Someone should be thanking his guardian angel right now! 
Enthralling, just enthralling.
Enthralling, just enthralling.
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The Rightful King [Book the First on the House of Wessex]
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I feel that the pressure in this boiler - the tension in this spring - can only be increased for so long.
Ye well it is apparently quite difficult to kill the king of England, especially if he is old, very sick and should already be dead. Though I really hope Morcar doesn't live till a hundred and one.
Eadwin's modus operandi has become a problem for him. He loves subtlety and pawns so much, that he has left himself vulnerable to those pawns simply refusing to follow directions.
Well, that was certainly an unexpected twist -- not so much William's involvement as his sudden non-involvement at the key moment. He's a quite the canny Bastard to suddenly put Eadwin on the defensive like that. Yet though he foiled the plot, he seems content to let it remain secret for the time being -- perhaps he finds the specter of intrigue to be more profitable than its fruition.
In the balance, though, it doesn't alter my read of the underlying motives of the plotters too much. Scheming makes for strange bedfellows...
In the balance, though, it doesn't alter my read of the underlying motives of the plotters too much. Scheming makes for strange bedfellows...
So Eadwin's plot was to implicate William, and William scuttled the plot to keep himself secure - leaving Eadwin somewhat exposed.
However this turns out, whether Morcar lives or his son becomes King or Eadgar (or God help us, WIlliam) takes the throne - Eadwin is done. There isn't anyone left who would trust him to carry out a chamberpot.
However this turns out, whether Morcar lives or his son becomes King or Eadgar (or God help us, WIlliam) takes the throne - Eadwin is done. There isn't anyone left who would trust him to carry out a chamberpot.
I'm not so sure I'd count Eadwin out just yet -- after all, if Eadgar is a reliable barometer, then most of the peripheral plotters seem to think the fault lies with Duke Eadmund for getting cold feet at the last moment, and neither Eadwin nor William seem quick to disabuse anyone of that notion, at least not openly (or as "openly" as you can get in a conspiracy).
That said, I'm sure Eadwin now realizes that trying to manipulate William so blatantly is like playing with fire, and I suspect William didn't confirm Eadwin's suspicions of him carelessly.
Fb-fb:
To all - the next post follows and brings us to a sort of climax. Again, it may not answer all questions about the various schemes, but it does answer some. Hopefully realistically. Give me a moment to do a typo swipe and it will be up. Continued thanks for reading, commenting and some excellent discussion!
Indeed, still alive though don't be so quick to assign Morcar the thoughts on France. He may well simply be going along with it as he grows closer to William. And Chancellor Eadwin and Marshal William are indeed dancing. They both want similar things, I'd say. The question is who bests who?
Look to the next post for more answers on the scheming. Indeed, Eadwin was thrown a curveball he did not see coming.
No doubt, though it cannot last forever.Someone should be thanking his guardian angel right now!
Enthralling, just enthralling.
Very true. And it may be about to pop.
The man is only 39. Not quite so old. But indeed, Morcar is sick and one way or the other, should likely be dead. We'll see how long it takes.
Well said, especially when more than one pawn refuses to follow orders. I've been purposely drawing Eadgar as more and more independent minded in these last few posts of his.
Quite!
Excellent! That means my plotting isn't so terribly on the nose. And William is definitely playing his own game.
Not just Eadwin, but so too the other plotters (Eadgar included.) But as Specialist suggests below, Eadwin is not quite finished. Only diminished.
Agreed about Eadwin. And most definitely about William.
To all - the next post follows and brings us to a sort of climax. Again, it may not answer all questions about the various schemes, but it does answer some. Hopefully realistically. Give me a moment to do a typo swipe and it will be up. Continued thanks for reading, commenting and some excellent discussion!
The Rightful King
Rouen, France - November 1085
Duke William's War for Vexin
Duke William of Normandy walked down the corridor briskly nodding to the many men at arms that crowded his keep. His war against Prince Hugues of France had begun and he wished to move them to the Vexin with great haste. It was an opportune time as King Robert III of France currently held an advantage over the Prince in Orleans and Amiens. However, William’s prime target rested in bed just paces away. The Duke opened the door slowly and allowed the light to envelope the room. He walked in, ignoring the foul stench, and lit a candle so he could put eyes on his King.
