The Wars of the Roses

[Midnite Duke]

Is Henry a Edward VIII and Margaret = Wallis? Henry with his sense of duty could probably rule well in a constitutional monarchy without pretenders. Whoever chose Margaret as consort, should have been named envoy to the four corners. A leg to Scotland, an arm to Ireland, a leg to Castile, an arm to Wales and the torso to France. The head can go to America as we have a horseman named Ichabod in search of one. While I feel sorry for Margaret, she should NEVER been under consideration to be Henry's queen.

 

[coz1]

More fb-fb:

Indeed. He might not want the crown, but his sons have just as good a claim as he does, and so does half a dozen other people. War of the Roses wasn't inevitable, but the royal line being so unsteady, weak and small kinda makes people want to try their own luck.

That's right. Henry has the one son and heir (questionable though he may be) but York beats him with 4! Much like the hydra, cut off the head and four more spring up.

'To all reading this...'

Haha! One must give credit when it is due.

Is Henry a Edward VIII and Margaret = Wallis? Henry with his sense of duty could probably rule well in a constitutional monarchy without pretenders. Whoever chose Margaret as consort, should have been named envoy to the four corners. A leg to Scotland, an arm to Ireland, a leg to Castile, an arm to Wales and the torso to France. The head can go to America as we have a horseman named Ichabod in search of one. While I feel sorry for Margaret, she should NEVER been under consideration to be Henry's queen.

Well, it wasn't quite drawn and quartered, but William de la Pole/Suffolk did lose his head on a skiff, so there is that.

 

[coz1]

York, May 1454​

Henry Percy, the 2nd Earl of Northumberland was a proud man. At the age of sixty and one, he had seen much in his life. And lost much as well. Both his father and grandfather had lost their lives in open rebellion to the crown and King Henry IV. He had spent his early years in exile to Scotland. Surprising since his intended role at the now was to protect the north from Scottish invasion, yet he was eventually reconciled under the reign of Henry V and had served on Council during the minority of the current King.

That now seemed many years ago. At one time he had been quite friendly with the late Earl of Westmorland, Ralph Neville going so far as to marry his daughter Eleanor which had done much to restore his reputation leading to his creation as second Earl of Northumberland, a title his father Henry ‘Hotspur’ Percy had never gained. Yet over the last several years that affinity had broken down as tensions between himself and the Earl of Salisbury, Richard Neville became inflamed.

It did not help that the last few years found the south of England involved in their own affairs leaving the north more or less to their own. Henry had done his best to fulfill his duties as Warden of the West March and had traveled to London for the great council to pay homage and duty to the newly born Prince, but the state of the King only made actions to the north more passionate. On his return, the clans of both Percy and Neville continued to breach the King’s peace and he found himself powerless to stop it.

Thus he was as he sat to the table of the hall in Pontefract Castle. He said not a word to any other in the hall. It was only when the Duke of York entered that he rose and offered a bow of the head, “Lord Richard...I believe to have seen you more these last months than altogether for many years.”

Richard of York did not waste time with pleasantries and sat with alacrity, “There is much to discuss, my Lord. I hold task at the now and needs must return to Westminster. Let us dispense with that which wastes time.”

“Indeed, you must be very busy at the now...” Henry sat calmly, “...with all that happens.”

York pressed his various papers before him on the table and shifted them around before looking up with a serious eye, “All that happens? What I see happen are the men of your clan flee upon my approach. Now...why would that be, I ask of you?”

“Mayhap they fear that you do not come north to broker a peace,” Northumberland suggested.

Richard narrowed his brow, “Why would I do any other, sir?”

“You have appointed the Earl of Salisbury Lord Chancellor, my Lord,” Henry countered, “They would see him as your ally.”

“And he is,” Richard gave nod, “As all men are that do right by their King. Yet what happens to here is greatly concerning. Order must be restored or else we do not honor the grace of King Henry. Would you not agree?”

Henry Percy sat back with a quizzical eye, “You think it my intention to create disorder? You may recall that I did vote in your favor to become Lord Protector. I know what is at stake and...”

“Then why do you not corral your sons?” Richard asked plainly.

Percy leaned forward, “Because you do not corral the sons of Salisbury, my Lord. Throughout this north...and most especially to here within Yorkshire...there is a fever pitch and men of both affinity will be seen fighting. In ale houses...taverns...at any place in which they may meet. I may not know the when and where of it as it happens, but as I have heard tell from your own words...you once spoke that you could not deprive a duly noted Lord from their own as you are one of them. Why should the north or myself be any different, sir?”

“Henry...” the Duke of York sat taller, “...allow me to speak plainly. That was of a time when the Lord of Somerset was making a ruin of this realm...”

Percy sat back with a smirk, “And Somerset lingers to the Tower. How times have changed.”

“As I say...” Richard attempted to follow but Percy cut him off again.

