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

**la coupe est pleine** · May 20, 2010, 01:18 PM

Game:
- You can see that an important Moorish army is on the North of Zaragoza. Do you think that they will attack Zaragoza or continue their way to the South?

PS: This important army was a Jihad one. It was the Jihad of Antioche. They suceeded to reach the North Italy whan the Jihad ended, because Antioch was taken. So they came back to Spain, and as you have read, attacked the French troops in the bridge (see the picture). They are composed of fanatics and a lot of Skirmishers.

Make your forecasts on the AI...

**Karnage** · May 20, 2010, 03:12 PM

A very short answer but I am sure it is a sure one. They are coming.

**Darkan** · May 20, 2010, 03:50 PM

Great update...waiting to see Philippe in action. As for the moorish army, they are going south....but through Zaragoza, unless Phillipe has another plan in mind...we'll just have to wait for that glorious battle. Phillipe, knight of mighty France vs. an ex Jihad army bent on the destruction of christianity. Ohh wait, Phillipe is not a christian. But he is french, and french great military leaders are forged in epic battles, against overwhelming odds, with heroic victories. So onwards Phillipe, strike the invaders and reap everlasting glory.

meanwhile, Louis sends a friend in search of Phillipe...

muahahahahahaha

ooops, sorry, got a little (more) carried away. please continue your magnificent tale monsieur la coupe est pleine and nevermind the ramblings of a tired, sleep deprived man.

**la coupe est pleine** · May 24, 2010, 06:39 AM

Hey,
I will be posting the new update this evening. Sorry for the long time. This week had been so sunny that I couldn't miss that opportunity, especially in Scotland

.

Thanks a lot Karnage and Darkan to keep following that story. It motivates me to see your support. You have made some different forecasts, so it is nice. The answer will arrive tonight.

Darkan

Phillipe, knight of mighty France vs. an ex Jihad army bent on the destruction of christianity. Ohh wait, Phillipe is not a christian. But he is french, and french great military leaders are forged in epic battles, against overwhelming odds, with heroic victories. So onwards Phillipe, strike the invaders and reap everlasting glory.

Ah ah, you have completely understood the difficult state of mind that Philippe is going to deal with. And be sure that it will have far reaching consequences.

nevermind the ramblings of a tired, sleep deprived man

I know what you mean.
[MyLife]
I am just sleep deprived too, after an amazing party week.

[/MyLife]

**la coupe est pleine** · May 24, 2010, 12:41 PM

Iberian Campaign (Part I)
Chapter IX : General Philippe

An de Grâce 1199 AC.
Royaume de France.
Iberian Peninsula.

Philippe's trips

Aide memoire:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

The next 3 weeks were spent walking toward Zaragoza. The famous and proud wealthy city of the north of the Peninsula.
- “It is French, but for as long”, I was thinking.

I’ve never been fighting in a real war before and I felt that these times won’t last. I could see in my soldiers’s faces that they were ready for the fight. The words of the knight who said us the sad defeat in the Ebro Bridge had spread in the army and they would like to avenge their brothers.
We were a little troop of less than a thousand soldiers but some other troops were expected to join us near Zaragoza.

The messenger knight was a veteran soldier. He made the rest of the way to Zaragoza with me and Charles de Bouillon. He was called André de Montfort. He was 45 years old and had fought in the Kingdom of Jerusalem for 5 years, before to come back in his lands. He was a warrior, and when the second crusade was launched against Cordoue, he couldn’t stayed in his little castle, and joined Louis’s army.

I strongly hated crusaders since my youth, but André was really smart. During the long talks we had together, he explained me the brutality of some fanatic crusaders. He was not shaped with the same materials. He had been in the Holy Land to find his faith, not to murder and steal lands. And he didn’t stay long there.

I was quite baffled.
The view of the world I had was simple. I thought to know who the bad were and who the good were. Before leaving Toulouse, I would have been delighted to know the sad fate of the crusade army at the Ebro Bridge, but since I knew that the prisoners had been shouted down with a cool head, since I met André, I didn’t know what to think. The world seemed so complex all at once.

We were one day walking far from Zaragoza when a huge troop arrived in front of us.
- “Who was it? “ I asked Charles.
- “I don’t know” he replied “it can’t be the troops let by Louis because we have met them 3 days ago. It should be the Moors. Prepare the army Philippe, we should be ready to fight those infidels”.

I suddenly felt anxious. I had never had the time to be experimented at leading an army and I could be ambushed…

I was riding to warn the officers when André de Montfort arrived beside me, smiling.
- “They are our friends Philippe, don’t worry. I discerned their standards.”
The old veteran was right. It was a heavy cavalry troop arriving to join us. They were a mix of crusader knights and cavalry sergeants. They were nearly three hundreds. The troop I was leading was completely made of foot soldiers. I was now leading one of the most powerful armies of the Kingdom.
The south border army.

These heavy and experimented knights came from Zaragoza, with bad news. The Moorish’s army had decided and succeeded to besiege the city.