“Your Grace! I come bearing great news of a victory,” he announced as he took a stool next to the bed.
Morcar barely opened his eyes, such was his weakness. He was only able to lift a hand to wave the Duke away, “I care not of your Prince. I am…too tired to hear on it.”
“No, Your Grace,” William smiled as he took a wet cloth and wiped at the King’s head. “The news comes from your home. We have secured the blessings of both Lord Skuli and Lord Cearl in encouragement of your son.”
The King pushed with weak elbows to sit higher in bed as he finally opened his eyes fully to look on the Duke, “They would vote for him now?”
“This is what I hear, and most certainly trust. I do not make it a habit to employ liars.”
Morcar looked at the smile on William’s face for a moment before closing his eyes and heaving a great sigh of relief. When he found the strength, he opened them again and offered a weak smile himself, “You do me well, my Lord. I give you…many thanks.”
William wiped the King’s forehead again and moved to help prop him up in bed, “You give me a great many things more than that, Your Grace. Now here…take some of this. Your men tell me it does you well.”
“No,” Morcar held out a hand to put the tincture away, “I’ll not take more of that vile stuff. They do me more harm than good.”
“Not true…it had you in great health just months ago. Have just a little,” William poured a slight cup and held it to the King’s mouth.
The King began to cough again causing William to pull his hand away. When it subsided, Morcar finally relented, “Fine. I will be gone in any way.”
The Duke wiped at his lip after he drank and smiled, “Fear not, Your Grace. You will once more be on the mend in no time. This is but a trial and no more.”
“Heh!” Morcar chortled, causing him to cough again.
“Do not try yourself, Your Grace…” William began to say but the King stopped him.
“If we have this assurance for my son…then we should look to the future.”
“If needs must, Your Grace…but you are tired,” William tried to counsel.
Morcar held out a hand, “No…it must be now.”
William offered a calm smile, “Then pray tell me what wish you may have?”
“Eadward is only a boy. He requires…a strong hand…a strong mind. His mother…is not enough. She is too kind. But…” Morcar trailed off for a moment causing William to wet a new cloth to sooth him.
“Do you wish Queen Adelhaid to travel, Your Grace?” he asked the King.
Morcar turned his head slowly from side to side. “No. If my boy…is to be King…he will require another.”
The Duke gave over a slight grin as he responded with a simple, “Of course.”
“And that…I would wish…” Morcar wet his lips with his tongue, “…to be…my brother.”
William recoiled for a moment as he watched the ailing King struggle. The wet cloth in his hands slipped to the floor and he found few words in response. Morcar began to cough again causing a great deal of blood to leave his lips and William simply stared until he found his wits.
“Your Grace…your brother does you a great deal of injustice. Is that wise?”
Morcar looked to William with bloodshot eyes and made several heaving sighs before answering, “He is…my kin.”
Duke William stood and walked to a nearby table with the candle. He picked up a scribe and began to etch upon parchment for a moment and then returned to the King’s side. As he sat again, he smiled, “If that be your wish, Your Grace, then it would please your Lords to have you sign this as proof. They dare not believe it otherwise.”
“They would not?!” Morcar found some inner strength to once more rage but he was quickly down again as another cough erupted from his lips.
“I am afraid they would not. He has little trust among them and may have been the man to go for your life, I am sad to say.”
The King watched William with weary eyes for many moments as he did his best to think in his condition. A tear began to roll down his cheek as he finally responded, “It matters not. Good…on him. That is…precisely why…he must be…the boy’s man.”
William lowered his head for a moment but lifted it again as he held out the parchment and quill, “Then you would affix your seal?”
Morcar’s hand slowly moved from the bed and waved in the air until the Duke placed quill in his fingers. William held out the parchment and helped guide the King to place signature on the document. With great hardship, Morcar finally wrote his name but with one last flourish finished the R.
“That is well and good, Your Grace,” William stood and moved back to the desk to powder the parchment. He then turned with a great smile, “And I must tell you that you have just named me as your regent and Lord Protector of the realm.”
Morcar looked at him with wide eyes and began to stir in the bed. His anger gave him strength that he did not possess and he nearly sat up before the Duke was to his side and helped to lower him once more.