“You said to speak plainly, my Lord. Please do so.”

Richard offered a sigh and lifted to pour them both some ale. He returned and handed a cup to the Earl, “We must hold peace at this time. I know that you are aggrieved and mayhap rightly so. The Council holds all interest in finding resolution. I am here for that purpose. I may not do what needs must be done if this action to these lands continue as they are. Can you work with me, Henry? If you voted for me...could you not see my mind’s eye on this?”

The Earl took his cup and drank it down. Placing it to the table, he looked to Richard with a firm eye, “Tis not only my sons that may break the peace. There are others. Warwick’s brothers show newfound promise as he is another of your favorites. And then there is Exeter.”

“My son in law is of little matter...” Richard attempted to counter but Percy was not inclined to listen.

“Though no great friend to me, he too holds issue with Lord Cromwell. Do you not see? It is territorial, my Lord. And things that are right...should be right. For too long, these lands are split. As the Earl to these parts, should I not hold sway? Yet how can I when so much of it belongs to southern Lords? You yourself included.”

Richard loomed over him, “I am here at the now.”

“And your last visit to these estates?” Henry Percy stood to meet his glare, “Too long in coming as you prefer Ludlow or Westminster. I alone am left as Warden to fend off both Scots to the north and all else within. Which I have done so to the best of my considered ability. I will grant to you that my son Thomas is head strong. Rash, even. What happened last year was too troublesome and he has been warned by his father. Yet what of Salisbury’s sons? What of the Duke of Exeter? As Lord of Huntington, he throws his considerable weight around and now...being your own son in law, feels even more empowered.”

“I would hear you,” Richard softened and moved to sit, “And what I am hearing is distrust.”

Henry Percy followed the Duke to sit as well, “Then your hearing is impeccable. It is no thing other. Listen to me, my Lord. The manner in which estates have been handed out, or gained and lost, over these last many years provides a patch work. You should know this only too well. It cannot be easy to oversee them all. And now? With the King in his state? With men holding such personal retinues? Can you not see how volatile it is? Can be? Did not you yourself use such some few years back?”

“Your point is well made, sir,” Richard sat back and sipped at his ale, “Yet I would tell you that this is my aim at the now. Until this time, I have not been able to influence as should be. Yet now that I can...I promise that I will.”

“Richard...I have known you for quite a long time,” Percy leaned forward, “And I maintain that I do not see how you can when the Nevilles are given placement at the expense of mine own or any other. You hold a right role and I would not quibble with it. After all...I hold the Mortimer claim as well. Yet yours is superior and I bow to it. But I do not bow to you.”

“I do not ask you to,” Richard was quick to answer.

Henry showed a firm eye, “Then do not ask me to do what I cannot. My sons hold right place and while I may counsel, they will do as sons do. Only the fear of the sovereign might rein them in. And he is...not.”

“Sir...” Richard allowed a similar eye, “...I would tell you that Warwick is to France as we speak to help broker a promising peace for us. Lord Salisbury fulfills his duties to Westminster. He has spoken to his sons and made it plain. Keep the peace. If Exeter wishes to prove otherwise...son in law or no...he will face his punishment. I wish not to hold that power for it should be of the King, but I will do so if needs must. I only ask of you to do the same.”

“I may only promise to try, my Lord,” Henry Percy stood and held his palms to the table, “This land is wild and much like yourself, I cannot be everywhere at once. Yet I will speak to my sons again. That is my only promise.”

As the Earl moved to leave the hall, Richard stood, “My Lord...Henry...I know what it is to lose a father early. Too many of us do. Myself...yours...Buckingham...especially the King...it is left to us to carry on and do our part so that it may not be so again.”

“Was that your thought two years ago, my Lord?” Percy turned, “Unlike our fathers, I wish not to rebel against the crown. And I have lived my life as such. I am no longer a young man and I hold no hope to leave this mortal place with anything but honor. I would instill that upon my sons every day that I am able. I hope that you would do the same. Yet it is left to us at the now. I offer you promise. That is all.”

Richard answered, “That is all that I ask, my Lord.”

“Then I thank you for coming north,” Henry Percy replied, “It is more than we have seen in some time. Mayhap we may find some peace. God speed to you, my Lord of York. For you shall need it.”

 

[Midnite Duke]

What goes round comes round! York is asking Percy to act as I wish, not as I acted. The way York spoke of honoring the king, he wishes the king to remain inactive. Thank you

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

Pretty much confirming that the York and Percys will be at war within a generation, at the very least. I suspect the war of the roses will be a bit less bloody, because quite frankly the Lancasters have no one at the moment to rally around, but the northern Lords are still going to be trouble.

 

[Bullfilter]

I offer you promise. That is all.”

Richard answered, “That is all that I ask, my Lord.”

