“Historical briefing (file from Artemisia Wormwood). William was a great hero . . .” she began. It made her happy to state the obvious right up front.
William was a great hero. He was Charlemagne’s kin. It was thanks to him that the invaders were driven back beyond the Pyrenees and also thanks to him that Charles’ son, Louis, ascended the throne after Charles’ death. He won himself a pagan bride and many pagan cities. In fact, he won bride and city and the name he is known by all at once, when he entered the city of Orange.
In real life, he was known by many names. William of Gellone, the second Count of Toulouse — the different names and titles reflected the man himself. He was larger than life, but at the same time he was a real person. He was Guillaume al corb nez; he was Fierebrace;