“There is no need to trouble yourself, my Lord. It is a thing done,” William spoke as he pushed the King’s head back to the pillow.
“YOU…” Morcar tried to call out as his throat gurgled but he began to cough heavily once more.
William picked up the wet rag from the floor and wiped at the King’s mouth to clean off the blood. “Waste no time on that, my Lord. It is a fool’s game. You are dying and for that I give great thanks.”
Morcar tried to speak but began to choke on the blood pouring from his throat.
“No need…Your Grace,” William continued with a grin. “For this is the last time I shall have to utter such words in your presence. You are an up jumped noble with a middling mind that may suggest to others that anything is possible. I am here to tell you that it is not.”
William watched Morcar’s eyes grow even wider in anger and the Duke gave over a huge smile, “I would tell you, Morcar of Hwicce, while I still have chance…you should have never let me out of your prison. Only a foolish man with no other prospects would take such a risk. But of course you had none as even your own brother wished you dead. He was instrumental in this, I must say…”
Morcar’s arm moved from the side of the bed and waived in the air as he attempted to get at William but another coughing fit stopped him.
“Battle for that light, my Lord. Please! I would be disappointed if you did not.” William lowered himself to look directly into Morcar’s face, “You are a failure of a man and as King. It was never yours to begin with! But I thank you for your caretaking. The realm is indeed stronger for it.”
A hand moved from the bedside and grabbed at William’s throat. With what little strength he had left, Morcar did his best to squeeze tightly and it was some moments before the Duke was able to tear himself away.
William pulled away and brought his own hands to his throat in some shock, “So you will not die?”
Morcar went limp but gave over a smile as he did his best to speak through a bloody gurgle, “…the Atheling…”
Duke William stood there for a moment waiting for a thing that did not come. The King coughed once more, spit up a great amount of blood and then breathed his last. Morcar of Hwicce was dead.
Morcar is Dead
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A great king is dead. He brought back the Saxon on the throne, he established peace in the realm, he was good for his friends, just with his people and liege, ...
I'm sure he will be missed (at least by the populace, as the future is dark).
Not a glorious death, he deserved better, but he was surrounded by too many jealous enemies.
Now, let's see how the other players will evolve in this chaos. William has the advantage but the game is far from the end.
We lost a great character here. Hopefully, there is plenty remaining (and maybe, new players incoming ?).
EDIT: I read the last 3 updates in a row (busy week, I didn't have time before). And it was excellent to see the different plots, and William rising.
I'm sure he will be missed (at least by the populace, as the future is dark).
Not a glorious death, he deserved better, but he was surrounded by too many jealous enemies.
Now, let's see how the other players will evolve in this chaos. William has the advantage but the game is far from the end.
We lost a great character here. Hopefully, there is plenty remaining (and maybe, new players incoming ?).
EDIT: I read the last 3 updates in a row (busy week, I didn't have time before). And it was excellent to see the different plots, and William rising.
William has a start in this race, being with Morcar when he died, but I am sure this is also a fact that can be turned against him if others are swift of mind.
Ultimately there is a lot of truth in William's charge of Morcar's worth, but it is not without argument. The idea of making Eadwin regent for his son was a worthy Morcar ploy, one that if he had made it earlier might have truly thrown chaos amidst his enemies. Now though, I wonder if it has any chance.
Ultimately there is a lot of truth in William's charge of Morcar's worth, but it is not without argument. The idea of making Eadwin regent for his son was a worthy Morcar ploy, one that if he had made it earlier might have truly thrown chaos amidst his enemies. Now though, I wonder if it has any chance.
Well, now that Morcar is well and truly dead, I suppose I should come out with that idea I was teasing at with my past few comments:
I don't think Eadwin's intention was ever to kill his brother Morcar. While they quarreled, they were always quick to come to one another's aid whenever both were threatened by an outsider, because both knew that if someone else were able to get an advantage over them by playing the one against the other, both would ultimately fall. I think Eadwin's tacit consent to the plot against Morcar's life was meant to be just another one of their little power games, a way for Eadwin to demonstrate that while Morcar may be King, Eadwin was the true power behind the throne, the one everyone in the realm looked up to, respected, and followed. Letting Morcar die would have been counterproductive, so Eadwin had no intention of actually allowing the plotters to succeed, and being the one to catch them in the act would have increased Eadwin's power over Morcar and perhaps allowed him to prove to his brother that his hold on the realm would crumble without Eadwin's support -- thus granting Eadwin the clear victory in that round of their brotherly rivalry.
