An amusing medieval story

December 2nd was another slow news day in the medieval world. But yesterday my Polish friend Kasia had an interesting post on my blog, and so I am “borrowing” it today. She says that prior to the battle of Bremule in 1119 (which would be won decisively by Henry),
“Louis VI of France offered to fight Henry I in person. In the twelfth century warfare the idea of a heroic single combat was a common one. Individuals were ready to take up the challenge and responsibility in order to avoid greater losses and settle the dispute even before the fighting in serious began. Louis was ready to take up such responsibility and proposed to fight between the two armies, but Henry refused. If he had agreed they were to fight “separated by a swift stream and a rickety plank bridge” (Tournament, p. 5), the thought that their armies found highly amusing, for both kings were rather stout men, and who knows what would have happened if they fought on the bridge:-)” The cite is to David Crouch’s excellent book.
Coincidentally, I just finished a scene in Ransom in which the French suggested that they settle their differences with the English by having five champions fight for each side. Richard said he’d be delighted to do that, on one condition—that he and Philippe be two of the champions. The French then dropped that idea like the proverbial hot potato.
Last week, I mentioned that Lionheart will be available in paperback in the UK and Down Under at the end of December. Today my American paperback publisher would like me to remind everyone that their edition of Lionheart will be published on January 3rd and is available for pre-order. Here is the link to the Amazon mother ship. http://www.amazon.com/Lionheart-Novel...
Lastly, I hope my friends and readers out on the West Coast stay safe and dry until that monster storm passes by.