[MR] news of Burgundy, Bright Hills

[Karen Setze]

For those in Bright Hills and elsewhere awaiting word on developments in Burgundy and France, I, Lady Yseulte Trevelyn, am pleased to report news indicating that the new duke appears to be prudent and focused on consolidating power rather than recklessly reaching for more. This situation bodes well, methinks, for those of us considering joining Baroness Martelle von Charlottenburg at her manor outside Troyes this fall for the promised tournament, feast and ball.

	My information comes from a friend, a lady in waiting to Michelle of France, wife of the new duke. That lady, though a princess of the French royal house and soon to be elevated as the new duchess, is still in the shadow of her mother-in-law, Margaret of Bavaria, the strong-minded widow of John the Fearless who has focused all her energies on revenge.

	Allow me to quote from my friend’s letter:

	A few days after receiving the shocking news of his father’s murder, the new duke showed his fortitude by arising from his bed of grief to begin strengthening his control over his father’s dominions. Within a fortnight, he was invested with the title of count of Flanders, visiting each of the Flemish towns, to be seen of them taking the oaths as count.

Nor did he neglect his new responsibilities as head of the family, but convened a family council at Malines. Later that month, he presided over a conference at Arras, which was attended by a large gathering of captains and noblemen, church men, and representatives of the cities of Flanders and the provinces of France adhering to the duchy.
	
Meanwhile, his mother, the dowager duchess, has been hard at work seeking aid in bringing her husband’s murderers to justice. At her direction, the late duke’s secretary, Baude des Bordes, has begun compiling a record of the treasons, machinations and evil deeds perpetrated against his late employer. The duchess sent letters and messengers to His Holiness, the pope; to the newly crowned Emperor Sigismund; to the King of Navarre, to the duchess of Bourbon; to the Duke of Lorraine, to the count Palantine of the Rhine, the countess of Württemberg, and many other nobles and many church officials.

Of course, the crowns of France, King Charles VI, who some have called mad, and Queen Isabel, currently residing in Troyes under the protection of the House of Burgundy, have received the most attention from late duke’s widow, despite the fact that he whom she accuses is their own son, Charles. But her requests, -- and demands when she has tired of waiting -- for help in punishing the murderers are not so impossible as you may think. This son has not been high in his parent’s favor since they sought shelter with Burgundy when they believed he tried to depose them to hasten his reign. Truly, crowns can cool the natural affections of family!

Letters from the duchess were followed by an ambassador, who was followed in turn by a contingent of the duchess’s councilors, who were accompanied by a consignment of fine wine. Our new duke has been blessed with two parents wise in the ways of the world.

Indeed, another so blessed is the Barony of Bright Hills. So if our baroness is confident in traveling to Troyes, her people should follow that shining example, and I hope many of our neighbors and kin will do likewise.

Given on this, the feast of St. Martin, the martyr,

Lady Yseulte Trevelyn, of Bright Hills