The Crusader knights succeeded to escape the city before the Moorish’s arrival. They knew that our troop was coming from Toulouse and these knights were efficient in battlefields, not for defending a town street by street.

After long talks, they agreed to join my army and to be lead by my standard. It was a harsh negotiation, because they couldn’t believe that I was the King’s adoptive son, and the general of the troop I was leading from Toulouse. They were crusaders, and be led by an Arabic young and in-experimented noble was hard to accept for them. Fortunately, Charles and André were supporting me and Charles was famous for these Aquitaine’s warriors.

We decided to walk toward the city and try to counterattack, if the city had succeeded to bear the first weeks of siege.

The following morning, I knew that the fight will start before the end of the day. My thoughts were still focused on my beloved Hélène and that son of whore that was Louis Sans Merci. However, I knew that I should remember my old war taught I learnt in the citadel, with the contact of war nobles.

We saw the walls of Zaragoza before midday, the sun was shining in the deserted lands surrounding. We could clearly distinguish the Moorish’s army. They were still outside the city.
Soldiers felt stronger when they saw that the people hadn’t surrendered. They were becoming bloodthirsty, confident by the presence of the huge cavalry of veteran knights around us. The veteran knights were ready for the fight. Like each French knight of the kingdom, they would like to charge for the honor, when they understood than the Sarasin’s army was almost dismounted.

I was ready to agree, myself exited by a victory which seemed easy. That crucial time, André de Montfort came beside me ordering:
- “Not now Philippe. One of my general in the Holy land had made the same mistake years ago, and we were slaughtered because of the noble’s madness. We have the time to prepare well our plans, and they have discovered us.”

I glanced at the enemy’s army, and indeed, I clearly saw their spearmen, nearly hidden behind a small hill, between our vanguard and the rest of their army.
André was right; our powerful cavalry could have been trapped by those cunning Saracens.

Despite the protests of the crusader knights, I took my time before launching the bloody charge. As if I had guessed his plan, the Moorish general called back his troops, and organized them in the top of a hill. It was a field, the perfect area for my heavy French cavalry. I was delighted.

André, who had stayed beside me, whispered at my ears.
- “Here is the plan Philippe. They are convinced that their defensive position on the top of the hill is their strength. Let use it as their weakness. I strongly advise you to surround them with your cavalry. They won’t outflank you with their spearmen because they want to keep their position. Then, you just have to attack with your dismounted soldiers. They should hold the position until the cavalry could launch the deadly and final charge.”

I fixed him, quite stunned about his experience and the help he was sending me.
- “I agree André, go back and join your horsemen, sending them the message” I replied, thanks in my voice.

I stayed with my bodyguards. They were French knights. They were experimented. They were bearing old wounds.
Just my opposite.
I knew that I should gain their confidence. If not, it could be easy for them to let me without support, trapped during the first ambush.
But I was ready. Ready to play my fate.
- “I will win for you Hélène,…”

The Moorish were ready on the top of the hill, taunting at us. We couldn’t understand a single word of their snake language, but I could be sure they were claiming for our blood.

I glazed at them once time again. Then I brandished Durandal, blinding under the Spanish sun. The deadly jewel was ready.
And I shouted heavily:
- “Montjoie Saint denis, à l’attaque mes amis. Let‘s show to these desert snakes our French honor. I want your sword to be proud of you. Let’s save our friends besieged in Zaragoza. Pour la France!!!”.

I knew that I wasn’t the best to motivate. I used to be without charisma since my youth. But the army wasn’t waiting for a charismatic leader, they were waiting some blood, some gold in our foes pockets, they were waiting the glory…

And they attacked.

It was like the storm. Hundreds of war steeds were rounding the hill, hammering the ground with their hooves.
It was the first time I was part of a battle. And I was the general!

I was stunned by the beauty of this cavalry wave, ready to submerge the enemy. My heart was beating heavily in my chest, watching my foot soldiers, climbing the hill, at medium speed.
The moment they reached the foes, I heard howls, I heard the brutality of shields burst by the impact of an iron wave. I was petrified, and couldn’t stop watching the crucial point of the battle.

And then, a soft and continuous sound started to grow. It became a fantastic roar and I saw the crusader knights charging for the back of the enemy. The Moorish general and his cavalry started to counter-attack, but they were defenseless against the long battle spears, carrying the power of the horse. Their bronze armors exploded against the sharpen tips of the crusaders.
The poor Saracen general died outright.

I lifted Durandal and launched my bodyguards attack.
I couldn’t stay like a useless shrub in the field. And I arrived in the top of the hill. The foes were running in all directions, disbanded.

I didn’t need to raise my arm a single time.
No blow, no blood, I’ve quite been a spectator during this battle. I was not very proud of myself.
A bit ashamed, I caught sight of André.

He was alone at the middle of the hill. Standing on his steed, proud of the victory, proud of his victory. I smiled arriving beside him and thanked him for his help.
He replied:
- “It was an honor to fight with you, young prince. My brother has been avenged, and I can rest in peace now. It was my last fight. I am going back in my lands. Some fields, trees, and farms, are waiting for me to be improved.”

