The Wars of the Roses

[coz1]

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.

I hope you don't mean Dog?!

But I will forward your suggestion to Father Falkenburg at the monastery of the Order of Columbo. However, don't be surprised if he comes to you for a visit. He is more tenacious than he seems.

 

[coz1]

London, March 1454​

Richard of York was forty and three years old. He had not covered himself in glory these last few years, but all men of the realm knew that he was THE preeminent magnate of the land. His wealth was superior to both Warwick and Buckingham. Even Lord Scales who had amassed a great deal of estates and coin. More to that, no one could deny that he held the greatest claim to the throne outside of King Henry himself and even that could be contested. Be it the newly born Prince or how the King found his own lot, not one Lord could deny that Richard’s claim was sound having not one but two relations going back to King Edward named the third.

Through it all, the Duke of York had tried to be protector for the idea of the crown. What it meant. What his pedigree meant. What England meant and his own name of Plantagenet. It went back to King Henry II...three hundred years. Norman, Saxon, British and more. If he had pride it was for reason. He had protested, time and again, that it was for this reason and this reason alone that he had acted out. Few believed him for they considered his acts as ambition. They themselves did it, so why not him?

Yet he knew in his heart that he only wished what was best for the realm and that is why he visited King Henry this day before Parliament met once again. They would be voting on a number of items but the most important was for the protection of the King...the realm. He entered the tower chamber and found the King as he had been for some time now. In the same state as the last visit. Non-responsive. Silent. Unmoving and as if he was but a body with no mind behind it.

Richard gave nod to Arundel and the physician left them alone. The Duke moved to the King and took a knee. He looked to him for quite a long time before finally asking, “Henry...can you truly not hear me?”

The King did not respond. He looked forward as he had done and showed little sign of life. With a sigh, Richard sat to the floor before the King’s chair and showed him a desperate eye, “Your Grace...sire...cousin...we are in a dire state. You are gone from us at the now...no matter how. And we long...we need. We require. I know not what has taken you...but you must return to us.”

When Henry did not respond, Richard shifted to sit closer and took the King’s hand in his own, “You must know that I love you, Henry. I may not show it well...yet it is to your cause that I remain. It always has been. I know that you do not always see that...and that is mine own fault. Yet...you must speak to me. Tell me what you wish. Make your mind known. Your are King...as you have said. I would not dispute that for it is fact. Please, sir...Henry...look to me.”

The King’s face remained rigid as he looked to the wall, but his eye briefly turned to the Duke. Not a word was said but Richard took that as recognition, “So you do hear. Then hear this. The Lord Chancellor has met his maker. Likely not shocking given his age...but we remain at impasse. I am not yet voted upon and even if so...there are many that would challenge. No one but you may choose the successor to the See of Canterbury. No one but you would choose who is to be Lord Chancellor. Henry...you must speak!”

No words were spoken in response and Henry’s eye returned to the wall before him. Richard shifted to gently turn the King’s head to him, “Henry...you must tell me. What is it that you wish? You must tell me what is wrong with you. You must express your desire!”

Again no words were given and so Richard lifted from the floor and moved to find a cloth. He wiped at the King’s face where spittle had begun to form around his mouth and it was then that Henry showed sign once more. He shifted his eyes and looked again to Richard with what seemed a plea. The Duke was shocked but looked deeply, “Your Grace! Do you hear me?!”

There was no response but Richard persisted, “I see your eye to me, cousin. You do recognize me. I know it! You are but to a state and you will recover! Can you say any word?!”

The King remained silent but the look to his eye gave Richard even more reason to press, “Henry...sire...I need not but a look and I will safeguard all that is yours. I wish not to do it on my own. It is your kingdom...your realm.”

Henry softened his gaze and looked back to the wall before him leaving Richard to question, “Are you such a poor lamb as that? A kind one made mute? I am sorry, Henry. For all that I have done. All that I have caused. It was not against you. Never against you!”

When he did not receive a reply or look, Richard continued, “Then I must do no other but hold your place. Until you return. Which you will do. It has not been easy...but I think now to have pulled these Lords together...and Commons...all for your protection. We shall see you made whole again, sir! No thanks to your wife...”

