I get such a feeling of foreboding from this scene given the glimpses of the future we have seen. I have a sense that doom is following Prince Arthur and getting closer with each scene. I also wonder if the King is starting to slip away from his senses.
The Song of Wessex
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To all - I am purposely vague above because I don't want to spoil anything. That said, this chapter is full of feints and portends. King Arthur does tend to find his illnesses more and more as he grows older, and many times at the very worst moment. I cannot say how it comes out. Only that it provides even further complications. I will say that one of the things I enjoyed most about this chapter was that it allowed me to explore the various other Lords - Baudouin, Robert, Richard, Simon, Jordan, Nicholas, Rodrigo, etc. As I've been so focused on the Arthur/Arthur relationship, the lessor characters have not been fully realized. Hopefully this rectifies some of that.
Look for the next scene(s) tomorrow. Lots more coming in this chapter (and in Chapter 11 and beyond.) Thanks to all for reading and commenting! It makes the writing of these moments all the more sweeter when I know they have been appreciated and/or enjoyed.
Or perhaps both.I have a dread feeling in my stomact. "I am sure that the Prince returns safe and well" - those words written to close this episode ... either you are signalling something my good friend or you are tweaking my (our) expectations somewhat
Likely a combination even as we know the King will live for at least another 20 years.
Then I am doing my job right as it is meant to feel foreboding. We know something bad happens - we just don't know when or where.
To all - I am purposely vague above because I don't want to spoil anything. That said, this chapter is full of feints and portends. King Arthur does tend to find his illnesses more and more as he grows older, and many times at the very worst moment. I cannot say how it comes out. Only that it provides even further complications. I will say that one of the things I enjoyed most about this chapter was that it allowed me to explore the various other Lords - Baudouin, Robert, Richard, Simon, Jordan, Nicholas, Rodrigo, etc. As I've been so focused on the Arthur/Arthur relationship, the lessor characters have not been fully realized. Hopefully this rectifies some of that.
Look for the next scene(s) tomorrow. Lots more coming in this chapter (and in Chapter 11 and beyond.) Thanks to all for reading and commenting! It makes the writing of these moments all the more sweeter when I know they have been appreciated and/or enjoyed.
The Song of Wessex
* * *
Julich, Germany – November 1333
Julich, Germany – November 1333
It could not have come at a worse time. Whether due to camp fever or still grief over his daughter, King Arthur remained burning hot. The Prince had not yet returned to Chatillon by October and then disturbing reports began to trickle in from Julich in the north. One round of reinforcements had arrived for Lord Jordan but their twelve thousand were soon met by almost ten thousand from the Empire. Across the Rhine in Cologne, another sixty five hundred were massing and the Lord Marshal had been unable to retreat.
Lord Robert of Normandy was left nominally in charge while the King remained ill and before the Prince returned and so decided to leave off the siege in Reims and go to the rescue in Julich. They were waiting for another two thousand reinforcements themselves but time was of the essence. Before they had even struck camp, word came that Imperial soldiers had crossed the river and had joined in the fight. Now Lord Jordan was badly outnumbered.
Striking out first east and then north, the King’s army of less than eight thousand soon found that they were in a race with another Imperial army to their east. By the twentieth of October, they were in Luxembourg and the Prince finally arrived having chased the army for days. Reports from Julich continued to arrive explaining that on and off battle had ensued for nearly three weeks. And Lord Jordan was losing.
By the first of November, the Imperial army to their east was now in Trier and soon to arrive on the scene. The vanguard under Lord Baudouin was said to have collapsed and it was only the tenacity of Lord Jordan that kept the army together in the center. It was less fighting retreat than it was picking and choosing the right moment for pitched battle and at the moment, the German Duke of Lorraine was gaining the upper hand.
When the King’s army finally arrived on the scene on the third of November, they were greeted by a field of bodies that lasted for miles. Both killed and injured were left as neither side had chance to collect their dead. Though the King remained in great ill health, he forced himself to rise from a litter by which he had been carried and relieved Lord Jordan of his command. The Duke of Kent was exhausted and had little choice even though he argued painfully against it.
The vanguard under Lord Baudouin was renewed with the added strength and Lord Nicholas immediately went on the offensive with a barrage of bowmen and horse that pushed back the Duke of Lorraine and the German center nearly collapsed under the weight.
That did not last long as the Imperial army to the east finally arrived to fill in the gap. The battle that had raged on and off for a month around Julich now had almost fifteen thousand for King Arthur against nearly thirteen thousand soldiers for the Empire. It was said that Lord Mayor Eric was moving to meet with the reinforcements that had arrived to Reims but so too that there were an additional sixteen hundred Imperial soldiers to Holland that were on their way as well. King Arthur was clearly in no shape to fight or even lead due to his illness but he would not quit his horse. It would be up to the Prince to leave Lord Nicholas’ side and find the fiercest fighting in the center.
