The Song of Wessex

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

Now this naming is a sutble thing from Prince Arthur. Subtle indeed, and perilous. His wife is right to be worried, but one can well understand the Prince's desire to establish some independence from the millstone that is his family. Of course, he remains of Wessex so it has to be something that cuts another in the family - how else could it be - but this is tame compared to some former gambits.

Plus Arthur deserves it.

As for Queen Maud, she is getting quite Wessexian herself, as if contact and proximity rub off. Certainly she is proving adept at discomforting Arthur's lackeys, and betimes the Emperor himself. Getting on a bit herself now, she remains sharp enough to cut to the quick, but still full of sorrow.

The most interesting thing about the name of the Prince's son is that I did not actually choose it. Since he is a Duke now, he got to choose that name and so of course I had to build it into the narrative why he would choose Anselm instead of Arthur. It certainly makes sense given what has been happening between him and his grandfather (all of which is completely made up, by the way. )

And yes, Arthur deserves it.

And for Maud - well, she has learned from the best, as it were.

There are quite a few characters in this work I would not like to be. This Queen is definitely amongst the worst in that regard. Many has fallen in the wake of Arthur the Just, she more than most. As for the son, I don't like the sound of him facing that rabble. No sirre.

Maud has felt many a sting over the years and yet remains standing when so many others have fallen. She is one of my favorite characters (as may be seen by the number of scenes she gets) and is a survivor. Her position is no easy thing and I try to get at that often. To constantly have to beg for help to maintain her kingdom, and to do so from a man she detests...it is indeed painful.

The wheels of Arthur’s machinery of state turn inexorably and care not who or what may be ground between or under them. Best to stay out of the way or if you can’t just go along for the ride. Even if you like not where they take you. This is a lesson learned many times by Maud, each iteration more bitter than the last.

I also like the reverse House Lannister reference (if that is what it was) at the end about House Wessex never keeping its keeping its promises.

The promise was more reference to the late young King Arthur who often made promises to her and then died. Love GoT as much as anyone, but this one is baked into the story itself and that promise young Arthur made remains bittersweet to me.


To all - So, two things happening here. Finally the Prince has a son and Arthur decides to finally pursue the Scots problem in the north. Note that I purposefully did not show Arthur's perspective in either of these scenes. Of course it's not really necessary as these are mere gameplay actions, but I love folding such events into the mindset of the characters and how they feel about it. The birth of a son to Prince Arthur is very important, but he needs to use the moment to dig at his grandfather. And Arthur coming to Maud's aid in Scotland is also important, but she cannot help but remain bitter. What should be glorious moments turn sour due to Arthur's behavior and demeanor. And all the while, he remains wrapped up in himself and his goals. Again, shades of Henry II who played game upon game with his family and his enemies (who were often one and the same) trying to stay on top and keep them guessing.

Look for the next scene tomorrow and thanks to all for your continued readership and comments. I should also make another plug for the Year end AwAARds...



Less than a month left to make your voice heard so go vote and please feel free to add the above graphic to your own work so we can continue to spread the word. And again, you need not vote for this work (though always appreciated) but please do support one and more of the many great AARs and writAARs in AARland.

 

[JabberJock14]

Old Arthur is just cantankerous and miserable over losing control over things - and perhaps the realities that whether he likes or not, his death will see him lose it. It was never about the lack of a son - as I've noted before, England was ruled by a prominent queen for crying out loud - it was just a thing to belittle his grandson about. And if Arturo lived, he'd be belittling him too. It's just his nature - nobody will ever be good enough because there is only one Arthur.

That said, Arthur 2.5 is wrong about one thing. Sitting around in his holdings is a bad decision. He should be out there, winning over nobles for his planned succession. While I think Old Arthur has made a mess of things for his grandson, the latter seems quite content to accept it, blissfully unaware of what awaits him if he manages to inherit.

Things really could be set up for him to secure the Isles completely - the only reason to aid his mother is to keep the Scottish crown and the rights over Moray and Albany after all. She only holds one county. But again, it's all for naught if he doesn't bother to secure the Empire first.

 

[Nikolai]

But again, it's all for naught if he doesn't bother to secure the Empire first.