In light of this, Morcar's decision to release William was a desperation gamble to show that he was more than capable of asserting power, control, and influence independently of Eadwin -- one that, as it turns out, paid off rather badly for all parties involved except perhaps William himself. William proved to be the proverbial wrench in the works by refusing to cooperate with anyone when it didn't suit his own purposes to do so.
On a sidenote: It surprised me seeing that screenshot there at the very end, as I had forgotten just how young Morcar is. Combined with a natural predisposition to bad health, I get the feeling that the burden of kingship aged Morcar quite considerably.
Continuing that thought, I seem to recall that William isn't getting any younger himself, and this is around the time that he died in OTL, so his triumph may prove to be rather short-lived itself. On the other hand, there is a lot of damage William could do with the powers of regent even in a relatively short time, and his own awareness of his mortality might given him a profound sense of urgency in cleaning up loose ends...
The chiefest among those being that it is a spectacular case of the pot calling the kettle black, I should point out
I don't think Eadwin's intention was ever to kill his brother Morcar. While they quarreled, they were always quick to come to one another's aid whenever both were threatened by an outsider, because both knew that if someone else were able to get an advantage over them by playing the one against the other, both would ultimately fall. I think Eadwin's tacit consent to the plot against Morcar's life was meant to be just another one of their little power games, a way for Eadwin to demonstrate that while Morcar may be King, Eadwin was the true power behind the throne, the one everyone in the realm looked up to, respected, and followed. Letting Morcar die would have been counterproductive, so Eadwin had no intention of actually allowing the plotters to succeed, and being the one to catch them in the act would have increased Eadwin's power over Morcar and perhaps allowed him to prove to his brother that his hold on the realm would crumble without Eadwin's support -- thus granting Eadwin the clear victory in that round of their brotherly rivalry.
In light of this, Morcar's decision to release William was a desperation gamble to show that he was more than capable of asserting power, control, and influence independently of Eadwin -- one that, as it turns out, paid off rather badly for all parties involved except perhaps William himself. William proved to be the proverbial wrench in the works by refusing to cooperate with anyone when it didn't suit his own purposes to do so.
On a sidenote: It surprised me seeing that screenshot there at the very end, as I had forgotten just how young Morcar is. Combined with a natural predisposition to bad health, I get the feeling that the burden of kingship aged Morcar quite considerably.
Continuing that thought, I seem to recall that William isn't getting any younger himself, and this is around the time that he died in OTL, so his triumph may prove to be rather short-lived itself. On the other hand, there is a lot of damage William could do with the powers of regent even in a relatively short time, and his own awareness of his mortality might given him a profound sense of urgency in cleaning up loose ends...
The chiefest among those being that it is a spectacular case of the pot calling the kettle black, I should point out
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39! I knew that people were physically smaller and had shorter life expectancies in those days, but I had thought he was a decade older or more.
More to the point his son is, what, six? Eight? Looks like a long regency - if he lives.
William may believe he has won out - he may well believe that either he will rule as regent or rule in fact if the boy has an 'accident'. But to a person on the outside, that document is going to be as incriminating as it is proof of regency. This is William of Normandy, with Morcar newly dead in William's own house, flourishing a paper that the King just happened to sign as he was dying. Even if William was entirely innocent, given his history nobody would believe it for an instant - it looks exactly like he murdered the King and forged the paper, even if he didn't (exactly).
Cui bono is, like Occam's razor, a very useful tool of logic. Given the choice of having William of Normandy back in power or uniting against him, I'm betting the Lords of the realm will not pick William. And if Morcar's son is one of the first casualties of a new war for the crown, then in their minds it just opens the way for a Lord to seize power as Morcar did.
