A King's Sum

[General Brewster]

Duke Edward of Norwich, Second Duke of York, 2 Earl of Cambridge, Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, Lord High Steward, KG. Was on his way to a abandoned tavern just outside of London.
It was a sizeable party of 17 men, the duke was flanked by his two knights Sir Thomas Goffrey & Sir Robert Scorner who taught him a lot about the world but also about sword fighting. The rest of the party were in gallop behind the duke and his trusted advisors who grew to be his friends not just knights his father employed before him.

After some time the lot arrived at an empty tavern, the men they were meeting were very clear that they didn’t wish to be seen meeting the Duke. It would be best none could place them on the scene. The party secured the tavern, the knights scouted the immediate area and came to the conclusion its safe. Sir Thomas lits a torch and waves it from left to right, right to left and again left to right. It was a previous agreed upon signal.

Five hooded men appear, the duke’s knights let them approach untouched. Thomas confirms their identity before letting them get near the duke though. The men were hooded but decloaked themselves as they seated themselves across the table from the duke after proper introductions. The men all had Italian accents… It were Lombard’s and they came on the duke of York’s request. Edward was discontent with the King’s rule. He had been absolutely nothing but an incompetent stutter. Failing to produce an heir, and leaving the state under Gaunt’s control. Edward wasn’t particularly opposed to that but the recent, uncalled for provocations from the king toward Edward made drastic measures.

‘Gentlemen, Lorzenzo.” Edward said with a bowed head out of respect. He offers the gentleman some fine noting that it is actually from northern Italy. The men gregariously agree and mention it’s been the best they had since they left Italy for London. After some chit chat Lorenzo asked with a serious tone to come to business.
Edward felt it was best to just say what he wanted and not endlessly talk around the subject. “I would like to request a King’s Sum as loan. “ The duke remained silent for a moment letting the request sink in. “I know I ask much I beg you fine gentlemen to consider it. “

[Gandalfus]

"How much would this sum be, my lord?" This 'Lorenzo' character scratched at his chin, apparently the leader of this group of the Lombards that had settled in London as moneylenders and businessmen.
"A king's sum is too vague. We deal in numbers, lord." Another added. They didn't question why York needed such a sum, they had figured it was to renovate some castle or other, but the clandestine nature of such a meeting had made them all very suspicious.

[General Brewster]

Edward sat up straighter then he had. "Fivehundredthousand pounds." Edward said while getting a red head. it was an enormous long shot but he had to try. "A sum of 250.000 pounds is initially needed, the rest is a backup if it's needed. "

Edward was nervous, uneased. "I know I ask a lot, and you have no clear directive on what you get out of it. I must be sure you are willing to listen before I can fully explain how I will repay you in full with interest."

[Gandalfus]

The Italians fell silent, then. Such a loan was huge - would they ever have a chance of getting it back? Would they even have the money to give to the Duke of York - and why would he need such a large such of money?

"What do you need this sum for, lord?" The bravest among them asked, an old, wily merchant with a greying beard. "We must know if this is a good investment, after all." He smiled, apparently more at ease than the others discussing such a tremendous sum.

[General Brewster]

Edward began to relax a little, his mind was set to task and he seemed very open en honest.

"The king has a policy of surplus. There is no bank in England and you are currently not making any money on loans." Edward coughed some blood up. "The king, Richard my cousin has greviously insulted me, beat me ! A important noble in the realm, by the succession laws a pretender! Did you see my eye? He beat it shut with his scepter. I wish revenge. If you grand me the loan, I will decree that you five have the alone right to banking in England, that you control all money printed, and all money in the realm shall be stored in your realm. I am almost certain I do not need the full 500.000 so I can repay what I do not use at once, the realm is in surplus so I can capture that, and pay it to you as well. Help me win the crown, see you and your companions prosper."

Edward took a moment after his passionate plee. With 200.000 pounds I can muster 317 companies led by capable knight. 31.700 men gentlemen. The King cannot summon so much professional forces but with your fund I can. I am absolutely positive other lord will flock to my claim if they see me lead near 32.000 soldiers on the way to London." Edward passionately added. It was either that his wish would be granted or he'd die trying with his own fund.

[Gandalfus]

The Italian scratched his head, his comrades looking towards him with worry in their eyes. So this was why York had been clandestine, inviting them all to some backwater inn. He wanted enough money to claim a crown.

"That is incorrect. Many men are in debt, lord York. Many nobles owe us Lombards coin, yourself included. Your last loan, one of ten thousand pounds, was never repaid, and I heard talk that you were seeking to wipe it." Lorenzo, as he was apparently known, folded his arms. Did York think that bankers never talked? "We five alone are merely representatives of a wider group, my lord. But my priority concern is that we would be loaning to a man who does not pay his debts."

[General Brewster]

The Italian scratched his head, his comrades looking towards him with worry in their eyes. So this was why York had been clandestine, inviting them all to some backwater inn. He wanted enough money to claim a crown.