It was at that moment that Henry turned to him again and showed a fierce eye. He said not a word but Richard recognized it, “Is it her? Has she done some thing?”

Henry kept hold of Richard’s eye and the Duke found some sorrow for his cousin, “I cannot imagine. Though I hold an idea. Has she done this to you?”

King Henry did not move his head but held his gaze as it softened. It seemed as if he tried to speak, but the words did not follow. Richard could only kneel before him and he held to the King’s hand, “Cousin...if there be thing to tell me...now would be the time.”

No words followed and Richard held tighter, “I will see you made well, Henry. I hold no other duty at the time. You are there...I see it. I did promise you that I would keep it sound and I do not make promise lightly. Cousin...Henry...please trust in me. There are vultures and then there is I.”

Henry showed a loll to his head and his eyes moved back to the wall before him. He being mute and motionless, Richard finally stood but bent to give the King a kiss to his cheek and whispered to him, “I will protect you. I do so swear.”

The physician Arundel returned and Richard of York gave him admonition, “You will continue and keep him well, sir!”

Then he returned to London where Parliament was now in session again. The matter was his own so he refrained from speaking but others did so for him. The Commons remained uncertain but those few Lords in attendance held court. Somerset had tried to hold his own but few listened to him at this date. The Lords of Oxford, Scales and even Northumberland signed off with their yea. It did not help matters when the Earl of Warwick stood to proclaim, “If the King does not recover, England shall soon be ruined under the government of the Duke of Somerset!”

While any and all were tired of this argument, they could not disagree. On the twenty seventh of March, nearly to a man they called for the Duke of York to show. He duly did so and was present when they answered to him. It was, in fact, the Earl of Oxford holding chair that day among the Lords and he spoke, “More visit has been made to His Grace the King Henry, sixth of his name, and as he does show little effort on his own, we now must make choice. A bill is presented between both Commons and Lords that one must be given the reigns of government. No one may be made Chancellor nor Archbishop of Canterbury until we do so. Thus it is...and with a great many minds in agreement...that it must be the right honorable and deserving third Duke of York, Richard Plantagenet. So say you all?”

The Duke of Somerset was present and was not yet done, “Pray a moment, my Lord. Are we to call this Regent? Even the Duke of Gloucester did not hold such title even though he was the late King’s brother.”

“We are to call this Protector,” the Earl of Oxford announced to all, “For that is what it is. You would quibble with title?”

Somerset gave nod, “I would! We should caution to name this Duke as tutor, lieutenant, governor nor regent. Protector or defender...mayhap. Yet let us not give too much power. For he is not King. We should take a care and be mindful.”

“Protector and Defender then?” the Earl of Salisbury was also present and spoke out, “Would that more to the liking?”

The gathered Lords offered a firm agreement but Somerset persisted, “It must not be full authority of the land. Not a one of us would wish it, I think. He is not King and so it is such that one must import a personal duty of intendance to the actual defense as well against the enemies outward as against rebels inward. These are all of the King’s pleasure and so it may not be prejudice against my Lord Prince.”

Richard of York spoke not a word as he let others speak for him and none other then the Duke of Exeter shouted, “You would hold the Lord down and keep as may be?!”

“I would keep the King as King,” Somerset responded, “And I would keep any other as the other. Vote as you may.”

The vote among the Lords was then held and Somerset lost. The Duke of York was not named Regent. But he was named, as Gloucester was before him, Protector and Defender of the Realm. There were limits to his authority but he did gain in that he would hold the position until either the King recovered or the Prince Edward gained majority which would take fourteen years. Richard had gained enough confidence that a majority of the Lords entrusted him with this endeavor.

When it was done, Richard finally spoke, “I do not take this position lightly, my Lords. I remain most concerned about His Grace, my cousin the King, as I do in regards the realm of us all. While there may be some discontent here this day, I promise to be fair. To every one. My oath is to the kingdom and the sovereign of this realm, King Henry the sixth of his name.”

Most cheered his words. Most...but not Somerset and his. Richard paid them no mind. The bill was moved to the Commons and passed without issue. He was now Lord Protector. More than he may have originally wished but less than he may have desired despite his words. Yet he was now in charge. Virtual King. A long time coming to him but it was now in his hands. The Duke of York wasted little time in making his mark. He had waited many years for this.

