Paris Gazette #3

May, 1615

Death Before Dishonor!    Current Turn      Paris Gazette #3

Headlines | Court Scene | Social Scene | Military News | About Town | Back Page

---

Section A: Headline News

Widespread Unrest in Paris

PORTHOS, Special Correspondent, PARIS -- Reports of rioting, broken windows, and skirmishes between common Parisians and both the nobility and constabulary have increased alarmingly in recent days. Due no doubt to the treason and sedition trials for the Five -- darlings of the commonfolk -- beginning this month, the Queen Mother has ordered the Brigade of Guards to the streets of the City.

While it is not in this correspondent's nature to complain, the thought of the noble King's Musketeers and Royal Foot Guard tussling with common rabble is both beneath the dignity of these fine regiments, and give the thuggish brutes far too much honor by even attending these street brawls. The Cardinal's Guard, with their pious sermonizing and strict sense of civic morality would, it seems to your humble servant, be more than sufficient.

Nevertheless, authorities in Paris are deeply concerned about the ramifications should the five former heroes of the French military leadership be convicted. Rumors of illicit kegs of gunpowder being secreted about the City have been whispered, and the potential threat of assassins (not unlike he who slew our own late King, Henry IV) remains quite high.

We will know more at the trial's end; until then, law-abiding citizens are advised to avoid less-patrolled arondissements and observe the posted curfew.

Treason and Sedition Trials Begin

GEOFFROI TUBÍN, Legal Correspondent, PARIS -- The five judge panel selected by the Minister of Justice began hearing arguments today in the trial of the so-called Five, allegedly agents of foreign powers despite illustrious military careers in the employ of France. The case presented by the Commissioner for Public Safety relied heavily upon largely circumstantial evidence -- mysterious cyphers that may have been doodles, vials with traces of unknown substances, allusions to outside subjects in communiques and so on -- buttressed by a single confession.

The consensus among the commonfolk of the City is that Mme. Davout, the confessor, signed an agreement with the prosecutors in the hopes of exonerating her accused husband. In point of fact, the court has kept this central confession confidential. Its origin is not known. However, this is not an important factor when it comes to popular outrage, nor the highly efficient network of gossips. If true, though, it does mean that despite their

torture and interrogation, none of the accused confessed to any crimes, and this strongly implies innocence on their part.

It is this narrative that people on the street seem to support, blaming the Royal Family (and the Queen Mother in particular) for undercutting the Young King and creating a shadow government. Needless to say, this is not only a controversial view, but perhaps even a treasonous one.

After hearing extensive testimony and reviewing the evidence, the judges have concluded that the Five are guilty of the crime of high treason, having planned the assassination of the King by various means. It was determined that the cyphers, coded messages, and access of the defendants to the royal presence all made them ideal agents for foreign powers. The sentence in all cases is death by hanging, to be carried out publicly next month.

In the meantime, the investigation moves to the roysl household, to uncover any agents (witting or not) among the servants and staff close to His Majesty.

---

Section B: Court Scene

Royal Academy of Sciences News

ISMAËL BOULLIAU, Science Correspondent, PARIS -- The Royal Academy of Sciences officially closed its doors shortly following the passing of the late King Henry, some five years ago. Without the King's generous patronage and driving spirit, it seemed the era of French natural philosophy had come to its conclusion, and in the following years we have indeed seen an exodus of French scientists,

philosophers, and mathematicians to other nations in order to pursue their work. Only recently, however, King Louis has decreed that his father's vision be restored (albeit on a more modest scale) in an effort to retain the talents of such thinkers and innovators. Perhaps in response to such luminaries as Messrs. Kepler, Galileo, and the late Tycho Brahe, His Majesty wishes to establish our nation as a center for scientific progress.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for the first week of September.

---

Section C: Social Scene

Affairs of the Heart

CHRISTINA LeCROIX, Society Correspondent, PARIS -- With so many gentlemen being called to the Fields of Mars so far away, the poor ladies of Paris pine for their lovers amidst the beauty of springtime. O, that such duty separates those enmeshed in the bonds of Love! Such hardships must only temper that connection, it is true, but such longing is a burden upon a lover's heart.

