The Albigensian Chronicles lettre 2

Letter from Raphael to his mother in Advent of the year 1217

Chere Maman

       Has it been really ten weeks since you informed me of the death of Poppa? I remember when I was home last Christmas after my first battle. The one Count Ramon* calls my "baptism". Poppa was just as he had always been, happy, always laughing, his deep brown eyes sparkling with pride as he spoke of the way "we" routed the French on that field near Narbonne. It was as if he had taken part in the battle!

  Poppa loved life so much and was strong, it seems impossible that he died so swiftly after catching a chill. I still hear him boasting how Languedoc will unite into one allied force and send all Frenchmen to hell!

  I had hoped to be home for Christmas, but we are in dire need of men, horses and supplies of all sorts, particularly medicine and weapons. The Count has made me supply officer, so maman, I will be quiet busy through the holiday, possiblity until the resumption of hostilites in the spring. Then it will be impossable for me to get away. However I will come home when the oppertunity presents itself.

  Maman could you please send me Poppa's bow? The long bow, not the cross bow, he always said the long bow could be shot much faster than the cross bow and you well know how he made me practice. I have always been a better archer than swordsman but the sword, the wepon of the nobility  carries much more glory and a young man fights for glory.

  Maman, I have heard that the French in their dark hovels do nothing but gamble, drink and w***e. The lamp of knowledge there is, if not extinguished, a feeble flame at best. They are nought but beasts maman and would force us to submit to their barbaric ways if we are conquered. For all their profession of fighting a "holy war" against the Cathers. That is why we must win maman so that the light of true chivalry, knowledge and tolerance continues to shine in Languedoc.

  Since Star succumbed to illness I have not been mounted, half of those who had horses no longer ride, as the horses have either been pressed into service as draft animals or like Star have passed on.

 Only the noblity ride now. Our calvary is almost non-existent and are employed as vedettes. A swordsman without a horse is not much use in offensive operations. If we are to win we must needs fight offensively. We can win! We must win! or everything we love will die. Our poetry, music, perhaps even our language without which there is no poetry at least not as we know it.

  Most sorely missed will be our freedom, which makes Occitania the envy of Europe. Those dour, grim-visaged Northeners would ban poetry, song, music and freedom. There would be no troubadours to bring the news or joi through their songs and poems.

  The Count has promised me a commission as captain of Archers come spring and the new levies, that is why I request that you send the bow. Things are quiet now and we expect them to remain so until the spring campaign begins, until that time I shall be busy stockpiling what supplies I can get.

  Life in the army is quiet dull, all we do is forage eat and sleep it is the best way to stay warm, we only move about when we have to and that is practicing swordsmanship and various military tactics and manouvers.

  You would hardly recognize your Raphael now Maman, I have grown a beard and look more like Uncle Louis than Poppa. I think the beard lends maturity to my looks. Moreover Count Ramon says it becomes me. I no longer am the callow youth of a year or so ago.

 It is my hope that this missive finds you well, keep me in your prayer Maman as I do keep you in mine.

                           Your loving son

                              Raphael

* Count Ramon--- an historical personage Count Raymond Bringenger was Count of the city of Toulouse at this time I have altered the spelling of his name for purposes of the story as I believe that Ramon would be closer to how it would be spelled in that region

 of the country. I have used my "poetic license"

Reviews

[Angela]

Robert, This is wonderful. If I had bought this as a historical novel at the bookstore I would be very pleased indeed at this rare gem of a find. I feel gifted to be part of watching this story evolve. Thank you!

[Vanessa Rico]

AHHHHH! Patches, can I tell you how much I am in love with these letters? I know it is taking me awhile to get through them, but every time I read...I learn something new about this time period! I love the little historical note at the end, and it is all right to use a "poetic license" to enrich the story, which I am fully enjoying!

[quinfinn]

and used it well, nice write. it captivates and holds the attention. i will read more chapters when i can....

[Magdelena]

Ahhhh, the sense of wonder has invaded me.. Your writing in this tone has always made me feel as if I am floating on a cloud of vapor, the feeling so rare that to even breath makes one feel faint..

This was sheer perfection my friend..

Mags xx

[Valentine]

Your knowledge of olden times sometimes amazes me..i haven't had much memory since I was plagued by all of the years of seizures...Nice job Robert..Katihe