End of Chapter 7​

 

[Bullfilter]

Finally caught up again as chapter 7 ends. One can always hope that in an alternate past, things turn out better than they did in our reality. But there’s the horrible feeling that rather than a careful and gentle cupping in his hands of the power given, Richard will now grasp too tightly when buffeted by events and his opponents. To see the power forced out between his fingers. A sword rather than reins in his hand. And the blood of thousands seeping into the soil of England.

 

[HistoryDude]

York has won this round. Margaret has proven too foolish.

I wonder if Somerset believes that his influence may be won back through violence?

 

[El Pip]

And all caught up. I did enjoy the interlude from Father Petronius Falkenburg, despite the grizzly subject matter it still lightened the mood and I for one would not object to his return if the muse strikes you and a suitable scene presents itself.

So to the last chapter and I must say it was one of your best. The exchange between Richard and Henry was an emotional one, given how little Henry could do you managed to make him 'say' volumes which is no small feat. If he were to act as Protector and Defender in the spirit he showed in that room then few could reasonably complain, yet of all the words that could describe Margaret and Somerset few would choose 'reasonable' so I feel sure that whatever York does they will find fault in and use that to rally support, because to act and decide is to make enemies. Yet York has to act as there are simmering feuds and problems that cannot be left unattended, well I suppose they could but leaving things to fester is never a good long term plan and York has got into this position just to do nothing and sit in a holding pattern until Henry recovers (if he does). Heavy is the head that wears an item that isn't the crown, but perhaps is even less comfortable. (May need to work on the wording of that. )

 

[Midnite Duke]

Still over a month behind. So much of the problems, could have been avoided, if only the English, like the Picts of old, practiced matrilineal succession. The king's issue would not matter whether legal or bastard, but rather his mother and his sisters would determine the next king.

The mid 15th century English monarchy is at weakest point, since before the Norman invasion and possibly early Viking age. The French situation is akin to trying to save outbuildings, while allowing the main house (England) to fall into disrepair. My view is that Henry VI while learned and pious was not trained to be king and his education did not give him the subtleties of diplomacy, war-making and financial management. (The lords wanted a weak king that needed their input and could be controlled.)

The nobles choosing Margaret of Anjou was astoundingly horrible, not for anything to do with Margaret, but rather she brought no positives. Choosing an English noble would have made one faction extremely loyal. Surely the Nevilles, the Percies, or even the vipers Richard and Cecily had a spare maiden. Instead of a third-rate French girl, maybe Denmark, Burgundy, an Iberian country or even Austria would furnish a queen with a strong alliance and not a two year peace treaty. The Hapsburgs usually have one or two (often a hundred) frauleins awaiting alliances. (In my current CK2 game, I came across a man with six ducal titles, whose realm was but one county. This is Rene of Anjou without the county.)

Thank you @coz1 for giving us a beyond the curtains look at Henry VI and the viperish English lords.

 

[Midnite Duke]

How else are we to get into the minds of characters who want to do their siblings?

Role-play CK. Become Zorastrian.

 

[Midnite Duke]

I have but a small question of Duchess Cecily, who per chance is the father of Edward. For even his brother has learned of the gossip.

 

[Midnite Duke]

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.

Why waste good wine on an innocent animal? A goblet to Somerset, a flagon to York, and a sniffer for Margaret.

 

[Midnite Duke]

Margaret reminds me Bobbie Gentry's 1967 song 'Fancy'. If only we could get Rene Anjou to go in drag as the mother.

 

[Midnite Duke]

Caught Up! Like WW2, WotR was inevitable. There was too many pretenders that needed to be thinned. Henry and the Archbishop of Canterbury should have traded jobs as Henry was too good a man to be king in this scorpion's nest. If Richard and his sons represent the last Plantagenets, the passing should not be mourned overly long. For foisting Margaret on Henry, Suffolk received his just desserts. I hope that you feel better soon.

I go with mental trauma over stroke. Henry had retreated inward, while most stroke victims that I have met are fighting to make their desires understood.

