Beauport (formerly Matorea prior to the Bretonnians newest Errantry War), Border Princes, 2524 I.C.
Marceau approached Princess Sophia du Beaucamp who sat upon her large wooden chair, some said “throne”. Sir Augustin was sitting on the next level of the small dias down from her, where they sat on many days after the mid day meal to receive any officials that wished to speak with the princess.
And as was his manner, Marceau spoke softly, “Your highness, Dmitriy, le vendeur, is here to see you this afternoon with his report.”
“Marceau, my dear, please send him in.”
Marceau turned slowly, walked the short distance back to the closed oak door that served as the main entry into the antechamber next to the Great Hall, where over a dozen people were standing in line. After opening the door, Marceau motioned for Dmitriy to enter, and then after Dmitriy took a few steps inside and across the open space to meet with the Princess. Marceau closed the door again, and stood close by.
“Ah, my dear Dmitriy. It has been an entire season since your last visit, and what news do you have for me today, monsieur?”
“Your highness, I will start with where I have come from last, and then give you an overview of everything I have learned since we last met.”
“Very good, you may begin.”
“With Spring upon us all, Princess Nadia du Pont has ordered her Brasovian laborers back to work on the new abbey in honor of Sainte Therese. Also, the Knights of Sainte Therese have seen elements of the Black Company of Domzale moving east towards the Trebleca, and they seem to have moved into Charlerloi without a fight.”
The princess showed a slightly alarmed look as she replied, “Dmitry, dear, what has happened to Prince Andre du Montfort?”
“That’s a good question, your highness. The original council of elders is now back in control of the town, and Prince Andre du Montfort hasn’t been heard from. However, if I had to guess, with the bridge at Moslac, uh, I mean Charleroi, no longer in Bretonnian hands. Perhaps he has fled to Stryratia where he could find refuge with your cousin, Nicholas?”
“I see, yes, Prince Beaumont’s land might be one likely spot.” She stopped for a moment remembering how her cousin had arrived in the Border Princes long before various Bretonnian nobles wishing to increase their fortunes had begun the most recent Errantry Wars. Then she questioned again, “And what of the rest of our Bretonnian friends?”
Dmitriy continued his report, “Soon after Prince Alexander Dijonou’s death, his sister Lady Rosalina, now Dutchess of Arnalos, who has stopped calling the town Dijonville and is back to using it’s original name, has gone north into Wissenland. Rumor has it she is there at the invitation of a Baron Nathaniel von Pfiefraucher, nephew of the late Bruno, who also requested the presence of Graf Edric von Steinkhuler VI, son of the late Gotthold Steinkhuler. However, the burgomeister, Mayor Alonso de Rohas, went instead, and the Town Council of Arkendorf has sent their mayor Delt Naubeck, too. Also, a sizable army of Ogres led by one called Agrabog has stayed in Mortensholm over the winter, while the young Steinhuler continued last fall’s campaign to clean out his area of greenskins across and into the new year.”
“Hmmm … I never did quite no what to make of Alexander’s sister, and the new Steinkhuler is already proving himself to be quite capable for one of Imperial heritage. So Dmitriy, are you aware of what all of that is about?”
“Something about Olde Solland, your highness.”
“Oh, really?”
“Yes, your highness, although this hasn’t been confirmed yet.”
“Well, please continue with what other information you have, Dmitriy.”
“Prince Stephen Clemenaceau has produced a fine Cabanal vintage last year but he is now bottling it under the new name for his town, Charlesbourg, and by the way, I brought a case of it for you today.”
“Have you now, well perhaps I’ll try some later this evening.”
“Your highness, I’ve had the pleasure to taste some myself, and it show signs of maturing more fully in 3 to 5 years, so perhaps cellaring would be best.”
“Yes, yes, but we digress, what is next Dmitriy?”
“I’ve brought olive oil for you as well from Prince Alain Herriot’s harvest last year. He is concerned that his Chateau could be at threat if Luitpold von Jurgen moves further west. He has sent some light Mentreda horse bowmen to keep track of any such moves from the east.”
“Ah, Sir Alain, using the local soldiers who know the area, a wise move on his part. That leaves Prince George Chabrier, at Chambourg, and Prince Pierre-Jean Renoir at …”, Sophia paused for a moment, rolled her eyes, and then said, “Saint Pierre. Naming the place after his father still seems a bit much to me. I’m not sure the man would qualify for a saint back in Bretonnia.”
Dmitriy ignored the personal comments, for it was his practice to only express his opinions on such things to the Princess when she asked for them, but he continued, “Pierre-Jean has been very industrious. The abbey being built there, when finished, will be larger then the one for Saint Therese, but it is further along then the latter. Also, he has continued to grow the size of his garrison, with plenty of local Zenres’ having enlisted, when Pierre-Jean was paying them more than the former ruler.”
“Yes, the Renoir family wealth is exactly why the family was sent there, instead of anyone else.”
“Your highness, regarding Prince Chabrier of Somtek, erm, excuse me, I mean Chambourg,” Dmitry, was still sometimes having trouble with the changes in place names that had occurred as a result of the influx of Bretonnians due to their newest Errantry War in his homeland, “has had a bit of a problem over the winter with pirates that have been raiding and stealing from his warehouses.”
“Ah, well, that sounds like something we can get Captain Mardonia to deal with, wouldn’t you agree, dear Augustin.”
“Yes, my lady. That sounds like a wise idea.”
“Well then, thank you very much for your report, Dmitriy. I want you to do two things before going into the old Matorean Market to display your wares. The first, on your next trip through the region, ride safely, for it seems things could be getting quite interesting, particularly up north. And the second, have Marceau give you a few extra coins for being so thorough again as you head out the door. Do you hear that Marceau?”
“Yes, your highness,” and then Marceau reached into his side pouch for a few more coins besides the silver ones that had already been previously prepared in a different pouch for Dmitriy.
As Dmitriy headed out of the room, he saw the extra coins deposited into his hand were gold.
Once the door was closed again, Marceau noticed that Princess de Beaucamp had already turned her head towards the knight at her side before speaking, “What do you suppose we do about these events that we hear of happening in the north?”
“My lady, after we hear from the rest that come before you today, I will see to it that the Matorean Swords along with their detachments of archers and militia are instructed to head for Sainte Therese to bolster Princess Nadia’s soldiers. I will also send along some of the local crossbows, handgunners, and an artillery piece, along with the horse unit led by Sergeant Ferdinand Weisefecther, who I will promote to Captain to lead the expedition as well.”
“Excellent.” Then Princess Sophia turned back towards her chamberlain, "Marceaux, please send in whomever is next, thank you.”
By the way … most of these names and places are borrowed and can be found in relation to information available on the Border Princes and particularly from the madalfred website. Only Marceau, Sir Augustin, Dmitriy, Ferdinand, and Capt. Thaddeus Mardonia IV are my creations. (The latter being a descendant of Thaddeus Mardonia from the Crisis in Marienburg campaign, as well as a participant with Van Koschumberg’s Fleet of Fortune during the 2nd Araby Wars, A3 campaign, that takes place in 2527.)