The Song of Wessex
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Muads, Matildas and actually Adelas as well. Oh my!
Indeed, more Maud's than Arthurs, for that matter.Now we don’t want Arthur to get all maudlin about it!
The Song of Wessex
* * *
Melun Castle – May 1338
Melun Castle – May 1338
“My Lord Chancellor...” the Prince smiled as he entered the hall at Melun and then stopped to grin “...or do you have some new honorific as well?”
Earl Randolph offered a bow before responding, “You may call me what you wish, my Lord Prince. I serve both your grandfather and you.”
Prince Arthur gestured to a quiet corner, “Do you now? Shall I thank you for rescuing me or damn you for my downfall?”
“Do take a care, my Prince,” the Lord Chancellor suggested, “There are many about and it was to His Majesty that you are allowed your chance to travel through Paris to here.”
The Prince sat to the window seat with another smile, “I do like my place to Chatillon. Have my wife and daughter with me. I do miss Matty, of course...but Maudy is very near the picture of both her sister and my mama.”
Randolph raised a brow, “So you’ve no further desire for court function? No wish to be His Majesty’s hand to France?”
The youngest Arthur sighed as he looked out to those at court milling about with an eye here and there to their meeting, “If I am a hand to anything...it is an unjust one. I make merry for that is how I make due.”
“It need not be so, my Lord Prince,” Randolph suggested, “All here do see you at the court of Melun. His Majesty’s second capital. Once more, he offers. I am sent to see if you accept.”
The Prince stood with a fine nod and then looked to the Earl, “Mayhap to the solar, my Lord? If you have traveled this far, surely there will be some refreshment.”
“Once more, you make another wise decision, my Lord Prince,” the Lord Chancellor bowed again and then followed.
They were silent towards each other until the chamber door closed and then the Prince turned with some anger, “I am surprised at you, my Lord Earl. You had everything at your disposal to see me undone, and yet you would rather see me cowed and made the weakling, wouldn’t you?”
“I...among many...counseled against you, my Lord Prince,” Randolph stated plainly, “For what you attempted against the crown...against your own family. You have only three men to thank for your life and not myself.”
“Who?” Prince Arthur asked quickly.
Randolph showed a smile, “The Earl John of Gwynedd was one. The son of His Majesty’s finest friend. He counseled for you as his father knew your father well.”
“Then I must remember to thank Earl John the next time I see him,” Prince Arthur suggested and then asked, “Who else?”
“None but your father, God rest his soul...” Randolph made the sign of the cross, “...and your grandfather himself.”
Prince Arthur turned to pour himself a drink, “My father has been dead for some time. And grandpapa used his circumstance to name himself Emperor. I believe that he enjoys seeing me suffer. I am not without punishment. Think you that I don’t know that I am constantly watched? That I remain virtual prisoner? No, my Lord...I do not think that I was given reprieve.”
“Then forgive me, my Lord Prince...” Earl Randolph stared at his back, “...but you are a fool!”
When the Prince turned with wounded eye, the Lord Chancellor continued, “You have all the freedom in the world to make your own choice! You may either plot again from Chatillon...and by doing so see yourself freed of a head! Or...you may prove useful to His Majesty and the Empire. And by doing so earn more of his favor and love!”
“You have quite the nerve, sir!” Prince Arthur responded with an indignant tone.
Randolph showed a slim smile, “I have been told as much. And I worked very hard to regain my promise. I put it to you...you should do the same.”
“So...” Prince Arthur looked on with a curious eye, “...you come here as friend and not as emissary from grandpapa?”
The Earl was certain in his reply, “I am no thing but a servant of His Majesty and I will see his will done in all things. He has given you the kiss of peace but he remains wounded. Both in body and within his heart. You may cure one of those ills and by doing so, mayhap the other as well.”
“I stood by him!” Prince Arthur replied in anger.
“There you were forced to,” Randolph answered quickly, “Yet do so willfully...and you may repair his painful sorrow. Though he be not well, His Majesty is on the mend every day. He has never lost his strength of mind and his body moves to catch up. I do believe that what halts his full recovery is this lingering disease between he and you...and by extension...your mother.”
“She will never forgive him,” the Prince stated with a sure eye.