So! Will Eadgar and Eadwin unite against William? Can Eadgar raise the political and military power to overthrow William by force of arms? Can Eadgar stomach the Lords naming Morcar's son as King, or them naming someone else (a Godwin, perhaps)? Are we in for another bloody round of "Button, button, who's got the crown?" Sure looks like it - after all, there hasn't been a peaceful transition of power in England since... Edward the Confessor? Should be renamed Edward the Thoughtless for bringing all this mess about.
@Specialist290 - I agree with most of your conclusions about Eadwin. Add in that he loved the secrecy and plotting more than he wanted any result from it. But I don't think Eadwin ever wanted to expose any plot to Morcar. Better to tantalize his brother with just enough information to know that plots were afoot, and keep him aware that Eadwin was the only one able to shield and protect him from these secret menaces. And if that meant 'ginning up a plot himself, well - who better to keep the plot running yet not let anything actually happen?
Eadwin wanted to make himself indispensable. What he did was frighten Morcar into letting William loose - and all Hell with him.
More to the point his son is, what, six? Eight? Looks like a long regency - if he lives.
William may believe he has won out - he may well believe that either he will rule as regent or rule in fact if the boy has an 'accident'. But to a person on the outside, that document is going to be as incriminating as it is proof of regency. This is William of Normandy, with Morcar newly dead in William's own house, flourishing a paper that the King just happened to sign as he was dying. Even if William was entirely innocent, given his history nobody would believe it for an instant - it looks exactly like he murdered the King and forged the paper, even if he didn't (exactly).
Cui bono is, like Occam's razor, a very useful tool of logic. Given the choice of having William of Normandy back in power or uniting against him, I'm betting the Lords of the realm will not pick William. And if Morcar's son is one of the first casualties of a new war for the crown, then in their minds it just opens the way for a Lord to seize power as Morcar did.
So! Will Eadgar and Eadwin unite against William? Can Eadgar raise the political and military power to overthrow William by force of arms? Can Eadgar stomach the Lords naming Morcar's son as King, or them naming someone else (a Godwin, perhaps)? Are we in for another bloody round of "Button, button, who's got the crown?" Sure looks like it - after all, there hasn't been a peaceful transition of power in England since... Edward the Confessor? Should be renamed Edward the Thoughtless for bringing all this mess about.
@Specialist290 - I agree with most of your conclusions about Eadwin. Add in that he loved the secrecy and plotting more than he wanted any result from it. But I don't think Eadwin ever wanted to expose any plot to Morcar. Better to tantalize his brother with just enough information to know that plots were afoot, and keep him aware that Eadwin was the only one able to shield and protect him from these secret menaces. And if that meant 'ginning up a plot himself, well - who better to keep the plot running yet not let anything actually happen?
Eadwin wanted to make himself indispensable. What he did was frighten Morcar into letting William loose - and all Hell with him.
I'm reminded of I, Claudius and the plots to kill Augustus and secure the heir of the empire. No matter what he had done, you felt really sad when Augustus was finally done in by someone, with all his favourites and half his family dead. And people say BRIAN BLESSED can't act.
So a really old guy whom is hated by a lot of people and can hardly speak English is in charge, the new king is a child a decade away from taking the throne and the plotters are exposed to the former and certinaky not in a position to take him down yet.
So yeah...everything got even worse. In fact, I'm pretty sure everything that could go wrong has in this case.
So a really old guy whom is hated by a lot of people and can hardly speak English is in charge, the new king is a child a decade away from taking the throne and the plotters are exposed to the former and certinaky not in a position to take him down yet.
So yeah...everything got even worse. In fact, I'm pretty sure everything that could go wrong has in this case.
Fb-fb:
To all - normally I would wait to respond, as per usual, but these are tasty treats! I have been waiting for quite some time to post this one and the result is as juicy as I assumed it might be.
Further, I must tell you that your eulogy for Morcar is quite touching. I agree with every word. It may not be remembered as such, but he really was a great King even with his issues.
As for William...I believe I have said before that his inclusion was a great gift, as far as the story is concerned. I have tried not to make anyone specific the "big bad" here and let several players inhabit that role. With the sad demise of Morcar...well...
Your point on William is quite spot on. There is nary a soul in England to believe this story even with the written will. You know better than some others that I had hoped to build this into a place where Morcar actually trusted William (as I have written the character...this was a major part of his conceit.) But as I got to writing and figuring out the plot, I found it more interesting to want Morcar to still wish his brother.