If he's really unlucky, he loses France. Then France will remain in the Empire, but he will have a super powerful king as a vassal...

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

Old Arthur is just cantankerous and miserable over losing control over things - and perhaps the realities that whether he likes or not, his death will see him lose it. It was never about the lack of a son - as I've noted before, England was ruled by a prominent queen for crying out loud - it was just a thing to belittle his grandson about. And if Arturo lived, he'd be belittling him too. It's just his nature - nobody will ever be good enough because there is only one Arthur.

That said, Arthur 2.5 is wrong about one thing. Sitting around in his holdings is a bad decision. He should be out there, winning over nobles for his planned succession. While I think Old Arthur has made a mess of things for his grandson, the latter seems quite content to accept it, blissfully unaware of what awaits him if he manages to inherit.

Things really could be set up for him to secure the Isles completely - the only reason to aid his mother is to keep the Scottish crown and the rights over Moray and Albany after all. She only holds one county. But again, it's all for naught if he doesn't bother to secure the Empire first.

It's no doubt true that Prince Arthur is making his own mistakes. It's no zero sum game. The attempt to assassinate Arthur was ill conceived and he's frankly lucky to be alive. And you are absolutely correct to say that he should be out there convincing at least the French Lords to secure the election in France. Granted, his seclusion is somewhat forced by Emperor Arthur but were he doing "good things" in and around France, the Emperor may...I repeat may...allow him some leeway. Though perhaps not. As you suggest and I have confirmed - Arthur does all for himself regardless of what he tells others.

If he's really unlucky, he loses France. Then France will remain in the Empire, but he will have a super powerful king as a vassal...

It was truly the thing that I spent the most time over during this portion of the game. True, the wars with the HRE were high on my list, but making certain that only one inherited the entire Empire plus Scotland was paramount. Prince Arthur would indeed be unlucky to lose France after all that was done to take it.

 

[coz1]

​

The Song of Wessex​

* * *

Melun Castle - May 1344​

“It’s not right, monsieur...” Arthur suggested to the air and no one, “...that I am made to suffer as I am. Walk these halls and see the likes of you...”

“You are a fool, lad,” a voice answered, “Not always...but in the years that have come.”

The Emperor stopped in his tracks and looked back, “You are harsh to me and I know not why! Was I not good to you?!”

A low chuckle followed, “As good as any man might be...yet we quarreled. And then I went home to die. Would you care to ask your wife about it?”

“Never her!” Arthur went back to walking with a stiff gait, “Bring me Ans...or Tienne...anyone but her!”

“Such a match,” the voice replied with more laughter, “It is a wonder that you raised any children at all.”

Arthur stopped at a window and looked out onto the night, “Why do you haunt me, Amedee? Your memory is enough. Do I need your constant words to my ear at the now?”

“You have always needed me, monsieur,” Amedee’s voice trickled out, “I pledged myself to you and that is forever. You believe that you are haunted? I have no choice. By your side I will stay until you join me. Mayhap then we shall find satisfaction.”

The Emperor kept his eyes to the night, “I could use you now, sir. Unrest and rebellion rears its ugly head all over...and though I have defeated the worst of it...it still persists. Jedburgh falls in Teviotdale...”

​

“Your illustrious ancestor would be displeased. What have you done with his kingdom?”

Arthur turned back to nothing, “I win at all costs! Never defeated, monsieur! You would know that!”

“Was my death not enough for you?” the spectral voice questioned, “That of your wife? Your children?”

“I have one left!” Arthur fumed in anger, “And my grandchildren!”

“No happiness, monsieur...alive or dead. We are all but memories to the monument that you build. Ghosts and haunts to remind you that you are nothing.”

Arthur pressed tightly to his side, “I have built, monsieur! Hold an empire at the now! England...Wales! France to Ireland! Scotland too!”

“Not yet,” Amedee’s voice trailed into the night air, “That’s to the boy. And you do so well to his mother.”

“I’ve come to her aid, have I not?” the Emperor frowned, “Time and again!”

The voice questioned sharply, “Her aid...or your ego?”

“The Lord of Kent will see it made right and she will find no complaints,” Arthur answered in certainty, “Can I help it that she takes not the lessons that I have taught her?”