Earl Randolph gave nod, “That may be so. Yet you still hold a part to play, my Lord Prince. The Queen is still your mother that you love and she loves you in return. Reach out to her...between you, admit your wrongdoing. Convince her that His Majesty is willing to forgive as he has done for you.”
“Why does grandpapa even care?” Prince Arthur asked as he turned to the window, “Scotland is no thing.”
“No thing but your inheritance,” the Lord Chancellor suggested, “And one you squander while you remain fully to Champagne. It is true that your freedom of movement is limited. How may one know that you will not go back to plotting? Especially were you to Scotland? This remaining distrust...that is what keeps you from full acquittal.”
Prince Arthur was silent for a time before turning in question, “So regain my mother’s trust with grandpapa and somehow that will free me?”
“In short...yes,” Randolph replied.
“You must jest, my Lord!” Prince Arthur answered with a laugh, “It cannot be so simple as that.”
The Earl showed a smile, “His Majesty is in a forgiving mood. To see you is not the only reason that I am to Melun. The Duke of Ferrara is still held here as prisoner and His Majesty has worked out a ransom for Lord Bruno. For a healthy sum, he is to be sent back to his home.”
“That will surely help the shortfall within the treasury,” Prince Arthur grinned, “All for a different purpose, this forgiveness. Always for different means with grandpapa.”
Earl Randolph shook his head with disappointment, “You may think that if you wish. You’re not entirely wrong, but his motive remains sound. His Majesty builds and though he is set back, he is far from done. I tell you...his mind is not broken. His quest moves forever forward. And he does not do so merely for himself...but also for you. Your future is what remains of the late young King’s promise.”
“I have a brother,” the Prince replied quickly.
Randolph gave nod, “That you do. Would you rather see an Emperor Reginald or Emperor Arthur, the second of his name?”
Now the Prince began to bargain, “If grandpapa so wishes our full reconciliation, then he should crown me as King of England like my father before me. He now holds an Empire. What is one King?”
“My Lord Prince...” the Lord Chancellor was quick in reply, “...that bird has flown. You will never be King alone unless your mother passes sometime soon. You will either be Emperor and succeed your grandfather...or you will be nothing. You must take your pick.”
Prince Arthur showed a wary eye for a time before giving answer, “I will consider it, my Lord.”
“Very well,” Lord Randolph answered, “Then before you are returned to Chatillon, there is but one more duty for you here.”
“What is that?” the Prince questioned with impatience.
The Lord Chancellor smiled, “Stand for your grandfather as we see the release of Lord Bruno of Ferrara. You may consider that as your first step in your meditation.”
Just to squeeze some last drops of Dad-grade punning from this one: With all the Mauds, Scotland could be renamed Maudor!
I will include some comments on the recently posted chapter idc.
I have to say I think Prince Arthur understands his grandfather passingly better than his father - but then his father did know what his grandfather was about, but was inevitably closer. The Emperor is a more distant figure to the young prince, and has fewer emotional ties.
A most maudlin land, with a most immaudorate disdain for Emperor Arthur.
I cannot but think Arthur the Younger as part fool, part spoiled child. Hopefully he will grow in the coming years.
Emperor Arthur is actually quite fortunate - not only that he survived the assassination but that young Arthur didn't also gain Lancaster on his father's death. Had he that with his French possessions - he might be strong enough to hold his own if/when his mother passed.
That said, it appears we seem to be a mutually assured destruction situation. The previous chapter sets up Emperor Arthur's need to have Prince Arthur inherit, while this chapter shows the perilous position the prince finds himself in, should he make one wrong move. Again, Emperor Arthur's continued existence over a decade later, and his lament, suggest that destruction has happened to some degree - but we shall see how it all unfolds.
(I assume Arthur continues to exist. I don't think he's talking from beyond, though I suspect he will die at the end)
It's like 12th century England/Northern France up in there!
That said, it appears we seem to be a mutually assured destruction situation. The previous chapter sets up Emperor Arthur's need to have Prince Arthur inherit, while this chapter shows the perilous position the prince finds himself in, should he make one wrong move. Again, Emperor Arthur's continued existence over a decade later, and his lament, suggest that destruction has happened to some degree - but we shall see how it all unfolds.
