章 23: A Gathering Storm
[THOMAS'S POV]
4 February, 1337
Tensions between King Edward III of England and King Philip VI of France continue to escalate with each passing day. Edward has not only renounced his claims to the throne of France but also paid homage to the French king, acknowledging his control over the duchy of Gascony. However, it's becoming increasingly evident to me that some of the French nobility may be plotting to wrest control of the duchy, while the Scots to the north continue to weaken us. The embers of a larger conflict are smoldering and can be perceived by anyone with even a moderate understanding of court politics.
The roots of this conflict trace back to the Auld Alliance, a treaty signed in 1295 between France and Scotland during the reign of Philip the Fair. Charles IV reaffirmed this alliance in 1326, pledging French support to the Scots in the event of an English invasion. In return, Scotland vowed to aid France if its own kingdom came under attack. Edward's ambitions in Scotland would face significant obstacles with the knowledge that the Scots could rely on French backing.
Last year, Philip VI gathered a formidable naval fleet off Marseilles as part of an ambitious plan for a crusade to the Holy Land. Seizing this opportunity, we planned to assert our claims to Scottish lands. However, the French abandoned their crusade plans, and the fleet, including elements of the Scottish navy, shifted to the English Channel off Normandy in 1336, posing a direct threat to England. In response, Edward III raised two armies: one intended for dealing with the Scots "at an opportune time" and the other to proceed immediately to Gascony. Simultaneously, ambassadors were dispatched to France with a proposed treaty for the French king. The meeting was scheduled for April, but it now appears uncertain.
As one of the most skilled commanders on this island, I expect to be called upon for the impending war. I do not fear death; that is a certainty. However, I do fear for the fate of my family after my potential demise. Edward is young, capable but young. He still needs a powerful ally to support him even in my absence on the battlefield. My wife's family lacks the strength to influence the complex currents of royal court politics, and Edward's previous betrothed, the Mortimers, have long been marginalized in the political landscape. Consequently, it appears that this alliance is the most advantageous match I can secure for my son.
I am somewhat surprised, though, that Edward has chosen this option. She is three years his senior, but if this is where my son's interests lie, so be it. A chuckle escapes my lips as I contemplate this. I promptly make my way to my study, take a seat, retrieve a parchment from the drawer, place a paperweight on it, position an inkpot nearby, adjust the quill in my hand, and begin to write.
—--------
To my most esteemed cousin, Henry, 3rd Earl of Leicester and Lancaster,
I hope this missive finds you in good health and high spirits. It has been far too long since our paths crossed, and I trust that the years have been kind to you and yours.
In this hour, I am moved to address a matter of significance that concerns both our houses. Our kinship, bound by the blood of our forefathers, is a bond I hold in the highest regard. It is in the spirit of this enduring kinship and shared history that I approach you with a proposal that I believe may serve to strengthen the ties that bind our families.
As you are well aware, my son, Baron Edward of Norfolk, is nearing the age of fourteen. A lad of exceptional promise, he has shown great wisdom and capability beyond his years. I have been contemplating the matter of his future and, more particularly, his marital prospects. It is my fervent desire to secure for him a union that not only brings him happiness but also strengthens our family's position in these tumultuous times.
To that end, I humbly propose a betrothal between your noble daughter, Mary of Lancaster, and my dear Edward. The ages of these young hearts, being so close, are conducive to a bond that may thrive and flourish with time. Such an alliance would not only solidify the ties between our two houses but also combine the strength of your esteemed family with the promise and potential of mine.
It is not lost on me that Mary and Edward, being second cousins, share a blood connection that runs deep, strengthening the foundations of this proposed union. In this age of uncertainty and shifting loyalties, the bonds of family are more vital than ever.
I wish to assure you, dear cousin, that the welfare and happiness of Mary are of paramount concern to me. It is my sincerest hope that she would find contentment and security in the arms of my son, Edward, who is not only a capable young man but also one who is deeply committed to our shared family values and the legacy we hold dear.