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

Finally caught up again as chapter 7 ends. One can always hope that in an alternate past, things turn out better than they did in our reality. But there’s the horrible feeling that rather than a careful and gentle cupping in his hands of the power given, Richard will now grasp too tightly when buffeted by events and his opponents. To see the power forced out between his fingers. A sword rather than reins in his hand. And the blood of thousands seeping into the soil of England.

I obviously cannot say too much, but will suggest that Richard's ascendance will not be as easy as perhaps he thinks.

York has won this round. Margaret has proven too foolish.

I wonder if Somerset believes that his influence may be won back through violence?

Sneak peak - Somerset won't have much chance immediately to do too much. But you are correct to suggest this is but another round.

And all caught up. I did enjoy the interlude from Father Petronius Falkenburg, despite the grizzly subject matter it still lightened the mood and I for one would not object to his return if the muse strikes you and a suitable scene presents itself.

So to the last chapter and I must say it was one of your best. The exchange between Richard and Henry was an emotional one, given how little Henry could do you managed to make him 'say' volumes which is no small feat. If he were to act as Protector and Defender in the spirit he showed in that room then few could reasonably complain, yet of all the words that could describe Margaret and Somerset few would choose 'reasonable' so I feel sure that whatever York does they will find fault in and use that to rally support, because to act and decide is to make enemies. Yet York has to act as there are simmering feuds and problems that cannot be left unattended, well I suppose they could but leaving things to fester is never a good long term plan and York has got into this position just to do nothing and sit in a holding pattern until Henry recovers (if he does). Heavy is the head that wears an item that isn't the crown, but perhaps is even less comfortable. (May need to work on the wording of that. )

I'm really happy this scene with Henry in his state worked as it did. It is not easy to write for a silent character.

And indeed, no matter what Richard does now, it will be seen as provocative (to say the least) by those wishing to see in him something malevolent. And you are right - being something less than a King will prove troublesome to Richard. You have the role but not the full power. Heavy indeed.

Still over a month behind. So much of the problems, could have been avoided, if only the English, like the Picts of old, practiced matrilineal succession. The king's issue would not matter whether legal or bastard, but rather his mother and his sisters would determine the next king.

The mid 15th century English monarchy is at weakest point, since before the Norman invasion and possibly early Viking age. The French situation is akin to trying to save outbuildings, while allowing the main house (England) to fall into disrepair. My view is that Henry VI while learned and pious was not trained to be king and his education did not give him the subtleties of diplomacy, war-making and financial management. (The lords wanted a weak king that needed their input and could be controlled.)

The nobles choosing Margaret of Anjou was astoundingly horrible, not for anything to do with Margaret, but rather she brought no positives. Choosing an English noble would have made one faction extremely loyal. Surely the Nevilles, the Percies, or even the vipers Richard and Cecily had a spare maiden. Instead of a third-rate French girl, maybe Denmark, Burgundy, an Iberian country or even Austria would furnish a queen with a strong alliance and not a two year peace treaty. The Hapsburgs usually have one or two (often a hundred) frauleins awaiting alliances. (In my current CK2 game, I came across a man with six ducal titles, whose realm was but one county. This is Rene of Anjou without the county.)

Thank you @coz1 for giving us a beyond the curtains look at Henry VI and the viperish English lords.

Indeed the choice of Margaret to start seems odd in retrospect. However, I believe it was intended to keep in the "France business" as it were. That Margaret was related to the King of France seemed like a coup to the likes of Suffolk and the Cardinal. It allowed them to keep close to French politics. Had they picked a high noble woman inside of England, that might have been seen as isolating themselves from the Continent even if it might have been better all things considered.

Role-play CK. Become Zorastrian.

Ha!

I have but a small question of Duchess Cecily, who per chance is the father of Edward. For even his brother has learned of the gossip.

I wouldn't ask her that question. Besides, in this work we know when Edward was conceived if you recall some of the first posts.

Why waste good wine on an innocent animal? A goblet to Somerset, a flagon to York, and a sniffer for Margaret.

Now Father Falkenberg may have to come visit you.

Margaret reminds me Bobbie Gentry's 1967 song 'Fancy'. If only we could get Rene Anjou to go in drag as the mother.

Now that would be hilarious.

