Treaty of Brétigny
King John II of France and Edward III's representatives are finalizing the Treaty of Brétigny, marking the end of the first phase of the Hundred Years' War. Scribes meticulously record clauses in a ca
Setting
A grand chamber within a fortified manor house in Brétigny-sur-Orge, France. The room is lined with tapestries depicting medieval battles and heraldic symbols. A large oak table dominates the center, surrounded by high-backed chairs. Stone walls with narrow arched windows are draped with heavy velvet curtains to keep out the night chill.
Characters
King John II of France
primary
A middle-aged monarch of average height with a slightly portly build, his face bears the lines of stress from prolonged captivity. Dark brown hair, streaked with gray, falls to his shoulders in the French royal style. His piercing blue eyes convey both weariness and regal authority.
English Diplomat
primary
A tall, lean man in his late 40s with sharp features, a neatly trimmed beard streaked with grey, and piercing blue eyes that miss nothing. His hands are long-fingered and expressive, frequently gesturing when speaking.
French Scribe
secondary
A middle-aged man with a lean frame and slightly hunched shoulders from years spent bent over manuscripts. His sharp nose and deep-set eyes give him a studious appearance, with ink-stained fingers marking his profession. Thin lips pressed in concentration beneath a neatly trimmed beard.
English Scribe
secondary
A lean man in his late thirties with ink-stained fingers and a prematurely balding pate. His sharp nose and close-set eyes give him a perpetually scrutinizing appearance. His posture suggests years bent over manuscripts.
French Guard Captain
background
A tall, broad-shouldered man in his late 30s with a weathered face marked by old battle scars. His dark brown hair is cropped short beneath a mail coif, and his piercing blue eyes constantly scan the room for threats. His muscular frame strains slightly against his padded gambeson, betraying years of military training.
Dialog
King John II of France
We find the ransom sum of three million écus most grievous, yet for the peace of our realm, we shall endure this burden.
English Diplomat
Whereas the articles concerning Aquitaine's sovereignty are herein clearly rendered, we trust His Majesty recognizes the generosity of these terms compared to Poitiers' outcome.
English Scribe
The ablative absolute in this passage would be better rendered 'obsidibus datis' rather than 'dandis', lest it imply future hostages rather than those already delivered.
King John II of France
By Saint Denis! Must every comma be debated while my son yet languishes in Calais?
English Diplomat
Precision in these matters safeguards both crowns, Your Grace. As Cicero wrote, 'Pacta sunt servanda' - agreements must be kept.
King John II of France
Very well. Let it be written thus... but mark me, this treaty shall be remembered as much for its Latin as for its concessions.
English Scribe
The notary's hand records all, sire, be it concession or clause.