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You know, if those fine folks down in Granada had spent their time inventing, I don't know, weapons instead of pockets, maybe they would've been a bit better equipped to deal with Spanish aggression... 
The Duque de Toledo was rubbing his temples as we watched the peasant-soldiers going through their exercises. Today was the first day of cavalry-charge practice. A few of the duque's guards would line up in full armor, with padded sticks, and they would charge the infantry who were lined up to oppose them with lenthy poles, also with padding.
As he watched, his guards performed a charge against the line. The peasant-soldiers failed to even hold their ground the first time, breaking and running as soon as contact was made. It was understandable, considering they had never faced being run down by men on horseback; however, it still irritated him to no end.
"No, no, no, no! That will not do at all. Get back in line. We're going to keep doing this until you stand your ground and fight back! I don't care if it takes all day!"
The peasant-soldiers lined up once again and the duque's guards charged them. They performed a little better, but the duque could tell this would take a long time to teach them. For the moment, he had nothing more than time.
As he stood in the sun, wiping his brow, a messenger arrived.
"Speak. What news from Madrid?"
"My noble duque, I bring you tidings from the king himself. He sends you word to expect him within a month. He has decided to make a grand tour of the kingdom, starting with your rich and bountiful lands."
"Who will be in the king's train?"
"Noble duque, he says that you should expect himself, the Duque de Africa Norte, and the Duque de Murcia."
"Excellent. Return to your master, the king, and tell him that I eagerly expect him with anticipation."
With the servant gone, the duque continued to supervise the training being conducted. Despite his abilities as a leader, he still missed the talent of Carlos. Still, he knew that Carlos should be arriving soon, and had every hope of having his counsel available once again.
He was not disappointed, for when the sun finally set, a carriage arrived at the duque's manor containing both Carlos and his sister. Toledo went to meet the carriage like any good host would. The servants helped them out of the carriage just in time for Toledo to inquire as to their journey.
"Carlos! I am glad to see you. Welcome back."
"It's good to be back, sir."
"And is this your sister, Carlos?"
"Yes it is, sir. May I present Juanita Venegas. Juanita, this is the most noble Duque de Toledo."
Juanita offered her and the duque politely touched it in the manner befitting polite company.
"I am pleased to be aquainted with you, senorita. If you are the sister of Carlos, then you automatically come highly recommended to me. Mi casa es su casa."
"Thank you, gracious duque. My brother seems very well founded in his praise of you."
Toledo arched his brow with a grin.
"Praise of me, eh? Tell me, senorita, what praise would this possibly be?"
Juanita glanced with a sly grin at her brother, and before he could speak, gave a reply.
"My dear brother says many things of you, gracious duque, not the least of which is that he is thankful of your guidance in his life. He feels that he can be too impertinent at times, and you help keep him from getting out of line. He is also always praising your talent with rapier, for he says it so far exceeds his own as to make you a true mentor in the arts of war. No, not just mentor, but a true artist..."
At this point, the duque began to guffaw at the outright silliness of her statements. With his inability to keep composure, Juanita and Carlos lost theirs, and they all shared a good, hearty laugh.
"Carlos, your sister has your style of wit. She will be most welcome here. But, come, you must be tired from your travel. We could go to Mass, for it is that time of the evening, but I would guess you are too tired."
"No, gracious duque. If it please you, I would like to attend Mass."
Toledo nodded his assent.
"Very well, Mass it is."
As he watched, his guards performed a charge against the line. The peasant-soldiers failed to even hold their ground the first time, breaking and running as soon as contact was made. It was understandable, considering they had never faced being run down by men on horseback; however, it still irritated him to no end.
"No, no, no, no! That will not do at all. Get back in line. We're going to keep doing this until you stand your ground and fight back! I don't care if it takes all day!"
The peasant-soldiers lined up once again and the duque's guards charged them. They performed a little better, but the duque could tell this would take a long time to teach them. For the moment, he had nothing more than time.
As he stood in the sun, wiping his brow, a messenger arrived.
"Speak. What news from Madrid?"
"My noble duque, I bring you tidings from the king himself. He sends you word to expect him within a month. He has decided to make a grand tour of the kingdom, starting with your rich and bountiful lands."
"Who will be in the king's train?"
"Noble duque, he says that you should expect himself, the Duque de Africa Norte, and the Duque de Murcia."
"Excellent. Return to your master, the king, and tell him that I eagerly expect him with anticipation."
