The Wars of the Roses

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

Oh, I do want to see the Bully of York's head on a pike high upon London wall. Thank you for the update

The OTL actions of the next generation tell Richard's moral fiber.

I know you do. I cannot promise that.

Somebody is going to be surpsied in a week's time.

Somebody will indeed be "surpsied." I believe that to be the new English torture method at this date.

 

[DensleyBlair]

I'm with Butterfly. Dick is about to have the surpsie of his life.

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

Fb-fb:


I know you do. I cannot promise that.


Somebody will indeed be "surpsied." I believe that to be the new English torture method at this date.

I'm with Butterfly. Dick is about to have the surpsie of his life.

Mix of surprise and usurp.

Either way, the monarch or his most powerful vassal are going down.

 

[El Pip]

I am once again attempting to catch up on this, at time I have got close but then life intervened. For this attempt I decided to go back to the start as it had all got a bit jumbled for me.

Anyway the reason for this post is to inform our esteemed author about the Humble Bundle EU IV offer, 30 odd bits of DLC for £15 or $20 ish. I know @coz1 plays without the DLC so if this had been a financial decision (the non-sale price is several hundred of either units of currency) then this is a more reasonably priced option that also supports a charity as well as Paradox. Of course if may well be it was a moral or aesthetic choice to shun the DLC, in that case I fully understand and support you continuing to uphold standards.

 

[coz1]

More fb-fb:

I'm with Butterfly. Dick is about to have the surpsie of his life.

Indeed, he would be smart to just wlak away.

Mix of surprise and usurp.

Either way, the monarch or his most powerful vassal are going down.

I don't know, TBC. You may be surpsied yourself.

I am once again attempting to catch up on this, at time I have got close but then life intervened. For this attempt I decided to go back to the start as it had all got a bit jumbled for me.

Anyway the reason for this post is to inform our esteemed author about the Humble Bundle EU IV offer, 30 odd bits of DLC for £15 or $20 ish. I know @coz1 plays without the DLC so if this had been a financial decision (the non-sale price is several hundred of either units of currency) then this is a more reasonably priced option that also supports a charity as well as Paradox. Of course if may well be it was a moral or aesthetic choice to shun the DLC, in that case I fully understand and support you continuing to uphold standards.

Great to hear on both counts! I'm told it reads somewhat better in long chunks, but there is no doubt this period can get confusing with all of the various Richards, Henrys, Elizabeths and Margarets.

I'll definitely have to look into that bundle. Damn good price! Thanks for the heads up.


To all - Looking to get the next scene up later today or tomorrow morning. I'm just about done with the writing of this chapter and have already begun outlining chapter 6. Also got some more game play in this week so moving right along. Thanks to all for reading and giving comment!

 

[coz1]

Welling, May 1452​

The King sat within his field tent and remained pensive. Drumming his fingers to the small table before him, he worried and that displeased him. Throughout this ordeal, he had trusted in his faith and the word of God. Yet he still waited. An integral part of the process was missing and days had been spent in despair though Henry would show no one this mood. Yet he felt it within his body and mind and he was moving dangerously close to an altercation that he decidedly did not want.

Thus he was lifted when the tent flap opened and the Earl of Salisbury entered with a bow, “Your Grace. It did take some time to reach you.”

“We must apologize for we move quickly,” Henry answered as he stood, “It takes some time to move this amount of men and so we have them constantly at the march.”

“And you have moved them far, Your Grace,” Salisbury gave nod.

Henry moved around the table to pour some wine, “It is too poor that we must do so. Yet our cousin does not stop his own progress and we are determined.”

“Where is he at the now, Your Grace?”

“At last report, he has moved up to Crayford north of Dartford,” Henry pointed to the map upon the table, “Shows Lord Cobham to the river and the Earl of Devon to the west of his line. York himself carries the middleward.”

Salisbury showed a worried face, “I honestly did not think that he would pursue this far, Your Grace. I had hoped that reason would out. Yet…?”