For over twenty hours, both sides traded blows. Archer to archer, pike to pike and horse to horse. Eventually the German center finally collapsed again and both King and Prince rushed to the aid of Lord Baudouin where the Germans had massed their efforts. With only twenty Norman knights supported by screaming men at arms and pikemen, a huge charge was sounded that would wipe the enemy from the vanguard. King Arthur himself participated but had to be tied to his destrier for fearing of him taking a fall.
In the last hour, it was only the Duke of Lorraine that still kept to the field. He only held two thousand men to him at that moment and his enemy was already double that. Once the King’s forces and that of Lord Baudouin joined, he was finally convinced to quit and called a general retreat to the north. After more than a month of fighting, over eleven thousand Germans lay dead. The English and French casualties numbered nearly as much at over seven thousand. It was to that date the most epic battle ever fought between these two mortal enemies. The Battle of Julich would go down to history as the seminal battle of King Arthur’s life...save one.
When it was said and done, the King refused his bed and stood before his men with a pallid face and sickly eyes, “I am barely able to walk and yet I have never to my life ever seen such bravery! You! You proud men...you lift me up and keep me to my feet! I think not in the history of the world has there ever been a greater sight than these! You proud warriors...you awesome men! Never once relenting...never once finding cowardice!”
The surviving soldiers found great pride in what they had accomplished and cheered on the King but he held up a weak hand, “It is not for me to take credit! England...France...they are saved by such great men! Our Lord of Bourbon...our Lord of Kent and your Lord Marshal...our Lord of Norfolk and his brave archers! And every one of you!!”
More cheers rang out before the King held firmly to his son’s shoulder for support, “And more than any...here stands your once and future King! My son! He too is named Arthur and we hold a third on the way who has now turned to age at sixteen! We three...we see you and we know that no man can defeat us! Not with what strength we hold by your great efforts! Not with the pride that you hold for this great realm!”
“God save the King!!!” rang out by the filthy and weary soldiers.
King Arthur felt his legs wobble but still held as tall as he might, “God save YOU my brave and precious men! Forevermore!!!”
* * *
Julich, Germany – January 1334
Julich, Germany – January 1334
“You’re out of your mind!” the Prince had said, “Out of your head!”
King Arthur had responded with a weary hand as he lay to his sickbed, “I am neither! That was for Nell and this next will be for me!”
“You can travel no further, father!” Prince Arthur exclaimed, “You cannot even walk!”
“I will ride a chariot in the sky before I rest on this man of Germany,” the King had replied, “They are defeated and well. What is left of the Lord of Lorraine...he will feel our thunder still!”
As if by miracle, the King was true to his word. King, Prince and Lord Nicholas chased the defeated Germans to Loon south of the Rhine. Leaving Lord Jordan to hold siege still at Julich, they were badly outnumbered but the beleaguered Imperial army was demoralized and lost once more losing another thousand men to only one hundred and forty English.
More skirmishes had occurred before King Arthur turned his army back to focus on the Imperial capital. It was the dead of winter and his men were beyond weary, but they would not stop. Would not cease to please their King. He held a burning cough but his fever was down. Sleep was rarely an option that had kept him to ill health, but he lay prone as his son sat next to him and explained, “If you would but see the physician, father. Take his advice.”
“I am well, Arturo,” King Arthur looked up to his son, “Stronger every day. I am lifted by these men and you. Your chance will come someday...but I am not gone from this world yet. Not until I see the boy cry!”
Prince Arthur wiped his father’s head with a cold cloth, “I am sure that they are nearly done, father. Bordeaux is under siege and will fall soon enough. Lord Mayor Eric takes up where you left off in Reims and Chatillon. Lord Jordan finds victory in Monschau and returns to us soon. The Emperor is defeated.”
“I have not yet begun to fight,” King Arthur answered with a raspy voice.
The Prince pressed firmly to his father’s hand, “And if you lift your sword once more, it will kill you!”
“Ye of little faith,” King Arthur showed a calm eye to his son, “Do you not see how they fight for me? How they fight for you? Every thing to my life...building to this. I am made to suffer...the loss of my daughter. The loss of my father. I hold no chance to leave this world without returning such favor. How many times must I tell you, Arturo...it is my life’s goal.”
“I think you to have wished it since the day I was born,” Prince Arthur answered, “Go to a blaze of glory and join your father to heaven.”
King Arthur pulled his son close, “Not until I have answered in kind. And we are close, Arturo...I am told the Poles have declared against Luitpold. Lower Silesia...who cares? Another front to this man’s misery. He will feel it as I once did. I am not yet done!”
“Your fever has subsided, father...but you remain weak,” Prince Arthur chided, “You hold many fine commanders...myself included. I do not understand why you will not take your rest!”
The King held close to his son, “I cannot for you! I cannot for your son! I cannot for my father...and your sister! They always take from me and I will punish them!”
“It was your choice!” Prince Arthur demanded.
“Aye...it was,” his father answered with a sleepy eye, “And I am held forth by great men. The lessons of Amedee...the strength of Ans...the promise of Tienne. They are with me in this battle and so too is my father. The common soldier that felt the grief as much as I...”
Prince Arthur brushed at his father’s head again, “So many years ago.”