Caught Up! Like WW2, WotR was inevitable. There was too many pretenders that needed to be thinned. Henry and the Archbishop of Canterbury should have traded jobs as Henry was too good a man to be king in this scorpion's nest. If Richard and his sons represent the last Plantagenets, the passing should not be mourned overly long. For foisting Margaret on Henry, Suffolk received his just desserts. I hope that you feel better soon.

I go with mental trauma over stroke. Henry had retreated inward, while most stroke victims that I have met are fighting to make their desires understood.

Great to hear! And thank you for taking the time to catch up. As for Henry's state, that makes some sense. I do have him trying to communicate as best he can but you make a good point. If nothing else, I entirely agree that Henry was just not made to be King. That just wasn't his nature. His piety was renowned, but his ruling capacity was just not there. Add to that his scheming council AND York's ambition, a dash of Margaret's hubris and there you have it - a fully cooked civil war.


To all - As you might have noticed, I have hit a little pause in the update schedule. I have mentioned it elsewhere, but I have a little case of writer's block. I have about half of chapter 8 written already but I'm stuck on a scene and until I can figure that out, I hesitate to post what I have in the can. Thus, I am going to wait until I have finished the chapter before releasing it. I hope it won't take too long because I have some plot points already figured for the future, but I need to get past this roadblock before we get there.

Hopefully that allows some others to jump in and read what I have already. And I believe most have noticed that I have started a second work in CK2 with Aquitaine (link below in my sig) which takes a decidedly different style. For those that are looking for my work to read, you can go there. It is being posted at a slower rate so we are really just getting started in that one.

As always, thank you so very much for reading along and giving comment. I appreciate each and every one of you! Thank you for your patience and hopefully we can get back to the scheming, ruling or lack thereof and all the rest that encompass the WOTR.

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

This was excellently done.

 

[DensleyBlair]

Caught up to the end of Chapter 5. Working my way through 6 now. You’ve been busy, @coz1!

An anticlimactic conclusion to the first bout of “fighting”, but knowing the WOTR even in passing I am neither surprised nor disappointed. Plenty more twists and turns to come yet, I have little doubt. As Pip said, the scene between Richard and Henry on horseback was both touching and poignant; I am willing them to patch things up, but at this point it is hardly just their decision to make. Buckingham and our scheming Cardinal are certainly inflating up their own roles in the drama – and I’m revoltedly curious to see where they end up. (The way things are going, it begins in “T” and ends in “ower of London”…)

Anyway looking forward to taking in chapters 6 and 7 over the next day or so. Good stuff as ever, my friend!

 

[DensleyBlair]

Now up to the end of Chapter 6. Oh boy, was this a big one. When I wasn’t shouting at the screen I was staring at it open mouthed in disbelief. Beyond sordid in all directions.

I'm also seriously starting to contemplate switching sides and backing the Yorkists

Richard of York certainly accepts you as liegeman! He needs all the help he can get.

Put me in the Yorkist camp, too. Better that than persisting with Margaret’s absurd regime.

“Then kiss me again...” Margaret pulled him back in, “...for I am needing of it this night.”

This was of course the big shouting at the screen moment. At first in the hope that it might finally bring the edifice down – then in amazement when it didn’t.

Not that I don’t understand prolonging the shitshow with some good old dramatic irony… but bloody hell. This will be one hell of a pay off when it finally escapes Margaret’s circle. As it must.

The Archbishop merely turned back to the screen blocking the Queen in her confinement, “Confession, my Lord...it is a very powerful thing.”

Well, someone’s just made themselves incredibly relevant and powerful…

 

[DensleyBlair]

And now I’m bang up to date. Excellent stuff with Chapter 7, coz. Really masterfully done. You captured very well the suddenly shifting politics, and two two main poles of the drama – Margaret’s total blunder of a coup attempt, and Richard’s assured rise – worked very effectively. As others have said, the scenes with poor Henry carried particular emotional heft – and Richard really does come across as having his best interests at heart, even if he is often too hasty in seeking to protect them…

Whether this is an accurate judgement or not, I wait to find out in the coming instalments. I may simply have been fooled along with the rest of them.

Best of luck getting back to the writing here, coz!

 

[eoncommander]

I am just now caught up myself! Excited for what comes next. I too am firmly in the Yorkist camp for now. I just hope Richard has learned how to wield power judiciously.

