A Duke in Exile - Norman Camp

[Lucius Malfoy]

Present Location: County of Flanders

Exiled Court of Richard, Duke of Normandy

Richard de Normandie, Duke of Normandy Walter Giffard 'the Younger' Roger de Montgomery Alan Rufus Humphrey de Bohun Rainulf de Conteville Ilbert de Lacy

Army of Richard

N/A

Here is the small, but loyal court, of Richard de Normandie, second son of the late William the Conqueror, and rightful Duke of Normandy. Perhaps, even one day, to be the rightful King of England too.

[Lucius Malfoy]

With what few ships were willing to take them away from England, William Giffard had the captains lead the exiled party to the port town of Sluis, in the northern parts of the County of Flanders, presently ruled by Robert, brother of the late Arnulf and Matilda, who was Richard's mother. There, they were allowed to rest for a few days before moving south from there, towards Burges, where the Count of Flanders resided.

As they rode south, William would encamp right outside of the capital's outskirts to plan out with the other supporters.

It is my hope that the Duke can stay with his Flemish kin for a time before we move further south. We will have to work to ensure the betrothal between the Count of Vermandois' daughter still stands and that she is wed to Duke Richard when she is of age.

It would take some time to convince the Count Herbert though, thought William, as he agreed to only a betrothal at the time. There were still others to approach within the French court and in the southern parts of France. William had even considered going to the court of Aragon where his father had served and seeking aid from their Norman kin in Sicily and southern Italy.

We will need to be more careful than Mortain was... as well as more thorough with our preparations.

[Gandalfus]

"Mortain was unfortunate."

Rufus had returned to Normandy following his exile from England almost immediately, and had made straight for Flanders as soon as his affairs had been ordered. Alan's body had been returned to Brittany, escorted to their father's court by a few trusted knights. Amongst those who remained, Rufus was the the most experienced - a veteran of Hastings, the Wye, York, and the battle at the Meres, too. He'd seen both the rise and fall of William and his sons. The moustached Breton folded his arms.

"But you are right. We will have to bide our time, strike when this Edgar least expects it."

It had hit them hard to learn that Normandy had fallen and accepted this English usurper as duke. How could one man be so lucky and the other so unfortunate?

"The Norman and French counts would serve as good allies to retake Richard's patrimony. But we will need patience."

[General Brewster]

Richard had grown older, in body and spirit. He had witnessed the battle under the force of Mortain. Any fool could have seen that victory was not possible and now it had cost Richard his dukedom and his family all prestige that was gathered during the invasion of England. Richard was nothing but a titular beggar among foreign courts now. He felt lost and perhaps even depressed. What could he do? He had been confined for months and would have to gain the respect of those still loyal to him, who seem to be keeping him out of everything.

Richard slammed his fist on the table at the mention of Mortain. "Never again shall such a foul be permitted to hold lands or titles at my court, never again you hear me!" Perhaps this display of temper was not wise but it surely asserted himself within the room. "Mortain and his lackey's have done nothing but abuse my status and then proceeded to cut me out. Where were you my lords? What had this traitor told you?" Richard asked it was good to know where the men stood.

[Trot]

de Bohun was pacing back and forth twice he had gone to England and returned with nothing. It was done the cause of Normandy or at least his part in it. "Do what you want I want no part in another fools quest. I am done." With that he turns his surviving retainers departing with him. He made his way to the coast where he could find a ship. The Byzantine empire was hard pressed it was said perhaps there a skilled solider would be able to make a mark in a way that wasn't completely fool hearty.

[Mary The Quene]

"This cause is lost"

Everything from Hastings on went for the worse for the Normans. Incompetence had costed them all, even a fool would realize all was lost. Ilbert seriously regretted supporting this cause despite all the warnings of his father.

"Do whatever you want but it will be without me" Ilbert was not a diehard supporter, he'd always choose whatever best option he could take. With some luck nobody of note would have seen Ilbert fighting for Mortain and he could return to the lands of his father in Normandy in peace. He'd just whore himself there and enjoy the profits that his father would bring with him then.

[Gandalfus]

"They are no great loss."

Rufus shrugged as he watched them depart. Two men would make little difference in the long run. Now, he turned to Richard.

"My lord, we should begin currying support both at home and abroad. I am sure this Edgar has at least a few enemies with those who have designs on England."

William was not the only invader, after all. Harald of Norway had also tried his hand at claiming the Confessor's kingdom.

[General Brewster]

Richard looked on as the two traitors to his cause left. Perhaps this was for the best if they were to leave now they would have deserted in a future battle as well.

"I knew I could depend on you" Richard told Rugus, whom his father had placed great trust in. It seemed like the son was doing the same.

Richard stroke his chin "What would you suggest doing Lord?" Richard asked he was not very well versed in matters of state.

[Gandalfus]

"Do as Mortain did, but better. Find allies in Europe, and wait for our time to strike. Though many English lords chose to side with Edgar, not all of them decided to come to battle, and Montgomery here even joined us."