I tried to convince him to stay beside me. I would like to learn more from him. But his decision was irretrievably.

I was the winner. It has been a disaster for the enemy. Soldiers were proud of them, and proud of their general. It was more than I could have dreamed.

But I’ve lost a war-friend, and it was the only thing which mattered that time…

It was time to enter Zaragoza now. The celebrations would surely be wonderful…

**Espadas:Benson** · May 24, 2010, 06:32 PM

nice AAR

**Karnage** · May 25, 2010, 07:00 AM

Young Phillipe may have not bloodied his sword, but he was there to see the battle, a great victory and an even greater experience to learn. Sooner or later, he will fight. Great update my friend.

**la coupe est pleine** · May 25, 2010, 09:41 AM

Espadas:Benson

nice AAR

Thanks mate. I've started to read your French AAR also, and I liked the fact that you started with the game already played. It was the first time I've seen an intro like that. Well done

Karnage

A very short answer but I am sure it is a sure one. They are coming.

Well done for your forecast, you were absolutely right. You deserve some points soon

Game:
- Next Chapter, Philippe will learn a very very bad news and an amazing good one, I let your imagination play the game?

Next chapter:
Chapter X : Twist of fate

**Karnage** · May 25, 2010, 10:02 AM

Originally Posted by la coupe est pleine

Espadas:Benson

Thanks mate. I've started to read your French AAR also, and I liked the fact that you started with the game already played. It was the first time I've seen an intro like that. Well done

Karnage

Well done for your forecast, you were absolutely right. You deserve some points soon

Game:
- Next Chapter, Philippe will learn a very very bad news and an amazing good one, I let your imagination play the game?

Next chapter:
Chapter X : Twist of fate

Out of a pure guest, I would say the bad news his the King his dead which would mean Louis is now King, the good news maybe he was chosen Heir to the throne. But I have a feeling I'm off track on this one.

**la coupe est pleine** · May 26, 2010, 09:03 AM

Iberian Campaign (Part I)
Chapter X : Twist of fate

An de Grâce 1200 AC.
Royaume de France.
Zaragoza.

Philippe's trips

Aide memoire:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

I spent the last of the summer in Zaragoza. The weather was nice, and there were a good mix of population. Christians, but also Jewish and Muslims.
Charles was the rightful governor of the city, and he didn’t take time to be loved by the local population. He let the liberty of religion and of culture. Trade was increasing and the city prospered quickly.

The siege was soon forgotten, and the knights were kept busy by fighting some rebels in the region.
Some of my best memories are those spent with Charles, traveling all over the city, learning from the exotic goods, from some scientific Arabic discoveries. It reminded me the time I was learning Archimedes’s physics in the Paris University.
I thought about Michel and Philippe, the king. Maybe they had heard about my last victory, maybe they will send me some message of congratulation.

- “Maybe Louis has also heard about that” I wondered.
And I imagined an evil hawk flying on the Pyrenees, searching for a prey, searching for me. I could have won a crucial and prestigious victory; I stayed the target of the heir. And Louis was not the sort of man to be the enemy.
We were on September. If he still remained in Toulouse, he should wait the next year to cross the mountains. If not, he was on his way, and it was a matter of days.

But something was wrong: we hadn’t received any message of his arrival. I couldn’t understand what was happening in the other side of the Pyrenees. I had no news from France either.
Definitely, something was wrong…

One evening of October, the news arrived: a black knight entered the castle and walked straight forward until me and Charles.
We were planning some hypothetic attack against Pamplona. It was a strategic castle, protecting the west side of the Pyrenees, avoiding us the right to cross them near the sea.
Most importantly, we had neither citadel nor drill square to train heavy troops in the Iberian Peninsula. Pamplona was the last wall, avoiding us to invade the Moorish Caliphate. It was detained by an independent Basque noble. And everyone knows how proud and dangerous the Basques are. Durandal, my sword, knew that.
The count Rolland felt in a Basque ambush, in Roncevaux, in the north of Pamplona. I had a meeting with my fate there. It was written somewhere.

We were talking about that stuff when the black messenger rushed in the room. Everybody looked at him, chatting stopped. He advanced toward me.
-“Philippe?” he asked.
- “Lui-même” I answered, diverted that people now knew my name, since my victorious battle.

And the messenger told me 5 words I will never forget. 5 words more powerful than one thousand spears.
- “Our beloved King is dead!

Dieu ait son âme” he finished in a whisper.

- “Quoi?” I cried. “My father, Philippe Auguste?”

- “Oui, Philippe Auguste died in battle against the Flanders’s army.”

Oh là là, I’ve totally forgotten the Flanders’s invasion, because of Zaragoza situation and all the internal problems to solve after the rescue of the city. Charles glanced at me and I saw in his eyes that he had also forgotten these news. I understood why no news arrived from the Kingdom since so many weeks now.

- “And what happened?” I shrieked “Tell us the entire story! Where is Michel? Where is Louis? Where are those dirty Dutch whores?”
Blood started to rise in my brain and I took Durandal out of my scabbard when Charles stopped me, ordering me to listen.