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

This was excellently done.

Thank you, sir. I thought it was an important scene to show Richard's motivations. That doesn't mean they cannot change.

Caught up to the end of Chapter 5. Working my way through 6 now. You’ve been busy, @coz1!

An anticlimactic conclusion to the first bout of “fighting”, but knowing the WOTR even in passing I am neither surprised nor disappointed. Plenty more twists and turns to come yet, I have little doubt. As Pip said, the scene between Richard and Henry on horseback was both touching and poignant; I am willing them to patch things up, but at this point it is hardly just their decision to make. Buckingham and our scheming Cardinal are certainly inflating up their own roles in the drama – and I’m revoltedly curious to see where they end up. (The way things are going, it begins in “T” and ends in “ower of London”…)

Anyway looking forward to taking in chapters 6 and 7 over the next day or so. Good stuff as ever, my friend!

Thanks for pushing through because I know it is a lot, which leads to...

Now up to the end of Chapter 6. Oh boy, was this a big one. When I wasn’t shouting at the screen I was staring at it open mouthed in disbelief. Beyond sordid in all directions.



Put me in the Yorkist camp, too. Better that than persisting with Margaret’s absurd regime.


This was of course the big shouting at the screen moment. At first in the hope that it might finally bring the edifice down – then in amazement when it didn’t.

Not that I don’t understand prolonging the shitshow with some good old dramatic irony… but bloody hell. This will be one hell of a pay off when it finally escapes Margaret’s circle. As it must.


Well, someone’s just made themselves incredibly relevant and powerful…

Richard accepts your allegiance as well...

And now I’m bang up to date. Excellent stuff with Chapter 7, coz. Really masterfully done. You captured very well the suddenly shifting politics, and two two main poles of the drama – Margaret’s total blunder of a coup attempt, and Richard’s assured rise – worked very effectively. As others have said, the scenes with poor Henry carried particular emotional heft – and Richard really does come across as having his best interests at heart, even if he is often too hasty in seeking to protect them…

Whether this is an accurate judgement or not, I wait to find out in the coming instalments. I may simply have been fooled along with the rest of them.

Best of luck getting back to the writing here, coz!

It is part of the fun in certain chapters to just drill down and look at each change and turn. Things happen quickly and will and do lead to unexpected (then) but all too understandable (now) results.

I think it's probably pretty clear by this date that I have a certain appreciation of Richard and his "side" that is not shared in historical terms (because the victor tends to write that.)

Thank you for reading through quite a lot of words when I was working quickly.

I am just now caught up myself! Excited for what comes next. I too am firmly in the Yorkist camp for now. I just hope Richard has learned how to wield power judiciously.

Sweet! And thank you as well for catching up! As for how Richard handles his new role...


To all - I am sad to say that I've still not written any more on the next chapter. Yet I do have half of it. I know I suggested I would wait to post any of it until I had finished, but I think I need a push. I am very much enjoying my latest CKII play through with Aquitaine (and the writing of it) but I really need to get back to this in earnest. Thus the next scene will follow (and it's a bit lengthy with a lot of info) so perhaps it is something to chew on while I enjoy my Saturday pool days with my sisters and hopefully (and finally) get back to the work at hand. As always, thank you all for reading and giving comment!

 

[coz1]

Chapter 8: The Protector of the Realm

* * *

Baynard’s Castle, April 1454​

The gathering to the hall showed a jubilant mood. Nearly all present felt victorious, none more so than Richard of York. Just that afternoon he had been formally appointed Protector in a short ceremony in which he once again swore the oath of allegiance to the King and signed his name to the deed that named him such. Returning back to his palace along the Thames, the Duke invited several of those that had assisted him in this endeavor and was ready to begin his new role.

Duchess Cecily was of course the perfect host and things were already prepared for them when they arrived. A lavish offering of foodstuffs and drink were available and the staff of the palace worked overtime. The hall was filled and the Duke of York held place by the hearth as one after another came to him to offer their congratulations and offers to assist in any way. He expected this and was ready.

As they filed in, the first to greet the Duke was his son Edward. The young Earl showed bow to him, “Lord father...your noblesse is vindicated! So many congratulations, sir. What a wonder!”

