The Song of Wessex

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

Relief is....three provinces away? The enemy one? And so much bigger. This will be tight.

Indeed. The HRE got the jump on me again. Will it go as well as the last time or has Arthur's luck finally run out?

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!

Great to hear and just in time. As to your question - with most leaders, I choose the ones with the best stats. However, after Duke Jordan and Lord Mayor Eric, the rest are just not that impressive. I do RP with the King and Prince. I know it was dangerous, but it just seemed right that King Arthur would always be the one that led his men during his various wars/campaigns.

Looks like a major battle is about to happen. I have feeling the battle itself will not be the only event.

Your feeling is likely right, however Arthur has pulled out some magic more than once.


To all - I left you a bit of a cliff hanger but worry not. You will see the result of it tomorrow. Thanks to everyone for reading and giving comment. This whole war was one long epic moment and it's wonderful to have you here with me as we finally get to it.

 

[stnylan]

I note how cranky the King is getting.

But I have a pit in my stomach. Wevknow death stalks this family. In this battle will he once more hunt the pathetic prey?

 

[coz1]

I note how cranky the King is getting.

But I have a pit in my stomach. Wevknow death stalks this family. In this battle will he once more hunt the pathetic prey?

Cranky indeed. Illness, the HRE won't give up and Arthur is on a mission. All of his life's goal...one epic battle already won...and now to a 2nd.

I guess I lied earlier today...suggested to post tomorrow but it is time to rescue the hanger off the cliff. (How would @Storey feel about this? )

 

[coz1]

​

The Song of Wessex​

* * *

Julich, Germany - October 1334​

The Duke of Lorraine was no military genius. Certainly not on par with the King of England, France, Ireland and Wales. Nor with many of the other great lights of history, including his contemporaries. What he was, however, was tenacious. Supported as he was by the Dukes of Swabia and Carinthia, his army of sixty five hundred had swelled to eight thousand by the time he reached Julich. There, by the banks of the Rhine, he placed his proud German warriors and tested this enemy.

Defeat after defeat he had suffered. To the south when the war began and then again when these two foes first met to Julich over a year ago. This Lord Simon of Lorraine was unaccustomed to losing. He was thirty and one...held a wife ten years his senior. And found two bright girls from the match. Lorraine was not even a major Duchy of the Empire. He was no elector. But he disliked this King’s sister to the south in Upper Burgundy, and more so, her husband.

In truth, he did not even like the Emperor. Luitpold was three years his junior and was already on his third wife. The first was the Basilissa herself...named Helene and called Ironside. That lasted until she died and left a girl Hildegard as Duchess of Thrace. A waste of time to marry into Komnenos but it showed this Emperor’s taste. The second wife was less important...a lady named Eudossia d’Appiano who may or may not have been from common stock. Yet she did give him a son. Now the Emperor was married to a mongol called Yesui. A fool if there ever was one...but it was the Empire.

Lord Simon of Lorraine was a young boy the last time this King of England made war. He remembered his father going off and not returning home. Brothers and sisters...a mother that he was now responsible for. Genius or no, as he looked across the field of battle, he was tired of losing to this man...this Arthur. Bestride the world and lose everything himself. He’d heard the tales. The Duke of Lorraine had finally found him weak and meant to push.

When they came across him to Julich, the English were already at the defensive and not one but two Kings stood to the other side. The younger one...married into Scotland...and given crown to England. Such foolish notions. Only one man can rule. Still but a Prince in the Duke’s mind and no martial man like his father. Besides...they were backed to the castle and the river. He understood that the Duke of Norfolk held the right and he planned to use his vanguard to full effect.

The Swabian Duke Laurenc had suggested caution. Yet what did he know? A man in his sixties and could barely hold a sword himself. Thank God for Lord Karloman of Carinthia. A man of his own age and with as much bravery and tenacity. No matter the past, they were eight to the English five. After a slight delay of a day, battle was called. The field was already colored by the first Battle of Julich. The Duke of Lorraine meant this to answer.

