In a triumph that will resonate through the ages, Burgundy (Дмитрий37) has established absolute suzerainty over every rival crown. Bells ring out from every church steeple in celebration of the imperial peace. Banners fluttered proudly from the battlements of Burgundy as heralds proclaimed the glorious tidings. 'A bold charge at morning hath given us lordship until winter,' remarked a master of horse.
The ascendancy of Burgundy (Дмитрий37) has reached an alarming climax, having brought 9 castles into allegiance, with only 0 castles left to conquer of the 9 castles total. Foreign kings meet in hushed panic to stave off the inevitable. 'God defendeth the rightful cause, as our lances have proven,' asserted a herald of Burgundy. In the bustling towns of Burgundy, roasted oxen and casks of ale were set forth in the market for all comers.
Couriers riding hard with lathered horses confirm that the military prowess of Burgundy (Дмитрий37) has secured 3 fresh territories for the crown. Celebrations in the capital lasted well into the night. 'Our bowstrings were dry and our hearts were steadfast,' boasted an archer captain of Burgundy. Troubadours in the court of Burgundy composed fresh chansons in praise of the victorious knights.
Wandering minstrels singing at the castle gates recount that France (Keeper) suffered severe losses this season, shedding 3 castles to enemy offensives. The loss of provincial tribute threatens the solvency of the royal chancery. 'The lord who stretcheth his hand too far will find it severed at the wrist,' remarked a border forester. The local blacksmith reported brisk trade in straightening bent swords for the vanquished and polishing new spurs for the victors.
Vintners bringing wine-casks to the castle cellars declare that the banner of France (Keeper) still flieth proudly over Orleanais following the repulse of a major combined offensive by England (Perlidze). The attackers were thrown back with heavy confusion along their battle lines. 'The lines upon our sheepskin charts must be scraped clean yet again,' sighed a court cartographer. A pall of dread hung over the bailiwicks of England, where frightened cottagers shuttered their doors.
Riding a favorable wind, the seaborne columns of England (Perlidze) voyaged from Devon to Castile, where they made an unopposed landing amidst the surf. Shore watches could only observe the glint of iron from afar. Across the ancestral seat of England, the populace gathered in market squares singing hymns of thanksgiving. 'The crown that is won by the lance must now be held by the keep,' observed a venerable abbot.
All pretenses of honor dissolved in blood as Burgundy (Дмитрий37) turned its broadswords against England (Perlidze) in Calais. Dispatches describe the victims' utter bewilderment as former comrades struck them down. The court of England fell into sullen mourning, the musicians dismissed and black cloth hung from the gallery. It is whispered among the commons that while lords dispute great titles, the only sure profit fell to the armorers and grave-diggers.
The frontier between Burgundy (Дмитрий37) and France (Keeper) remains an open wound, kept bleeding through 4 years of relentless raids and castle sieges. The feud spilled over into Paris and Toulouse, where border manors were raided. Scribes have grown old copying the casualty rolls of this interminable feud. The court jester observed that kingdoms are traded for glory, but a hot bowl of pottage still fetcheth the greater gratitude. Monastic annalists recorded the events in quiet seclusion, wondering what tribulations heaven would send next.
A solemn mood pervades Orleanais, where the entire royal court and remnants of France (Keeper) have taken refuge. Reduced to this lone stronghold, the crown's counselors debate whether to sue for vassalage or perish behind the portcullis. In the market squares of France, the price of bread soared while men cursed the failed campaign. A village curé remarked that the prayers for peace were answered promptly by the arrival of two hundred hungry crossbowmen.
Revenues and tithes pour into the treasury of Burgundy (Дмитрий37), adding 3 fiefs to reach a grand total of 9 fiefs. Diminished tithes afflict France (Keeper), dropping 3 castles to stand at 1 castle.
It is muttered in the castle hall that France dispatched a gift of fine malmsey and falconry gauntlets to the grand seneschal of England. Rumours circulate among the heralds that France hath secretly purchased a hundred suits of livery bearing the device of England.
A gentle spring rain melteth the river ice in 1428, swelling the mill-ponds and heartening the ploughmen.
MISSING: One royal messenger bearing parchment under green wax. If found drinking in an ale-house, deliver him to the castle keep without delay.
| Power | Centres | ± |
|---|---|---|
| Burgundy (Дмитрий37) | 9 | +3 |
| England (Perlidze) | 7 | 0 |
| France (Keeper) | 1 | -3 |