“Yes?” Henry questioned wanting the rest of the sentence.

The Earl stepped forward, “Yet I still believe him capable of listening, Your Grace. With the right words said to him.”

“As has been suggested to us, my Lord...what more words may be said?” the King sat with a sigh and drank at his wine.

“What you hold around you at the now says quite more than needs must, Your Grace,” Salisbury gave a firm nod, “I think it more convincing than just words. Yet words must still accompany the action.”

Henry looked up with irritation, “At every step of this, my Lord...we have done all we might to show both love and honor. Chance after chance for our cousin to step down from this ledge. And with every movement on the map, Richard does press more and more into the abyss. Almighty God does tell us that we must stand strong in the face if this and yet we still give the Lord of Buckingham chance to talk him out of it. We think that you too have done so. And yet what does it yield?”

“Your Grace...” Salisbury tried to counsel, “...I know that York wishes in no way to come to blows with you. It is not his intent. You know this in your heart. Yet his list of grievances…long as it may be...are also not unknown to you and he is not the only one that says it.”

Henry finished his drink without returning the Earl’s eye, “We put down the rebellion to Kent two years ago, my Lord. And we shall put this one down as well should it continue. People will have complaints...they always do, it would seem. Yet our cousin’s cause seems more than that.”

“Aye, Your Grace, it does,” the Earl replied, “Which is why you should not let down your force. But that he is so close...and you so close to him...mayhap one more word? Possibly from your own lips?”

“We would not know what to say to him at the now,” Henry stared ruefully at his empty cup, “We are offended and are like to say too much. He has caused great harm. Our anger is palpable but we wish not to feel it. We know not how we may forgive even if he should listen. And yet...we love him still.”

“Then you need not go yourself, Your Grace,” Salisbury suggested, “But one that is trusted.”

Henry allowed a slight chuckle, “We have sent Buckingham how many times now?”

“Mayhap one too many,” the Earl allowed, “For he may not be known so well by the Duke of York. Yet I do know him and share your affection for his worth. Allow me another chance, Your Grace.”

“You have done so already,” Henry waved a hand.

The Earl of Salisbury moved to the tent flap as he replied, “I have indeed, Your Grace. Yet I do know of another that he trusts. It did take some time, but I gave promise and have delivered as I said.”

Henry looked up with anticipation as the Earl of Warwick entered the tent and bent the knee before him. A smile crossed the King’s lips as he stood, “You remove from us a great distress, my Lord. Would that your progress had been sooner.”

Warwick stood but kept his head low, “It is to my shame that I have displeased you, Your Grace. I made move as quickly as I could.”

“Yet you are here now,” Henry stepped to him, “Which means that you will not be to the north of London. Have you made your choice?”

“My son honors the King, Your Grace. As stated, he is loyal,” Salisbury responded.

Warwick looked up with plea, “Tis true, Your Grace. I am now and always your man.”

“And yet we hold that you have planned with our cousin,” Henry moved to pour another cup of wine, “Lodged him and helped him recruit. What should we think of that?”

“Your Grace...” Warwick answered, “...the Lord of York is family. As my Lord father knows and shares. I could no more show him the door than you might your brothers.”

“Indeed, Your Grace...” Salisbury continued, “...is that not why you find your consternation at the now? For you love your family. And York is your family...the most important family of them all.”

Henry turned and poured more wine for a moment before answering, “You have the right of it. All we desire is for him to stand down and return to the fold. We are prepared to make some changes should needs must if he would be prepared to halt his progress and return these men to their homes.”

“Your Grace, we know his mind,” Salisbury replied quickly, “My son and I both. Allow us chance to speak your words to the Lord of York and let him know that he may be the prodigal son...that you would welcome his return with all love and favor.”

Warwick concurred, “I be certain that he would listen if he knew your true care, Your Grace. Your loving ear.”