​

No matter his age, Duke Laurenc smashed into the line of the so called King of Scotland. As bowmen to the other side buried the English under a field of arrows, both German Dukes pushed forward. If Laurenc was old, so was this English King. Brave knights swarmed the field and held tight to his right. Yet the English King held knights of his own...Norman and under command of Lord Robert. The center turned quickly into a melee. And then it happened.

As if conjured like an apparition, the field was scattered by the wild screaming of the English and French as well as Irish mercenaries. A man known well to him...Lord Baudouin of Bourbon descended upon the field and pushed back with great force. Duke Laurenc was taken from the fight after poor injury and now they were outnumbered.

​

The Duke of Lorraine did not give up. He sent in knights to help the Swabians and his shields held firm against the barrage of English arrows raining down. For an hour, the two sides swapped blows. A charge here...pikemen there. Knights were sent to help Karloman but eventually the vanguard collapsed. Irish mercenaries were taking full liberties and this English King was not interested in quitting either.

A tactical retreat was called so that they could rebound and come back with force. The French Duke allowed it but the Lord of Norfolk kept at his push. There was no choice...hold the center and take down the King. That would be victory.

​

Simon himself led the last charge. Arthur of the English...he waited. The pikes were planted firmly and when the crush happened, many Germans died. Yet they were overrun and caused King Arthur back. Too many horse...too many knights. Lorraine held the advantage and pursued. The flag never left his sight. The lions of England? A beacon to guide the Duke of Lorraine!

The Carinthians were already failing and the Lord of Swabia had been pulled from the field even as they held their own to the center. Yet Lord Simon of Lorraine was on a mission. There was the King...this great King...that had caused all of this. His standard held tall but he’d been unhorsed. There he was...molested and for the taking.

The Duke of Lorraine urged his destrier with unkind cuts and pushed into the melee surrounding King Arthur. His sword raised, he was about to deal a deathly blow when another connected with his blade. English...Irish...French...they swarmed the Duke and he fell from his horse. He barely had chance before the sword was on him. A younger man...ginger of hair...and determined. Simon felt every one as they pushed down to him but he finally found his feet. There he was...this Prince...this so called King. Protect your father? Much luck!

A parry stopped the Prince. Pushed him back even. No martial man the Duke considered as he rushed forward again and stuck him to the gut. When Prince Arthur fell back, the Lord of Lorraine stood over him in the crush and smiled, “You think to have won?! I’ll see the difference!”

He pressed his blade into the Prince’s belly but did not have chance to savor his moment. The crashing sword of the King came down upon his back and the Duke of Lorraine was no more. The battle was over. Right, left and center retreated and the King of the English was left to look over his son.

“Arturo!!” he shouted, “Arturo!!!”

“Your Grace...” a voice called out, “...cousin...we have won!”

King Arthur of England, France, Ireland and Wales could only hold his son close as blood filled both of their tunics. Tears streamed down his face as he called out, “I have lost!! I have lost it all!!!”

​

 

[Nikolai]

It finally happened. Or so it seems. Hard to come back from a sword in the gut. And yes, Arthur. You have lost it all. Your son, likely dead due to your cause. We knew the day would come, and actually the scream of the king does not make me sad - not directly. It rather makes me angry. He should've seen it coming, what it had already cost him and what it would continue to cost.

 

[stnylan]

He has only himself to blame.

That is surely what hurts the most, a further wound he inflicted.

Beyond the immediate impact on the King though one has to remember a wife has lost her husband, and some children have lost their father. And if there is one person who seems to see King Arthur clearly, and who knows how to use every little thing to her advantage in this dangerous game it is the Queen of Scotland.

 

[Bullfilter]

The moment of dread, so long worked towards and the subject of Arturo’s ill dreams. This is what comes of the bravado of leading from the front, especially with king and heir in the same battle. The price of hubris. But you don’t risk something you’re not prepared to lose and done is done.