(I assume Arthur continues to exist. I don't think he's talking from beyond, though I suspect he will die at the end)
It's like 12th century England/Northern France up in there!
Fb-fb:
And PS - Maud lives for quite a long time herself.
I am not sure "understand" is the right word, but there is surely nothing holding him tightly like his father did. This Prince sees Arthur as he is. The previous Prince/King Arthur saw him as his father before anything else, and all that entails. A great degree of difference. Randolph offers a shot here. Does this Prince take it?
To all - All I can say is...yes please. More puns.
Just to squeeze some last drops of Dad-grade punning from this one: With all the Mauds, Scotland could be renamed Maudor!
I will include some comments on the recently posted chapter idc.
I believe there is a mauderate chance we will be making @coz1 maud
Some of these are not even puns. I maud like to think that some of you are clever, given that you are all arthurs.Stop maudying the waters with this puns!
Indeed, much will happen between now and the end of Arthur's reign. The grandson proves a continued irritant even if he has some bright points. It was not at all how Arthur planned it. Then again...no plan survives the actual battle and did Arthur actually plan it? I'm still trying to figure out how Prince Arthur's daughter inherited Lancaster, but you're right. That would have been much tougher. However, Emperor Arthur (then King) was the one to grant Champagne to his grandson. He didn't have to do that.
And PS - Maud lives for quite a long time herself.
The Pdox algorithm churns them out. I assume a Norman flavor and don't mind. These are the names I know.It's like 12th century England/Northern France up in there!
Part right and part right. The young Prince is both. And he's just been given reprieve when most would not.
Yes, yes, yes, yes and yes. That's a lot of yesses.
I am not sure "understand" is the right word, but there is surely nothing holding him tightly like his father did. This Prince sees Arthur as he is. The previous Prince/King Arthur saw him as his father before anything else, and all that entails. A great degree of difference. Randolph offers a shot here. Does this Prince take it?To all - All I can say is...yes please. More puns.
The Song of Wessex
* * *
Westminster, England – January 1339
Westminster, England – January 1339
Arthur rolled over in bed and held the cover tight to his chest as he spied the form next to him. She was still young. Younger than he was at least. Her auburn hair was spread over the pillow and she rested calmly. He allowed a moment to hear her breath...in and out. He tried it too and hoped to fall back to sleep but it did not work. Turning again, he could see the light from the window starting to grow brighter. Dawn was upon him and he grew restless.
Wasting no time, he sprung from the bed and grabbed a robe as he cold footed over to the fire. Warming his back side and front, he then found his slippers and returned to keep out the chill in the air. His valet was soon to be in and thank God for that. His morning ale. His refreshment to break his fast. Yet as he tried to keep warm, he turned to spy her form again. Annabella was now in her thirties. Mistress for over a decade now and the only thing Arthur knew to love in his late life. She had not lost her looks even if some of her form, but she had stood by him through all of it. She looked sweet sleeping there. He smiled.
Eventually she stirred and rested her head to the pillow as she opened her sleepy eyes, “You get a head start on me, sir.”
Arthur looked to her with a happy grin, “Je suis heureux.”
“You practice your French now?” Annabella teased as she pushed back in the bed and held the covers to her with a smile.
“I’ve a large Empire, ma belle,” Arthur answered as he moved back to the bed, “I should know them all.”
She grinned again, “You knew me well enough last night, sire. I did not think you to need much practice.”
A knock came to the door as the valet called out, “Your Majesty?”
“Enter!” Arthur answered as he kept his eyes to his bed mate.
The valet was quick. Without ever showing eyes to either one, he moved into the chamber with ale and placed it to a table before stoking the fire. Averting his eyes at all times, his only other words were, “The Lord Chancellor waits below, Your Majesty. I will have a plate sent up should you wish it.”
Arthur turned with a grin, “That would be well, sir. And that will be all.”
As he left, Annabella brushed at his face, “Treat you hand and foot, they do. Every little bit that you desire.”
“What’s the worth of being King or Emperor if you don’t have that?” he answered as he bent down to kiss her neck.
She gently pushed him away and then leaned in to kiss his lips for a moment, “You must give me time to rest, sire. And besides...I am not at my best this time of the morn.”
“Yet I am renewed, Bella,” Arthur brushed her cheek, “Given new life and strength. I wish to use all I have left to me.”