Rufus gestured to the other Norman, who had remained largely silent for the time being.

"We could send men to England, to gather strength there. As long as you live, Edgar's enemies shall look to you to oppose him. There is a chance, though we may have to wait before it appears."

[General Brewster]

"Do as Mortain did, but better. Find allies in Europe, and wait for our time to strike. Though many English lords chose to side with Edgar, not all of them decided to come to battle, and Montgomery here even joined us."

Rufus gestured to the other Norman, who had remained largely silent for the time being.

"We could send men to England, to gather strength there. As long as you live, Edgar's enemies shall look to you to oppose him. There is a chance, though we may have to wait before it appears."

Richard walked across the room. Rufus was right but these were not things Richard mastered yet. How could he, a young boy without a home persuade the lords of Europe to rally behind him? Perhaps there was one way.. one way to inspire the lords of Europe to rally behind the young titular king.

"Lord Rufus, you are an inspiration." The young king began. "I would ask of thee, should we visit the pope? God's representative blessed my fathers invasion. Should he not bless mine as well?" The boy wondered.

[Lucius Malfoy]

In the mean time, Sire, we should see to it that the betrothal between yourself and Lady Adelaide of Vermandois still stands. They are of little power, of course, but it is still a place far away from the English.

Walter felt they needed to get some distance between them and the English. Distance meant time that they didn't have before.

Perhaps we should seek out the King of France. I have heard word that Edgar waged war against one of his vassals, the Anjous, and outright annexed Normandy. I doubt the King of France is happy.

[General Brewster]

Richard nodded, happy that more people seemed to regain their composure.

"Would it not be wise to first visit the King of France then my Lord? Perhaps if he is indeed so angry with the English he is inclined to offer us a better marriage deal?"

[Gandalfus]

“You are promised already, my lord, but the King of Franks could yet aid us.”

Replied Rufus. There were plenty of potential allies to choose from.

[Lucius Malfoy]

We shall have to see about Vermandois though. Hopefully, he will uphold the betrothal. Otherwise, the wrong will be on him and we can speak to the King of the Franks about a better arrangement.

Walter had never understood why Mortain had betrothed Duke Richard to the daughter of the Count of Vermandois. He recalled courtiers stating that he wanted to tie the distant and rather unimpressive lineage of Charlemagne's descendants to the House of Normandy. They had no choice now but to accept it, but it was still a matter of seeing if Herbert would still be willing to continue with the betrothal.

[General Brewster]

“You are promised already, my lord, but the King of Franks could yet aid us.”

Replied Rufus. There were plenty of potential allies to choose from.

Richard struck his chin, hoping to come across as knowledgeable. Truth is that Mortain had decided so much about his own life that he simple did not know what had been done and what not. Richard was a man in his own right, but that right had been shaped by somebody else without his knowledge.

We shall have to see about Vermandois though. Hopefully, he will uphold the betrothal. Otherwise, the wrong will be on him and we can speak to the King of the Franks about a better arrangement.

Walter had never understood why Mortain had betrothed Duke Richard to the daughter of the Count of Vermandois. He recalled courtiers stating that he wanted to tie the distant and rather unimpressive lineage of Charlemagne's descendants to the House of Normandy. They had no choice now but to accept it, but it was still a matter of seeing if Herbert would still be willing to continue with the betrothal.

As Walter had countered Rufus before Richard could reply Richard felt easier. No awkward response needed to come from him now. Richard responsed.

"That would be a wise choice then my Lord. Shall we set out?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

As Walter had countered Rufus before Richard could reply Richard felt easier. No awkward response needed to come from him now. Richard responsed.

"That would be a wise choice then my Lord. Shall we set out?"

I shall go forth and speak with the Count of Vermandois on your behalf, Sire.

Walter would rather not have Richard in the grasp of possible enemies. Not that he was accusing Herbert of seditious plots by thought, but it was better to keep the lone contender safe from harm.

If all does not go well, I will seek an audience with the King of France.

[General Brewster]

Richard was bummed that he did not get to come with him. He didn't say a word about it however. He had learned that lesson..

"Very well my Lord, god be with thee." Richard calmly said, trying to be lordly.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Sir Walter approaches the residence of Lord Herbert of Vermandois one day, seeking an audience on behalf of Duke Richard de Normandie.

[Gandalfus]

Sir Walter approaches the residence of Lord Herbert of Vermandois one day, seeking an audience on behalf of Duke Richard de Normandie.

He is admitted into the residence of the Count of Vemandois, a wooden chateau set above a small settlement, surrounded by walls of stone. It very much resembled castles all across the continent, a style hat had been exported to England by William’s invasion.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Sir Walter approaches Lord Herbert, bowing his head before speaking.

My Lord, I have come on behalf of the Duke of Normandy, Richard de Normandie, second son of the late William. I have come on his behalf to speak on the matter of the betrothal, set up by your Lordship and the late Lord Mortain.

Walter considers his next words carefully.

My liege is eager to be wed someday. With Mortain dead, I have come on his behalf to ensure that that agreement still stands strong.