The Royal Court of England

[Lord E]

Windsor

The guard at the entrance to the castle looked at the man from Naples, turning to his fellow guard he said.


”Sure is a lot of strange people around these days…first this knight, and now this sissy… Oh John you better get the Captain!”

Returning some time later with eh captain of the guards, the captain approaches the man and speaks.

“Good sir welcome to Windsor to the court of His Majesty King Richard II. I understand you have a letter to the King, and that you would like to speak with him?
Please follow me to the Lord Chamberlain’s office.”

The captain leads the way through the halls and corridors of the castle, before stopping in front of a door and knocking. The King’s favourite and Lord Chamberlain opens, and steps out.

“My Lord a man from Naples requesting to speak with the king and he also brings this letter!”

Robert de Vere, 9th Earl of Oxford, Marquess of Dublin looks at the man, accepts the lettter and smiles.

”Thank you captain!
Now good sir from Naples I understand you would like to see the King? Might I please know what business you wish to see the King about?”

 

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Antonio answered the man.

"My Lord, Charles d'Anjou is in this letter proposing something. It is written by the King for the King. Myself, I do not personally need to be present, but the King might have some questions regarding that letter. I am not armed, and neither will be. My King has vouched for me in the letter, and I have been given authority to negotiate on behalf of the King."

Antonio awaited response from de Vere.

 

[Lord E]

Lord Chamberlain’s quarters

The Earl looked at the man for some moments as to see if what he had said was true, then he nodded.

”Very well sir, if you would please come this way!”

Courtroom

They walk to the courtroom, where the earl presents the man as an envoy from Naples.
King Richard looks at his uncles for a moment, and after receiving a nod from John of Gaunt the King welcomes the man. The chancellor and the Duke takes the letter, reads it and the the chancellor explains the letter to the king..

“Antonio d'Altavilla, Sieur de Ruvo, We welcome you here to Our court in England. We hope that you have had a pleasant voyage, and that you have enjoyed England?

We have heard from the letter that His Majesty’s wishes for us to join Our families in Holy Marriage, We are honoured by such a proposal and We are very interested in it.
We are afraid that Edmund of Langley and his son is not present in court at this time, but We have given orders that they shall be sent for, and in the mean time We hope that it will be possible to discuss this deal further?”

The Duke smiles at the King, and nods before speaking.

”Noble Sieur de Ruvo, you should also know that England fully supports His majesty’s claims on Hungary, and that England hope it is possible that we can agree on a treaty for mutual co-operation and support of each king’s claims?”

 

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Antonio was overwhelmed by the English hospitality, and tried to be as polite as possible when he answered:

"Indeed, England has shown itself from a good side this far, the wheater has been kind, although it is not as warm as the Neapolitian sun. But ths hospitality has been warmer than I could hope to find anywhere outside of Naples."

"As to supporting of claims, indeed, that would be acceptable. The French King has appointed Louis of Anjou as his regent before Louis invaded Naples last year. However, Louis was defeated, as he was at Poitiers, where the famous Black Prince defeated him and took his brother prison. A great english battle if I may say, although Louis fled like a little frog. Louis has proved his unknightly behavior before, when he ran from english custody. A coward he is, afterall, and ruling the rightful land of Charles in Provence and Forcalquier."

"As to the marriage, King Charles is of the same opinion, to bond ties is of mutual benefit of our crowns. Should we go on with discussing the details now, or should we wait til Edmund arrive? Charles would prefer the couple to live in his domain; if Edward should end up as King of Naples, it would be preferrable if he knew of the customs and life in Naples. Edward will be given a hereditary title there of course."

 

[Lord E]

Windsor courtroom

Ricahrd smiled.

“We are most honoured by your liking of England, though we must admit that the English weather probably isn’t as good as the weather in Naples. “

Richard now handed it to his uncle to discuss the rest of the matter

”Indeed sir, my brother was a great warrior and he brought England many great victories. The so called King in France is most certainly a loser, and a coward! So I think it would be good if Naples and England would agree to each other claims, and to aid each other against this evil, and his chief the heathen of Avignon.

As for the marriage there are no need to wait for the arrival of my brother and his son, they will do what is best for England! Let us go ahead with the discussion…”

..........​

Thomas of Woodstock, an other brother of John of Gaunt, and Henry Bolingbroke, John of Gaunt’s son, was standing in the background listening to the word of John of Gaunt. Henry looked at Thomas while lifting his eyebrows, and speaking in a low voice.

“I am afraid, dear uncle, that what my father sees as the best of England not always is the best for England, but rather what is best for John of Gaunt.
I do presume that he will try to get Naples to agree to his claims on the throne of Castile and Leon as well…”

”But Henry, surely that wouldn’t be to bad… you would be prince of Castile!”