​

Another laugh followed, “What lessons? That to trust you is like taking a dagger to herself? That to rule is no bloodless affair and all should perish before you, both friend or foe?”

“You are unfair to me, monsieur!” Arthur stared hard through the window, “Is it that you are dead that allows you to say such unkind things? Things that you would have never uttered when you were alive?”

“I don’t say them...” Amedee replied quickly, “...you do.”

Arthur turned to nothing, “Then you are no thing but a figment of my imagination! No ghost or haunting vision...merely mine own doubt of myself.”

“When have you ever doubted yourself, monsieur?” the voice chuckled in response.

With a sigh, the Emperor found a settle, “None until now. I suppose that I can say it to no one but you. What I would not give to see your face again.”

“You are an old man now, lad,” Amedee replied, “I was already an old man when first to your service. I would have died years ago at any rate.”

“Yet no man was more right,” Arthur held his head in his hands.

The voice seemed to surround him, “Then hear me now. Right or wrong, you serve Scotland at this moment. It is for yourself and you know it. Yet strangely, it serves your grandson as well...and his mother. Follow through and see it to the end...”

“I am doing it!” Arthur shouted, “Over ten thousand to the north! Victory...always victory!”

​

Silence filled the air and caused the Emperor to soften and wait before the voice continued, “...and then, monsieur...take your rest. Well earned rest. What more can you accomplish? Both good or bad? Find the north and the inheritance secured and then settle down. Mayhap find a lass for your golden years. Repair the rift with your grandson and let go of your demons.”

“That is easy for you to say,” Arthur answered, “You wear not the crown.”

Amedee’s voice was quick in reply, “I wear no crowns, monsieur. I’ve nothing to put it on.”

“A lifetime of achievement...” Arthur stated with a sigh, “...and regret. Too many that have come before and see not what has been built. It cannot be for nothing. Revenge for my father...an Empire made in memory of my son. I was not meant for love, monsieur. Was not even born to rule. That was my brother. Yet it all falls to me at the now...every sharp shock...every cruel twist of fate...I am the one who must face it down and endure.”

“You cannot do so forever, lad,” Amedee suggested with care in his voice, “You’ve already had your revenge. You have remembered your son. In your way, you have honored those of us that came before. Now in your twilight, monsieur...sit back and behold what you have done. Mayhap find some little joy at last. You have indeed created an Empire, Arthur of Wessex. The how or why is past. There is now only the future and it is not yours.”

With a wistful thought, Arthur answered, “I wish I might stay here to Melun. Find a calm and peace as you suggest. Yet you know that I...cannot.”

“No...you cannot,” Amedee replied, “Hainaut still calls to you...Julich once more. You will cling tightly and cause more troubles for yourself. Be miserable. Hold on for seventy and five...mayhap four score. Never knowing joy...no happiness. Only your own misery that you caused yourself.”

Arthur tried to protest, “I did not cause my father to die. Not my brother...nor my son!”

“Mayhap not...” Amedee gave answer, “...yet everything else follows.”

“I can do no other, monsieur,” Arthur stood slowly favoring his bad leg, “Scotland will be made sound again...and then? I must follow my destiny.”

“All the way?”

Arthur turned to no one, “All the way.”

​

 

[Nikolai]

Sigh. All the way. Always. He is truly cursed. By himself, but no less cursed.

 

[stnylan]

Amedee's spectre is quite the jester: “I wear no crowns, monsieur. I’ve nothing to put it on.”

Got me sniggering

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

It's all fairly irrelevant though really. His historic reputation is going to be the emperor who built Britannia, but tainted by a prelude to his heir (either as a Phillip to Alexander or the good old king before an idiotic and evil offspring).

That is to say, we may have a situation here where he is either overshadowed due to his successor's reign or epically overshadows everyone who comes after him for a while (aside from Alfred the Great, few of Wessex are remembered, especially galling when his grandson was the one who unified England for the first time...

 

[Bullfilter]

The Ghost of Empire’s Future pays a visit - Arthur’s ghosts reveal his genuine self-doubts that he can never admit to himself, let alone others, in his waking hours. Amedee gets all the best lines, too. No heavy crown for him.

