[b][h2]Duke Conrad Sforza[/h2][/b]

The crunch of two thousand hobnailed boots did not fill Duke Conrad Sforza with joy nor was this how the newly raised Duke had envisaged commanding royal troops for the first time. Yet, this was the duty he had been given by his newly crowned sovereign. A thousand knights and two regiment of men at arms had been dispatched from the capital. It was meant as a projection of power, clearly more than enough for an escort for the grain that Sforza was bringing for the starving populace of the Summit. 

Would the show of force be enough for James to see reason? It remained to be seen.  It had been weeks since the Council to elect a new King and already Duke James was choosing to defy his sovereign lord. While Sforza could sympathize with his former master, acts of rebellion before God or King had to be punished. He only hoped that Duke James would see reason. 

‘’ If I do not return, ensure that this reaches the King and my bannerman. ‘’ The Duke said to his wrinkled old steward who watched his master with a mixture of concern and righteous anger that he was not accompanying him. The sealed parchment was placed into his hands and fixed with the Duke of Lussex’s seal. 

It wouldn’t be the only raven that Blackmore would be sending. A second letter had been sent to Duke James himself.

[i]Your Grace,

I have been charged with delivering a summons from His Majesty, King Alaric, for you to return with me to the capital. The convoy I travel with carries valuable grain for the King’s suffering subjects in the Summit. In the interests of preserving the bonds of friendship and peace between us, I hope you will do me the honor of granting me an audience and allow me to distribute the Kin’s bounty to your people. 

Respectfully,
Duke Conrad Sforza [/i]

Slowly but surely, the King’s army began its slow march up the mountainside. Sforza had been careful on not raising his own levies to join the march. This was not meant to be seen as an invasion though he was aware that James may see it as such… 

Attacking the King’s men would mean open war. The Duke himself rode at the head of the column, the banner of Lussex and Osteria flapping in the breeze.