“Yes I am aware off that, still I fear that my father’s claims on Castile will never be able to be carried out, and that it will be impossible for him to win the throne. I also fear for what it might mean for England should he press those claims…

Also I think uncle Edmund should have something to say before my father, and the King, well you can’t really count the king, he is under to heavy influence already, ships off one of his sons to live in Naples. I wouldn’t have liked that!”

”Yes, I see your points… And well I guess Edmund wouldn’t be to happy about Edward going to Naples, then again the marriage is good for England.

“Yes, there is no denial there… I only feel my father should wait till Edmund’s arrival… And Thomas I fear for what might happen to the King under this heavy influence of my father. He has already tried to rule separated from Parliament, thought they haven’t accepted it yet…and I guess they never will. Still one can just wonder what will happen when he comes of age…

 

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Antonio, noticed several courtiers whispering, but continued.

"Then the claims are settled. As to the marriage, what is it that your Majesty wants from this marriage? If there is anything specific that you want?"

 

[Mettermrck]

”Ihre Majestät, a lifetime’s vows is not required for your knights to participate in our Order’s crusades, merely the crusader vows themselves, that they will exert themselves to the fullest in the spreading of Christianity and the defeat of its enemies. God will know his own. Our Hochmeister does his best to keep the Order on constant campaigns against the pagans in order to maintain our military effectiveness. I have no doubt that our Order will soon be in the field against our enemies, should any of your knights wish to join us. Material aid, of course, is gratefully received.” Gottfried paused for a moment.

”We, of course, acknowledge your own conflict with France and the Avignon pretender, and it has been your past successes in this struggle that have evoked such admiration in Marienburg. As well as your firm line with your peasantry. Such strength is effective and needed in dire times, of course.”

 

[AugCaesar]

One of the large fleets of Venetian trading vessels that made its way to England several times a year had arrived. On board was the agent of Doge Antonio Veniero. With an escort of several stately looking men Marco Zeno made the cold trip overland to Winsdor Castle and the court of Richard II. Having presented his letters of introduction and parted ways with his escort who went their own ways in London Zeno came before the throne bearing an opaque unlabeled bottle, and a small gilt box. He bowed deep and set the goods before him, and spoke his eyes just glancing up towards the King.

"His Majesty Richard II, King of England and France, most renowned highness, I convey the best wishes and favor of the Republic of Venice in the name of Doge Antonio Veniero." Marco stood up more erect now and began to speak more plainly.

"It is well received and thought right that your majesty does pay homage to his Holiness in Rome and the people of Venice take heart in brotherhood with those who respect and fear god as your majesty and his subjects do. I should first like to offer on behalf of the Republic a gift." Marco took the small box up and showing all sides to those around him, the fox was minutely detailed and crusted in shimmering gold, inlaid with colorful jewels. He then pushed an invisible button ot its front which caused the top to lift up slowly which he allowed all to see plainly and then held it forward to the King. "A treasure from the Holy Land Majesty, though the box itself is of immeasurable value its contents are a treasure for the senses."

The box contained an aromatic blend of exotic incense and the smell began to fill the room. The gift was handed to a court attendant to be presented to the king and Zeno continued.

"I bring also this unassuming bottle for your Majesty, but this I present as a symbol of a great new trade that can be had between us. On Candia huge plantations are now growing the sweet desire of your nobility, sugar. And for some time now we have sent forth in the small quantity that could be obtained this wonderful product. But in this bottle is a fine Italian wine, but of no ordinary stock for by the combination of fine grape, and the chemistry of this sugar a grand concoction is made. I should like, with your Majesty's leave to discuss arrangements to import this good to England, and if you are so inclined to reemphasize long standing arrangements regarding to your lands wool and manufactured goods, and the luxuries that we do bring to your esteemed Kingdom."

The venetian opened the bottle of wine and presented it too to a servant who would quickly procure some glasses. As the attendants began to pour the aromatic, delicious wine Marco awaited a response dutifully.

 

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A lettter arrives from Denmark.

Richard II, Rex Anglia.

We wish to thank Your Majesty for his very kind letter, and for personally ensuring His Majestys wishes for the best possibly relations between the kingdoms of England and Denmark and Norway. Wishes I assure Your Majesty, as I assured Your Majestys most kind chancellor, are responding in kind by both my and my son, King Oluf III of Denmark, Olav IV of Norway.

In kind reply to Your Majestys chancellors requests, on Your Majestys behalf, regarding the situation concerning my sons twin Kingdoms, I hereby, on behalf of my son, asks for Your Majestys view regarding Your Majestys possesions. The news that has reached Scandinavia speaks of unrule vassals in Ireland, and of pretenders to the throne of France. Are these disturbing rumours true, or merely the production of sailors imaginations?

