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Hurray! Fantastic work! Now that you've secured your independance you must free your Cornish and Breton brothers from oppression!.... eventually. Wither way, this is a great build up to Welsh independance and I hope your gamesmanship in EUII will bring it further glory Also Hen Wlad fy Nhadau is one of the greatest national anthems I've ever heard!
Chapter XII: The Independence of Wales
When a soldier rushed from the peace conference chambers to the town square of Cardiff announcing the independence of Wales, a great cheer went up throughout the city. News of the defeat of the English and the signing of the treaty of Cardiff spread across Britain and Europe. Hostilities ceased in the north and all the generals and nobles travelled to Cardiff for the planned celebrations. On the night of the 5th of August, a great part took place within the city, and there was food drink, music and laughter.
The kingdoms of Europe soon recognized Welsh independence and Ieuan as its sole Prince. Charles, The Dauphin of France was quick to sent his congratulations and seized upon the opportunity to claim that Henry was not fit to wear any crown but that of England. James Murdoch, the current regent of Scotland in the Kings absence, sent his goodwill to Wales and made a generous state gift. Soon after, the Kings of Portugal and Castile, The Holy Roman Emperor and King of Hungary Sigismund, and Pope Martinus V all recognized Welsh independence. Even the Byzantine Emperor Manuel II sent his blessings, but one country that didn’t not completely recognize the independence of Wales, was its far more powerful neighbour, England.
Even though under the terms of the treaty of Cardiff, the English crown was to recognize Wales as independent, parliament would not accept it. The house of lords was furious that Henry had signed the treaty without notifying them, and so they would not recognize Wales, but Henry's power outweighed that of Parliament, and his was the word that counted.
By November, the form of Welsh government had been decided. The most legitimate claim to the throne, Ieuan was to become the uncontested Prince of Wales, but it was decided by Ieuan himself that Wales should have a parliament system similar to that of England, lest a foolish Prince one day have too much power. A House of Lords was set up, made up of Welsh nobility, and the Earls of the Welsh lands, including the Earl of Pembroke. A house of the commoners or "House of Commons" was also introduced, made up of local representatives such as mayors of towns and the commoner folk; however, this house had little if no power over the affairs of state. This Parliament, while able to influence the Princes decisions, was not able to overrule them.
Ieuan had deliberated among his generals and the nobles about where the power of Wales would be focused. In the past, Gwynned had been the focus of Welsh strength, but now that the largest city in Wales, Cardiff, was under complete Welsh control it was suggested by General Simon that Cardiff should be the centre of power. Others suggested Pembroke or Worcester in the former English territory, and others wanted a new city to be constructed around Conwy castle back in Gwynned, but Ieuan did not have the resources to build a new city, Pembroke was too remote and a Welsh capital in an English city would cause enough headaches to last a lifetime. The decision was made, and Cardiff would become the capital with Parliament being held there and the Prince's castle or residence nearby. Cardiff was also on flatter lands for farming and had a port, and so it made a better choice.
Cardiff
By the 1st of January 1419, Wales was completely independent and on its feet. Where Ieuan would lead it to in the future, only time would tell.
When a soldier rushed from the peace conference chambers to the town square of Cardiff announcing the independence of Wales, a great cheer went up throughout the city. News of the defeat of the English and the signing of the treaty of Cardiff spread across Britain and Europe. Hostilities ceased in the north and all the generals and nobles travelled to Cardiff for the planned celebrations. On the night of the 5th of August, a great part took place within the city, and there was food drink, music and laughter.
The kingdoms of Europe soon recognized Welsh independence and Ieuan as its sole Prince. Charles, The Dauphin of France was quick to sent his congratulations and seized upon the opportunity to claim that Henry was not fit to wear any crown but that of England. James Murdoch, the current regent of Scotland in the Kings absence, sent his goodwill to Wales and made a generous state gift. Soon after, the Kings of Portugal and Castile, The Holy Roman Emperor and King of Hungary Sigismund, and Pope Martinus V all recognized Welsh independence. Even the Byzantine Emperor Manuel II sent his blessings, but one country that didn’t not completely recognize the independence of Wales, was its far more powerful neighbour, England.
