[DLV AAR] An Eastern Jewel in a Western World!!! Chronicles of a French Miserable.

[Boustrophedon]

Oh you do so spoil us with these updates artistic, interesting campaign, excellent writing...

[Shankbot de Bodemloze]

Ooh the Mauler has a plan

Looking forward to the showdown

Oh and "Mauler" bascially means to treat something roughly and kind of go for it head-on (with a blunt weapon)

[Radzeer]

Grrrrr, it is a bit annoying that you see everything in advance.

I'd like to say that Norbert is sitting behind me, conspiring about the plot...

Brutal cliffhanger... as usual. Now I am really looking forward to that bloody hot day!
By the way, Thomas of Kingsbridge? From the Pillars of Earth?

[la coupe est pleine]

Boustrophedon

Oh you do so spoil us with these updates artistic, interesting campaign, excellent writing...

Thanks my friend, and sorry but I don't think you will appreciate the end of this new chapter again.
Bastards keep being bastards...


Shankbot

Ooh the Mauler has a plan

Looking forward to the showdown

Oh and "Mauler" bascially means to treat something roughly and kind of go for it head-on (with a blunt weapon)

Not "a" plan, but THE Plan.
Thanks a lot for the little explanation, very clear. I can add the word "Mauler" to my restricted vocabulary.


Radzeer

I'd like to say that Norbert is sitting behind me, conspiring about the plot...

Brutal cliffhanger... as usual. Now I am really looking forward to that bloody hot day!
By the way, Thomas of Kingsbridge? From the Pillars of Earth?

As usual... Yes I know. I'm a bit ashamed about my writing behavior...
Oh, I didn't know "Pillars of Earth" but after a short research, I understood what you meant. . Brilliant knowledge my friend...

I have to read this book.



Thanks all for your so appreciated support.

[la coupe est pleine]

Exile (Part III)
Chapter CXXVIII : Hold the line

An de Grâce 1230 AC.

Kingdom of Spain.
The Duchy of Leon.

!!!Medieval Music to listen!!!
Current world...



Aide memoire:

Philippe's trips

Heroes...

Hello mates. I’m Philippe. King of the Kingdom. Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  Philippe Capet, adoptive son of the French King. However, my real name is Muhammad Sahadeddine. I’ve been adopted because of an amazing coincidence. I hoped to become a hero of Chivalry, and help the poor and the orphans. I know, I’ve read a lot of hero stories, but I was a dreamer… I’m 450 years old. I’ve killed the Pope myself, and destroyed the entire Papal States. Back in France, I became the rightful ruler of the Iberian part of the Kingdom. I raised some loyal troops and assaulted Paris and Louis. We had a battle, I lost my left hand and finally fought him during the Ordalie in Paris and won the crown. I destroyed the flemish Duchy, punishing them for the murder of Philippe Auguste. I suceeded to capture Michel and Charles who rebelled during the Paris Siege. I killed Louis in the Dungeon and after some victories against the English and Germans, I finally officially took the holy Crown After the death of my dear Margit, I went insane but succeeded to continue the fight against the English. Unfortunately, a Crusade had been called against Paris. There was no hope.... I exiled myself, trying to flee that Kingdom that didn't like me anymore. I killed Michel, my brother, after he came back from unknown lands to fight me. Charles. "Nephew" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  It is the first son of the king Louis the Merciless. He was supposed to be the rightful heir but because of Michel plans, I’ve stolen him the title. He rebelled against Louis and was thrown in the Dungeon. After being reconciled, he met me, and I agreed to let him the lead of Metz. However, that little snake made a deal with Michel and sided with the english hawks to kill me. Unfortunately for him, I captured the bad guy and threw him in the Dungeon, next to his father and uncle, before to sell him as a slave in North Africa. Clara. "Wife" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  It is my official wife. She is the daughter of the Spanish King and thanks to that marriage, I was considered as a real noble. She is definitely ugly and I absolutely didn’t want to sleep with her. Despite the nightmares, I made her pregnant and let her in Zaragoza. She gave birth to Philip, my first son. She is said having ordered the assassination of my dear Margit. Philip. Heir of the Kingdom "First Son" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  Philip is my first son, consequence of a horrible night I succeeded to spend with Clara. After being fat, he grew up better and was proclaimed the official Heir of the Kingdom. I ordered him to go to the South and kill his monster mother, when I learned the death of Margit. He finally refused and rebelled against the Kingdom, ready to kill my other sons to take the crown. Raoul. "Second son" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  Raoul is my second son, and the first I had with Margit. He was my Jewel, because he seemed much more natural and calm than Philip. However, he explained me that my time was over, since my mental disease, and took the power for him. I still don't know if it was a good or a bad decision. Sibylle. "Daughter" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  Sybille is my third child and my only daughter. She is the most beautiful and pretentious woman I've ever seen. She is a devoted girl for the Kingdom. She seduced and married Hensel Kasper, second son of the German Emperor, and helped to divert Hensel and his troops from the Crusade against Paris. She decided not to give me up, and went with me during my exile. Colin. "Third son" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  Colin is my third son. He is very young and just began his knight training. He decided to go with me, during my exile. Norbert. "Michel spy" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  He is the messenger who taught me the amazing news of the death of my father, and that I was the new Heir of the Kingdom. He is the personal spy, and old assassin of Michel. He killed my dear friend Charles de Bouillon and Arnoul, he even tried to slay me three times and is still hunting me. I hate him… Olivier de Beziers. "Friend" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  He was one of my loyal generals. He is quite as young as me and a very good warrior. Moreover, he is very clever and he helped me to convince the army that the Pope Alexander was an enemy. After some love problems we finally overcome, he is from now on my "compagnon d'arme". He saved my life twice, and was severely wounded by an arrow during the Ordalie. He is in the Holy Lands, in order to be cured by the best doctors. Bertrand du Guesclin "Friend" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  Bertrand du Guesclin is a local noble from brittany, who became the governor of Pamplona. He believed in my dream to found a new Kingdom and he became one of my close friends. He helped me more than everyone else to build an alternate Kingdom in the Iberian Peninsula. He led my troops at my side, and learned to enjoy the reality of war. As a true hero, he decided to stay in France and to fight the bastard Crusaders.

