord Bishop,” the King moved to sit once more with some curiosity.
“And one I think lacking...” Æthelsige replied with pure honesty, “...from our Lord Bishop Cearl. As you say...he is tasked elsewhere.”
Eadward sat back and swirled his ale before taking a sip and then asked, “You have a meaning that I would hear, sir. Pray tell what it is.”
“I shall then be blunt, Your Grace,” the Bishop sat forward with a serious eye, “You have a problem with Holy Church.”
“And how might that be?” Eadward sat tall with irritation, “Is that not the task that I have given to you?”
Bishop Æthelsige gave nod, “Indeed it was, and I have tried to do all I might. Heresy is gone from this realm, and yet...that unfortunate issue to Kent. Your words did well to commit the Holy Father to rescind his anathema but I do not think that he loves you much. Your Bishops are confused, Your Grace...myself among them. The Archbishop of Canterbury...he too gets on in age as does our Lord Bishop Cearl. York? He is devoted to the regency there if he has devotion at all. The other Bishops? They are unsure which is owed to Caesar and which is owed to God.”
“I would allow the Holy book to guide them,” Eadward too sat forward.
“Wise words, and all of it true...” Æthelsige suggested with seriousness, “...divinely inspired. Yet, I must tell you...this Holy Father...Anacletus is unloved and is less so himself.”
Eadward sat his drink down, “The Curia do claim that it is divinely inspired that he was chosen.”
“That is so and I do believe it,” Æthelsige replied with a raised brow, “I would not question God in all of His wisdom, but the fact remains that Holy Church has seen a fracture in these last years past. After all...this Anacletus is but a man with all of the sins inherent. What is required...nay, demanded by God Almighty...is a King, such as yourself, to praise Him to the highest.”
“I believe that I have done so,” Eadward answered with some irritation.
“What would you have me be, Your Grace?” the Bishop asked, “Your adviser or your chaplain?”
Eadward was quick to reply, “I would ask of you both.”
“Then as chaplain and confessor...” the Bishop answered, “...I would tell you to look to your sins and repent. Christ alone is the one that may save you. As a member of this council, I speak to you this...my time to Cumberland was fraught with question. I was able to speak words of worth to the Bishop there and Bishop Wistan has had a change of heart...”
“Yet?” Eadward leaned forward again with a furrowed brow, “There is always a yet.”
Bishop Æthelsige took no pleasure as he reported, “Indeed there is. As I have traveled the breadth of the land in hopes of raising the good feeling of your Lords spiritual, I have also seen that there is another thought common to many of them.”
Eadward sat back again with a frown, “And that would be?”
“As your Lords temporal grumble at the new tax,” the Bishop was plain on the matter, “So too do your clergy, the monasteries most especially. It is said that tithes are down and many are having great difficulty doing God’s work.”
“Are they now?” Eadward allowed a rueful smile, “I should think the wealth hoarded for so long might come in quite handy at the now. Unless they are loathe to part with it?”
The Bishop folded his hands to the table, “It is not simply a matter of that, Your Grace. As you know, the Holy Father does demand his due as well for Popes do live as lavishly as Kings. There are some Bishops that remain quite beholden to you, but there are others...that chafe at their double duty.”
“Then mayhaps our Bishops should stop living as Princes and return to their one true purpose,” Eadward suggested with an arched brow.
“They might...” Bishop Æthelsige too raised a brow, “...yet they are bereft of comfort from our spiritual leader here in this realm. Not much sign comes from Canterbury these days and so, without other direction, they look to Rome.”
Eadward looked to him with quizzical eyes, “Is that not as it should be?”
“All eyes should look to Rome, Your Grace,” the Bishop replied quickly, “Yet they might also turn their gaze towards their father here. To you.”
The King was silent for a time as he appraised his chaplain and then allowed a slight grin, “I am surprised, my Lord Bishop. It is rare for a member of the clergy such as yourself to counsel me or any King on taking a firmer hand in matters of Holy Church.”
The Bishop allowed a smile, “Please do not get me wrong, Your Grace. I maintain that crimes committed by clergy should remain in the hands of our ecclesiastical courts, yet outcomes might be vastly different if our members are selected not by Rome, but by yourself.”
“Ahh...” Eadward kept his grin, “...the appointment of Bishops, is that it?”
“Among others,” the Bishop too kept his smile.
Eadward stood and walked around the table to sit next to Bishop Æthelsige, “As it happens, I have been thinking quite along the same lines. I am pleased to hear that it sounds as though you agree with me, and especially without my prompting. Though it does beg question...why?”
“Let us say, Your Grace, that I have...” Bishop Æthelsige considered his words carefully, “...higher ambitions.”
“And you fear that the Holy Father might not consider you when a position does come available,” Eadward suggested with a grin, “Such as Canterbury.”
The Bishop maintained a calm eye, “As always, Your Grace, you do see right to the heart of the matter.”
“Then I have a question for you,” Eadward raised his brow once more, “If there was so much bark when I raised the tax on our towns and merchants, will there be as much if I ask of them this?”
Bishop Æthelsige merely smiled, “Your Grace...I think it entirely in their interest that you do. It may make your Lords more content in their lot should they have certain prerogatives with their clergy and would most assuredly make it plain with our Lord Bishops who is their Caesar to whom they owe so much. As long as you treat them well and respect God above all others...I believe that our Lords spiritual will be most happy with the change.”
“And the Holy Father will be most unhappy,” Eadward suggested.
“There is that,” the Bishop gave nod, “Yet an Archbishop may do wonders to cure that ill feeling...if he is allowed.”
Eadward smiled, “I admit that I was reticent to move forward so swiftly with such an act, but that I have such approval...”
“There are few that may question it,” the Bishop suggested.
“Mayhap our Lord Bishop Cearl,” Eadward was quick to counter.
Bishop Æthelsige answered with a grin, “He may look after your gold, Your Grace...allow me to look after your immortal soul. That is, after all, my task.”
The King allowed a laugh and then stood to retrieve his ale. As Eadward turned, he offered a smile, “Many prayers might be said by an Archbishop, sir. You may put out the word and then we might see. Whom does God favor? Myself or the Bishop of Rome?”
Eadward continues to add enemies to his tally, I note. And perhaps let himself be led my counsel he finds agreeable. I would not say he is in his dotage - but I would say some of his decisions have not been as sharp as of late.