Michel de Bucy (whom the Nordics called Myco) was the result of a liaison
with Gunnor of Crepon. Which made him half-brother to, amongst others,
Richard II (the Duke), Robert of Evreux (the present Bishop of Rouen),
Godfrey of Brionne (Tancred's father), and Emma of Normandy (the
present wife of Aethelred the Unready of England, and later, of King Knut of
England). All this, of course, you can read about in the history books!
But Michel was rather a favourite 'illegitimate' son of Richard I, called the
Fearless, and he saw to it that Michel obtained the barony of Bucy, right
across the Risle River from the larger Barony of Montfort. The first wife of
the Baron died in childbirth. But he met and married a childhood sweetheart
of his, the warrioress and former stallari of Vinter Solig, Caia Solig, daughter
of Gunnar and Inga, who live in Isberg. Some of his grandchildren
accompanied William the Conqueror, in 1066, to England. They were
famous shipbuilders, their craft having been taught them by some renowned
experts, who actually originated in Nordic Land.
It is easy to see why his father, Richard the Fearless, loved this son. Baron
Michel de Bucy was a true gentleman. He was affable, even-tempered,
intelligent, shrewd and wise. He hated war, but understood its necessity.
Counts, Barons, and other suzerains sent their younger sons to the Baron's
chateau to be trained as Knights. They knew he would give them the same
love as they would themselves. And they knew that the Baron's tutors would
give them an education not to be received in many other places. So Baron
Michel always had 'sons' about him.
He loved his God, but knew that many peoples simply had different
concepts of this all-important entity. That is why his chateau, and his other
houses were filled with many different scholars and artists and artisans from
varying parts of the world. He just got along with them. He seemed to
understand the innate dignity of a person, and fathomed their true worth. It
was completely understandable, therefore, that he immediately took to King
Doom Solig. He understood the inner goodness of this man. He knew that,
under his leadership, the Nordic Kingdom would thrive and prosper. But he
also knew of the greed of stronger neighbours. And so Michel de Bucy
determined that he would do all in his power to keep the Nordic Kingdom
intact, and keep that particular Nordic spirit alive.
If I tell you that he was the half-brother of the current Duke of Normandy,
Richard II, called the Good, then you will probably want to know why he
isn't mentioned in the early documents. Good question. But you must also
understand the nature of society in that era. The Dukes had several liaisons.
All the official ones were for the purpose of cementing alliances with
neighbouring regions. The unofficial ones were more likely the real
love-matches.