“And with me still,” King Arthur smiled, “Your maman tells me always to worry...but I know better. She holds them close at the now...and all I have left is you. I am proud of you, Arturo. And I will win this war in your name.”
“What if I wish you not to?” the Prince questioned with concern.
King Arthur closed his eyes as he held a hand to his son’s face, “Fear not, my lad. You will find your son and wife soon enough. I call for mercenaries out of Ireland...and Bordeaux will soon fall. Reims is covered and Lord Jordan will return. I have made my intention clear. It is all over...but the fighting.”
As the King drifted off to sleep, Prince Arthur stood and then looked back, “And you could find yourself as casualty. I wish it not in this way.”
Not yet fully asleep, King Arthur answered with a drowsy voice, “It is all yours...all I have left.”
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No one can ever accuse the King of fear or a lack of will.
But what interests me here is how, in the throes of this illness, we get a true hint of his underlying madness. It is as if the pretence that he generally maintains is mostly stripped away.
“Ye of little faith,” King Arthur showed a calm eye to his son, “Do you not see how they fight for me? How they fight for you? Every thing to my life...building to this. I am made to suffer...the loss of my daughter. The loss of my father. I hold no chance to leave this world without returning such favor. How many times must I tell you, Arturo...it is my life’s goal.”
There is a messianic tinge to this speech.
But it is also, in the techanical sense of the word, pathetic. So much mis-aimed energy, and blood, with more blood yet to spill
But what interests me here is how, in the throes of this illness, we get a true hint of his underlying madness. It is as if the pretence that he generally maintains is mostly stripped away.
“Ye of little faith,” King Arthur showed a calm eye to his son, “Do you not see how they fight for me? How they fight for you? Every thing to my life...building to this. I am made to suffer...the loss of my daughter. The loss of my father. I hold no chance to leave this world without returning such favor. How many times must I tell you, Arturo...it is my life’s goal.”
There is a messianic tinge to this speech.
But it is also, in the techanical sense of the word, pathetic. So much mis-aimed energy, and blood, with more blood yet to spill
Not to mention it seems to me it's not only the soldiers he speaks of. I immediately thought of the voices and visions he and his family is prone to.
I have spent the last week reading your AAR. It has been enjoyable to see the characters flushed out in a way that can’t be done in a real game without intentionally concentrating on it. I look forward to seeing what will happen to all the Arthurs involved in the story.
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While I have written for many of these games, the CK editions have been my favorite because of the character focus. I try to be as true as I can to the basic traits and stats of each, but liberty is taken when I think it makes more sense or adds to the flavor. Even more, this particular work I hope is added spice by the prequels that came before it in the Wessex saga (one need not read all of them, I hope, to enjoy this one, but it does add quite a bit of history.) I have very much enjoyed writing for both King Arthur and his son the Prince. They are unlike any of my previous rulers (of any work) and both are complicated in their ways. I didn't want black or white, but shades and I hope that has been accomplished.
Great to have you along reading and I hope you will consider giving comment when the spirit moves you. As well, take a look around AARland because there are so many other great stories being told round these parts.
To all - I have fought some tense battles since I began this game in 1066 but never one as nail biting as Julich. It is true that Arthur has made a habit out of not losing, but that is mostly due to him nearly always having an overwhelming advantage in numbers. This time, it was not the case for most of the battle. The HRE snuck in there and pounced on Jordan and I saw it too late. I play at the slowest setting so I don't miss anything and waiting for the King to join in was almost ulcer inducing. Even after he did, they kept pouring more into it as well. I truly did not know how it would come out. And Arthur was truly ill at this time so having him lead was dicey at best. Yet in the end, it turned epic. They always hold more knights than I do, and yet they are no match for my soldiers. The archers always seem to take it the hardest (which makes sense, I suppose.) But look at the toll on the swordsmen? Wow!
I guess we all knew that when these two finally clashed once more, it would be bloody. Well...so far it is the bloodiest yet. The next scene(s) follow and calms down a bit before we ratchet up again. The war is not nearly over. Thanks to all reading and especially to those of you giving comment. This was an exciting war and it is great having you along for the ride.
Arthur's strength of will is astonishing. He does not have the martial stats that some of my previous Kings have held, but he leads every time and never loses, no matter the odds. It really is quite something.
I think that there is some truth to that. I think the added confirmation (at least in his eyes) of the battle just won to Julich adds to his self designed quest, messianic of no. It is proof to him that he is right in his goal, no matter the costs. The illness does likely strip away much of the veneer and truth of it comes out. While Arthur has claimed many things over the years - the reasons why he does things and how - the fact of the matter is that he has ever only had one true goal.That collapsed tunnel outside of Hainaut...the face of his father that could not be saved. Someone was going to pay for that...and boy, now many have. The scary thing is...he is far from done.
They do follow him like a ghostly army, and gathering more and more each passing year.
A truly fine compliment and thank you very much! Welcome aboard (and to the forum!)