You and I (and pretty much everyone else) always knew that William would provide a wild card. And what a wild card! Your thoughts on Eadwin are spot on and your thoughts on Morcar's choices, even better. To quote Jaws for the millionth time..."This is what happens..."
Except Morcar just died of natural causes.
Second, it remains a fluid situation, I promise you. As others have said, William is going to have a hard time gathering power in this new dynamic (as will this young King, as you say.) "Worse" is not a bad way to say it, but wait and find out. You should know by now, things change rather rapidly in this tale.
To all - normally I would wait to respond, as per usual, but these are tasty treats! I have been waiting for quite some time to post this one and the result is as juicy as I assumed it might be.
First of all, I must thank you for reading them all at once and I am so happy it threads together so well. The rise of William was something I have tried to plot realistically and if it is working? Awesome!A great king is dead. He brought back the Saxon on the throne, he established peace in the realm, he was good for his friends, just with his people and liege, ...
I'm sure he will be missed (at least by the populace, as the future is dark).
Not a glorious death, he deserved better, but he was surrounded by too many jealous enemies.
Now, let's see how the other players will evolve in this chaos. William has the advantage but the game is far from the end.
We lost a great character here. Hopefully, there is plenty remaining (and maybe, new players incoming ?).
EDIT: I read the last 3 updates in a row (busy week, I didn't have time before). And it was excellent to see the different plots, and William rising.
Further, I must tell you that your eulogy for Morcar is quite touching. I agree with every word. It may not be remembered as such, but he really was a great King even with his issues.
Part of William's plot was to shame the man. He was bitter in prison and remains so now. Thus I thought it fitting to leave Morcar with one last dig...or two. But indeed, William has a head start. Also part of his plan. But you are right, there are other actors in this play. He is not the only one.
This was my primary focus during this period. How to show such a plot without making his own brother part of it? I am so pleased you have it pegged rightly, more or less. As I have written it, I have put Eadwin in a place in which he would be fine with his brother's death (more or less) as long as he maintains power. He tried to assist but Morcar would never listen. When it was clear that he would not, Eadwin moved sideways (perhaps to his detriment.) It may give something away, but Eadwin actually does believe in Eadgar and hopes that if he becomes King, Eadwin will have so many spoils. But William got the better of him.Well, now that Morcar is well and truly dead, I suppose I should come out with that idea I was teasing at with my past few comments:
I don't think Eadwin's intention was ever to kill his brother Morcar. While they quarreled, they were always quick to come to one another's aid whenever both were threatened by an outsider, because both knew that if someone else were able to get an advantage over them by playing the one against the other, both would ultimately fall. I think Eadwin's tacit consent to the plot against Morcar's life was meant to be just another one of their little power games, a way for Eadwin to demonstrate that while Morcar may be King, Eadwin was the true power behind the throne, the one everyone in the realm looked up to, respected, and followed. Letting Morcar die would have been counterproductive, so Eadwin had no intention of actually allowing the plotters to succeed, and being the one to catch them in the act would have increased Eadwin's power over Morcar and perhaps allowed him to prove to his brother that his hold on the realm would crumble without Eadwin's support -- thus granting Eadwin the clear victory in that round of their brotherly rivalry.
In light of this, Morcar's decision to release William was a desperation gamble to show that he was more than capable of asserting power, control, and influence independently of Eadwin -- one that, as it turns out, paid off rather badly for all parties involved except perhaps William himself. William proved to be the proverbial wrench in the works by refusing to cooperate with anyone when it didn't suit his own purposes to do so.
On a sidenote: It surprised me seeing that screenshot there at the very end, as I had forgotten just how young Morcar is. Combined with a natural predisposition to bad health, I get the feeling that the burden of kingship aged Morcar quite considerably.
Continuing that thought, I seem to recall that William isn't getting any younger himself, and this is around the time that he died in OTL, so his triumph may prove to be rather short-lived itself. On the other hand, there is a lot of damage William could do with the powers of regent even in a relatively short time, and his own awareness of his mortality might given him a profound sense of urgency in cleaning up loose ends...
