NOTICE: All "Chapter Excerpts" material is copyrighted through the U.S. Copyright Office, © 2021, © 2022, © 2023, © 2024, and © 2025. All text, story, fictional characters, and artwork are copyrighted by Jason J Albano. See Legal.
|
Chapter ExcerptS
|
CHAPTER 1
Boy King
Brussels, Netherlands; 1515
Page 11
In the year of our Lord 1515, January 15th.1 i A Friday. It would be a day that would be branded into her memory, an echo of history with which would never depart her waking moments and darken her most restful dreams.
Don Juan Manuel de la Cerda was a mistake. Margaret saw that now. But there was little the now former Regent of the Netherlands could do. Prince d’Espaigne, her nephew, was now ruler of the Habsburg Netherlands as Duke of Burgundy at the age of fourteen. A handful of months short of his fifteen birthday and officially coming of age to take rule.
Don Juan Manuel de la Cerda was a mistake. Margaret saw that now. But there was little the now former Regent of the Netherlands could do. Prince d’Espaigne, her nephew, was now ruler of the Habsburg Netherlands as Duke of Burgundy at the age of fourteen. A handful of months short of his fifteen birthday and officially coming of age to take rule.
1 The only reference I found to Prince d’Espaigne’s (Charles V) rise to early rule as the Duke of Burgundy (through emancipation) can be found on pg. 196 (Jane de Iongh, 1953). The January date is fictional by me since I could not find a factual date. I only had a reference date of July 26th, 1515 for “after a six months’ journey” of Charles V’s triumphal journey through the Habsburg Netherlands (pg. 197). I subtracted 6 months to January 26th, then subtracted several weeks more for setting up administrative and other governance functions in the new government before the journey.
Page 12
The duchess tightened her heavy cloak around her small frame as a shiver ran down her whole body. Margaret looked upwards as the first droplets of white fluffy moisture fell from the heavens above; the last rays of sunlight penetrated through the graying clouds, the sun clinging desperately to the towers of the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula ii 2. It was as if the sun used the mightily imposing towers as a last bastion to hold itself up against the coming darkness of night.
Suddenly, a hand lay on her shoulder and the duchess was startled out of her desperate thoughts! Turning, she saw her secretary & chamberlain, Louis Barangier. He had been standing there the entire time with her, his heavy winter attire collecting the fat soft snowflakes on the shoulders and upper torso at an increasing rate.
“Duchess,” his soft voice carried as he pointed a hand towards the approaching carriage, “Your carriage.”
In the moments it took the carriage to arrive, Margaret looked around. Around her, the remnants of the festival day were about: servants, personal secretaries, and a handful of Imperial troops still lingered. The two beforehand mentioned were tightening up after their overlords who still carried on the festivities some distance away at a local hall
Suddenly, a hand lay on her shoulder and the duchess was startled out of her desperate thoughts! Turning, she saw her secretary & chamberlain, Louis Barangier. He had been standing there the entire time with her, his heavy winter attire collecting the fat soft snowflakes on the shoulders and upper torso at an increasing rate.
“Duchess,” his soft voice carried as he pointed a hand towards the approaching carriage, “Your carriage.”
In the moments it took the carriage to arrive, Margaret looked around. Around her, the remnants of the festival day were about: servants, personal secretaries, and a handful of Imperial troops still lingered. The two beforehand mentioned were tightening up after their overlords who still carried on the festivities some distance away at a local hall
2 There is no historical evidence that I could locate that Charles V’s emancipation by the States General and subsequent rise to ruler of the Habsburg Netherlands happened at Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula. However, Charles V was crowned King of Spain at the Cathedral in March 1516.
Page 13
with the newly crowned Duke of Burgundy, Prince d’Espaigne. Several small groups of influential statesmen & nobility lingered around as well in the cold, not ones for overly dramatic festivals, as they spoke in hushed tones with local church clergy of the day’s events. Charles, the new fourteen-year-old ruler, was indeed the news of the day; both good and bad news for all parties involved. He had been crowned Duke of Burgundy at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula this day.
The church bells rang as the carriage came to a halt and with the bells the echo of the very doom that could destroy the Spanish Habsburg dynasty across Europe: William de Croy. Better known as the Lord of Chievres and Chief Tutor to Prince d’Espaigne…and now, the Chamberlain to the future Holy Roman Emperor. While the bells spoke of a four o’clock time in the afternoon, they also foreshadowed the very real threat to Spanish-Germanic rule of Europe. The pro-French nationalist de Croy could now openly and without restraint influence Charles against the values of the Spanish-Germanic Habsburg dynasty; the same French that Margaret despised with every part of her soul and a threat that her own father, the current Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I, saw to his grandson Charles all too late.
As Louis opened the carriage door and offered a hand to help her up, Margaret saw Jean de Marnix, her treasurer and (most importantly) foreign affairs expert sitting in the carriage. Margaret allowed a smile to cross her face as Louis closed the door behind her and ascended to the passenger seat next to the driver. A few short moments later, the driver’s voice rang out from outside and the
The church bells rang as the carriage came to a halt and with the bells the echo of the very doom that could destroy the Spanish Habsburg dynasty across Europe: William de Croy. Better known as the Lord of Chievres and Chief Tutor to Prince d’Espaigne…and now, the Chamberlain to the future Holy Roman Emperor. While the bells spoke of a four o’clock time in the afternoon, they also foreshadowed the very real threat to Spanish-Germanic rule of Europe. The pro-French nationalist de Croy could now openly and without restraint influence Charles against the values of the Spanish-Germanic Habsburg dynasty; the same French that Margaret despised with every part of her soul and a threat that her own father, the current Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I, saw to his grandson Charles all too late.
As Louis opened the carriage door and offered a hand to help her up, Margaret saw Jean de Marnix, her treasurer and (most importantly) foreign affairs expert sitting in the carriage. Margaret allowed a smile to cross her face as Louis closed the door behind her and ascended to the passenger seat next to the driver. A few short moments later, the driver’s voice rang out from outside and the
Page 14
carriage jerked forward. A candle enclosed in glass provided a flickering amber glow to the otherwise darkened interior of the carriage with the windows covered over for privacy. The candle’s light flicked and danced across Jean de Marnix’s features.
“What news do you have?” Margaret asked.
“He will do it,” Jean responded, “For a price.”
Margaret’s eyes flashed with inner rage, although she should have known such additional conditions were coming. “What is it?”
“Land in Venice. Plus, the already agreed upon coin.”
“My nephew?” Margaret asked.
“Prince d’Espaigne will be unharmed. William de Croy’s head as promised.”
“Fine. On one condition.” 3 iii
“What news do you have?” Margaret asked.
“He will do it,” Jean responded, “For a price.”
Margaret’s eyes flashed with inner rage, although she should have known such additional conditions were coming. “What is it?”
“Land in Venice. Plus, the already agreed upon coin.”
“My nephew?” Margaret asked.
“Prince d’Espaigne will be unharmed. William de Croy’s head as promised.”
“Fine. On one condition.” 3 iii
3 Margaret of Austria is heavily influenced from Margaret of Austria Regent of the Netherlands (Jane de Longh, 1953) and Holland Under Habsburg Rule 1506-1566 (James D. Tracy, 1990). Margaret’s disdain for William de Croy is made utterly clear by Longh’s account, regarding his influence over the future Emperor, Charles V. I try my best to accurately follow Jane de Longh’s characterization of Margaret as closely as I can in all aspects of my book. Despite Longh’s account of Margaret as strong willed, cunning, and a lady ahead of her time in the political world, Longh lacks the darker actions of Margaret’s
Page 15
Jean raised an eyebrow, “Such as?”
“William de Croy’s head on my terms. When I say. I will make sure he gets his opportunity. And his land and coin are promised upon those conditions.”
Jean nodded, “I will let him know.”
“William de Croy’s head on my terms. When I say. I will make sure he gets his opportunity. And his land and coin are promised upon those conditions.”
Jean nodded, “I will let him know.”
willingness to engage in tax fraud of the Habsburg Netherlands, as Tracy points to (or, at the very least, alludes to that Margaret had some hand in or knowledge of). It should be noted that Longh’s account is incredibly positive & personal of Margaret’s very pro-Netherlands regent reign, while Tracy paints a more detached and Imperialist ruler dedicated to upholding Habsburg domination at all costs, even sacrificing those in the Habsburg Netherlands she is charged to protect for the sake of the empire during the Guelders War (1502-1543).