“Then I thank you for coming north,” Henry Percy replied, “It is more than we have seen in some time. Mayhap we may find some peace. God speed to you, my Lord of York. For you shall need it.”

They all try, but within strict limits and through the prism of their own interests, of course. It is all hovering so close to the edge of that ubiquitous slippery slope. And the current situation, with Richard in charge, could turn on a dime if the king comes back to his senses. How long can the centre hold?

 

[HistoryDude]

The north is going to be a problem for York.

 

[Historywhiz]

The north is going to be a problem for York.

The north has been a problem for whoever sits in London since Roman times. It’s genuinely fascinating how this 2,000 year headache has persisted despite every possible solution thrown at it from bribing the hell out of it to slaughtering almost all the inhabitants.

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

What goes round comes round! York is asking Percy to act as I wish, not as I acted. The way York spoke of honoring the king, he wishes the king to remain inactive. Thank you

Indeed, do as I say, not as I do. While it should be clear by now that I have some sympathy for dear Richard, I cannot in good faith write him without showing his hypocrisies. He is a complicated man.

Pretty much confirming that the York and Percys will be at war within a generation, at the very least. I suspect the war of the roses will be a bit less bloody, because quite frankly the Lancasters have no one at the moment to rally around, but the northern Lords are still going to be trouble.

Yes, I had to start including the Percies now because they are a large part of this situation. I'll speak more on the north below, but it is definitely a major component of this struggle.

They all try, but within strict limits and through the prism of their own interests, of course. It is all hovering so close to the edge of that ubiquitous slippery slope. And the current situation, with Richard in charge, could turn on a dime if the king comes back to his senses. How long can the centre hold?

First you use Blake in the Fan of the Week thread and now you include some Yeats. I like your poets, @Bullfilter! Yet who is the "rough beast" in this saga?

The north is going to be a problem for York.

The north is going to be a problem for everyone. See below.

The north has been a problem for whoever sits in London since Roman times. It’s genuinely fascinating how this 2,000 year headache has persisted despite every possible solution thrown at it from bribing the hell out of it to slaughtering almost all the inhabitants.

Exactly. I wish I could elucidate more but I don't have all the info at hand and in mind to explain it. The one thing I can say is much as it was suggested in the post - while the southern Lords were jockeying for position on Council and for rewards, the north was rather left alone to get up to whatever they might get up to. And as I've read, Percy is quite right. He is given title and charge, but is little able to carry out his suggested role when so many others hold land and title from Yorkshire to Lancaster and beyond.


To all - As mentioned above, it was time to really start putting some focus on Percy and his family as they will play an important role in the story going forward. To me, there were really three major factors which led to this entire saga. The first is obviously the challenge of a weak King and a strong contender, the second is the large number of returning soldiers/retinues after the war in France now free to act as their Lords tell them (and for their own purposes) and the third are the personal grudges which became rather violent pissing matches. These three factors all rolled into one once the real action got started. Which we will get to.

I'll post the next scene in a moment (and I have been waiting quite a long time to get to it.) It gives a better idea of where things are on the continent and in France. And hey...maps! Who doesn't love a good map?

Thanks as always to all for reading and giving comment. And allow me to plug the ongoing ACAs if I have not already. As I have ever said, you need not vote for this work but please do consider voting to support all of the great writAARs and AARs that you enjoy and love.

 

[coz1]

Dijon, Burgundy, June 1454​

The Earl of Warwick lingered for a time in the hallways of the Palais des ducs et des États de Bourgogne. It was opulent which was to be expected given the exquisite flower of Burgundy, but he also hoped to find like mind with one specific member of the upcoming peace process. He admired those that passed him by and they returned the favor for he had spent a great deal on his own dress for the occasion. Yet when he spied his man Sir Fulk move past, he entered into the crowded field and acted surprised when he crossed paths with the Count of Charolais.

“My Lord...” he said as he showed a pleasing smile, “...I had not thought to find you here. Was told that you would be to the lowlands and that your father the Duke would handle proceedings.”

Count Charles was as ever charming, “My Lord of Warwick...I believe that we are well met. It has been some time, has it not?”

“Indeed, sir,” Warwick gave nod, “Not since Ludlow three years back. And I must commend you...it does seem that you have procured your bride.”

The Count offered a smile, “She is quite young but fertile. I thank you. I would have enjoyed the company of pretty Margaret of York, yet...mayhap too young.”

“Tis a shame that could not be brokered, my Lord,” Warwick offered a sympathetic eye, “Yet the Duke of York hopes to remain your most trusted friend.”

Charles looked to the envoys making their way to the hall and then back to the Earl, “I see no reason why he should not be. Strange tidings come to our ears here to Burgundy...yet if it be true, we should think no better man for the work ahead of him.”

“He thanks you, my Lord...as do I,” Warwick flattered, “I am sent on mission to make certain that this peace is one that holds. For England...for Burgundy...even for France.”