Annabella gently kissed him again before answering, “There will be time enough for that, oh great Emperor. I believe that your Earl requires you.”
“That he does,” Arthur moved spritely from the bed to his morning ale, “Yet I am soon to find my biblical three score and ten, my Lady. I hope to take my pleasures when I can.”
She smiled to him, “Not a day over sixty, sir. I am the one that is found wanting.”
“Nonsense, Bella!” Arthur turned with drink in hand, “You are as beautiful as the day that I found you. Not a thing out of place. Not like my paunch. And you’ve nursed me back to health as I turn seventy.”
As she pulled a cover over her shoulders for warmth, she stood and went to him, “I think you to have done all of that yourself, Majesty. I was merely an aid.”
After she kissed him again, he held to her face, “Do you ever find a desire for the north?”
“Why would I?” she asked.
“Your husband...” Arthur suggested, “...your prelate.”
Annabella took his ale from him and drank before replying, “I’ve not known him for many years. And besides...he is no thing but an up-jumped chaplain that found place to my sister’s court. That and a bastard son of Prince Duncan.”
“Truly?!” Arthur was shocked, “Thomas is Duncan’s son? Why have you never told me this?”
She held to his chin with care, “Because I think of him not. He is not my husband even if the church thinks so. I have but one Lord and it is you.”
“Sweet Bella...” Arthur held to the hand at his face, “...how may I have done these last two years without you?”
“I’ll leave that for you to decide,” she grinned as she kissed his chin before moving to her own chambers, “It is freezing and I needs must find dress. See to your Chancellor and I will see to you later.”
She held adjoining rooms and as she closed the door behind her, Arthur looked on with sadness. Everything has a place and there is a place for everything.
When she was gone, he clapped his hands and his valet returned. Dressed him and on he went to the solar where he met Lord Randolph. The Lord Chancellor stood to a table as he looked over some papers but when Arthur entered, he was quick to bow, “Your Majesty.”
“My Lord...” Arthur replied as he moved again to a warm fire, “...you have done well.”
Randolph stood taller, “I hope it so, sire. Yet I am not the only one. Lord Stephen claims that you are finally back to a promising treasury. The taxes to Lincoln are especially large this year. And I am told that Lord Jordan is quite pleased with new recruits to Somerset.”
“That is good to hear...” Arthur kept a question to his eye, “...yet how are things with my grandson?”
The Lord Chancellor was quick to answer, “Letters written, Majesty. Back to Chatillon and I think him to have taken my words to heart. We may only know when word is found from Queen Maud.”
Arthur left the fire to look over the papers. As he shuffled them around, he found his maps, “And what of Luitpold? The rest?”
“Now that you are back to health, Majesty, much may happen,” Randolph pointed, “Much and more. Though his war with Poland is done, there remains great unrest between them all to Germany. Luitpold himself fights for his daughter against the Basileus Phokas in Byzantium over Thrace. And he finds trouble with your distant cousins to Meissen. A conflict between them and Lausitz and Bavaria. To the south, Parma and Provence see issue...and even your largess was too much for Lord Bruno in Ferrara as he joins against Bohemia. It would seem that this so-called Holy Roman Emperor cannot keep control if his subjects.”
“He is neither holy, nor Roman,” Arthur was quick to argue but himself pulled another map, “Yet what of Brittany?”
Randolph found his papers, “Since the young Queen died, there is naught but a child left in this Ramiro and he styles himself King of Navarre now. The man Felix…called Count but son of the previous King...he still fights from Ireland to the Breton coast and down to Navarre proper. I think him to win his long struggle.”
“Hmm,” Arthur perused the map, “Yet it serves us well. Keeps them from other pursuits. I may need to send this Felix a gift.”
“Be not too hasty, Majesty,” Randolph countered, “For he is in league with Moray in his war. I think him no friend to you.”
Arthur pointed once more as he looked to the map, “And here...this King of Aragon...what does he play at?”
“A complicated picture, sire,” Randolph found another paper, “This King Guitard, called the third...he has little left to him. He is named King but his vassals are too powerful. Yet they fight for the glory of a faded Kingdom. There is Mallorca...Braganca...some few other minor places...but all the King himself holds is Chalus to Limousin. He is not ready to give it up.”