Dead Heroes...

Philippe Auguste the Chivalrous. DEAD in battle. "Father" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  He was my adoptive father, but also the French King. He loved the Chivalric Code, and enjoyed good tournaments. He was a wise ruler and French people liked him a lot. He died in battle, against Flanders, trying to defend Paris. Charles de Bouillon. ASSASSINATED. "Friend" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  Charles was the governor of Toulouse citadel and then the governor of Zaragoza. Charles was my only real “friend”. He liked me and I could trust him. He was not a warrior, but he was a clever leader, knowing a lot in the domain of diplomacy, economy and management. He had saved me from Louis’s sword. He had finally been killed by that bastard Norbert when I was away in Italy... Louis the Malevolent. KILLED in the Dungeon. "Brother" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  It was my elder “brother”, and the King of France. He was a very skilled and fearful warrior. He could be qualified as a “butcher”. He was my worst enemy since he raped and killed my first love Hélène. He engaged the battle against me near Paris, and lost. However, he suceeded to flee but we faced in Paris and he lost the Ordalie. For some years, he was no more than a destitute king, without hands and bowls, prisoner in the Louvre dungeon. I finnaly took the decision and killed him, in the darkness of his cell. Arnoul de Penthièvre ASSASSINATED. "Personal spy" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  Arnoul was my best personal spy. He was extremely experienced and played a key role in my chess game against Louis and Michel. This guy saved me when I was the prisoner of Baudouin, waiting for my death... After spending years leading my spying network, he had finally been assassinated by my worst enemy : Norbert the Bastard. Jacques d'Orléans DEAD in battle. "Priest" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  Jacques was a Templar. After years spent in the Iberian Peninsula, fighting heretics and trying to convert them, he had been promoted leader of the Paris Templar garrison. I met him during the Paris siege and he fought well beside me. He is one of my best friends, helping and advising me during my English Campaign. He had been granted the title of Cardinal, but unfortunately missed to be elected Pope. He died in the battle of Angers, after a brave fight in the middle of the strongest English knights. Margit. ASSASSINATED. "Secret love" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  She was my deep love. Nobody knew that, apart my close friends. She was beautiful and clever. She was a Hungarian princess. I spent wonderful times with her. She had given birth to our children: Raoul, Sibylle and Colin. She finally fell, poisoned in Paris when I was away. The monster Clara is said to be the one who ordered that tragedy. Michel. "Brother" KILLED in battle. Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  It was my second “brother”. He was one year and a half more than me. We were very good friends during our childhood, but it these happy times were soon definitely over. Michel was for long the unofficial leader of the Kingdom and ordered my death. When I came back in Paris and defeated Louis, he accepted my lead, but didn't lose time to betray me. I captured him and threw him in the Dungeon, and exiled him in Ireland. However, some reports said that he fled to the unknown West. 10 years later, he came back to fight me with some barbarians in Brittany. I killed him in a duel.

The Sun was high in the blue sky.
Midday. I would have never thought we would still be waiting…

I was riding with my son Colin along the first line of my army, motionless. Most of my soldiers were silent, focused on the horizon. The rare others were saluting me with firm voice.



They were ready. I could feel the power of their will.
Like a snake, my army was winding along the hill. A thin line of experienced spearmen.



Despite my experience, I felt a bit anxious. It was not a usual battle. It was one of the fights some soldiers were waiting for all their life.
The perfect opportunity to become a living legend.

I, Philippe the Mauler, didn’t need to be a legend. I was already a legendary heretic, and no-one in the Christendom was unaware of my fate. By consequence, there were hordes of generals willing to take my skin.
I was the target. I should not fail, I should not hesitate.

I couldn’t make a single mistake…
But this day, it was harder. I should literally create a miracle to save us.

I felt anxious, feeling my heart inside my hands, inside my feet, bursting everywhere in my body…



Suddenly, a shout came from the first line. A Templar was pointing at the distance.

- « Les espagnols, les espagnols… »

The bastard castellans finally decided to come and engage the fight. They had spent the morning making the so feared junction between the troops of the Rey Vermundo and the Leon garrison. They were outnumbering us by two, and even three, because of some peasants, pleased to take part of the slaughter.
And they were there. In front of us, deploying their wings to outflank us.

I heard their war shout.
I was used with Castellan, and felt the pride in the voice. They were confident.

I rushed behind my troops to take position, sending some orders to the commanders of the units. The tension increased amongst the army.
We watched the Spanish troops tearing down the Hill, running toward us.

I cursed. It was a shame not having bowmen or crossbowmen. The foes were a perfect target that moment.

The dry hill was covered with yellow and red, colors of those bastards. There were too many knights that I couldn’t discern where the King was.

My soldiers were still silent.
Still ready.

The Spanish were surely expecting a quick and easy battle, watching at our depleted troops.
I hoped so.

The first lines of foot soldiers climbed the hill, and stopped.
As expected, we observed the crossbowmen crossing the lines and preparing for the shooting.

We couldn’t reply.

And all of a sudden, the first volley reached us. Behind the Templars, I watched powerless my men avoiding the lethal arrows.

Some cries, some blood, some men falling. But not many.
We had the upper position and it was hard for the crossbowmen to be dangerous. The feudal shields were a sufficient protection.