Even though under the terms of the treaty of Cardiff, the English crown was to recognize Wales as independent, parliament would not accept it. The house of lords was furious that Henry had signed the treaty without notifying them, and so they would not recognize Wales, but Henry's power outweighed that of Parliament, and his was the word that counted.
By November, the form of Welsh government had been decided. The most legitimate claim to the throne, Ieuan was to become the uncontested Prince of Wales, but it was decided by Ieuan himself that Wales should have a parliament system similar to that of England, lest a foolish Prince one day have too much power. A House of Lords was set up, made up of Welsh nobility, and the Earls of the Welsh lands, including the Earl of Pembroke. A house of the commoners or "House of Commons" was also introduced, made up of local representatives such as mayors of towns and the commoner folk; however, this house had little if no power over the affairs of state. This Parliament, while able to influence the Princes decisions, was not able to overrule them.
Ieuan had deliberated among his generals and the nobles about where the power of Wales would be focused. In the past, Gwynned had been the focus of Welsh strength, but now that the largest city in Wales, Cardiff, was under complete Welsh control it was suggested by General Simon that Cardiff should be the centre of power. Others suggested Pembroke or Worcester in the former English territory, and others wanted a new city to be constructed around Conwy castle back in Gwynned, but Ieuan did not have the resources to build a new city, Pembroke was too remote and a Welsh capital in an English city would cause enough headaches to last a lifetime. The decision was made, and Cardiff would become the capital with Parliament being held there and the Prince's castle or residence nearby. Cardiff was also on flatter lands for farming and had a port, and so it made a better choice.
Cardiff
By the 1st of January 1419, Wales was completely independent and on its feet. Where Ieuan would lead it to in the future, only time would tell.
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Good, now that the capital is decided you can move onto more important matters. Good work.
Book 2
Chapter I
1st of January 1419.
Ieuan sat at the centre of the long banquet table, staring blankly down at the food in front of him. He was robed in fine fabrics and bore the small golden crown of the Prince of Wales. Outside Cardiff Castle in the city, fireworks burst overhead in celebration of the official independence of Wales, and inside the castle, the nobles feasted and danced to the music of the minstrels. About the table sat Generals Simon, Abbott, Owain, Davyyd, and the Earl of Pembroke William Hastings. Hastings had done a complete flip in his allegiances and was now a firm supporter of Welsh independence. Ieuan suspected this was simply to maintain his own position of power, but nevertheless, William was a powerful ally when it came to convincing the nobles.
Ieuan was not happy despite the good fortune of the past few months. The burden and responsibilities of being Prince where very tiresome, and he began to become very stressed. He had not fully contemplated what being Prince would mean, and so he was not fully prepared for the task. Most nobles holding Welsh lands where Englishmen, but they had all sworn allegiance to Ieuan when he assured them their assets and titles would not be threatened. Ieuan was a brilliant speaker, but it had been very annoying trying to woo them all over, and Ieuan was now having brief moments where he wished he could have had a simple life, like any other boy of his age, Ignorant, but happy.
Ieuan stared at the nobles doing their dances on the floor. They looked rather stupid he thought, for it was not really dancing, but rather walking around and moving ones arms here and there. This was not the traditional Celtic music or dancing, but rather the English sort. English culture had manifested deeply in Wales, and some of the Princedoms identity had been swept away. Ieuan was all for multiculturalism, but he still wanted Wales to have a Welsh culture.
The night was still young, and Ieuan had to sit here for many hours longer, having to greet Nobles, or meet giggling concubines presented before him. Ieuan was quite handsome. His hair was short, wavy and light brown, which was a refreshing change from the traditional medieval style of long hair. He was well toned and had good features. Most of the younger women in the caught had their eyes on him. Noble’s daughters had been bowing to him and complementing him all night, but Ieuan knew that they only really had eyes for him because he was the Prince of Wales. If he had been a simple farm boy, as he once was, they would not have even acknowledged his existence, and as he thought about this, he felt a surge of anger rise up inside him, but it quickly faded as quickly as it had appeared.