A hard won victory, but it was casualty 3,931 that hurt Arthur more than the preceding thousands combined. If indeed it was fatal (either immediately or via a severe wounding and a slow and agonising death). And another heir to be identified and probably hazarded. Arthur needs about ten spares the way he runs through them ...

 

[tpmcinty]

The thing we knew was coming and dreaded has finally happened. Again King Arthur has his victory and one close to him pays the price.

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

It finally happened. Or so it seems. Hard to come back from a sword in the gut. And yes, Arthur. You have lost it all. Your son, likely dead due to your cause. We knew the day would come, and actually the scream of the king does not make me sad - not directly. It rather makes me angry. He should've seen it coming, what it had already cost him and what it would continue to cost.

I'll need to circle back around to this after the chapter's end (which comes next) but already a fine take.

He has only himself to blame.

That is surely what hurts the most, a further wound he inflicted.

Beyond the immediate impact on the King though one has to remember a wife has lost her husband, and some children have lost their father. And if there is one person who seems to see King Arthur clearly, and who knows how to use every little thing to her advantage in this dangerous game it is the Queen of Scotland.

Indeed true. One should not lose sight of Maud and their children.

The moment of dread, so long worked towards and the subject of Arturo’s ill dreams. This is what comes of the bravado of leading from the front, especially with king and heir in the same battle. The price of hubris. But you don’t risk something you’re not prepared to lose and done is done.

A hard won victory, but it was casualty 3,931 that hurt Arthur more than the preceding thousands combined. If indeed it was fatal (either immediately or via a severe wounding and a slow and agonising death). And another heir to be identified and probably hazarded. Arthur needs about ten spares the way he runs through them ...

Arthur needs about ten of everything the way he runs through them. And I'm glad you recall the Prince's ill dreams. I hope I did enough with them such that this was more impactful.

The thing we knew was coming and dreaded has finally happened. Again King Arthur has his victory and one close to him pays the price.

The ultimate price, some would say.


To all - I need to wait for one more scene before I can fully explain everything, but there is no doubt that this event has long been foreshadowed. Even within this chapter, I have purposely had the Prince in danger many times over, with each seeming like it would be the last. He did not want to go to this war, fearing that his omens might come true. Yet in the end, he had little choice. And it was his choice. The battle was another nail biter and as epic as 1st Julich. Stay tuned for the next scene in which we cover the aftermath. And thanks for reading and commenting as we reach this most important moment!

 

[coz1]

​

The Song of Wessex​

* * *

Luxembourg, Germany – December 1334​

“Brother...I am sorry,” Jeanne held fast to the King’s arm as they walked.

King Arthur kept his head low, “As sorry as I am for you. Your husband...if he might have been Emperor for life...”

Princess Jeanne held the chamber door open for him, “His days were wasted to Brandenburg. At least I have my children. Brother...I am sorry.”

“And he is too young!” the King looked to the bed that held his eldest boy and heir to it all.

“He was brave, Arthur...” Jeanne suggested as she helped him sit, “...he saved your life.”

King Arthur pressed to the silent hand before him, “And I could not save his. It is my fault and none other.”

The King’s sister pulled up a chair and continued to hold to him, “Have you called for his wife? The Queen in Scotland? She needs must know. His son as well. It is too harsh...for you. For her. For him.”

“Victory, Joan...” Arthur looked to her with great sorrow, “...is this what it looks like?”

​

Jeanne had a good decade on her younger brother and kept tightly to his hand, “I was never part of England, mon frere. I was sent to the Empire...and it might have gone well. Except Viktor was useless. Never a friend to you...nor me. A cruel man that notre pere...he never should have sent me to. Yet here am I...at seventy and six. There is no reasoning...no comprehension...it is what is left.”

“And what is left?!” Arthur pushed out a sorrowful hand as he looked to his son.

“A life, mon frere,” Jeanne pulled him close, “A wife and children.”

Arthur pulled away, “I cannot answer to them!”

“I do not think that you hold choice,” Jeanne replied, “Your Arturo...he made it to two score. Two boys...two girls. You hold a grandson that himself has a daughter. His life was made...was perfect. Forget your late wife, brother. What you hold now is the future.”