The messenger told us the black and sad story.
- “Jehanin Maquereau was cutting the retreat of the huge Dutch army with his mercenary’s troops. He would like to start the fight, in order to liberate Paris from the Flanders’s embrace. However, just before he started the battle, our chivalric king left the city with his bodyguards in an attempt to charge the back of the Dutch foes.

Just before the clash, the evil pikemen returned their pikes in an attempt to kill the king, like a peasant, without trying to capture him. They were demons, they didn’t respect the chivalric code and despite Joyeuse and the powerful blows our beloved king inflicted at the enemy, his steed was killed by a sneaky dutch pikemen, before him to be slain like an animal by the foes.
Everyone in the field saw that terrible scene and I remember the smile on the Flander’s count face. The French army decided to wash their sorrow with Dutch blood and they had been all slaughtered. The count has been captured and quartered in front of Notre Dame. But it was too late. Nothing could bring back the life of our sovereign.
The Kingdom is in mourning. And the Pope hasn’t even tried to say a word against the Flanders’s county.
He should be destitute.”

The Pope!!!
This son of whore that Pope Alexander. I was now convinced that he had made a deal with the devil to destroy me. After being responsible for my father death, he was responsible for my adoptive father death. It remained time to blow away this papal menace. And I would be proud to do it. Durandal in my fist.
“Prends garde Alexander, I will be there soon to take care about you”, I angrily thought in myself.

And then I heard the messenger, which I had forgotten to listen for a while, because of Alexander III thought.
- “… and Louis is proclaimed king of the kingdom. He is on his way to reach Paris and claim the crown and sword of Charlemagne.”

All came in my mind in a sudden flow. I understood everything.
Louis couldn’t come in Zaragoza because of the death of the king. Once more, I was saved from Louis’s sword for a while.
Just for a while however because it was clear that he won’t forget me. Most particularly, he was the king now and Joyeuse in his fist. Louis was going to be more powerful than never before, and Philippe couldn’t protect me anymore from his grave.

I should raise some personal spy in order to know what he was expecting to do. Maybe, with a little luck, he could fight against Flanders, forgetting the South.
Maybe…

My fate was still under the sword of probability.
Again and again…

The black messenger suddenly cleared his throat. Seemingly, he hadn’t finished.

He stared strangely at me, with a semi smile, and started to proclaim the least expected:
- “However, the news of what happened in Toulouse, with your betroth Hélène, Philippe, had spread all over the royal court, and some powerful nobles has taken the opportunity to question Louis’s ability to manage the kingdom.”

I was stunned about the fact that someone talked about Hélène. I didn’t know that her rape was known and spread.

The messenger didn’t stop:
- “You have to know that some lords and counts have seen the death of our beloved sovereign as a way to increase their own power, and why not take the control of the kingdom.
Jehanin Maquereau, the war lord who saved Paris, is amongst them. And after his Dutch slaughter, it wasn’t difficult for him to convince the Paris people than Louis, the maid rapper, couldn’t protect them if the Dutch tried to attack again. He said them that he will return to the South, in order to continue his slaughter, better than protecting the French people of the North.
And they believed him. Louis was still in his way and his brother Michel was governing Rheims.
Louis has offended the Nobles and we could expect a civil war soon.

However, when Louis reached Paris, the Nobles made with him and Michel an agreement.
They said that the only thing to stay loyal with the French crown was to elect YOU, Philippe Capet, as the official heir of the kingdom.”
The messenger announced.

Just the second after, before I realized what it meant, he shouted:

- “Gloire au Dauphin, Vive l’héritier, Longue Vie à Philippe. Longue vie…”

The entire audience repeated his words together.
- “Longue Vie à Philippe, Gloire au Dauphin!”.

I was knocked out…

Philippe was killed…
Louis was in a difficult position, the kingdom against him…
And I, the adoptive Arab, was the new heir of the Kingdom…
WHAT? Mon Dieu!

It was far from being all, and I was expected to discover what happens next soon…

I didn’t understand why Michel was not the heir. What happened?

But I remembered suddenly the evil Pope. He was 60 now, not too old. And I was the heir. The power seemed to rise in my hands.
Take care Alexander, I’m coming soon.

The new century, 1200, was starting in a very original way. Everything seemed allowed and my fate changed because of a single message.
What a life!!!

Come on thirteen century, I’m ready to cope. I should say: “I’m pleased to cope…”

I was still stunned by the new, lost in my deep thought, when the black messenger grasp my shoulder with his hand and whispered:
- “The official has been said, let’s talk of the unofficial now, let’s talk about the real things”.

I nodded, surprised again and again by this messenger. And I invited him to come in a quiet and isolated room of the court...

**la coupe est pleine** · May 26, 2010, 09:14 AM

Karnage

Out of a pure guest, I would say the bad news his the King his dead which would mean Louis is now King, the good news maybe he was chosen Heir to the throne. But I have a feeling I'm off track on this one.