The King drank down his wine and moved back to his small table. He waited a moment before he sat but then looked up with a determined eye, “Our army is not but quick ride from York’s camp, my Lords. He will trust you so there is little fear of altercation should you approach. We shall send the Bishops Winchester and Ely with you. You may do what you are able. Yet you...and most importantly he...should know that this is the last chance. The very one. We shall send no more proposals.”

“What are we able to say...Your Grace?” Warwick questioned as carefully as he could.

Henry clinched his fists and answered with his eyes tightly closed in frustration, “That we will listen!”

Salisbury gave bow, “Of course, Your Grace. Yet...what would be your exact demands?”

After taking a breath, the King looked to them firmly, “He shall come to here and swear his allegiance before us. Without arms and without men. They should be dispersed. Should that happen first, then we shall receive him openly.”

When both Earls stayed quiet, Henry repeated more softly this time, “We will listen.”

 

[Midnite Duke]

York will never be happy until he calls the shots whether as king or King Henry locked in the tower that it the way of bullies. The two big demands are Richard wants to appoint the council (Richard is correct that the current is filled with idiots) and Margaret not birth a legitimate heir. If he gets his demands then he is de facto king. What is Henry's lifespan if Richard can name next King? Thank you for the update.

 

[coz1]

York will never be happy until he calls the shots whether as king or King Henry locked in the tower that it the way of bullies. York = Stalin = Hitler = Putin. Thank you for the update.

As I have written York? Apologies @Midnite Duke but I have a bit of a meter when it comes to Godwin's Law and I hope that I have not given the impression that he'd be wiling to kill any and all for his personal endeavor. That is rather his complaint that others would be willing to do so.

 

[Midnite Duke]

As I have written York? Apologies @Midnite Duke but I have a bit of a meter when it comes to Godwin's Law and I hope that I have not given the impression that he'd be wiling to kill any and all for his personal endeavor. That is rather his complaint that others would be willing to do so.

I do not mean in the sense that he is willing to kill just that no appeasement will satisfy. Even, you have portrayed as someone who claims not to want to dirty his own hands, he does command a rebellious army against his king, wanting the king to meet his demands rather than saying, "King Henry, I will disband my army and go home if you let me keep my head and lands." My apologies for bringing in Hitler, but it reminds me of Chamberlain giving in to an unending series of demands. Probably, the better comparison would be Chinese warlords of early 20th century or Somali pirates of 1990s in that Richard is not a de jure leader but if he is not the de facto leader, he wants unlimited authority. Historically, Richard's descendants even resorted to close kin slaying in the Yorkian quest for power.

 

[coz1]

I do not mean in the sense that he is willing to kill just that no appeasement will satisfy. Even, you have portrayed as someone who claims not to want to dirty his own hands, he does command a rebellious army against his king, wanting the king to meet his demands rather than saying, "King Henry, I will disband my army and go home if you let me keep my head and lands." My apologies for bringing in Hitler, but it reminds me of Chamberlain giving in to an unending series of demands. Probably, the better comparison would be Chinese warlords of early 20th century or Somali pirates of 1990s in that Richard is not a de jure leader but if he is not the de facto leader, he wants unlimited authority. Historically, Richard's descendants even resorted to close kin slaying in the Yorkian quest for power.

That is fair enough. Richard is definitely pushing things to the brink but it remains a very tenuous situation in that no one really wants to fight but they must show force. See more of that in the upcoming scene.

 

[coz1]

Crayford, May 1452​

Richard watched over the horizon as the riders approached. He knew their sign and was not sure that he wished to see either of them. The Earl of Devon approached and questioned as he too looked, “They fly the King’s banner, my Lord. A small contingent...surely for talks.”

“Indeed,” the Duke sighed with heavy force as he moved quickly and announced to any and all, “Prepare my horse!”

A squire was quick to lead it along and Richard lifted to the saddle with irritation, “We’ve no time to call for Cobham. Gather some men and follow me.”

Devon responded with alacrity though it took a moment to catch up with Richard as he galloped towards those he knew well. The earth shook beneath them with each heavy hoof and the Duke of York began to distance his guard as he drove towards this meet. As he approached, those waiting for him had stopped and watched as Richard reined in his mount with some glee and shouted, “It is of time for you to finally show up, my Lords! We have been waiting for you!”