“Sister...” Arthur held to his son, “...you have been gone for so long. You do not know.”

She offered him a gentle kiss to the cheek as she stood, “I know that you are still at war. I know that your son is in grave danger. I know that you are in pain.”

“He is supposed to live!” Arthur announced, “C’est mon fils!!”

Jeanne lovingly brushed at her brother’s grey hairs, “Then sit with him. Stay as long as you needs must. The battle at Julich means that the Emperor will not be to here soon. Your worry is greater than that.”

As she left the chamber, the King squeezed tighter to his son’s hand. With a soft eye, Prince Arthur woke up, “You should...be back to Julich.”

“How long have you been awake?” the King asked with a kiss to his son’s cheek.

Prince Arthur tried to smile in his pain, “Long enough to know...that aunt Jeanne...has your best interest to heart...father.”

“Hold your voice, Arturo,” King Arthur pressed a loving hand to his son’s face, “You remain weak...and I will see you made better.”

The Prince reached out with difficulty to brush his father’s face, “I don’t think you have much choice. I am gut hurt, father...like to die. The pain is unbearable...but I am...sorry for you.”

“Oh, sweet boy!” the King leaned in close to kiss his son, “My precious King! I would take it away in an instant if I could!”

“And yet...you can’t,” the Prince replied with a sleepy eye, “I did my part...and I just...want you to do yours.”

King Arthur held his hand tight, “Speak it, Arturo. Anything!”

“Maudy...” Prince Arthur smiled as he said her name, “...she will be missing of me. Treat her well, King. My son...too. In Glamorgan...with a child of his own. Father…don’t let them down.”

“I will treat them as my very own, Arturo!” King Arthur exclaimed.

The Prince smiled as he pulled his father’s head to him to kiss upon the lips, “That is because...they already are...father. I miss maman...and I think to see her soon. I will...miss you when I am gone. I am...sorry for our troubles. I never meant...to hurt you. Take care of mine...that is all...I ask.”

“Sweetest boy!” King Arthur held to his son’s face.

The younger Arthur felt a weakened hand as it fell away, “Never...the sweetest…father. Yet...you did...your best.”

“Have I failed you?!” the King held his son’s head in his hands.

With a weak eye, the Prince replied with his last breath, “Fail not...my son.”

​

* * *

Melun Castle – August 1351​

He beat upon the ground with his aged arms. Unable to get back to his wheeled chair, the old man cried and wailed, “My son!!! My boy!!!”

“I told you.”

“Majesty!” Letitia entered the chamber and rushed to help him, “Why are you out of bed?!”

“It is too awful, ma belle!” he replied as she assisted him to the bed, “Such memories!”

She brushed at his cheek, “Such troubles, sir. You are too haunted...and not in health for it. The Lord Chancellor is soon to be round...and you need your sleep. Trust me or no, young man...but let me keep you safe!”

The old man looked up to her with pain in his eyes, “I am no young man!”

“Fair enough,” she bent down to kiss his cheek, “But don’t go a traveling again. You are like to get hurt. Keep to your sheets and let me take care of you!”

He looked to her with a stern eye, “You are sweet, Leti...but I’ve done enough in my life. I think to have done it all. The devil will find his due...and I’ll have no answer.”

She pressed a finger to his furrowed brow with a smile, “Hold to that Majesty...if you so wish. Yet I’ll be back later to remind you otherwise. Eighty one years, sir...and you still hold power.”

“Julich...” the old man replied quietly but with anger still, “...I’ll see it razed before I am done. Just as Hainaut...I will see revenge...”

* * *

End of Chapter 10​

 

[Bullfilter]

The coffin has its final nail. What will the fall-out be? I don’t know, but it will like be ill.

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

I find it astonishing that this game countinues to mirror whichever game I'm currently playing. Maybe the dual monarchy of France and England is just more common now no matter the start date? And Germany has gone from being a very weak and rarely seen country to main power in Europe.

