That they had yet to come to blows encouraged me. “Family is the greatest gift God gives to us. When you have earned the wisdom of later years, as I have, you will realize nothing else you have done matters. Bitterness and anger turns us into fiends, and makes us say and do things to the people we love that we can never forgive ourselves for. As a mother, I love you all, but I am ashamed of what has become of our family.”
I glanced at Gerberga and Hedwiga, who both nodded.
“For as long as I have lived, my greatest desire is for unity—a family united in name, but also in heart and deed. I have watched in silence as one brother raised his hand against the other.”
Heinz’s face reddened, but he kept quiet.
“Your armies spill blood leaving scores of widows and fatherless children in their wake. And for what purpose?”
No one spoke.
“For nothing! All for nothing! We are one family. Our lands, our titles, our wealth, our influence is God-given, and we squander it.”
Hugh uncrossed his arms and leaned forward. Louis’ lip rose in a one-sided half grin as he grabbed a slice of cheese. Heinz stared at his hands while Otto gave me a look of approval. Gerberga rested a hand on her husband’s arm. Hedwiga folded and unfolded a handkerchief.
I persisted. “If we continue on this path of destruction, we will never see peace. It can only be achieved through understanding and compromise, not with violence. It is time for us to shun quarrels forever. It is not reasonable to solve disputes with anarchy. We must use reason to settle our differences. I want peace! And whether you care to admit it or not, so do the rest of you.”
I paused once more to study their reactions. Moments of utter stillness followed as they each pondered my words. “I have nothing more to add.” I leaned back in my chair and waited.
Long, uneasy moments passed. The power of my words seemed to have rendered them speechless, and I was glad.
Otto spoke first. “Our mother speaks with great wisdom.”
Everyone looked at him. “None of us will leave this room until we come to a settlement.” He leaned back and crossed his arms.
Thus, the discussions commenced. The conversation often grew heated. Afternoon passed into night, but we finally reached a truce. I managed to induce Hugh to relinquish the Laon estate and accept Louis as his lord and king, if Louis relinquished Lotharingia to Hugh and named him its duke under Otto’s rule. It was not a perfect solution, but it would work. Lotharingia had once belonged to Heinz, and he wanted it still. I expected him to react, but he did not. How pleased I was to see his acceptance for the better good of our family.
In the following days, the tension eased. Otto arranged for Hugh and Louis to go hunting with him. They returned in a jovial mood, proud of the game that would grace our table for the next few days. Afterward, we traveled to Magdeburg to celebrate Easter together, along with Brun and Wilhelm who would meet us there.
Those days were some of the happiest, without disharmony. We filled those idyllic moments with restful activities, good food, and amiability.
Soon, the day came for everyone to depart. With a heart overflowing with love, I bid my daughters and their husbands a safe journey. Unwilling to tear my gaze away, I watched them ride away until they left my sight.
That night, dreadful dreams swarmed in my mind, poisoning the good memories of our time together; a warning that the peace I had carefully crafted would soon crumble like a handful of sun-parched earth.
Chapter Thirty-Three
A.D. 948
BLESSINGS AND CURSES rained down upon my family.
I was overjoyed with news that Gerberga brought another son into the world. They named him Louis, and mother and child were both in good health.
In Burgundy, usurpers had been circling like vultures to steal young Conrad’s throne. Fulfilling the vow Otto once made to Rudolf, Conrad’s father, Otto marched his army into Burgundy and ousted the rebels. He left his most trusted advisors to rule temporarily until Conrad was old enough to take his rightful place. To prevent future rebellions, Otto betrothed his daughter Liutgarde to Conrad, thus joining the two kingdoms. I was pleased with the match as was my granddaughter, for Conrad possessed his father’s keen wit and generous, loving heart. I was fond of the youth, as was Otto.
Heinz, now twenty-nine, was also to marry. His bride was to be Judith of Bavaria, daughter of the late Arnulf of Bavaria, one of Heinrich’s enemies. Upon the marriage and his pledge of loyalty and fealty, Otto granted Heinz the title of Duke of Bavaria with all its holdings. Heinz had finally received his share of the kingdom.