 

[tpmcinty]

Arthur cannot let go of his revenge against the Germans. He does not see all that he has built and cannot enjoy it because of his need/obsession for revenge. Amedee tries to show Arthur the good and the bad his obsession has brought to the empire and to the personal life of the Emperor and those around him. He also warns of the tragedies that most assuredly await if Arthur continues his path. In someways it is a pity Arthur cannot let go.

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

Sigh. All the way. Always. He is truly cursed. By himself, but no less cursed.

Indeed, every thing that has happened has in nearly every aspect been due to Arthur's actions. And yet...he cannot see it.

Amedee's spectre is quite the jester: “I wear no crowns, monsieur. I’ve nothing to put it on.”

Got me sniggering

I'm glad you liked that. I had some fun with Amedee in this scene.

It's all fairly irrelevant though really. His historic reputation is going to be the emperor who built Britannia, but tainted by a prelude to his heir (either as a Phillip to Alexander or the good old king before an idiotic and evil offspring).

That is to say, we may have a situation here where he is either overshadowed due to his successor's reign or epically overshadows everyone who comes after him for a while (aside from Alfred the Great, few of Wessex are remembered, especially galling when his grandson was the one who unified England for the first time...

One or the other is likely to happen, to be sure. While I have been up front about what will eventually happen to Arthur, I've not yet said who it is that will follow him. We know it won't be his son, who might have been a fine King/Emperor. Those that are left - his grandson the Prince and then his new son. Still cousin Eadgar in Ireland. Prince Reginald is still out there between Scotland and Lancaster. And then the other members of Wessex out there between France, England and still Germany. It could go any way.

The Ghost of Empire’s Future pays a visit - Arthur’s ghosts reveal his genuine self-doubts that he can never admit to himself, let alone others, in his waking hours. Amedee gets all the best lines, too. No heavy crown for him.

That was entirely the desire of this scene and yes, Amedee gets all of the great lines. As Arthur himself says, one does not speak to him in that way anymore. Only Amedee can get away with it (and yes, I had some great fun!) What I wanted with this scene was to show that Arthur does indeed have some self doubt, but he is never able to admit it to anyone alive. Only the dead can hear his worry.

Arthur cannot let go of his revenge against the Germans. He does not see all that he has built and cannot enjoy it because of his need/obsession for revenge. Amedee tries to show Arthur the good and the bad his obsession has brought to the empire and to the personal life of the Emperor and those around him. He also warns of the tragedies that most assuredly await if Arthur continues his path. In someways it is a pity Arthur cannot let go.

It is a pity but we know that Arthur will not change his ways. The revenge that he speaks of moves him forward and even if he has moved far beyond that at this date, he won't let that go because he can't allow himself to see what really exists. I'm not ready to agree with @stnylan that Arthur is despicable, but I have built him to be very much that thing. He's my character so I still consider all facets of his personality, but what he shows is not a promising thing, certainly.


To all - Really great comments from this last scene. I placed it there to show both the continued action of Arthur but so too start to build the bridge to the later Arthur that we have seen already. As I wrote these later scenes with him, I was trying to place as much psychology that I am aware of into the character. I'm not trained. I've only lived. Thankfully, I have never had to be in such a place, but as we move forward (and again, as we have seen) these previous episodes do bother him (well...all but the death of his wife. ) Arthur cannot admit his wrong, but he feels it nonetheless.

As always, thanks for your comments and continued reading of this work. I spent a lot of time writing this and so when I see so many reading it, it makes me know that my efforts were not wasted. I hope that I'm doing something more than just a gameplay effort with a narrative bent. I hope that these characters read true. I hope that with as poor as some of them are, I am getting to something more than just King/Emperor vs. the Other. I hope...(play Shawshank Redemption music. )

Again, thanks and go vote.

 

[coz1]

​

The Song of Wessex​

* * *

Bourbon, France - November 1344​

It was a somber occasion that brought them all together. Few held true love or respect for Lord Baudouin of Bourbon, yet he was the son of an icon and in his seventy plus years he had proved his worth to both France and the realm. A veteran of the Emperor’s wars with the Germans, along with many other fine showings in the field, caused each great Lord of France to flock to his side after he died at seventy and five.

