Chapter 6

Duke Ralf III of East Anglia shares very little with his father. While his father was a brave warrior and a great administrator, Ralf III lacks any sort of military or administrative training. However, he is an excellent diplomat, and that may be what East Anglia needs at the moment.

Having finally reached maturity, Ralf III sets about trying to stabilize East Anglia. After a thorough search of the duchy, a new marshal and spymaster are hired. Neither has any talent in their 'areas of expertise', but they fill the role until a more suitable candidate can be found. A court chaplain is still unable to be procured, and the duchy is running low on commanders. It appears the civil war and the years prior to it drove many people away from East Anglia.

Chancellor Guoletec is sent to improve relations with the King, while the new marshal, incompetent as he is, is sent to calm the peasants in Norfolk after the tough years of the war. Since he is now of age, Ralf starts thinking of marriage. In April of 1107, Ralf marries the daughter of King Leofric of England, princess Beorhtwaru. While this does not create any new alliances for Ralf, it does much to improve relations with the King.

In April of 1108, Ralf's sister Margaret comes of age. She is married to the Duke of Essex, securing an alliance.

Cenguethen, brother and current heir of Ralf, comes of age. He is betrothed to the daughter of the Duke of Mercia, the most powerful duke in England, having inherited the Duke of York just months previously.

Before he could be married, Cenguethen dies of pneumonia. Mercia will not become an ally.

Having waited long enough, Ralf declares war on the count of Essex on the first day of the year 1111, claiming the county as rightfully his. a several thousand man army is raised. East Anglia's ally, Duke Leofheah of Essex (ironically) joins the war on Ralf's side. On the enemy's side is also the Duke of Kent and earls of Wessex and Shrewbury.

In East Anglia, Guoletec dies. No new chancellor can be found and East Anglia is now without a chancellor or court chaplain.

The East Anglican and allied armies march on Essex in March, destroying their small army, and laying seige to the county.

In July, Ralf's wife is pregnant with their first child. Unlike his father, Ralf is beginning his family at a young age. To the north, a large army of enemies lays siege to Norfolk.

Meanwhile, the King of England is in a minor war against one of his vassals, and he requests that Ralf becomes a commander. Why is unclear, as Ralf is not known for his military prowess. Nevertheless, he accepts.

Not wanting to lose Norfolk so early in the war, the combined army moves and engages the enemy besiegers.

It is a victory, and the victors travel south to set about taking Essex.

On February 3rd, 1112, Ralf's first son is born. He is given the name Attalus.

In September, the English war ends with a victory for the king. At the same time, Ralf's sister, who was married to the Duke of Essex, passes away.

Shortly after her death, the defenders of Essex give up. With his capital taken, the Count of Essex surrenders.

The Duchy of East Anglia is finally united under one ruler.