Chapter 13

Chapter 13 - 1159 to 1168: King Loup

In Bedford Castle, Loup sits on his throne, a crown on his brow, and the Kingdom of England at his feet. It is the 25th of January, 1159, and Loup has been made King of England. His brother Attalus remains the Duke of East Anglia, to which Bedford used to belong. While Loup is indeed a much liked, well educated man, he is on the weaker side when it comes to kings. He has no knowledge of war and his Demesne consists only of Bedford. He can only hope that he can keep the throne for his lifetime and pass it on to a de Gael after his death.

Meanwhile, Attalus sits on a throne a hundred miles to the east, yet he does not command an entire Kingdom. East Anglia, which had grown to 6 counties under his rule, is back at 5, as Loup brought Bedford with him. Attalus, while a little resentful at the loss of land, is happy that a de Gael is on the throne, although it doesn't promise a very long or powerful rule. Perhaps in reconciliation, since Attalus has no skill as a commander, Loup offers him the position. Loup also offers him his old post as Chancellor. He accepts both.

However, Loup does something less than a month into his rule that promises civil war in the coming years; he attempts to raise crown authority, barring vassals from warring with each other.

In October, the Duchess of Hwicce declares independence. At the same time, Chancellor Bledric sends word that he fabricated a claim on the county of Middlesex, which was, in rulers past, often the capital of the Kingdom of England.

The revolt of Hwicce is a short and brutal war, over in less than a year.

Then, in October of 1160, another revolt starts. Duke Leofric of Essex declares that Loup is no legitimate ruler, and raises troops intent on dethroning the King. He also sends word that he wishes Attalus to join him. Unable to betray his brother, Attalus refuses.

Duke Leofric is crushed by 1162, imprisoned and forced to surrender. At the same time, the Lords of England finally approve the increase of crown authority. How long it can last is unknown.

Then, in July of 1162, Attalus' wife Wulfthryth is found hanged in her bedchambers. She had suffered from depression for years and finally took her own life.

In 1163, Marshal Imre requests permission to join the Knights Templar far to the East. Although Imre has been a skilled Marshal since his appointment, Attalus accepts his request. His replacement is Offa, Mayor of Maldon, Essex. He is not quite as talented as Imre, but is still a capable soldier and leader.

It is not until 1164 that Attalus remarries. His chosen wife is not, however, approved of throughout England. She is a young woman, named Oncum, from a Breton father and Arab mother, and, although her father was Catholic and her mother Shia, she is Sunni. She has been a courtier at the court of East Anglia since her father, who was a courtier at one of the Breton cities of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, died on the journey back to Brittany from the Holy Land. Despite their religious differences, she caught Attalus' eye through her skill with a sword and with words. Attalus, after all, has never been very zealous.

In 1165, Attalus' son and heir Ralf comes down with consumption. In a years time, he dies in bed. Although Ralf had a son, also named Attalus, he is refused the position of heir due to his lack of administrative knowledge, and Duke Attalus instead elects his youngest son Breselueu as heir. Breselueu has much of his father's skill in diplomacy, and he too lacks military knowledge and skill.

In February of 1166, Pope Gregorius calls for a renewed crusade for Jerusalem. King Loup does not answer the call.

As he is now heir, Breselueu is found a wife, a princess of Aragon named Constança. She is a skilled administrator and should help Breselueu rule the duchy when his time comes.

In 1168, the reign of Duke Attalus ends, as he passes away of a natural death.

Breselueu ascends to the throne of East Anglia. Long live Duke Breselueu!