There were six of them, seven if one included the Emperor himself. Yet two were absent and it was no surprise that the two Ladies of France held their time together. Adela of Orleans was now sixty five and was the grand dame of them all. All showed her deference that both her age and closeness with the Emperor required. The younger Lady Elisabeth of Burgundy held tight to her side at thirty and four. Having inherited before her majority, Elisabeth had kept to Dijon in silence and eventually raised her family.

The remembrance was muted as none liked Baudouin’s son. Now called Amedee the second, this fifty six year old now Duke had never married. Kept close to him were the members of his guard and other attractive younger men of his father’s court. Now that he was made Lord in full, more would surely follow. The Duchess of Orleans sat alongside the Duchess of Burgundy and they gossiped.

“I never did think that my late husband could find equal, my Lady...” Adela pursed her brow, “...yet this one?”

Lady Elisabeth gave a curt nod, “Naught a woman to his life. No family. What will become of Bourbon now?”

With a sly point, Adela gave notice, “There be the future. Three of four other boys. All from Lord Baudouin’s second marriage...third actually. The eldest named after him is naught but eighteen. Then there is the bastard Guillaume at sixteen. And young Renaud at seven.”

“And one still to nursery, yes?” Elisabeth questioned.

Adela gave nod, “Named Guilhern. It will be a long time before he gives challenge.”

“Yet mayhap fine friends someday with the Prince’s first born son,” the Duchess of Burgundy suggested.

The Lady of Orleans trained her aged eye to Prince Arthur in deep discussion with the Duke of Berry, “Of like age. Mayhap. Yet it is this one that concerns us at the now.”

“The Prince?” Elisabeth asked, “Or the new Lord of Bourbon?”

“May it be both?” Lady Adela held a soft hand to her young friend’s arm, “Our new Lord Amedee is a glad-hander...no thing like his namesake before him. Nor even his father. His court is even worse than that of my late husband...and I think it to come to no good end.”

Lady Elisabeth puzzled, “What has His Majesty to say about it?”

“He is not here...” Adela showed a sharp eye to the Duchess, “...is he? That should speak some volumes.”

“Still on the mend to Melun, surely,” Elisabeth answered, “And there is his war for Scotland. He stays to France but his mind is elsewhere.”

Lady Adela raised a brow, “Is it?”

“You and yours have always been loyal to House Wessex,” Elisabeth suggested, “Pray tell that this does not change at the now?”

The elder Duchess leaned in closer, “I am loyal to His Majesty. I’m not so certain about the grandson, my Lady. He is not his own father...anymore than this Amedee follows Baudouin. His wife is fine and charming...his daughters pure enough...and the young one to follow...too young to know yet. But we both know his history. And we know that His Majesty finds question still.”

“Yet you support him?” the Lady of Burgundy pressed.

“Vocally...yes,” Adela admitted, “Yet privately...I am not so certain.”

The younger Duchess pressed even further, “My Lady...you hold much influence. All here respect you and your great-grandson is named Lord of York and Anjou...”

“And will hold Orleans when I finally leave this place and he comes to majority,” Adela followed quickly, “Yet Guy is but nine and many years are ahead of him. He does hold the blood of Wessex...”

“Surely you do not mean...” Elisabeth started to say but stopped herself in mid question.

Adela turned with a sharp eye, “I mean no thing, my dear. Yet I question them all. Look out yon and what do you see? There be Lord Raynaud. Ward of His Majesty for some years and now into his own. Married...no children as yet. Claims loyalty, but is he? He remains a Karling.”

“And no children, nor wife for our new Lord of Bourbon,” Elisabeth gave nod.

“Indeed...none of that,” Adela kept her gaze to the court, “And my young Guy...he will hold no part to play for some years. At the now, it is you...it is me...and then these. Look over them and tell me that there is one to trust.”

Lady Elisabeth did as suggested and then stated with certainty, “I would trust His Majesty.”

“Who is not here, as we have agreed,” Adela replied, “And the Emperor’s mind will always be elsewhere...to the other Emperor. That, my Lady, is the past. You did not grow your fine family without thinking of the future. My days are gone. My husband...gone. My two girls...gone. All I have left to me are my seat and my great-grandson. You hold three boys at the now. What would you wish for them?”