With the servant gone, the duque continued to supervise the training being conducted. Despite his abilities as a leader, he still missed the talent of Carlos. Still, he knew that Carlos should be arriving soon, and had every hope of having his counsel available once again.
He was not disappointed, for when the sun finally set, a carriage arrived at the duque's manor containing both Carlos and his sister. Toledo went to meet the carriage like any good host would. The servants helped them out of the carriage just in time for Toledo to inquire as to their journey.
"Carlos! I am glad to see you. Welcome back."
"It's good to be back, sir."
"And is this your sister, Carlos?"
"Yes it is, sir. May I present Juanita Venegas. Juanita, this is the most noble Duque de Toledo."
Juanita offered her and the duque politely touched it in the manner befitting polite company.
"I am pleased to be aquainted with you, senorita. If you are the sister of Carlos, then you automatically come highly recommended to me. Mi casa es su casa."
"Thank you, gracious duque. My brother seems very well founded in his praise of you."
Toledo arched his brow with a grin.
"Praise of me, eh? Tell me, senorita, what praise would this possibly be?"
Juanita glanced with a sly grin at her brother, and before he could speak, gave a reply.
"My dear brother says many things of you, gracious duque, not the least of which is that he is thankful of your guidance in his life. He feels that he can be too impertinent at times, and you help keep him from getting out of line. He is also always praising your talent with rapier, for he says it so far exceeds his own as to make you a true mentor in the arts of war. No, not just mentor, but a true artist..."
At this point, the duque began to guffaw at the outright silliness of her statements. With his inability to keep composure, Juanita and Carlos lost theirs, and they all shared a good, hearty laugh.
"Carlos, your sister has your style of wit. She will be most welcome here. But, come, you must be tired from your travel. We could go to Mass, for it is that time of the evening, but I would guess you are too tired."
"No, gracious duque. If it please you, I would like to attend Mass."
Toledo nodded his assent.
"Very well, Mass it is."
Hmm, this could present a problem. Carlos & Toledo used to be one of your "dynamic duos", but what happens now that Juanita is involved? "Dynamic" and "trio" start with different letters
Kidding aside, this has been a superb chapter in your story. I know that I keep saying that you've come a long way from the Icy Star Ascendant, but now that I think on it, you've come a long way from the beginning of the aar, too. Not that it wasn't good (because it was), but it's gotten better and better
Kidding aside, this has been a superb chapter in your story. I know that I keep saying that you've come a long way from the Icy Star Ascendant, but now that I think on it, you've come a long way from the beginning of the aar, too. Not that it wasn't good (because it was), but it's gotten better and better
Originally posted by Sharur
you've come a long way from the beginning of the aar, too. Not that it wasn't good (because it was), but it's gotten better and better
Your right Sharur, he started in Galacia and how he's in...Oh you didn't mean it that way did you?
Originally posted by Sharur
Hmm, this could present a problem. Carlos & Toledo used to be one of your "dynamic duos", but what happens now that Juanita is involved? "Dynamic" and "trio" start with different letters
Kidding aside, this has been a superb chapter in your story. I know that I keep saying that you've come a long way from the Icy Star Ascendant, but now that I think on it, you've come a long way from the beginning of the aar, too. Not that it wasn't good (because it was), but it's gotten better and better
Funny. I was just thinking the same thing. I have a terrible feeling that Juanita may not be terribly long for this world...
[guess]...except as a queen since she'd be a good foil for the King (who is all by his little lonesome at the moment because his damn duques keep rejecting his selection of brides!) and would create some very interesting plot tensions since her heritage as a Moor would not go down very well in polite Castilian society.[/guess]
I agree completely with your comment re the ever-increasing quality of the instalments. I haven't read "Icy Star Ascendant" so I have no basis for comparison, but I would say we've come a long way from Galacia...or perhaps it's Galacia that's come a long way.
Thanks for the pockets, SM. I feel much better now knowing that it was an ancient moorish fashion that was only just rediscovered. You see, you learn something every day.
But what about:
""How can he be so fond of you? Have you not told him about our family...."
"Hush, Juanita. No, he does not know we are morisquos. Nor does he know about our father..."
Carlos's voice trailed off at the mention of their father. His voice betrayed both fear and contempt, which was mirrored by the features on his twin's face."
This would seem to indicate a problem with their family's past that goes beyond just being from a Moorish heritage. Why the fear and contempt at the mention of their father. A skeleton in the closet?