Chapter Thirty-Four
A.D. 948
June 7
THE TERRIBLE DREAMS I experienced after the truce between Hugh and Louis proved true. They broke peace. Louis did not relinquish Laon as promised and Hugh laid claim to it, ousting Louis, Gerberga, and my grandchildren in the process. All my efforts, all Otto’s interventions to bring goodwill between my daughters’ husbands had failed. The Pope called for a synod to take place at the church of Saint Remigius at Ingelheim to address the long-standing feud. The Pope had already convened two previous synods, and if I counted my own failed efforts, the synod would be the fourth attempt to bring peace between my daughters’ husbands.
We travelled to Ingelheim in haste. On the day of the synod, Otto and I sat on thrones at the front of the hall, with the Pope’s legate, Cardinal Marinus, beside us. Thirty-four bishops sat opposite to each other behind two long trestle tables lining both sides of the room. Gerberga and King Louis sat to the right of the dais. Two empty chairs, meant for Hugh and Hedwiga, remained vacant. Voices rose with anticipation, echoing beneath the vaulted ceiling as we waited. Already it was past the time for the synod to begin, but there was no sign of them.
A hush fell over everyone when guards swung the massive oak doors shut. The bishops exchanged whispers. Foreboding clutched at me as I exchanged a worried glance with Gerberga.
Cardinal Marinus cleared his throat. “You have been summoned here today to render a decision on a long-standing feud between Hugh, Duke of Francia and Count of Paris and King Louis of Francia. At issue is the Archiepiscopal See in Laon, which both men lay claim to. Two previous synods regarding this matter have failed to resolve the dispute between them. Therefore, I have summoned both men here today to plead their cases before you.” He scrutinized the room. “Where is Duke Hugh?” His face crumpled into a deep frown. Marinus clenched his teeth. “Surely he sent a representative. Who is here to present his argument on his behalf?”
Shifting and several nervous coughs ensued, but no one responded.
Cardinal Marinus’ expression turned grim. “Then we proceed without him.” He turned to Louis. “King Louis, please step forward to state your case.”
Sunlight streamed through a window catching the sapphires on his crown and the gold threads of the fleur-de-lis embroidered on his mantle. He stood before the assembly poised, confident, with his usual air of humility. “After my father, King Charles, died, I was summoned from regions beyond the sea by Hugh’s envoys offering to restore my father’s throne to me. With his blessing, and that of other nobles, they consecrated me king. Not long after my return, I realized he had played me for a fool. I was king in name only. Lands rightfully mine by birth remain in Hugh’s possession. Attempts on my part, and on King Otto’s part, to have them returned, have failed. Relations between us have deteriorated. On more than one occasion, Hugh attempted to drive us from my ancestral home in Laon. He has traitorously attacked my vassals. He has even held me prisoner, detaining me under armed guards for an entire year.”
Murmurs of indignation rippled through the room.
Louis silenced them by raising his hand. “To gain my freedom, I was forced to relinquish Laon to him, the castle that I inherited from my father who inherited it from his father, the only home my children know. If anyone here can say I deserve these evils, or that any action on my part forced Hugh to commit such acts against me, I will h
umbly abide by whatever judgement or penalty you impose on me, but I am confident you will find no wrongdoing on my part. I am prepared to make good my rights and claims in single combat against Hugh.”
Louis took his seat, his face red with emotion. Gerberga slid her hand in his and gave him an encouraging smile. He had stated his case eloquently, in the simplest of terms. Without Hugh’s presence, the matter was now open for discussion.
For two long days, opinions, consequences, and actions were bantered forth. On the third day, they arrived at a consensus. Cardinal Marinus waited before the assembly to put it to a vote. “It has been proposed that Duke Hugh make full reparation of all lands and titles to King Louis. Further, his actions against King Louis are condemned and he is to be excommunicated from the Church.” He gazed at the bishop who sits closest to his right. “These are serious charges upon which we must vote. Friedrich of Mainz, how say you, yay or nay?”
