The Royal Court

[Gandalfus]

My King Edgar. I wanted to first thank you for bestowing the title of Northumbria upon me. You are most generous.

The Saxon then pulls out a sealed roll of parchment, offering it to the King.

As a prominent nobleman along the English frontier. I took the liberty of examining the status of Cumbria... it is exactly as I feared.

The parchment revealed to be a report of the neglected state of Cumbria, ranging from the poor conditions of roads to the lack of defense and the immense amounts of unusable land due to the presence of marshlands.

I fear Cumbria will be a liability unless money and manpower is invested to improve its condition.

The King took it, and offered it to his hawkish clerk. The priest, after reading, offered the King a brisk nod to corroborate Northumbria's words.

"Cumbria is our border with Malcolm. This cannot be so."

Edgar's hands were crossed in his lap, and he began idly clawing at the wedding band upon his third finger.

"Osulf, you should see to it that this is remedied. Cumbria is yours to protect."

Your majesty, I understand your skepticism my liege the incident was quite miraculous, I had hoped you believe me at my word but I can produce witnesses to the incident. As for fealty I supported you after the battle of York, and visited you to discuss my marriage had you wished me to swear fealty again I would imagine then would have been opportune.

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The situation was tough, those lands belonged to Richard by right and though Richard wanted his norman lands he would be willing to take lands and titles in England as a replacement

Your Majesty, I will not besmirch the character of another noble especially a kinsmen but I can speak of my own virtues in the service of of the King. I have fought at the battle of Hastings, York, the meres, the second battle of the wye and I’ve assisted in taming the province Sussex after the traitorous Montgomery fled England. If this is not the true measure of a loyal subject i know not what is, no matter the outcome i shall continue to serve this crown faithful until my last breath.

Richard shows the King all the documentation, the family tree, lines of succession, etc.

There is no question my cousin is custodian over land that should rightfully passed down to me and my heirs.

Richard was understanding, he knew removing Baldwin would potentially send a back message to the other lords. In an effort to help his king he offers an alternative

your majesty perhaps we can come to an arrangement that helps us both?

"There will be no marriage, Warenne. You shall remain here with me, under guard."

Calmer now was the King's tone, but he still looked visibly displeased.

"I will send men to your household. They will find out if this story is indeed true."

Which it was not, but it could not hurt to be sure.

--

"Go on."

With a wave of the hand, De Clare was spurred on to continue.

[Xion]

The brothers de Tosny bow after they approach the King. "Your majesty, we have come to petition you to restore the Chateau de Counches-en Ouche that the vile Mortain seized from myself during his reign over the duchy of Normandie. I have brought several documents to back my claim." de Tosny's clerk presents the documents to a servant who brings them to the king to examine.

[Lord William]

Richard began proposing his idea
Instead of stripping Robert of Eu if his lordship which though legally justified would look bad publicly, may I suggest granting myself an English earldom and Kentish counties which would replace the provinces lost in Normandy. Rochester/Strood, Malling/Allington, Dartford/Eynsford, Gravesend, and Dover are all quite favourable lands

Richard hinting that those are the lands that he wanted and that he would be willing to drop the matter if he could have those provinces

[General Brewster]

"A few months, then?"

Answered the King, with a shrug.

Mowbray was contend. He had achieved for what had come. "Excellent your Grace." Mowbray bowed and left, he had much to take care of now. Ample security to make sure the royal persona was safe. He might posses the largest and most fortified stronghold in England, without men to defend it he couldn't guarantee the King's safety. Furthermore the hunters in Warwickshire needed to preform, with so much nobility waiting to make an appearance their stomachaches needed to be filled. This was the time were Mowbray could return to society and he would be damned if he did not take the opportunity.

[Lucius Malfoy]

The King took it, and offered it to his hawkish clerk. The priest, after reading, offered the King a brisk nod to corroborate Northumbria's words.

"Cumbria is our border with Malcolm. This cannot be so."

Edgar's hands were crossed in his lap, and he began idly clawing at the wedding band upon his third finger.

"Osulf, you should see to it that this is remedied. Cumbria is yours to protect."

