Fortress de Tallebois

[RVFVS]

Henry nodded. His eyes were dark and had little emotion. However, there was a flicker of ambition.

"In return I must ask a boon...a down payment to ensure my eternal service."

[Captain Blackadder]

I have heard that you are moving to take York. Since I intend to take Durham for my own Bishopric I feel that us working together can ensure that these Saxon Dogs don't get any ideas above their station. Do you agree?

[Seanbox59]

Enzio bow low before the Earl, and says, in a a heavy Italian accent.

"I am Enzio de Venice, Captain of the ship the Dies Irae. I was once a admiral in the Venetian navy. Since my charter with them concluded me and my crew sailed North, to this land. I am currently looking for a lord to serve, Would you happen to be able to point me in the right direction?"

[PsychoticBarbarian]

Henry nodded. His eyes were dark and had little emotion. However, there was a flicker of ambition.

"In return I must ask a boon...a down payment to ensure my eternal service."

Ivo withdrew a small mercicorde from his sleeve and began picking his teeth...

I can offer you 400 Gold Crowns for now, at the moment my funds are tied equiping an army for a venture in the North...But I offer you great opportunity; A knighthood today, and for your service to me in my Northern campaign I may see fit to grant you land and titles...

[PsychoticBarbarian]

I have heard that you are moving to take York. Since I intend to take Durham for my own Bishopric I feel that us working together can ensure that these Saxon Dogs don't get any ideas above their station. Do you agree?

I grant my consent...I dont know how the news flows to Westminster but it appears that we are now brother-in-laws Odo, I have married the King's sister, Bernedette...

[RVFVS]

Henry nodded. The money was an add on, the knighthood was what he truly sought.

"That will do perfectly."

Henry knelt.

[PsychoticBarbarian]

Enzio bow low before the Earl, and says, in a a heavy Italian accent.

"I am Enzio de Venice, Captain of the ship the Dies Irae. I was once a admiral in the Venetian navy. Since my charter with them concluded me and my crew sailed North, to this land. I am currently looking for a lord to serve, Would you happen to be able to point me in the right direction?"

Fortune smiles upon you Enzio, I have many bannermen who would glady take your service. I dont believe my Lord Baron Hansen has taken any squires into service...Perhaps I may provide you with a letter of recommendation?

[PsychoticBarbarian]

Henry nodded. The money was an add on, the knighthood was what he truly sought.

"That will do perfectly."

Henry knelt.

Ivo snapped his fingers and a servant ran to the Hoard to retrieve the sum of money...Ivo unsheated the gleaming sword 'Devils Prick' and laid it upon Henry's shoulder...

Do you swear to serve me before all others? To share bread and wine with me in good fortune? To bare steel with me when surrounded by enemies and against all odds? Do you forfeit your life should you prove to be an oath-breaker? Your soul forfeit to the damnable abyss? Do you swear these things?

[Seanbox59]

Fortune smiles upon you Enzio, I have many bannermen who would glady take your service. I dont believe my Lord Baron Hansen has taken any squires into service...Perhaps I may provide you with a letter of recommendation?

"I would be honored if you would do that milord, I have some training in the way of the sword, but my true talents lie in that of the ocean, and naval battles."

Enzio smiles at his fortune on this day, and makes a mental note to thank god for what has been provided to him on this day.

[RVFVS]

Ivo snapped his fingers and a servant ran to the Hoard to retrieve the sum of money...Ivo unsheated the gleaming sword 'Devils Prick' and laid it upon Henry's shoulder...

Do you swear to serve me before all others? To share bread and wine with me in good fortune? To bare steel with me when surrounded by enemies and against all odds? Do you forfeit your life should you prove to be an oath-breaker? Your soul forfeit to the damnable abyss? Do you swear these things?

"I swear to serve thee, in blood and steel, in life and in death. My life is yours."

[Captain Blackadder]

I grant my consent...I dont know how the news flows to Westminster but it appears that we are now brother-in-laws Odo, I have married the King's sister, Bernedette...

This is indeed great news and worthy of celebration I would be happy once I gain my land and house to invite you for a grand feast.

[PsychoticBarbarian]

"I would be honored if you would do that milord, I have some training in the way of the sword, but my true talents lie in that of the ocean, and naval battles."

Enzio smiles at his fortune on this day, and makes a mental note to thank god for what has been provided to him on this day.

Ivo penned a letter of introduction and sealed it with the arms of the House de Tallebois...

Serve Baron Hansen well squire, for through your service to him you serve me too...God speed and goodluck, I am sure that we shall soon meet again...

http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=521082

[PsychoticBarbarian]

"I swear to serve thee, in blood and steel, in life and in death. My life is yours."

Then rise Sir Henry de Fontaine of the House de Tallebois...sleep well then make with haste to my encampment north of here on the border of Lincolnshire...and take care not to forget our arrangement...

[PsychoticBarbarian]

This is indeed great news and worthy of celebration I would be happy once I gain my land and house to invite you for a grand feast.

When the King's realm has peace it would be my pleasure your Eminance...