In a month’s time, Ieuan and a select few others would travel to Scotland by way of boat to meet with the kingdoms regent James Murdoch, to discus the terms of a possible alliance guarantying the independence of Wales. Scotland, which had long been living in the shadow of England and fearing its power, was eager to make friends with England’s enemies, and so Murdoch had dispatched an emissary inviting the leaders of Wales to Edinburgh. Ieuan accepted and planned to arrive on the 5th of February. It was risky leaving Wales so soon after its independence, for in his absence, his throne could be usurped or Wales invaded, for it would take a full two months till he was back in Wales, and a lot could happen in that time, but the alliance with Scotland was necessary for Wales to maintain its freedom, for it would make England think twice before invading. English campaigns in Wales where always devastating, and only one had ever been truly successful. Caught in the hills and high terrain, the supply lines of their armies where raided and the icy winters where enough to destroy an English army. This was enough without having to fight Scotland, whose lands where also very hilly and rugged.
Ieaun was interrupted from his thought as another marcher lord noble moved in front of the table, and presented his daughter before him.
"Your highness, I am Dudley Hetherington, marcher lord of the lands near the Lower Powys, I am pleased to meet you" the man said as he bowed. "May I present my daughter, to you" Dudley said standing up. He clapped, and on que, a young woman came out of nowhere. She was clad in the finest clothes, and had a pretty face, but she was just like all the others, who cared less about Ieuan than gaining the title "Princess of Wales".
"Greetings my lord" she said as she knelt
"Greetings" Ieuan said, politely smiling. Behind her, there was a maid holding up the trail of her dress. Her face was veiled and she was dressed in rather tattered clothes. She simply stood there, staring at the ground, well at least that what she looked to be doing. Ieuan could not tell because of the Veil. Poor girl, Ieuan thought. She would probably have to follow her mistress around all night, attending to her every whim. She probably had no family and got paid very little for her services.
The Marcher lord and his daughter moved off down the table, greeting the generals and other nobles who sat at it. The maid went off to follow, but she stopped. She saw from her side, the Prince of Wales staring at her. Looking over at him, she stared back. She slowly lifted her veil, revealing her face. She had deep blue eyes and darker skin than most Welsh, She looked to be around 16 or so, Ieuans age. The two stared at each other. The girl smiled, but this one was real, as though she really meant it, and Ieuan smiled back. Suddenly, their little moment was interrupted when the marcher lord erupted.
"CATHERINE!" he roared, and she gave a frightened look and dropped her veil "Keep up you stupid girl! The Prince does not want filthy beggars standing before him" and with a violent shove, he pushed her towards his daughter, who had her pick up her dress again. "Forgive me your highness, that girl, she is from a bad batch, a little wrong in the head I think,” he said, smiling and trying to hide his anger. Evidently, he had seen his maids little "flirt" with the Prince, the Prince he was trying to gain for his daughter.
"That is alright, I am sure she meant no harm,” Ieuan said to him. Dudley, the marcher lord, gave a relieved smile.
Foolish girl, Dudley thought. She should be grateful that she was allowed to stay in the cellars off the street. What a loathsome thought, this peasant trying to gain the favour of a Prince. He would make her pay for her little stunt. She would feel the back of his hand. He was about to walk off again, when from behind him, he heard the word "Don’t", and as though Ieuan had read his mind he continued "Or you will be sorry". Dudley said nothing, gave a weak grin, and walked off.
Catherine, Ieuan thought. What a pretty name. As the music kept playing and fireworks kept bursting, Ieuan began to think this night was not so bad after all.
Chapter I
1st of January 1419.
