The Wars of the Roses

[El Pip]

A few exciting episodes to comment on. The Lords reaction to the Kings condition was as expected, the court faction would have been in a much stronger position had they just been honest. But then that is perhaps one of the features of both history and this tale, the lack of any really firm factions. There are small groups who may find themselves on the same size as other small groups, but it is all alliances of convenience and short term self interest. This of course applies to York as well, he has the "bulldog" Warwick on his side for the now, but can he be truly certain which way he will bite?

The Duchess scene, perhaps setting up future events? While it is always good to see Cecily make an appearance it was a quiet scene, or perhaps I was missing the subtle subtext?

Checking on Henry's Health hit all the greats; possession, shaking, overly optimistic relatives, tears. I'm surprised someone didn't suggest witchcraft and there is one very obvious suspect in the room...

The Queen has picked up one of Richard's flaws (in addition to her many existing ones); a complete lack of patience. Any one of those articles would be tricky (Margaret's definition of 'sufficient' is likely to be far higher than Parliaments so even the mild looking fourth one would be hard), but all of them? And to tell Parliament they can never be changed? But then as York says "Yet above all, sir...she is French". Which does explain a great deal.

Finally Richard scheming with Oxford, though I'm sure both men would reject that label. A slightly sad scene, as had Richard displayed this level of patience and indeed self-awareness a few years earlier the country would never be in this mess. He remains fortunate in his enemies, a more competent (and less hated) Queen could have easily made it a simple choice between someone she could control and York and, given York's history, probably won the argument. Instead she pushes herself forward and so forces many who would have pause at York to rally to his side, if only to stop her trying to surrender the entire country to Paris.

 

[HistoryDude]

The Queen has no friends, and her moves are... unwise.

It seems as if everyone is against Margaret (except Somerset).

 

[Bullfilter]

Still in catch-up mode, but just quickly:

Have you ever seen the 1981 film Scanners directed by David Cronenberg? This might be York's reaction...

Yes, I remember watching it clearly, though not the details of the story. It was very unsettling, I generally recall. Probably haven’t seen it since around the time it came out.

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

First to all - My update speed has slowed this week and writing has come to a stop as I've come down with a nasty bug/infection/who knows. It's not the Rona as I tested negative but for a minute there, I thought it was back. At any rate, it has caused a bit of a pause on activities. I hope to get back to reading soon enough so for those of you that I am following, rest assured I will return. And I do hope to get back to writing soon because before I came down with this, I had actually played a good bit forward into the future and some exciting things are afoot.

I had finished this chapter already so I will post the next scene after some good old fb-fb so let us get to it -

A few exciting episodes to comment on. The Lords reaction to the Kings condition was as expected, the court faction would have been in a much stronger position had they just been honest. But then that is perhaps one of the features of both history and this tale, the lack of any really firm factions. There are small groups who may find themselves on the same size as other small groups, but it is all alliances of convenience and short term self interest. This of course applies to York as well, he has the "bulldog" Warwick on his side for the now, but can he be truly certain which way he will bite?

One never knows with Warwick, to be sure.

The Duchess scene, perhaps setting up future events? While it is always good to see Cecily make an appearance it was a quiet scene, or perhaps I was missing the subtle subtext?

I really just wanted to include Jacquetta, but it did allow me to bring in Anne of York a little more and show that the questions are everywhere - both Lords and Ladies.

Checking on Henry's Health hit all the greats; possession, shaking, overly optimistic relatives, tears. I'm surprised someone didn't suggest witchcraft and there is one very obvious suspect in the room...

Indeed I did miss the witchcraft angle. Darn it! One of the fun parts of that was trying to explain the unexplained with the medical science known at the time.

I will say that while I have been somewhat subtle on what actually ails the King, I am treating it as if he had a stroke. That actually seems the most reasonable explanation from what we know now. His symptoms seem to present that and it makes the most sense to me. Stay tuned while I continue to describe his condition.

The Queen has picked up one of Richard's flaws (in addition to her many existing ones); a complete lack of patience. Any one of those articles would be tricky (Margaret's definition of 'sufficient' is likely to be far higher than Parliaments so even the mild looking fourth one would be hard), but all of them? And to tell Parliament they can never be changed? But then as York says "Yet above all, sir...she is French". Which does explain a great deal.

The crazy thing on Margaret's articles is that this is what she actually did!! Nearly word for word! I messed around with the language a bit, but one can see why and/or how see effectively pushed the other Lords into Richard's camp.

Finally Richard scheming with Oxford, though I'm sure both men would reject that label. A slightly sad scene, as had Richard displayed this level of patience and indeed self-awareness a few years earlier the country would never be in this mess. He remains fortunate in his enemies, a more competent (and less hated) Queen could have easily made it a simple choice between someone she could control and York and, given York's history, probably won the argument. Instead she pushes herself forward and so forces many who would have pause at York to rally to his side, if only to stop her trying to surrender the entire country to Paris.

Quite true. Richard is learning as he goes and one could say that his past actions have taught him some lessons.

The Queen has no friends, and her moves are... unwise.

It seems as if everyone is against Margaret (except Somerset).

They certainly are now. As above, Margaret makes the same mistake Richard made before. Demands don't work too well in this environment.

Still in catch-up mode, but just quickly:

Yes, I remember watching it clearly, though not the details of the story. It was very unsettling, I generally recall. Probably haven’t seen it since around the time it came out.

It's been a while since I've seen Scanners as well, but that scene is memorable to be sure. How does one forget a head exploding on live TV??

[Sidenote - without getting into my politics, this is what I was hoping to see on election night in 2016. And Sean Hannity has a really large head!]


