The Boleyn Chronicles - Chapter 4 (Triumph) (Patreon)

01st May 1309

Edward Boleyn made his way through the streets of Southampton dock; he had been organising business on behalf of his father, looking over the ships his mind drifted towards the younger brother he had not seen in 15 years, he could still remember the day his father received a letter informing him that Thomas had used the money their father had given him and run off to have some sort adventure at sea, Edward shook his head, his younger brother truly had been a waste of space.

Thomas looked out from rigging on the bow of his flagship, fifteen years had they were finally home, home and laden with treasures.

“I cannot believe we made it,” said William

“Me neither,” said Thomas, “One crazy idea turned out to be an excellent adventure,” he laughed,

“A very profitable one at that,” laughed Robert, the crew were all in a jolly mood, they had recently been informed not only were they only a couple of days away from home, but the treasures also they had brought back with them was going to leave every crew member with a profit of £5,000.00.

“We will get in, and have some rest, and then get some supplies out to the colonies,” said Thomas pulling out a newly drawn map,

“Aye, hopefully we all get knighted as well,” laughed John,

As night fell Thomas ordered that all of the ships drop anchor so the crew could rest, they were in no hurry after all, before sending one of the smaller ships towards Southampton with a message asking for room to dock 25 large ships, and that they were from the Boleyn expedition.

Thomas watched as the messengers sailed off, “Do you think anyone will remember us,” he grinned

“Yeah, we will be the fools who sailed off into the sunset,” laughed Robert,

“Not they will consider us fools for much longer,” smirked William,

04th May 1309

Edward Boleyn galloped his horse hard down the lanes, he had extraordinary information for his father,

Mayor Boleyn looked up from his book to see his eldest son pushing his horse to the limit, his face red, and his eyes wild,

“Edward what in gods name is going,” said the Senior Boleyn worriedly,

“You will never believe this,” said Edward

Thomas couldn’t quite believe it, the dock master who had been present 15 years ago when the expedition was preparing was still in his job, and old man had practically fainted when Thomas had walked down the gangplank,

“You are alive,” said the old man astonished,

“I am and with excellent news,” Thomas had replied before walking down to the dock,

His messenger had reported back that the new King was visiting Southampton, Edward II and he himself was coming to greet them, have heard of their success,

Thomas was lead through Southampton by the Kings guard to the City centre

“Your Majesty” said Thomas bowing,

“Master Boleyn, I believe you bring news that will improve my entire year,” said the King,

“Your Majesty, I bring you news of a Sea Route to India,” said Thomas grinning slightly at the gasps from the crowds, “And I bring you news of new lands south of Cape Bojador,”

The King straightened, “This is indeed joyous news,”

“Furthermore we have established colonies in Africa and Asia in order to better facilitate trade with the heathen empires in those lands, whose wealth is far beyond anything we could image,” continued Thomas,

“I trust you have proof of this,” said King who looked as though he was struggling to contain his excitement,

Thomas smiled he has been looking forward to this part, “I most certainly do,” he replied motioning for his men to come forward carrying several large chests, “I present to you a chest containing gold from the Mali Empire in Africa,” as his men opened the first chest, the King’s eyes widened,

“In the second chest, I present silks from China,” said Thomas, “The third chest contains spices from the Indies, cinnamon and tea,”

“Most excellent,” whispered the King

“Onboard our ships we have yet more treasures for your Majesty, ivory, silks, cotton, new plants, new inventions, spices, incense, gold, silver and gemstones,” continue Thomas, “And maps detailing the lands that have been claimed in the name of the crown,”

King stood up and silenced the crown, “Master Boleyn, you and your crew have provided an unmatched service to your King and country, my late father will be wishing he could be here for this,” said the King,

“Thank you Sir,” said Thomas Boleyn,

“Master Boleyn,” began the King again, “I will give orders that every member of your crew be given a state pension worth £2,000.00 per year,” the crowd gasped,

Out of the corner of his eye he could see his crew members looks of shock and gratitude,

The King continued, “All senior members of your crew shall be knighted, and given lands and positions, on top of the profits that shall be shared equally between you,”

“Thank you, your majesty,” said Thomas,

“And for you Sir,” said the King stepping forward, “I herby name you Lord Thomas Boleyn, the 1st Duke of Kent and Earl of Wiltshire, 1st Lord Regent of the Colonies, and head of the Crown trading company,”

Thomas froze, “Thank you,” he stuttered,

Sir John Boleyn and his son Edward crested the hill in time to see a dukes crown be placed on Thomas’s head,

“He has been made a Duke,” said John in disbelief looking at the son he had kicked out 15 years ago.