Joe
Clever, clever readers....
I can niether confirm nor deny any of the guesses posted recently. I will say this much: we really haven't had any conflict in a little while. And it would quickly get quite boring if no conflict appeared.
And so, keep your eyes sharp for upcoming conflicts, resolutions, and sarcasm. (after all, the plot does involve Juanita and Carlos...)
I can niether confirm nor deny any of the guesses posted recently. I will say this much: we really haven't had any conflict in a little while. And it would quickly get quite boring if no conflict appeared.
And so, keep your eyes sharp for upcoming conflicts, resolutions, and sarcasm. (after all, the plot does involve Juanita and Carlos...)
As luck would have it, the king and his entourage arrived within days of Carlos and Juanita; however, he arrived with far more of an entourage than he indicated in his letter. Juan III arrived on Toledo's estate with the following people in tow: the Duques de Africa Norte, Gerona, Cantabria, and Rousillon, along with various sisters, brothers, cousins, nephews, assorted knights, lower level marques, confessors, indulgence peddlers (a neccessary evil with this crowd), servants, messengers, falcons, pointers, and the occasional prostitute. It was a lively group to say the least.
For his part, Toledo smiled warmly and greeted his guests for the near hour it took to make introductions and render appropriate courtesy. On the inside, however, he was visualizing a scene where he was throttling the king. The expense of supporting these guests was not a problem; Toledo was the second richest province in the kingdom (after Tago). It was the intrusion of courtly life into the more private domain of his estate that bothered him. If he had really wanted to indulge in a courtly lifestyle, he would spend more time in Madrid. Instead, the king brought Madrid to him.
After introductions, the king found time to speak with his friend in hushed tones for a moment.
"I am gald to see you well and prospering in your land, old friend."
"My dreaded liege, can I ask you an impertinent quesiton?"
"Sure. There is no need to stand on ceremony with me."
Toledo stopped and looked hard at the king.
"Tell me, what in God's name were you thinking in bringing all these people here?"
"Do not worry about the cost. I will cover the expenses, since I am essentially holding court on your estate."
"No, that's not what I'm worried about. The cost is nothing to me. If all else fails, I will just mint some new coins from my mines to cover costs. I'm talking about why did you bring all these people to my estate, most of whom I care little or nothing about. Why hold court here? Are you renovating the royal palace?"
Juan sighed.
"No. I didn't intend to bring all of these people with me. I really wanted to visit as sort of a vacation. But, since you probably have not heard, you don't know that last month the Marques de Lisboa was murdered. This has caused court to be ablaze with conspiracy theories and more than the usual amount of toadying, nepotism, and whatnot. Rather than let my court fall into worse than usual intrigue and chaos, I thought I could keep a better eye on things by having court follow me on my tour of the kingdom."
"Tour? But I thought you knew the kingdom's layout quite well..."
Juan gave Toledo a glance, and he stopped speaking with a grin on his face.
"No, I'm just taking a tour to visit all parts of the kingdom to have my royal pressence felt. It sounds like you have been learning a bit of wit from Carlos lately."
"Me? Oh no. But let me tell you, keep an eye on his sister. She is even wittier than he is."
"Is this possible?"
"With God as my witness, it is is true."
The king was reflective for a moment.
"This is a good thing. I have grown weary of the women at court. A change of peace, any change of pace, would be welcome."
They walked on.
"So, will you be joining us for cards tonight?"
"Of course. If there is one thing I will enjoy, it is a good rematch of Spades. At least that will detract my attention for my 'followers' for a moment."
Toledo grinned.
"A rematch it is then. But Carlos and I will show no mercy."
"And I expect none. After all, I'm the king. Since you can't get any of your frustrations out any other way, I expect you to be vicious to me in cards."
For his part, Toledo smiled warmly and greeted his guests for the near hour it took to make introductions and render appropriate courtesy. On the inside, however, he was visualizing a scene where he was throttling the king. The expense of supporting these guests was not a problem; Toledo was the second richest province in the kingdom (after Tago). It was the intrusion of courtly life into the more private domain of his estate that bothered him. If he had really wanted to indulge in a courtly lifestyle, he would spend more time in Madrid. Instead, the king brought Madrid to him.
After introductions, the king found time to speak with his friend in hushed tones for a moment.
"I am gald to see you well and prospering in your land, old friend."
"My dreaded liege, can I ask you an impertinent quesiton?"