“Well then I will tell you...” Charles gestured for them to walk, “...you will find a mixture of the old and the new here. This Lodovico of Mantua has made his price plain and he is not a force to trifle with. He holds the Holy Father to his back and has made his fortunes often at war as you may see.”

The Earl of Warwick held step, “Quite so, my Lord. Look at what he has done to King Charles.”

“I believe that we both know that our two countries were influential in that endeavor,” Charles replied as the moved into the hall.

Warwick gave firm nod, “Yours more so than ours, but once again true, my Lord. And that your father assists in making this lasting peace...it shows even more how influential he and you are.”

“Mere bystanders,” Charles suggested as they held back, “Only here to make certain that our own are seen fit. It has been a long struggle. We hold for nothing to gain. Only our safety.”

“That may be seen by your own peace with the King of France,” Warwick replied, “An honest one, sir. Not vindictive in any way. It is to your honor.”

Charles showed a smile, “It is not to mine, but it is to Burgundy. We hope that this taking place to Dijon shows that we hold no ill will. We wish to be peace maker. See no more of this trifling conflict to these lands.”

“And mayhap make certain that outcomes are as you wish?” Warwick grinned.

The Count copied the grin, “We should do no other, my Lord.”

“I should think not,” Warwick agreed but looked to the table before them, “Yet what of this Papal envoy? Cardinal Parentucelli? Is he to rule these proceedings?”

Charles looked on as well, “My father hopes it so. There are many competing concerns here and none more so than the Papal excommunication of Rene d’Anjou. I am frankly surprised that the man shows.”

The Earl of Warwick pointed to another, “And what of the French envoy?”

“Jean de Dunois?” Charles questioned, “I think him more a soldier than diplomat...but he serves his King. He would broker as best he can...but they have little leg to stand on here. The Kingdom of France is broken, sir. King Charles would do well to come out with anything left of his realm.”

Warwick showed a curious eye, “And you would make certain of that?”

“As you say, my Lord,” Charles smiled, “Why else to host such an event?”

The Papal envoy Cardinal Parentucelli stood and called them all to order, “If we all might please sit so that we may begin. His Holiness Pope Eugenius has sent us here to find the peace of God. We show all interested parties and the Holy Father would hope us all to see grace this day.”

“Would that include mine own?” Duke Rene d’Anjou spoke up, “I still hold a ban from Holy Church.”

The Cardinal did not even look at him as he addressed the others, “You are all here included as it concerns not only your lands but so too the Grace of God. If anyone here should deny it, then you may be no better than Judas.”

“Let us not speak too harshly,” Duke Philip of Burgundy stood beside his son, “Your Eminence...you do us all honor to pray upon our souls, yet we do hope to find solution to these longstanding issues. These ancient lands remain in turmoil and we should think that the only one in consideration at this date.”

Jean de Dunois kept to his seat as he looked across the table, “If in truth you do care about a peace, my Lord Duke...then why do you continue to host the King’s son and heir to your lands?”

“I am not to Burgundy as home, sir,” the Dauphin Louis de Valois answered, “My time is largely spent to Savoy at the now and with my new bride.”

“Which His Grace King Charles did forbid,” Dunois countered.

The former Condottiero and now styled King of Mantua spoke out, “How may a King forbid someone of a thing when that someone is no subject to him?”

“The Dauphin remains the King’s son and heir,” the Cardinal replied, “And as it seems to all of us, it is this issue that causes much of these last many years. Should not Louis be the dutiful and prodigal son? Can not this peace also bring these two back together?”

The aged Duc d’Alençon Jean de Valois slowly stood, “Your Eminence, I should like to remind all here that this has been no mere familial squabble. For more than one hundred years, the Kingdom of France has found itself in a never ending war. With England...with Burgundy...and within itself. I need not give anyone here a history lesson for we are all intimately aware of it. As one that supported and fought for King Charles some years ago, I remain as friend and cousin to the King of France. Yet a peace was decided not terribly long ago with the Lords of both Burgundy and England and it remains only thus with the Lord in Mantua that causes the fire to still burn.”

“I too support the King as my liege Lord,” Rene d’Anjou replied as he looked to the Cardinal, “Yet I remain distanced from Holy Church for reasons still unsaid. I took no part in the Praguerie as some others here might and would not see satisfaction until my ban is lifted...”

No one cared to listen to him, most especially the Dauphin, “Words are spoken by men that matter not. Cousins all around me know the truth...that my father sent an armed force to cause me to compel with his wishes. The wishes of a weak man, surely. I am my own and will forge my path in my own way. I did not take up arms against my Lord father yet I would not shun any Lord that did so for they also found such affront.”