I propose that we convene at a time and place of your choosing to discuss this matter in further detail, to set the terms and conditions of this betrothal, and to ensure that it aligns with the best interests of both our families.
In conclusion, I look forward to your esteemed response to this proposal, and I do so with hope and a deep sense of anticipation. May this proposal mark the continuation of a longstanding and cherished bond between our families, one that will flourish for generations to come.
With the utmost respect and warm regards,
Thomas Plantagenet
1st Earl of Norfolk
[Seal of the Plantagenet dynasty]
—--------
The time spent composing the letter had been a worthwhile endeavor, and as I left my study with it securely in my grasp, I made my way to the grand hall of the estate. There, I hoped to find Osbert, my venerable marshal, and deliver the missive into his capable hands. To my chagrin, Osbert was not present, so I ventured further to the training grounds.
It was on the training grounds that I finally spotted him, engaged in a spirited duel with none other than my son, Edward. What struck me as most amusing was the undeniable effort that Osbert was expending. The creases of concentration on his forehead did not go unnoticed, and I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. Osbert was a tall man, not quite surpassing my own considerable stature, but still tall by common standards. Standing at nearly six feet, or perhaps 5'11", he possessed a muscular and robust build reminiscent of the legendary trolls from the old Scandinavian tales. In his prime, he had been a formidable force, capable of taking on not only me but also my brother Edd( or Edmund as they called him), my half-brother Edward, and two more friends in a duel simultaneously. Yet, the passage of time had inevitably taken its toll on him, and at around fifty years of age, he was struggling while contending with a relative newcomer.
However, it was Edward who truly captivated my attention. His skills were nothing short of astonishing. He demonstrated a refined footwork, efficient stances, and a mastery of the art of parrying. It was evident that his diligent training had paid off, granting him a firm foundation in combat. Some of his other skills, such as Pommel Strikes and Hilt Techniques, required further refinement, but his fundamentals were as solid as one could hope for in a budding warrior.
Watching my son's prowess on the training grounds filled me with pride and anticipation for his future. Edward was coming of age, and I was determined to secure a prosperous path for him in this ever-shifting world of politics and warfare.
It didn't take long for Osbert's sheer strength and experience to prevail in the duel, disarming Edward in a display of raw power. This outcome was expected. While Edward displayed considerable skill, he was still far from matching Osbert's wealth of experience. Osbert had traversed countless battlefields in the service of both my father and me. However, following my father's passing, he chose to accompany me to Norfolk, a decision for which I remained eternally grateful.
Still, I couldn't help but ponder what might have been had he taken a different path. If he had chosen to join my brother Edmund in Kent, perhaps, just perhaps, he might still be alive, surrounded by his children and his wife, living the dream he had so ardently pursued—a dream that had been shattered by the treacherous plots of Roger Mortimer.
The bittersweet tinge of regret settled in as I watched Edward retrieve his weapon and acknowledge the profound sacrifice made by loyal and steadfast individuals like Osbert.
"Edward," I addressed him while he turned himself to face me as he sheathed his sword.
Edward met my gaze, his eyes reflecting curiosity.
"Would you mind accompanying me to the study?" I requested, then turned and made my way back to the room.
Once we were both seated in the study, Edward settled into the wooden chair opposite me. He leaned forward slightly, evidently keen to understand the purpose of my summons.
"I suspect it won't be long before I'm called to serve in the upcoming war," I began in a tone of impartiality.
Edward's expression suggested that he had some inkling of this, but I dismissed such thoughts. Given his distance from court matters, it was unlikely that he had concrete information.
"So, I've been contemplating appointing you as regent for a certain period," I continued, lightly tapping my fingers on the wooden table. "Would you be willing to take on this responsibility?"
"But how could I manage my barony, Father? I had planned to return by next Saturday," Edward questioned.
"You can appoint a regent to oversee your barony, and travel there periodically," I explained. "It's only a short ride with the fastest horse, and you can still fulfill your responsibilities while being here. Your presence is essential, as it will further solidify the support of my vassals seeing that the future of Earldom is secure."