As others trotted in behind him, The Duke looked to this group with certainty, “You are all welcome, indeed! Yet I may assume the reason for your efforts.”

“To be certain you would, Richard,” the Earl of Salisbury pushed his mount forward to pull alongside his brother in law, “I have been given final charge, sir. We have spoken with King Henry and he agrees to hear your words in all good faith. I think to believe him as should you.”

Richard smiled as he clasped hands, “I said that I would see you again and I knew that it would be on the other side.”

“I am on the side of the realm, sir,” Salisbury replied, “As is the King.”

“And you would poach from me?” York pointed to Warwick, “Of course you would. He is your own son.”

Warwick pressed his mount forward to speak but Salisbury stopped him with a gesture, “My son would speak to his own and he knows what is best for this kingdom. As do I. And these works of yours, sir...they speak ruin. More ruinous than you claim of that in Somerset. I ride from the King with his words and this he tells me. He will receive you and hear you when these men have dispersed.”

Richard reined his horse around to come alongside of Warwick but looked back to Salisbury, “You bring to me Somerset’s words, sir. These are not of the King for they are not serious.”

“I tell you, my Lord...” Salisbury answered, “...they are Henry’s own words and I think to find his truth. He is...changed. You have been away from court...you have not seen.”

“What care have I for court?” Richard rounded back to pull alongside Salisbury, “A great big bloody mess.”

Salisbury held calm and grasped Richard’s arm as he came along, “I think him to listen on Somerset.”

“What makes you think so?” the Duke pulled in his reins.

“He...does not care for how Somerset has run this...situation,” Salisbury confided, “And he grows suspect...from whence it comes.”

Richard scratched at his beard for a moment before giving reply, “Well...I never thought that he was stupid. Just slow in his ignorance.”

“Regardless of the reason, brother...” Salisbury continued, “...the King gives you chance. A moment to walk away from this path and return to his side as faithful and true.”

“I have never left it,” Richard assured them all, “In truth, all I do is for that purpose.”

The Bishop of Ely shouted over, “It is difficult to see how, my Lord. That which you have arrayed before us does not appear as loyalty but rather an opposing army.”

“Ahh...more Bishops!” Richard of York exclaimed with feigned humor, “Always so worried over their flock. Does it go unnoticed that many of those you see are of the common man? I, unlike the King, hold justice on my side. I need not a litany of favor seekers to bolster my force.”

“My Lord...” Warwick now pressed his mount forward, “...the injustice sits with Somerset as you know well.”

York looked to him with some sadness, “It pains me, young Neville. I had thought you promising but not this betrayal.”

“I betray no man, my Lord,” Warwick was certain in response, “Certainly not His Grace. When it became clear that he would lead his forces, I could not deny him my loyalty.”

Richard looked back to Salisbury, “No doubt influenced by your father...my friend.”

“Brother...it is over,” Salisbury returned the stare, “It must be. You have made your point and well. You are commanded now to come before the King and show your allegiance.”

“I have not yet found remedy,” York responded to them all, “And I do not lack the means to that end. I hold great stuff and ordinance at my disposal for that purpose and if needs must I hold seven ships to the Thames laden with supplies or, should I require it, a means to facilitate flight. The way I see it...I lack a worry that does seem to come from the King’s camp.”

“Your purpose is sound, my Lord,” Warwick answered him, “And as my father suggests, it has framed the King’s mind rightly. Now is the time to take your victory.”

“I would willingly go...” Richard looked to both Nevilles, “...if Somerset is punished for his crimes against the state. I would have the Duke of Somerset or die therefor.”

In the interest of peace, the Bishop of Winchester suggested, “I think you to have your wish, my Lord. If we may facilitate it. We...the four of us...shall return to the King and tell him of your words. Please hold no action until such time.”