“This is precisely so,” Duke Philip suggested, “While it may be a complicated web, the true causes and thus relief may be teased from these threads. Distrust first and foremost from the crown that rests upon Charles’ head. The lady Jean d’Arc aside...and some formidable actions by men of great caliber surely...the issue to France remains very much what is was some years ago when an English King sat that throne. That is why we are pleased to see representing here an agent of King Henry of England for they have as much to find here as any other. As has been stated...we have made our peace with King Charles. So has King Henry. It is only King Charles that continues this bloodshed and needless worry.”

“I am astounded, my Lord Duke!” Jean de Dunois answered to him, “You play at peace maker all the while muddying the waters. The fact remains that this Lord of Mantua has invaded these lands at a time when the French forces were low. Why were they low? For the very reason that you yourself invaded prior.”

Lodovico of Mantua stood and pointed to the Earl of Warwick, “Is that why those of England saw more declaration of war after the first invasion of Normandy? It was fairly won back to the French crown and yet, this did not sate the French King...or whomever was wishing of more. I would say that mine and ours acted on our own due to the perverse nature of the French King’s actions. Instability to these lands causes just as much to any other that surrounds her. We acted justly and in league to protect that which we hold dear.”

The Earl of Warwick stood and offered a slight bow, “I would say on behalf of King Henry of England, that we would hold no ill will. We too should like to find a peace. A peace for all. A safety for all concerned and one that is lasting.”

“You would need that, would you not?” Rene d’Anjou stood with an accusatory tone, “The letters returned to me from my daughter...”

Warwick cut him off, “The Queen is well and with her husband, my Lord. She is not the matter here.”

“Indeed not,” Philip of Burgundy followed, “The matter here would see the King of Mantua find his satisfaction.”

Many to the table offered concurrence except for the French envoy, “It is not unknown to us that Burgundy has supplied the Mantuans with both military and financial aid. You may have made a peace, my Lord...yet you continue to wage war by proxy. You give safe harbor whether admitted or not and find a use for these further actions.”

“I’ll not deny it,” Philip readily answered, “For it is indeed in our interests to do so. Let us not forget that my father was cruelly cut down by orders of this French King. When another peace was to be made, I might add. Treachery, sirs! Yet here I sit...opposite of the Duc d’Orleans...and we have buried that bad blood. Would you not agree, my Lord?”

Charles of Orleans gave nod, “The Lord of Burgundy speaks it true.”

“And then, so should we all,” Philip continued as he moved around his chair and towards the Cardinal, “Your Eminence, I have placed before this peace council a document laying out a proposal to end these hostilities. Though it may not be agreeable to any party in full...it is a poor deal done if any one of the parts finds success while others fail.”

Lodovico of Mantua lifted his copy, “I have read the words and find in them no thing to quibble. Mantua gains no thing at all. We never held wish for such. Only a final cooling of the waters that have run so hot these long many years.”

“I too have read them,” Dunois replied, “And I do note that men of your affinity gain much, my Lord Philip.”

The Burgundian Duke smiled, “They are all powerful families. And blood does run thick throughout these lands. Not only is de Valois given their just due, but so too many others. It is true that they are my valued liege men, but I hold no issue leaving them to have their own. The de Vergy family have close ties to both La Marche and Rouergue. They have fought proudly and should find their reward. So too young Henri d’Albert who is to gain Champagne. I believe that the other members of House de Valois here present have agreed to such.”

Both Charles of Orleans and Jean of Alençon gave nod as both would receive even more freedom of their own. Even Louis the Dauphin answered in the positive, “I receive nothing from this and hold no issue with the outcome. It is just and proper.”

The Earl of Warwick stood, “England too would hold great value in this peace and these notions offered...yet we would request one amendment.”

“Your own peace has been fairly made, my Lord,” Cardinal Parentucelli suggested, “What change in this could you see?”

“That we helped broker it,” Warwick answered, “England should see some safety as well.”

Philip of Burgundy looked to him with a skewed eye, “England maintains both Calais and Bordeaux. What more is necessary?”

“Cherbourg is an important trade spot and French pirates do roam the Channel as you may well know, my Lord Duke,” Warwick replied, “We would wish not all of Normandy. But the Contentin would go a long way to assist our freedom of movement. I am certain that Brittany would appreciate such safety as I should think Burgundy would as well.”

Charles of Burgundy looked to his father, “Mon pere...I believe the Lord right and true in this request.”

“Do you agree?” the Cardinal questioned.

The Duke of Burgundy finally gave nod, “Very well. In the interest of peace, let it be so.”

“So they gain half of Normandy with merely a nod?!” Dunois was apoplectic.

Philip looked to him with a smile, “Sir...tis not half of Normandy and you well know it. France would maintain what they have gained but the peoples of Cherbourg still hold to the Norman feelings and English affinity. It is not as if they gain Rouen.”

“I might add another thought...” Warwick spoke up, “...in the interest of peace.”