While I don’t believe Margaret would arrange for the attempted assassination of anyone, she did employ some rather brutal political maneuvering against both William de Croy and a political refugee known as Don Juan Manuuel de la Cerda (leader of the Castilian Nationalists) during her reign, as well as engaging in highly suspected tax fraud to intentionally prolong the Guelders War to strengthen the Holy Roman Empire’s financial situation, which henceforth doesn’t put the possibility out of reach, nonetheless (pg. 187-197; Longh, 1953 / pg. 72-73, pg. 82, pg. 87; Tracy, 1990). Additionally, William’s death in 1521 was suspicious by what information I could find, which was limited to Wikipedia.
It should be noted that Margaret’s actions---and those of her court, advisors, and any other historical persons (such as William de Croy) she interacts with---are purely fictional in this book and should not be used to judge the real-life person(s).
While I don’t believe Margaret would arrange for the attempted assassination of anyone, she did employ some rather brutal political maneuvering against both William de Croy and a political refugee known as Don Juan Manuuel de la Cerda (leader of the Castilian Nationalists) during her reign, as well as engaging in highly suspected tax fraud to intentionally prolong the Guelders War to strengthen the Holy Roman Empire’s financial situation, which henceforth doesn’t put the possibility out of reach, nonetheless (pg. 187-197; Longh, 1953 / pg. 72-73, pg. 82, pg. 87; Tracy, 1990). Additionally, William’s death in 1521 was suspicious by what information I could find, which was limited to Wikipedia.
It should be noted that Margaret’s actions---and those of her court, advisors, and any other historical persons (such as William de Croy) she interacts with---are purely fictional in this book and should not be used to judge the real-life person(s).
CHAPTER 2
The Captain
Near City of Groningen
Groningen Province, Netherlands
(January 15th, 1515; later that night)
Groningen Province, Netherlands
(January 15th, 1515; later that night)
Page 16
The warmth and crackle of the fireplace filled the stone & wood tavern, the man-made fire desperately fighting against the outside cold as snow fell lazily outside. Wood shutters over the two windowless framed openings in the stone kept the cold winter snow from falling into the tavern itself, but the shutters did little to keep the ever edging cold from around them. Therefore, it was the chatter and laughter from those within the place of meeting---or the curse words, loud barks of defiance, or even the occasional snore---that provided the needed distraction from the cold in place of the fireplace’s struggles and the shutters’ lackluster efforts.
Card games, other games of chance, and drinks of various kinds dotted nearly every wooden table. Gentle flickering amber light from two hanging chandeliers filled with candles and several flame lamps along the walls provided a muted (but sufficient) glow for those gathered to go among their business, while a lazy drift of rich tobacco smoke
Card games, other games of chance, and drinks of various kinds dotted nearly every wooden table. Gentle flickering amber light from two hanging chandeliers filled with candles and several flame lamps along the walls provided a muted (but sufficient) glow for those gathered to go among their business, while a lazy drift of rich tobacco smoke
Page 17
filled the upper areas of the tavern. 4 iv The tavern was not terribly busy, nor was it terribly without its usual patrons, with the occasional traveler or local opening the door to send a burst of cold winter air through the tavern.
Of the four thick wooden pillars that supported the terracotta roof above and weaved themselves through the collection of wooden tables and chairs, most were decorated with knife carvings and full of various wanted posters, hiring notices, and other crudely written parchment or paper notices. 5 v Spelling was hit or miss, often miss, and one’s choice of language was as varied as the spelling. Wanted posters were easier to decipher because of the drawings associated with them and the clear reward amount any language could understand. A person’s choice of languages to choose from included everything from French, German, and Dutch to Italian, Spanish, and English. With most lacking the ability to read or write who frequented the
Of the four thick wooden pillars that supported the terracotta roof above and weaved themselves through the collection of wooden tables and chairs, most were decorated with knife carvings and full of various wanted posters, hiring notices, and other crudely written parchment or paper notices. 5 v Spelling was hit or miss, often miss, and one’s choice of language was as varied as the spelling. Wanted posters were easier to decipher because of the drawings associated with them and the clear reward amount any language could understand. A person’s choice of languages to choose from included everything from French, German, and Dutch to Italian, Spanish, and English. With most lacking the ability to read or write who frequented the
4 It is largely believed tobacco was not introduced to mainland Europe until 1528, although discovered in the Americas in 1492 by Christopher Columbus. For the purposes of this book, that historical fact has been loosely applied to note the early 1500s for the purposes of storytelling (with tobacco’s prior historical introduction in Spain & Portugal years earlier).
5 It is largely believed (in Europe) that paper used on a large scale started between 1450-1455 with Johann Gutenberg’s 42-line Bible. It should be noted, since this story is based around the Netherlands, that paper was bought by the Low Countries (Netherlands) by William Caxton in England in 1476. It is assumed by this book’s author, therefore, that paper use is either widespread or used somewhat consistently alongside parchment (or vellum) by 1514.
5 It is largely believed (in Europe) that paper used on a large scale started between 1450-1455 with Johann Gutenberg’s 42-line Bible. It should be noted, since this story is based around the Netherlands, that paper was bought by the Low Countries (Netherlands) by William Caxton in England in 1476. It is assumed by this book’s author, therefore, that paper use is either widespread or used somewhat consistently alongside parchment (or vellum) by 1514.
Page 18
tavern, the information contained on the wooden pillars was subject to another person’s good will or your coin; however, if someone could simply stand after a night of drinks with good company, then you could get any poster read free of charge.
A bar counter dressed the entire length of the back wall, the rare exception being a backdoor leading to the underground liquor cellar and upstairs living apartments. Directly behind the bar counter was a wall full of ten barrels including various beers, wines, meads, and whiskeys; hanging off to the far-left side of the wall before the counter ended were two large oak boards, which had slots with removable wooden name bars on one side each. The hanging boards were completed with a similar set-up with removable wooden title bars spanning across the top of the boards, with a score system of colored circular wooden tokens in premade wooden cut-outs spanning both depth and width of the rest of both scoreboards. 6 vi
Not for the faint of heart, the tavern was called Nowhere Place.
A bar counter dressed the entire length of the back wall, the rare exception being a backdoor leading to the underground liquor cellar and upstairs living apartments. Directly behind the bar counter was a wall full of ten barrels including various beers, wines, meads, and whiskeys; hanging off to the far-left side of the wall before the counter ended were two large oak boards, which had slots with removable wooden name bars on one side each. The hanging boards were completed with a similar set-up with removable wooden title bars spanning across the top of the boards, with a score system of colored circular wooden tokens in premade wooden cut-outs spanning both depth and width of the rest of both scoreboards. 6 vi
Not for the faint of heart, the tavern was called Nowhere Place.
6 The large oak score board was inspired by Ace Combat: Shattered Skies (video game, 2001), where a chalk scoreboard was used in a cut scene in the game with the “Side Story Narrator” and “Yellow 13” in the Sky Kid Café, Pub, & Restaurant. The scoreboard ranked ace fighter pilots of the Erusean Air Force.
Page 19
“Parlez-vous Français?” 7 spoke the low, deep French voice and then he followed with, “Oder Deutsch?” 8 in German with the heavy accent of French again, “Of Nederlands?” 9 in equally filtered Dutch. The speaker betrayed a roughness in his voice that spoke to a life of seasoned violence.
“Un peu Français. Un peu allemand. Non... Ah... Néerlandais. Italien?” 10 came back the voice of Giovanni Salzano from across the table in rough French. The younger Salzano’s voice was stretched with weariness from his hard travel through Europe’s unforgiving cold weather after the recent events of the Hvar Rebellion, events which were still fresh in his mind and his dreams. Or nightmares. Stubble from a lack of shaving over several days covered the Venetian’s face and his eyes’ hard look showcased a view into his equally cold and weary soul.
“Sì. Inglese? Sarebbe meglio per noi parlare di più... Sgomberata.” 11 the other man’s accented French voice returned as he spoke Italian now, seeking to see if Salzano spoke English.
“Un peu Français. Un peu allemand. Non... Ah... Néerlandais. Italien?” 10 came back the voice of Giovanni Salzano from across the table in rough French. The younger Salzano’s voice was stretched with weariness from his hard travel through Europe’s unforgiving cold weather after the recent events of the Hvar Rebellion, events which were still fresh in his mind and his dreams. Or nightmares. Stubble from a lack of shaving over several days covered the Venetian’s face and his eyes’ hard look showcased a view into his equally cold and weary soul.
“Sì. Inglese? Sarebbe meglio per noi parlare di più... Sgomberata.” 11 the other man’s accented French voice returned as he spoke Italian now, seeking to see if Salzano spoke English.
---All language translations are provided by Microsoft Translator---
7 “Do you speak French?”
8 “Or German?”
9 “Or Dutch?”
10 “A little French. A little German. No... Ah... Dutch. Italian?”
11 “Yes. English? It would be better for us to talk more... Unobstructed.”
7 “Do you speak French?”
8 “Or German?”
9 “Or Dutch?”