Ieuan sat at the centre of the long banquet table, staring blankly down at the food in front of him. He was robed in fine fabrics and bore the small golden crown of the Prince of Wales. Outside Cardiff Castle in the city, fireworks burst overhead in celebration of the official independence of Wales, and inside the castle, the nobles feasted and danced to the music of the minstrels. About the table sat Generals Simon, Abbott, Owain, Davyyd, and the Earl of Pembroke William Hastings. Hastings had done a complete flip in his allegiances and was now a firm supporter of Welsh independence. Ieuan suspected this was simply to maintain his own position of power, but nevertheless, William was a powerful ally when it came to convincing the nobles.
Ieuan was not happy despite the good fortune of the past few months. The burden and responsibilities of being Prince where very tiresome, and he began to become very stressed. He had not fully contemplated what being Prince would mean, and so he was not fully prepared for the task. Most nobles holding Welsh lands where Englishmen, but they had all sworn allegiance to Ieuan when he assured them their assets and titles would not be threatened. Ieuan was a brilliant speaker, but it had been very annoying trying to woo them all over, and Ieuan was now having brief moments where he wished he could have had a simple life, like any other boy of his age, Ignorant, but happy.
Ieuan stared at the nobles doing their dances on the floor. They looked rather stupid he thought, for it was not really dancing, but rather walking around and moving ones arms here and there. This was not the traditional Celtic music or dancing, but rather the English sort. English culture had manifested deeply in Wales, and some of the Princedoms identity had been swept away. Ieuan was all for multiculturalism, but he still wanted Wales to have a Welsh culture.
The night was still young, and Ieuan had to sit here for many hours longer, having to greet Nobles, or meet giggling concubines presented before him. Ieuan was quite handsome. His hair was short, wavy and light brown, which was a refreshing change from the traditional medieval style of long hair. He was well toned and had good features. Most of the younger women in the caught had their eyes on him. Noble’s daughters had been bowing to him and complementing him all night, but Ieuan knew that they only really had eyes for him because he was the Prince of Wales. If he had been a simple farm boy, as he once was, they would not have even acknowledged his existence, and as he thought about this, he felt a surge of anger rise up inside him, but it quickly faded as quickly as it had appeared.
In a month’s time, Ieuan and a select few others would travel to Scotland by way of boat to meet with the kingdoms regent James Murdoch, to discus the terms of a possible alliance guarantying the independence of Wales. Scotland, which had long been living in the shadow of England and fearing its power, was eager to make friends with England’s enemies, and so Murdoch had dispatched an emissary inviting the leaders of Wales to Edinburgh. Ieuan accepted and planned to arrive on the 5th of February. It was risky leaving Wales so soon after its independence, for in his absence, his throne could be usurped or Wales invaded, for it would take a full two months till he was back in Wales, and a lot could happen in that time, but the alliance with Scotland was necessary for Wales to maintain its freedom, for it would make England think twice before invading. English campaigns in Wales where always devastating, and only one had ever been truly successful. Caught in the hills and high terrain, the supply lines of their armies where raided and the icy winters where enough to destroy an English army. This was enough without having to fight Scotland, whose lands where also very hilly and rugged.
Ieaun was interrupted from his thought as another marcher lord noble moved in front of the table, and presented his daughter before him.
"Your highness, I am Dudley Hetherington, marcher lord of the lands near the Lower Powys, I am pleased to meet you" the man said as he bowed. "May I present my daughter, to you" Dudley said standing up. He clapped, and on que, a young woman came out of nowhere. She was clad in the finest clothes, and had a pretty face, but she was just like all the others, who cared less about Ieuan than gaining the title "Princess of Wales".
"Greetings my lord" she said as she knelt
"Greetings" Ieuan said, politely smiling. Behind her, there was a maid holding up the trail of her dress. Her face was veiled and she was dressed in rather tattered clothes. She simply stood there, staring at the ground, well at least that what she looked to be doing. Ieuan could not tell because of the Veil. Poor girl, Ieuan thought. She would probably have to follow her mistress around all night, attending to her every whim. She probably had no family and got paid very little for her services.