Thanks again to all for reading and giving comment. Hopefully I'll get back to full strength soon enough and can return to my usual activity. Fingers crossed.

 

[coz1]

London, February 1454​

Many complicating factors influenced this nineteenth Parliament under the reign of King Henry VI. Now in its third session and after relocating from Reading, the first and largest of these factors were the number of Lords that turned up in the first place. There were so few that fines had been imposed to those absentees for non-attendance. The Commons were well represented with figures that found loyalty on many sides. Some to the Lancastrian favor and some to York. There were many Thomas’ and Johns and so they referred to each other by their last names...Thorpe, Wenlock, Tresham, Say. And many more. The Speaker was Thomas Thorpe, the Third Baron of the Exchequer. It was to this man that Richard, Duke of York began his efforts.

Though the Lords and Commons did not meet together, messages were passed between each and this floury of activity kept pages running constantly. On the first day of this session, the Duke sent word to the Commons that Speaker Thorpe had abused his position with the Exchequer to confiscate goods and chattel from himself and had done so in the King’s name though York knew well that this was a matter of Somerset and no thing else. A tedious back and forth ensued with Thorpe demanding trial and so began a protracted battle in which the Speaker attempted to prove that these arrests of material were required as they were weapons of war. Others to his team argued that a Speaker could not even be tried during his term. The Lords would not hear of it, however, and within the first three days Speaker Thorpe stood charged and found guilty of trespass and imprisoned to the Fleet prison.

York received his damages of nearly one thousand pounds and more, a victory to start. He then began to influence the next Speaker and on the fifth day, Sir Thomas Charleton serving as knight of the shire for Middlesex was finally elected to lead. Far more amenable to the cause, Richard then turned his attention to the Lords. Matters were not helped when the Earl of Warwick once again attempted to raise the sensitive question of the Prince’s paternity, but the Lords refused to listen to this and the Duke did not try to change their minds. Rather, he was invested in the question of the Queen’s bill.

Neither the Lords nor Commons wished to vote upon it at all. It was a nonstarter as Richard had hoped. This had not stopped the Earl of Wiltshire as he courted not only his fellow Lords but so too those in the Commons. The Earl had turned the question from regency back to recognition and protection for the newly born Prince. On this, there was great agreement especially in the Commons. A new bill was drawn up for all to confirm the infant’s title and status of heir apparent and required each of them, both Lords and Commons to acknowledge this. It was passed and the next day was a short one as each followed through.

When it came time for Richard of York to swear he seemed to hesitate but eventually spoke, “I among the many of you remain with some question. Yet I could not deny my fealty to the crown as I have sworn.”

Murmuring was heard from many until Richard finally added with ill-concealed chagrin, “I do so give my oath.”

Seeming to quell this great question, York retired for the day back to the palace at Baynard’s and both Salisbury and Warwick joined him. The Earl of Salisbury seemed pleased with these last days, “We have done well, brother. The Queen’s writ is now null and void and she must smart at such.”

“You know as well as I that a cornered rat will strike out,” York replied as he sat by the hearth and sighed, “Though her petition is denied, the question of regency remains. And you did see that the Commons seems not to fear this paternity issue.”

The Earl of Warwick suggested with some irritation, “You did not press it, uncle.”

“They wish not to hear it,” Salisbury answered his son, “The Lord of Oxford has done well to do his part and brings Scales and Scrope right round. With them, many in the Commons follow.”

“Do they?” Warwick questioned his father, “I have it to mind that Thomas Daniel and John Trevelyan among others...court party men all...draw up a further bill for the Prince.”

York looked up with frustration, “To what end? Did we not already do our part on that front?”

“They are not yet done,” Warwick answered, “Though surely coming from the Queen and Somerset, they look to formally create and invest the babe as Prince of Wales and provide an annual income. As if the question is but an afterthought.”

Salisbury followed, “They look to safeguard the Prince, sir. Surely. Having been thwarted in her attempt for regency, the Queen likely wishes to do so for herself as well.”

“She may have it!” York stood with irritation, “I hold no desire to punish the woman...nor the child...but we grow too familiar with the status quo and that cannot stand. The question should not be the Prince. The question, as it has always been, is who is to govern?!”

“Somerset does well to muddy the waters, sir,” Warwick suggested, “To create a fear against yourself, my Lord.”

York remained angry, “When I have done no thing to cause it! Do these men hope to protect the Prince...and the Queen? Or do they wish to protect the King and the realm? That is what matters! What is it that we play at here?”

“We do not play, my Lord...” Salisbury answered, “...we do. The goal here is simple. Hold Somerset from his desired position for he is the only one now to worry over.”

“Dickon...” York looked to his brother in law with a firm eye, “...the goal is so much larger than that. These readings of this Parliament suggest that the King is but a slight consideration. I will not countenance that! At the end of it, someone must rule. It shall not be the Queen, nor will it be Somerset. The Archbishop tries to hold his position but at the least, he is able to listen even if I am aware that he hates me. I do not care. All that I have ever wished...from the start...is to sit Council and advise. If no thing else, I am close to that state. And you both well know that I am primed for that position. Yet we still speak of the babe and not what truly matters...the regency!”

“I counsel you still to patience, brother,” Salisbury answered to him, “It does take time to change minds and you made a fine start today with your oath. Allow de Vere and the others to continue. You have done well to pull in Bishop Bourchier of Ely. That could not have been an easy get. So now it is time...sound out Buckingham once more.”

Warwick spoke out, “You do not think that he may wish the regency for himself? He does hold a very powerful role both on Council and with his familial connection.”

“Please, sir...” York dismissed the idea, “...yet...it is time to speak with him again.”