“Ned...your eyes are sunny,” Richard pulled him close and held firm to his son’s shoulder, “Yet I think that your time to London is at a close.”

“But father?!” Edward showed protest.

Cecily smiled and rubbed to her son’s back, “The Lord is correct, sir. You have been too long away from your studies as you have been to here and it is time for you to return and join Edmund in your learning.”

“Master Croft is a beast, father!” Edward answered with irritation, “He shows an odious rule and is demeaning! Could we not find another? Besides...I’d much rather train with Sir Griff and Leighson.”

“The boy shows a martial spirit, brother,” Salisbury joined them by the fire, “Should you not let him follow his instinct?”

Richard showed a slim smile, “He will do in time. And he shall be prepared. A quill may be as mighty as a sword and he shall know both.”

“Your Lord father speaks it true, Edward,” Cecily followed in reply to her son, “I must needs stay to here so you shall be Lord of Ludlow for a time. I shall expect no more than exactness, sir. Go and prepare your things for you leave on the morn.”

“But father?” Edward again tried to plead.

Richard held his shoulder, “Do as said. Yet you may rejoin us later. I wish many to see your face and know your name.”

“Go and assist your brother, my Lady,” the Duke of Exeter approached and directed his wife, “Spend your final moments for we are also soon to return home.”

Anne of York did as suggested and she and Edward left while Exeter turned to Richard, “Assists all round, my Lord. Do you not think?”

“Yet you were cagey, Holland,” Salisbury suggested, “I look to this hall and see many more names that were more influential. Stafford...de Vere...”

Richard gave nod of his head, “I owe no man but I am thankful for your support. You will treat my daughter with a kindness and more, sir...you will silence your efforts to the west. We shall see no more of this petty fighting.”

“Like any other, my Lord, I merely wish to...” Exeter attempted to say but Richard stepped closer.

“We are into peace, my Lord. Not problem. I would respect your desires, but we must maintain affection throughout the realm. If you hold issue then bring it to me. We shall sort it out. No more of this vigilante justice. Am I clear?”

Exeter stepped away with a slight affront, “Would you ask the same of our Lord of Salisbury here? There was coldness between him and Lord Percy at this Parliament and I think that not yet a thing done.”

“Sir...” Richard pressed with a harsh eye, “...am I clear?”

The Duke of Exeter showed a smile and a large bow, “As bright as the very sun, my Lord.”

As he walked away, Cecily leaned in, “He is a snarky fellow.”

“Well enough for your daughter, Cis,” Salisbury teased.

“He was helpful...in his way,” Richard replied as he sipped to his wine and looked over the crowd, “As were many. And so here comes another.”

The Earl of Warwick approached and gave them all bow, “Hail the conquering hero. Trust at last and no better time for it.”

Duchess Cecily fixed him a firm glare, “You have held a harsh tongue, nephew. Take a care the words that you speak for they do reflect upon us in every way.”

“My sister is not incorrect, my son,” Salisbury offered, “Gloat not yet for we are just into it.”

Richard pulled Warwick in close, “Words do matter, my lad...which is why I have some important work for you to do.”

“I am at your service, my Lord,” Warwick replied with a grin.

“Good...” Richard followed, “...for neither shall be easy. At the first we must deal with Somerset. He shall be stripped of all offices and deposed of all duties. I wish him taken to the Tower and I will bring up formal charges to Parliament soon. The Archbishop is dead and Buckingham plays well but someone must be held to account for our lack of hearing on the King. To my mind, it shall be him.”

Salisbury offered counsel, “The Queen will challenge as always, brother.”

“She may,” Richard answered, “Yet she will do so removed to Windsor for that is where she belongs. Close and near to her husband the King.”

Cecily agreed, “A wife should care.”

“It would be my distinct pleasure, my Lord,” Warwick gave nod, “And would that be all?”

“No, sir,” Richard was quick to respond, “For once that is accomplished, there shall be a far more difficult hardship for you. I wish a full accounting as to what happens to the continent. Once Somerset is put away, I intend to appoint myself as Captain of Calais. Yet I will require eyes to the ground. I wish you to go to there and find your way into the peace proceedings between France and Mantua. Join with the Burgundians should you need, but we will not go without once the peace is made. We worked too hard at it. Meet with the Lord of Shrewsbury and let Talbot be your guide. He will know what is best.”