The Cardinal was growing increasingly frustrated, “My Lord Earl?”

Warwick smiled to them all, “As His Grace King Henry holds his wife dear and so too that of her family, we would suggest that Duke Rene find Maine once again. A gift to the man that gave us our Queen.”

“My Lord?!” Rene was shocked. He was not the only one. None more so than the Cardinal.

“The Lord remains excommunicate! The Holy Father would not see it!”

Warwick simply grinned, “Are you here to dictate peace, Your Eminence...or to bless it?”

The Duke of Burgundy looked to his son for a moment before answering himself, “I find this an act of magnanimity, my Lords. You may see that England acts not just for her own but for all of us. We of Burgundy hold no issue with such. So say you all?”

There was tepid but general agreement. All but Jean de Dunois, “I know not how I may sell this peace to His Grace King Charles.”

“Then ask of him if he should like me to call upon his very door,” Lodovico of Mantua suggested, “I should be very glad to if he would have words.”

The Cardinal remained displeased but he had been given charge. Make peace. With a huff he instructed, “Then sign, my Lords. His Holiness Eugenius IV would see us all made well this day. Honor remains to Lodovico il Turco Gonzaga of Mantua, the Kingdom of France will remain sound and all parties may leave here with some bitterness but a lasting peace. By the Grace of God...let us be done with war.”

They all did so, some more happy than others. Least of all Dunois of France. Yet it was agreed. As they began to file out, Warwick caught the eye of the Count of Charolais and moved to him, “Do you think that your father was pleased?”

Charles of Burgundy smiled in response, “He is a fair man, my Lord. Did you not see him? What is done here this day gains him not only prestige but so too more power. There is reason they call him Philip the Good. It is for the good of Burgundy that he strives.”

“I was impressed,” Warwick answered.

Charles grinned, “As was I, sir. Well done in that last stroke making time for poor Rene.”

“I think his troubles are not yet done,” Warwick showed an equal grin, “Not if the Cardinal’s response was any guide. Yet we must do for our own and the Queen is...well...she may find it comforting.”

“I did not think you wished to comfort her,” Charles suggested.

Warwick merely smiled, “The Lord Protector would protect all within England, my Lord. And who may know what the future holds?”

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

Burgundy and England would do well to stay friendly and competent. There is a lot they can agree on.

A few hints here and there also that England, if it can get itself sorted, is quite the powerful nation in Christendom despite its relative size and standing. This will only increase when they take Scotland and the rest of the islands as their own. If they stay within Latin Christendom, they will be a force to be reckoned with.

 

[Midnite Duke]

Who would care enough to excommunicate Rene? Is Margaret his heir? Well played, Warwick, well played. Thank you for updating

 

[eoncommander]

Who would care enough to excommunicate Rene? Is Margaret his heir? Well played, Warwick, well played. Thank you for updating

Regardless of the reason - and it's usually the Pope, who has a claim or a core on Aix - I found Rene's interjections, and the reaction to them, to be a very humorous aside in this chapter.

 

[DensleyBlair]

First York to the Percies, then Warwick off to France. Lots of moves being made towards peace, but no doubt peace abroad (and, of a kind, in the north) simply wipes the slate clean for the fresh outbreak of hostilities back home. I’m still with Butterfly in envisaging a less bad dispute than OTL, but obviously that’s a relative thing. England has a lot to gain if it can keep itself well behaved, though. Godspeed York, indeed…

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

Burgundy and England would do well to stay friendly and competent. There is a lot they can agree on.

A few hints here and there also that England, if it can get itself sorted, is quite the powerful nation in Christendom despite its relative size and standing. This will only increase when they take Scotland and the rest of the islands as their own. If they stay within Latin Christendom, they will be a force to be reckoned with.

Burgundy and England are natural allies, of course. Though this is a different Europe from OTL. Still, Warwick was successful in this foray and England even gained.

Who would care enough to excommunicate Rene? Is Margaret his heir? Well played, Warwick, well played. Thank you for updating

Heir to what? I suppose he has Maine now. I don't mind saying that his gaining such was a bit of a shock. I had to figure how best to explain it and this seemed natural enough.

Regardless of the reason - and it's usually the Pope, who has a claim or a core on Aix - I found Rene's interjections, and the reaction to them, to be a very humorous aside in this chapter.

I'm pleased you liked those as I found them humorous as well. I had to include Rene because he gained from it, but thought there needed to be some lack of seriousness from him because he is excommunicated (and not happy about it, obviously.)

First York to the Percies, then Warwick off to France. Lots of moves being made towards peace, but no doubt peace abroad (and, of a kind, in the north) simply wipes the slate clean for the fresh outbreak of hostilities back home. I’m still with Butterfly in envisaging a less bad dispute than OTL, but obviously that’s a relative thing. England has a lot to gain if it can keep itself well behaved, though. Godspeed York, indeed…

I wanted these early scenes of the chapter to show York's competence. So far, so good. And as we well know...things can change swiftly.