"Sure. There is no need to stand on ceremony with me."
Toledo stopped and looked hard at the king.
"Tell me, what in God's name were you thinking in bringing all these people here?"
"Do not worry about the cost. I will cover the expenses, since I am essentially holding court on your estate."
"No, that's not what I'm worried about. The cost is nothing to me. If all else fails, I will just mint some new coins from my mines to cover costs. I'm talking about why did you bring all these people to my estate, most of whom I care little or nothing about. Why hold court here? Are you renovating the royal palace?"
Juan sighed.
"No. I didn't intend to bring all of these people with me. I really wanted to visit as sort of a vacation. But, since you probably have not heard, you don't know that last month the Marques de Lisboa was murdered. This has caused court to be ablaze with conspiracy theories and more than the usual amount of toadying, nepotism, and whatnot. Rather than let my court fall into worse than usual intrigue and chaos, I thought I could keep a better eye on things by having court follow me on my tour of the kingdom."
"Tour? But I thought you knew the kingdom's layout quite well..."
Juan gave Toledo a glance, and he stopped speaking with a grin on his face.
"No, I'm just taking a tour to visit all parts of the kingdom to have my royal pressence felt. It sounds like you have been learning a bit of wit from Carlos lately."
"Me? Oh no. But let me tell you, keep an eye on his sister. She is even wittier than he is."
"Is this possible?"
"With God as my witness, it is is true."
The king was reflective for a moment.
"This is a good thing. I have grown weary of the women at court. A change of peace, any change of pace, would be welcome."
They walked on.
"So, will you be joining us for cards tonight?"
"Of course. If there is one thing I will enjoy, it is a good rematch of Spades. At least that will detract my attention for my 'followers' for a moment."
Toledo grinned.
"A rematch it is then. But Carlos and I will show no mercy."
"And I expect none. After all, I'm the king. Since you can't get any of your frustrations out any other way, I expect you to be vicious to me in cards."
Just a quick question, is the death of the Marques de Lisboa particularly significant, or did you just throw that in as Juan's excuse? I'm assuming the latter, since we've never met the poor fellow...
Edit: Ah! Duh! *smacks forehead* Thanks, Castelion, I should have thougth of that myself
Edit: Ah! Duh! *smacks forehead* Thanks, Castelion, I should have thougth of that myself
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Probably had the Death of Noble event.Originally posted by Sharur
Just a quick question, is the death of the Marques de Lisboa particularly significant, or did you just throw that in as Juan's excuse? I'm assuming the latter, since we've never met the poor fellow...
The assembled party sat down to multiple games of cards. At one table, Carlos, Toledo, Juan, and Rousillon took up a game. At another, Africa Norte, Cantabria, Gerona, and the Marques de Tangiers were placing bids. Surrounding them were several tables of various knights, ladies, and Juanita. Several minstrels were keeping things lively with upbeat and rythmic music. The room was filled to capacity and was far warmer than was comfortable. This, of course, provided the bulk of polite coversation away from the tables.
"Oh, bless me, it is quite hot in here. I think I almost feel faint."
"Indeed, it is. I don't see how the menfolk can stand to play cards in this heat."
"True, but they do look kind of cute when they are sweating at the brow."
The resulting giggling caused Juanita to remain silent. For some reason, she found herself with little to say to the other ladies in the room. While Uncle Enrique had taught her how to be very polite, she still found it a chore to discuss pointless pleasantries. At least with her brother, they could argue the merits of Aristophanes and provide their own wit. As a result, she politely remained quiet and edged her chair closer to the table where her brother was playing cards.
The game was still a tie. Both teams had set themselves in the first round of bidding, giving both teams a negative score. She was half tempted to make a remark, but because the king was one of the parties involved, her common sense dictated different behavior. She just sat and smiled politely, watching her brother play.
By the third hand, it seemed that things were going well for her brother and Toledo. That is, until they bid.
"My dreaded liege, myself and the duque will go Mo."
She looked at his hand, noting the pressence of several important trumps, but not including the most important: the big joker. Her face was kept composed, but she let a slight grin escape once the king bid.
"Carlos, myself and Rousillon bid six."
Play was commenced, and Juanita saw her brother lead as expected. Her face began to grin after the second hand. He had led the king of spades, only to see the big joker come from Rousillon, trumping the hand. Carlos and Toledo's plan for going Mo had been thwarted for a painful loss in points. Her grin grew wider as the king and Rousillon managed to perfectly get their bid, without taking any bags. Juan noticed her keen interest in the proceedings.