In addition, Your Majesty speaks of closer ties and cooperation between Denmark and Norway and England. May I be so bold as to ask, on behalf of my son, what kind of close cooperation Your Majesty had in mind, as cooperation can take many forms, between people as well as between Kingdoms.

May GOd protect and bless Your Majesty as well as Your Majestys lands and subjects.

Margrethe.
Guardian of her Son, Oluf III of Denmark, Olav IV of Norway.
Lady of Denmark

 

[Lord E]

Windsor courtroom with Antonio of Napels

Ignoring the sounds in the background, though sending Henry Bolingbroke an annoyed look John of Gaunt smiles to the man from Naples, and whispers to the King. Richard then speaks.

“England would have great interest in signing a treaty with His Majesty stating that both our realms support to others claims, and also that we shall give aid to each other in the case of war, financial or military. That way we will that we are able to bind England and Naples very close together, and together we will surly be able to strengthen our cause and win our rightful lands!

Is this acceptable to His Majesty, or have you anything else you would like to propose?”




Windsor with Gottfried

“Sir Gottfried that sounds great! I am sure some of my knights will take the vows of crusade and sail to aid your Order in the struggle against the pagans, and I am sure it will aid them a lot when they return to England to fight against the devil donkey lover of Avignon and his apprentice the so called king, mad Charles.
I think very highly about your Order’s training and I am sure it will aid my knights well to serve with your Order.
I thank you for your kind words, and I pray that England will be able to uphold those traditions in the future!”





Windsor with the Venetian
All the court watched in admiration on the gifts from the Venetian, and John of Gaunt and the King smiled at the Venetian

“Noble Marco Zeno,
We are pleased to welcome you to Our court at Windsor, and We hope you will enjoy your stay!
We offer Our greatest thanks to the Republic and the Dodge for this fine gifts, and we are honoured to receive them. It also makes Us happy to see that in Venice We have a fellow realm that supports the struggle against the donkey lover of Avignon and his evil apprentice!”

Richard drank some of the fine wine, and smiled

“Now We understand that you have an offer for trade between England and Venice? If so please present the offer, for We are very interested in trading with your great Republic!”

 

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It was a very important guest that arrived that day in London.
Without any doubt, he was the second most powerfull man in the kingdom of Denmark, but whether he was the second or third most powerfull person was debatable. Some whispered, and such whispers did not betray whether they were his friends or enemies, that he held more influence at court than the king himself. Others, and again the speakers of such rumours didn't betray their loyalties by speaking so, that he did so because he slept with Margrethe. The last rumour, however, was barely whispered, since the mere words held the power to ruin the career of any man caught passing them on.

If the last rumour were true, and that was a big if, Margrethe had to sleep alone these nights. Her sons drost, by some whispered to be her lover, Henning Podebusk, had taken ship to England, where he now sought an audience with his English Majesty.

 

[Lord E]

Lord Chamberlain’s quarters

The man from Denmark is escorted to the Lord Chamberlain, Robert de Vere, 9th Earl of Oxford, Marquess of Dublin. The Lord Chamberlain smiles at the man

”Welcome to Windsor Castle, good sir of Denmark!
So what business sends you to the court of England? I understand that you want an audience with His Majesty? That shall be arranged at once, please follow me…

Now I am sorry but I didn’t catch your name? I will need to know so that I can present you to His Majesty”

 

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The dosr of Denmark smiled as he bowed respectfully before the English chancellor.

"Thank you, good sir. You can inform HIs Majesty that I am Henning Podebusk, drost of Denmark, meaning I have the full legal authority to sign treaties on behalf of the king of Denmark.
With me I have Jørgen Stærke af Vendsyssel, whom it is the hope of my king will be accepted to serve as Danish emissary at the English Court once my business ere is done."

Jørgen Stærke stepped forward and bowed. True to his name (Stærke meaning strong in Danish), he was a powerfull built man, close to 1,80 m. With his blond hair and blue eyes, his very look reminded people of the Danish viking heritage.

 

[Lord E]

With the chancellor

Robert nodded and smiled at both men

”Now Sir Podebusk and Sir Stærke please follow me to the courtroom…”

Entering the courtroom the chancellor announces the two men and directs them to the King

”Your Majesty my I present His Honour Henning Podebusk, drost of Denmark and Jørgen Stærke af Vendsyssel envoy to England from the King of Denmark. “

The two of them were sent forward to see the King, and Richard stood waiting for them to hear what they had to say.

 

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It was obvious that Henning Podebusk was the most influental of the two.