Woaw Woaw

+ rep + rep ..... You are amazing.
It's a shame that you have been the only player but you deserve all my admiration for your amazing forecast. I really wish other player could join the game to fight with you,...

Just notice that you have made 2 accurate forecast for the 2 last games.

Darkan

Too bad Medieval doesn't allow to change faction heir at will, that would have made an excellent story point at this time.

Can't wait to see what happens next though.

It seems that DLV allow such a good thing.

I admit that I was extremely surprised whan I saw that. It changed all my plans but I think it is a really good news for the AAR.

I hope you have enjoyed this update, don't hesitate to post your feelings about that sympathetic twist of fate.

**Karnage** · May 27, 2010, 07:21 AM

And I thought I was totally off track.

. Great update, it seems both your King Phillip and mine were doomed to die in battle. Although I expected it, now that Phillip is the new Dauphin, things will change drastically. Louis wont risk harming the heir to the throne although I doubt he will like Phillip any more. I expect Louis to send Phillip on suicide missions in the name of France. Sort of an unofficial way to try and assassinate Phillip while keeping face. I foresee troubling times for Phillip, he better be ready.

**Darkan** · May 27, 2010, 09:01 AM

I am on a trip right now so I don't have access to the internet, not as often as I'd like anyway, hence the reason I could not play the last game. Nice update, actually a more than nice one... I must say I am waiting for the clash between king and heir. I think it would be better for Phillipe to stand up to Louis instead of being saved by circumstances. Anywhay, that day will surely come. As soon as I will be able to give rep, you and your AAR are first on my list. Cheers!

**la coupe est pleine** · May 27, 2010, 06:41 PM

Karnage

I expect Louis to send Phillip on suicide missions in the name of France. Sort of an unofficial way to try and assassinate Phillip while keeping face. I foresee troubling times for Phillip, he better be ready.

Nice forecast, let's see if the "reality" is the same...
Most particularly, thanks for your strong support.

Darkan
As for Karnage, I like really your support and your forecasts.
I hope you will continue to enjoy the next events.

New game.
Game:
- Ok, difficult question. What do you think that will be the role of Michel?
Will he stay the friend of Philippe?
Will he choose the side of his elder brother and King Louis?
Will he make his own way independently?

Next chapter:
Chapter XI : A new puppet

Just make your forecasts. I will try to give reps to the most clever people eh eh...

.

**Karnage** · May 28, 2010, 06:48 AM

No problem, your story is very interesting, it is good to see another French AAR develops from another perspective

As for your game.

1: I dont think Michel position will change much, although he must wonder why he was not chosen Heir as he has french blood flowing in his vein. His friendship will widely depends on Phillipe position with him.

2: I think Michel will most likely stay neutral.

3: Same as 2. He will be Loyal to the crown, but wont take any part of France in fighting.

Much of the following truely depends on Phillipe reaction and action. If I may make a prediction out of game, I think if Phillipe plays his card right, he may end up turning everyone against Louis. Louis is already not loved. But that depends on Phillipe of course

**la coupe est pleine** · May 30, 2010, 01:06 PM

Karnage.

Thanks for playing the game.
Let's see what is the Michel position. In fact, he is not as passive as everybody could think...
Powers of darkness

Here is the next chapter.

**la coupe est pleine** · May 30, 2010, 01:06 PM

Iberian Campaign (Part II)
Chapter XI : A new puppet

An de Grâce 1200 AC.
Royaume de France.
Zaragoza.

Philippe's trips

Aide memoire:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

I was still shocked about the news, voiceless, when he fixed me and announced calmly:
- “I’m Michel’s messenger.
I suppose you are conscious that it isn’t at all the noble’s will to see you in the throne”.

I nodded, amazed by his sincerity and worried about the next thing he was ready to announce.
I was the new heir of the holy Kingdom of France, but this messenger seemed far more powerful than me, because of the contents of his messages. I realized that I was like a puppet, powerless, waiting for this guy to liberate me.

He kept speaking.
- “It is Michel will if you are now the current heir. He has asked me to announce you his plans”.

I remembered suddenly the old advices Michel told me years ago now:
- “The fate of a kingdom isn’t dealt with battles, but with diplomacy and management of people”

- “Charles, the only son of Louis, who is 15th years old, was supposed to become the rightful heir. It would mean that the power of Michel in the royal family would be lost forever. Michel knew, because of his spies, that he could take the opportunity to manipulate the nobles in order to take the advantage over Louis.
Michel doesn’t trust neither Louis nor his unruly son. He thinks that Louis is a brute fighting without strategy. And he doesn’t want to let the kingdom ruled by a brute.”

I nodded, baffled of the genius of Michel. I still had the image of a friend, but a coward, when I thought about my beloved brother.
This image was done now; Michel appeared to be so powerful and crafty. He was managing the country by his brain. I was suddenly worried about my brother…

The messenger didn’t stopped:
- “Here is the plan. Michel has succeeded to make Louis weak because of the noble’s rebellion threat, and he has forced him to proclaim you as the heir of the kingdom.
By that way, Charles couldn’t claim to be heir anymore, nor king in the future. Louis’s son is the real looser of the game.

