April, 1500

Louis, Count of Guise, arrived in Milan to limited fanfare. Few in that city could have pointed to the county of Guise on a map, and just as few would be familiar with the House of Armagnac. The young nobleman was undaunted, for it was in Italy where his fortune would be made. He had made arrangements for the administration of his lands, and while he did not wish to allow his elder brother too much flexibility, arrangements had been made to ensure his lands as well. He thought of his brother Jean as he entered Milan, how he would have loved to see such a city, the count thought to himself.

The boys had endured much in their lives. Their father's support of the rebels during the Mad War, as tepid as it was and despite the fact that the current king had been one of the principal lords of the rebellion, had cost their family dearly. He was only a boy of five years when his father was executed by Louis XI, but that day was one he was not soon to forget. Twenty years could not erase the memory of watching his father's head being severed from his body, with the two brothers so close that they were spattered with his blood. Yet, that was only the beginning of their torture. As the red drops turned brown in the open air, Jean and Louis were lead to that dark fortress, La Bastille. He shook off the memories of that dark place as quickly as they sprouted, refusing them purchase on such a day as this. This was a new day, for the line of the Spider had failed and he had survived. He had kept his wits while his brother had lost them, and it was his duty to carry the line on into the future.

His welcome among the French garrison was more enthusiastic than among the populace, which seemed appropriate. These people had little understanding of the blessings of French leadership, and it was the task of those stationed there to enlighten them. The young count made himself as available as possible, eager to serve the ambitions of his king and ensure a place for the Armagnacs for years to come.