10 “A little French. A little German. No... Ah... Dutch. Italian?”
11 “Yes. English? It would be better for us to talk more... Unobstructed.”
Page 20
“Aye,” replied Giovanni, “I do.”
“Good,” said the man in English, his words every inch accented by his native French tongue, “All the better for our talk. Most people here do not understand the voice of the Englishman as well as they do French, Dutch, or Spanish. Or,” he nodded to Salzano after a pause, “Italian.”
The Frenchman opposite Giovanni was in his forties with a stocky muscular build; he would have stood slightly taller than Salzano (if he were not sitting) and who’s long and unruly gray bearded face was crisscrossed with the scars of war. His wide-brim brown leather hat---worn from over use---was on the table besides himself, exposing his full head of gray hair. A long-sleeve green tunic and black leather vest over that was augmented with various brown belts, swords, and even two holstered wheellock pistols. vii 12 Finally, a tobacco cigarillo rested in his mouth and a mug of whiskey was on the table and opposite the man’s hat.
As for Giovanni Salzano, the young Italian mercenary was enjoying the many qualities of a mug of mead as his once snow-covered hat sat on the table besides him and his brown cloak (the snow now melted, and its watery remnants were left behind) lay over the back of his chair to dry. Despite several spots of wetness on his red shirt and
“Good,” said the man in English, his words every inch accented by his native French tongue, “All the better for our talk. Most people here do not understand the voice of the Englishman as well as they do French, Dutch, or Spanish. Or,” he nodded to Salzano after a pause, “Italian.”
The Frenchman opposite Giovanni was in his forties with a stocky muscular build; he would have stood slightly taller than Salzano (if he were not sitting) and who’s long and unruly gray bearded face was crisscrossed with the scars of war. His wide-brim brown leather hat---worn from over use---was on the table besides himself, exposing his full head of gray hair. A long-sleeve green tunic and black leather vest over that was augmented with various brown belts, swords, and even two holstered wheellock pistols. vii 12 Finally, a tobacco cigarillo rested in his mouth and a mug of whiskey was on the table and opposite the man’s hat.
As for Giovanni Salzano, the young Italian mercenary was enjoying the many qualities of a mug of mead as his once snow-covered hat sat on the table besides him and his brown cloak (the snow now melted, and its watery remnants were left behind) lay over the back of his chair to dry. Despite several spots of wetness on his red shirt and
12 It is largely believed that the first wheellock pistols emerged around 1534. For the purposes of this book, that historical fact has been loosely applied to note the early 1500s for storytelling purposes.
Page 21
black pants, the beforementioned personal effects had done their job at keeping him dry. 13
Much had changed for the young Giovanni. Several months ago, he had been on the run with what remained of his uncle’s mercenary company, eventually throwing in their lot with a trusted friend of Giovanni’s uncle, Marcus Felix Brutus. Marcus commanded the Swords of Rome and took the 17-year-old Salzano under his care and tutelage to become a mercenary. The Hvar Rebellion had been Giovanni’s first contract as a mercenary; while it was short, just a little spit as Marcus would say, it helped put Giovanni on the map, just as Marcus had promised it would. That being on the map led Salzano to this table and across from this Frenchman.
Giovanni smirked somberly to himself at some of the last words Marcus would speak to him before the Hvar Rebellion---
“My inheritance?” Giovanni chuckled, almost in tears at the irony of it, “My family is dead! My villa was burned! And the townsfolk loot and grave rob what is left! What I have left is the clothes on my back, a sword, and the promise of an inheritance from my uncle that I was a mercenary. Four days later, all I have left is vengeance for
Much had changed for the young Giovanni. Several months ago, he had been on the run with what remained of his uncle’s mercenary company, eventually throwing in their lot with a trusted friend of Giovanni’s uncle, Marcus Felix Brutus. Marcus commanded the Swords of Rome and took the 17-year-old Salzano under his care and tutelage to become a mercenary. The Hvar Rebellion had been Giovanni’s first contract as a mercenary; while it was short, just a little spit as Marcus would say, it helped put Giovanni on the map, just as Marcus had promised it would. That being on the map led Salzano to this table and across from this Frenchman.
Giovanni smirked somberly to himself at some of the last words Marcus would speak to him before the Hvar Rebellion---
“My inheritance?” Giovanni chuckled, almost in tears at the irony of it, “My family is dead! My villa was burned! And the townsfolk loot and grave rob what is left! What I have left is the clothes on my back, a sword, and the promise of an inheritance from my uncle that I was a mercenary. Four days later, all I have left is vengeance for
13 Giovanni’s full attire can be found in A Story of the Beginning (Revised Edition), pg. 154-156
Page 22
my family’s murder by the Catholic priest that killed them. And anyone else that is connected to Father Saul.”
“Have a bit of naive in you still, boy?” Marcus asked, adding, “Coin is the currency of this world, and a man needs to make a living somehow. You best wise up to that fact sooner than later. You are no longer a boy, but a man. Best start acting like one and get any foolish thoughts of righteous crusades to avenge your family’s murder out of your mind. Those fairy tales have gotten many a foolish man killed I tell you!” 14
---Marcus had been right. There was no going back home. Not now. Maybe not ever. On the run for the attempted murder of a Catholic Priest, Salzano had few friends in this world after Marcus’ death at Hvar. What remained of his mercenary company and of his uncle’s men either died with the Roman warrior at Hvar or scattered to their own new tales after a hard-fought victory.
“You need a sword,” Giovanni said, adding without a desire to mince words, “I need a job,” the Italian nodded towards the crudely written hiring notice on the pillar behind the Frenchman, “At least says your notice up there.”
The Frenchman smirked, “Bold words for someone looking so…inexperienced. There are dozens of notices on those
“Have a bit of naive in you still, boy?” Marcus asked, adding, “Coin is the currency of this world, and a man needs to make a living somehow. You best wise up to that fact sooner than later. You are no longer a boy, but a man. Best start acting like one and get any foolish thoughts of righteous crusades to avenge your family’s murder out of your mind. Those fairy tales have gotten many a foolish man killed I tell you!” 14
---Marcus had been right. There was no going back home. Not now. Maybe not ever. On the run for the attempted murder of a Catholic Priest, Salzano had few friends in this world after Marcus’ death at Hvar. What remained of his mercenary company and of his uncle’s men either died with the Roman warrior at Hvar or scattered to their own new tales after a hard-fought victory.
“You need a sword,” Giovanni said, adding without a desire to mince words, “I need a job,” the Italian nodded towards the crudely written hiring notice on the pillar behind the Frenchman, “At least says your notice up there.”
The Frenchman smirked, “Bold words for someone looking so…inexperienced. There are dozens of notices on those
14 A Story of the Beginning (Revised Edition), pg. 166
Page 23
pillars. Some months old and irrelevant today. Who says the position was not already filled?”
Salzano dug into one of his pouches and withdrew a black circular coin laced with gold and silver; on one side it read In servizio 15 in Italian gold italics against the black background, while the reverse side had two crossed silver gladius swords with a human eye under the crossed swords in silver against the black background. The Italian flipped it towards the man who caught it and turned it over in his open hand, examining it.
“Marcus Felix Brutus,” the Venetian spoke as the other man looked up to him, “Before his death at Hvar, he gave me that. He said you would understand,” Giovanni paused as the Frenchman studied the Italian, then looked at the scratched and tarnished coin again (as if seeing memories from it that Salzano could not see), “Marcus knew my uncle, Bonaventure. He said to bring this coin to you.”
The older man nodded, then looked up at Giovanni, “Marcus and I served together years ago. This was his favorite coin,” he pocketed it into a pouch, “He found it in an old abandoned Roman fort,” the Frenchman sighed, “Good man, he was. If he trusted you, so can I. Bonaventure, you said?” the man smirked, “Bastard of a man. I respected the hell out of him in his fighting days, however. Battle of Agnadello, fifteen oh nine,” he nodded
Salzano dug into one of his pouches and withdrew a black circular coin laced with gold and silver; on one side it read In servizio 15 in Italian gold italics against the black background, while the reverse side had two crossed silver gladius swords with a human eye under the crossed swords in silver against the black background. The Italian flipped it towards the man who caught it and turned it over in his open hand, examining it.
“Marcus Felix Brutus,” the Venetian spoke as the other man looked up to him, “Before his death at Hvar, he gave me that. He said you would understand,” Giovanni paused as the Frenchman studied the Italian, then looked at the scratched and tarnished coin again (as if seeing memories from it that Salzano could not see), “Marcus knew my uncle, Bonaventure. He said to bring this coin to you.”