And here are your orders.
Michel will advise you about what to do, about how to behave. He has asked me to make clear that he is the real ruler, and that you have to listen at his orders. Be careful not to disobey, because Michel is the only shield which protects you against Louis’s fury.
And you have also to learn that Michel’s spy network is one of the more sophisticated in the Christendom, so I have no need to advise you to take care, and to listen carefully what Michel needs about you.”

It was as if I was stabbed by a hundreds daggers in my back. I was Michel’s puppet. He had betrayed our youth friendship, and I had no choice other to behave according to his will.

The messenger finished:
- “My name is Norbert, and I am charged to send you the messages of Michel.
He just wants you to stabilize the south for the moment. He doesn’t want the south of the Kingdom to put problem.
Indeed, Flanders’s army are still campaigning and devastating the North of the kingdom fields, starving the peasants. More important, another Dutch’s army has just besieged Paris, and the king Louis is still in the Capital.
No doubt that the foes will be slaughtered…”

And Norbert disappeared, letting me alone in the room.

- “I am a puppet!”
I shouted angrily against myself,
- “Let’s see if I will stay the toy of Michel and the other nobles. They will soon understand who I am, and the Pope in the same time.”

Louis was powerless and I was the heir, but it seemed that I was in a worst situation than ever.
Maudit Michel…

I spent the winter in Zaragoza, with my old friend Charles de Bouillon. I explained him the trouble where I was. And this time, he found no solution to help me.
He just said:
- “Let them kill themselves in Paris. The longer you stay away from these plots, the safer you are.”

He should be right.
However, I wouldn’t stay passive. I knew that my fate won’t be earned by waiting, but gain with the edge of my sword. Therefore, I planned the siege of Pamplona for April 1200. The proud citadel and its dissenter people will be French before the summer, or will lie on the floor, for the eternity.

The troops were pleased in Zaragoza. Well paid, well trained, and they could benefit of the good standard of living the city offered to its people.

My strategy was to use the same army than against the Moorish’s.
I knew that the cavalry couldn’t fit for an assault, but this army was the only one of the kingdom which has some confidence in me, since the last victory.

The Pamplona soldiers were said to be skirmishers (They had kept their tradition of cunning warriors since Rolland ambush). I could expect a lot of arrows, javelins and other sharp flying thinks thrown at us.
It is why I personally took care about the armors our soldiers could use. I imported by convoys some mails armor from Toulouse. Fortunately, the East of the Pyrenees was secured by several military check points and no weapons were lost.

The month before the attack, some of our spies told us that they were improving their defenses, and that some English mercenary contingents had been hired to defend the city. They should have had some news about our preparation. I couldn’t count on a surprise effect. But I couldn’t afford to postpone the campaign, because troops were expensive to maintain, even if Zaragoza was a gold eggs hen.

April arriving, we started to march toward the citadel. I was expecting some ambushes. It is why I had hired some experimented scouts, but at the end, it appeared that our army seemed to worry them because we reached Pamplona without receiving a single arrow.

The siege was starting…
and this time, there were no André de Montfort beside me.

I sent some messages to the lord of the citadel. I would like to let them the opportunity to surrender.
The Basque General, named Mendo, replied that I should come to suck his bowls, in order to help him to think at the proposition.
They seemed to be proud. Sadly, we were also proud and confident.

Like an in-experimented leader, I thought I could starve them, and waited until May. It seemed more difficult for us than for them. The supplies were coming from Zaragoza, but slowly, and the weather was warm and dry. My soldiers started to complain about the time lost.
I didn’t know what to do. I’ve learned with André that I should keep my head cool, but I didn’t want to risk a riot.
“The heir of the kingdom with his army on strike”, it would have made laugh even peasants, and I didn’t want to lose my honor.

I was thinking hard under my royal tent when a well-known voice started to speak, behind me. It was Norbert. I guess he should have been a spy before, seeing how easily he could have entered my quarters.
My throat became suddenly dry when I was waiting for his news, or orders…

- “Bonjour Philippe, how is the new heir of the Kingdom?”
He said, irony not hidden in his voice.
- “I can see that you don’t lose time. Well, it’s not bad, and you seem to keep the South of the Kingdom calm and safe in those harsh times for the crown.
Anyway, I’m not here to talk about that.
I’ve better news for you”,
He laughed.

I stayed quiet, without moving. I could expect everything since all the amazing stuff this black guy said to me the last and first time we met. And most particularly, I was expecting the worst.

- “Guess what Philippe?” he asked.

- “Stop”, I shouted, losing my nerves, “you are neither the king, nor Michel. Don’t play with me Norbert.”
I threatened.

- “Oh là là “
He jeers. But he became suddenly serious.
- “Ok Philippe, you know better than me what you could lose if you try anything which hasn’t been decided by Michel, don’t you?
So, let’s stop playing and listen to me.
The first thing is that Louis is still alive, and the Kingdom stay upright and proud.
Another count of Flanders has been quartered in front of Notre-Dame. The problem was that this count was nothing less than Jan Van Vlaanderen, the son of the Dutch’s count.”

