Chapter 240: La Rochelle
VVD0D95
Banned
Chapter 240: La Rochelle
September, 1629
Louis could hear the shouts and yells of the siege camp. For a siege that had been going on for nearly a year maybe more if one included the earlier brief siege, the morale of the men seemed quite high. Whether that was because he was here or because they actually felt confident, he didn’t know. But he did know that the time was coming for this thing to come to an end.
The Huguenots had given good resistance, he would give them that, but they couldn’t hope to hold on for much longer. Not with their food supply having been cut off and their supply of water, wine and ale draining off. Indeed, Louis fully expected there to be riots within La Rochelle before the day was out, once they realised that.
To perhaps speed the process along, he had called a meeting of his commanders, desiring to know more about the state of affairs within the siege and outside.
“Gentlemen,” he began looking around the room and ignoring his brother’s casual arrogance. Gaston didn’t think he was cut out for this sort of life. He would show him. “For a year La Rochelle has served as a beacon of resistance, as a stain on France. We wish to bring it to an end, and quickly. We would hear your suggestions.”
“Blow it up.” Gaston said simply. That was what Gaston wanted to do with everything that he found troublesome. Blow it up.
Louis ignored his brother and looked at the Cardinal who had commanded throughout the siege. “Your Eminence?”
The Cardinal nodded at him and answered. “The walls are strong, Sire, the first few barrages showed that. However, there are weak points. There are three gates that the Huguenots abandoned after the first month of the siege. If we can get to those gates without alerting suspicion, we can bring the army in.”
“And where are these gates?” Louis asked.
It wasn’t the Cardinal who answered, instead it was Charles, Duke of Angouleme, illegitimate son of one of Louis’ predecessors who answered. “On the south, west and eastern sides, Sire. They will be heavily watched though. No doubt the Huguenots will expect us to attempt to breach them.”
That was no good, he wanted the element of surprise. He didn’t want to loudly announce what it was he was doing. “Do you have an alternative?”
“We would need to distract them, Sire.” The Cardinal replied.
Clearly the man was not ready to give up yet.
“How?” Louis asked.
“Your Most Christian Majesty could ask to parley with them.” The Cardinal suggested.
“Parley with rebels? Huguenots at that? Are you mad?!” Gaston exclaimed.
Louis shot his brother a look and then looked at the Cardinal. “Do you think that is wise?” He was all too aware that it could lead to him getting an arrow through the neck.
“I believe it could give us a chance to get men into the town through the gates whilst everyone’s eyes are on you, Sire.” The Cardinal answered.
“And you do not think they will suspect this?” Louis asked. If he were them, he most definitely would.
“Some may, but the chance to hear what you are saying will be too strong to resist.” The Cardinal replied confidently.
Louis considered this. If this was the best way to get things sorted then he would do it, and he’d put his reservations to one side. That was what a King did. That was what his father would do. “Very well, then we shall go for it.”
“Sire?!” Gaston protested. Louis ignored him, keeping his attention on the Cardinal.
“Make the arrangements, I want everyone ready to go by noon.” Louis said.
“Yes, Sire.” The Cardinal said.
“Dismissed.” Louis said, allowing everyone but his brother to leave. He kept his brother pinned to his chair with a look.
Once the others had left, Louis focused more clearly on Gaston. Gaston seemed to have gone red in the face, whether that was because he wanted to explode in irritation or some other reason, Louis did not know, and nor did he particularly care. Instead, he spoke at his brother. “I have received word from London.”
Gaston exhaled.
Louis continued. “King Henry has agreed to my proposal.”
Another exhalation.
“You are to be married to Princess Anne next year.” Louis said.
“You would have me marry a girl?” Gaston demanded.
Louis snorted. “She’s four years younger than you, she’s hardly a girl.”
Gaston floundered, his mouth opened and shut and then he finally asked. “And do you think she will be happy that I already have a daughter? Women don’t like such things normally.”
Louis sighed. “Whether she does or does not I do not care. You have a duty to France and you will do it.”
His brother glared at him, in a manner similar to how he had usually glared at him when they were children. “Will you force me to do it?”
“Yes.” Louis replied calmly.
Gaston exhaled. “Fine, then I will do it.”
“Good.” Louis replied.
The tent opened again at that moment and Charles entered, breathing heavily. “You must come quickly, Sire. The Huguenots have raised the flag of surrender.”
Louis didn’t even bother waiting, he rose and stalked out of the tent. He had to see this for himself.