The Duchess of Burgundy frowned as she looked out, “What else is there, my Lady? The Prince holds a younger brother...married but no issue. There is Lord Eadgar to Munster...yet he has naught but a newborn daughter at the now. You and I both know that a woman can rule...and it has been seen in this realm...yet the Lords of France will want a man.”

“The curse of our sex in the place that we live,” Adela answered, “Yet I have weathered it...as have you. I wish that I could say that I am for the Empire...but in truth...my heart belongs to Orleans. To France. His Majesty is no young man, yet I know of his desire. You are too young to remember, but I recall the Prince...his son. I recall the moment when one argued with the other over goals. One gained what he desired...and then lost his son. The other?”

Lady Elisabeth looked out again, “We gained that. A preening peacock who holds no trust...especially from His Majesty.”

“My Lady...” Adela looked to her younger friend, “...I wish not to place ideas into your mind. Yet trouble will come. The Scots adventure will end in victory...as it always does. And then? Aquitaine is broken from the Empire to the east. The hard fought truce gained by His Majesty will be over soon. Arthur of Wessex...great as he may be...lives on borrowed time. As I do myself. It will not be for me to choose. Yet you, my Lady? You remain young enough...with so much ahead of you...for your children and yourself. It will and should be what you desire.”

“I hold no desire to be anything other than free and sound...safe from the Germans,” Elisabeth answered, “His Majesty has always made that so.”

Lady Adela looked to the Prince in the distance, “To hold your seat? Then look not to that one. He is a pale image of his father or grandfather.”

“Then I must ask again, my Lady...” the younger Duchess questioned, “...what do you advocate?”

The elder Duchess kept her gaze to Prince Arthur “I advocate no thing but safety for yourself...and for France. There will be trouble to here...and there will be trouble to the east. All we may do is see to our own as mothers should.”

“Were His Majesty a younger man...” Lady Elisabeth began to suggest.

Adela finished her thought, “...I would not worry. Now? I tell you, my Lady...it will be a whole new world.”

​

 

[Nikolai]

Yet more powerful vassals questioning the Prince? I like not where this is going... And frankly, I don't find that bad?

 

[stnylan]

Emperor Arthur's seed is providing the harvest that he sought, there is no doubt about it. These whispers are growing louder, or so it seems. And he will use this for justification for his next abuse, I am quite sure of it.

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

He should probably...well, actually let's say the CKII player should probably...kill the queen of Scotland, have prince Arthur inherit, and then kill him too. At this point, going further down the rabbit hole with him is tempting fate a little too much, and fate has never really favoured the house of Wessex.

 

[Bullfilter]

The undercurrents are swirling here and we are being given a another glimpse of rocky shoals ahead. It is no accident, to be sure. But what form will it take? A shipwreck? Or just a barnacle or two scraped off and some shivered timbers?

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

Yet more powerful vassals questioning the Prince? I like not where this is going... And frankly, I don't find that bad?

I suppose the youthful attempt to assassinate his grandfather can be forgiven for the Prince, but one must guess that Arthur does not forget it. The rumor surely remains and doesn't assist.

Emperor Arthur's seed is providing the harvest that he sought, there is no doubt about it. These whispers are growing louder, or so it seems. And he will use this for justification for his next abuse, I am quite sure of it.

Arthur might, but the Prince's reputation (earned or not) follows as seen by these last few scenes. The whispers do indeed grow louder and while I would not say that Arthur desired this, he has done very little to keep it from happening.

He should probably...well, actually let's say the CKII player should probably...kill the queen of Scotland, have prince Arthur inherit, and then kill him too. At this point, going further down the rabbit hole with him is tempting fate a little too much, and fate has never really favoured the house of Wessex.

At which point an infant inherits Scotland and will be due to inherit the rest of the Empire. I'm not sure how that solves the problem. As for Wessex and fate...well, they tend to make their own.

The undercurrents are swirling here and we are being given a another glimpse of rocky shoals ahead. It is no accident, to be sure. But what form will it take? A shipwreck? Or just a barnacle or two scraped off and some shivered timbers?