“Brother...the Barons are divided,” Salisbury pressed, “The Earls mayhap less so as they did not care for the Queen’s bill. And the Commons? Well...they can be lead. If you wish to make your mark, now is the time to do it. The court party is diminished and you are ascendant. Yet you must be smart about it. You must hold back and let them come to the mind we now hold.”

York was not persuaded, “They never do. Time and again they look to their own and not what matters.”

“And yet this matters as you well know,” the Earl reminded, “They know it...and they look for your leadership. They are reticent...but they too know it is paramount. You must continue to do what you did this day. I know that you are proud, brother...but it is like teasing an animal to you. Allow Somerset to make his large sudden movements. You must wait for it. It is needed...and it will come.”

“It is increasingly difficult,” York sighed.

Warwick followed his father, “As it will always be, my Lord. Yet you have held low your certainly understood temper and brought men round to your idea. It is no time to let up. Though I myself may be rash at times, I believe my Lord father to be correct. Patience is surely at a premium at this moment...yet you do yourself credit.”

“Then no more on the infant,” York admonished him and then looked to Salisbury, “And very well. I must break Buckingham from the Archbishop. As long as they hold a united front, we shall be at the whim of these others that wish to continue chaos.”

Salisbury gave nod, “A most prudent thought, sir.”

“And allow me to work to Canterbury, my Lord,” Warwick suggested, “I think to have a solution there.”

“Take a care, my son,” Salisbury suggested, “Do not counsel one thing and then do another.”

Warwick showed a slight grin, “Father...allow me my means. I think the prelate may be convinced for he holds no further love for the Queen than we do.”

“Then we must all practice caution,” York relented, “At every level. It is so close and the realm requires it. I will find Buckingham. And the two of you? Keep at it, my Lords.”

Father and son both gave nod in response, “Of course.”

 

[HistoryDude]

And the Lords manipulate the House of Commons in addition to their usual games...

 

[coz1]

And the Lords manipulate the House of Commons in addition to their usual games...

But of course. What else are Lords supposed to do? They are Lords after all.

 

[coz1]

Penshurst Place, March 1454​

The two Dukes sat by the fire as the night grew long. With a break during this Parliament session, Richard of York had sent word to the Duke of Buckingham and Humphrey Stafford graciously invited the Duke, his wife and their son to his favored residence near London in Kent. Lady Anne Neville had played the perfect hostess and seemed quite pleased to see her younger sister Cecily. A fine feast was had and by now both Duchesses and the young Earl of March had retired.

During the feast little was said about the current goings on to London, but now it was time to speak on what the visit was truly about and the Duke of Buckingham was the first to broach it, “I must give you credit, my Lord. You have worked swiftly in these last days.”

“Did I hold choice?” Richard asked as he looked deeply into the flames.

Buckingham shrugged, “I suppose not. We are quite in a terror at the now.”

“Which you knew about, my Lord,” York turned to him with a narrowed brow, “For some time. I think not to find blame with you...but I was not aware that you could be so easily led as that.”

“Spare me your condemnation, Richard,” Buckingham sighed, “We did not know how serious it was. Nor that it was to last so long as this.”

The Duke of York leaned in, “Say not that it was your idea to keep quiet, sir, and I shall be fine with blaming Somerset.”

“You will always find comfort in that, sir,” Buckingham allowed a slight laugh, “Yet I will not deny my part in it. The serpent has three heads...four if you count the Queen.”

Richard sat back with the knowledge of being right, “Of course. And I must ask on that front...do you believe her?”

“Do I believe her?” Buckingham showed a shocked face.

Richard sat up again, “Come now, Stafford...you can tell me that you hold no question at all?”

“If the King did not question when the issue was first announced, then I shall hold none at this moment,” Buckingham replied and drank at some wine.

“Convenient for her then...that the King cannot hold question at this moment,” Richard followed.

Buckingham turned to him with his own narrowed brow, “If it be such question to you, my Lord, why then did you not follow when the Earl of Warwick brought it up...on multiple occasions, I might add?”

“As it is not useful at this time and I hold no proof,” York replied as he looked back to the fire.

“Precisely,” Buckingham answered him quickly, “So rather than belabor that point...perhaps we could get to the true issue at hand. Not the child. You and I both know it is the regency required.”

Richard of York gave nod and crossed a leg as he turned to his fellow Duke, “So then...where is your mind on that?”

“Where is anyone's mind on that?” Buckingham replied, “Certainly not on the Queen. She tried to suggest it before, you know?”

Richard nodded, “I have been told. What is it that makes her think that it was tenable? I know that she remains young and headstrong...and perhaps more now due to the birth of this child...yet she must realize that we would not be ruled by a woman and a French one at that. Surely!”

“I could not say,” Buckingham shook his head.

“Could it not be Somerset?” Richard responded, “As her favorite, do you not think that he places notions to her head that she is more than she is...or could be?”

Buckingham turned to him, “She is Queen, Richard. That does count for something.”

“Some thing,” Richard agreed, “And that is what she has now done. Given England an heir. And that, sir, is all that is required of her. This other business? You know as well as I that she may not take part. It will not happen.”

“So then what do you propose?” Buckingham questioned.

Richard raised a brow, “What is it that you think? As Gloucester and Bedford were regents to this King when he was to his minority, now we must find one that holds the same royal blood to carry that on.”

“Somerset holds that royal blood, sir,” Buckingham noted, “Tainted though it may be...it remains there. And you know that he might wish it given his current position.”

“Tainted you say?” Richard showed a rare grin, “That is odd as it comes to my hearing that you are arranging match between your eldest son and his daughter.”

Buckingham laughed, “Please, sir. He is a powerful Lord of the realm as am I. I can think of no better match at this time for my Humphrey. You’ve already married off your eldest daughter and what can be said about Exeter? Eh?”