While I have written for many of these games, the CK editions have been my favorite because of the character focus. I try to be as true as I can to the basic traits and stats of each, but liberty is taken when I think it makes more sense or adds to the flavor. Even more, this particular work I hope is added spice by the prequels that came before it in the Wessex saga (one need not read all of them, I hope, to enjoy this one, but it does add quite a bit of history.) I have very much enjoyed writing for both King Arthur and his son the Prince. They are unlike any of my previous rulers (of any work) and both are complicated in their ways. I didn't want black or white, but shades and I hope that has been accomplished.
Great to have you along reading and I hope you will consider giving comment when the spirit moves you. As well, take a look around AARland because there are so many other great stories being told round these parts.
To all - I have fought some tense battles since I began this game in 1066 but never one as nail biting as Julich. It is true that Arthur has made a habit out of not losing, but that is mostly due to him nearly always having an overwhelming advantage in numbers. This time, it was not the case for most of the battle. The HRE snuck in there and pounced on Jordan and I saw it too late. I play at the slowest setting so I don't miss anything and waiting for the King to join in was almost ulcer inducing. Even after he did, they kept pouring more into it as well. I truly did not know how it would come out. And Arthur was truly ill at this time so having him lead was dicey at best. Yet in the end, it turned epic. They always hold more knights than I do, and yet they are no match for my soldiers. The archers always seem to take it the hardest (which makes sense, I suppose.) But look at the toll on the swordsmen? Wow!
I guess we all knew that when these two finally clashed once more, it would be bloody. Well...so far it is the bloodiest yet. The next scene(s) follow and calms down a bit before we ratchet up again. The war is not nearly over. Thanks to all reading and especially to those of you giving comment. This was an exciting war and it is great having you along for the ride.
The Song of Wessex
* * *
Doornik, Flanders – April 1334
Doornik, Flanders – April 1334
“For a Jew, Jacob...you’re not too much a man of God,” the Captain of the Irish Band declared with humor.
The fiercest mercenary of their crew was also not a man of many words and Jacob merely nodded as he pulled more meat from the bone, “Aye...and you stink, Muiredach. Not too much a man of cleanliness.”
The robust Irishman offered a hearty laugh as Lord Jordan met them by the fire, “A stroke of luck to have found you, sir. It was not easy crossing the Scheldt...”
“But you arrived just in time, English Lord,” Muiredach answered as he gestured towards a log, “And it was you that chased the bastards from Holland so I thank you for the chance.”
Lord Jordan sat and pulled a flask from his hip, “His Grace will be most pleased by this victory.”
“And how does the old goat get on?” the mercenary asked, “When I received the coin, I was told your King was hale and hearty. Since then...I understand him quite low.”
“False rumor, sir,” Jordan replied with a smile, “King Arthur remains to Julich and is quite well on last report. Gains his strength every day and his son the Prince is with him.”
Muiredach grinned, “Ahh...the other King. Not enough for you fine Lords to have one...you require two!”
“Not in Ireland,” Jacob suggested quietly as he kept at his meat.
“That time will come,” Lord Jordan answered the hardened veteran before turning back to the Captain, “And you are both paid well to be in his service. To either one...you may take your pick. I imagine the gold still spends, regardless.”
Muiredach laughed again as he clapped the Duke on his shoulder, “I like you, my Lord. Young and full of youthful energy. Came by way of Dover after I left your Earl to Westminster. A great castle you hold there. I’d like to spend some time enjoying it after this is done.”
“You are welcome to be my guest, Captain Muiredach,” Jordan replied with a smile, “Dover may well be the finest castle in England and we have plenty of room for your men.”
The Irish mercenary found a furrowed brow, “Are you certain that your King...Kings...would not wish us to the north? To York? Troubling news as we took ship and I understood the girl to be part of the reason for this adventure.”
“You speak of the Lady of York,” Lord Jordan suggested.
Muiredach answered with a sure eye, “The late Lady of York...sir. And indeed I do.”
“Murdered by her own sister?” Jacob questioned with dismay as he focused on his ale.
Lord Jordan replied with just as much certainty, “That is not yet known. Who can say? Lady Adela was with child...and complications from birth happen all the time.”
“A tragic woman,” Jacob suggested as he wiped at his bushy beard.
Muiredach agreed, “Aye. That’s true. Said to me that the man in Rome...he wished her not. Said too that her husband was quite taken with the younger sister Isabella. I’ve not put eyes to her, but she must be quite a beauty.”
“For a mercenary out of Ireland, you seem to know a lot of our court,” Lord Jordan sat taller.
“I don’t take coin because I’m greedy, good Duke of Kent,” Muiredach answered him readily, “But I do weigh which gold is more. I make it my business to know that for which I sign on. A troubled girl...and a King itching for a fight. Are you certain that it was not he that killed her?”
Lord Jordan found a stern eye, “And I say again...it is not known well that she was murdered. All that is known as that her newborn son Guy inherits York and Anjou.”
“And at least one problem solved,” the mercenary captain gave nod, “It is no wonder that your King takes to such ill health. This grand adventure of his...colored so poorly when a daughter dies to Poitou. Then the object of his derision cannot make it through the birthing bed? I think, mayhap, that your King is cursed, my Lord.”