For a while, we waited with patience. No one moved, apart from some wounded, trying to protect themselves behind their friends.

I motivated my men to be ready. Glancing at the Castellans, I knew that they would try to take opportunity of their cavalry. They couldn’t easily outflank us, because of the rocky landscape. Moreover, Colin and Hensel were leading small but experienced cavalry troops to forbid any try from the Spanish.
They prepared a frontal charge.

I bet that the upper position would help not to be crushed under the heavy steeds. If not, we would be dead.

My heart bursting, I watched them organizing the charge, then rushing against us, trying to keep their speed despite the hill they had to climb.
It was beautiful.

My soldiers drove their shields in the ground, and prepared their sharp spears. The muscles were stretched…

Just before the impact, the Spanish speed was not that high, and most of the horses reared at my first line. Some of my men were trampled, disappearing under the heavy steeds and their hooves, but most of them stand on their feet.



The fight had begun. Screams...
The French losses were not too high, and we succeeded to hold the line. However, a sea of men was running toward us, following their cavalry.

I kept behind my men, motivating them as hard as I could. It wasn’t sufficient. We were stepping back, irreparably.
The line was thiner and thiner.



I observed my men. They were professional and were efficient. More than 3 Spanish fell before any of my men. However, we were submerged.

We couldn’t resist.

It was the time.
I rang the retreat.

I charged at the foes. Looking at my right and left, I saw that Hensel and Colin were doing the same.
My men were rushing back, fleeing.



The foes, surprised by the simultaneous retreat of the spearmen and the charge of my knights, stopped fighting and didn’t advance.
We crossed my retreating men, and charged at the full gallop. Thanks to the hill, the speed was at his height and we crushed the defenseless Spanish. It was a slaughter.

Glancing around, I saw my last men fleeing from the first line.



I rang for the second time the retreat, and my cavalry rushed back, avoiding suffering too many losses. It was the only solution I found to protect the retreat of my infantry.

I turned back and saw the Spanish, puzzled by that unexpected move, and still not convinced about their victory.
Some of their lords shouted war cries and they all began to follow us. The hunt had started.

My men ran toward the camp, in order to avoid the deadly Spanish cavalry. Thanks to my counter attack, most of them succeeded to join the camp without casualties.



The last of them closely followed, but suffered some losses. It was a run for life.





I rode at full gallop, overtaking my men, to the North. Colin and Hensel cavalry did the same and joined us.
We heard behind a giant clamor.
The foes had reached the camp.

The pillage had begun.

I couldn’t hide a smile. Neither Colin nor Hensel.
The plan was going well. Very well…

[Maltacus]

So, will Philippe turn and crush them as they are busy drinking French wine? Or is he on his way to bypass the busy Castilleans to snatch their city from them? Very interesting chapter, and an unexpected tactic.

edit: @Shankbot
You were right about that.

[Shankbot de Bodemloze]

I actually think it's used in the right context, e.g. I was tearing down the hill at break-neck-speed. It implies they're traveling really quick...

Great update mate Looking forward to seeing what this plan is all about Trust you to have one!

Happy Easter everyone!

[Radzeer]

Unexpected turn of events, indeed. Nice battle narrative, but you had to stop in the middle of the fight again, did you?
I really like the pictures too, very colorful which nicely complements the Spanish landscape. Great job!

[Scottish King]

Another cliffhanger! Phillipe is taking a huge risk trying to pull this off but it just might work. With Phillipe anything can happen!

[Thokran]

It seems poor Philippe can't catch a break anywhere he goes! I wonder what plan he is hatching against the Spanish though?

Great cliffhanger, I can't wait to see how the battle turns out!

[la coupe est pleine]

I've never been away such a long time.
And unfortunately, I will just succeed to plan two more updates before some holydays I take.
But things are moving in the good direction, and the end also... Pfioooou.

Thanks again a thousand times for your patience and very appreciated support.


Maltacus

So, will Philippe turn and crush them as they are busy drinking French wine? Or is he on his way to bypass the busy Castilleans to snatch their city from them? Very interesting chapter, and an unexpected tactic.

The answer is coming then...
Nice pronostics. I feel the plotter minf in you my friend.


Shankbot

I actually think it's used in the right context, e.g. I was tearing down the hill at break-neck-speed. It implies they're traveling really quick...

Great update mate Looking forward to seeing what this plan is all about Trust you to have one!

Happy Easter everyone!

Thanks for the litterature help. Very appreciated, for the inexperienced french I unfortunately am.
Euh, fortunately sorry.

Happy Easter to you too. No I'm not THAT late...


Radzeer

Unexpected turn of events, indeed. Nice battle narrative, but you had to stop in the middle of the fight again, did you?
I really like the pictures too, very colorful which nicely complements the Spanish landscape. Great job!

Yes my friend. I stopped in the middle of the battle. For a 15 days break.
Even me find it ridiculously annoying.
I'm a kind of tragedy... . But I will eventually succeed.


Scottish King

Another cliffhanger! Phillipe is taking a huge risk trying to pull this off but it just might work. With Phillipe anything can happen!

Some day, your eternal confidence should be rewarded.
Definitely.


Thokran

It seems poor Philippe can't catch a break anywhere he goes! I wonder what plan he is hatching against the Spanish though?

Great cliffhanger, I can't wait to see how the battle turns out!

Yes you are right. He will never find peace.
I tried to help him, but he always refused, arguing he would like to make his name "epic"... Fool man that Philippe.

[la coupe est pleine]

Exile (Part III)
Chapter CXXIX : Heroes

An de Grâce 1230 AC.

Kingdom of Spain.
The Duchy of Leon.

!!!Medieval Music to listen!!!
Current world...



Aide memoire:

Philippe's trips

Heroes...