“He plays his role at the now,” Richard shifted to look back to the fire, “And I suppose I do not disagree with you. Dislike him though I do, his line goes back as does your own.”

“Exactly,” Buckingham gave nod, “Yet if it is not to be Somerset as regent...then who is it that you have to mind?”

Richard turned to him once more, “I suppose then I must ask...is that some role that you would wish, my Lord? You have held a very lofty position for quite a long time. Fought to France and knew the previous King. Was appointed fine position both there and in Normandy until it was lost. You have been no thing but honorable as you serve this King. You certainly hold the affinity tracing your line back to Edward third. In short, sir...do you wish it to be you?”

“You did not come to here...my place within Kent…merely to ask that question, Richard,” Buckingham looked to York with a firm eye, “You did not travel to London for that either. You did not contact my half brothers of Bourchier if you did not have your own mind on this matter. I have indeed held a long and distinguished career. You know...I was with King Henry when he died. Young, to be sure...but I shall never forget it. He had knighted me himself just the previous year.”

Richard gave nod, “Justly so.”

“A very sad day,” Buckingham softened and turned back to the flames, “I was honored to be one of many to escort his body back to England. When we landed to these shores...sir...there was not a dry eye to be seen as the cortege traveled back to Westminster. And his son was so very young. So very young! I truly did not know what was in store for us all.”

“I admit...I was young myself,” Richard allowed, “That was around the time that the Earl of Westmorland took me into his home. I do recall his tears.”

Buckingham showed a smile, “He was as if a second father to you, was he not?”

“Lord Ralph was a kind man...” Richard considered it, “...not a soldier...more a builder...but kind. He did provide us both with our lovely brides.”

“And then he passed not soon after the great Henry,” Buckingham suggested with a wistful tone, “Allowed us our gifts and then?”

Richard too looked to the fire, “I would tell you, Stafford...I know what it is to be an orphan. As do you. To come into power...wealth...estates...what have you...with no idea what to do with it. No one to lead you...tell you how to do. Teach you up and prepare you for what has been given. You...as much as any...would understand the King. You were barely older than he when you lost your father. I think to understand him as well. I’ve known him for so very long now. Yet I found good tutor. So did you. These men that have prepared Henry? He...”

When Richard did not finish, Buckingham followed him, “He was not prepared. And now? His state is tragic.”

Richard turned back to Buckingham, “I know well, sir, that I am haughty...proud...pushy even. I lack patience. When a thing needs must be done, I damn well do it. I may not help it for it is my nature.”

“And as I have warned you, your actions these last few years do not help your reputation,” Buckingham answered him, “Why is it that you think so many Lords declined to meet this Parliament?”

“Because they do not care,” York answered with certainty.

Buckingham showed a slight smile, “No, sir! It is that they do not know who to follow. You ask if I be desiring of the regency? I do not. Yes...I would hold a part to play. I should do no thing other. But a Regent is a practicing King and I must tell you...I wish no part in that.”

“As if I do?” Richard questioned.

“Sir...claim as you may...yet you know and I know that your place in this order is of impeccable pedigree,” Buckingham kept his smile, “I would not challenge it and nor should any man. Though it is a place in the order...now once removed. If you are able to accept that...then I may be able to accept you.”

Richard kept a questioning eye, “You would not show objection then should I present for the regency?”

“I should think no Lord more ready for it, sir...” Buckingham answered, “...yet I do hold a price.”

“You would of course hold preeminent place upon Council, my Lord,” Richard answered quickly.

Buckingham stood to refresh his wine, “That is to be a given. I will tell you now, Richard...there are three hurdles you must now jump. The first is full acceptance of the Prince. The bill is already created to make him Prince of Wales and every effort you make to support that will go a long way to convincing both the Lords and Commons that you hold no other idea.”

“I have already sworn the oath,” Richard suggested.

Buckingham poured as he replied, “Good. Continue that. Then the next is to get by the Lord Chancellor. Archbishop Kempe is...happy in his role. He would be diminished if you should be named regent. I know not how it is done between the Lords spiritual, but that is a high fence to jump. My half-brother Thomas is a fine Bishop and you already hold his ear. Pressure must be made to bear to get the Archbishop to go along for these priests will follow him.”

“Tis a fine point,” Richard gave nod and stood himself to warm by the fire, “And the third?”

“You would think it be Somerset and the Queen...” Buckingham turned back to York, “...yet it is not. I make bargain with you now. Somerset will fight for it, but I will support you if I am given proper place. Title. A true position of power and not just that of a counselor.”

Richard skewed an eye, “And what would that be?”

“Make it up, sir,” Buckingham showed a serious face, “For I may tell you that your own may be argued on. Gloucester was never called Regent. Merely, Lord Protector. He fought for it, but it was not given to him. Eh...they all knew that was what he was...but they would not give him the title. It was a Beaufort then in the Cardinal who was then just a Bishop himself...and it is a Beaufort now. They will fight you...tooth and claw...but I will support you if I gain my get.”

Richard of York placed his drink aside and stepped to Stafford, “Might we call you Steward of the Realm? Would that be to your satisfaction?”

“You think me a wine servant?” Buckingham questioned.

“No sir!” Richard was adamant, “Never! It would be no easy task to rule a kingdom such as this. We are far from done in France, to my mind...and I believe yours also...and if we are to do this, I shall need more than assistance. Until and as such the King remains to his state...I can think of no better to help me in this role.”

Buckingham drank his wine and placed his goblet down as he moved to shake Richard’s hand, “Then you may count upon my support, my Lord. England is needing of it and between we two we shall see it through until His Grace has returned to us. God willing.”