This AAR has come a long way though from a kingdom that couldn't control any vassals and constantly getting invaded to this preeminent superpower (depending on what happens next).

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

The coffin has its final nail. What will the fall-out be? I don’t know, but it will like be ill.

To answer your posed question, likely no thing good. That is the nature of Wessex even with all things gained.

I find it astonishing that this game countinues to mirror whichever game I'm currently playing. Maybe the dual monarchy of France and England is just more common now no matter the start date? And Germany has gone from being a very weak and rarely seen country to main power in Europe.

This AAR has come a long way though from a kingdom that couldn't control any vassals and constantly getting invaded to this preeminent superpower (depending on what happens next).

You are likely playing a more advanced game than I what with DLCs, but if you can get the jump on France as England, why not? As for Germany/HRE, I'm not certain one could call them the "main power in Europe" even if they hold a lot of ground. I've now bested them twice (at least) and on the way to a third time.

Truth be told, I am glad you have caught up now as we move into a new phase and one you might be familiar with. I won't deny that I thought about some of your work as I moved into the next chapter. Not the same, but a thing to consider as Arthur and I took the next steps. And indeed, a long way from 1066!


To all - So now I can say. Before I ever starting writing this work, I knew that this would happen. It is very much a part of why I wanted to write this story. I have modeled Arthur in many ways on Henry II of England, but with this, I could not stop thinking of Edward III, the Black Prince, etc. Arturo was no Edward the Black Prince (in some good ways and some bad) but he held his own and stood for himself as well as his wife the Queen of Scotland. For his children. Their future. He was not as sickly, nor perhaps, as brave. Brave enough, at the end, but a different sort.

Prince Arthur was/is not the young King Henry, nor is he the Black Prince. I hope, truly, that he is his own character. Shades of others, but his own. I'm not sure that I did justice to his last scene, but he is likely the most interesting character of this entire work (for me.) The way that his mother died...the impact of his marriage into Scotland...his role as heir...and the relationship that he had with his father. I'm not certain that the portends that I gave to him worked well, but I put them in there for a reason. I think that Prince Arthur was a good man, and may have been a good King. I tried to play it that way. Sadly, we'll never find out.

The war is not over and there is indeed a new heir. That takes up the bulk of the rest of this story. (Spoiler alert!) You know I won't say how or why or when, but what is left? 20 more years and what happens. King Arthur and what is left. I hope you want to read it. It is all built for something and even this...not the last shock. Thank you for those that have and continue to be fans. In the writing of all of this, I think of how it will be perceived. Readers...comments...so good. I thought it was good story, so thanks for joining in!

 

[Nikolai]

So it finally has happened, truly. The end quote of the prince is interesting I'd say. Does it imply he truly did feel let down?

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

You are likely playing a more advanced game than I what with DLCs, but if you can get the jump on France as England, why not?

Never actually played as England in CKIi. Technically played them very briefly in my third game (Albion, where it was called Camelot) but it contained most of wales as well and within a few decades I was playing as Albion and basically ignored the British Isles completly (cos i owned it). Then I played about ten games with random indian and byzantine characters before getting to Venice, and Lancaster (which is also it's own custom kingdom, not england).

I'm talking more about the AI, which recently in my games has often seen England and france be ruled by one guy and have the titles constantly vie for domiannce (so the map changes a lot between red and blue but its the same state). Very interesting and probably even more common on the standard 1066 start.

Truth be told, I am glad you have caught up now as we move into a new phase and one you might be familiar with.

Mm...just about reached that point in Albion before the game updated (conquering/inheriting France, though I had more of an empire around it).

I suppose this means either a massive civil war or Arthurian legend redux then, or are you saying the AAR is going on ice for a few years?

I won't deny that I thought about some of your work as I moved into the next chapter. Not the same, but a thing to consider as Arthur and I took the next steps. And indeed, a long way from 1066!

Oh dear, does look like Pendragons. Just remember that Galahad was spawned before I got most of the DLC. Which probably explains that stat monster. Are we about to see something similar here!?