Lord Jordan tugged at his flask before answering, “I believe the brilliant battle in Julich would prove you wrong, sir. Against all odds, God was on the side of His Grace King Arthur. Even in his weakness. Then on to Loon? Another victory? The great Lords of England and France remain with him at every step. Norfolk...Bourbon...and his son.”
“And that scoundrel from Leinster,” the captain replied.
Jacob did not say a word but gave nod all the same.
“If the Irish Duke is to be questioned...” Jordan showed certainty, “...he answers with victory. Just as we won our battle to here, I have learned that Bordeaux finally falls to him. Each one...another step for the King and his son.”
“I fault not your faith, good Marshal,” Muiredach looked back to the fire, “Arthur of Wessex is a legendary figure and somehow still lives even in his recklessness. No peace to his family, but his enemies crumble before him. That is why I signed on. I knew him to be a winner...even when he loses.”
Lord Jordan offered a sure eye, “His Grace does not lose, sir. Ever. And you signed on for coin...not kindness. When you meet him...and you will...you will know the awe that we see in him. From Scotland to Ireland...now three times to the Empire...King Arthur has never lost a battle. He is the greatest King that England has ever known and you should think yourself lucky that you pulled your rotten carcass from your rat hole in Galway to join his cause.”
“The worm does turn, my Lord,” Muiredach raised a brow and then laughed, “But as long as I get paid...I think to get along.”
Jacob tossed an empty bone into the fire with one last rejoinder, “Weren’t that many rats to Galway. But they were big ones.”
* * *
Bordeaux, Aquitaine – May 1334
Bordeaux, Aquitaine – May 1334
The three Dukes sat around the table. Occupied lands but the castle was fine. None truly trusted the other but they were given charge by His Grace the King. This was no feast, but planning. And they each had ideas on that.
“Well considered to Hasparren, Richard...” Lord Simon suggested, “..but His Grace has called you to Poitou.”
“You were there at their defeat, my Lord,” Lord Richard answered as he dug into his trencher, “Fifteen hundred men...gone in an instant. Every knight...every archer...every pike...”
“Indeed dead,” Lord Rodrigo of Cornwall answered, “Yet His Grace would wish us to here or Poitou. Not to the south.”
“My Lords...” Richard looked to them both with exasperation, “...they are all over. Small bands...they crop up here and there. Every time it is victory for the King.”
Simon offered a sigh, “I think victory to you, sir. Well done taking Bordeaux, but the King remains to Julich. Chatillon will not fall and your glory is not what is at stake.”
“I know that you like me not, Simon,” Richard looked to the Duke of Bedford before turning to the Lord of Cornwall, “Nor you either, Roddy. But we are given a great southern army and I intend to use it. He might have placed either one of you in charge...but in the end, His Grace picked me to lead. I will use this force for our endeavor.”
“Whose endeavor?” Simon asked with a sharp eye, “Things have greatly changed since we started this adventure.”
Lord Rodrigo allowed a nod, “It is said murder to York. The poor girl. My wife writes to me that the sister is implicated.”
“And my wife says that she is free and clear,” Simon answered, “Just a poor birth...and the young Isabella is found to sanctuary. York has always been troubled. After all...my family knows it well.”
“And yours, Roddy...” Richard looked to the Duke of Cornwall, “...a hot bed of trouble since time began. Throw not stones that you are not willing to catch.”
The Duke of Cornwall showed a stern eye, “Relations begin and end with Wessex, my Lord. You should know it well enough by your wife. My family is descended...yours hopes to be some day.”
“My son holds the blood of Uhtræd the Bold, my Lord,” Richard sat taller, “Speak to me of your great accomplishments.”
Lord Simon held a hand to the table, “Sirs...we bicker again. We all know that His Grace is back to health...but this war continues. He was put low...by his daughter and her sad passing. And now this with York? Lothian too. Lord Martin was not a young man...and no great person...but consumption takes him. Leaves a son Stephen at forty and six. Many children...but death does seem to surround this King.”
“I really don’t care about Lothian,” Richard replied and turned to the Lord of Cornwall, “Do you, Roddy? A Scots trouble and a matter for the Prince as far as I am concerned. I’m sorry...for the younger King.”
Lord Simon was astonished, “You really hold so little care as that?”
“I’m here to make my name, my Lord,” Richard answered quickly, “What happens to them and theirs matters not to me. The Prince...the young King...he was not kind to me when he was here. I’ll not answer for the Lady of York...but I will stand for myself in Ireland and prove myself with very step we take”
Rodrigo sighed, “You make it hard to like you, Richard.”
“You two...the both of you...” Lord Richard exclaimed, “...you wish so much from this King. Advancement...preference. You, Roddy...I know that your family has been put low but it is a proud House. Jimena and all that means. And you, Simon...you are right that Bedford is important. Your uncle is Lord Steward and it is told to me that he collapsed in Winchester of late.”
“He is no young man!” Simon suggested.