The Marcher lord and his daughter moved off down the table, greeting the generals and other nobles who sat at it. The maid went off to follow, but she stopped. She saw from her side, the Prince of Wales staring at her. Looking over at him, she stared back. She slowly lifted her veil, revealing her face. She had deep blue eyes and darker skin than most Welsh, She looked to be around 16 or so, Ieuans age. The two stared at each other. The girl smiled, but this one was real, as though she really meant it, and Ieuan smiled back. Suddenly, their little moment was interrupted when the marcher lord erupted.
"CATHERINE!" he roared, and she gave a frightened look and dropped her veil "Keep up you stupid girl! The Prince does not want filthy beggars standing before him" and with a violent shove, he pushed her towards his daughter, who had her pick up her dress again. "Forgive me your highness, that girl, she is from a bad batch, a little wrong in the head I think,” he said, smiling and trying to hide his anger. Evidently, he had seen his maids little "flirt" with the Prince, the Prince he was trying to gain for his daughter.
"That is alright, I am sure she meant no harm,” Ieuan said to him. Dudley, the marcher lord, gave a relieved smile.
Foolish girl, Dudley thought. She should be grateful that she was allowed to stay in the cellars off the street. What a loathsome thought, this peasant trying to gain the favour of a Prince. He would make her pay for her little stunt. She would feel the back of his hand. He was about to walk off again, when from behind him, he heard the word "Don’t", and as though Ieuan had read his mind he continued "Or you will be sorry". Dudley said nothing, gave a weak grin, and walked off.
Catherine, Ieuan thought. What a pretty name. As the music kept playing and fireworks kept bursting, Ieuan began to think this night was not so bad after all.
Apologies for lateness coupled with the fixing of my computer and my downright laziness.
Chapter II.
The Meeting in Scotland with regent Murdoch had gone quite smoothly. Ieuan and the Welsh dignitaries arrived in Edinburgh on the 15th of February, later then planed, to a lukewarm mood of the Scottish people. Murdoch, though as terrible a regent as the next, knew when to seize an opportunity, and an alliance with Wales meant that Scotland would be strengthened against any English aggression. The same went for Wales, and on the 16th, Ieuan and Murdoch signed a treaty of alliance and trade, and Murdoch declared a new era of Welsh & Scottish friendship and unity of Celtic peoples. A small celebration was held in Edinburgh in Honour of the Kingdom of Scotland and the Principality of Wales. The Welsh departed on the 27th of February, with their goals achieved and a positive impression left upon Scotland and the people of Edinburgh. During 1420 and 1421, Wales made giant leaps forward, signing trade agreements with many nations thus relieving the population living of the stretched resources of the land. Ieuan introduced tax collectors to Wales to replace to old system of bailiffs, which slightly annoyed the Welsh, but it helped the economy significantly. When farming took off in the lowlands around the Severun, the Welsh economy started to rise, and by the End of 1421, Welsh coffers where at 48 ducats. But not all news was good during those years.
Henry V had won another great victory in France, one such as that of Agincourt. All of Normandy and the north had fallen, and Henry had defeated the combined forces of Charles VI and his son Charles, the dauphin in the south, at the city of Orleans and had overrun the city. Paris fell on Christmas day with little resistance, but no sacking took place, due to the holiness of December the 25th and Henry's good spirit. Wales expected the French to capitulate any day now, and proclaim Henry as heir, which was bad news for Wales. Henry and England would then turn their attention to Wales, and destroy the Principality with the full might of the English army and navy. Even though Ieuan had made Henry vow never again to attack Wales, he did not really expect him to hold to it forever, not because he thought Henry was a dishonourable man, but because if in the same situation, he would have done the same.
The Burdens of being Prince had taken their toll on the now 18-year-old ruler, but he had found ways to cope, by appointing stewards and chancellors and such. His best friend and brother in arms Aeron had been appointed as treasurer, and he would tend to every one of Ieuans needs with out being asked. How odd, Ieuan thought. Still, Ieuan had found no bride from among the nobility, though hundreds from Wales and abroad had been offered to him. No, his heart was not set upon some political pawn of a wife, but upon the other, a girl he had met two years before on New Years Eve. Nobody knew of it, not even his trusted friend Aeron. The Notion of marrying for love was completely absurd, but Ieuan refused to accept this, though he knew trouble would one day come of it.