No doubt that I am setting something up here but I can't yet say what it is. There remain a few twists and turns here as we enter the "end game" period and I really hope it all works.


To all - I will give a hint to all - keep watch of these French Lords and Ladies. We have a few steps still to make before we reach the end, but one of them definitely involves the ever important inheritance/election in France. Let's just say that the Prince is doing himself no favors anymore than Arthur is doing for him. See the next scene which follows directly for more. And thank you as always for your excellent comments and always following!

 

[coz1]

​

The Song of Wessex​

* * *

Melun Castle – February 1345​

The Earl of Westmorland walked with purpose through the halls at Melun. Many attempted to stop him for some favor or another, but the Lord Chancellor held no time for such. When first named to his position, he was astonished that the Emperor might consider him. After all, he had been named as conspirator of the Holy Father so many years ago when the young Lady Adela of York was excommunicated. Now she was dead and her young son ruled. So too was the Emperor’s son, killed to the second Battle of Julich over a decade ago. Given another chance, the Earl was determined to prove his worth in every way. To lead the council of the most powerful man in the world? Petty disputes did not matter. If only others thought so.

Earl Edward found the Emperor at a nap by the fire in the solar and cleared his throat to announce himself. Arthur did not open his eyes as he answered, “You had best come to me with good news, my Lord. I had just fallen asleep.”

“Some good news, Your Majesty,” the Lord Chancellor gave bow.

Arthur opened one eye and trained it on the Earl, “Some implies not all, sir.”

“Out of England and Scotland, sire,” Earl Edward put on a pleased face, “The conflicts in both Cornwall and Kent are resolved. The Lord Marshal’s man has given up peacefully and the men surrounding the young Lord of Cornwall have finally found victory against the Earl of Devon.”

“I’m not certain that my cousin to Norfolk will be pleased,” Arthur finally sat up and leaned towards the fire, “I do hope that they care for his son to Devon.”

The Earl was unsure but put a happy color to it, “He is allowed to keep his seat, I am told.”

Arthur groaned as he slowly lifted from the chair and shuffled to the fire to warm himself, “I’m the bloody Emperor and hold absolute power to England...and yet they run wild while I am away to France. It is my choice who is and is not Earl.”

“Centuries of strong nobles remain, Majesty,” the Earl suggested, “They are given free reign within their Duchies. Yet I will be certain to relay your thought to the young Lord of Cornwall.”

The Emperor turned to warm his front, “And what of Scotland?”

With a much larger smile, The Earl held forth a note, “After a costly siege, the Lord Marshal writes to say that Scone is now fallen. Lord Jordan and his move on to Dunkeld and he says that Queen Maud maintains her soldiers at siege within Connacht. Neither the highlanders nor the Duke of Albany have much left to them and it should be a won thing soon enough.”

​

“Let us hope it so,” Arthur turned back with a furrowed brow, “One does wonder if sweet Maudy will thank me for it. Somehow, I doubt it.”

The Lord Chancellor sat the note down and smiled once more, “I hear no thing poor out of Cupar, Your Majesty. Once more, you have saved Scotland for the Queen...and your grandson.”

“My Lord...” Arthur trained a stern eye, “...it is now the year of Our Lord thirteen and forty five. You know well what that means. I needs must have no rebellion...no internal troubles...no other wars to contend with. There is naught but one.”

When the Lord Chancellor started to say something and then stopped, Arthur sighed and slowly limped to pour himself some ale, “You said some. Where is the bad to follow the good, for it always does?”

“I...I am sorry to say it, Majesty...but...”

Arthur spun in irritation, “Out with it, sir!”

“It...concerns the Prince to Chatillon, sire,” the Lord Chancellor was careful with his words, “And Bourbon.”

With another sigh, the Emperor turned to pour, “Can a man never have peace?”

“It would appear that the new Lord of Bourbon...was found wanting by some few parties,” the Earl continued, “As they all gathered to give memory to the late Lord Baudouin...the Prince...he found a faster friendship with the younger brother...the bastard son Guillaume.”

“He was always so bright as a lad,” Arthur held his ale and shifted slowly to a window, “By God...what happened?!”

