A period of conspiracy
What greater insult than to be betrayed by one's allies… That rascal Henry – my godfather! - he who had endowed me with the knight's sword! - he has plotted against me! After my marriage with Matilda of Flanders, my increasingly powerful dukedom troubled him and he was anxious of having to share his power. He has taken sides with my uncle William of Talou, who in turn has pledged alliance to my worst enemy, Geoffrey Martel, the Count of Anjou and the rebel barons, in order to invade me! These rogues had planned to attack me from both the north and south frontiers of Normandy and to reunite their men in one, unique army in Rouen, to ensure their victory. But I took up the challenge and marched forth against the king. I simultaneously sent my faithful Gauthier to fight against the ruffians under Prince Eudes' command. He ambushed them in Mortemer, drunken and stuffed with pillaged goods, then chopped them to pieces. I had the shameful news brought to Henry, who promptly and pitifully withdrew without a fight! Never shall I allow them to trample me underfoot! On William's word of honour!