Hello mates. I’m Philippe. King of the Kingdom. Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  Philippe Capet, adoptive son of the French King. However, my real name is Muhammad Sahadeddine. I’ve been adopted because of an amazing coincidence. I hoped to become a hero of Chivalry, and help the poor and the orphans. I know, I’ve read a lot of hero stories, but I was a dreamer… I’m 450 years old. I’ve killed the Pope myself, and destroyed the entire Papal States. Back in France, I became the rightful ruler of the Iberian part of the Kingdom. I raised some loyal troops and assaulted Paris and Louis. We had a battle, I lost my left hand and finally fought him during the Ordalie in Paris and won the crown. I destroyed the flemish Duchy, punishing them for the murder of Philippe Auguste. I suceeded to capture Michel and Charles who rebelled during the Paris Siege. I killed Louis in the Dungeon and after some victories against the English and Germans, I finally officially took the holy Crown After the death of my dear Margit, I went insane but succeeded to continue the fight against the English. Unfortunately, a Crusade had been called against Paris. There was no hope.... I exiled myself, trying to flee that Kingdom that didn't like me anymore. I killed Michel, my brother, after he came back from unknown lands to fight me. Charles. "Nephew" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  It is the first son of the king Louis the Merciless. He was supposed to be the rightful heir but because of Michel plans, I’ve stolen him the title. He rebelled against Louis and was thrown in the Dungeon. After being reconciled, he met me, and I agreed to let him the lead of Metz. However, that little snake made a deal with Michel and sided with the english hawks to kill me. Unfortunately for him, I captured the bad guy and threw him in the Dungeon, next to his father and uncle, before to sell him as a slave in North Africa. Clara. "Wife" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  It is my official wife. She is the daughter of the Spanish King and thanks to that marriage, I was considered as a real noble. She is definitely ugly and I absolutely didn’t want to sleep with her. Despite the nightmares, I made her pregnant and let her in Zaragoza. She gave birth to Philip, my first son. She is said having ordered the assassination of my dear Margit. Philip. Heir of the Kingdom "First Son" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  Philip is my first son, consequence of a horrible night I succeeded to spend with Clara. After being fat, he grew up better and was proclaimed the official Heir of the Kingdom. I ordered him to go to the South and kill his monster mother, when I learned the death of Margit. He finally refused and rebelled against the Kingdom, ready to kill my other sons to take the crown. Raoul. "Second son" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  Raoul is my second son, and the first I had with Margit. He was my Jewel, because he seemed much more natural and calm than Philip. However, he explained me that my time was over, since my mental disease, and took the power for him. I still don't know if it was a good or a bad decision. Sibylle. "Daughter" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  Sybille is my third child and my only daughter. She is the most beautiful and pretentious woman I've ever seen. She is a devoted girl for the Kingdom. She seduced and married Hensel Kasper, second son of the German Emperor, and helped to divert Hensel and his troops from the Crusade against Paris. She decided not to give me up, and went with me during my exile. Colin. "Third son" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  Colin is my third son. He is very young and just began his knight training. He decided to go with me, during my exile. Norbert. "Michel spy" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  He is the messenger who taught me the amazing news of the death of my father, and that I was the new Heir of the Kingdom. He is the personal spy, and old assassin of Michel. He killed my dear friend Charles de Bouillon and Arnoul, he even tried to slay me three times and is still hunting me. I hate him… Olivier de Beziers. "Friend" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  He was one of my loyal generals. He is quite as young as me and a very good warrior. Moreover, he is very clever and he helped me to convince the army that the Pope Alexander was an enemy. After some love problems we finally overcome, he is from now on my "compagnon d'arme". He saved my life twice, and was severely wounded by an arrow during the Ordalie. He is in the Holy Lands, in order to be cured by the best doctors. Bertrand du Guesclin "Friend" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  Bertrand du Guesclin is a local noble from brittany, who became the governor of Pamplona. He believed in my dream to found a new Kingdom and he became one of my close friends. He helped me more than everyone else to build an alternate Kingdom in the Iberian Peninsula. He led my troops at my side, and learned to enjoy the reality of war. As a true hero, he decided to stay in France and to fight the bastard Crusaders.

Dead Heroes...

Philippe Auguste the Chivalrous. DEAD in battle. "Father" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  He was my adoptive father, but also the French King. He loved the Chivalric Code, and enjoyed good tournaments. He was a wise ruler and French people liked him a lot. He died in battle, against Flanders, trying to defend Paris. Charles de Bouillon. ASSASSINATED. "Friend" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  Charles was the governor of Toulouse citadel and then the governor of Zaragoza. Charles was my only real “friend”. He liked me and I could trust him. He was not a warrior, but he was a clever leader, knowing a lot in the domain of diplomacy, economy and management. He had saved me from Louis’s sword. He had finally been killed by that bastard Norbert when I was away in Italy... Louis the Malevolent. KILLED in the Dungeon. "Brother" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  It was my elder “brother”, and the King of France. He was a very skilled and fearful warrior. He could be qualified as a “butcher”. He was my worst enemy since he raped and killed my first love Hélène. He engaged the battle against me near Paris, and lost. However, he suceeded to flee but we faced in Paris and he lost the Ordalie. For some years, he was no more than a destitute king, without hands and bowls, prisoner in the Louvre dungeon. I finnaly took the decision and killed him, in the darkness of his cell. Arnoul de Penthièvre ASSASSINATED. "Personal spy" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  Arnoul was my best personal spy. He was extremely experienced and played a key role in my chess game against Louis and Michel. This guy saved me when I was the prisoner of Baudouin, waiting for my death... After spending years leading my spying network, he had finally been assassinated by my worst enemy : Norbert the Bastard. Jacques d'Orléans DEAD in battle. "Priest" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  Jacques was a Templar. After years spent in the Iberian Peninsula, fighting heretics and trying to convert them, he had been promoted leader of the Paris Templar garrison. I met him during the Paris siege and he fought well beside me. He is one of my best friends, helping and advising me during my English Campaign. He had been granted the title of Cardinal, but unfortunately missed to be elected Pope. He died in the battle of Angers, after a brave fight in the middle of the strongest English knights. Margit. ASSASSINATED. "Secret love" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  She was my deep love. Nobody knew that, apart my close friends. She was beautiful and clever. She was a Hungarian princess. I spent wonderful times with her. She had given birth to our children: Raoul, Sibylle and Colin. She finally fell, poisoned in Paris when I was away. The monster Clara is said to be the one who ordered that tragedy. Michel. "Brother" KILLED in battle. Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  It was my second “brother”. He was one year and a half more than me. We were very good friends during our childhood, but it these happy times were soon definitely over. Michel was for long the unofficial leader of the Kingdom and ordered my death. When I came back in Paris and defeated Louis, he accepted my lead, but didn't lose time to betray me. I captured him and threw him in the Dungeon, and exiled him in Ireland. However, some reports said that he fled to the unknown West. 10 years later, he came back to fight me with some barbarians in Brittany. I killed him in a duel.