Warwick was all too ready to assist, “I would not fail you, my Lord.”

“He will of course do,” Salisbury suggested but then pointed, “Yet Richard...there is another that you must speak to.”

The Duke of York followed and spied the Duke of Buckingham. With no smile, he turned to Salisbury, “I think it more wise that you do so, Dickon. He and I may hold friendship at the now, but I think it better that it be more formal.”

“Formal, my Lord?” the Earl questioned.

Richard allowed another smile, “Indeed. He is now called Steward. Well then...let him be thus. Among the many things to greet us in this position, none is more important than the finances of the crown. There is to be a tightening of the purse strings for we may do no other. All provision shall be made for the King, but these others? Like the Tudor boys I do, but their households must be reduced. So too that of the Queen. I will not see further debts incurred at this time. That is to be Buckingham’s charge and you should be the one to tell him.”

“My Lord...” Salisbury questioned, “...I am but one man of the Council...assuming I remain such. Do you not think it better perhaps for Oxford...or yourself?”

“Richard Neville the elder,” York looked to him with appreciation, “I may not have done this without your support. You are a fine Lord...you are my brother in law...and you have given no thing but good counsel from start to finish. I could not move forward without you so you shall be given authority. I am to name you Lord Chancellor now that I hold that ability. Would you accept?”

“My Lord...Richard...” Salisbury was nearly speechless, “...you do honor me.”

“I hope it so,” York answered as he looked back to Buckingham, “And thus...that is your first duty. See the man do his work.”

Salisbury too looked to the Duke, “He may balk.”

“Let him,” York replied, “But we shall run lean for a time. Until and as such...I would see a positive state. It begins with the coin.”

As they spoke, another joined them, “My Lord of York...I must offer my congratulations and most heart felt joy at your promotion.”

“And you, my Bishop of Ely...” Richard held up his wine, “...were of the most assistance.”

Bishop Thomas showed a sad eye, “A most terrible shame about the Archbishop. I had thought him to be understanding and now?”

“There is little that one may do about that poor fact,” Richard looked to the Bishop, “Yet your words throughout were no thing but a support. I know that it may have been a hardship to you, but we are grateful.”

The Bishop smiled, “No hardship at all, sir.”

“So you hold no ill will?” Richard questioned.

“Ill will?” the Bishop responded in kind, “Why ever for?”

York showed a grin, “I did place you in a difficult position some years back. I had thought it may have prejudiced you against me.”

“My Lord of York...” the Bishop of Ely returned the grin, “...you are a man of exceeding talent. I knew then as I do now...you would always work for the realm...the King. You were convinced then and so I am convinced at the now. Besides...my brother Henry speaks very well of you.”

Richard gave nod, “We are all very happy about that. Most especially my sister Isabelle. As I say...your support was paramount. And we are lacking in spiritual leadership. The See of Canterbury is open, sir. I have it to mind that you might make a perfect solution to that trouble. What say you?”

“I would...” the Bishop was slightly flustered, “...it is...that is a most singular honor, my Lord. If you should hold me that high in estimation, then I could do no other but accept. I...I thank you, my Lord!”

“Good,” Richard gave another affirming nod, “Then that is sorted. One after another...it shall be no easy process, my Lords. Yet I mean to make a mark whilst I am here and until the King recovers. We shall all reform the governance of this realm and then hand to him a healthy and thriving kingdom. It has been too long otherwise. Every ill stench of Somerset shall be removed, we will find our place within France and from this time forward good men will do their part. I count on each and every one and in truth, we must count on each other.”

Cecily beamed, “Parliament was wise, husband.”

“And you may count upon us, my Lord of York,” the Bishop of Ely showed a bow.

Warwick laughed, “Should there be any other way?”

“Slow is the turtle, brother,” Salisbury cautioned but then joined his son in a smile, “Yet we are on our way. To England, my Lords!”

Those surrounding them heard the cry and joined in. Richard allowed a smile as he held up his own cup, “To England indeed! And to King Henry!”

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

Hmm...a new council and regency made. Hopefully, they can keep it all together.