Richard shook his head, “Neither one of you will find placement in this court. I’ll not see it either. We will fight the wars...we will do the work. In the end, he will choose his son. That is all that he has left.”
“Lord Jordan of Kent is a good man...” Rodrigo offered before Richard cut him off.
“A lackey. Too young to know better.”
Lord Simon pressed, “It is true that there have been hardships, but...”
“Butter up the Prince all you like,” Richard turned to the Lord of Bedford, “Yet you will find that he is just as his father is. Once...mayhap a good man. Now? Totally in his service. After all...he gains the whole thing when it’s done and holds the wife to Scotland. A Queen...a crown...and his future.”
“You border on treason, Richard,” Rodrigo suggested with certainty.
The Duke of Leinster shook his head, “I speak the truth and I say it to you both. You need not like me...but there is the future. We are here to protect France...to make certain that the Prince gains his extra crown. He is King already in England...and the true King will not stop. How many have we lost? I’m happy to take my glory and it is too sad that the Emperor will not admit defeat. Yet how many lives should perish for the glory of one man? Over his father? Over his daughter? Whatever the cause...I’ll take my glory and charge you both. Bedford...Cornwall...York? Great parts of the realm...as is Leinster. Yet in the end...all he cares about is Germany and the boy that sits the Imperial throne.”
“He’s a boy no more,” Lord Rodrigo answered.
Richard answered as he poked at his trencher, “Hold to that, Roddy. I am certain that Cornwall will remain safe.”
“Your lack of trust in the King...” Simon attempted to say before he was cut off.
Richard placed his knife down as he looked to his fellow Duke, “Get me not wrong, Simon. I trust the King. I’m just not sure that he trusts himself. This realm has a proud history...goes back a long way. He places it all in peril to find fight with the Empire. As I have said...I am happy to take the glory. I’m just not sure what it is for.”
“He’s a great King, my Lord!” Rodrigo answered with furious intent.
Lord Richard stuffed his mouth and gave nod, “I don’t doubt you, Roddy. But I doubt him. What does it gain a man to lose everything? A wife...two sons...a daughter? I’ll not say that he is cursed...for he has brought so much of it upon himself. Is a kingdom worth it? Contrary to your opinions...that is why I do not wish it.”
All in all some very pertinent questions here, ones that I think merit some most serious consideration.
There appears to be some descent growing among the lords. A long successful reign where the king has outlived many of his loyal and trusted friends and advisors seem to breed such sentiment. I wonder in the days to come how this will impact the king and the prince.
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To all - It was sort of glanced over, but the murder of young Adela of York and Anjou by her sister was quite shocking to me. That said, she was excommunicated and made no one happy, especially it appears her sister. While I know that it was murder, few others know that for a fact so I played it as question. And of course, that works into the Lord Richard angle. As he says above, he barely knew her and much of the King's distrust prior to this war may have been unfounded. However, all Arthur really wanted was his war and he was going to find it one way or the other. So Lady Adela of York and Anjou is just another casualty, really. And now her infant son is Duke. All in all, it is a win for the King and Prince both as far as election in France is concerned. There may be some grumbling by the Lords back home (and those in the field) but so far, King Arthur has gained everything he has desired from this war but the win itself.
Look for the next scene tomorrow and as always, thank you for reading and giving comment! The next few scenes should not be missed!
Indeed they do. One must assume that the massive loss of life occurring in the name of the King's quest would cause some of this question and especially after the events to York.
The good news is, you will find out.
I am certain your opinion/question is shared by Lord Rodrigo and Lord Simon.
To all - It was sort of glanced over, but the murder of young Adela of York and Anjou by her sister was quite shocking to me. That said, she was excommunicated and made no one happy, especially it appears her sister. While I know that it was murder, few others know that for a fact so I played it as question. And of course, that works into the Lord Richard angle. As he says above, he barely knew her and much of the King's distrust prior to this war may have been unfounded. However, all Arthur really wanted was his war and he was going to find it one way or the other. So Lady Adela of York and Anjou is just another casualty, really. And now her infant son is Duke. All in all, it is a win for the King and Prince both as far as election in France is concerned. There may be some grumbling by the Lords back home (and those in the field) but so far, King Arthur has gained everything he has desired from this war but the win itself.
Look for the next scene tomorrow and as always, thank you for reading and giving comment! The next few scenes should not be missed!
Glad to have summer vacation and be able - finally - to keep pace! (For a while at least... )
But @coz1 my own AAR, on hold until I get internet back, is still awaiting your response to me including "you".
(For a while at least... )But @coz1 my own AAR, on hold until I get internet back, is still awaiting your response to me including "you".
Hopefully there are some robust security measures around little Guy of York, otherwise dear old auntie might come for him.
More fb-fb:
I will check it out. I promise!
I am a terrible readAAR these days (outside of Schama's and then Harvey's books recently read on the French Revolution and the Napoleonic wars. Now, I am halfway through Diane Keaton's memoirs about her and her mother.) I'm not the fan that I once was, though I always hope to catch up. Yours, on @stnylan , on @Tyler96 , at @tpmcinty , with @TheButterflyComposer and so many more. If I am not working, I spend most of my time writing (and catching up on Netflix series - The Umbrella Academy was excellent!) When I am done with this, I will likely branch out more. For now, I just want to bring it to a proper end. A lot goes into it (as may be imagined) and every day I write.Glad to have summer vacation and be able - finally - to keep pace!
