 Complete the following phrase:  While Charles was absent from Provence, Marseilles, Arles and Avignonthree wealthy cities, directly subject to the emperorformed a league and appointed a Provençal nobleman, Barral of Baux, as the commander of their combined armies. Charless mother-in-law put the disobedient Provençals under her protection. Charles could not deal with the rebels as he was about to join 