Norbert smiled, with Machiavellian eyes.
- “And the other problem is that Louis was on the place this time. No need to describe you what this poor Dutch has suffered before to be quartered.
I think he should have killed himself better than raising his sword against Louis Sans Merci, the “fearful” king of France.
This count thought that he could ambush the king by staying behind one of the Seine’s Bridges. Madness!

Louis and his dismounted axes-knights have opened the slaughter without fearing the Dutch’s pikemen. These poor guys have been carved by the powerful axes, and Louis had also his amount of blood.

Louis seemed indestructible, and his eyes were in fire because he considered those evil Dutch as responsible for the death of his father, for the rebellion he is going to face, for you to become the heir instead of his son.
(Norbert smiled at me again)
He was really blood-thirsty and I don’t think Joyeuse has seen so much blood on its edge since Charlemagne.
I really wouldn’t like to be his enemy”,
He added, keeping his irony against me.

I was frightened about these news. Louis could have been challenged by Michel and the Nobles, but he stayed the fearful warrior he has always been.
What could I do against his strength?
What could do Durandal against Joyeuse?
It is always the same.
I’m still facing a danger more powerful…

Apparently, Norbert hadn’t finished. His disaster bag was not empty…
And I was sure it was a more personal disaster. He couldn’t have come to see me just to talk about Louis.
I clenched my fists and take a huge breath, ready to cope with what should happen…

**Karnage** · May 31, 2010, 07:31 AM

Scheming little Michel. Not surprised though, he has all the cards in his hand. Because he was smart enough to scheme this whole plot, +1 rep to Michel.

**la coupe est pleine** · June 01, 2010, 02:52 PM

Originally Posted by Karnage

Scheming little Michel. Not surprised though, he has all the cards in his hand. Because he was smart enough to scheme this whole plot, +1 rep to Michel.

Ah ah

, Michel has a supporter so.
Indeed, this Michel is clever, even if he is a real coward.

Here is the next chapter

**la coupe est pleine** · June 01, 2010, 02:53 PM

Iberian Campaign (Part II)
Chapter XII : Alexander and his Crusades

An de Grâce 1202 AC.
Iberian Peninsula.
Pamplona.

Philippe's trips

Aide memoire:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

Hello mates.
I’m Philippe.
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 hope to become soon a hero of Chivalry, and help the poor and the orphans.
I know, I’ve read a lot of hero stories, but I’m a dreamer…
I’m 22 years old and I am the Heir of the Kingdom, after the death of my father. I still can’t believe it…
I’ve just decided to besiege Pamplona.

Louis the Merciless.
KING of the Kingdom.
It is my elder “brother”, and the new King of France.
He is a very skilled and fearful warrior. He can be qualified as a “butcher”.
He is my worst enemy since he raped and killed my first love Hélène.
He is now back in Paris, but meet some difficulties with rebel nobles. His authority is very low.

Michel.
It is my second “brother”. He is one year and a half more than me.
We were very good friends during our childhood, but it seems that these happy times are over.
Michel is the new unofficial leader of the Kingdom, because he had managed to use the lords as a tool to take the command of the Kingdom, against Louis. I’m the heir just because of his will.
He is working in the shadows and is potentially more dangerous than Louis himself.

Charles de Bouillon.
Charles was the governor of Toulouse citadel and is now the new governor of Zaragoza.
Charles is my only real “friend”. He likes me and I think I can trust him.
He is not a warrior, but he is a clever leader, knowing a lot in the domain of diplomacy, economy and management.
He has saved me from Louis’s sword.

Philippe Auguste the Chivalrous.
DEAD in battle.
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.

Norbert.
He is the messenger who just taught me the amazing news of the death of my father, and that I’m the new Heir of the Kingdom.
He is the personal spy, and maybe assassin of Michel. He is sending me Michel orders.
I hate him…

Norbert smiled, silently, and began to talk.
- “Philippe, you have been awarded of a great honor. Since the news of the Flanders’s heir torture, the Pope doesn’t seem to like very well our Kingdom, and his lord…
Fortunately, he hadn’t seen you ah ah ah!”
Norbert laughed.

I knew clearly that he was thinking about my tanned skin. I didn’t answer to the incitement, it was useless.

- “Therefore, he has decided that we should do some effort. I should say, he has asked for the heir of our Kingdom to do some effort.”

I was stunned, what was meaning this bastard?
The bastard Norbert kept speaking.
- “The Pope has asked you to raise an army and go in Crusade against Medina, which is owned by the Desert Tribes.”
And he stopped, staring at me, waiting for my reaction…

I was definitely baffled…
What the fu-ck this Norbert! He is sending me unbelievable news, and each time it is more unbelievable. When could he stop that business?

Maybe the next time he will announce me that I’m the hidden son of Genghis Khan, or maybe the new messenger of God.