The older man nodded, then looked up at Giovanni, “Marcus and I served together years ago. This was his favorite coin,” he pocketed it into a pouch, “He found it in an old abandoned Roman fort,” the Frenchman sighed, “Good man, he was. If he trusted you, so can I. Bonaventure, you said?” the man smirked, “Bastard of a man. I respected the hell out of him in his fighting days, however. Battle of Agnadello, fifteen oh nine,” he nodded
15 “In Service.”
Page 24
firmly across from Giovanni, “That would make you Corradeo Salzano’s son. Giovanni? From Venice?”
Salzano nodded, holding back emotion at not hearing his father’s name in many years, “Aye. It is me,” Memories, however, came back of the last time he had seen his father alive---
“NOW,” Corradeo Salzano said, kneeling in front of his twelve-year-old son 16 and holding him by the shoulders, “You are my son. And I am proud of you. Very, very proud of you. Today, you become a man.”
Giovanni Salzano wiped a tear from his eyes and nodded, trying his hardest to keep a brave face in front of his father. The cold air that raced through the town combined with the darkening afternoon skies made the experience all that much more horrible. The inpatient sounds of the two horses off to the side near the road by their large villa and the equally large man in his uncle holding the reins of the two horses just added to the misery that his father was, indeed, leaving and nothing would---or could---stop him. 17
Salzano nodded, holding back emotion at not hearing his father’s name in many years, “Aye. It is me,” Memories, however, came back of the last time he had seen his father alive---
“NOW,” Corradeo Salzano said, kneeling in front of his twelve-year-old son 16 and holding him by the shoulders, “You are my son. And I am proud of you. Very, very proud of you. Today, you become a man.”
Giovanni Salzano wiped a tear from his eyes and nodded, trying his hardest to keep a brave face in front of his father. The cold air that raced through the town combined with the darkening afternoon skies made the experience all that much more horrible. The inpatient sounds of the two horses off to the side near the road by their large villa and the equally large man in his uncle holding the reins of the two horses just added to the misery that his father was, indeed, leaving and nothing would---or could---stop him. 17
16 In the 2016 original book, Giovanni Salzano was 11 years-old.
17 This scene, like many others in the 2022 Revised Edition, were expanded in detail from the 2016 original book. As an example, the detail added here went in line with the details in No Tears: Northern Company (2021), bringing this novel in line with that more personal experience for every character from Northern Company.
17 This scene, like many others in the 2022 Revised Edition, were expanded in detail from the 2016 original book. As an example, the detail added here went in line with the details in No Tears: Northern Company (2021), bringing this novel in line with that more personal experience for every character from Northern Company.
Page 25
“No tears,” Corradeo said gently as he looked into his son’s eyes, “No tears. Ever. You need to be strong. Determination. Strength. Honor. In these, my son, you will need to trust. You watch after your mother, and you do what she asks of you. No complaining.”
“Yes, Papà,” Giovanni said, starting to tear up more, his little face struggling to not shame himself.
“No tears, son,” Corradeo said, trying his hardest to keep his own eyes dry, “No tears.”
As his father drew him in close for a hug, Giovanni could feel his father’s leather armor, the belts that hung his various equipment, and most importantly that rough stubble of his chin. His father’s steady, calm heartbeat steadied the young boy, his warmth and strength gave him reason to feel safe. But it did not stop the tears.
“Today,” Corradeo said softly into his son’s ear as he held him, “I am your father. No longer papà.” 18
---“And Bonaventure is…?” the Frenchman’s words shook Giovanni from his memories.
The Venetian shook his head.
“Honorable, I hope,” the old soldier said, “He deserved that much,” he looked around the tavern for a moment, glancing
“Yes, Papà,” Giovanni said, starting to tear up more, his little face struggling to not shame himself.
“No tears, son,” Corradeo said, trying his hardest to keep his own eyes dry, “No tears.”
As his father drew him in close for a hug, Giovanni could feel his father’s leather armor, the belts that hung his various equipment, and most importantly that rough stubble of his chin. His father’s steady, calm heartbeat steadied the young boy, his warmth and strength gave him reason to feel safe. But it did not stop the tears.
“Today,” Corradeo said softly into his son’s ear as he held him, “I am your father. No longer papà.” 18
---“And Bonaventure is…?” the Frenchman’s words shook Giovanni from his memories.
The Venetian shook his head.
“Honorable, I hope,” the old soldier said, “He deserved that much,” he looked around the tavern for a moment, glancing
18 A Story of the Beginning (Revised Edition), pg. 8-10
Page 26
around at the on-goings before he brought his attention back to Giovanni, “The name is Lafontaine Vayssière. Captain of The Northern Company,” he studied the Venetian’s face a long moment, “You ever kill a man?”
“Yes,” Giovanni replied firmly.
“It is in your eyes,” Lafontaine studied the young man for a moment, then asked, “What brings you north, Giovanni? The Netherlands is a long way from Venice.”
“Coin,” Giovanni answered, then paused, adding, “In time. Answers first though.”
“I am no sight-seeing tour, son,” Vayssière replied with mild disgust, “You either fight under my flag or you do not.”
“I do not expect you to be,” Salzano answered, finishing off his mug of mead and then raising the mug to the young waitress walking around; he called out, “Another round, please?”
The young woman came over, her curly blond hair and young naive face betraying a youthfulness and innocence that Giovanni had lost, it felt, a lifetime ago. She was close to his age, if not a bit older in fact.
“What are you having, traveler?” she asked.
“Mead,” Giovanni said, handing her the mug, then forked a thumb towards the Frenchman, “His next round is on me.”
“Captain?” the woman asked, using the title like she knew the man well.
“Yes,” Giovanni replied firmly.
“It is in your eyes,” Lafontaine studied the young man for a moment, then asked, “What brings you north, Giovanni? The Netherlands is a long way from Venice.”
“Coin,” Giovanni answered, then paused, adding, “In time. Answers first though.”
“I am no sight-seeing tour, son,” Vayssière replied with mild disgust, “You either fight under my flag or you do not.”
“I do not expect you to be,” Salzano answered, finishing off his mug of mead and then raising the mug to the young waitress walking around; he called out, “Another round, please?”
The young woman came over, her curly blond hair and young naive face betraying a youthfulness and innocence that Giovanni had lost, it felt, a lifetime ago. She was close to his age, if not a bit older in fact.
“What are you having, traveler?” she asked.
“Mead,” Giovanni said, handing her the mug, then forked a thumb towards the Frenchman, “His next round is on me.”
“Captain?” the woman asked, using the title like she knew the man well.
Page 27
“Whiskey,” Lafontaine replied, handing the girl his mug; once she was gone, he turned his attention back to Giovanni.
“Before my uncle was killed, our estate was burned to the ground by a raiding gang of rogues. The rogues were paid by a Father Saul. Catholic Priest. Sometime later after escaping the priest and rogues, my uncle’s ship was burned in the open sea. That is what killed him and most of his company. Right before our ship was sabotaged by a traitor, my uncle had mentioned an enemy long forgotten had returned. But he would not go into details before he died. I cannot separate the fact that it is no random luck that both Father Saul and this long-forgotten enemy are somehow related.”
The mercenary captain nodded with a long foreboding look, “Aye, you are not wrong,” he paused when the girl returned, handing each man their drinks. When she departed again, he continued after a sip of his whiskey, “But I am not interested in dying for it. Vengeance kills a-- ”
“---man faster than the devil,” Giovanni finished, continuing with, “Coin is the currency of this world and a man needs to make a living somehow.”
“Marcus?” the Frenchman asked.
Giovanni nodded, finishing a sip of his mead.
“Wise man. But words, Giovanni. Just words. I will be of no help to you.”
“Before my uncle was killed, our estate was burned to the ground by a raiding gang of rogues. The rogues were paid by a Father Saul. Catholic Priest. Sometime later after escaping the priest and rogues, my uncle’s ship was burned in the open sea. That is what killed him and most of his company. Right before our ship was sabotaged by a traitor, my uncle had mentioned an enemy long forgotten had returned. But he would not go into details before he died. I cannot separate the fact that it is no random luck that both Father Saul and this long-forgotten enemy are somehow related.”
The mercenary captain nodded with a long foreboding look, “Aye, you are not wrong,” he paused when the girl returned, handing each man their drinks. When she departed again, he continued after a sip of his whiskey, “But I am not interested in dying for it. Vengeance kills a-- ”
“---man faster than the devil,” Giovanni finished, continuing with, “Coin is the currency of this world and a man needs to make a living somehow.”
“Marcus?” the Frenchman asked.
Giovanni nodded, finishing a sip of his mead.
“Wise man. But words, Giovanni. Just words. I will be of no help to you.”