It was on the 1st of January 1422, Three years since official Welsh independence that Marshall Simon had approached Ieuan with grim news. Charles of France, Henry of England and Philip of Burgundy had met in the town of Troyes and had signed what was later referred to as 'The Treaty of Troyes', with Philip overturning control of the French government for conscesions and excluding the Dauphin Charles from the throne and proclaiming Henry as Heir. France had been defeated, and now all of the British Isles and France turned their eyes towards Wales to witness what occurred there, awaiting the impeding doom and the revenge that England would exact upon the small rugged land that dared defy the English crown, and the Man it would bring to justice for it.
Chapter II.
The Meeting in Scotland with regent Murdoch had gone quite smoothly. Ieuan and the Welsh dignitaries arrived in Edinburgh on the 15th of February, later then planed, to a lukewarm mood of the Scottish people. Murdoch, though as terrible a regent as the next, knew when to seize an opportunity, and an alliance with Wales meant that Scotland would be strengthened against any English aggression. The same went for Wales, and on the 16th, Ieuan and Murdoch signed a treaty of alliance and trade, and Murdoch declared a new era of Welsh & Scottish friendship and unity of Celtic peoples. A small celebration was held in Edinburgh in Honour of the Kingdom of Scotland and the Principality of Wales. The Welsh departed on the 27th of February, with their goals achieved and a positive impression left upon Scotland and the people of Edinburgh. During 1420 and 1421, Wales made giant leaps forward, signing trade agreements with many nations thus relieving the population living of the stretched resources of the land. Ieuan introduced tax collectors to Wales to replace to old system of bailiffs, which slightly annoyed the Welsh, but it helped the economy significantly. When farming took off in the lowlands around the Severun, the Welsh economy started to rise, and by the End of 1421, Welsh coffers where at 48 ducats. But not all news was good during those years.
Henry V had won another great victory in France, one such as that of Agincourt. All of Normandy and the north had fallen, and Henry had defeated the combined forces of Charles VI and his son Charles, the dauphin in the south, at the city of Orleans and had overrun the city. Paris fell on Christmas day with little resistance, but no sacking took place, due to the holiness of December the 25th and Henry's good spirit. Wales expected the French to capitulate any day now, and proclaim Henry as heir, which was bad news for Wales. Henry and England would then turn their attention to Wales, and destroy the Principality with the full might of the English army and navy. Even though Ieuan had made Henry vow never again to attack Wales, he did not really expect him to hold to it forever, not because he thought Henry was a dishonourable man, but because if in the same situation, he would have done the same.
The Burdens of being Prince had taken their toll on the now 18-year-old ruler, but he had found ways to cope, by appointing stewards and chancellors and such. His best friend and brother in arms Aeron had been appointed as treasurer, and he would tend to every one of Ieuans needs with out being asked. How odd, Ieuan thought. Still, Ieuan had found no bride from among the nobility, though hundreds from Wales and abroad had been offered to him. No, his heart was not set upon some political pawn of a wife, but upon the other, a girl he had met two years before on New Years Eve. Nobody knew of it, not even his trusted friend Aeron. The Notion of marrying for love was completely absurd, but Ieuan refused to accept this, though he knew trouble would one day come of it.
It was on the 1st of January 1422, Three years since official Welsh independence that Marshall Simon had approached Ieuan with grim news. Charles of France, Henry of England and Philip of Burgundy had met in the town of Troyes and had signed what was later referred to as 'The Treaty of Troyes', with Philip overturning control of the French government for conscesions and excluding the Dauphin Charles from the throne and proclaiming Henry as Heir. France had been defeated, and now all of the British Isles and France turned their eyes towards Wales to witness what occurred there, awaiting the impeding doom and the revenge that England would exact upon the small rugged land that dared defy the English crown, and the Man it would bring to justice for it.