“Yet why is he to Limousin if it is already part of his realm?” Arthur questioned, “Does he try to take Comborn from us? Is that not a Norman vassal?”
Randolph tried to be kind, “You have been...busy, Majesty. To ill health and other pursuits.”
“I am not totally inept, sir!” Arthur shot his Lord Chancellor a stern eye before looking back to the map, “Comborn is held as vassal to my granddaughter’s father by law to Le Mans. Though she is now gone to God, I wish to take an interest here. Maine is vassal to Lord Robert in Normandy and we must do what we may!”
“One may ask why he has not done so himself, Majesty?” Randolph offered, “Normandy is not without resources.”
Arthur considered it before answering, “The Earls of Maine are powerful. Many years there was conflict between Le Mans and Rouen. Yet I wish you to keep an eye to this Aragonese King. Whatever his pursuit...he holds land that should rightly be part of the Empire.”
Randolph gave nod, “I will do so, Majesty. Of course. Yet it is a minor concern, is it not?”
“It is not minor at all,” Arthur lifted his head with a sure eye, “I have told you my goal. These are lands that do not belong to anyone but us. I hold the Germans to one side and the other...the mercenaries to the south. Galicia somehow still holds Toulouse...and the Breton problem. I look to France, sir. I wish it whole for my grandson and his heirs. Every bit of it.”
“Then I return to Moray, Majesty,” Randolph answered, “Helping what is soon to be a King, certainly. Once won, they will surely act again. Against you? Against Queen Maud? Who can say?”
Arthur looked back to the map, “I am not worried about the Bretons...Navarre...whatever they will be. In truth, I am not worried about Moray. The highlanders are put low...or will be again should needs must. There are only two enemies at the now, my Lord. The one from the east..and the one from the north. The latter comes with it my grandson.”
“I speak to you, sire...the Prince heeded my words,” Randolph replied with certainty.
“He may have done so...” Arthur answered, “...but I cannot trust him to bring his mother round. I must do so myself.”
Randolph was curious, “What have you in mind, sire?”
“She hates me...” Arthur suggested with certainty, “...for what she thinks I have done to her and my son. If I am to regain her trust...then I must lose too. Her son is no genius, though he has his place. He may do much...or he may do none at all. I must sacrifice if she is to believe me.”
“Majesty?” the Lord Chancellor asked with confusion.
The Emperor of Britain looked to his man and said plainly, “I do love her, my Lord. She has been a solace when I needed it most. Yet I am back to health...and I need her no longer. Her purpose is better served elsewhere.”
“The Lady...” Randolph showed a wide eye.
“Indeed, my Lord,” Arthur slapped down the map in anger before he moved to leave the chamber, “Send her back to Albany to her sister. I wish it not...but mayhap then Maud will know that I am serious. Send her home, Lord Randolph. And do not tell me when it happens!”
Arthur's ambition remains. Moving against southern France - I definitely see the Henry II analogue. The good news for him is this world seems to lack a Philip II figure who can reign Arthur in. Regardless of how miserable he ends his existence, it seems likely he'll gain quite a bit of the land he seeks - just with some bitter pill to go along with it.
His gambit with Maud is... seems rather foolish? While I'm pleased he's not resorting to an assassination (yet), I wouldn't think relinquishing her sister now is likely to move the queen. Might as well just keep his enjoyment with his lover and make better overtures to his grandson to keep him in line. It's a lot of work for what amounts to a petty queen who has good reason to hate him, as opposed to a grandson with everything to lose if he doesn't line up behind the Emperor.
His gambit with Maud is... seems rather foolish? While I'm pleased he's not resorting to an assassination (yet), I wouldn't think relinquishing her sister now is likely to move the queen. Might as well just keep his enjoyment with his lover and make better overtures to his grandson to keep him in line. It's a lot of work for what amounts to a petty queen who has good reason to hate him, as opposed to a grandson with everything to lose if he doesn't line up behind the Emperor.
Yes, yes, ok.
Mm. ambitious. Means fighting the HRE at least...3 times? And a few more wars in southern france and potentially bringing brittany in as well. Trying to do the whole lot before he dies? Hmm...
Poor Bella. She loses the main thing that makes her happy. And for what? Quite possibly nothing. Arthur, you are a fool.