"Very well, then. I accept the position as regent of the earldom. It seems like a promotion, doesn't it?" Edward replied with a smile.
I couldn't help but chuckle at his youthful enthusiasm. "Yes, indeed, you could say that," I replied, amused by his perspective.
With a gesture, I indicated that our conversation was concluded, and Edward rose from his chair. As he left the study, I leaned back in my chair, pondering the future and the challenges it might bring for my son.
I retrieved the parchment detailing the makeup of my army and spread it across the table. A brief scan confirmed what I already knew: my army was a shining example of organization and efficiency, a testament to my royal lineage and years of experience on the battlefield.
The revised description of my army's composition was:
1. Infantry (450 soldiers):
- 200 Foot Soldiers: These form the core of the infantry, wielding spears and shields, versatile in both offense and defense.
- 100 Archers: Skilled longbowmen excelling in ranged combat, capable of providing covering fire.
- 50 Pikemen: Armed with long pikes, they serve as a strong defense against enemy cavalry charges.
- 100 Men-at-Arms: Heavily armored infantry, elite shock troops wielding swords and battle-axes.
2. Cavalry (200 knights and riders):
- 100 Knights: Heavily armored mounted warriors, masters of mounted combat and the elite cavalry force.
- 50 Mounted Archers: These cavalry units are equipped with bows, ideal for harassing the enemy and offering ranged support.
- 50 Light Cavalry: Swift and nimble, they excel in reconnaissance, skirmishing, and maneuvering. Lighter armor allows for swifter movement.
3. Artillery (50 crew and engineers):
- 10 Engineers: Skilled in operating and maintaining siege engines like trebuchets and catapults.
- 10 Sappers: Expert engineers specializing in undermining fortifications during sieges.
- 30 Crew: These dedicated artillery operators handle cannons and other ranged weapons.
4. Specialized Units (50 soldiers):
- 25 Crossbowmen: Armed with crossbows, they deliver accurate and powerful ranged attacks.
- 25 Swordsmen: Proficient swordfighters, ideal for close combat and personal security.
5. Support Units (50 personnel):
- 30 Supply Train: Responsible for ensuring the army is well-provisioned with food, water, and medical supplies.
- 20 Camp Followers: Comprising civilians who contribute services like cooking, laundering, and nursing the wounded.
6. Command Structure (50 officers and commanders):
- 1 Earl (Commander-in-Chief): As the noble leader of the army, I take the helm.
- 5 Officers: Subordinate leaders, each responsible for specific units or divisions.
- 15 Standard Bearers: These individuals carry flags or standards, providing identification for different units and a focal point for troops on the battlefield.
- 29 Other Personnel: Comprising assistants, clerks, and quartermasters who play crucial roles in supporting the command structure.
This composition ensures a well-rounded army ready for both field battles and sieges. Support units are in place to maintain the troops' well-being, and a robust command structure guarantees efficient leadership and coordination.
As I gazed at the parchment detailing my formidable army and pondered the challenges of the future, I knew that the days ahead held both uncertainty and opportunity. My son, Edward, had accepted the role of regent, a promotion that marked a significant step in his journey toward maturity and leadership. With the carefully crafted betrothal proposal to my esteemed cousin Henry, the stage was set for a union that could not only secure our family's future but also strengthen the enduring bonds of kinship between our houses. The tensions of the wider world continued to simmer, and the looming possibility of war cast a shadow over our realm. But in the quiet of my study, I found solace in the knowledge that I had taken the necessary steps to safeguard the legacy of the Plantagenets and prepare the next generation for the challenges that lay ahead.
A/N: I am thinking of starting a membership service (do not worry, I will keep posting according to schedule) for the advanced chapters. Which platform should I choose:
1. Patreon
2. Ko-fi
3. Buy me a Coffee
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AidenAgnor
AidenAgnor I may have to slow down the speed of my uploads but don't worry, I will try to upload at least 2 chapters/week.
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