I didn’t react directly. My brain couldn’t accept what Norbert was meaning.
I, the heir of the Kingdom, should raise a Crusader army to kill at the opposite side of the world some infidels that I don’t even know what the name of their Kingdom is.
I, maybe one of the people who hate the most the Pope for his crusades, should be his representative for achieving his bloody job.

It was the worst joke I’ve ever heard.
Even troubadours of the Kingdom couldn’t tell such an irony story.

I was supposed to fight what I loved, and protect what I hated…
I started to weep slowly, my head between my hands.

It wasn’t tears of sorrow, it was tears of rage. The rage against that bowl sucker of Alexander.
I will find a way to avenge that.

And suddenly, the answer started to light up in my mind. Yeah it was clear.
Clear and powerful.
I left the royal tent, laughing like a fool. Like a furious fool. Staring at the sky, thrown in my knees, and weeping, weeping again and again.
The joy flooding into my corpse.
I was powerful: I had the solution!
From now on, I won’t be the puppet of the world irony, I will be the irony maker, the irony master.

“I will make the Pope slaughtered by his own holy warriors, his own fanatics, his own power.
I will make the Pope slain by himself.”

I had the solution.
It was like the world was suddenly showing how things were moving together. The world was showing me its deep harmony and I could link the strengths with the weaknesses. Issues were interlinked and I was sent the power to manipulate and understand the flow of universe.

That day, the Pope became my puppet. He seemed so weak in his little papal state. And a crusader army seemed so powerful in those dark days of madness, fight and fanaticism.

Norbert was puzzled about my insane reaction. When I recovered my serious, he asked:
- “What are your plans Philippe?”

- “It’s alright!” I replied.
“Still a great pleasure to slaughter those infidels. You can announce the Kingdom, the King, the Pope and the World that I am raising a crusader army.”
I was still smiling.

- “Good decision. Michel wanted you to do this Crusade. He plans to use that in order to stabilize the Kingdom and the unruly lords.
I wish you good luck and I should come back to see you soon. Try to win your siege before, and stay alive bien sûr”
He laughed a last time before silently disappearing in the camp.

I stayed alone.
This day, the young chivalric and noble knight who was sleeping deep in me died. From now on, I was corrupted forever, because of all the madness living around me since too many years.
Definitely, this world was not created for dreamers and heroes. This world was the shadow of darkness…

Several days later, I started to understand the intelligence power of my dark brother, and how he could manipulate both me and the Pope.
He was the Grand Master of the Temple since the death of Philippe.

And he would like to stabilize the Kingdom, as said me Norbert. He was right, the best thing was to launch a Crusade to achieve the unification of people. And he was right again, I was the ideal target to be sent there.

I was convinced that he had succeeded to influence the old Pope to launch the Crusade. The Grand Master of the Temple is well known for his bribe and spy power, well known for his strength in the Holy Land.
Definitely, Michel shouldn’t have fought too hard to manipulate the Pope.
Now, the Kingdom would surely gather around the King to support him for fighting against the infidels. Michel will be the unofficial but real leader of the Kingdom after that. With Louis and the Nobles opposed and self-annihilated by their struggles.

Moreover, Michel could expect me to be out of the internal affairs of the Kingdom.
Even better, he could expect me to be disgraced if I couldn’t succeed to capture Medina. He could also expect me to be killed during that campaign.

At the best, I would spend there 10 years, if I succeed to win and come back.
Everybody knows that Medina is far in the Muslims lands. The Romans themselves hadn’t succeeded to reach and rule the Holy City. Medina is far in the Desert also.
It was clear that this Crusade was not thought to be succeeded. This Crusade was thought to bury a man, to bury a possible source of power, to bury an enemy.

This Crusade was thought by Michel to get rid of me…

I was stunned by my thoughts, and I agreed that Michel was a genius. A dark one however. And it seemed that I was not anymore his young friend and brother.

Michel…
He was just 24, one year and a half more than me, but already a power in Europe. He was said having lost his hair, because of dark and plot night, I supposed.

However, the thing Michel has forgotten is my hatred for the bastard Alexander, this heretic and lazy Pope, wealthier than never before, lying in the dust all day…

And Michel couldn’t have planned that I could become more cunning than him.
Maybe it was my real fate…

The news of my Crusade spread quickly across the Kingdom. In less than 2 months, knights and nobles, mostly from the South of France, arrived around Pamplona, wanting to join my Crusade. They were coming with their steeds and armors. They were used warriors, fearless, wanting to gain their ticket for heaven.
Others came also. A lot of common warriors, wanting their part of heaven too. It was an important reinforcement because I needed a lot of foot soldiers in order to capture Pamplona, still unruly.

It was the first part of my plan: winning an easy and prestigious victory, thanks to the strength and fanaticism of the holy warriors. This victory will be very important for increasing my reputation of invincible general.
Then, it will be less hard to convince soldiers who have faith in me to walk toward Rome, the “eternal city”. I clearly knew that it was the crucial point: succeeding to convince Pope’s warriors to fight against him. I couldn’t afford to make a single mistake.
Pamplona twinkling victory was supposed to offer me the keys to start the Rome’s final fight.

I was ready and confident. I was thinking so…

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