The chiefest among those being that it is a spectacular case of the pot calling the kettle black, I should point out
As for William...I believe I have said before that his inclusion was a great gift, as far as the story is concerned. I have tried not to make anyone specific the "big bad" here and let several players inhabit that role. With the sad demise of Morcar...well...
Indeed...39 is not old, as I said just recently. And his son is eleven.
Your point on William is quite spot on. There is nary a soul in England to believe this story even with the written will. You know better than some others that I had hoped to build this into a place where Morcar actually trusted William (as I have written the character...this was a major part of his conceit.) But as I got to writing and figuring out the plot, I found it more interesting to want Morcar to still wish his brother.
You and I (and pretty much everyone else) always knew that William would provide a wild card. And what a wild card! Your thoughts on Eadwin are spot on and your thoughts on Morcar's choices, even better. To quote Jaws for the millionth time..."This is what happens..."
Except Morcar just died of natural causes.
First of all, I so love I, Claudius and anyone that says Brian Blessed can't act is a fool!!
Second, it remains a fluid situation, I promise you. As others have said, William is going to have a hard time gathering power in this new dynamic (as will this young King, as you say.) "Worse" is not a bad way to say it, but wait and find out.
You should know by now, things change rather rapidly in this tale.
Now, that was a treat. The signing stank from miles away, how Morcar failed to see it I do not know. But good on William and go go his enemies to best him!
I admit, there was thought of Morcar's lack of reading when I wrote the scene but decided that I would let is pass as a sign that he was too far gone. I am pleased the scene read so well as I really had fun with it and had waited to use a few of those lines for some time.
To all - the next scene arrives in just a moment. Now that we have moved past the Morcar years, we start back up with some different scheming. This next scene deals with some fallout of William's gambit. Hopefully it is enjoyed. Thanks for the great comments, everyone!
The Rightful King
Gainsborough, England – December 1085
The feasting crowd was mostly gone save for Eadgar and his wife, still seated at the upper table. They watched their two boys at play on the floor below them. Uhtræd was helping to show his younger brother what he could do with his gift of small wooden soldiers. Both parents smiled at each other with great love.
“The Lord has surely given his blessing to us, for this year and every other,” Eadgar whispered.
“Truly, my Lord,” Hextilda grinned, “And there is one more gift that I have not yet produced. I shall give it to you now. I am with child.”
Eadgar stood and offered a huge smile as he called out to his sons, “Come and see, my young Lords…come and see the most beautiful and giving woman in the world!”
His two sons ran to see their mother and she smiled at them both and told them the same news. Eadgar moved to place his arms on both of their shoulders as he continued to look at his wife, “Perhaps, my boys…you may yet still have a sister to play with. I know your dear mother would wish it.”
Hextilda nodded with thanks and held her hands to her boy’s cheeks, “I have been so blessed by these two children, I should be very happy for another son. And you, my Lord…you would not know what to do with a daughter!”
Eadgar laughed and pulled his sons in tight but was interrupted when a page called out behind him.
“My Lord Earl…a visitor!”
Eadgar turned to see Duke Eadwin standing behind the page. The Duke appeared quite tired and not at all well. Hextilda saw it too and bade her husband to see about him. Eadgar kissed her with many thanks. He stepped down and walked to the archway and the closer he got, the more he knew without a word being spoken.
“I am grievously sorry for interrupting such a fine family moment at this Mass of Christ, my Lord…” Eadwin began but the Earl stopped him.
“The King is dead.”
Eadwin lowered his head for a moment but then raised it once more with sadness in his eyes, “He is. His son Eadward has been chosen to succeed him.”
The new King Eadward III
Eadgar expected as much but still felt a twinge of irritation when he asked, “Did the boy have your vote?”
The Duke looked past Eadgar to his children, noting his eldest, “Were I to have picked one of Morcar’s boys…yes, he would have been my choice. But alas, he was not my pick. I voted you.”
“So the rumors of Prince Eadgar are true,” Eadgar stated as he led the Duke from the hall and towards his chamber.
“I am sad to say, they are. What is more, somehow the King…Morcar…was able to pull our Lords Cearl and Skuli into his gambit. Their votes apparently trumped mine.”
“Did I have any other support?” Eadgar asked.
