In a triumph that will resonate through the ages, England (Эльф ушастый) has established absolute suzerainty over every rival crown. Bells ring out from every church steeple in celebration of the imperial peace. The armories of England were decked with garlanded branches as townspeople gathered in praise. 'A stout heart beneath plain mail is worth a dozen gilded cowards,' grinned a veteran sergeant.
The triumph of England (Эльф ушастый) appeareth virtually unstoppable, its domain encompassing 11 strongholds against the victory threshold of 9 strongholds. Scribes in the victor's chancery are already penning triumphal hymns for the grand coronation. '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. A bailiff riding in haste from the river crossing testifieth that feudal hosts for the final campaign are already assembling.
A devastating strike by England (Эльф ушастый) has toppled the long-standing ducal garrison of Burgundy (Ivan Filonenko) in Dijon. Columns rode out from their encampment in Calais at first light. Town gates were breached after a short, savage bombardment. The local blacksmith reported brisk trade in straightening bent swords for the vanquished and polishing new spurs for the victors. Dismay seized the squires of Burgundy as shattered lances and bloodied banners were borne through the postern.
Grievous humiliation hath befallen Burgundy (Ivan Filonenko), whose ancient lineage over Flanders was shattered by the advancing lances of England (Эльф ушастый). Banners of the invader now flutter atop the keep amidst stony silence from the townsfolk. 'God defendeth the rightful cause, as our lances have proven,' asserted a herald of England. Confusion reigned in the armories of Burgundy, where smiths toiled frantically to mend cracked shields.
The defenses of Holland crumbled under the weight of an offensive unleashed by England (Эльф ушастый). From their fortified base in Strait of Dover, the warriors marched straight upon the objective. Dispatches report that the ancestral garrison of Burgundy (Ivan Filonenko) was completely overwhelmed. Chamberlains and castellans of Burgundy barred the castle gates in haste, dreading further calamities. 'The saints themselves rode with our vanguard this day,' declared a chaplain in the camp of England.
Bold strategic execution has brought 5 new holdings under the crown of England (Эльф ушастый). The impressive gains have compelled neighboring rulers to reconsider their defensive postures. The great bells in the cathedral of England rang without ceasing from nones until midnight. Bailiffs noted with dry humor that while high titles were won, the stray pigs in the bailey remained unclaimed.
Hostilities between England (Эльф ушастый) and France (Deathrun) have now ground on for 2 unbroken years, stripping the border manors of grain and livestock. For 2 full years, the two lineages have traded blow for blow. Moneylenders in the great trading cities quietly tightened their terms and demanded gold in hand. 'Earthly glory is fleeting as mist upon the fen, yet costly in silver and blood,' murmured a wandering friar.
A solemn mood pervades Luxembourg, where the entire royal court and remnants of Burgundy (Ivan Filonenko) have taken refuge. Reduced to this lone stronghold, the crown's counselors debate whether to sue for vassalage or perish behind the portcullis. The great seal of Burgundy was laid upon emergency warrants as the crown scrambled to steady the frontier. Scribes in the scriptorium sigh weary prayers as parchment must once more be scraped clean to redraw the borders.
Burgundy (Ivan Filonenko) suffereth grievous contraction, dwindling by 3 strongholds to leave a diminished tally of 1 stronghold. The feudal ledger of England (Эльф ушастый) swells with newly pledged homages, advancing by 5 castles to stand at 11 castles. The feudal rolls of France (Deathrun) are shortened by 1 fief, leaving merely 4 fiefs in allegiance.
Friars crossing the border whisper that a secret parchment sealed by Burgundy was carried into the keep of France beneath a load of turnips in 1426.
A red comet blazeth in the night sky over 1426; parish priests and astrologers argue its portent over small beer.
WANTED: Sound destriers and pack-mules for the king's baggage train. Must not shiver at the bray of trumpets or the fluttering of war-banners.
| Power | Centres | ± |
|---|---|---|
| England (Эльф ушастый) | 11 | +5 |
| France (Deathrun) | 4 | -1 |
| Burgundy (Ivan Filonenko) | 1 | -3 |