But all is not lost, Dear Reader! Gallantry is not only possible on the battlefield, for it may also be found in the streets of our very City! Consider the case of Messr. Bertrand Castillon, the paramour of the beautiful Roxane C. Having secured a position as Subaltern in the King’s Musketeers, he has

been steadfastly at the lady's side since his arrival in Paris. It is rumored that he even fought a man for her honor, this very month! If that is not gallantry and a token of true affection worthy of inducing a swoon, then this correspondent does not know what is!

And that is not all, for we hear of orders from the Front to local merchants to procure and deliver a new gown and jeweled necklace for the buxom, bountiful and beautiful Bebe Le Brunette from her lover, Major Henri de Nantes. Surely these sweet (and costly!) nothings are the very acme of a true lover's ardor, non?

---

Section D: Military News

Hard Fighting at the Front

YVES M. d'EGMANN, Military Correspondent, BAYONNE -- French forces pushed Spanish lines futher into the Pyrenees this month, as General Follie's orders piggybacked upon the momentum gained in April. Unfortunately, the Spanish retreat was not nearly as disorderly as the general thought it had been. Fleeing enemy forces moved past hidden field gun emplacements and concealed cavalry squadrons. As the French forces pressed their advantage, they wer dismayed by the fusillade which devastated their lines.

So great was both the surprise and the slaughter, that both General Follie himself (along with Major of the 3^rd Batallion of the Picardy Musketeers, N. Picée) were killed in the first minutes of combat. Indeed, the batallion found itself surrounded in enemy territory, hard-pressed on all sides and fighting for its life for well over two hours. Had it not been for the 3^rd Squadron of

the Princess Louisa’s Light Dragoons' timely arrival, we surely would have been mourning the loss of these brave heroes today.

Having been relegated to the rearguard by General Follie, the Dragoons were unaware of their companions' plight until they literally stumbled into it. Major Henri de Nantes quickly ordered his command to "split the party", sending E Troop against the guns and F Troop to assault the infantry surrounding the musketeers. As they had set upon the enemy from behind, and unawares, the Spaniards quickly broke and fled the field; meanwhile, E Troop managed to capture field pieces and ammunition as their crews likewise dispersed.

The field forces have since been ordered to fortify and hold their position as a staging ground for the summer push into Spain. No field promotions have yet been issued, but replacement officers will accompany reinforcements in the coming days.

France mourns the loss of its experienced military leaders. Services for the fallen will be observed over the coming month.

---

Section E: About the Town

Rumors from the Streets of Paris

Despite the edicts, the sounds of ringing steel were said to be heard in the vicinity of the new Jardin du Luxembourg during the late evening of the second week. If rumor is true, it seems one of the King’s Musketeers had been seen loitering about the Palais-Cardinal, spoiling for a fight. Being more than eager to acommodate, Subaltern Constantin DeMasse of the Cardinal’s Guard offered the King's man a scathing rebuke. A gauntlet was thrown -- no one seems to know whose -- and the engagement set.

Both men circles for a moment before each lunging at the other, both gentlemen returing with wounds. Neither man withdrew, and they returned to guard positions. A quick sweep of the arm and the Musketeer tore DeMasse's sleeve and produced second blood. Enraged, the Cardinal's man

responded with a second lunge, drawing a gasp from his opponent. Almost faster than the eye could see, the King's man flung his cloak to the ground and cut at the Guard. Bystanders identified the Musketeer as one Bertrand Castillon, a Subaltern.

It was clear to all that despite the measured opening to the affair, the skill with which Subaltern Castillon had lured DeMasse into his flurry of slashes and cuts clearly marked the Musketeer as the superior swordsman. Of course, this is all mere speculation, for as we all know, Paris at night-time is very dark, and identification is a chancy business. One hopes the victor, whether he be Castillon or some other gentleman, does not run afoul of the constables.

---

Section F: The Back Page

Orders for June, 1615 are Due Saturday, January 8, 2021