Page 28
“Uncle Bonaventure told me that, ‘No matter the coin, you honor your contract. Unto death, even. Your faithfulness to that contract is the only mercy your soul has in front of God. You finish the contract. Always.’ Marcus,” Giovanni nodded towards the coin in the Frenchman’s pouch, “Gave me that coin on his dying breath. Believing---trusting---that you would answer the honor with it. The Contract. Or he would not have done it.”
Giovanni watched as a flash of memory and pain washed over Lafontaine Vayssière’s face as he nodded in acknowledgement of the facts and of memories long gone that seemed---suddenly---very close to home, “So be it, Giovanni Salzano. Upon death.”
“I am no fool. Coin is the currency of this world; I am here to fight for coin first. Be a loyal sword. Learn to master my art. Then, when the time is right, you will show me what I need to know.”
“What art do you seek to master, Salzano?”
“Mercenary,” Giovanni replied, adding as the winds of destiny wrapped around him in that moment of truth, “All of it.”
Lafontaine regarded the Venetian a long moment, then said, “Death, Giovanni Salzano, will follow you the rest of your days. Mark my words.”
Giovanni watched as a flash of memory and pain washed over Lafontaine Vayssière’s face as he nodded in acknowledgement of the facts and of memories long gone that seemed---suddenly---very close to home, “So be it, Giovanni Salzano. Upon death.”
“I am no fool. Coin is the currency of this world; I am here to fight for coin first. Be a loyal sword. Learn to master my art. Then, when the time is right, you will show me what I need to know.”
“What art do you seek to master, Salzano?”
“Mercenary,” Giovanni replied, adding as the winds of destiny wrapped around him in that moment of truth, “All of it.”
Lafontaine regarded the Venetian a long moment, then said, “Death, Giovanni Salzano, will follow you the rest of your days. Mark my words.”
Chapter 4
The Chamberlain and The Duchess
Brussels
(January 16th, 1515; that morning)
(January 16th, 1515; that morning)
|
Page 55
|
The aide-de-camp calmly looked at the notes he had written and put small, pinned flags (red, black, white, or purple) in locations around the enlarged wall-sized painted map of the whole of the Netherlands.
William de Croy scanned the richly colored map, detailing so precise that small clusters of brown buildings indicated a town or a sole building identified a village. Rivers were blue, raised elevations were superbly detailed to indicate as such, and even major transportation routes were shown. Names of locations were signaled with black paint; the blues, greens, and browns of the map popped with lively characteristics, while an intricate gold compass showing North, South, West, & East was displayed near the upper right-hand corner of the wall, where the blue ocean extended from the Netherlands’ map.
William sighed in thought as he rubbed his chin with an unoccupied right hand as he gazed upon the colorful map that spanned the entire wall. The aide backed away from the wall and bowed politely towards de Croy, before departing to a deeper part of the study to continue reading
William de Croy scanned the richly colored map, detailing so precise that small clusters of brown buildings indicated a town or a sole building identified a village. Rivers were blue, raised elevations were superbly detailed to indicate as such, and even major transportation routes were shown. Names of locations were signaled with black paint; the blues, greens, and browns of the map popped with lively characteristics, while an intricate gold compass showing North, South, West, & East was displayed near the upper right-hand corner of the wall, where the blue ocean extended from the Netherlands’ map.
William sighed in thought as he rubbed his chin with an unoccupied right hand as he gazed upon the colorful map that spanned the entire wall. The aide backed away from the wall and bowed politely towards de Croy, before departing to a deeper part of the study to continue reading
|
Page 56
|
reports from the front. The chamberlain oversaw the Duke of Burgundy’s overall military strategy in the Habsburg Netherlands. 29 xii It was also de Croy who had ensured that Prince d’Espaigne was removed from his aunt Margaret’s influence as much as possible. In truth, it was the Frenchman de Croy---and not Prince d’Espaigne---that controlled the latter’s destiny in this world, but the former chief tutor and now chamberlain to Prince d’Espaigne would not dare voice such thoughts.
He kept his council to himself as he secured the Netherland’s revolt and loyalty from its citizens for the young Netherlands duke. The young & inexperienced duke and future emperor was already highly dependent on de Croy and the older statesman would ensure that Charles would be ever more dependent on him as his path to emperor of the Holy Roman Empire continued. After all,
He kept his council to himself as he secured the Netherland’s revolt and loyalty from its citizens for the young Netherlands duke. The young & inexperienced duke and future emperor was already highly dependent on de Croy and the older statesman would ensure that Charles would be ever more dependent on him as his path to emperor of the Holy Roman Empire continued. After all,
29 This is not historically accurate and is fictional for storytelling purposes for this book. There is no evidence in Margaret of Austria Regent of the Netherlands (Jane de Longh, 1953) that William de Croy oversaw military planning for Charles V, at least before 1517.
However, Longh (1953) does mention a Count Hendrik of Nassau (Henry III of Nassau-Breda most likely) as being put in charge of “Burgundian troops, for the protection of the battered northern areas” (pg. 208) by Charles V as captain general sometime after February 1517 (pg. 206-209).
Wikipedia articles differ from Longh’s account and put Count Hendrik’s military accession to 1516. For purposes of this book, this author will go with Longh’s 1517 account and thus assume (see above) that William de Croy oversees military planning from 1515 throughout 1516 until at least February 1517.
However, Longh (1953) does mention a Count Hendrik of Nassau (Henry III of Nassau-Breda most likely) as being put in charge of “Burgundian troops, for the protection of the battered northern areas” (pg. 208) by Charles V as captain general sometime after February 1517 (pg. 206-209).
Wikipedia articles differ from Longh’s account and put Count Hendrik’s military accession to 1516. For purposes of this book, this author will go with Longh’s 1517 account and thus assume (see above) that William de Croy oversees military planning from 1515 throughout 1516 until at least February 1517.
Page 57
what was good for Prince d’Espaigne was good for William de Croy (and that was the whole point). William wanted power and power was to be at the ear of the future emperor.
Taking a last look at the map, as to burn it into his memory, de Croy took a handful of patient steps towards the French doors controlling access to his balcony. Looking out the partly fogged over windows that separated the cold winter morning from the warmth of his private study, he sighed at the cold temperature. The winter months were so unproductive with travel and war campaigning was restricted due to the weather (even assassinations were a tricky conversation this time of year). His prolonged anxious thoughts of the winter months were brought to a temporary conclusion as his jacket was laid over his shoulders by his personal servant, the third man in the room beyond himself and the military aide-de-camp.
“Ton manteau, sire,” 30 the servant said ever so warmly and patiently in French.
“Merci,” 31 de Croy replied in kind with a gentle tone that ever highlighted his respect for the people that served him: he never forgot their service. The attendant handed him his gloves and William put them on.
Taking a handful of steps the rest of the way, the chamberlain reached the doors as his personal attendant opened them; the brisk cold morning air hit him like a solid
Taking a last look at the map, as to burn it into his memory, de Croy took a handful of patient steps towards the French doors controlling access to his balcony. Looking out the partly fogged over windows that separated the cold winter morning from the warmth of his private study, he sighed at the cold temperature. The winter months were so unproductive with travel and war campaigning was restricted due to the weather (even assassinations were a tricky conversation this time of year). His prolonged anxious thoughts of the winter months were brought to a temporary conclusion as his jacket was laid over his shoulders by his personal servant, the third man in the room beyond himself and the military aide-de-camp.
“Ton manteau, sire,” 30 the servant said ever so warmly and patiently in French.
“Merci,” 31 de Croy replied in kind with a gentle tone that ever highlighted his respect for the people that served him: he never forgot their service. The attendant handed him his gloves and William put them on.
Taking a handful of steps the rest of the way, the chamberlain reached the doors as his personal attendant opened them; the brisk cold morning air hit him like a solid
30 “Your coat, sire.”
31 “Thank you.”
31 “Thank you.”
Page 58
punch in the early morning hours! He powered through the chill and onto the balcony, putting his hands on the railing. Below, the vastness of the city of Brussels lay out before him through the gray morning clouds, cold air, and, if one looked hard enough, he could have sworn to have noticed an isolated snowflake or two dropping from the gray sky. Up above, the morning sun was just starting to rise and was threatening the gray skies with hope of a warm, sunny day ahead; but alas, the gray and cold stood their ground stubbornly, giving the pretense of another long cold winter day.
Brussels had recently become the administrative center for the Habsburg Netherlands, making former holds of power such as Antwerp and Mechelen relics of the past nearly overnight. It would be from Brussels that the Netherlands would be brought down to their knees under the authority of Prince d’Espaigne, and it would be from Brussels that the Guelders Wars 32 and any other insufficient peasant rebellions would finally be wiped from the earth! It would be from Brussels that de Croy would ensure that Charles V would become emperor sooner-than-later. And it would be from Brussels that William de Croy would ensure that imperial policy would be favorable to French interests.