“Yay,” the Archbishop responded.
Marinus ogled the next man. “Ruotbert of Triers, how say you?”
“Yay,” the portly man nodded.
One by one, each bishop responded. The judgement was unanimous.
“The proposal has been agreed to,” Cardinal Marinus announced. “Hugh must make reparation to Louis. He must recognize him as lawful king, and restore Laon to him. If he does not, the Holy Church will excommunicate him. Further, Hugh is required to present himself before another council at Trier in September of this year to answer for his actions. I will dispatch a letter to him this day. This synod is hereby concluded.”
The decision kept me rooted in my chair. Relief at the knowledge Hugh was given another chance to appear and plead his case lightened my disappointment.
Gerberga approached with Louis at her side. “You are pleased?”
“Of course I am,” I said with a nod, but Gerberga’s tone and expression lacked optimism. “But I can tell that you are not.”
“I am pleased for Louis, of course, for he deserves to regain what is lawfully his, but I am sad for Hedwiga who is still trapped in this horrible mess.”
“As for Hugh,” Louis added, “I hope he comes to his senses. And if he does not, then it will not break my heart to see him brought to shame.”
Louis honored me with a bow of his head and I watched stunned while he escorted Gerberga from the hall.
Once free, I hurried to my chamber where I wrote a letter to Hedwiga.
To Hedwiga, Duchess of Francia and Countess of Paris
From Matilde, Dowager Queen of Germany
My beloved daughter, I urge you to convince your husband to set aside his pride and complaints against Louis. By papal decree, Hugh is to appear before the synod of bishops at Triers in September to settle the dispute between him and King Louis. If he fails to attend, the Pope will excommunicate him and seize Laon. I beseech you to convince him to keep faithful to your brother Otto and to raise no arms against him or your sister’s husband, Louis. Urge him to make no pact with Louis’ enemies and to return the estates and lands in Laon to Louis without struggle. I pray for God to aid you in guiding your husband towards what is lawful and keep you safe.
Your loving mother, Matilde
Months passed, but I received no response. Fears Hedwiga had not received my letters or worse, that Hugh had forbidden her to write, clouded my thoughts. At chapel each day, I prayed for her, and that with God’s help, she would lead her husband towards a peaceful resolution.
When September arrived, Otto and I departed for the assembly at Trier. The journey south would take ten days. We entered the town through the Porta Nigra, an ancient Roman sandstone entrance. The structure was dilapidated, though it had never been finished. As we rode by, masons and builders were busy stripping it of stones to use for newer buildings. We made our way through the streets to Saint Paulin Church and the attached monastery. The Archbishop of Trier, along with Louis and Gerberga, who arrived the day before, greeted us.
“Have you received any word or letters from Hedwiga?” I asked Gerberga at dinner.
She shook her head. Anxiety that the conflict between Hugh and Louis had harmed relations between my daughters sat like a stone in my belly. The night passed far too slowly and I was grateful when it was time for us to retire for the night. I spent a sleepless night concerned Hugh would not arrive, and of the ultimate consequences.
In the morning, bleary-eyed, as I dressed and completed my ablutions, I sent a servant to inquire whether Hugh had arrived. It did not take long for her to return with the disappointing news.
My maidservants finished dressing me. Alone, I made my way to the meeting room. Otto, Louis, and Gerberga waited beyond the doors for my arrival. Inside, bishops already lined both sides of the room. Gerberga and I exchanged worried glances. Before we could say anything, a fanfare played and Otto and Louis made their entrance. The two kings sat in their places at the front of the room next to Cardinal Marinus, the Pope’s legate. Gerberga and I occupied the chairs behind them.
Local noblemen and their wives entered, filling the rear of the vast hall. Perhaps Hugh and Hedwiga had kept their arrival secret. I examined each face, but could not find them. Disappointment sat like a stone in my chest.
Cardinal Marinus rose and waited for the room to fall silent. When all was quiet, he reminded us of the purpose of the synod. When he called for Hugh or his envoy to stand, there was no movement, no answer. He waited, the silence profound. Some of the bishops turned to see for themselves whether Hugh was there or not, while others watched the door waiting for a sudden appearance. Nothing.