After a little time riding along the hill, we entered a slope, between two arid woods.
I hardly had the time to turn my head that a little army appeared suddenly behind the cover of some rocky ditches.
Perfect.

My elite troops…

I joined the head of my soldiers, and, in a hurry, I shouted:
- “Mes amis,
Let’s rush and help our friends that are surely fighting hard to save their lives.
It is the perfect time.”

Like a single man, we left the place.



We couldn’t lose time, if we wanted my plan to work efficiently.
The goal was to take opportunity of the disorganization caused by the camp pillage, and surprise the bastard Spanish in a simultaneous and coordinated attack. We shouldn’t let them prepare a counter attack.

Seeing the eagerness of my swordsmen, I felt that I had my chance to win this impossible battle.



We run for a while, in order to round secretly the Spanish army, and attack their back. It was the best to surprise them.
It was an elementary war lesson.

I couldn’t express the pleasure I had when I saw the Spanish rear guard, disorganized, looting the camp, unarmed and defenseless.
I was a demon.
I was the Heretic Devil…

We trampled hundreds with a single charge.



The Castellans didn’t succeed to regroup. We were already striking them, from everywhere.
We kept organized, when they were without orders, having lost their generals in the pillage.
It was a child game to fight those looters.



The best was that because of the pillage noise, most of the foes didn’t offer attention to their back, and we were surprising them, again and again. I can’t remember how many heads I cut, how many bodies I pierced, how much blood I spilled in the dust.

Sometimes, the Spanish succeeded to make a semblance of cohesion, but they were no match for the heavy charges we offered them.
The giant slaughter…



Slowly, the Castellans finally began to organize a defense and I could see the knights surrounding their generals, raising their standard to regroup. I feared it would work. We were still largely outnumbered, despite our cohesion.

However, and unfortunately for them, the High Mercenary Commander Thomas of Kingsbridge fell in a trap with his bodyguards, trying to make some of his men back in the battle.
A unit of experienced French axemen fell on him.



Thomas was soon isolated in a sea of axes, and his men didn’t succeed to join him. They had no speed and couldn’t escape. I knew that eventually the bastard English would pay the price of his disloyalty.



I saw the blood covering his armor, just before his death, and I smiled. I smiled thinking of all the fools thinking I would fell against that famous general.
Like the others, he fell in my trap.

I was exulting.



Thomas pointed a last time his sword to the sky, like a praying monk, searching for pardon.
He died, an axe cutting his back.

I didn’t focus anymore on him. I had a battle to win and the job was far from being finished.

With my men, we cleared the camp from the last Spanish looters. We had lost some men but it was nothing compared to the Spanish army. Most particularly, one of their most famous general, Thomas, had already been slain.

I urged my men to continue forward to fight the first part of the Spanish army that didn’t stop in the camp.

After a little time, we stopped. They were in front of us, fighting.

We could clearly see some blue islands lost in a red and yellow sea. They were our spearmen, trying to stand against the waves of Spanish, waiting for our support.

They clearly lost lots of men. But they succeeded to keep fighting till my arrival, thanks to the schiltron defensive formation.

It was enough. I could attack the back of the Spanish.
That time, I knew they couldn’t win.

I sounded the charge and all my men rushed into the multiple melees.
The carnage had begun.

Some of my axemen succeeded again to trap some Spanish cavalry, killing dozens of nobles. My men were demons, feeling that the battle was already an outstanding victory.



I took sight of some Spanish cavalry and ordered to charge them. I would like to take care of them in priority, as they would be the first ready to organize and make a tough defense.
They were surprised and defeated quickly. We were heroes.



Still fighting, I heard some resounding war horns at my left. It was Colin and his knights charging at some defenseless but deadly Italian crossbowmen.
Those mercenary were foolish. They didn’t side with the good Kingdom that day.



They disappeared, flooded by a blue and bloody wave.



I smiled, relieved about my son abilities, and pushed through. I felt invincible and made my way through the Spanish to reach the Nobles. My men followed me and we knocked about their center.
That moment I remember hearing clearly the Spanish, shouting stupidly:
- “El Rey, el Rey…”

Indeed, the King Vermundo was there, in front of me, covered with blood.
He had been surprised by our attack and tried to escape with his bodyguards.



I roared, pointing at him, and all my men saw him.
A clamor spread all around. Vermondo was about to leave the melee and flee, when I was still trying to find my way out.
For a second, I feared I would miss him, like his Grandson Felipe. Fortunately, a good German was waiting for him.
Hensel was there, with a free unit of knights, and he trapped the Bastard King.