Brussels had recently become the administrative center for the Habsburg Netherlands, making former holds of power such as Antwerp and Mechelen relics of the past nearly overnight. It would be from Brussels that the Netherlands would be brought down to their knees under the authority of Prince d’Espaigne, and it would be from Brussels that the Guelders Wars 32 and any other insufficient peasant rebellions would finally be wiped from the earth! It would be from Brussels that de Croy would ensure that Charles V would become emperor sooner-than-later. And it would be from Brussels that William de Croy would ensure that imperial policy would be favorable to French interests.
32 The Guelders Wars lasted from 1502-1543 and included several conflicts in the Netherlands that climaxed from 1514-1517 with the Saxon Feud and the Frisian Peasant Rebellion (1515-1523).
Page 59
While many French statesmen hoped that the newly anointed French king would take the imperial throne from Maximilian I’s old and twisted fingers in due time, William had no luxury to operate off such a fickle notion as hope. Hope was where politicians and statesmen like himself went to politically retire. Hope was the wish of the ill prepared, the foolish, and the naive. Hope, in William’s line of work, was a quick way to the hangman’s noose. However much the news of Francis I’s rise to the kingdom’s throne was a breath of fresh optimism for the dying and crumbling Kingdom of France, William could not put his trust in the reign of a twenty-year-old boy that had not even been on the throne for a full sixteen days yet.
Instead, William would continue to operate as his mandate had ordered him to do so: to assume the imperial throne would stay in Habsburg hands and to operate off the assumption that Prince d’Espaigne would be France’s Manchurian candidate on the imperial throne. It was a delicate game, a masterful power play from William. So secret was this political mandate, William would not be all that taken aback if he had learned that few French in the corridors of power either remembered or even knew of his secret orders.
By Charles’ side constantly since 1509, de Croy would not let a new and ostentatious French monarch undue his life’s finest work. No, that could not happen…unless, a course, Francis I saw William’s true value and appointed him to a powerful position within the new French court. Alas, such matters of stubbornness and yearning were misplaced and de Croy knew it. He would need to be patient and let those
Instead, William would continue to operate as his mandate had ordered him to do so: to assume the imperial throne would stay in Habsburg hands and to operate off the assumption that Prince d’Espaigne would be France’s Manchurian candidate on the imperial throne. It was a delicate game, a masterful power play from William. So secret was this political mandate, William would not be all that taken aback if he had learned that few French in the corridors of power either remembered or even knew of his secret orders.
By Charles’ side constantly since 1509, de Croy would not let a new and ostentatious French monarch undue his life’s finest work. No, that could not happen…unless, a course, Francis I saw William’s true value and appointed him to a powerful position within the new French court. Alas, such matters of stubbornness and yearning were misplaced and de Croy knew it. He would need to be patient and let those
Page 60
less experienced make the first moves in the corridors of power. When the time was right, William would ensure he was in an indisputable place of indispensability to either direction the corridors of power went.
“Mon seigneur, vous avez des visiteurs,” 33 came his servant’s voice.
Of course, there were always wildcards. Unpredictable avenues that power and destiny could snake through the world, people and events that could change everything at a moment’s notice. A catalyst to disorder or order; a permutation to chaos or peace; a phoenix to life or death. And Margaret of Austria was one such vehement woman that fate itself claimed her to be integral to that transformation of power and destiny. Only a fool would deny what Margaret was and only a feeble soul would allow her to control such things. William was neither and he was confident that he had the duchess where he could control her, use her, and benefit from her. He turned from the balcony and saw his servant standing there besides the open French doors, bowing at the doorway to the balcony.
“Laissez-les entrer,” 34 de Croy said with much annoyance. His annoyance must have caught his servant’s attention, who looked up from his bow.
“Mon seigneur, vous avez des visiteurs,” 33 came his servant’s voice.
Of course, there were always wildcards. Unpredictable avenues that power and destiny could snake through the world, people and events that could change everything at a moment’s notice. A catalyst to disorder or order; a permutation to chaos or peace; a phoenix to life or death. And Margaret of Austria was one such vehement woman that fate itself claimed her to be integral to that transformation of power and destiny. Only a fool would deny what Margaret was and only a feeble soul would allow her to control such things. William was neither and he was confident that he had the duchess where he could control her, use her, and benefit from her. He turned from the balcony and saw his servant standing there besides the open French doors, bowing at the doorway to the balcony.
“Laissez-les entrer,” 34 de Croy said with much annoyance. His annoyance must have caught his servant’s attention, who looked up from his bow.
33 “My lord, you have visitors.”
34 “Let them in.”
34 “Let them in.”
Page 61
“Dois-je leur dire que vous êtes occupé, sire?” 35
“Non. Elle ne s’arrêtera pas aujourd’hui. Ou demain. Il est préférable d’en arriver là,” 36
“Comme vous le souhaitez, mon seigneur,” 37 the man replied and retreated inside after holding the French doors open for William, then closing them before walking past the chamberlain and towards the study’s front doors.
William took off his gloves and coat and folded them over his arm as he waited for his servant. In that moment of watching, William reminded himself of one important lesson: in order to bring the Netherlands to its knees with this rebellion, he would need to bring their beloved “French Princess” to her knees before him. Only with shared public strength would this rebellion end.
The doors opened and in walked Margaret of Austria herself, the former Regent of the Netherlands. He smiled as she strode across the open wooden floor towards him; she carried power and authority in her step, but it was all in the sense of former. A shadow of an authority as relic as Antwerp and Mechelen, lost to the modern times. William never forgave---or forgot---what her father, Emperor Maximilian I, had done to him all those years ago.
“Non. Elle ne s’arrêtera pas aujourd’hui. Ou demain. Il est préférable d’en arriver là,” 36
“Comme vous le souhaitez, mon seigneur,” 37 the man replied and retreated inside after holding the French doors open for William, then closing them before walking past the chamberlain and towards the study’s front doors.
William took off his gloves and coat and folded them over his arm as he waited for his servant. In that moment of watching, William reminded himself of one important lesson: in order to bring the Netherlands to its knees with this rebellion, he would need to bring their beloved “French Princess” to her knees before him. Only with shared public strength would this rebellion end.
The doors opened and in walked Margaret of Austria herself, the former Regent of the Netherlands. He smiled as she strode across the open wooden floor towards him; she carried power and authority in her step, but it was all in the sense of former. A shadow of an authority as relic as Antwerp and Mechelen, lost to the modern times. William never forgave---or forgot---what her father, Emperor Maximilian I, had done to him all those years ago.
35 “Should I tell them you are busy, sire?”
36 “No. She will not stop today. Or tomorrow. It is best to get this over with.”
37 “As you wish, my lord.”
36 “No. She will not stop today. Or tomorrow. It is best to get this over with.”
37 “As you wish, my lord.”
Page 62
Replacing him with this woman as regent of the Netherlands while Prince d’Espaigne grew up to surely take his place---and then became her place to take---upon him reaching of age to rule. William had gained an opportunity for revenge against Margaret as the emperor had appointed him Chief Tutor to Charles V with his connections and experience as a statesman. From then on, de Croy had used every opportunity to remove Margaret from Charles’ life and influence him directly away from the spies of the Spanish-German empire and instead install French loyalties on the boy’s young mind. It was the irony that Margaret---a former French queen 38 39 40 ---would have to endure the
38 Margaret of Austria, daughter to Maximilian I & Mary of Burgundy (Duke and Duchess of Burgundy), was married off to the French as their future queen for the son of French King Louis XI (the future Charles VIII, r. 1483-1498). This was done in accordance with a peace treaty between France and Burgundy on December 23rd, 1482, to end the war between them. Margaret was 2 years old, Charles VIII was 13 years old. Pg. 45-51 (Jane de Longh, 1953)
39 Margaret would be well educated and thoroughly prepared for the life of a royal under the French, from age 3 through age 11 (8 years) at the royal castle of Amboise, as their future French Queen. Pg. 62-67; pg. 79-81 (Jane de Longh, 1953)
40 However, her husband, the French King in Charles VIII, would not keep his word and would marry Duchess Anne of Brittany on December 6th, 1491. Anne was betrothed to Maximilian I, in whom she had never seen, but married Charles to keep her lands & titles as the French were besieging Brittany with weapons of war. The marriage between Charles and Margaret, now 12 years old, would end in May, 1493 in the Treaty of Senlis. Of her 10 years with the French, Margaret would spend little more than 8 years as the French Queen and just
39 Margaret would be well educated and thoroughly prepared for the life of a royal under the French, from age 3 through age 11 (8 years) at the royal castle of Amboise, as their future French Queen. Pg. 62-67; pg. 79-81 (Jane de Longh, 1953)
40 However, her husband, the French King in Charles VIII, would not keep his word and would marry Duchess Anne of Brittany on December 6th, 1491. Anne was betrothed to Maximilian I, in whom she had never seen, but married Charles to keep her lands & titles as the French were besieging Brittany with weapons of war. The marriage between Charles and Margaret, now 12 years old, would end in May, 1493 in the Treaty of Senlis. Of her 10 years with the French, Margaret would spend little more than 8 years as the French Queen and just
Page 63
pain of watching Charles V slip from the Habsburg ideals and to her personal enemy, the French.