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As for Maud, you might be right. Annabella is Maud's cousin, rather than sister, but at least Arthur's trying a new tact, right? You are right, probably not so successful and it may be better to focus on the grandson, but as you will see...the Prince is...well, read on.
And two, again, I'm not saying he will complete it. Arthur's no young chicken. But the desire remains.
To all - Making the pie right now, so a little short and sweet, but thanks for the comments. I've wanted this scene for awhile as it is the culmination of one of those short plot bits that I started some time ago. Bella was never Arthur's lover in game, but I thought it made for a better story. Now she's gone and he can get on with the business of ruling and conquering. Maud and the Prince are what matters most in his personal life and France and the HRE are what matters to him above all else.
Sidenote, before I started making the pie, I finished chapter 14. And so on to 15 and very near the end. It'll be 2020 before you read it, but I hope it is enjoyed. It has been great fun getting back into this and cooking up what I hope to be a corker of a finish (if only my pie will do the same. ) Thanks so much for reading and giving comment and to all those that celebrate such things, a very Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. Even if it is not your holiday, it is no bad thing to consider what makes you thankful. For one, I am thankful for you.
On his ambition, I cannot say that Arthur fulfills all of it but he is hellbent on trying. That last part of France, and now that he is free to move across the channel more, gives him new focus.
As for Maud, you might be right. Annabella is Maud's cousin, rather than sister, but at least Arthur's trying a new tact, right?
You are right, probably not so successful and it may be better to focus on the grandson, but as you will see...the Prince is...well, read on.First, I must always use that because it makes me laugh.
And two, again, I'm not saying he will complete it. Arthur's no young chicken. But the desire remains.Knowing him, he likely does. You know he does not ever consider losing. That is simply not an option.
Likely true, but Arthur thinks he is making a huge gesture. Will Maud see it that way? We shall see.
To all - Making the pie right now, so a little short and sweet, but thanks for the comments. I've wanted this scene for awhile as it is the culmination of one of those short plot bits that I started some time ago. Bella was never Arthur's lover in game, but I thought it made for a better story. Now she's gone and he can get on with the business of ruling and conquering. Maud and the Prince are what matters most in his personal life and France and the HRE are what matters to him above all else.
Sidenote, before I started making the pie, I finished chapter 14. And so on to 15 and very near the end. It'll be 2020 before you read it, but I hope it is enjoyed. It has been great fun getting back into this and cooking up what I hope to be a corker of a finish (if only my pie will do the same.
) Thanks so much for reading and giving comment and to all those that celebrate such things, a very Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. Even if it is not your holiday, it is no bad thing to consider what makes you thankful. For one, I am thankful for you. 
Yeah, that's my reaction too. I feel so bad for her. And even if it makes Maud happy, I severely doubt it'll placate her. I don't think anything will.
It is a bit sad - not sure what good sending Bella back will do for mending the relationship with Maud if she doesn’t want to return. Maybe it will work ... or end in tears all round. Cold, hard and calculating, Arthur.
in the ‘good old days’, it would have been a ‘termination with extreme prejudice’, Wessex style! Where is Arthur’s underhanded fixer? Can’t get good help for wet work these days
in the ‘good old days’, it would have been a ‘termination with extreme prejudice’, Wessex style! Where is Arthur’s underhanded fixer? Can’t get good help for wet work these days
Fb-fb:
Maud is as shrewd an operator as anyone these days and even if she is not happy, she may come to a reconciliation she thinks helps her.
You are right, in the past Arthur may have gone down the more extreme path. However, it would likely not work this time anyway unless he was willing to keep the Prince Arthur under heavy lock and key after inheriting Scotland from his mother. That would not sit well in Scotland and perhaps not to some of his more powerful Lords. Letting the Prince roam free after inheriting Scotland would be a recipe for disaster. (And nice use of 'wet work' sir.)It is a bit sad - not sure what good sending Bella back will do for mending the relationship with Maud if she doesn’t want to return. Maybe it will work ... or end in tears all round. Cold, hard and calculating, Arthur.
in the ‘good old days’, it would have been a ‘termination with extreme prejudice’, Wessex style! Where is Arthur’s underhanded fixer? Can’t get good help for wet work these days