"You always idealize things, Robert, but eventually, you have to face reality."
William beckoned behind him, and a herald came trotting to his side.
The herald wore no armor, only a short outer coat of paneled blue and red, the dividing line running right down the center of his chest.
He clutched a stack of parchment in his hand and, at a signal from William, began to recite.
"To the dear friend of the invincible sun, Lord of the Normans, Crosser of the Channel, Defender of the Faith, joint master of England and Normandy—His Divine Majesty, William:
Pardon my sudden intrusion. I am aware that your recent circumstances have not been pleasant, but I still feel it is necessary for you to understand the true situation in your direct domain, the great, beautiful, and bountiful Normandy Duchy.