“By Hugh’s absence,” Cardinal Marinus declared, “I am left with no alternative but to denounce Hugh, Duke of Francia as stubborn and defiant. Until such time as he acknowledges Louis as his true and rightful king, and restores Laon in its entirety to the king, he is excommunicated from the Church.” The cardinal produced the document proclaiming the judgment and placed his seal on it. “Our decision is final and will be sent to Rome for the papal seal.”
Otto and Louis patted each other on the back. Gerberga seemed pleased, though she cast me a worried glance. It was obvious Hedwiga was on her mind as much as on mine.
DUKE HERMAN OF Swabia, a friend once loyal to Heinrich, was dead, and I was sad to learn of it. In keeping with his policy of peace, Otto named his eldest son, Liudolf, as Herman’s successor. To seal the feoffment, and with my full support, Otto initiated talks to arrange a marriage between Liudolf and Herman’s daughter, Ida. The match pleased me for Ida was beautiful and lauded for her virtuousness.
Hence, I stood exultant on their wedding day. The sun shone brightly, as if the angels and saints peered upon us to share in our joy. My grandson was unable to look away from his new wife, a sign of how smitten he was by her. Ida returned his glances with blushes. After the marriage ceremony, Otto proclaimed Liudolf as the Duke of Swabia with its inheritable property and possessions.
The union of Liudolf and Ida was a fragile thread of peace in a world filled with enmity. I prayed their bond would be strong enough to endure.
Chapter Thirty-Five
A.D. 950
ON A RAINY morning, I sat next to the brazier in my chambers embroidering with Sister Ricburg. One of my maidservants entered and curtseyed.
“Domina, a messenger brought you this letter. He said it was urgent and wanted me to deliver it to you.”
I accepted the parchment from her. “Does the messenger wait for a response?”
“Yes, if it pleases you, my lady.”
“It bears Hedwiga’s seal,” I announced to Sister Ricburg. Excited, I unfurled it. Written by Hedwiga’s hand, I read each word. When finished, I clutched the letter to my breast and addressed the maidservant. “Please ensure the messenger is given food and shelter for the night. I will have a letter for him to take to my daughter in the morning.”
“As you wish, Domina.” She curtseyed once more then hurried from the room.
“By the elation on your face, I trust it is good news,
” Sister Ricburg said.
“It is the best of news. Hedwiga is in good health and her husband seeks a truce with Otto and Louis. They are to meet in thirty days on the banks of the River Marne outside Paris. She wants me to travel there with Otto.”
“I am happy for you. Perhaps there will be reconciliation. It has been two years since the judgement was made at the synod.”
“I pray it is so. Nothing would please me more.”
ON THE BANKS of the meandering River Marne, Gerberga and I reined our horses to a stop behind Otto, Louis, and Conrad. Behind us, a hundred armed men waited, for that was the number both parties had each agreed to. Lush greenery lined both banks of the gentle flowing water. A boatman waited in a rowing vessel on the opposite shore where Hugh stood with his men.
At first, I did not see Hedwiga, but then I caught a glimpse of her on a white horse off to the side with a few of her women. Were it not for protocol, I could have swum across the river to embrace her, so eager was I to welcome her.
Hugh’s envoys crossed the river and disembarked. Unarmed, they bowed to Otto and Louis and the negotiations began. From where I waited with Gerberga, we could not hear their words, but by their nods, I concluded they were agreeing about something. The debates continued with men crossing and re-crossing the river until they achieved settlement.
My breath caught in my throat when I saw Hugh help Hedwiga into the boat and their men rowed them across the river. I waited until they made their obeisance to Otto and Louis. A cheer arose and then I was free to clutch Hedwiga to me. Tears of joy streamed down our faces. I had not seen her for almost three years. The feud between my daughters’ husbands was over, finally over.
The Prophetic Queen (Women's Biographical Historical Fiction): The Tumultuous Life of Matilde of Ringelheim Page 47