William’s smile faded a bit in those brief moments that it took Margaret to span the floor to where de Croy stood. It would be Margaret that would steal his revenge from him ever so cruelly, waking the fool that is Maximilian I to de Croy’s masterful plan and ending it. But Margaret was still a woman and naïve to social and cultural agreements among men and, in her zeal to root out all foreign influences on Charles V’s upbringing---she, being a woman---overstepped her boundaries in the political world dominated by men. She imprisoned Don Juan Manuel de la Cerda, a foreign prince and political refugee within the court of Prince d’Espaigne. Worse, she had offended the Order of the Golden Fleece, an Order of princes that Maximilian I needed their loyalty and more importantly, the princes’ loyalty for his grandson’s future imperial rule to be stable. It was in these grave missteps by Margaret that de Croy out maneuvered her and positioned her downfall through a secret conference with Maximilian I himself. Surely the aging emperor would understand de Croy’s concern for Charles V’s future rule?
The older statesman smiled once more fully in those moments as he remembered his vengeance had been complete. Once the laughingstock to his peers because of his removal as regent by a woman years ago, he had
William’s smile faded a bit in those brief moments that it took Margaret to span the floor to where de Croy stood. It would be Margaret that would steal his revenge from him ever so cruelly, waking the fool that is Maximilian I to de Croy’s masterful plan and ending it. But Margaret was still a woman and naïve to social and cultural agreements among men and, in her zeal to root out all foreign influences on Charles V’s upbringing---she, being a woman---overstepped her boundaries in the political world dominated by men. She imprisoned Don Juan Manuel de la Cerda, a foreign prince and political refugee within the court of Prince d’Espaigne. Worse, she had offended the Order of the Golden Fleece, an Order of princes that Maximilian I needed their loyalty and more importantly, the princes’ loyalty for his grandson’s future imperial rule to be stable. It was in these grave missteps by Margaret that de Croy out maneuvered her and positioned her downfall through a secret conference with Maximilian I himself. Surely the aging emperor would understand de Croy’s concern for Charles V’s future rule?
The older statesman smiled once more fully in those moments as he remembered his vengeance had been complete. Once the laughingstock to his peers because of his removal as regent by a woman years ago, he had
under 1 and a half years as, essentially, a French Queen-in-exile within France itself at Melun. Pg. 76-84 (Jane de Longh, 1953)
Page 64
engineered the rise of Prince d’Espaigne, the fall of Margaret of Austria, and his own ascendency to the ear of the future emperor himself, Charles V. And even now, as Chamberlain to Prince d’Espaigne, Duke of Burgundy, he was the gatekeeper to the future emperor’s schedule, his allies, his friends, and---most importantly---his enemies. No one could gain an audience with Charles without going through William de Croy.
Margaret’s downfall, however, came with expected---if not entirely understood---misfortunes for Prince d’Espaigne and de Croy. Her public downfall had created two camps within the Habsburg Netherlands: one camp loyal to Margaret, one camp loyal to Charles V. While the zenith of a near revolt happened before Charles’ coming into power, the ripple effects of that event could still be felt and would, William thought, be continued to be felt for some time to come. 41 Regardless, Margaret’s favorable reign had lacked the one binding force that Prince d’Espaigne had and which, de Croy leveraged, would unite the Netherlands: Charles V was not a foreign princess ruling at head of the imperial government occupying the Netherlands. Rather, he was born and raised in the Netherlands. And it would be that uniting birthplace that would slowly calm the hotter heads.
Margaret’s downfall, however, came with expected---if not entirely understood---misfortunes for Prince d’Espaigne and de Croy. Her public downfall had created two camps within the Habsburg Netherlands: one camp loyal to Margaret, one camp loyal to Charles V. While the zenith of a near revolt happened before Charles’ coming into power, the ripple effects of that event could still be felt and would, William thought, be continued to be felt for some time to come. 41 Regardless, Margaret’s favorable reign had lacked the one binding force that Prince d’Espaigne had and which, de Croy leveraged, would unite the Netherlands: Charles V was not a foreign princess ruling at head of the imperial government occupying the Netherlands. Rather, he was born and raised in the Netherlands. And it would be that uniting birthplace that would slowly calm the hotter heads.
41 Pg. 195 (Jane de Longh, 1953)
Page 65
The former regent stopped and bowed politely, saying in French, “Chamberlain.” 42
Her voice was smooth and polite, her grace equally so. Yet, William knew that behind that graceful and well-trained demeanor, she was the ever tactful, ever watchful, ever ready to pounce at the first sight of weakness.
“Duchesse,” the Frenchman replied in their shared native tongue with charm and a bit of a smirk, “J’espère que votre voyage s’est déroulé sans incident?” 43
“We have business, Chamberlain, not pleasantries,” the former French Queen replied in English. 44
For a moment, William’s smile faded into scorn, but he quickly replaced it with a pleasant business smile as he returned, “A course.”
He indicated a hand towards his large wooden desk where two chairs sat before it, the desk sitting along a long window overlooking his outside balcony and the city. Making his way to his personal chair behind the desk, he sat down (but not before his servant returned to take his coat and gloves and departed to hang them up). William noticed Margaret only move to the desk, but not sit down.
Her voice was smooth and polite, her grace equally so. Yet, William knew that behind that graceful and well-trained demeanor, she was the ever tactful, ever watchful, ever ready to pounce at the first sight of weakness.
“Duchesse,” the Frenchman replied in their shared native tongue with charm and a bit of a smirk, “J’espère que votre voyage s’est déroulé sans incident?” 43
“We have business, Chamberlain, not pleasantries,” the former French Queen replied in English. 44
For a moment, William’s smile faded into scorn, but he quickly replaced it with a pleasant business smile as he returned, “A course.”
He indicated a hand towards his large wooden desk where two chairs sat before it, the desk sitting along a long window overlooking his outside balcony and the city. Making his way to his personal chair behind the desk, he sat down (but not before his servant returned to take his coat and gloves and departed to hang them up). William noticed Margaret only move to the desk, but not sit down.
42 “Chamberlain.”
43 “I hope your journey was uneventful?”
44 There is no historical evidence that I could locate that hinted that Margaret of Austria knew English. As such, her English speaking is fictional for the purposes of storytelling. The same should be assumed for William de Croy.
43 “I hope your journey was uneventful?”
44 There is no historical evidence that I could locate that hinted that Margaret of Austria knew English. As such, her English speaking is fictional for the purposes of storytelling. The same should be assumed for William de Croy.
Page 66
He extended a hand again towards the chair, “A chair, Duchess.”
“I would prefer to stand,” Margaret replied.
“So be it,” William said, adding as he leaned back in the chair, “We are on far opposite sides of the political landscape, Margaret,” he used her first name to make clear he was not playing into her coy game anymore, “And there are benefits and problems to this arrangement, for us both.”
“Continue, William,” she replied in turn without much elaboration.
He smiled. Coldly.
“Your newly found political exile will not be changing anytime soon. That, Duchess, I can personally assure you. So, let you and I understand this: I have an arrangement that will benefit you.”
“And you.”
William let a smile escape him, “Only naturally. But!” he held up a finger as he straightened in his chair, “It will benefit you the most.”
Margaret raised an eyebrow as she crossed her arms over her chest with deliberate mocked excitement, “How so?”
“The charges brought against you, against your sincere character, against the good you have done for these people
“I would prefer to stand,” Margaret replied.
“So be it,” William said, adding as he leaned back in the chair, “We are on far opposite sides of the political landscape, Margaret,” he used her first name to make clear he was not playing into her coy game anymore, “And there are benefits and problems to this arrangement, for us both.”
“Continue, William,” she replied in turn without much elaboration.
He smiled. Coldly.
“Your newly found political exile will not be changing anytime soon. That, Duchess, I can personally assure you. So, let you and I understand this: I have an arrangement that will benefit you.”
“And you.”
William let a smile escape him, “Only naturally. But!” he held up a finger as he straightened in his chair, “It will benefit you the most.”
Margaret raised an eyebrow as she crossed her arms over her chest with deliberate mocked excitement, “How so?”
