After discussion with Theor...Edgard was overwhelemd by the news of troop movements, civil unrest, Richard moving about to and fro, and hundred of other minutae deatails that suddenyly were his responsibility.
He managed to get into the royal castle. Bravos sealed off the Royal quarters/compound, not allowing anyone but the closest family and most trustworthy of servants and slaves in, leaving the "official" part of the castle to regent's use.
Both Elise and Eleanor decided to remain in the Arborvent Manor on the other side of the river. Elise was crying her eyes out, not allowed to see the king, out of fear that she might get infected too, whereas Eleanor was dissapointed that Richard decided to move agaisnt her borther.
Edgard burst into chancery rooms, and the rather visible panic in the eyes of the gathered bureaucrats and scribes subsided when they heard the "regent" speak.
"Settle down everyone! We have some preoblmes, but rest assured, the nobles of this country respect royal will and we will have this situation under control soon. Now get back to your work.
I also need one of you to draft me few letters."
My Dear Marquis,
You have no doubt heard of the problmes that have beset us recently. With His Majesty's illness, I was nomintaded as his regent in his will. As such, I trust that your loyalty to crown still stands and call upon you all to gather with your forces at the capital to enforce royal will and to disarm prince Richard, who in his folly decided to disobey the royal prerogative.
I trust that your judgement will be clear and expect to see you in Stormstead.
Regards
Duc Edgard de Arborvent, Lord of Arborvent, Regent and Treasurer for HM Albert I
My trustworthy vassal,
I must thank you for your foresight in moving up and securing any passage route to the capital for our allied forces. for now I give you free hand in acting against Prince Richard, but do not engage him openly and move to Stormstead if odds are against you. Try to block off any reinforcements he might have coming from other lords, especially the unsure notherners. I look forward to any letters you intercept from him. We are amassing forces in the capital, so we should be able to match Richard once all favours are called in.
I have alos spoken to the "prophet", and provided i do a favour for him, nothing bad should happen to you for the time being, as long as you remain my Vassal. It was made quite clear that your land and title depend on my meagre influnece with the priests, so it in everyone's interest to maintain that balance.
Regards,
Duc Edgard de Arborvent
My dear Lord Stoneson,
I have heard of the decision made by the lords of Spiritusaer and feel that they have made the most reasonable decision in thse circumstances. To confirm your status as a Lord of the lands under late Duchesse Ursula, please call up any troops you migght have and join the regency coucil in the capital, where we can sort out the matters of the country peacefully. I would like to remind you that your blood relative, Lord Stonetree decided to submit to royal will and now supports my regency. I look forward to see the Stonetree dynasty united under common cause with the crown.
Regards
Duc Edgard de Arborvent, Lord of Arborvent, Regent and Treasurer for HM Albert I
(+1 to charisma/NPC rolls, don't forget!)
He also got the note form Comte Osir. First good news since the start of this blasted season.
Edgard will meet Osir immeidately. Gods had to be consulted too, if not called upon to the regency's cause.
Edgard invites Prophet Jitapu Itavny to the Regency council.Last but not least remained the issue of calling in additional help. While not the best time for it, Edgard's marriage ceremonies would seal the alliance with East Arendalis lords, all of whom pledged to be either vassals to the crown or to him directly. Either way, he was loooking forward to support from additional lords.