To all - So here we are almost to the midpoint of the chapter. The above was a fun scene to write because it includes quite a lot of game info as well as colorful characters (it's always fun to write for Count Charles.) Also, it allows me to show not just York's competence but so too that of Warwick. The gaining of the Contentin Peninsula was nothing of my doing. Yet when Mantua finally made peace with France, boom...there it was back in our hands. Yet France is broken and that may well be my doing and fault, though I did not intend it. I seriously thought they could handle it. I did not suspect they would be gang raped. However, it really matters little for England (other than giving some breathing room, I suppose) because things don't get better any time soon as far as the internal situation.

Also, I hope @Bullfilter appreciates the game map.

I should also mention a word on the Cardinal - he is based on the historical Nicholas V who put together the Treaty of Lodi. I based the scene on that, but there is a different Pope in game so I decided to use him this way instead.

Finally, I should mention that I am almost done with Chapter 8! One more scene to go in the writing! The block is seemingly and finally gone!

I am certain that my writing in the CKII Aquitaine AAR has assisted (and moving along apace) but so too those of you that continue to follow both works. I write almost as much for you as I do for myself, so to see you stick with me whether serious or silly is so very helpful! Thank you!

I aim to post the next scene tomorrow for this and it will get us to the half way point of the chapter. And I hope to finish the writing of the chapter tomorrow as well and then it's on to...I'm really excited for the next chapter. It's a big one!

Thanks again for reading and giving comment. It keeps me going!

 

[Bullfilter]

“The Lord Protector would protect all within England, my Lord. And who may know what the future holds?”

Indeed, it’s those unknown unknowns that get you.

The gaining of the Contentin Peninsula was nothing of my doing. Yet when Mantua finally made peace with France, boom...there it was back in our hands.

Score! Hope you were content in that.

Also, I hope @Bullfilter appreciates the game map.

I do appreciate the inclusion of the map, even if it looks gory enough to have been sewn together from odd patches at a quilting workshop. My eyes, my eyes - they burn!

The block is seemingly and finally gone!

Excellent - and may its riddance be good, sir.

 

[coz1]

Indeed, it’s those unknown unknowns that get you.

Score! Hope you were content in that.

I do appreciate the inclusion of the map, even if it looks gory enough to have been sewn together from odd patches at a quilting workshop. My eyes, my eyes - they burn!

Excellent - and may its riddance be good, sir.

On the map especially, yes it is atrocious but actually better represents the lack of French authority over its vassals. Especially now. Again, I did not mean to cause a total breakdown of France but I did try to be more than fair in peace proceedings (and recall, gave them Normandy for no cost in the game to better recreate conditions...little did I know I would get Cherbourg back.)

 

[coz1]

Windsor, July 1454​

The Duke of Buckingham walked with the physician Arundel as they approached the King’s chamber, “Has there been any change?”

“Little, my Lord,” Arundel replied with disappointment, “His Grace remains silent but I do think to see some recognition.”

The Duke was curious, “Has he recognized the Queen or the Prince?”

“Nay, my Lord...yet she does present few opportunities for such.”

“That is too poor for that is her role,” Buckingham sighed, “I should think she might take this time to assist in his health and recovery.”

Arundel shook his head, “I would say that I treat two patients at the now, my Lord. The Queen’s spirits are quite low.”

“Does she receive many visitors?” Buckingham questioned.

“No less than the King, my Lord,” the physician answered, “Which is few. Yet I could not truly know for I do not record her schedule. Her few ladies keep her sound...and they are less than they were. I assume by design.”

The Duke pressed on, “Indeed hold to your duty, sir. That is paramount.”

As they approached the chamber door, Buckingham hesitated. He hated seeing King Henry like this, but he had made promise and so entered to find the King sitting to a chair by the window. Henry remained motionless with his eyes seeming to look out to the grounds below.

“Your Grace...” the Duke announced, “...I have come to see to your worth. How do you this day?”

“As I say, my Lord...he finds little change,” Arundel suggested as he moved and turned the King’s chair to face them.

Henry made no movement to show that the change disturbed him and Buckingham stepped closer, “Your Grace...though you be quiet you do look well. I think to see more color to your face.”

“We try to place him to the sun each day for a time,” the physician responded, “And though I think it unwise, the Lord of York has told us to refrain from bloodletting. I believe it a mistake yet if that be our charge, I would comply.”

The Duke pulled another chair to sit opposite the King, “It has been some months now, sir. If it did not work when practiced, then mayhap it was not a positive treatment.”

Arundel frowned but gave nod, “I would do as said even against my advice. As long as I be not blamed for lack of progress.”

