With 7 fortified towns firmly in hand, France (rost) is within 2 towns of achieving the grand victory target of 9 towns. Artisans in the capital are already weaving triumphal tapestries. Bishops across France celebrated high mass, chanting the Te Deum before crowded naves. It is whispered among the commons that while lords dispute great titles, the only sure profit fell to the armorers and grave-diggers.
The walls of Paris held fast under furious bombardment as England (Luis Rodriguez) defied the reinforced hosts of France (rost). Outnumbered men-at-arms met the charge at the breach with lowered pikes, turning the tide of the struggle. The sovereign court of England erupted into celebration, with barons and knights pledging joyful toasts. The local cooper remarked that new lords always bring grand proclamations, but their men still drink the same sour small beer.
Despite gathering formidable support for the enterprise, England (Luis Rodriguez) failed to dislodge the defenders of France (rost) from Normandy. The garrison held its ground through a day of bitter melee, maintaining sovereign control over the fortress. 'The granaries are filled and the baggage train is secure; this feat was won in the wains as much as in the saddle,' observed a camp quartermaster. In every manor of France, hearths blazed bright as vassals gathered to celebrate the renown of their lord.
Outriders scouting the forested hills affirm that Burgundy (Неотор) hath repulsed a coordinated storm of Calais launched by England (Luis Rodriguez) with allied backing. Assault ladders were cast down into the ditch and the attacking columns were forced into a costly retreat. 'The saints themselves rode with our vanguard this day,' declared a chaplain in the camp of Burgundy. The money-lenders of England closed their chests and refused to advance silver upon royal warrants.
Pilgrims returning from holy shrines report that France (rost) hath completed the levy of 1 new formation, deploying them immediately to key garrison posts. The borders are now heavily fortified against any hostile incursion. 'God hath granted favor to the bold today,' proclaimed a bishop at the high altar. Monks in the monastic scriptoriums of France dipped their quills in gold ink to record the glorious deed.
The mutual animosity of Burgundy (Неотор) and England (Luis Rodriguez) hath continued for 2 full years of warfare, marked by ceaseless castle sieges and skirmishes. Chroniclers struggle to recall the original dispute that provoked this ruinous clash of lineages. 'He who buyeth war must pay in the blood of his yeomen and the tears of his widows,' declared a traveling friar. Bishops in neutral bishoprics crossed themselves in solemn contemplation of God's inscrutable judgment.
There is no softening in the enmity that piteth England (Luis Rodriguez) and France (rost) against one another, sustained now through 2 unbroken years of raid and counter-siege. Bishops who attempted mediation have retired in pious despair. Foreign chanceries were thrown into turmoil, convening emergency councils before the evening vespers. The lineage genealogists labor through the night to discover ancestral claims as intricate as they are thoroughly fabricated.
The feudal rolls of England (Luis Rodriguez) are shortened by 1 fief, leaving merely 4 fiefs in allegiance. A fruitful season for France (rost), which addeth 1 castle to hold sway over 7 castles in all.
Abbey chroniclers note with raised brows that chancellors of Burgundy and England shared a cordial roast swan while their archers strung their bows.
Summer heat cracketh the clay of the road in 1426; men-at-arms loosen their gorgets and pray for a breeze.
LOST: One stout gray donkey belonging to the miller of St. Jude's. Answers to 'Barnaby.' Reward of two silver pennies upon its return.
| Power | Centres | ± |
|---|---|---|
| France (rost) | 7 | +1 |
| Burgundy (Неотор) | 5 | 0 |
| England (Luis Rodriguez) | 4 | -1 |