Keledor said:
MVG is the highest possible grade in the swedish gradesystem, cheers mate
"When France caved in I felt despair. I knew the mad King Charles would surrender sooner or later, though I would have preferred later,” Aeron said, as he, General Simon, Ieuan and his train of knights trotted along the forest path that ran next to the Severun. It was a clear May Day, the sky was a spotless blue and birds sang in the trees. The group was on its way to Gloucester castle, which lay across the River on the border of England and Wales.
"Oh yes...France has fallen alright. The Kings son, the dauphin Charles is in no position of power to claim the crown, nor does he have the power to usurp it. The King is old, I expect him to pass away soon, and then France goes to Henry. Henry still has most of his life ahead of him, and while he lives, France will never be free. I think this will be the final destruction of the Kingdom of France, never to rise again" Ieuan mused
"Oh I don’t know Ieuan. France has faced challenges such as this before and have emerged victorious over their enemies." Simon said half-heartedly. Ieuan gave a small laugh
"I hope you are right, but it would take a miracle to save France. First of all, Henry would have to be dead, and the chances of that are slim. Secondly, France needs someone they can trust, that men will follow to their death"
"Someone heroic? In France?" Aeron joked. He received a small laugh and acknowledgement from his companions, but that was all.
They had approached the bridge that led over the river, and as they emerged from the trees they could see Gloucester castle standing distantly on a hill upon the horizon.
Aeron sighed. "There it is. Shall we make haste?"
"No" Ieuan said "I am not too eager to greet King Henry or the lord Gloucester right now. Let us just take our time"
"I Agree, we shall be at their mercy, and I do not like to beg" Simon said.
"You know...I really hope this works Ieuan" Aeron said uncertainly.
"So do I..." He replied.
The Duke of Gloucester was a strange man that was his general reputation among the commoners. Always dark, and mischievous, none knew what went on in his head, or what he planned. His eyes always glowed with a sort of malice, and he was often prone to outburst of anger. He had however earned himself the title of 'The good duke of Gloucester', for he was generous to his own people. He was known mostly as the Duke of Gloucester, but to some he was known as Humphrey Plantagenent, youngest son of Henry IV and brother to king Henry V.
It was a well-known fact in London and amongst the nobles, but in the outlying parts of Britain, few where aware of it. Ieuan himself had only discovered it when he was summoned to Gloucester castle with a letter, signed by Henry and Humphrey Plantagenet of Lancaster. He would never have guessed it. For one, Henry had always called Humphrey Gloucester in Cardiff, and the two never even hinted that they where related. Gloucester had made illegal incursions into Wales for its timber resources on the west side of the river, several farms had been attacked supposedly by brigands, and he had been a downright nuisance to Wales and to Welsh Parliament. Ieuan always thought him of a weak and petty man, but this new revelation caused him to reassess Humphrey as a much more dangerous foe.
After the Treaty of Troyes, Henry continued to recruit and train his armies in England and became ever more hostile towards Ieuan and Wales, and the reason behind this was guessed. Ieuan summoned Parliament, and it was agreed that it was in Wales's interests to stave off war with England as long as possible. As much as he didn’t like marrying people for political gain, Ieuan promptly set about weaving webs between the noble families of Wales and English dukes and the Marcher lords. That way, if war was imminent, English nobles who had received privileges in Wales would not support a war, thus costing Henry his credibility and prestige, perhaps forcing him to back down. Scotland, Ieuans ally, had warned England not to go to war with Wales. Henry would have to fight a war on two fronts if he invaded, and a campaign in Wales paired with holding off the Scots could take a VERY long time. Above all that, Wales had Henry's insurance that the two countries would not go to war while Henry lived, and if that was broken, the stability of England would suffer greatly.
But these reasons where why Henry had not struck yet. He needed more time and planning for such a war, and how England would cope with it, that was why he sent for Ieuan to discuss the grievances between Wales and England, to save of war for a short while longer. This benefited both sides, and both sovereigns where eager to sign.