“You are not questioned, sir,” Buckingham replied as he kept his eye to the King, “Yet His Grace does look better. Sire? Might you find my eye?”

Henry did not move at first but slowly did shift his head. It seemed a struggle so Buckingham edged his chair closer, “Do not strain yourself, Your Grace. I would come to you. Can you look to me?”

Within a few moments, Henry did manage to lift his head long enough to look into his Lord’s eye but it was fleeting. Just as quickly as it had happened, his head lolled again and he remained staring at the floor. Arundel sighed, “Just as we have seen, my Lord. Very small steps.”

“Did you think to find more than I, sir?” another voice joined them as Queen Margaret entered the chamber, “I think not that your face is any sunnier than mine own.”

Buckingham kept his eyes to the King, “I am to understand that His Grace gains few opportunities for that.”

“Times have clearly changed,” Margaret answered to him with irritation, “I was told that you had arrived my Lord...yet you do not bow to your Queen?”

“I did not come here to see the Queen,” Buckingham replied as he slowly turned to her, “Unlike others, I have come to spy His Grace.”

Margaret placed her hands to her hips in a huff, “To gawk at him as if he were some type of strange exhibit?”

“Madam...” Buckingham finally stood and shifted to her with a slight bow, “...you hold a queer thought on what it is that we see to here. What it is that we are to do.”

“I am certain that you do plenty, my Lord,” she answered with anger, “As does York since he holds all to his own. Yet I do not see his face to here. Then why do I see yours?”

Buckingham offered a long sigh, “Your Grace...if I may say...you are an ungrateful woman...”

“How dare you?!”

“Allow me to finish...” he tried to answer, “...for I mean no disrespect. In truth, the Lord of York does his all to see to your betterment...”

“I see it not!”

He continued, “You would not but it is true. You, the Prince and most importantly the King are kept sound both in health and coin. He desires only the King’s recovery and you could assist in that regard. That is why you take up household to this place.”

“As I am to be physician?!” Margaret gave protest as she pointed to Arundel, “This man may not even practice what he thinks best! If bad humors are to be released, then allow Henry his bloodletting. Yet York would not for he wishes no change at all! Keep us all as prisoners while he and his bitch live it up in all glory!”

“Madam!” Buckingham showed affront.

Margaret allowed a laugh, “You think I speak too bluntly, sir? I have little else to do here but consider my place and why. You were to hold at silence, my Lord. Keep our place. And yet the moment York came to call, you crawled upon your very belly to lick at his shoes!”

“Mar…!!!” a sound emanated throughout the chamber and at first no one knew from where it came until Arundel rushed to King Henry.

“Your Grace?!” he asked, “Do you speak?!”

Margaret and Buckingham turned to him as well and saw a harsh eye looking to them both. The King held his gaze as best he could with anger clear but he struggled to say anything else. After a moment, he grew tired and his head fell back with one more attempt at a word, “...sss...tt...ahh...”

“Your Grace?!” Buckingham declared with great question.

Margaret followed, “Henry?!”

Their hopes were dashed when King Henry merely returned to a blank gaze at the wall before him. Arundel attempted to rouse him once more, but Henry did not move. As the physician wiped away the drool at the King’s mouth, he turned to them with a positive mind, “I believe this may be progress.”

“Hmph!” Margaret spat, “I see not how. You Lords put him to this place and all you do is keep him here and at disturbed pique! Call upon me when my husband returns.”

With that, Margaret turned in a huff and left the chamber. Buckingham could only look after her for a slight moment before turning back to Arundel, “I do think it well, sir. That was a step forward. Look not to her and place all of your efforts to this man. That is your charge. And keep me at notice. With your help, we shall have our King returned to us.”

“I may make no promise, my Lord,” Arundel answered with some wonder as he looked once again on the King, “Yet that is the first attempt at a word for a year.”

Buckingham looked to the physician with force, “Then double your efforts, sir! He is still in there and you will find him. The realm requires it!”

 

[Midnite Duke]

Mid 1400s medicine, no oxygen, no food or drink except by mouth. Henry had to be able to eat and swallow without choking and breath on his own. Margaret should focus on Henry recognizing her whelp 24/7. I thought that Maine to Rene was a plot device not an actual part of the game's peace deal. Ironic that Maine goes to Meg's dad as she is blamed for its lost. Thank you

 

[eoncommander]

I have little else to do here but consider my place and why.

I actually - for the first time! - feel quite a bit of sympathy for Margaret here. Holed up, basically alone except for a few mediocre ladies in waiting and a doctor who - *shudder* - only wants to bleed the life out of his patients. It's no wonder she's retreating into herself and her paranoid delusions.

And then, progress! It is indeed a great sign that Henry attempted to speak - that Henry heard and understood the goings-on at all!

On the other hand, Henry's return, in whatever form it eventually takes, is only going to set England further on the path to destruction.