"Carlos, your sister seems to know the game quite well. She was grinning even before I realized your mistake in going Mo."
"My dreaded liege, that does not surprise me. She is almost as good of a player as I am; however, I am surprised she did not bother to help me. I am her brother after all."
Juanita, though she knew that it was not her place to speak, felt compelled to defend her brother's teasing accusation.
"My dreaded liege, if I may be permitted to speak, I must protest my brother's accusation. There is nothing I could have done to help him. He should know better than go Mo when he does not have the big joker. Even the ladies sitting over there know better than that."
The ladies she was referring to perked up upon hearing themselves mentioned at the king's table. For his part, the king grinned at seeing Carlos and his sister begin a battle of wits. Since this was almost as entertaining as Carlos and Toledo bidding incorrectly, he desired to see it continue.
"Is that so? Tell me, senorita, what would you have bid, if you had your brother's hand."
She reflected for a moment.
"Would I be just bidding, or playing the hand myself?"
"Just bidding."
"Then I would have bid him six. Were I playing the hand, I would have bid eight."
"But my dreaded liege must remember that my sister would bid higher because she has longer legs than I do."
Juan looked skeptical.
"How is that important, Carlos?"
"Because, she could signal to her partner easier than I can. I'm finding it incredibly difficult to singal my partner, the duque."
"My brother, it is not my fault that an issue of length is making it difficult to communicate with the duque. Then again, this is a consistent theme with you, isn't it?"
Toledo and Rousillon traded looks of amusement with the king.
"Dearest sister, that you would know of these 'issues of length' that I seem to have raises some serious questions. I could have sworn we were too closely related for that sort of thing."
Other people in the room had quieted down to take witness of the exchange of wit.
"I do agree with you about our close relation. But what bothers me even more is that you are trying to signal the duque that way. That is most certainly worse than anything involving me. Does our gracious host know that is what you were signalling him with?"
At this point, Toledo could not help but enter the fray.
"I suddenly feel very, well, very Greek. I think I need to bathe to remove this Greekness from me. Thanks, Juanita, for warning me about your brother."
Laughter broke out openly at the table. Juanita performed a generous curtsy for the duque and king before returning to her seat.
While the tables were laughing, the ladies in the room eyed Juanita with less than jovial expressions. They began to gossip about the "scandalous" behavior of Carlos's sister. Their jealousy of her wit was evident, since they could not even retell the witty exchange accurately in their gossip.
"Oh, bless me, it is quite hot in here. I think I almost feel faint."
"Indeed, it is. I don't see how the menfolk can stand to play cards in this heat."
"True, but they do look kind of cute when they are sweating at the brow."
The resulting giggling caused Juanita to remain silent. For some reason, she found herself with little to say to the other ladies in the room. While Uncle Enrique had taught her how to be very polite, she still found it a chore to discuss pointless pleasantries. At least with her brother, they could argue the merits of Aristophanes and provide their own wit. As a result, she politely remained quiet and edged her chair closer to the table where her brother was playing cards.
The game was still a tie. Both teams had set themselves in the first round of bidding, giving both teams a negative score. She was half tempted to make a remark, but because the king was one of the parties involved, her common sense dictated different behavior. She just sat and smiled politely, watching her brother play.
By the third hand, it seemed that things were going well for her brother and Toledo. That is, until they bid.
"My dreaded liege, myself and the duque will go Mo."
She looked at his hand, noting the pressence of several important trumps, but not including the most important: the big joker. Her face was kept composed, but she let a slight grin escape once the king bid.
"Carlos, myself and Rousillon bid six."
Play was commenced, and Juanita saw her brother lead as expected. Her face began to grin after the second hand. He had led the king of spades, only to see the big joker come from Rousillon, trumping the hand. Carlos and Toledo's plan for going Mo had been thwarted for a painful loss in points. Her grin grew wider as the king and Rousillon managed to perfectly get their bid, without taking any bags. Juan noticed her keen interest in the proceedings.
"Carlos, your sister seems to know the game quite well. She was grinning even before I realized your mistake in going Mo."
"My dreaded liege, that does not surprise me. She is almost as good of a player as I am; however, I am surprised she did not bother to help me. I am her brother after all."
Juanita, though she knew that it was not her place to speak, felt compelled to defend her brother's teasing accusation.