 

[Bullfilter]

As I try to close the gap … another OOC comment:

As to Kingmaker the game (mostly the boardgame) while I have never played it, I have never once met someone that had that did not have great positive memories of it.

You can add me to the list. Lived and breathed this when it came out. Still have the much worn original board game in my bookcase. An absolute classic.

 

[El Pip]

Buckingham is asking a high price for his support, a man who knows his worth in this situation. That said Richard is not exactly haggling here and the seeds of future problems are obvious, Buckingham is setting himself up as a power behind the throne (well power behind the Regency), particularly if the solution to the Archbishop Kemp problem goes as OTL. What exactly does a 'true position of power' mean?

While I can see the attraction of the scheme and the political tactics involved, recognising the Queen's illegitimate spawn as the heir is a long term mistake for Richard. But then again had anyone involved known quite how long and nasty the consequences of all this would be then they probably would have done many things differently.

 

[HistoryDude]

York is gathering allies...

Who are the four heads? The Queen, Buckingham, Somerset, and who?

 

[Historywhiz]

York is gathering allies...

Who are the four heads? The Queen, Buckingham, Somerset, and who?

Kempe I believe?

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

As I try to close the gap … another OOC comment:

You can add me to the list. Lived and breathed this when it came out. Still have the much worn original board game in my bookcase. An absolute classic.

When I started this the first time in EU3, you can find about a page and a half of comments merely on that game alone. I was always an Axis and Allies man myself, but I've longed to play Kingmaker some day.

Buckingham is asking a high price for his support, a man who knows his worth in this situation. That said Richard is not exactly haggling here and the seeds of future problems are obvious, Buckingham is setting himself up as a power behind the throne (well power behind the Regency), particularly if the solution to the Archbishop Kemp problem goes as OTL. What exactly does a 'true position of power' mean?

While I can see the attraction of the scheme and the political tactics involved, recognising the Queen's illegitimate spawn as the heir is a long term mistake for Richard. But then again had anyone involved known quite how long and nasty the consequences of all this would be then they probably would have done many things differently.

In some respect, Buckingham might be wanting to put a check on York. Easier done with an official position (though York would have some power to dismiss him should he desire of it.) Lord Chancellor would not be enough and at the moment, that position is filled (yet again...York would have power to change that as well.) Frankly, York would give Buckingham pretty much anything he wants right now so he can finally be in the position he believes he deserves.

As to recognizing the Prince as such, it may be risky down the line. That's true. Yet as has been seen over these last three or four years, things tend to change quite rapidly. Nothing is ever quite set in stone and often subject to a different lens.

York is gathering allies...

Who are the four heads? The Queen, Buckingham, Somerset, and who?

Yes he is and...

Kempe I believe?

Yes - Kempe would be the fourth.


To all - I should note that around this time in game, I went in and altered the save file to change Henry's stats. His admin was put at zero and I also lowered stability. I'm honestly surprised that the game did not have an event stream for Henry's illness but EU4 as was EU3 before it are far less beholden to real history after the start of the game. It doesn't change a lot really, but I felt it necessary.

I hope to get the next scene up tomorrow and it will get us closer to the end of the chapter. Still not back to full strength so the writing remains slow, but this chapter has been done for a while. As always, thank you to all for reading and giving comment!

 

[coz1]

Lambeth Palace, March 1454​

The Archbishop scribbled notes as he sat to the desk in his study. He worked late into the night as was his want. So many letters to write. So many correspondence to get through. These last months had been the busiest of his long life and he had seen much throughout all of it. His hand cramped with pain and he wrung it out a few times to loosen it before picking up the quill once more. Finishing his words directed to the Commons for the upcoming vote on the formal creation of the Prince of Wales, he sighed. The poor King. He had no idea it seemed. What must be to his mind...if any? Kempe decided he should take another visit to Windsor and check on him.

Knowing that the creation and then investiture of the Prince would require also an annual income, he reached for another parchment and began to write. Surely two thousand pounds per annum would be appropriate. The child was heir to the throne after all. Yet the mother...the Queen. She would also wish a safeguard. He chuffed and spoke to himself, “Call yourself Regent, Lady?! Would appoint Bishops and the like? Preposterous!”

He was certain that it had been the Lord of Somerset that had placed that poison pill to her mind. Theirs seemed an unnatural relationship. Too often he had noticed what seemed too much affection from one to another and held a slight notion...well...better not to think on that. Rumors would always abound and did they not say much the same about Margaret of Anjou while the Duke of Suffolk still lived? And that poor creature. Kempe held little sorrow for throwing the Duke over as he had. Better not to go down with him.

He considered his long career. It had always been a closely run thing. It seemed ages ago when he was first named Lord Chancellor. Then just a Bishop, his support of Henry Beaufort had gained him the Archbishopric of York. Yet the business between the Cardinal and Duke Humphrey...it was everything. The King was still a minor and their fights were legendary. It had been the concession to the Duke that stilled the waters for a time. Loss of the Chancellorship and even the Archbishopric. Yet Cardinal Beaufort had promised that it would be made well in time and so it was.

He’d maintained his place to Council and worked at some important commissions. All the while showing his loyalty to both Cardinal and King. When the Cardinal died, it was once again his moment and he did not regret placing trust in Suffolk. Yet he did regret what Suffolk became. Too ready to support his own favorites and not that of the realm. Kempe still felt anger when the Duke did not support his nephew Thomas Kempe for the Bishopric of London. And then his eventual fall. Ghastly. To lose one’s head like that? Indeed...it was better to distance. Much more safe.