[RVFVS]

Then rise Sir Henry de Fontaine of the House de Tallebois...sleep well then make with haste to my encampment north of here on the border of Lincolnshire...and take care not to forget our arrangement...

"Yes my lord. I intend to see to it immediately. I have something special in mind."

Henry downed his mead, bowed then turned to return to his stable.

[PsychoticBarbarian]

I thought it sensible to get to know my fellow earls better. Since we aren't just able to keep to ourselves like in Normandy, getting to know one another seems sensible. We do after all have the rest of an island to conquer.

The most joyful of endevours, far more glorious then the tedium of tax management and flowery tourneys...

Ivo clapped his hands and refreshments were brought out; a pitcher of cool dark ale and a quarter wheel of apricot and walnut cheese...Ivo helped himself to a slice and turned the delicacy over to his fellow Earl...

I remember seeing the Mortimer coat of arms at a Tourney in Corbeil some years ago, but I do not believe I've ever had the pleasure of meeting a Mortimer...Tell me, where in Normandy does the House of Mortimer hail?

[Majonga]

And what shall happen if one of your other customers should request to use your services? Another Earl for example...

Ivo looked around the room to make sure no one was listening before leaning forward...

What if it was the King was poisoned against me? What if it was he who wished to despose of me? Would you then refuse?

Jean sat back in his chair once more, his cheek resting on his fist. Dropping his fist onto his lap he replied in a cool voice.

"I do not take contracts against my investors, It is my policy to remain neutral in a conflict of my investors, its bad for business to get involved in something like that. Should the king be poisoned against you then it would be my duty as his servant to undertake his word, but I would not lead the RMC against you, neither would you see your force furnished by my men either. That is the added benefit of investing in the guild, protection from your enemies."

Jean leaned forward in his chair.

"Let us be honest you and I, the less investors I have the better, obviously I wish to be able to take out contracts on everyone, the more people available the more possible jobs. However I need starting cash and I need support from the ruling men of the nation. As such what I need is a small number of investors whom I do not touch. You are the only other man that I would consider in this venture, as part of the King's council and married to him by blood you are a man worth supporting."

Edit: OOC: Oh I also decided since it was kinda unfair, that the amount you invest goes to paying your first levy of mercenaries. So if you invested, men would turn up for your northern campaign.

[PsychoticBarbarian]

Jean sat back in his chair once more, his cheek resting on his fist. Dropping his fist onto his lap he replied in a cool voice.

"I do not take contracts against my investors, It is my policy to remain neutral in a conflict of my investors, its bad for business to get involved in something like that. Should the king be poisoned against you then it would be my duty as his servant to undertake his word, but I would not lead the RMC against you, neither would you see your force furnished by my men either. That is the added benefit of investing in the guild, protection from your enemies."

Jean leaned forward in his chair.

"Let us be honest you and I, the less investors I have the better, obviously I wish to be able to take out contracts on everyone, the more people available the more possible jobs. However I need starting cash and I need support from the ruling men of the nation. As such what I need is a small number of investors whom I do not touch. You are the only other man that I would consider in this venture, as part of the King's council and married to him by blood you are a man worth supporting."

Ivo scratched his chin, beginning to understand the mans motivations and business model...

For near priority service and your personal garuntee that you shall accept no contracts against me, I can offer you 1000 Gold Crowns. On top of that I would sign a contract for a company of Mercenaries this very day...As a once off offer are you able to purchase this contract any cheaper then 20 Gold Crowns per man?

Ivo was prepared to haggle away at the man's bones to get every penny worth of value out of his patronage...

[Majonga]

Ivo scratched his chin, beginning to understand the mans motivations and business model...

For near priority service and your personal garuntee that you shall accept no contracts against me, I can offer you 1000 Gold Crowns. On top of that I would sign a contract for a company of Mercenaries this very day...As a once off offer are you able to purchase this contract any cheaper then 20 Gold Crowns per man?

Ivo was prepared to haggle away at the man's bones to get every penny worth of value out of his patronage...

Jean bared his teeth in a grim smile, now they were getting into the meat of the matter. "My lord as an investor It would be against my principles to have you pay more than 20 gold crowns per man. However, the Earl Mortimer has offered me twice that much as an investment. How about this agreement, An investment of 2,000 crowns and I shall personally lead 150 men to join your banners in the North?"

[PsychoticBarbarian]

Jean bared his teeth in a grim smile, now they were getting into the meat of the matter. "My lord as an investor It would be against my principles to have you pay more than 20 gold crowns per man. However, the Earl Mortimer has offered me twice that much as an investment. How about this agreement, An investment of 2,000 crowns and I shall personally lead 150 men to join your banners in the North?"

Ivo smiled casually, he was getting warmer...

I offer and investment of 2200 crowns; You shall join my campaign in the North with a company of 100 mercenaries, a further 100 mercenaries shall be stationed within my holdfast under my permanent employ, to do with as I see fit.

Ivo took a sip of ale...

As a token of my high esteem I shall offer an annual subsidy of 100 crowns...