But @coz1 my own AAR, on hold until I get internet back, is still awaiting your response to me including "you".
I will check it out. I promise!
Like so many other little things within the game, this one was an oddity but make more sense, I hope, by my explanation. He does need to look out as best he can because York is...well, York. Their past glory is behind them and now? Events move beyond.
The Song of Wessex
* * *
Julich, Germany - July 1334
Julich, Germany - July 1334
“I have not the time for these blasted interruptions!” King Arthur slammed the letter to a table in his field tent, “First a rebellion to Clones in Ireland and now Le Mans? By God, Arturo...let us hope that your Ava remains safe!”
The Prince remained seated and reread the letter one more time before giving reply, “We’ve been to war for over two years, father. With many of the great Lords away...as well as those to till the field...there was bound to be some unrest.”
“Ungrateful curs!” the King shouted as he poured some ale, “The lot of them! I hold sieges to Julich, Chatillon...Lord Jordan to Breda. Lord Richard flies from place to place in Aquitaine trying to chase down the simpering cowards who won’t give pitched battle. I’ve neither the time nor the manpower to send after these ruffians!”
“At least to Ireland, they are not even two thousand,” Prince Arthur held up the letter, “This suggests over three to Maine. With Nantes breaking away from Brittany...I fear a wave spreading through Normandy. I think not that we can afford to ignore it, father.”
The King turned with cup in hand, “What would you have me do? Break off of a well earned siege and waste these good fighting men on a battle with peasants?”
“I could go, father,” Prince Arthur suggested, “Aveline is my daughter and her husband my son by law. Give me three thousand of mine own and I will see them put straight.”
King Arthur narrowed his brow, “I don’t have three thousand to give you, Arturo. Do you see the castle just yon? We barely keep on as it is with what we hold. Was forced to call up mercenaries just to keep Lord Jordan sound. I am told that even Lord Richard is down to six thousand of his own. Precious men...precious hours! I’ve kept Ireland out of this so we’ll see that rabble to Clones defeated well enough. But I cannot break off here...especially when we are so close.”
“I do swear, father...” the Prince shook his head, “...your single minded pursuit will be the end of you.”
“Truly?” King Arthur asked before downing his drink in one go, “I am recovered, am I not? You and all else thought that I might waste away and yet here I am...as healthy as an ox. This Luitpold can bring no force down upon me that I have as yet not defeated. Germany and Champagne are there for the taking...were it not for these malcontents!”
He shifted to the table to hold up another letter, “See here...more of them! The Lord of Lothian was barely cold in his grave before his sons began fighting one another. First Stephen and then Adam! The Lord Chancellor writes with fear that conflict will break out between them any day. Do they not understand that we are at war? Do they not understand what is at stake?!”
“Though they be part of our realm...” Prince Arthur tried to resist a grin, “...it still be Scotland in their heart. I’ve been told that no true House of the north is complete without warring brothers.”
“Then let your wife sort it out,” the King returned to pour more ale, “I note that she has yet to lift a finger in our aid. Of all the many times that I have come to her side...”
Prince Arthur held up a hand, “That is unfair, father. Maudy has her own troubles as she keeps watchful eye on her cousin. And conflict to Lothian would be no better for her than it would for you.”
“Good,” King Arthur turned with an emphatic face, “Then let her raise the three thousand to send to Les Mans and rescue her daughter. A far cry more useful than sitting to the sidelines as the match is played.”
“You are ornery this day, father,” Prince Arthur suggested with a smile.
The King slammed his cup down, “By God...I am more than cantankerous, Arturo! I am angry! Two years and Luitpold has been bested every time. He runs far away like a scared child and will not listen to reason. Nor will he stand and fight with honor! Place us two on the field and we could end this in a heart beat. Yet he will hide instead!”
With a sigh, Prince Arthur finally stood, “I must see to cousin Nicholas. Make certain that his men received their rations. Mayhap in an hour your mood will have changed.”
“I highly doubt it,” the King answered as he returned to study maps.
“Then perhaps this will help,” Prince Arthur suddenly stopped and produced his own letter from his sleeve, “My Maud does write to me and sends fine word.”
“Hm!” the King snorted, “What does she say? Old Lord uncle Duncan has finally slipped off?”
The Prince placed the letter before his father, “No...it is about mine own Arthur. He is finally married and wasted no time in starting his family. I sent word that he was to be named Earl of Glamorgan and Maud found for him a bright girl. Also named Maud and I think that you know her well. Her father is the Earl of Oxford and her grandfather the very Lord Chancellor himself.”
“That sneaky Edward!” King Arthur opened the letter to read and then looked to his son, “Yet you say that your son already finds issue?”
“Indeed,” the Prince answered with a smile, “My wife writes to tell me that both are very happy to Cardiff and you are now a great-grandfather. A girl...named Matilda. Mother and child remain healthy.”