As they were introduced, Jørgen Stærke immediatly sank to his knee, bowing his head in greeting to the king. However, Henning Podebusk took one step forward, and then bowed before the king. As he rose, it was Henning Podebusk who spoke.

"Most Honoured Majesty of England.
I have the honour to represent His Majesty King Oluf III of Denmark, Olav IV of Norway. My companion, Jørgen Stærke af Vendsyssel, begs Your Majestys permission to stay in Your Majestys Kingdom, here to represent the interests of Denmark.

Meanwhile, however, I shall serve as direct representative of His Danish and Norweigen Majesty. In Your Majestys kind letter, for which I present the thanks of His Danish and Norweigen Majesty, and His Majestys Mother, Your Majesty invited to negotiations regarding trade and alliances between Denmark and Norway and England. These negotiations will have to be done with me, as I have the authority to sign and negotiate treaties on His Danish and Norweigen Majestys behalf, an authority held by the King and I, and an authority that cannot be delegated to others."

 

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Antonio answered

"My King Charles III will be pleased with that. Charles is the rightful Ruler of Provnence and Forqualquier, and the Duchy of Anjou should be his aswell. Though, it is the former that is his most pressing cause. Sicily which is currently ruled by an evil Queen who support the Frenchie in Avignon aswell. And Hungary and Poland, although they will have to be delayed. As to you, what is your claims, other than France? Perhaps some in some to the north? To support each other in arms or gold will be very good aswell, since I am sure the vixen of Sicily is surely one of those who will loan money from such other fiends of me. First of all Hungary, and perhaps the Duke of Anjou. Should I write a treaty or should one of your Majesty's courtiers? And should we include the marriage in the treaty?"

 

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A Letter from Auvergne​

Unto Richard II, King of the English
In the year of our Lord 1383​

Your Grace,

I write to you from a small French Duchy on the matter of opening relations between our two countries. Of course times have not been the greatest nor have relations between our people, yet we feel it is wse to secure a peaceful border at this moment in time. We thereofre would like to agree to an exchange of ambassadors and the possibility of discussing trade between our nations.

It would be a fine achievment if we could trade with your French lands, lying adjacent to our ducal realm. We have much in the way of resources to offer, in exchange for acess to the sea market, which owuld provide fish and other things for our otherwise landlocked nation.

For the greater glory of God,

His Grace Duke Jean de Valois, Duc de Berri et d'Auvergne, Comte de Poiters, et de Montpensier​

 

[Lord E]

Windsor with the Danes

Richard nodded to both men, and watched them bow down, while Henning spoke John of Gaunt whispered some input in the King’s ear, and after Henning stopped speaking the King and the Duke talked in low voices for some time before the King answered.

“Noble lords of Denmark welcome to my court at Windsor. I hope England is to your liking?
I would be most honoured to see Jørgen Stærke af Vendsyssel represent the kingdoms of Denmark and Norway in England.

I understand Your Honour’s position, and since I now greet you in England I presume that His Majesty and Her Majesty is interested in what I have proposed to her Majesty. That makes me very proud and honoured.
Then I presume we should start negotiating, for I believe that Your Honour is a busy man that would like to return to Denmark as soon as your business here is finished.

Now as I told Her Majesty England would be interested in trading with Denmark and Norway, and we hope that we have some goods that would be of interest to you as well? Maybe some of our fine Bordeaux wine?
We are also interested in negotiating a deal of mutual assistance between England and Denmark-Norway in times of war, either through financial or military aid.
What think Your Honour of the proposed aspects?”

 

[Lord E]

With Antonio

Richard nodded.

“Yes, that is just what we though off. We of course support His majesty in all His Majesty’s claims, and as for Our claims that would of course be to the throne of France, and our position as Lord of Ireland, also we have interests in Scotland, but no claim at the present time.
Yes, the woman of Sicily seems to be an evil woman supporting our mutual enemies, and therefore England would of course support Naples in any struggle against her; also the evil donkey lover of Avignon is always a pressing issue!
I would be most pleased if you would write up a treaty, and yes I think we should include the marriage in the treaty. I have sent word for my uncle and his son, and they know what is planned, and I am sure they will agree…”

 

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A Letter from Auvergne​

Unto Richard II, King of the English
In the year of our Lord 1383​

Your Grace,

We rejoice at the prospect of opening trade and diplomatic relations between our nations. It is our desrie to see a flourshing trade market in southern France that rivals even the fansical bazars of the orient in splendor.

We shall at once send an ambassador to the seat of your government in Aquitane. Unless, you request one in London proper. Either scenario is acceptable.

Thence we shall begin to discuss the possibilities of trade between our lands.

His Grace Duke Jean de Valois, Duc de Berri et d'Auvergne, Comte de Poiters, et de Montpensier​