"That is incorrect. Many men are in debt, lord York. Many nobles owe us Lombards coin, yourself included. Your last loan, one of ten thousand pounds, was never repaid, and I heard talk that you were seeking to wipe it." Lorenzo, as he was apparently known, folded his arms. Did York think that bankers never talked? "We five alone are merely representatives of a wider group, my lord. But my priority concern is that we would be loaning to a man who does not pay his debts."

Edward raised a brow. "However none of the larger landlords have debts. No duke in the realm has a dept unlike me as your righteously point out. I can understand your reservations I truly do. I was indeed objected into paying my father debts. I sit here and offer you the owed number in full if it would pull you across to seal the deal, however if I would pay in full I would have no funds of my own to aid in my goal. Which would also send a wrong message." Edward took a sip of wine. "I could offer you 3000 pounds as a show off good will and still retain enough money to levy several companies myself to protect York if the need is there. It will show the realm I am not bought by foreign influence."

Edward began to feel more at easy he felt the men gave him an honest chance. "I know a little on the subject of coin in the realm, there's a rough estimate that the crown has around 150.000 pounds to spend. Even if every last coin is used to hire professional forces I would, with your funds be more then able to levy a lot more professional troops with professional leadership. The nobility will realize that I have the advantage not Richard. Realize that the same nobility is fearing for their own health with the Kings outburst. They could be next to fall for the kings incompetence."

"Again, you five will have the exclusive right to form the only legitimate bank in the realm..." Edward paused for a moment having a brain wave. "The Royal bank of England perhaps. Personal bankers of the King."

[Gandalfus]

"Even if we were to loan you that kind of money, what would happen should you lose?" They looked disenchanted by the prospect of losing their entire fortune upon this. "If His Majesty is merciful, you'll only lose your head, and the debt would transfer to your heir. If not, you'll lose everything. How can we get our money back if you have nothing to pay us with?" Clearly, Lorenzo was not overly convinced. England had bankrupted banking families before, such as the Bardi. He was determined not to have his own suffer the same fate. Extending his arms, he turned over his palms, so they faced upwards towards the ceiling. "I am sorry, my lord, but we are not able at this time to loan you such an astronomical sum at such a high risk."

[General Brewster]

Edward was not amused, very disappointed even.

"Would it be negotiable if I garnish more support for such a cause?" Edward wondered.

[Gandalfus]

"Possibly." The banker shrugged. "But this meeting is over, lord. If you would excuse us. Naturally, every man here shall deny we have ever met. No?"

[General Brewster]

"We shall indeed do so. Safe travels." Edward remarked as he remained seated taking the bottle of wine and chugging it down. Disappointed but still hopeful.

[General Brewster]

After a year of gathering support and paying off his debts the Duke of York once again invites the Lombards for a conversation.
The same location being secured by his Knights. When the men arrive Edward greets them warmly.

"Lorenzo, it is good to see you again."

[Gandalfus]

Lorenzo had appeared with different company, this time. The rather pale looking Italian takes a seat opposite the Duke, flanked by clerks and banking representatives.

"We meet again, my lord. I presume from our location that you ask for the same as last time. What has changed?"

[General Brewster]

"Aye, it is so indeed. Many things changed gentleman."

Edward was handed a scroll by Sir Thomas, Edward proceeded to give it to Lorenzo. "As you'll see my debts have been paid in full with interest. I could see how that complicated matters. Further gentleman. I have sought support to my cause. The new Duke of Lancaster Henry Bollingbroke support me he brings more to the table as well considering the vast influence he brings to the table. Of course I have also secured the help from my father in law, Earl Henry Percy of Northumberland. Discontent is growing among the ranks of the nobility. It would be a good time to take action."

[Gandalfus]

One of the Italian's clerks overlooked the scroll, engaging in hushed whispers with the other bankers present in their unfamiliar tongue.

"We would be willing to provide a loan, my lord York." Nodded Lorenzo, satisfied that York was debt free. "However, the size of such a loan depends on your stated goal. I presume it is the same as it was previously?" Loaning the first sum York requested was far too risky, but it was worth hedging bets if the Duke did command the support he claimed.

[General Brewster]

"It is indeed." Edward nodded.
his hopes where high, in his mind he did a quick prayer hoping the dice gods would be more favorable this time.

[Gandalfus]

"We unfortunately cannot loan you such a large sum at such high risk, my lord." Lorenzo tapped his fingers upon the table, having made his decision. "However, we would be willing to loan seventy five thousand to you, at a more favourable interest rate than the usual loans we offer - ten percent. Is this acceptable, my lord?"

[General Brewster]

Edward was relieved, happy, yet down for not getting the full amount. It could've supported a much longer war effort..
"Lorenzo, I wish to accept yes. However I have a condition. I will collect when it is needed would that be agreeable?"

[Gandalfus]

"It will take us some time to raise and deliver the sum, my lord. But do not fear, we shall deliver the money to thee as soon as possible."