Yet these last four years. From one moment to the next. He resented these Lords in their petty squabbles. From York to Somerset...down to the smallest of them...Devon and Bonville...Norfolk who could fight with anybody...now the Percy and Neville feud. It was never ending and that was before the King became ill. Now what? It seemed a free for all and any Lord might play. Now that they knew of the King’s condition, did they not feel need to silence their grievances for a time? For the betterment of the realm? For the King?

“Like carrion!” he suggested out loud before putting quill back to paper.

Kempe supposed that he should need to write something up for the Queen. She would not be satisfied with no thing. A protection. A further income. She was mother to the heir after all. Yet her actions...by God...she more than anyone else had delivered many Lords to the support of York during this Parliament. Though he had to admit...York had played it well. Unlike the man, he thought. Not the one that nearly tried to depose a King. Oh...he knew...York had said all the right words when it was done and never tried to rebel. But what tosh! It was no thing but a play for the throne and now he did so again.

Yet he had been smart. No less than Bishop Bourchier had come to him to press for York’s candidacy. The Bishop of Ely had always been dependable, but now? Familial affinity perhaps. After all, the Bishop was brother to Henry Bourchier and that Lord was married to York’s older sister. And their half brother...Buckingham. What was his mind, the Archbishop wondered? The Duke was a powerful player and he would need to speak with him again soon.

It was all too much of a tangled web. The Archbishop sighed as he stood from his desk. His old bones creaked under his considerable weight and he moved to pour some wine. Finding the pitcher empty, he shifted to pull the cord calling for more. As he waited, he turned to the window. He looked out into the night and could see in the distance Westminster as it rose above the river. A grand place, he thought. He was proud to have spent so much time to there. From a mere ecclesiastical lawyer to now...the highest office in the land for a man like himself. A journey from Wye to London that had taken him round the world it seemed.

A knock to his chamber door pulled him from his thoughts and he shouted, “Enter!”

When there was no reply, he turned and moved to the door. Pulling it open he spied a figure retreating down the hallway.

“You would leave it outside?!” he hollered after yet the servant was long gone.

“Blast!” he exclaimed as he struggled to bend and picked the tray up from the floor. He returned to his room and used his leg to close the door. Placing down the tray, he found his cup and filled it with wine. He would need it this night for he was far from done. Returning to the window, he sipped and thought once more. What was to become of the King? And what in blazes was wrong with him in the first place? It was as if the King was catatonic. There were moments when he thought King Henry could recognize him. A look perhaps...a glimmer to his eye. Yet it was far too little and too fleeting. What must he be thinking...if he thought at all?

And what of the realm? Somerset was surely not finished fighting for the Queen’s right...or that of himself. And York...York would not be satisfied with anything other than himself in ascendance. It was the same fight once more and this time without the King to provide his word on the matter. A war by parliamentary proxy. Though better in the courts than on the field of battle, Kempe considered.

Kempe sipped at his wine again and called out into the night, “Lord Richard...if you only knew. I wish not this challenge. Could you not be agreeable? Must everything be a contest?”

He needed to write to the Earl of Oxford for he’d seen how the Duke had courted the Lord. A well placed play, the Archbishop had to admit. As he moved back to his desk, he felt a pang to his chest. He stood still for a moment and waited. It was not uncommon. Not at his age. Another pain shot through his body and he cringed as he felt for the table next to him. Finding purchase, he steadied himself and breathed heavily. It seemed to pass and so he shifted to find his chair.

He did not make it. Reaching out his hand, the other slipped from the table and brought it crashing down, wine and all. It was at this moment another knock sounded from his chamber door and a page entered.

“Your Eminence...your nightly tonic.”

The full weight of the Archbishop falling to the floor took his breath from him but he tried to stretch out his arm and call for alarm. Yet his body would not let him. A spasm took over and he clutched again as best he could to his chest.

“Your Eminence!” the page rushed to him and knelt by his side with worry.

Struggling to point, the Archbishop attempted speech, “Th...the...there...”

The page followed Kempe’s eye line and saw a piece of paper that had been on the wine platter now crashed to the floor. He picked it up to read and then handed it to the Archbishop. Kempe could not hold to it and then tried to respond again, “Re...rea...read it...to...to...me...”

“I must go and find you help, Your Eminence!” the page responded as he stood to run.

“N...No!” Kempe did his best to shout, “I...re…read it!”

Doing as told, the page looked again and said, “It reads With regards from the Lord.”

“Cursed...Lords!!!” Kempe managed to shout before he retched and tried to push up from the floor but he could not. He collapsed again into his own sick and his corpulent body lay still. His breathing slowed and he tried to find a calm. His eye trained to the wine and he attempted one last word…

It never came.

At the age of seventy and four John Kempe, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was dead.

 

[El Pip]

And so right on cue Archbishop Kempe goes to meets his maker, probably followed by a quite awkward conversation about how he prioritised being a politician over being an actual bishop. Certainly he was skilled and patient at playing the political game as his reminiscing demonstrates, I'm just not convinced that will particularly impress St Peter.

Doing as told, the page looked again and said, “It reads With regards from the Lord.”

Disappointed this did not read "The Duke of York sends his regards", because if this had been a CK game there absolutely would be a screenshot about a successful assassination attempt that was not detected. In any event even though this appears to just be natural causes it is a most fortuitous event for York and his faction.

The election of the new Archbishop was, historically anyway, relatively non-contentious. With the pope distracted by Italian affairs and the King.... unavailable... the monks were left in peace and didn't get threatening letters 'suggesting' who they picked or orders from the Pope or King (or both!) to re-run the previous election as they had picked the wrong person. Will history repeat itself this time around?

 

[Historywhiz]

The king is non compos mentis.

The Queen cannot be trusted.

No other regent has been named or elected.

The Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord High Chancellor is dead, and there exists reasonable articulable suspicion that a member of the House of Lords murdered him.