 

[tpmcinty]

So the prince is gone and the king wants his vengeance. I feel there is more to come and I am sure there are plenty of twists and turns ahead.

 

[stnylan]

A deathbed promise that will, no doubt, drive the King to distraction.

This rage of the decrepit remnant of a man in his fading years though reminds me nothing as much as a tantrumming teenager. A man who, though at times he says it is his fault, still in his mind holds himself blameless and seeks to expunge his guilt in exterior violence. A man who, even as the light fades, still cannot see because he has kept his eyes closed.

But then I remember the child ill-raised digging his father out of a tunnel...

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

So it finally has happened, truly. The end quote of the prince is interesting I'd say. Does it imply he truly did feel let down?

I will let you and the other readers decide if the Prince's last comment suggested that. It's all part of his necessary but messy departure.

Never actually played as England in CKIi. Technically played them very briefly in my third game (Albion, where it was called Camelot) but it contained most of wales as well and within a few decades I was playing as Albion and basically ignored the British Isles completly (cos i owned it). Then I played about ten games with random indian and byzantine characters before getting to Venice, and Lancaster (which is also it's own custom kingdom, not england).

I'm talking more about the AI, which recently in my games has often seen England and france be ruled by one guy and have the titles constantly vie for domiannce (so the map changes a lot between red and blue but its the same state). Very interesting and probably even more common on the standard 1066 start.



Mm...just about reached that point in Albion before the game updated (conquering/inheriting France, though I had more of an empire around it).

I suppose this means either a massive civil war or Arthurian legend redux then, or are you saying the AAR is going on ice for a few years?



Oh dear, does look like Pendragons. Just remember that Galahad was spawned before I got most of the DLC. Which probably explains that stat monster. Are we about to see something similar here!?

Barring something catastrophic, this AAR is going to continue as it has until done. My goal remains by the end of the year (and I am actually close to the end in the writing.) I cannot say what is going to happen, obviously. But I think (and hope) that it will be interesting. There are some goals left to accomplish, both for myself as game player and for Arthur as character. In chapter 11, one of the biggest occurs and I think that is what you might find familiar. Still a little shocked that no one has guessed it yet.

So the prince is gone and the king wants his vengeance. I feel there is more to come and I am sure there are plenty of twists and turns ahead.

There is no doubt about that. We know that Arthur goes to war with the HRE again and finds his goal of burning Hainaut to the ground. We know that he is haunted in his old age. We've seen some of why and how that is. The rest of the story, hopefully, fills in the rest.

A deathbed promise that will, no doubt, drive the King to distraction.

This rage of the decrepit remnant of a man in his fading years though reminds me nothing as much as a tantrumming teenager. A man who, though at times he says it is his fault, still in his mind holds himself blameless and seeks to expunge his guilt in exterior violence. A man who, even as the light fades, still cannot see because he has kept his eyes closed.

But then I remember the child ill-raised digging his father out of a tunnel...

I can only say that this facet of Arthur's character gets worse the older he gets. You mentioned earlier that "messianic" part of his outlook and now he not only has the death of his father to drive him but so too that of his son. Is he right or wrong to let that drive him? I have to let you guys decide that. However, what he accomplishes with that drive is quite something.


To all - More great comments! Really thanks again for following along as we reach this point and move into chapter 11. Look for the start tomorrow and there we will see Maud's reaction.

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

In chapter 11, one of the biggest occurs and I think that is what you might find familiar. Still a little shocked that no one has guessed it yet.

Hmm...the problem is I've done too much mad and unexpected things in this game. Lancaster revolts?
Mass crusade in Iberia and Norway?
Suicidal charge to save the Roman Empire?
Buying the Papacy?
Actually conquering Brittany which no one seems to do?

Hm...there isn't a random bear character coming in from somewhere, right?

 

[Idhrendur]

As ever, I fall behind. As ever, it's worth the effort to catch up. You foreshadowed this long ago, but it's finally happened. And you say there is more to come? I'd feel sorry for Arthur, but he brings it all on himself.