Betrayals
Autumn 1656.
The encampent of the Armada D'Italia, Piedmont, France
Present: Colonel Rodriguez, Captain Javier Lopez.
Rod: I have something I need to discuss with you Captain - a message I received from Madrid. Its good AND bad. But as you have been my aide and friend these last two years, I wish to share it with you.
Jlo: What is it Senor? have they diverted the new siege artillery elswhere?? I understand it is the armies in southwest France that have been more successful - But we have managed to take Emilia, we have repelled repeated invasions of Lombardy, and we are finally pushing back.
Rod: Its more dramatic then that. The forces in the Southwest of France took a big province.
Jlo: Good!!!
Rod: Not so good.
Jlo: why not?
Rod: as soon as news reached the various capitals, the Papal States, who led us into this war, started negotiations with the French. They signed an agreement very quickly.
Jlo: what do we get?
Rod: we get nothing. Nada. oh, a few ducats, out of the indemnity. But France receives ALL its territory back, even Jamaica
Jlo: Bastards!! Not the French, the friggim Cardinals, the lousy.... We should have made our own deal with the French!
Rod: we could have, but Madrid didnt want to alienate our allies.
Jlo: you mean the Don de la Frontera didnt want to!!
Rod: he has always place great value on this alliance he built, on this "holy league"
Jlo:spain needs a govt that puts SPAIN first! Why does the king allow it?
Rod: the king, Phillip IV is dying, and has always been like putty in the DDLFs hands. The new king, Charles II is, how shall we say it, mentally challenged. Whoever establishes himself as the royal favorite will exercise great power. I can say no more of that, but I need to know if you will be with me whatever happens?
Jlo: senor, i have been with you through mud, and death, and horror - i will trust your judgement in politics. But Senor, is there peace with Verona?
Rod: No, that has yet to be completed. Spanish armies will join in the finishing touches of that - but it will not add to the power of Spain - Papal armies hold, and the Pope claims, the Marches, the only territory Verona has left. Fortunately, my friend, we are not going there, but have been recalled to Spain, to guard the French border. Prepare the army to march across France, under flag of truce, to Rossello.
Conspiracies
The final destruction of Verona, by which the last province of that unhappy princedom was annexed to the Papal States, only enraged Spanish opinion further. The Army in particular respected the French foes, but was bitter about the Papal States, and mildly resentful of the Austrians. Across Spain there was outcry about the waste of life and treasure, apparently to no good end.
It should not be thought that there was any sense that Spain should depart the Catholic Church. All bitterness was directed against the Papacy as a secular power in Italy - which power it was widely thought should be cut down to size - Spain was still loyal to the Pope as a RELIGIOUS authority. Perhaps in part it was this, which limited the expression of hatred for the Papacy, that caused the anger to be focused instead on the Spanish government, and in particular on the Don de la Frontera, the kings principle advisor of longstanding.
It was in these circumstance that the Count of Castrillo (1) arranged a series of meetings with several magnates, high officials, and army leaders, including Colonel Rodriguez. While many of the "Colonels" were said to be mainly angry at the DDLFs policy of denying promotion to general, Rodriguez was seen as completely patriotic in his motives, and so it was Rod. who was assigned to lead his army to the gates of Madrid. At the same time Castrillo and the others would approach the king to dismiss the DDLF.
A Realistic Attitude
Early winter 1657 Escorial Palace Madrid.
Present: Castrillo, Rodriquez, the other leading conspirators, and the DDLF.
DDLF: I have made it clear that I will NOT press the issue - the king is old, I wish to spare him the agony. I will resign, and ease your path, but you must make certain minimal concessions.
Cast: Very good, that is wise of you, Senor. We will of course spare your life, and even promise a full royal pardon in advance for any crimes. There will be no prosecutions.
DDLF: Thats not enough. I will give up all my official positons, but I will retain my family title of Don de la Frontera, and i will retain all my estates in Andalusia.
Cast: Very well.
DDLF: And I ask that my son, who is an officer in the army in Peru, be allowed to continue his military career. He is a competent officer.
Cast:Hmmm
Rod: Yes, that will be fine - Count, I can vouch for the man myself. He will be no trouble.
Cast: I accept the new Constable's assurances then.
As for yourself, Don, you will be free to return your estates and live out your days - but i must set one condition.
DDLF: what?
Cast: You must never return to Madrid. In fact you must not enter the province of Castillia, on pain of death.
DDLF: I understand. I would do the same in your position. That will not be a difficulty.
Cast: Good, all is settled then. You have two weeks to make your arrangements, Senor.
Partings
The DDLF was quite busy in those last couple of weeks. In addition to assisting in the transition, and seeing to the removal of his personal effects, he had to deal with various people in office. Certain of DDLFS other relatives were granted assurance by the Countof their offices, based on their competence and good behavior. Other officials, not his relatives, had the benefit of some parting advice from the DDLF, and some added discussions whose import would only be seen in the fullness of time.
Finally, there was a farewell ball, attended by the diplomatic community, with which he had had such good relations.
The ambassador from the Vatican was off in a corner, drinking heavily, and looking weary.
The ambassador from Austria, a large, muscular man, approached the DDLF.
"I wish you well, mein herr. We are wary of the new regime, and will miss your wisdom."
To the Austrian, DDLF whispered "I'll be back!"
(1) Yes, the same Castrillo who overthrew Olivares in OTL. I dont know much about him, so any differences from his historic personality can be attributed to butterfly effects.