They reached the chamber and Eadwin nodded as the door was opened, “Our Lord in Gloucester. It appears Lord Eadmund feels a great weight on his person and begs your forgiveness.”
“Please sit,” Eadgar stated as he moved to pour some mulled wine. “Pray tell of our Lord of Normandy. Where stands he in all of this?”
When Eadwin was silent for a moment, Eadgar stopped pouring and turned to look on the Duke.
“My Lord,” Eadwin answered slowly, “…he has been named Regent to young King Eadward.”
“Can this be true?” Eadgar asked in a state of shock.
“It is,” Eadwin answered as he shook his head. “While I am certain of skullduggery, there is a signed document from Morcar himself to prove it. If The Bastard has been at play, then he has played us all.”
Eadgar finished pouring wine and took a goblet to the Duke with a frown, “This be no toast then, my Lord. I did tell of my misgivings for the man. Yet you did vouch for him, did you not?”
“I vouched for his part to play, Eadgar…” Eadwin attempted to say before Eadgar cut him off.
“And so he has taken power once more…only this time, he lacks the target of a crown. A most dangerous man, would you not think?”
Duke Eadwin took a slight sip of his wine before answering, “You were well right, my Lord. It brings me no joy to say it, but I must admit defeat at the hands of an older and more experienced dealer.”
“And one that has so skillfully removed you from power…and your brother from his life.”
Eadgar thought he noticed a slight tear form in Eadwin’s eyes but the Duke was able to pull his drink to his mouth to hide any such thing. “Let us make no mistake, my Lord…” the Duke responded before taking a sip. “The King did die of natural health. Or lack thereof. And I be not out of power. Far from it. I remain His Grace’s Chancellor and most favorite Uncle.”
“And yet you are not the Regent. The Bastard is King in all but name,” Eadgar flashed some anger.
“And yet…” Eadwin quickly responded, “I am here speaking with you!”
Eadgar softened his tone slightly, “I apologize if my manner has grown cynical, my Lord. My trust of others is not great.”
“And I understand why, Eadgar!” Eadwin was quick to stand and move to the Earl. “But all is not yet lost. Your point is well made about William. I understand it truly. And appreciate it well. But as I was in the midst of our Lords in their choosing, I was able to gather their sense going forward.”
“And that would be?” Eadgar asked with distaste.
Eadwin finally offered a slight smile as he answered, “That would be that to a man, not a one supports this new power. There is not one Lord that wishes this Norman. They know, as I know…as you know…that he will do as he pleases now with such a young King in his pocket, and they distrust not only his position, but so too the manner in which he gained it.”
Eadgar turned to look out the window for a moment before looking back at the Duke, “My Lord, I would ask you to speak plainly for once in your life if it is possible in your family…what means this for me?”
“It means that while before there were competing claims, for once in our realm…there is great agreement. They all wish you.”
The Earl stood silent for a moment before asking, “What does it matter? The new King is but a boy of eleven summers. He will take some time in passing and by then, I will be an old man or long dead.”
“Fear not,” Eadwin was quick to respond. “Our Lord Protector, as he is want to call himself now, thinks he has played out this game. And while I admit I may have played a card wrongly here and there…that was but one hand. I am not done, and neither are you, my Lord. He is useful still, if you would but use him.”
Eadgar has gained support...
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Is that fluff or is the boy going to be a stat wizard with the martial trait?
He might well be poisoned or get poisoned sooner or later. I imagine his influence is still too great for William to tolerate.
Alas if only signed documents in that era were always so adhered to...I bet the nobility don't like it.
A much older dealer. Who is going to die soon-ish, thus I wonder what his plan is at this point. Presumably to reward...I think it was Robert, the one whom kept fighting in Normandy even after his father was imprisoned.
Yup, the Duke and William are going to duke it out because they are the only two of their dynasty in positions of real power and have suffered at the hands of the other. So they are deffo not going to play nice with each other.
Hence too much influence. Being either removed or discredited has to be one of the top priorities of William at this point (he has others but this one can actually be easily done).
Including the current king I see! Now that is interesting. If the child were to die naturally of sickness (William having been removed beforehand) then this could actually be a pretty smooth succession. As it stands however there might be an even bigger war coming than I realised.