The Chronicles of Viennois Vol.3

Chapter I: In the Shadow When Athelstan I Thynne, the duke of Provence, passed into legend, his son Saul was only 21. The halls of Castle Aix fell silent, save for the echo of armored footsteps as Saul I Thynne was crowned Duke of Provence.

The realm looked to him not with doubt, but with expectation. For Saul bore not only the blood of his father but the tutelage of Marcus Thynne, the war-forged Marshal of Provence and living legend.

Chapter II: The Lyonese Resurgence The specter of war returned swiftly. Eric Barclay, surviving son of Godfrey and sworn enemy of the Thynnes, launched his final crusade against Provence when Saul was 23.

Age 24: In the First Battle of Montbrun, Saul personally slayed Eric Barclay’s commander, shattering the enemy's center.

Age 26: The Second Battle was a bitter struggle. Saul’s forces emerged victorious but suffered devastating casualties—the price of holding the line.

Age 27: Marcus Thynne, then 67 and still Marshal, led a thunderous assault that crushed Eric's remaining army.

Age 28: At Château de Nîmes, Saul and Marcus secured final victory over Lyon. Eric Barclay vanished from history—presumed killed or fled. Thus ended the Barclay feud.

With peace restored, Saul turned from survival to expansion.

Chapter III: The Conquest of Forcalquier At 34, Saul began his next campaign—against Guy Bolingbroke, Count of Forcalquier, a noble more cunning than cruel.

For four years, Saul waged siege and maneuver, capturing fortress by fortress.

At 38, he defeated Bolingbroke in battle, and claimed Forcalquier as part of Provence. That same year, in a diplomatic masterstroke, he married Margaret Bolingbroke, Guy’s daughter—binding conquest and conciliation.

Their union brought rare peace to Saul’s reign.

Chapter IV: Bloodline and Loss Age 43: His first son, Justinian Thynne, was born—named after a dream Saul claimed to have, of a golden eagle soaring over Provence.

Age 45: His second son, Eldred, followed—sharp-eyed, and often by Marcus' side during drills.

But time is cruel even to legends.

Age 52: The great Marcus Thynne, Saul’s uncle, mentor, and lifelong Marshal, died peacefully. The Duke mourned deeply, declaring ten days of silence across the duchy. With Marcus, an era ended.

Chapter V: The Savoy Campaign Yet Saul was not finished.

At 57, he declared war on the Duchy of Savoy, ruled by Henry Stafford, to claim the Canavese province and extend the Thynne banner northward.

In a daring final campaign, Saul’s strategies outmatched Stafford’s might.

At age 58, in the Battle of Brossasco, Saul killed Henry Stafford in single combat—a feat that echoed tales of his grandfather Augustine and father Athelstan.

With Canavese secured, Saul’s dominion stretched farther than any Thynne before him.

Chapter VI: Sunset of the Duke For the final four years of his life, Saul ruled in peace. With Margaret at his side and his sons trained in war and wisdom, he prepared the realm for his departure.

In his 62nd year, Duke Saul I Thynne passed away quietly in the gardens of Castle Aix, surrounded by family. He had ruled Provence for 41 years.

He was succeeded by his eldest son, Justinian Thynne.

Legacy of Saul I Thynne Titles Held:

Duke of Provence (Age 21–62)

Conqueror of Forcalquier

Victor of Canavese

Breaker of the Barclay Line

Family:

Father: Athelstan I Thynne (The Iron Falcon)

Mother: Barbetta Vane

Wife: Margaret Bolingbroke

Sons: Justinian Thynne (Successor), Eldred Thynne

Mentor: Marcus Thynne (Marshal of Provence)