Autumn 1656.
The encampent of the Armada D'Italia, Piedmont, France
Present: Colonel Rodriguez, Captain Javier Lopez.
Rod: I have something I need to discuss with you Captain - a message I received from Madrid. Its good AND bad. But as you have been my aide and friend these last two years, I wish to share it with you.
Jlo: What is it Senor? have they diverted the new siege artillery elswhere?? I understand it is the armies in southwest France that have been more successful - But we have managed to take Emilia, we have repelled repeated invasions of Lombardy, and we are finally pushing back.
Rod: Its more dramatic then that. The forces in the Southwest of France took a big province.
Jlo: Good!!!
Rod: Not so good.
Jlo: why not?
Rod: as soon as news reached the various capitals, the Papal States, who led us into this war, started negotiations with the French. They signed an agreement very quickly.
Jlo: what do we get?
Rod: we get nothing. Nada. oh, a few ducats, out of the indemnity. But France receives ALL its territory back, even Jamaica
Jlo: Bastards!! Not the French, the friggim Cardinals, the lousy.... We should have made our own deal with the French!
Rod: we could have, but Madrid didnt want to alienate our allies.
Jlo: you mean the Don de la Frontera didnt want to!!
Rod: he has always place great value on this alliance he built, on this "holy league"
Jlo:spain needs a govt that puts SPAIN first! Why does the king allow it?
Rod: the king, Phillip IV is dying, and has always been like putty in the DDLFs hands. The new king, Charles II is, how shall we say it, mentally challenged. Whoever establishes himself as the royal favorite will exercise great power. I can say no more of that, but I need to know if you will be with me whatever happens?
Jlo: senor, i have been with you through mud, and death, and horror - i will trust your judgement in politics. But Senor, is there peace with Verona?
Rod: No, that has yet to be completed. Spanish armies will join in the finishing touches of that - but it will not add to the power of Spain - Papal armies hold, and the Pope claims, the Marches, the only territory Verona has left. Fortunately, my friend, we are not going there, but have been recalled to Spain, to guard the French border. Prepare the army to march across France, under flag of truce, to Rossello.
Conspiracies
The final destruction of Verona, by which the last province of that unhappy princedom was annexed to the Papal States, only enraged Spanish opinion further. The Army in particular respected the French foes, but was bitter about the Papal States, and mildly resentful of the Austrians. Across Spain there was outcry about the waste of life and treasure, apparently to no good end.
It should not be thought that there was any sense that Spain should depart the Catholic Church. All bitterness was directed against the Papacy as a secular power in Italy - which power it was widely thought should be cut down to size - Spain was still loyal to the Pope as a RELIGIOUS authority. Perhaps in part it was this, which limited the expression of hatred for the Papacy, that caused the anger to be focused instead on the Spanish government, and in particular on the Don de la Frontera, the kings principle advisor of longstanding.
It was in these circumstance that the Count of Castrillo (1) arranged a series of meetings with several magnates, high officials, and army leaders, including Colonel Rodriguez. While many of the "Colonels" were said to be mainly angry at the DDLFs policy of denying promotion to general, Rodriguez was seen as completely patriotic in his motives, and so it was Rod. who was assigned to lead his army to the gates of Madrid. At the same time Castrillo and the others would approach the king to dismiss the DDLF.
A Realistic Attitude
Early winter 1657 Escorial Palace Madrid.
Present: Castrillo, Rodriquez, the other leading conspirators, and the DDLF.
DDLF: I have made it clear that I will NOT press the issue - the king is old, I wish to spare him the agony. I will resign, and ease your path, but you must make certain minimal concessions.
Cast: Very good, that is wise of you, Senor. We will of course spare your life, and even promise a full royal pardon in advance for any crimes. There will be no prosecutions.
DDLF: Thats not enough. I will give up all my official positons, but I will retain my family title of Don de la Frontera, and i will retain all my estates in Andalusia.
Cast: Very well.
DDLF: And I ask that my son, who is an officer in the army in Peru, be allowed to continue his military career. He is a competent officer.
Cast:Hmmm
Rod: Yes, that will be fine - Count, I can vouch for the man myself. He will be no trouble.
Cast: I accept the new Constable's assurances then.
As for yourself, Don, you will be free to return your estates and live out your days - but i must set one condition.
DDLF: what?
Cast: You must never return to Madrid. In fact you must not enter the province of Castillia, on pain of death.
DDLF: I understand. I would do the same in your position. That will not be a difficulty.
Cast: Good, all is settled then. You have two weeks to make your arrangements, Senor.
Partings
The DDLF was quite busy in those last couple of weeks. In addition to assisting in the transition, and seeing to the removal of his personal effects, he had to deal with various people in office. Certain of DDLFS other relatives were granted assurance by the Countof their offices, based on their competence and good behavior. Other officials, not his relatives, had the benefit of some parting advice from the DDLF, and some added discussions whose import would only be seen in the fullness of time.
Finally, there was a farewell ball, attended by the diplomatic community, with which he had had such good relations.
The ambassador from the Vatican was off in a corner, drinking heavily, and looking weary.
The ambassador from Austria, a large, muscular man, approached the DDLF.
"I wish you well, mein herr. We are wary of the new regime, and will miss your wisdom."
To the Austrian, DDLF whispered "I'll be back!"
(1) Yes, the same Castrillo who overthrew Olivares in OTL. I dont know much about him, so any differences from his historic personality can be attributed to butterfly effects.
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