King Arthur found his own brief smile, “The world marches on, doesn’t it, Arturo?”
“Yes it does, father,” Prince Arthur replied, “And you might imagine that I would wish to be there and put eyes to the babe. Yet I did promise you, and so...here we remain.”
“You’ll be home soon enough,” the King looked to his son, “To see your wife...your boy. To see your very own grandchild.”
The Prince pressed, “When, father?”
“When we are done,” King Arthur went back to his maps.
* * *
Julich, Germany - September 1334
Julich, Germany - September 1334
“Your Grace...cousin...” Lord Nicholas dipped his head into the tent, “Word arrives from Lord Richard.”
King Arthur looked up with anticipation, “About time the poxy bastard surfaced! What has he to say?”
“He finally met his nemesis to Sarlat,” the Duke of Norfolk entered fully and handed over the note, “Gave chase and finally caught them trying to forge another river. Twelve hundred under the Lord of Verona...gone in an instant, sire.”
“By God!” the King slapped the table with a grin, “I’d reward the man if I didn’t detest him so much! Where is he off to now?”
Nicholas smiled, “Says to be heading north into Poitou to meet with the Lord Chancellor. Your former son by law may see the writing unknown to the Emperor Luitpold. And if not...”
“He’ll find a fine force to oppose him!” King Arthur answered.
“There is still an army of fifteen hundred men of Brandenburg south of Bordeaux, but I think not that they can match the garrison left behind,” Nicholas replied.
The King grinned once more, “I tell you, young Nico...war is indeed sweet! The moment you think that you’ve had it...such wonderful happenings then follow. I’ve just had word from Chatillon. It falls and Lord Mayor Eric has gone south to Sens. Surely Breda will fall soon enough to the Lord Marshal and our mercenaries...and this Julich cannot hold out forever. Not without their craven Emperor to stand with them.”
“Still don’t know where he is?” Nicholas asked.
“Who cares?” King Arthur poured his cousin a drink, “Come and let us have cheer. If we are lucky, we’ll have ended this by the mass of Christ.”
As Nicholas sat, a stir occurred outside the tent with the sound of horses and men shouting. Before they had chance to investigate, Prince Arthur rushed in to the tent and slapped a note to the table, “You may finally have your wish, father. It’s not Luitpold, but the Lord of Lorraine approaches from the south. Our sentries say that he holds nearly sixty five hundred and he tracks west of the Rhine.”
“Just once!” the King raised his fist in the air in anger, “If I could just have battle with that boy!”
“That is all well and good, father...” the Prince pulled a map in front of him, “...yet the men are exhausted after months of siege and this Duke holds the numbers. Everything that we have done these past months...may be gone in an instant!”
Nicholas sat forward, “Surely His Grace is not frightened of this German Duke?!”
“You need not be frightened, father...” Prince Arthur kept an eye to the King, “...but you should be prepared. Over two hundred knights of the Empire accompany the force...and they come quick.”
King Arthur finally pulled the map to him, “My son is quite right, Nico. I’m not certain that we hold the advantage and we’ll hold our backs to the castle and the river both. They’ll come at us from all directions. Arturo...you must send word to Lord Jordan. He and his mercenaries...they must waste no time!”
“It has already been done,” Prince Arthur was quick to answer, “And I have sent off for Lord Mayor Eric as well. He may not be able to get here in time, but...”
The King held up a hand, “No. Rescind that order, Arturo. His force shall stay to Sens and keep to work. We here...we shall live or die by our stand! I’ll not run in the face of an inferior foe. We’ve bested them once at this place. By God...we shall do so again!”
“Lord Jordan may not arrive in time, father,” the Prince was adamant, “All defenses are made for the rear...but if you stand...you stand to the end.”
“Then so be it!” King Arthur raised from his chair with speed, “Bring me battle and not some boring siege! The Marshal needs must fly like the wind and when he arrives...here we will remain!”
Relief is....three provinces away? The enemy one? And so much bigger. This will be tight.
Ok, finally all caught up again! A general question: I wonder why you repeatedly risk the king and his heir in battle when neither are very good commanders? Is it a role playing thing? Given past events and the loss of so many (in battle or other) close to the king, it seems a rather incautious ploy. A lot of the other dukes commanding don’t seem to be great commanders either - were none better available, or were they given commands for loyalty and/or RP purposes?
Not a criticism and I know these events have all been long played out, but I was just curious as it struck me after reading so many chapters on the war in close proximity to each other.
Events have progressed at a rapid pace, with win in battle and loss elsewhere. That great battle of Julich was epic - the game is great fun when it see-saws like that with so much at stake!
Not a criticism and I know these events have all been long played out, but I was just curious as it struck me after reading so many chapters on the war in close proximity to each other.
Events have progressed at a rapid pace, with win in battle and loss elsewhere. That great battle of Julich was epic - the game is great fun when it see-saws like that with so much at stake!
Looks like a major battle is about to happen. I have feeling the battle itself will not be the only event.