I will see to it right away, Sire. It is unfortunate though that the Scots left it in such a state... perhaps that is why I have heard it said that Cumbrians are unruly.

The Cumbrians must have felt like guests of the Scots. It would take quite a bit of money to invest, but hopefully, it would be worth it.

It will take some years, but I will see to it.

Osulf bows his head once more.

I would ask, on the matter of the roads, should I collaborate with the Crown on that? Or would it better that I handle that on my own?

[Gandalfus]

The brothers de Tosny bow after they approach the King. "Your majesty, we have come to petition you to restore the Chateau de Counches-en Ouche that the vile Mortain seized from myself during his reign over the duchy of Normandie. I have brought several documents to back my claim." de Tosny's clerk presents the documents to a servant who brings them to the king to examine.

”Granted.”

Said the King, with a wave of the hand. Mortain’s proclamations would all be undone, in due time.

Richard began proposing his idea
Instead of stripping Robert of Eu if his lordship which though legally justified would look bad publicly, may I suggest granting myself an English earldom and Kentish counties which would replace the provinces lost in Normandy. Rochester/Strood, Malling/Allington, Dartford/Eynsford, Gravesend, and Dover are all quite favourable lands

Richard hinting that those are the lands that he wanted and that he would be willing to drop the matter if he could have those provinces

”I might be mistaken, but that grant of land would be much richer than what Eu makes in ten years.”

Edgar did not know if De Clare was just greedy or if he thought that the king would be easily fooled by such a proposition. He folded his arms.

”I will consider your claim to Eu, my lord. That will be all.”

I will see to it right away, Sire. It is unfortunate though that the Scots left it in such a state... perhaps that is why I have heard it said that Cumbrians are unruly.

The Cumbrians must have felt like guests of the Scots. It would take quite a bit of money to invest, but hopefully, it would be worth it.

It will take some years, but I will see to it.

Osulf bows his head once more.

I would ask, on the matter of the roads, should I collaborate with the Crown on that? Or would it better that I handle that on my own?

”I have little power north of York, especially in that unruly land. I shall leave it in your hands.”

[chesser2538]

"There will be no marriage, Warenne. You shall remain here with me, under guard."

Calmer now was the King's tone, but he still looked visibly displeased.

"I will send men to your household. They will find out if this story is indeed true."

Which it was not, but it could not hurt to be sure.

Act 1

Scene 1
A rider is dispatched to Merton castle where he is met by the household guards,

Rider: I am here to meet with Lord Warenne's family and steward.

Guard 1: Aye, and who are you that I should let you through?

Guard 2: Easy Gregory we do not know who he is.

Guard 1: That's the point Dennis.

Guard 2: He could be important.

Rider: I am, now I suggest you let me through, I have questions regarding de Warenne's whereabouts these past months.

Guard 1: Why he's been here of course.

Guard 2: Shut your mouth Gregory.

Rider looks to Guard 1

Rider: And he's been well?

Guard 1: Well enough to ride through these gates on occasion.

Guard 2: That's all we know good sir. You can proceed to the keep.

Scene Break
The rider now approaches a keep where a number of men emerge, among them the aforementioned steward. Rider approaches the steward who wears finer clothes than his companions.

Scene 2

Rider: Are you you a member of Lord Warenne's family?

Steward: I am his steward.

Rider: Excellent, I have been dispatched by the king to investigate the whereabouts of the lord these past months. Perhaps you can shed some light on the matter.

A frown crosses the steward lips before pulling back into a smile

Steward: He has been indisposed my lord.

Rider: And what ailment had stricken him?

Steward: I am not versed in the healing arts. Lord Warenne would be better suited to answer for his own health.

Rider: It must not have been severe, for I have heard he still made the occasional ride.

A bead of sweat now dots the steward forehead

Rider: In fact he must have been well indeed for a man who claims to have lied in unwaking slumber.

Steward: I... I don't know wha...

Rider: I would watch my next words very carefully, for they go directly to the ear of the king.

The steward was now visibly worried.

Steward: Please sir, I do not wish to betray my lord.

Rider: Would you rather betray your king?