Salisbury followed, “Take a moment, Richard. Allow us to relay your message.”

“I’ve no desire to go anywhere, sir,” Richard flashed a brief smile, “You must know that I am not keen to fight. I think not that Henry is either. Yet if I am pressed...I will.”

“We shall make certain that His Grace is aware,” the Bishop of Ely gave nod alongside the Bishop of Winchester.

“And as you speak these words, you must add this...” Richard continued, “...I include in my demands that I am officially named the heir until such time as the King finds issue. When and if.”

Both Bishops agreed and as they began to move away with the Earl of Salisbury, Warwick stayed back for one final word, “I did not mean to disappoint, my Lord. For I hold what is best for you in my heart.”

“You did what you had to do,” Richard answered plainly.

Warwick turned his mount to leave, “And I will continue to do. For your purpose.”

As the Earl galloped off to join his party, Richard moved to return to camp. The Earl of Devon came up alongside with question, “Do you believe that His Grace will finally hear your demands, my Lord?”

“I told you that he held no wish to fight,” York answered tersely.

The Earl was unsure, “These things are little changed than what you have asked this entire time. What makes now so very different, my Lord?”

Richard swept his arm wide to point to his army across the field, “Look before you, sir. This is what has changed.”

 

[Midnite Duke]

Richard keeps adding demands, first Somerset, next to be formally named heir. Will it end? If Richard named heir, no child of Henry will be viewed as legitimate, even if Richard views the mating, places the woman in a chastity belt with Richard holding the key, Richard will always cast aspersions. How long will a King Henry locked in the tower with heir Richard as guard survive? Thank you for the update

How many historical wars can be dumped at the foot of one man as the War of the Roses at Richard (historically as well as your writing)?

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

Richard of York gave battle in vain.

So far, so historical for his demands. I doubt he will be anticlimatically killed 2 weeks from now however.

 

[Bullfilter]

Well, a big catch up to do again, but ‘tis done, and nobly, sirrah! ‘Twas an enjoyable chase, though.

Not a great deal of back issue comment, but a few.

Shoot! I'm ready to start chapter 5 right now. But I will wait for some others to possibly read and give comment. And I thank you for that, each and every one and every time!

Alas, my shanks were not long enough to catch up by that point.

Richard swept his arm wide to point to his army across the field, “Look before you, sir. This is what has changed.”

He has built it and methinks intends to use it, no matter what.

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

Richard keeps adding demands, first Somerset, next to be formally named heir. Will it end? If Richard named heir, no child of Henry will be viewed as legitimate, even if Richard views the mating, places the woman in a chastity belt with Richard holding the key, Richard will always cast aspersions. How long will a King Henry locked in the tower with heir Richard as guard survive? Thank you for the update

How many historical wars can be dumped at the foot of one man as the War of the Roses at Richard (historically as well as your writing)?

Keep note on how that final demand is considered when we get there. As to your question, that is difficult to say. More to that, and as I've stated, ultimately this entire thing began when Henry Bolingbroke usurped the throne from Richard II. Once that happened, anything was now possible so it's hardly fair to blame Richard alone.

Richard of York gave battle in vain.

So far, so historical for his demands. I doubt he will be anticlimatically killed 2 weeks from now however.

No, he's not going anywhere anytime soon.

Well, a big catch up to do again, but ‘tis done, and nobly, sirrah! ‘Twas an enjoyable chase, though.

Not a great deal of back issue comment, but a few.

Alas, my shanks were not long enough to catch up by that point.

He has built it and methinks intends to use it, no matter what.

I'm reminded of the apocryphal phrase attributed to Adolf (addressed to whom I don't remember at this time) - "Do you think that I built this army just for a parade?"

Great to see you caught up! I always love your comments.


To all - As always, thank you very much for reading and giving comment! Chapter 5 is moving right along and the next scene arrives tomorrow.

 

[Midnite Duke]

The lack of a succession plan killed many non-nobles.