Vermundo was over, and he never had the opportunity to say a single word. Quickly surrounded, he was prisoned and brought to a safe area. My heart was beating strongly with happiness. It was more than I would have ever dreamt.

I glanced at the battle around me. I could discern the French troops, fighting with courage and ardor, and the Spanish troops, lying in the floor, destroyed by the Furia Francesa.
I had won.



As a symbol, a Spanish flag bearer fell at the same time.



Not far from me, Nicolas Bermundez was fighting till the death against some of my swordsmen.



He died, refusing to surrender. He was a brave noble.

At the opposite, the coward Felipe succeeded a second time to escape. We didn’t succeed to catch that coward.



The last of the Spanish were quickly slain. We had no choice. No mercy.
I was eager to celebrate that amazing victory.



Amazing was the appropriated word.
Nobody would have bet we could win. Surely not the dead. The thousand dead corpses, lying under the heavy sun.
The valley was a graveyard…



My men were as surprised as me, contemplating the dead.
They couldn’t believe their luck…



They were still alive.
The King of Spain was their prisoner.
They had defeated one of the most powerful western army.

They were already heroes. They knew it.

[Maltacus]

It was Norbert who told me of the plan.

Lot's of excellent bloody pics, excellent even compared to your other ones. The fallen standard bearer is my favourite. You always manage to find the dramatic moments as well as movements in battles.

Those mercenary were fool. They didn’t side the good Kingdom that day.

Shouldn't that be "Those mercenaries were fools/foolish. They didn't side with the good Kingdom that day.", or have I missed something?

Let's have another wild guess: The citizens rise up and fill the walls with militia in the name of Clara.

[Shankbot de Bodemloze]

They won! (Not that I ever doubted your Philippes abilty ) It was a great plan

^I agree about the pics, they are always taken at the right moment...

No worries about the literature help

Very appreciated, for the inexperienced french I unfortunately am.
Euh, fortunately sorry

As a fellow PhotoBucket user, what do you make of the changes? I'm not to sure, I can't find anything

Looking forward to the eventual Siege of Leon

Keep it up And enjoy your holiday mate, god knows I need one

[Thokran]

A great victory! But how long will Philippe be able to savor it until something else comes and ruins his day? One can only wait to find out! Keep up the great work!

[Radzeer]

Ah, what a battle! Great stuff!! And something tells me that there is still much more to come.
Meanwhile in France... ... or Rome...

[la coupe est pleine]

Maltacus

It was Norbert who told me of the plan.

Lot's of excellent bloody pics, excellent even compared to your other ones. The fallen standard bearer is my favourite. You always manage to find the dramatic moments as well as movements in battles.


Quote:
Those mercenary were fool. They didn’t side the good Kingdom that day.

Shouldn't that be "Those mercenaries were fools/foolish. They didn't side with the good Kingdom that day.", or have I missed something?

Let's have another wild guess: The citizens rise up and fill the walls with militia in the name of Clara.

Thanks a lot for this nice comment about the pics my friend. I'm not sure they are as good as you say, but I agree that a good angle and timing are extremely important to axpress feelings, or power.
Then, the editing is the second part, important but not as crucial.

I corrected my vocabulary mistake. Thanks a lot, even if I am conscious I did thousand others...


Shankbot

They won! (Not that I ever doubted your Philippes abilty ) It was a great plan

^I agree about the pics, they are always taken at the right moment...

No worries about the literature help

Quote:
Very appreciated, for the inexperienced french I unfortunately am.
Euh, fortunately sorry



As a fellow PhotoBucket user, what do you make of the changes? I'm not to sure, I can't find anything

Looking forward to the eventual Siege of Leon

Keep it up And enjoy your holiday mate, god knows I need one

As you noticed, I use Fresco, and I also increase the contrast, even if i take care not making the colors "too much colorful" (if you see what I mean ). I lower the colors in order to make them more real, and highlight the dust...
Nothing magic, nor dramatic, but I like the product.


Thokran

A great victory! But how long will Philippe be able to savor it until something else comes and ruins his day? One can only wait to find out! Keep up the great work!

How long?
Time will tell, and time will eventually have the last word...

Pitiful answer I agree.


Radzeer

Ah, what a battle! Great stuff!! And something tells me that there is still much more to come.
Meanwhile in France... ... or Rome...

"Still more to come."
Indeed, Leon is taken, and there are some people inside...
Then, well, you seem to already know the story... Eh eh...




For all : I will unfortunately be away for some long and distant holidays.
I couldn't update before the end of May.
Please forgive me. I would have loved to finish the story before May, but I'm really stupid, and don't succeed to manage my timetable.

Anyway, thanks for your eternal and very appreciated support.
I hope the end would please you...

[la coupe est pleine]

Exile (Part IV)
Chapter CXXX : Punishment

An de Grâce 1230 AC.

Kingdom of Spain.
The Duchy of Leon.

!!!Medieval Music to listen!!!
Current world...



Aide memoire:

Philippe's trips

Heroes...

