The Burghers of London

**Gandalfus** · February 15, 2017, 03:48 AM

John Beaufort had taken counsel with his mother following an eventful meeting; leaving Sheen Palace with a priceless ring and a letter that had simply been addressed to London's Burghers. Lady Swynford had therefore endeavoured to orchestrate a meeting with the foremost amongst them, using her small amount of influence in the city: contacts, allies and so forth. Escorted by two of the retainers granted by his father of Lancaster, Beaufort made his way through the bustling capital to the townhouse of this particular gentlemen, a man who commanded a considerable web of influential clients throughout the city, who had his 'fingers in every pie' as the common turn of phrase went.

**Jokern** · February 15, 2017, 01:13 PM

It took a while for Beaufort to be admitted into the presence of the representative of the London Burghers, being left in the hallway with his two followers before the doors opened for him. He entered alone, the servant of the household stopping his retainers from following. The young son of John of Gaunt was greeted by the gaze of an older gentleman, a merchant by his clothes - many layers of garment in rich colors, his surcoat trimmed with fur. The merchant looked at Beaufort in silence, gesturing him to take a seat at a desk before taking a seat at the opposite end.

"Sir John Beaufort, welcome to my humble home. I am David Goodough, from the Worshipful Livery Company of Goldsmiths. What business brings you here today?"

**Gandalfus** · February 15, 2017, 01:27 PM

"Master Goodough." Beaufort greeted respectfully, and then took a seat opposite the well renowned goldsmith. "I have a letter for you, if you would." The young Lancastrian produces a rather inconspicuous piece of parchment, sealed with the royal emblem of the King of England. Wordlessly, he hands it over, a light smile curling across his lips.

**Oznerol** · February 16, 2017, 09:49 AM

To our burghers of London:

Our royal authority has been usurped, unlawfully, by ambitious and reckless lords who only want their personal advancement. We do admit to have been ill-adviced in the past, but hadn't our royal grandfather Edward friends in the likes of James d'Audley and the earl of Salisbury? While our household gentlemen, many of us pure souls with no blame, were put to the block we had to endure further humilliation; us who are annointed by God. We warn you, these lords desire war with France, as any respectable Englishmen would, but at a great cost: they will raise taxes unseen in our realm. Remember who championed the people and quelled the peasant rebellion. When the rabble almost burned and looted London who stood in your defense but us? Not a single peer stood by our side that day, but the mayor and the burghers of London. The Appellants think to have the Commons in their hands, twisting your purpose: that shall not be, raise for me, vanish these ambitious lordlings and not only you won't have to suffer their excesses but the city will pay no taxes in two years. Raise, commoners of the city, and you shall be rewarded.

In the name of God the Almighty,

Richard, by the Grace of God King of England and France, Lord of Ireland.

**Jokern** · February 16, 2017, 10:13 AM

The goldsmith read through the letter several times, his eyes widening once he saw the name of the author. Closing his eyes and clasping his hands in deep thought, David Goodough sat in silence for several moments.

"Sir Beaufort, do you know the contents of this letter, or if anyone else has? Who gave you this letter?"

**Gandalfus** · February 16, 2017, 10:17 AM

"His Majesty. It bears his seal, which I swear upon the Bible I have not touched." Beaufort had some small idea of what was contained within it, but no exact details. It hadn't taken every ounce of willpower within him not to simply force it open and take a look at it for himself. He shuffled slightly in his seat, detecting some awkwardness in the silence.

**Jokern** · February 16, 2017, 03:14 PM

The merchant stroked his chin in thought, looking over the seal once more. It was undoubtedly the king's seal, such a thing could be produced by anyone else. Turning his gaze to John Beaufort once more, David Goodough's tone was serious and slightly shaken.

"This is... a complicated issue, to say the least. What the King is asking for... it is not for all ears to hear, and I must be able to know that whatever knowledge you may happen upon, Sir Beaufort, that it does not reach the wrong people. Can I trust that you are a man of the King, who would wear his badge on your heart with honor and pride? Sir Beaufort, I hope that you can deliver a message back to His Majesty once I've spoken to a few of my fellows. This is not an issue that I can decide on my own."

**Gandalfus** · February 16, 2017, 04:09 PM

Originally Posted by Jokern

The merchant stroked his chin in thought, looking over the seal once more. It was undoubtedly the king's seal, such a thing could be produced by anyone else. Turning his gaze to John Beaufort once more, David Goodough's tone was serious and slightly shaken.

"This is... a complicated issue, to say the least. What the King is asking for... it is not for all ears to hear, and I must be able to know that whatever knowledge you may happen upon, Sir Beaufort, that it does not reach the wrong people. Can I trust that you are a man of the King, who would wear his badge on your heart with honor and pride? Sir Beaufort, I hope that you can deliver a message back to His Majesty once I've spoken to a few of my fellows. This is not an issue that I can decide on my own."

"I shall make my way directly to the presence of our sovereign once I know of your answer, Master Goodough." John reassured him with a courteous nod. "No other shall know of what has been discussed."

**Jokern** · February 17, 2017, 05:15 PM

With a nod and adieu, Beaufort is led out of the house and returns home to his own home. After a few days, a messenger arrives at his doorstep, handing over a letter sealed with several different seals belonging to the greatest guilds in London. John Beaufort is told to hand over this to the King immediately, and must promise that no one but His Majesty may glance at its contents.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

OOC: Did a roll and you got a natural 20, so lucky you.