The other great offices of state are either vacant or their holders suspect in the murder of the Lord Chancellor.

….

England is pretty much as close to Hobbesian anarchy as a medieval polity can get right now, and if the Commons decided to coup the Lords, arrest them all and confine them to the Great Hall until they work out whom among them is the murderer, this would probably be the only time in English history prior to 1910 that they could conceivably get away with it.

 

[filcat]

(...) arrest them all and confine them to the Great Hall until they work out whom among them is the murderer (...)

Great sequel pitch for The Thing: London 1454.

Spoiler: The Thing [*]

(Premise spoiler: All. All of them are.)


[*] Humanity, Part 2, from the soundtrack of The Thing by Ennio Morricone (1982)

 

[coz1]

In lieu of fb-fb for the moment (I will answer in more detail later) I thought I might borrow a page from the great Ariel and use a character first mentioned in The Case of the O'erheated Chamberpot from 2001. This is not canon for the story here, but it could be...maybe...

The Case of the Spilled Wine​

Just after Prime, the oddly painted blue cart pulled up outside Lambeth Palace and the driver called out a low voiced, “Woah” to his rather old palfrey. Sleeping beside him was his trusty sidekick and dog named Dog who did not budge when the cart came to a stop.

“Stay here, Dog,” Father Petronius Falkenburg suggested as he shuffled down from the cart and was greeted by the Palace guard.

“Thank you for your prompt response, Father,” said the guard as he pointed up to the Archbishop’s chamber, “We knew not what to do and the...expiration...was most sudden.”

The monk looked up to the chamber with his curious eye and then back to the guard, “Do you have reason to suspect something more than age, sir?”

“We do not know,” the guard explained, “But the Archbishop’s page is most shaken.”

Father Falkenburg looked up again before reaching up into the cart’s seat and pulling a carrot from a sack, “Then I guess we should take a look.”

He began to follow the guard but stopped again when Dog barked, “No. I said stay!”

Dog barked again but nestled down once more and was quickly back to sleep while the monk pressed to his wrinkled robes and moved once again to follow. Softly chewing to the carrot, he asked as they walked, “Was there anyone else to the palace last night?”

“No...not that we know,” the guard answered, “There was no one to His Eminence’s schedule and he was surely alone all night until his page answered the call.”

“Hmm,” the monk grunted as they took the stairs to the Archbishop’s chamber.

Rounding the corner, they spied the forlorn page with his head in his hands as he sat to a bench. The guard announced them and he looked up as Father Falkenburg bent down with hands to his knees and looked deeply into the young man’s eye, “So you were the one that found him, eh?”

“I...I was, sir,” he answered.

“Uh huh,” the monk lifted again and looked to the open chamber door, “And has he been moved yet?”

The guard gave nod, “Of course! His body required the rituals.”

Shaking his head, the monk tsked, “That’s too bad. But...no matter.”

He slowly moved in taking care not to step on anything that might be material. He pulled the carrot from his mouth and began to point to different things taking in every inch of the room. The guard followed him and looked oddly while the monk mumbled to himself. As he moved alongside, Father Falkenburg held out his hand, “Stay where you are, sir.”

“If it matters, we have yet to have the chamber cleaned.”

“That’s good,” the monk nodded his head, “Very good. Now...what is this?”

He looked to wine staining the stone floor, “Looks as if a very full pitcher.”

“It was,” the guard answered as he pointed to an empty goblet, “The Archbishop had only had a cup of it before he became ill.”

“Hmm,” the monk grunted again and then looked with a crooked eye to the guard, “Did he often drink late into the night?”

With a nod, the guard answered, “He did. It was his practice to stay up quite late to care for his business.”

“I see,” the monk replied as he looked around the room again. He spotted another pitcher of wine placed to the floor near the door, “Yet what have we here? Did he often require two? Was his appetite that much?”

“The page out yonder brought it to him,” the guard answered.

“Hmm,” Father Falkenburg grunted and took a bite of the carrot. He carefully stepped over the spilled wine and poked his head out of the chamber asking of the page, “You saw that the Archbishop already had his wine?”

“I...I do not know,” the sad page answered, “He...he had called for a refill.”

“Did he?” the monk looked back into the room. He looked again to the spilled wine and then again to the full pitcher before returning to the page, “Had you brought him wine already?”

“I...I did after Compline, father,” the page replied.

The monk gave nod and held his hands to his waist as he chomped on the carrot. Looking around the chamber once more, he softly stepped to the Archbishop’s desk. He shuffled the various papers for a moment and then picked one up to read. Giving nod, he placed it down to look at the guard, “Seems he was mid sentence here. Quite a few words written but he was not quite finished.”

“I would not know,” the guard replied with confusion, “There has been much activity of late and he was quite busy.”

“Yes...yes it appears he was,” the monk looked again to the various papers on the desk.

The guard was careful to follow in the monk’s steps as he moved to the desk and produced another small note, “This may be of interest, father. The page says that it was with the spilled wine.”

“Was it?” Father Falkenburg took the paper with curiosity and read it, “With Regards from the Lord? Now what could that mean?”

“A gift perhaps?” the guard suggested.

The monk squinted his wonky eye as he read it again and then questioned, “A gift from the Almighty?”

“I know not,” the guard answered.

“Now that would be a trick,” Falkenburg showed a smile, “From The Lord...or A Lord?”

When the guard shrugged, the monk looked back to the desk. He shuffled the papers around again until he found another. Reading that caused him to look up once more, “There are few Lords mentioned here except for this. Yet that is odd...this Lord is but a babe.”

“Who is it?” the guard questioned.

Falkenburg grinned, “The Prince of Wales it seems.”

