The Kings Castle - The White Tower

[Raglan]

King Richard I

The Lords of the Realm

Earl Leicester - Laurence de Beaumont - Adamat
Baron Carlisle - Richard de Lacquartier - Mors (Gainsey)
Baron Bedford - Henri Vaux - Captain Blackadder
Baron Rouen - Richard De Clare - Ace
Baron Nottingham - William de Vassy - Gandalf

[Gandalfus]

Sir William de Vassy arrives, to speak to his far distant Kinsman and King, Richard I

[Raglan]

King Richard has his kinsman shown in. He is settled into a huge fur covered chair next to a roaring fire. An absolutely enormous hunting hound - a mastiff - was sitting by his feet. The dog looks up as the man enters.

[Gandalfus]

William approached the King, cautiously eying the dog. He kneels.

Your Majesty. I have come to swear allegiance to you.

[Raglan]

Richard looks at the man for a long moment. Then waves his hand waiting.

[Gandalfus]

He clears his throat nervously.

I, Sir William de Vassy, son of Sir Robert de Vassy, son of Lord Richard de Vassy, hereby solemnly swear to his Majesty, Richard of Normandy, King of England and Duke of Normandy, that I shall defend, protect, and serve His Majesty as my liege lord. I shall do as He bids, for it is surely God's will. I swear this upon my family, my honour, and my God. Should I fail to uphold this oath, may I be delivered the punishment of death; deserving of an oathbreaker, and may I rot in hell for all eternity.

[Raglan]

I accept your oath.

Richard nods at him. Pleased. The dog wonders over and starts sniffing him.

[Gandalfus]

He remains motionless.

Does Your Majesty have any duties or tasks that He would want me to fulfill?

[Raglan]

Aye, i have one. I have little idea of the men of import in my realm. I want you to find out about each man, and report back to me.

[Raglan]

Aye, i have one. I have little idea of the men of import in my realm. I want you to find out about each man, and report back to me.

[Gandalfus]

He stood, and bowed.

Your wish is my command.

He turns, and leaves.

[René Artois]

It is a cold winters day as Sir Raymond and his entourage from Jerusalem arrive to petition the king, banners streaming splendidly in the wind and the sun glinting brilliantly off their polished helmets as they ride through the gate. Some were clergymen, some were fighting men, all had crosses emblazoned upon the breasts of their tunics and tabards.

[Raglan]

The King has him shown to the grounds. Where the king is practising his horsemanship. A mace and shield in hand as he charges down between training posts.

[René Artois]

The King has him shown to the grounds. Where the king is practising his horsemanship. A mace and shield in hand as he charges down between training posts.

Raymond and the entourage applaud politely,
Skilfully done, your majesty.

[Captain Blackadder]

The family of Baron Henri of Bedford arrives at the castle and wishes to speak with the King as soon as possible

[Raglan]

He is shown into the King.

[Raglan]

Richard looks at the man who has approached. Taking him for a knight he waves for the man to mount a spare horse and join him in his practice. Then he rides off, his mace dropped to his side, and seizes an upright lance of the ground, before riding down one of his men. The man places his own lance closely at Richards head, which Richard avoids - just - and all the while brings his own lance straight past the mans shield and into his chest. The man keeps his mount, but the blow shatters the lance.

[René Artois]

Raymond watches the king practice fighting and calls out to him.
You have much martial skill sire, have you ever considered using the talent the Lord blessed you with to defend his people in the East?

[Raglan]

Richard brings his horse to a halt in front of the knight. Dismounting a squire quickly takes the reigns and sees to the horse.

The people of the East? What do you mean?

[René Artois]

Richard brings his horse to a halt in front of the knight. Dismounting a squire quickly takes the reigns and sees to the horse.

The people of the East? What do you mean?

Our fellow Christians who have been living oppressed, East of here, far beyond the borders of Europe, beyond those of the Roman Emperor even. They are liberated now, but our victory stands in a precarious position. It could only be a matter of time before we are driven out, leaving our brothers defenceless and in under the tyranny of the Turks.