 

[El Pip]

All caught up at last and truly it was a reward worthy of the time. What can I say that has not already been said, what praise can I add that has not already been bestowed? Very little, but I will do it anyway as "To comment is divine" and all that.

I am interested by your take on King Henry, an almost unworldly man who knows he is not really up to the job and so mostly ignores it, to his own detriment and that of the Kingdom. His recent discovery of a hint of iron in his back and fire in his soul is indeed a change and a very long overdue one. Had he shown such spirit a few years ago none of this need happen, while the seriousness of the situation may have played a part I do think his wife's blatant and treasonous infidelity is perhaps the bigger cause. A woman who can betray her husband and adopted country in such a base manner is capable of anything, I think this is the reason he is taking the allegations against her more seriously.

While I agree with York's complaints, and feel nothing but bafflement and pity for those misguided souls who attack his motives, he doesn't have the temperament or the patience for this game. As Salisbury said earlier he gave Somerset rope but did not give him enough time to hang himself, which Somerset would inevitably do because he is an arrogant, out of his depth idiot, yet York charged in and squandered the chance. In some ways there is a parallel between York and Henry as both are temperamentally ill suited to the role they find themselves in, yet feel compelled to blunder on regardless as they think it their duty. That said I do believe York doesn't want the throne and that he just wants what is best for the kingdom, the problem is his methods of going about it are catastrophically counter-productive. On which note while I can see why you like writing Cecily, and I certainly enjoy reading about her, she has not advised her husband well in this, he does not need encouragement to push ahead but reassurance that he can afford to wait and that being subtle will bring better results.

I do enjoy seeing the Nevilles in this, Salisbury is one of the very few loyal, decent and competent players in this (many have one or two of those characteristics, few have all three) and I do love a charming schemer so of course I like Warwick showing the hints of why he became the Kingmaker. The Court clique around the Queen I will not waste words on, knaves to a man though admittedly of varying degrees, and I like the interchangeable bishops and York calling them out on that.

Finally I come to the true villain of the piece, an awful piece of work entirely without redeeming character or virtue. Naturally it's Margaret of Anjou. Traitor, strumpet, liar, ill-counsellor and whining idiot are just some of the phrases used to describe her, though others are less kind. And rightly so. Clearly more loyal to France than England and certainly more loyal to herself than anyone or anything else, I can only hope she gets her richly deserved comeuppance sooner rather than later.

 

[coz1]

More fb-fb:

The lack of a succession plan killed many non-nobles.

It's actually quite interesting to me that in all of my research of this period, the impact to the common man was actually quite little in terms of death. The real deathly impact of the period was nearly all to the noble elements. One would think on the surface that the various battles would have snared the common soldiery but in truth it led to half the nobility being slain before it was done.

All caught up at last and truly it was a reward worthy of the time. What can I say that has not already been said, what praise can I add that has not already been bestowed? Very little, but I will do it anyway as "To comment is divine" and all that.

I am interested by your take on King Henry, an almost unworldly man who knows he is not really up to the job and so mostly ignores it, to his own detriment and that of the Kingdom. His recent discovery of a hint of iron in his back and fire in his soul is indeed a change and a very long overdue one. Had he shown such spirit a few years ago none of this need happen, while the seriousness of the situation may have played a part I do think his wife's blatant and treasonous infidelity is perhaps the bigger cause. A woman who can betray her husband and adopted country in such a base manner is capable of anything, I think this is the reason he is taking the allegations against her more seriously.

While I agree with York's complaints, and feel nothing but bafflement and pity for those misguided souls who attack his motives, he doesn't have the temperament or the patience for this game. As Salisbury said earlier he gave Somerset rope but did not give him enough time to hang himself, which Somerset would inevitably do because he is an arrogant, out of his depth idiot, yet York charged in and squandered the chance. In some ways there is a parallel between York and Henry as both are temperamentally ill suited to the role they find themselves in, yet feel compelled to blunder on regardless as they think it their duty. That said I do believe York doesn't want the throne and that he just wants what is best for the kingdom, the problem is his methods of going about it are catastrophically counter-productive. On which note while I can see why you like writing Cecily, and I certainly enjoy reading about her, she has not advised her husband well in this, he does not need encouragement to push ahead but reassurance that he can afford to wait and that being subtle will bring better results.

