The Once and Future King
Disclaimer- I don't own the Total War series. Just this story.
This chapter is just a pilot for a story I've got in my head. Anyway it's about the Odyssey of Prince Rufus and the epic journey that he went on in my campaign on Medieval 2 Total War. His personality derives from the traits and retinue that he currently has.
Prince Rufus of England, son of the great William the Conqueror, gazed into the distance at the beautiful mountains of northern Italy as he brushed his brown hair out of his sky blue eyes. The sun was just beginning to dip behind the horizon, casting the fertile valley in the pink and orange light of the sunset. The setting betrayed his grim mission. A crusade had been called and his target was the city of Antioch. His father had told him to crush all enemies in his path and seize the holy land for England.
Rufus sighed, "It seems he's more concerned with expansion than fighting for God."
He heard footsteps approaching and turned to see Captain James walking quickly his way. The young captain bowed, "Sire, the Milanese refuse to grant us passage through their territory."
"What!?" Rufus shouted in anger, catching the attention of several of his men who were busy setting up camp. "How dare they impede the march of a crusading army!"
"Sir, they have held us up here for two weeks now. The men are getting restless and a few units have talked about joining the deserters who left last week," Captain James said in a worried tone of voice.
"Giovani, that bastard of a king! How could he disrespect our alliance in this manner?" Rufus thought to himself as he balled his fist and gritted his teeth. "No matter! We will continue through their lands and defeat any army that stands in our way. An army of God can never be defeated," he said turning to regard the captain. "Send dispatches to the Pope and my father and inform them of the situation." The captain bowed, "Yes my lord," and hurried off.
Rufus returned his attention to the sunset and noticed that some stars were starting to come out. He frowned again as he thought about his current predicament. The English and Milanese had been on shaky terms ever since the Battle of Paris where the English forces had destroyed the Franco-Milanese Alliance in one cataclysmic battle. Rufus closed his eyes as he remembered leading the heavy cavalry charge into the left flank of the enemy and absent mindedly rubbed the scar on his shoulder, a solemn reminder of the price of victory. That victory had secured English control of the top half of France and destroyed Milanese influence in the area.
Rufus paused as he remembered his words to Captain James. "An army of God can never be defeated? I am unfit to lead an army of God," he muttered to himself as he looked at his wedding ring. He had long had a mistress, Armelle, unknown to his Spanish princess bride Teresa. Rufus was seven years her senior at age thirty and had three children by her. She loved him and did what she could to make him happy. He couldn't bear it when she smiled that gentle smile of hers, his heart twisted in agony as he kept his dirty secret. And every time he would swear to himself that he would end his affair with Armelle, but each time he would falter under her sweet caress.
"Dear. Is everything alright?" Rufus heard a sweet voice ask. "Speak of the devil," he groaned on the inside. It's not that he despised her, but he wasn't in the mood while in his introspective state.
"Yes," he said not facing her.
"Are you angry with me?" Armelle asked in a hurt voice that tugged at his heart.
He sighed as he turned and placed his hands on her shoulders, "No," he said as he looked upon her heavenly features. She looked so much like Teresa. "Is that why I like having her around? Is it because I imagine that she is Teresa? What's wrong with me?" he thought to himself. "Things . . . just got a little more complicated. It's about to get very dangerous here, I don't want you to get hurt. You should go back." He said as he wiped a tear from her eye and stroked her long black hair. "She's just as sensitive as Teresa."
"You're so thoughtful. Always thinking of others," she said as she took his hand in hers.
"If you only knew my sweet, sweet Armelle."
Remember, this is just a pilot. Reviews, and constructive criticism are most welcome but no flames please. Also, tell me what you want to see in the story. shoulf armelle stay or leave? Let me know what you think. Later!