They finally arrived at Gloucester castle, and made their way to the courtyard. There was Gloucester, eyeing him maliciously as he had done in Cardiff, and standing beside him was Henry, wearing his great gold crown and dressed rather extravagantly.
"So" Ieuan said, "You wanted to talk to me?"
"Oh yes...France has fallen alright. The Kings son, the dauphin Charles is in no position of power to claim the crown, nor does he have the power to usurp it. The King is old, I expect him to pass away soon, and then France goes to Henry. Henry still has most of his life ahead of him, and while he lives, France will never be free. I think this will be the final destruction of the Kingdom of France, never to rise again" Ieuan mused
"Oh I don’t know Ieuan. France has faced challenges such as this before and have emerged victorious over their enemies." Simon said half-heartedly. Ieuan gave a small laugh
"I hope you are right, but it would take a miracle to save France. First of all, Henry would have to be dead, and the chances of that are slim. Secondly, France needs someone they can trust, that men will follow to their death"
"Someone heroic? In France?" Aeron joked. He received a small laugh and acknowledgement from his companions, but that was all.
They had approached the bridge that led over the river, and as they emerged from the trees they could see Gloucester castle standing distantly on a hill upon the horizon.
Aeron sighed. "There it is. Shall we make haste?"
"No" Ieuan said "I am not too eager to greet King Henry or the lord Gloucester right now. Let us just take our time"
"I Agree, we shall be at their mercy, and I do not like to beg" Simon said.
"You know...I really hope this works Ieuan" Aeron said uncertainly.
"So do I..." He replied.
The Duke of Gloucester was a strange man that was his general reputation among the commoners. Always dark, and mischievous, none knew what went on in his head, or what he planned. His eyes always glowed with a sort of malice, and he was often prone to outburst of anger. He had however earned himself the title of 'The good duke of Gloucester', for he was generous to his own people. He was known mostly as the Duke of Gloucester, but to some he was known as Humphrey Plantagenent, youngest son of Henry IV and brother to king Henry V.
It was a well-known fact in London and amongst the nobles, but in the outlying parts of Britain, few where aware of it. Ieuan himself had only discovered it when he was summoned to Gloucester castle with a letter, signed by Henry and Humphrey Plantagenet of Lancaster. He would never have guessed it. For one, Henry had always called Humphrey Gloucester in Cardiff, and the two never even hinted that they where related. Gloucester had made illegal incursions into Wales for its timber resources on the west side of the river, several farms had been attacked supposedly by brigands, and he had been a downright nuisance to Wales and to Welsh Parliament. Ieuan always thought him of a weak and petty man, but this new revelation caused him to reassess Humphrey as a much more dangerous foe.
After the Treaty of Troyes, Henry continued to recruit and train his armies in England and became ever more hostile towards Ieuan and Wales, and the reason behind this was guessed. Ieuan summoned Parliament, and it was agreed that it was in Wales's interests to stave off war with England as long as possible. As much as he didn’t like marrying people for political gain, Ieuan promptly set about weaving webs between the noble families of Wales and English dukes and the Marcher lords. That way, if war was imminent, English nobles who had received privileges in Wales would not support a war, thus costing Henry his credibility and prestige, perhaps forcing him to back down. Scotland, Ieuans ally, had warned England not to go to war with Wales. Henry would have to fight a war on two fronts if he invaded, and a campaign in Wales paired with holding off the Scots could take a VERY long time. Above all that, Wales had Henry's insurance that the two countries would not go to war while Henry lived, and if that was broken, the stability of England would suffer greatly.
But these reasons where why Henry had not struck yet. He needed more time and planning for such a war, and how England would cope with it, that was why he sent for Ieuan to discuss the grievances between Wales and England, to save of war for a short while longer. This benefited both sides, and both sovereigns where eager to sign.
They finally arrived at Gloucester castle, and made their way to the courtyard. There was Gloucester, eyeing him maliciously as he had done in Cardiff, and standing beside him was Henry, wearing his great gold crown and dressed rather extravagantly.
"So" Ieuan said, "You wanted to talk to me?"