I did say it's doomed, even if with a bit of dumb luck (a couple of storm for example) everything is possible.
Albion Rising: A Henry Frederick Timeline
- Thread starter VVD0D95
- Start date
I know its only being used as a pretext by orkney, but i have to imagine that the issue of a united church isn't one that james will see resolved easily.
Chapter 120: Big Ship
VVD0D95
Banned
Chapter 120: Big Ship
December, 1613
Robert Stuart, Duke of Gloucester and Kintyre, the youngest son of King James and Queen Anne, found himself dreaming. He wasn’t dreaming of food or of songs, no he was dreaming of the sea. Of sailing the sea and exploring the world. He wanted to see what there was beyond the horizon, he wanted to visit the New World. He wanted to do so much.
But God had conspired to have him be too young to do that, and thus kept him stuck in the classroom, with his brother and their friends. Thomas Murray, their tutor, wasn’t a bad man. But he could not compete with the sea. With its vast expanse of water, and the endless possibilities it held for Robert. He had gone sailing on the Royal White Lion earlier in the month, going from the docks down the Estuary and then slightly further out, before returning. It had been a fabulous experience and one he wanted to have again.
There was a loud thump which forced Robert to blink. He did so and found himself staring at Thomas Murray. “Ah, Your Highness, so kind of you to join us.” Murray said, Robert heard people sniggering.
“Sorry, Sir.” Robert replied.
“Does learning about The Fall of Troy not interest you, Your Highness?” Murray asked.
Robert hesitated, if he said no, it would be insulting Murray, if he said yes, he would be lying. He took a breath and hoped Murray wouldn’t be too insulted. “No, it does not, Sir.”
There was a collective intake of breath at his words, Robert kept his gaze focused on Murray, the man didn’t react immediately. Instead, he simply stared at Robert. Then he snorted. “So, what would you rather focus on, Your Highness?”
Robert blinked in surprise; he had not expected this. Slowly he answered. “I would like to hear more about the naval engagements of history. I want to know about the Armada, or about Largs, or about Biscay, or about the countless other engagements the British Navy has engaged in.”
Robert heard someone groan at his words, and he knew without looking that that person was Charles. He didn’t turn around. Instead, he kept his gaze fixed on Murray. Murray looked at him intently and asked. “Why?”
“Because we are an Island, our navy is the key to our survival. We must know how we have achieved that before so that we can achieve it again.” Robert said.
Murray stepped back. An odd look passed over his face. Robert wasn’t sure if it was one of annoyance or simply amusement. The man didn’t say anything for a time, making Robert think that perhaps he had gone too far, and that when this was over, he’d have to go and see the King. But then, Murray spoke. “Let us focus on the Battle of Largs then.”
Robert leaned forward intently. “What do you all know about Largs?”
Robert answered then. “It was where the King of Scots managed to defeat the King of Norway to gain advantage and eventually force the Treaty of Perth on him, gaining possession of the Western Isles.”
“Indeed, and do you know what preceded it?” Murray asked.
“A smaller naval battle?” Robert asked.
“Exactly. It was this smaller naval battle that allowed the Scots to achieve victory in the formal field battle.” Murray said. “Aided, by the weather, the Scottish ships were able to ram into the Norwegian ships, and sow enough chaos for many of the Norse ships to turn about and flee. This reduced the quality of the manpower available at Largs, and enabled Scotland to emerge triumphant.”
“That doesn’t sound very impressive.” Charles commented.
Robert looked at his brother and snapped. “Well of course you’d think that.”
Charles stuck his tongue out at Robert, in a gesture that their mother would be horrified at. Before Robert could return the favour, Murray spoke. “It doesn’t sound impressive, but it is. In order for them to know where the Norse ships would be, they had to do reconnaissance. They had to ensure they weren’t spotted, and then when the time came to fight, they had to coordinate in difficult conditions to ensure victory. That requires good planning, good tactics and quick thinking.”
Murray looked around the room. “That is what it means to be a good commander. Especially at sea. You cannot go blindly charging into the fray. You must know where your opponent is, and how the conditions will affect the both of you. You must be adaptable. A good naval commander knows all of this. A great naval commander will implement it at the drop of a hat.”
Robert nodded and then asked. “Could something similar have been done with the Armada?” That was something he’d always wanted to know. The weather had played a part in protecting England back then, but if the weather hadn’t helped what more could’ve been done?
Murray mused on the question. From the way he held himself, Robert wondered if he were annoyed. When he spoke, he didn’t sound annoyed though. “I believe that without the weather assisting, things could have been very interesting, Your Highness.”
“How so?” Robert asked intrigued.
“Because of the tactics that had been adopted.” Murray said. “Staying out of shot range, whilst slowly taunting the Spanish ships to get closer to try and board English ships. That is a risky tactic but one that can also bring great rewards.”
“How?” Charles asked. “It sounds like madness.”
“Wear and tear.” Murray answered. “The more strain that is put on a ship, and the more risks that a ship’s commander takes, the greater the chance of a mistake being made. Mistakes that can be exploited by the enemy.”
“So, could victory have been achieved?” Robert asked.
“I believe so.” Murray replied.
Robert smiled. “Thank you, Sir.”
Murray nodded. “Now, let us get back to our lessons. Troy will not finish itself.” Robert suppressed a groan but went along with it. He’d gotten what he’d wanted after all.
Deleted member 147978
I see, although I could expected him to learn about other national naval traditions here and there. He's a princeling after all, and princelings are supposed to be well educated about the ins and outs.
As I've said - if the three eldest sons of Electress Elisabeth turn out the same as OTL, their British uncles are going to have collective facepalmtastic deja vu.