The steward was now trembling with fear, perspiration readily lined him face.

Steward: Lord Warenne was here, he was well... I am sure he had his reasons for not answering, I urged him to go... please sir, he is a good man.

A scowl crosses the riders face.

Rider: Thank you, I will be on my way.

The rider turns and heads out of the courtyard, passing the two guard on the way out he nods. With a kick his mount bursts forward, back toward Westminster.

End of Scene

End of Act

[Xion]

”Granted.”

Said the King, with a wave of the hand. Mortain’s proclamations would all be undone, in due time.

"Thank you, your majesty." Raoul and Robert bow once again and back away from the throne, to be replaced by another petitioner.

[Lucius Malfoy]

”I have little power north of York, especially in that unruly land. I shall leave it in your hands.”

I shall do what I can for you, Sire.

[Gandalfus]

Following word from Warenne's estates, the Baron is taken into custody at Winchester until the King decides otherwise. He shall be kept in confinement and under guard, and given time to think upon his lies and oathbreaking.

[Mary The Quene]

"Where was he seen last?"

The King at least sounded sympathetic, though he was unsure what he could really do to help. Perhaps de Lascy simply needed someone to confide in.

"Perhaps I could send men to find him."

"Last time my tenants reported, he was seen leaving Lassy, my ancestral home, over a year ago." De lascy confessed to his king, he seemed emotional in speech. The subject was very sensitive for him clearly. In fact it had stressed him to no ends. De lascy always wanted his family to be in that perfect state of harmony like his late wife wanted, it seemed even that wish could not be fulfilled.

"Your Grace, if i have failed in my capabilities as father to my son then surely i am a failure as a landholder too, therefore i offer my lands to be returned if you see fit." The elder of the Lascy's kneeled reverently before his king, he never was the one after earthly rewards or glory or any such things. No, this Lascy took pleasure in the 'simpler' things in life such as family, God and charity.

[Gandalfus]

"You are a faithful servant of mine. Rise."

Commanded the king, with a gentle wave of the hand. His expression softened, apparently moved by the gesture.

"We shall find your son. I will send my men in Normandy to search for him and return him to you."

[Lord William]

A petition arrives seeking the release of William de Warenne

[Gandalfus]

The petition is ripped up and tossed into the fire.

[Lord William]

A petition arrives from de Warenne requesting the presence of the King

[Gandalfus]

Word is filtered back to de Warenne that if he wishes to be released, he should beg forgiveness in person. The King may visit Winchester in the next few months, and this would be the opportunity to do so.

[Mary The Quene]

"You are a faithful servant of mine. Rise."

Commanded the king, with a gentle wave of the hand. His expression softened, apparently moved by the gesture.

"We shall find your son. I will send my men in Normandy to search for him and return him to you."

De Lascy rose when his king commanded to do so, visibly touched by the king's show of generosity. He made a short bow as to express his gratitude.

"I am eternally grateful for thine help, Your Grace, this helps to lessen the burden on my conscience." Added De Lascy further whose conscience weighed heavily on his way of live.

[Lord William]

Word is filtered back to de Warenne that if he wishes to be released, he should beg forgiveness in person. The King may visit Winchester in the next few months, and this would be the opportunity to do so.

de Warenne spent the 60 days, repenting and recanting the act of contrition

Deus meus, ex toto corde poenitet me omnium meorum peccatorum, eaque detestor, quia peccando, non solum poenas a Te iuste statutas promeritus sum, sed praesertim quia offendi Te, summum bonum, ac dignum qui super omnia diligaris. Ideo firmiter propono, adiuvante gratia Tua, de cetero me non peccaturum peccandique occasiones proximas fugiturum. Amen.

[Gandalfus]

Eventually, the King arrived in Winchester. De Warenne was woken and brought before him in the audience chamber, escorted by a handful of housecarls. Edgar was sat loftily above the prisoner on the throne, looking down at the disgraced baron as he was led through the throng of courtiers to make his plea.

[Pericles of Athens]

About a months time after the Witan has closed Waltheof returned once more to Edgar’s court. He knew this would be his last chance to speak with the King until after the Welsh campaign had been concluded.