I do enjoy seeing the Nevilles in this, Salisbury is one of the very few loyal, decent and competent players in this (many have one or two of those characteristics, few have all three) and I do love a charming schemer so of course I like Warwick showing the hints of why he became the Kingmaker. The Court clique around the Queen I will not waste words on, knaves to a man though admittedly of varying degrees, and I like the interchangeable bishops and York calling them out on that.

Finally I come to the true villain of the piece, an awful piece of work entirely without redeeming character or virtue. Naturally it's Margaret of Anjou. Traitor, strumpet, liar, ill-counsellor and whining idiot are just some of the phrases used to describe her, though others are less kind. And rightly so. Clearly more loyal to France than England and certainly more loyal to herself than anyone or anything else, I can only hope she gets her richly deserved comeuppance sooner rather than later.

Great to hear that you've caught up! I'm glad you are enjoying my take on Henry. As I've stated previously, I have never cared for the general view that Henry was simply holding space until his "madness" took over. While I do believe that he was easily led by many others, I thought that he needed to have his own urgency in some way. As to Richard, I do not disagree that he has his own shortcomings. We'll see how that plays out as we move along.

I'm particularly pleased that you are enjoying the Nevilles, father and son. Salisbury in particular does not get a lot of press in the coverage in lieu of the more "exciting" figures of York, Warwick and later Edward so I wanted to move him more to the front here. It is interesting to see him side with the crown early on. I cannot say that will last.

As to Margaret of Anjou...well, what can I say? She is ready made to write for due to all of her many, many...er...talents.


Thanks again all for your great comments! Next scene coming up...

 

[coz1]

Welling, May 1452​

Cardinal Kempe shuffled past many soldiers with his arms laden with scrolls. As he dodged puddles from a recent rain, he was alerted to the sound of horses and looked to see the peace party return. He stopped in his tracks as the Bishops of Ely and Winchester were quick to his side. The Earls of Salisbury and Warwick took their time quartering their mounts but soon they too joined.

“Well?” the Lord Chancellor asked, “What of it? What does York say?”

“Little but what has not already been said,” the Bishop of Winchester replied.

“Then we remain at impasse,” the Cardinal huffed, “He would take us all to hell with him.”

On his approach Salisbury answered him, “Not entirely, sir. He holds his demands still but believes that he may finally gain his hearing. With the right price.”

“Coin?” the Cardinal scoffed, “He seeks coin?!”

“He seeks a head,” Warwick was quick to follow.

The Bishop of Ely continued, “It has always been Somerset, Your Eminence. This you know. Is that so great a cost? To find peace?”

Cardinal Kempe showed a frown, “The Queen will not like it. She will not have that in her hearing and will make certain that His Grace does not either.”

“Then you must keep her occupied,” Salisbury responded quickly.

The Bishop of Winchester agreed, “Let us go and speak with the King. Bring these words to his own hearing. She must not know if he is to agree to such. No one must tell her if we are to succeed in quelling this trouble.”

“Jesus wept!” the Cardinal exclaimed before giving nod, “Very well. I will go and calm her for a piece. But you must be convincing. She will find out eventually and then we may all find our heads to the block.”

The Earl of Salisbury looked to the Bishops, “Perhaps it best that it just be you that speaks this to His Grace. It is clear that he is taken to scripture and that may be more powerful than coming from laity.”

All parties agreed and the Bishops of Ely and Winchester made for the King’s tent. They found him as they always did. Kneeling at prayer and they waited for him to rise. When he finally did, Henry crossed himself and then looked to them with question, “In our calm, we find that God is kind. Can it be that you also bring to us good news?”

“York’s defenses are sound, Your Grace,” the Bishop of Ely replied, “He is ready, if needs must, to follow through with his complaint.”

