Chapter 17

Chapter 17 1194 to 1202:

King Breselueu's eyes rest upon the remainder of the Welsh lands. The two independent 'kingdoms' (as they call themselves) are Gwynedd and Deheubarth. They have lost most of their territory to Lloegyr and, with that justification, Breselueu declares that he is the true holder of both petty kingdoms.

Both kings have no choice but to accept Lloegyr lordship. The entire Welsh lands are now under Breselueu's control. However, so as not to have yet another couple of unhappy vassals, Breselueu releases several Welsh prisoners from the last wars as a show of good faith.

In February, his two sons approach him. They have recently come of age, and though they are twins, the two are very different men. DKM, the favorite of his father, is diplomatically gifted, as is the way in the de Gael family. He is also a very zealous Catholic, attending mass several times a week and donating money regularly to the church.

Rhifnaw has promising skills in diplomacy, but is hampered by less fortunate traits and habits. He suffers from a terrible stutter when conversing, making many people dislike his company. He also inherited his father's greedy and envious character. Other than that, neither boy is an outstanding soldier or leader, and neither is very knowledgeable of the affairs of running a kingdom.

They approach their father with a request, their own demesnes to govern over. As the recent conquests of Wales has put two more duchies under Breselueu's control, he hands them over to his two sons. DKM gets the slightly wealthier duchy of Gwynedd, while Rhifnaw is given the duchy of Deheubarth. However, within a few months, Rhifnaw loses control of his duchy and the former king of Deheubarth seizes it. While he remains Count of Glamorgan, he has lost his duchy. Rhifnaw was a duke for a matter of months...

In 1197, Rhifnaw declares war on his new lord, in an attempt at reinstating his own rule in Deheubarth. By 1198, the war is lost, and Rhifnaw is imprisoned by his liege. As much as Breselueu desires to demand the release of Rhifnaw, he knows that his son got his just deserved punishment; a failed revolt ends in prison.

In 1199, the Princess twins of Lloegyr, Idhrendura and Necro Creature, turn 14 years of age and come to womanhood. They each have been educated in the ways of diplomacy, though neither to the extent of their father or brother DKM. However, they will make great de Gael wives.

To reaffirm the alliance between Lloegyr and France, Idhrendura is married to Prince Othon of France. Necro is married (matrilineal) to a talented diplomat of a rather prestigious German bloodline named Martin Billung.

As the year turns to 1200, Breselueu, now age 60, senses his life will not last many years longer. He decrees the increase of crown authority as a way to put more power in the central Lloegyr government. He vassals who have since come to like and revere the King, pass the institution quickly.

In July, Duke Morcar II of Mercia dies in a suspicious accident, falling 3 stories off a balcony. His daughter Maud becomes Duchess of Mercia.

In 1201 Breselueu decides to embark on a pilgrimage while he still can. He immediately sets out planning, choosing the tomb of Saint James in Santiago as his destination. Santiago is currently controlled by the Kingdom of Galicia, an Iberian land that is near, but not quite at, the front lines of the war between Islam and Christianity.

In April, he and his band of travelers (mainly servants a few courtiers) sets out. Cearl is left as Regent, watching over the Kingdom.

The first steps of the trek are difficult, and before long the cold rains have given Breselueu a cold.

In may, he arrives in Santiago. There he converses with many different people, including fellow pilgrims from far off lands. After a few weeks stay, he and his band head back.

By June, they arrive back in Norfolk. Although he did not gain much more than a cold that persists still, his pilgrimage is seen as a very holy act among his vassals and court.

In July, shortly after Breselueu returned, Necro Creature dies of Pneumonia. She is only 15, leaving behind her husband and her 5 month old daughter.

In October, Pope Victor III calls for another Crusade for Jerusalem. Immediately, Breselueu answers the call, pledging the full strength of Lloegyr against the infidels.

As he gives the command to raise levies, Breselueu collapses in a coughing fit. He is rushed to his bedchambers, and the healer called, but it is too late. King Breselueu, the first de Gael King of Lloegyr, dies at the age of 62.

Æthelstan II, Duke of Hwicce, now ascends to the throne. He is crowned King in the year 1202.