“Father...” the guard was becoming irritated, “...do you believe something untoward or not?”

“Who can say?” the monk replied as he moved back to the spilled wine and bent to a knee, “Who can say?”

The exasperated guard responded, “We had hoped that you might.”

Father Falkenburg dipped his finger to some wine that had yet to dry and lifted it to his nose. Taking a slight sniff, he repeated, “Who can say? Yet it is curious.”

“Yes it is,” the guard suggested with frustration, “Might you have a thought?”

“I do, sir,” the monk lifted and smoothed his wrinkled robes. Lifting his hand to scratch at his tonsured head he asked, “Did the Archbishop hold other health complications? I recall that his weight was considerable. Did he complain of chest pains?”

The guard huffed, “I rarely spoke with him, father. I would not know.”

“What about the page?” Falkenburg quickly stepped over the spilled wine and poked his head from the chamber again to ask the same question of the page, “Did the Archbishop complain of his health?”

The page looked up with confusion, “I...yes, sir. I believe that he did on occasion.”

“Hmm,” the monk moved back into the chamber and looked once more to the spilled wine, “That is interesting.”

“What is interesting?” the guard asked.

“Well...” Falkenburg shifted to the window of the chamber, “...it would seem he started here. The wine was delivered and he poured himself a cup as seen by where the goblet landed. The way the wine spilled suggests he fell this way. Momentum taking him in this direction. The sick to the floor suggests a poor batch...or mayhap more. Yet if his health was bad...it may be no more than a natural cause. A collapse due to an ongoing trouble.”

The guard pursed his brow, “You think it no thing but that?”

Hearing barking outside the Palace, Falkenburg moved back to the window and shouted down, “Stay, Dog! I’ll be there in a moment.”

“Father...” the guard asked again, “...do you believe this a natural death?”

The monk looked to him for a moment as he chomped on his carrot and then finally replied, “Little more than I can see. The note is curious. Two pitchers of wine even more. Yet nothing to prove. I’m afraid the case is cold. Unless you think a small babe capable of such?”

“Yet what of the note?” the guard questioned as the monk moved to leave.

“A gift,” Falkenburg suggested as he reached the door but then stopped. He turned back with a curious eye, “Yet one more question...did the Archbishop hold many enemies?”

The guard almost laughed, “He was Lord Chancellor of the realm, father. There is great question among parliament and nearly all men of London know that York and Somerset are in a battle of wills. The King is ill and His Eminence was all that was keeping the kingdom sound. Did he have enemies? How could he not in such an environment?”

The monk looked again to the spilled wine as he scratched to his head again, “Hmm! Well...we’ll have to see won’t we?”

“You have been an immense help, father,” the guard answered with sarcasm.

Falkenburg turned back with a smile, “Glad I could be of service.”

He began to move down the hallway but stopped. The monk chomped again to his carrot and then turned back to the page, “Was it often that the Archbishop received gifts of wine?”

“I...I do not think so.”

“Hmm,” Falkenburg grunted, “Good to know.”

With another chomp of his carrot the monk trudged back down to his cart and Dog.

To be continued?​

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

And so right on cue Archbishop Kempe goes to meets his maker, probably followed by a quite awkward conversation about how he prioritised being a politician over being an actual bishop. Certainly he was skilled and patient at playing the political game as his reminiscing demonstrates, I'm just not convinced that will particularly impress St Peter.


Disappointed this did not read "The Duke of York sends his regards", because if this had been a CK game there absolutely would be a screenshot about a successful assassination attempt that was not detected. In any event even though this appears to just be natural causes it is a most fortuitous event for York and his faction.

The election of the new Archbishop was, historically anyway, relatively non-contentious. With the pope distracted by Italian affairs and the King.... unavailable... the monks were left in peace and didn't get threatening letters 'suggesting' who they picked or orders from the Pope or King (or both!) to re-run the previous election as they had picked the wrong person. Will history repeat itself this time around?

Now why would York be so forward as that? If, in fact, he did it at all? I suppose Somerset could have set him up, but that is a tall order.

As to the new Archbishop...well, York is in good position to pick his choice.

The king is non compos mentis.

The Queen cannot be trusted.

No other regent has been named or elected.

The Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord High Chancellor is dead, and there exists reasonable articulable suspicion that a member of the House of Lords murdered him.

The other great offices of state are either vacant or their holders suspect in the murder of the Lord Chancellor.

….

England is pretty much as close to Hobbesian anarchy as a medieval polity can get right now, and if the Commons decided to coup the Lords, arrest them all and confine them to the Great Hall until they work out whom among them is the murderer, this would probably be the only time in English history prior to 1910 that they could conceivably get away with it.

It was actually your post that made me take a break here and produce the above "interlude." I don't know that I could get them all in a room at once like an Agatha Christie story, but interesting. It is definitely a Lord...but which one?

Great sequel pitch for The Thing: London 1454.

Spoiler: The Thing [*]

(Premise spoiler: All. All of them are.)


[*] Humanity, Part 2, from the soundtrack of The Thing by Ennio Morricone (1982)

Damn I love The Thing! Carpenter's second best after Halloween. Though I also love Escape from New York and especially Big Trouble in Little China.

I considered doing a Thing parody, but the good monk works just as well.


To all - I hope you appreciate the "interlude" above. I've been rather stuck in the writing lately, for obvious reasons. But the memory of the great detective seemed to flow and I let it. We have one more scene before the end of the chapter, but if you want more adventures of the monk, I could easily comply. That was fun. And, much like the original that I stole it from, if you wish to join in...I would not complain.

 

[Historywhiz]

Nearly full goblet of suspicious wine left. No real reason not to just give a small amount of it to some animal and see if it keels over.