An Emissary to the Duke of Burgundy

[Lucius Malfoy]

On the orders from the King himself, the Earl of Salisbury, John Neville, sends a trusted lawyer from Calais to serve as his diplomat to the court of the Duke of Burgundy. The lawyer in question was Sir William Willoughby, who had been educated at Oxford, achieved rank of knighthood through services to Richard Neville and rejoined the services of the Nevilles through meeting with Salisbury. It took over a week for the emissary's party to arrive at the court of Philip the Good at his capital in Dijon, far away from the port of Calais. Upon arriving, Sir Willoughby shows his papers and letters of introduction, signed by the Earl of Salisbury, to the Duke's secretary. After that, the lawyer awaits for his request of an audience to be accepted.

[Gandalfus]

Philip the Good had for many years ruled Burgundy, turning the patchwork of feudal lands into a more streamlined domain; a centre for culture and the arts. For many years he had alternated between France and England, recently supporting Louis XI's rebellion against his own father.
Graciously the English emissary is accepted into the court, and brought before the Duke. Though aged, Philip still commanded a formidable presence as a proven medieval politician, pragmatically using both France and England to advance his own goals.

"Welcome, emissary of England's king." Philip began, formally, proud of the blood connection between the two families brought about by Margaret's union with Charles. "What may I do for the brother in law of my son and heir?"


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[Lucius Malfoy]

Sir Willoughby bows to the Duke of Burgundy before speaking on behalf of the King.

I must thank, Your Highness, on behalf of England and the rightful king, Edward of the House Plantagenet, for accepting me into your household on this most important business.

The English lawyer reflects for a moment upon the words of his master, Earl of Salisbury, before speaking further.

His Grace, the King of England, desires closer ties with that of Burgundy, not only to protect his interests and yours, but because our nations share a common enemy; France. It is believed, nay, absolutely certain, that the defeated Henry, son of Henry V, has surely retreated to France and that his devious Queen and the disgraced Beaufort conspire with the King of France to invade English soil. We should not stand for the ambitions of the King of France nor for the designs of the House of Lancaster. And if Henry were to succeed, Burgundy would lose a most valuable ally. Something we cannot let happen for it would upset the balance of power in Europe.

William then bows to the Duke once more.

So His Grace has commissioned me to act as his representative in the hopes of finding a ways for England and Burgundy to become closer as friends and allies that share the fruitful English Channel. Do you not agree, Your Highness?

[Gandalfus]

"I must confess, his accession as King of England is a blessing. Louis is growing ambitious, forgetting it is I that helped seat him on his father's throne." Philip sighed, knowing full well that this could lead to conflict with the French. He masked his delight at the opportunity of an alliance with England, however - the prospect excited him. "Your King's sister is married to my son. That seals our alliance in blood. Long may our houses be bound by such strong ties and promises of fellowship."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Sir Willoughby bows deeply to the Duke of Burgundy, glad to hear that Philip was willing to ally with England.

My master, the Earl of Salisbury, seeks strong connections with Burgundy, as does His Grace, the King of England. For Salisbury commands Calais, an important holding of England that is surrounded by Burgundy, like a mother protecting her child. As such, if Your Highness desires a formal alliance with England, I could bring word of your interest to the King and see if a document can be brought up and signed formally between our two nations, securing our interests and goals.

[Gandalfus]

"Of course, I shall await this development eagerly. Long may our two countries prosper!" ​He declared, raising a goblet of wine in toast.

[Lucius Malfoy]

Once the formalities were concluded, Sir Willoughby would return to Calais, using the long route through Burgundian territory.