Hello mates. I’m Philippe. King of the Kingdom. Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  Philippe Capet, adoptive son of the French King. However, my real name is Muhammad Sahadeddine. I’ve been adopted because of an amazing coincidence. I hoped to become a hero of Chivalry, and help the poor and the orphans. I know, I’ve read a lot of hero stories, but I was a dreamer… I’m 450 years old. I’ve killed the Pope myself, and destroyed the entire Papal States. Back in France, I became the rightful ruler of the Iberian part of the Kingdom. I raised some loyal troops and assaulted Paris and Louis. We had a battle, I lost my left hand and finally fought him during the Ordalie in Paris and won the crown. I destroyed the flemish Duchy, punishing them for the murder of Philippe Auguste. I suceeded to capture Michel and Charles who rebelled during the Paris Siege. I killed Louis in the Dungeon and after some victories against the English and Germans, I finally officially took the holy Crown After the death of my dear Margit, I went insane but succeeded to continue the fight against the English. Unfortunately, a Crusade had been called against Paris. There was no hope.... I exiled myself, trying to flee that Kingdom that didn't like me anymore. I killed Michel, my brother, after he came back from unknown lands to fight me. Charles. "Nephew" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  It is the first son of the king Louis the Merciless. He was supposed to be the rightful heir but because of Michel plans, I’ve stolen him the title. He rebelled against Louis and was thrown in the Dungeon. After being reconciled, he met me, and I agreed to let him the lead of Metz. However, that little snake made a deal with Michel and sided with the english hawks to kill me. Unfortunately for him, I captured the bad guy and threw him in the Dungeon, next to his father and uncle, before to sell him as a slave in North Africa. Clara. "Wife" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  It is my official wife. She is the daughter of the Spanish King and thanks to that marriage, I was considered as a real noble. She is definitely ugly and I absolutely didn’t want to sleep with her. Despite the nightmares, I made her pregnant and let her in Zaragoza. She gave birth to Philip, my first son. She is said having ordered the assassination of my dear Margit. Philip. Heir of the Kingdom "First Son" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  Philip is my first son, consequence of a horrible night I succeeded to spend with Clara. After being fat, he grew up better and was proclaimed the official Heir of the Kingdom. I ordered him to go to the South and kill his monster mother, when I learned the death of Margit. He finally refused and rebelled against the Kingdom, ready to kill my other sons to take the crown. Raoul. "Second son" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  Raoul is my second son, and the first I had with Margit. He was my Jewel, because he seemed much more natural and calm than Philip. However, he explained me that my time was over, since my mental disease, and took the power for him. I still don't know if it was a good or a bad decision. Sibylle. "Daughter" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  Sybille is my third child and my only daughter. She is the most beautiful and pretentious woman I've ever seen. She is a devoted girl for the Kingdom. She seduced and married Hensel Kasper, second son of the German Emperor, and helped to divert Hensel and his troops from the Crusade against Paris. She decided not to give me up, and went with me during my exile. Colin. "Third son" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  Colin is my third son. He is very young and just began his knight training. He decided to go with me, during my exile. Norbert. "Michel spy" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  He is the messenger who taught me the amazing news of the death of my father, and that I was the new Heir of the Kingdom. He is the personal spy, and old assassin of Michel. He killed my dear friend Charles de Bouillon and Arnoul, he even tried to slay me three times and is still hunting me. I hate him… Olivier de Beziers. "Friend" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  He was one of my loyal generals. He is quite as young as me and a very good warrior. Moreover, he is very clever and he helped me to convince the army that the Pope Alexander was an enemy. After some love problems we finally overcome, he is from now on my "compagnon d'arme". He saved my life twice, and was severely wounded by an arrow during the Ordalie. He is in the Holy Lands, in order to be cured by the best doctors. Bertrand du Guesclin "Friend" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  Bertrand du Guesclin is a local noble from brittany, who became the governor of Pamplona. He believed in my dream to found a new Kingdom and he became one of my close friends. He helped me more than everyone else to build an alternate Kingdom in the Iberian Peninsula. He led my troops at my side, and learned to enjoy the reality of war. As a true hero, he decided to stay in France and to fight the bastard Crusaders.

Dead Heroes...

Philippe Auguste the Chivalrous. DEAD in battle. "Father" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  He was my adoptive father, but also the French King. He loved the Chivalric Code, and enjoyed good tournaments. He was a wise ruler and French people liked him a lot. He died in battle, against Flanders, trying to defend Paris. Charles de Bouillon. ASSASSINATED. "Friend" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  Charles was the governor of Toulouse citadel and then the governor of Zaragoza. Charles was my only real “friend”. He liked me and I could trust him. He was not a warrior, but he was a clever leader, knowing a lot in the domain of diplomacy, economy and management. He had saved me from Louis’s sword. He had finally been killed by that bastard Norbert when I was away in Italy... Louis the Malevolent. KILLED in the Dungeon. "Brother" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  It was my elder “brother”, and the King of France. He was a very skilled and fearful warrior. He could be qualified as a “butcher”. He was my worst enemy since he raped and killed my first love Hélène. He engaged the battle against me near Paris, and lost. However, he suceeded to flee but we faced in Paris and he lost the Ordalie. For some years, he was no more than a destitute king, without hands and bowls, prisoner in the Louvre dungeon. I finnaly took the decision and killed him, in the darkness of his cell. Arnoul de Penthièvre ASSASSINATED. "Personal spy" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  Arnoul was my best personal spy. He was extremely experienced and played a key role in my chess game against Louis and Michel. This guy saved me when I was the prisoner of Baudouin, waiting for my death... After spending years leading my spying network, he had finally been assassinated by my worst enemy : Norbert the Bastard. Jacques d'Orléans DEAD in battle. "Priest" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  Jacques was a Templar. After years spent in the Iberian Peninsula, fighting heretics and trying to convert them, he had been promoted leader of the Paris Templar garrison. I met him during the Paris siege and he fought well beside me. He is one of my best friends, helping and advising me during my English Campaign. He had been granted the title of Cardinal, but unfortunately missed to be elected Pope. He died in the battle of Angers, after a brave fight in the middle of the strongest English knights. Margit. ASSASSINATED. "Secret love" Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  She was my deep love. Nobody knew that, apart my close friends. She was beautiful and clever. She was a Hungarian princess. I spent wonderful times with her. She had given birth to our children: Raoul, Sibylle and Colin. She finally fell, poisoned in Paris when I was away. The monster Clara is said to be the one who ordered that tragedy. Michel. "Brother" KILLED in battle. Spoiler Alert, click show to read:  It was my second “brother”. He was one year and a half more than me. We were very good friends during our childhood, but it these happy times were soon definitely over. Michel was for long the unofficial leader of the Kingdom and ordered my death. When I came back in Paris and defeated Louis, he accepted my lead, but didn't lose time to betray me. I captured him and threw him in the Dungeon, and exiled him in Ireland. However, some reports said that he fled to the unknown West. 10 years later, he came back to fight me with some barbarians in Brittany. I killed him in a duel.