The Bishop of Winchester followed, “Yet he remains hopeful, Your Grace. We did relay your promise and he found great interest.”

“Then why is he not here?” Henry looked to them both with curiosity.

After a moment, the Bishop of Winchester answered, “He offered terms, Your Grace.”

“Terms?” Henry questioned with a raised brow, “We offer him love and care and he demands?”

“He does, Your Grace,” the Bishop of Ely replied, “He wishes trial of the Lord of Somerset, Your Grace. No thing more.”

The Bishop of Winchester looked to his partner carefully and then gave nod, “Indeed, Your Grace. No large thing. Of his many complaints, this is the one. He would remove this threat should the Duke be put to his test. We may do it with the Lords spiritual, Your Grace. Surely there is some thing...some way. Yet we may control it.”

“We rely on our Lord of Somerset for many a thing,” Henry looked to them both, “His counsel...as is yours...is most desired.”

“Your Grace...” the Bishop of Ely pressed, “...it is a matter of peace. And your great victory. You have caused this Lord to question his actions and reduce his claims to this one thing. We are all well aware of how closely you hold yourself to the Lord of Somerset. Yet would you hold him above peace?”

The Bishop of Winchester followed, “Almighty God holds that war is evil, Your Grace. A sin. A thing necessary if there be just cause yet to be avoided if at all possible. You would of course be forgiven by the word of Christ, yet in your wrath should you not also be forgiving? A chance to hold your kingdom above one man?”

Henry heard them and then replied, “Does God not also say in Thessalonians that He considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you?”

“Very good, Your Grace,” the Bishop of Winchester answered, “But recall in Romans that He does say never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

“A fine theological point,” Henry allowed it as he moved to sit at his field table, “You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. That is from James, is it not?”

The Bishop of Ely gave nod, “Quite so, Your Grace. Yet recall in Matthew that the Lord God says to not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

“Do not be led, Your Grace,” the Bishop of Winchester agreed, “Your soul is pure and God anointed. You hold chance to rule as just. To show all that you are fair. Above it, this be chance to save your kingdom and this realm from sinful bloodshed and pain. It is all within your hands.”

“How may we be certain that our cousin will be sated by one arrest?” Henry asked them.

“It is a gesture,” the Bishop of Winchester answered, “Have him here. Allow your promise. Avoid the conflict and then...do what you must.”

Henry remained unsure, “Our Lady wife the Queen will not care for this...gesture.”

“Yet she does not rule, Your Grace,” the Bishop of Ely replied, “You do.”

The Bishop of Winchester repeated himself, “Is one man more than a kingdom, Your Grace?”

“They are both ‘one man’, Lord Bishop,” Henry replied, “Which holds more import?”

“That is for you to decide, Your Grace,” the Bishop of Winchester answered, “I know they both be family to you and the Lord God does say that if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. Yet you have provided for them both. Somerset should receive a fair trial. But trial it must be if you wish York to end his action.”

The King remained silent as he ran his hand over the table in thought. Finally he looked up with some pain to his face, “Very well. We shall allow for Somerset’s warrant. If that be what it takes to bring our cousin to peace. Yet we maintain once more...he shall have to disband his force in every way. We will not see him while an army stands to the south.”

“It shall be so, Your Grace,” the Bishop of Ely gave nod.

The Bishop of Winchester followed, “I think you hold true to your purpose, Your Grace. You will have averted war and brought us all peace. God is good.”

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

Of course, were I to be in this position, I would of course agree, blame York when Somerset is inestimable found guilty, executed and has his lands confiscated by the crown, and subsequently do unto him what he did to his enemy.

Thus, two heads, two duchies and a lot more wealth and stability for the Crown.

Henry...is going to be brought low by the Queen for his actions, lose some support from the southern Lords, lose Somerset, gain York in his court again...for whatever that will do.

I feel a battle in his case (since he obviously does not want to choose) would actually be better. At least he will either kill York or be killed, ending the issue.