"My dreaded liege, if I may be permitted to speak, I must protest my brother's accusation. There is nothing I could have done to help him. He should know better than go Mo when he does not have the big joker. Even the ladies sitting over there know better than that."
The ladies she was referring to perked up upon hearing themselves mentioned at the king's table. For his part, the king grinned at seeing Carlos and his sister begin a battle of wits. Since this was almost as entertaining as Carlos and Toledo bidding incorrectly, he desired to see it continue.
"Is that so? Tell me, senorita, what would you have bid, if you had your brother's hand."
She reflected for a moment.
"Would I be just bidding, or playing the hand myself?"
"Just bidding."
"Then I would have bid him six. Were I playing the hand, I would have bid eight."
"But my dreaded liege must remember that my sister would bid higher because she has longer legs than I do."
Juan looked skeptical.
"How is that important, Carlos?"
"Because, she could signal to her partner easier than I can. I'm finding it incredibly difficult to singal my partner, the duque."
"My brother, it is not my fault that an issue of length is making it difficult to communicate with the duque. Then again, this is a consistent theme with you, isn't it?"
Toledo and Rousillon traded looks of amusement with the king.
"Dearest sister, that you would know of these 'issues of length' that I seem to have raises some serious questions. I could have sworn we were too closely related for that sort of thing."
Other people in the room had quieted down to take witness of the exchange of wit.
"I do agree with you about our close relation. But what bothers me even more is that you are trying to signal the duque that way. That is most certainly worse than anything involving me. Does our gracious host know that is what you were signalling him with?"
At this point, Toledo could not help but enter the fray.
"I suddenly feel very, well, very Greek. I think I need to bathe to remove this Greekness from me. Thanks, Juanita, for warning me about your brother."
Laughter broke out openly at the table. Juanita performed a generous curtsy for the duque and king before returning to her seat.
While the tables were laughing, the ladies in the room eyed Juanita with less than jovial expressions. They began to gossip about the "scandalous" behavior of Carlos's sister. Their jealousy of her wit was evident, since they could not even retell the witty exchange accurately in their gossip.
Yep, you are correct.
Though there is also a corruption event that has occurred. I wonder if you can detect Juan's actions to fight it....
I should have noticed both of those, but in many ways you've gotten so far from the gameplay that it went right over my head
Poor Carlos
Poor Carlos
Originally posted by Sharur
I should have noticed both of those, but in many ways you've gotten so far from the gameplay that it went right over my head
Poor Carlos
Poor Carlos? I was thinking more like "Poor Juanita." She can now guruantee being snubbed reguarly. Not that she cares for the company of bimbos, but this is a courtly setting now. Being snubbed has very real consequences in such environments. Its one thing for Carlos to tell dirty jokes. It is quite another for a lady to use sexual innuendo...
Though, she is a fan of Aristophanes, so this is to be expected.
Just out of curiousity...are we making your life miserable?
Most enjoyable, but I sense a "I need a dynamic duo partner" plea coming from the king...and I'm pretty sure who that partner will be (unless you're a miserable SOB and swap her out now).
Good pick-up on the "Death of Noble" event Castelion. He would have snuck the damn thing right by me.
Note to self....
Most enjoyable, but I sense a "I need a dynamic duo partner" plea coming from the king...and I'm pretty sure who that partner will be (unless you're a miserable SOB and swap her out now).
Good pick-up on the "Death of Noble" event Castelion. He would have snuck the damn thing right by me.
Note to self....
The day was quite pleasant on Toeldo's estate. So pleasant, in fact, that the king's entourage was outside, watching the day's exercises. The king was there just to observe the progress of the new methods of war, but with everyone else there, it was turning into a circus. Juan was beginning to wonder how other monarchs ever get anything done with the constant banter of the members of court.
All of the duques were there, observing the exercises intently. Juanita was there, fanning herself while she watched everything with an arched brow. Many of the other ladies were there, keeping their distance from the scandalous Juanita and constantly giggling. Servants and messengers were constantly moving to and fro, holding various items of shade, and being generally useful.
Toledo was sitting with the king while Carlos ran the day's training. Today, Carlos was having each one of the peasant-soldiers take their turn in leading the troops through an execution of military movement. This was quite unusual, and sparked massive conversation on the part of the duques.
"Noble Toledo, I still am amazed that you actually take the time to teach these peasants how to lead the army. Isn't that just an absurd waste of time?"