It was time to strike again now, and the exhausted soldiers knew it.
We were ready to eat Leon, and we should be quick.
I ordered to kill the prisoners, but to keep only the Rey alive. The first massacre…

Leon was 5 miles away, and the Spanish deserters would have surely reached the city to warn their people. I ordered a forced walk. Despite their tiredness, the soldiers never complained. They were proud and would like to end the work, to achieve the victory.

Before twilight, we could discern the city walls at the distance. The soldiers roared of pleasure, thinking about the girls, the gold and the food waiting for them.
However, the Spanish didn’t give up and closed the doors. We didn’t succeed to enter and were forced to camp outside. It was a bitter night. We didn’t have the opportunity to celebrate the outstanding victory.
The Spanish dared to insult us from their walls, and their diplomats refused to let us the right to enter. They didn’t seem affected by the capture of their King. Absolute nonsense…

I spat in a camp fire that night, making the promise to punish such arrogance.
They knew they were over, and still refused to give in to me.
They were knuckleheads.
They were lost.

It was their last night…



Before dawn, we had already prepared more than fifty ladders. They couldn’t cope. They were just a few militias to protect the city.

Their fate was not glorious. At cockcrow, we attacked. They were overwhelmed and soon enough, the French opened the doors. My army was ready and flooded in the city.
The second massacre…

They couldn’t resist. The French soldiers spread terror and I didn’t prevent them. I thought those evil Spanish deserved such a punishment, after betraying France so many times.

I wasn’t very focused about the Spanish people. I was much more about Clara.
I was there for her. I made the entire move and faced great dangers to see her.
However, something in the air said she wouldn’t like to see me…

Right, she tried to flee the city. For a moment, I feared that she would succeed to avoid my sword once more. However, when I heard the rale of a beast at the distance, I knew she had been captured.
Some of my men brought her in front of me. I smiled when she was thrown in the floor.
She didn’t stand up.
She knew what was going to happen.
She was aware of her crime.

She would pay for it.

I didn’t touch her, as she was weeping in the mud, her clothes torn off.
I just had a word:
- “Get that hideous dog away from me.”

My heart was beating strongly. Even if I was supposed to be a Heretic, it seemed that their God was giving me all the cards to play successfully.
My laugh afraid me…



Everybody was partying all around that night. I wasn’t.
I was thinking.
Thinking about Margit and my revenge.
Thinking about the old and wicked dotard Vermundo.
Thinking about Clara and her fate.

Thinking about me, Sybille and Colin. About our future…



For a week, I kept Vermundo and Clara prisoned in the same little cage, in the city grand place. My soldiers were vomiting and peeing on her. Some others were throwing them some revolting filths.
After two days, it was difficult to remember they were human.

I stopped the show at the end of the week, happy and satisfied to see that cruel people do not manage cruelty better than others. I was still full of hatred against Vermundo and his monster daughter.
Vermundo because he betrayed the Kingdom several times, because he killed some of my loyal vassals, but most particularly because he changed the mind of my first son Philip, because he encouraged him to rebel against me, because he offered him some troops. In fact, he was the responsible of the dismemberment of the French Kingdom.
Clara because she was the assassin of my love, which was much more than anything else. I couldn’t stand to see her. She was the absolute evil and seemed to gather in my mind all the nausea I could have.
I needed her to die…

I needed them to suffer.
I needed it so much, so deep.

That night, I didn’t sleep. I went through the cell Clara and Vermundo had been thrown in, with two of my men. Two men without feelings…
The cell stank as death.
It was appropriated.

Clara was sleeping when Vermundo was praying, still awake.
I didn’t let him finish his useless prayer. I ordered my men to take her dad and to make him lying on a wood table, on his back.
When my men tied his member and body in the table, Clara began to scream. Useless, as prayers.

Vermundo lost his nerves when he saw my old Durandal, and pissed as an old senile dotard. He was frightened. However, I finally decided not to spoil the jewel with the blood of shame. I just sat in a chair and ordered my men to do the job.

One by one, they broke each bone of the old King.
Fingers, toes, hands, arms, feet and legs.
Clara didn’t find the strength to scream again, after having vomited twice.

Vermundo lost consciousness before to lose his last leg.
He had been courageous…

When I strike the final blow, his head rolled on the floor, and stopped in front of Clara.
- “Sign of the fate…” I slowly whispered, in a silent of death.

That scene had reminded me the death of Louis. Blood blood blood.
I was disgusted, but avenged.
Vermundo had paid his debt.

Another creature deserved his proper one.
As premiminaries, I ordered to hang the members and trunk of Vermundo above Clara.

All the night, the blood flowed on the witch that killed my love.
She was washed for the last time.

The morning, when I came to assess her state, her hair had turned white.
But unfortunately, she was still alive…

[Scottish King]

I...I...am speechless. Revenge can brng out the worst in people.

[Shankbot de Bodemloze]

Bloody hell mate, that was intense... and gory... vivid...

What has Philippe become?

The description was first-class and very detailed You've really outdone yourself.

Enjoy your holiday, and the wait will make the finish even more spectacular (and way overdue )

I'm, with as much patience as I can muster, awaiting your return...

EDIT: I was looking, and this started in May 07, 2010!