The Lord Chancellor tried to be helpful, “Some Lords within Bourbon took that as a sign, sire. I think it not the fault of the Prince. None care truly for this second Lord Amedee as he remains childless and unmarried. The younger Guillaume...he was legitimized by his father...and shows more promise.”

“So another internal struggle,” Arthur turned with impatience, “And here I am...in country! Can they ever learn?!”

“It is...somewhat worse than that, sire,” the Earl lowered his head, “The Lady of Burgundy...she holds no friendship either with the new Lord of Bourbon, but does not care to see lessor lords rise up against their masters. Her position especially...”

Arthur showed another stern eye, “I quite agree with her. Know your bloody place and respect the contract! Lady Elisabeth is a fine woman and has proved that within Burgundy.”

“She...she must also have found offense...whatever it may be...with your grandson the Prince,” Earl Edward raised his eyes with concern, “For it is told to me that she has petitioned the Holy Father. Vigilius has returned verdict and Prince Arthur is now excommunicated from Holy Church.”

​

The half empty cup of ale flew wildly from the Emperor’s hand and he grew red in the face as he raged, “God’s balls! The cheek of that man!!”

“The Holy Father is surely misinformed, sire,” Earl Edward tried to counsel, “And we may send the Bishop of Southwark...or any of our Archbishops to plead for the Prince.”

Arthur held to his anger, “I bloody well mean the Prince! Not that fool in Rome! Damn the lad! He was placed to France to woo these Lords...to prove himself as future King and Emperor. And yet, he remains inconsistent...too much resentment...too much youthful idiocy! By his age, I was already King and was well on my way to creating this Empire. What does he do but play within plots even though his life is handed to him on a silvered platter!”

“Your Majesty...” the Lord Chancellor held up a hand, “...I think not that it is the Prince’s fault.”

Within his anger, Arthur found more strength to his leg and stepped forward, “Oh...I be certain that it is his fault and that there is indeed more to it! Both may happen at once, my Lord. Never put it past this Holy Father to find some trouble within our realm. Vigilius maintains an ear to our enemy in the east. You may know that well!”

“Sire...I never...” the Earl attempted a plea but the Emperor cut him off.

Arthur shifted to the fire with rage in his eyes, “Explain not to me at this late date, my Lord! I am far too old to fall for it. It is well known that the treaty with the Germans is soon over. Luitpold must shiver in his boots to know that we come again. I’ve not found my satisfaction for what has been done and all he holds left is the ear of an aging pontiff that would kiss anyone’s foot that gave him respect! No! It is all well and good for both the Germans and the Holy Father to see my grandson put low. In that...they hope to keep me at bay. They are mistaken!”

“Yet the Prince, Majesty...” the Lord Chancellor questioned, “...and Bourbon?”

“Hang the both of them!” Arthur looked into the flames with anger, “I need not Bourbon to make my war. And my grandson only brings it upon himself! He now holds a son. And if not? There is his brother...and my other grandson in Ireland. There is no lack of Wessex within this world, my Lord. If this one is not worthy, there will always be another!”

“Sire...I...”

Arthur turned and stopped the Lord Chancellor once more, “You will return to England. You will see this war for the Scots finished. And when it is done, you will bring me the papers that I will soon send to the east. France may try to eat itself, but it is but one realm in this Empire. There is another Empire that I am not done fighting. They are weak and we are strong. I am strong. Now’s the time, my Lord. Do not tarry!”

“As you wish, Your Majesty,” Earl Edward gave bow, “It will be so.”

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

At which point an infant inherits Scotland and will be due to inherit the rest of the Empire. I'm not sure how that solves the problem.

Means you can mound a better ruler from the off. Honestly so long as the entire council isn't ridiculously hateful of you, close relations and super powerful, they won't murder you. The empire can survive a regency and Wessex needs a deep cleanse of familial traits. This would be, in game, the sort of thing I'd do at this point, unless a better cousin heir existed or something.

 

[Bullfilter]

Irascible to a fault - younger Arthur’s initial blemish has never been forgiven or forgotten, no matter what the Emperor said afterwards. Now the cards will fall harshly and anything could happen. The only certainty seems to be an impending war with Germany.