"No, Africa Norte, it is not. Carlos and I have concluded that we want the army to be able to fight effectively even if we are all killed or maimed. I don't have to tell you that in many situations, orders may become garbled or messengers cut off because of bizarre battlefield conditions. Rather than have them sit around like idiots, we want them trained to act in the absence of orders."
"But they are peasants. Giving them this kind of free reign will likely make them unwilling to follow your orders."
"Oh no, they are very loyal. They would follow our orders until death."
"Hmpf. I still think this is a big waste of time. Nothing could ever replace the knight. Not even these peasants of yours, Toledo."
"Would you care to wager on it, Africa Norte?"
At these words, the king perked up.
"My good friend, are you sure this is wise. You have not finished their training."
"I am very sure, my dreaded liege. I want to know if the Duque de Africa Norte is willing to put his money where his mouth is."
"I am more than willing to. In fact, I will wager ten ducats that my knights can wipe the field with your peasants."
The crowd hushed at this wager. It was quite large, and represented the equivalent of 5% of the annual taxes of the entire kingdom.
"I accept your wager. In a week we shall settle this then?"
"Yes."
For his part, Juan became quite excited.
"This is going to be quite fun. And I thought my visit to your estate would be qutie boring."
"My dreaded liege, I would do anything in my power to make your visit more entertaining."
Juan arched his brow, but Toeldo followed up before he could speak.
"That is, anything within reason and moral boundaries."
Juan adopted a look of playful disappointment, prompting a hearty laugh from some of the assembled crowd. Through all the laughter, he noticed a slightly grinning and head shaking Juanita looking at him. His grin became more visible as he looked at her, though she did not notice.
All of the duques were there, observing the exercises intently. Juanita was there, fanning herself while she watched everything with an arched brow. Many of the other ladies were there, keeping their distance from the scandalous Juanita and constantly giggling. Servants and messengers were constantly moving to and fro, holding various items of shade, and being generally useful.
Toledo was sitting with the king while Carlos ran the day's training. Today, Carlos was having each one of the peasant-soldiers take their turn in leading the troops through an execution of military movement. This was quite unusual, and sparked massive conversation on the part of the duques.
"Noble Toledo, I still am amazed that you actually take the time to teach these peasants how to lead the army. Isn't that just an absurd waste of time?"
"No, Africa Norte, it is not. Carlos and I have concluded that we want the army to be able to fight effectively even if we are all killed or maimed. I don't have to tell you that in many situations, orders may become garbled or messengers cut off because of bizarre battlefield conditions. Rather than have them sit around like idiots, we want them trained to act in the absence of orders."
"But they are peasants. Giving them this kind of free reign will likely make them unwilling to follow your orders."
"Oh no, they are very loyal. They would follow our orders until death."
"Hmpf. I still think this is a big waste of time. Nothing could ever replace the knight. Not even these peasants of yours, Toledo."
"Would you care to wager on it, Africa Norte?"
At these words, the king perked up.
"My good friend, are you sure this is wise. You have not finished their training."
"I am very sure, my dreaded liege. I want to know if the Duque de Africa Norte is willing to put his money where his mouth is."
"I am more than willing to. In fact, I will wager ten ducats that my knights can wipe the field with your peasants."
The crowd hushed at this wager. It was quite large, and represented the equivalent of 5% of the annual taxes of the entire kingdom.
"I accept your wager. In a week we shall settle this then?"
"Yes."
For his part, Juan became quite excited.
"This is going to be quite fun. And I thought my visit to your estate would be qutie boring."
"My dreaded liege, I would do anything in my power to make your visit more entertaining."
Juan arched his brow, but Toeldo followed up before he could speak.
"That is, anything within reason and moral boundaries."
Juan adopted a look of playful disappointment, prompting a hearty laugh from some of the assembled crowd. Through all the laughter, he noticed a slightly grinning and head shaking Juanita looking at him. His grin became more visible as he looked at her, though she did not notice.
Originally posted by MrT
Just out of curiousity...are we making your life miserable?
Most enjoyable, but I sense a "I need a dynamic duo partner" plea coming from the king...and I'm pretty sure who that partner will be (unless you're a miserable SOB and swap her out now).
Making my life miserable? Nah... I can handle you older folk with little effort.
I would never be an SOB and remove a certain young lady from the situation you think she is in. That is, not without an overly complicated plot device that will have you weeping and lamenting the evil in the world....
You do realize that you'll end up decimating both your peasant army and your knights by doing this?