“The charges brought against you, against your sincere character, against the good you have done for these people
Page 67
in the Netherlands…can be reestablished as a misunderstanding.” 45
“You need the people’s support in your war with this peasant revolt,” she stated matter-of-factly, “Moreover, you need the support of the people to avoid the strong-willed Netherlands from rejecting imperial rule and joining the peasant revolt in mass.”
A small sigh escaped the Frenchman; he had hoped she would not be so quick to the chase, but he should not have been all that surprised either. None-the-less, she took some of his thunder, “War is a strong word. More of an inconvenient unrest to established imperial rule over the Netherlands.”
The duchess raised an eyebrow and allowed a smirk of humor to form at the corner of her lips, “An insurrection cannot be masked by simply calling it inconvenient. I would know firsthand, Chamberlain.”
“As you and your treasury can attest to,” de Croy replied with a knowing smile as he watched Margaret’s heart sink at that failed adventure, “But! This unrest can be mitigated
“You need the people’s support in your war with this peasant revolt,” she stated matter-of-factly, “Moreover, you need the support of the people to avoid the strong-willed Netherlands from rejecting imperial rule and joining the peasant revolt in mass.”
A small sigh escaped the Frenchman; he had hoped she would not be so quick to the chase, but he should not have been all that surprised either. None-the-less, she took some of his thunder, “War is a strong word. More of an inconvenient unrest to established imperial rule over the Netherlands.”
The duchess raised an eyebrow and allowed a smirk of humor to form at the corner of her lips, “An insurrection cannot be masked by simply calling it inconvenient. I would know firsthand, Chamberlain.”
“As you and your treasury can attest to,” de Croy replied with a knowing smile as he watched Margaret’s heart sink at that failed adventure, “But! This unrest can be mitigated
45 Pg. 197-199 (Jane de Longh, 1953). Historical accounts paint a picture of William de Croy being graceful to those under him and him taking pity of Margaret’s situation but taking that pity only so far as to benefit himself. Since there are no historical accounts that I can find of the actual conversation between de Croy & Margaret, the conversation in this book is fictional, but as close to what I feel would have been discussed as possible. I do not see de Croy or Margaret caving in so easily to the other, regardless of the circumstances.
Page 68
as peacefully as possible,” William smiled slowly in knowing he had just won the war of political words, “Would you not agree?”
Margaret smiled thinly in return, “A course, Chamberlain, I would agree.”
“So, we bring your good name and the good you have done for the Netherlands’ people and indeed, for the House of Habsburg, to light. We rest these charges against you, and you retire to private life. You retain a voice within the current framework of things, in order that the people know you still defend them, and they are---truly---your heart.”
“I become a token voice in your government, William,” Margaret replied coldly, “I sell my people for my political retirement.”
“You sell your people in order to save them,” William said without a kind word in his voice as he stood up, his hands on his desk; his voice rising with anger, “Or you may waste away in this political exile! A convenient truth to the daughter of the dying emperor and the aunt to the future emperor! No more than a footnote in political theatre. And. Your. People. Will. Suffer.”
Margaret had taken a step back at William’s sudden outburst, but she knew all well that a letter to her father-- the holy roman emperor---would surely be intercepted at this stage in the game. And worse yet, her alienation of the male power hierarchy that put William and her nephew into power would limit her father’s political response. And even more troublesome, her “accidental” death could always be
Margaret smiled thinly in return, “A course, Chamberlain, I would agree.”
“So, we bring your good name and the good you have done for the Netherlands’ people and indeed, for the House of Habsburg, to light. We rest these charges against you, and you retire to private life. You retain a voice within the current framework of things, in order that the people know you still defend them, and they are---truly---your heart.”
“I become a token voice in your government, William,” Margaret replied coldly, “I sell my people for my political retirement.”
“You sell your people in order to save them,” William said without a kind word in his voice as he stood up, his hands on his desk; his voice rising with anger, “Or you may waste away in this political exile! A convenient truth to the daughter of the dying emperor and the aunt to the future emperor! No more than a footnote in political theatre. And. Your. People. Will. Suffer.”
Margaret had taken a step back at William’s sudden outburst, but she knew all well that a letter to her father-- the holy roman emperor---would surely be intercepted at this stage in the game. And worse yet, her alienation of the male power hierarchy that put William and her nephew into power would limit her father’s political response. And even more troublesome, her “accidental” death could always be
Page 69
around the next corner in a land now controlled by William de Croy. For all the good she had done for the people of the Netherlands since 1507, her few failures over the last roughly eight years were now the center point of a former government now being used as the scapegoat for the new government. And those who wished her---and her advisers---gone from the Netherlands for good, only helped spread and amplify those falsehoods for their political gain and her political failure. At every turn, she was the villain now: enriching herself with the treasury privately, while wasting money to fund an unpopular war against peasants to distract the people from her own government’s failures. All of which amounted to little more than hit-and-run ambushes and skirmishes over the last 17 years, but a war nonetheless that had been a constant reminder to the civilian populace in their day-to-day lives.
However, she also knew that William needed her. He was playing the political game. She would be playing the long game. Play the victim now, a true victim of utter political defeat. She would wait William out in patience and the maneuvering of her chess pieces in the shadows. One day at a time, one night at a time. Until even he, the ever so doubter of Margaret’s actions, believed that she would finally retire from politics for the rest of her life. A stretch, surely, even for the bitter enemy & rival of Margaret of Austria, Duchess of Savoy.
“Fine,” Margaret replied as defeated as possible, “Fine.”
Then she would strike. And she would ensure that it was her last words that he would ever hear before his dying eyes.
However, she also knew that William needed her. He was playing the political game. She would be playing the long game. Play the victim now, a true victim of utter political defeat. She would wait William out in patience and the maneuvering of her chess pieces in the shadows. One day at a time, one night at a time. Until even he, the ever so doubter of Margaret’s actions, believed that she would finally retire from politics for the rest of her life. A stretch, surely, even for the bitter enemy & rival of Margaret of Austria, Duchess of Savoy.
“Fine,” Margaret replied as defeated as possible, “Fine.”
Then she would strike. And she would ensure that it was her last words that he would ever hear before his dying eyes.
END OF CHAPTER EXCERPTS
REFERENCES
i (1; pg. 11) Information sourced from Margaret of Austria Regent of the Netherlands (Jane de Longh, 1953)
ii (2; pg. 12) Information sourced from:
• https://cathedralisbruxellensis.be/en/history/
(Retrieved 01-30-2021)
iii (3; pg. 14) Information sourced from Margaret of Austria Regent of the Netherlands (Jane de Longh, 1953)
iv (4; pg. 17) Information sourced from:
• https://tobaccofreelife.org/tobacco/tobacco-history/
(Retrieved 11-19-2020)
• https://www.tobaccoasia.com/features/a-glimpse-into-cigar-history/
(Retrieved 11-19-2020)
v (5; pg. 17) Information sourced from:
• http://paperproject.org/paperhistory3.html
(Retrieved 11-20-2020)
vi (6; pg. 18) Information sourced from:
• https://acecombat.fandom.com/wiki/Acepedia (Retrieved 04-25-2021)
vii (12; pg. 20) Information sourced from:
• https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/2016/01/24/the-wheel-lock-history-of-the-pistol/
(Retrieved 11-21-2020)
xii (29; pg. 56) Information sourced from:
• Margaret of Austria Regent of the Netherlands (Jane de Longh, 1953)
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_III_of_Nassau-Breda (Retrieved 05-09-2021)
ii (2; pg. 12) Information sourced from:
• https://cathedralisbruxellensis.be/en/history/
(Retrieved 01-30-2021)
iii (3; pg. 14) Information sourced from Margaret of Austria Regent of the Netherlands (Jane de Longh, 1953)
iv (4; pg. 17) Information sourced from:
• https://tobaccofreelife.org/tobacco/tobacco-history/
(Retrieved 11-19-2020)
• https://www.tobaccoasia.com/features/a-glimpse-into-cigar-history/
(Retrieved 11-19-2020)
v (5; pg. 17) Information sourced from:
• http://paperproject.org/paperhistory3.html
(Retrieved 11-20-2020)
vi (6; pg. 18) Information sourced from:
• https://acecombat.fandom.com/wiki/Acepedia (Retrieved 04-25-2021)
vii (12; pg. 20) Information sourced from:
• https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/2016/01/24/the-wheel-lock-history-of-the-pistol/
(Retrieved 11-21-2020)
xii (29; pg. 56) Information sourced from:
• Margaret of Austria Regent of the Netherlands (Jane de Longh, 1953)
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_III_of_Nassau-Breda (Retrieved 05-09-2021)
NOTICE: All "Chapter Excerpts" material is copyrighted through the U.S. Copyright Office, © 2021, © 2022, © 2023, © 2024, and © 2025. All text, story, fictional characters, and artwork are copyrighted by Jason J Albano. See Legal.