The Wars of the Roses

[HistoryDude]

Well, it looks like Margaret will be destroyed militarily soon.

What happened in France? How did this "Kingdom of Champagne" form?

A royal marriage sounds like a good idea, but I figure Margaret will lose a few supporters by opposing it with a stupid reason.

 

[Kurt_Steiner]

I wonder if Warwick and Maggie are going to violently clash and mutually destroy each other. I bet that only Warwick would end with a hurt bottom.

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

As I said, the best bet for any noble with any sense (who is not the Duke of York and family) is to run to France or Ireland and conquer some land for the Crown. Stay well out of all this shit, and only come back if and when it's all over. Otherwise, you're better off living large and looting some other poor defenceless country.

 

[El Pip]

It has been interesting seeing the development of the Kingmaker, at times Warwick gives the impression he is playing a game the others can barely grasp. As was said York is too honourable and Margaret too proud (and too deranged) for these sort of manoeuvrers.

On that point Warwick would probably be very happy if Margaret did veto any planned royal marriage, not only would it cost her domestic support it would also anger the intended partner's family and alienate them from her cause, and all it would cost him was a marriage proposal he never intended to follow through on anyway.

What Margaret needs is someone equally cunning on her side to at least offset this, but given her.. well everything.. it's hard to see anyone competent choosing her side. I suppose she will continue to try and pretend her side is that of the Kings, but that seems an increasingly difficult task.

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

Well, it looks like Margaret will be destroyed militarily soon.

What happened in France? How did this "Kingdom of Champagne" form?

A royal marriage sounds like a good idea, but I figure Margaret will lose a few supporters by opposing it with a stupid reason.

The area of France is such a disjointed mess right now. I have not spent much time on it because it is periphery to this story, but Champagne was granted release as an independent realm some years back and this Henri has begun calling himself King. If you go back to the last screen I showed (I'll show it again):

...it is the one including Valois, Reims and Nemours. And they are not the only independents, as can be seen by the shot. I maintain that while it was not my goal, it may well be my fault that this happened to France. I wanted to give them Normandy back to follow the real life story, but it placed them in a poor position at the time and they have never recovered.

I wonder if Warwick and Maggie are going to violently clash and mutually destroy each other. I bet that only Warwick would end with a hurt bottom.

Who would wish it more? Maggie or Warwick?

As I said, the best bet for any noble with any sense (who is not the Duke of York and family) is to run to France or Ireland and conquer some land for the Crown. Stay well out of all this shit, and only come back if and when it's all over. Otherwise, you're better off living large and looting some other poor defenceless country.

In other words, Lord Talbot.

It has been interesting seeing the development of the Kingmaker, at times Warwick gives the impression he is playing a game the others can barely grasp. As was said York is too honourable and Margaret too proud (and too deranged) for these sort of manoeuvrers.

On that point Warwick would probably be very happy if Margaret did veto any planned royal marriage, not only would it cost her domestic support it would also anger the intended partner's family and alienate them from her cause, and all it would cost him was a marriage proposal he never intended to follow through on anyway.

What Margaret needs is someone equally cunning on her side to at least offset this, but given her.. well everything.. it's hard to see anyone competent choosing her side. I suppose she will continue to try and pretend her side is that of the Kings, but that seems an increasingly difficult task.

I'm really pleased to see this about Warwick. I'm not sure how many think about the time passages between posts (which are not usually that long) but I've been presenting him now for a good long time and he has grown. Learned. Become. That has always been my goal, so it's awesome to see it recognized. I'd be lying if I said he was not one of my favorites to write for. And I think you are right - he has something that neither York nor Margaret has - imagination.


To all - Look for the next scene tomorrow as we strike off into Chapter 12 in full. And on the writing, I just finished Chapter 13 yesterday. Need to do a few more tweaks. Moving full speed ahead and I hope it is enjoyed. Thank you all for reading and giving comment! And hey...don't forget to vote.

 

[El Pip]

it may well be my fault that this happened to France.

Fault? The fracturing and crippling of France is a positive boon to humanity. Its something you should look to claim the credit for.

 

[coz1]

Fault? The fracturing and crippling of France is a positive boon to humanity. Its something you should look to claim the credit for.

Well, I do take credit for it but I'm not proud of it. It is the most ahistorical thing so far within the AAR.

 

[coz1]

The Channel, May 1458​

“Turn about!” Warwick yelled, “Get along side!”

The Captain of the ship admonished, “My Lord...they run too near the Godwin Sands! If it should not trap them, it will us!”

The Earl was too in his purpose, “Then let them run aground! We would ransack and take their spoils!”

Though a League merchant ship, the Hanse were not without protection and their guns went off and shot over the bow. Narrowly missing the mast, Warwick pointed with charge, “Do not let up! There is fortune to be made!”

As the Hanseatic vessel finally dropped anchor to avoid a catastrophic collision with shallow water, the Captain gave orders and Warwick’s ship was able to run aside. The men of Lübeck were not yet prepared to surrender their cargo and as they were boarded fought fiercely. Yet Warwick’s men were too much for them. It was not even a fair fight.

The League Captain stood tall to the deck of his ship with a fierce eye, “Kill no more! We surrender. What is your purpose? Just another pirate?!”

“There are so many,” Warwick answered as he took the steps onto the deck, “And we would be a calming influence.”

“Ich sehe keine Ruhe!” the German Captain answered readily, “This is a trade vessel...no thing but merchants! You are not French. I hear your accent. Nor Castilian! I think I know of you...pirat des meeres...you are the devil of Calais that haunts us all!”

Warwick held up a calming hand, “What is your name...mein herr?”

“What should it matter?” he replied easily, “You are here to steal from me!”

The Earl looked around the ship, “Wasn’t too hard, really. Yet it is not theft that I am after. Tell me your name.”

Looking to his sailors that were still at arms he lowered his own to calm them and then answered, “I am named Johann...if it pleases. You will stand down your men and we may leave with our life...and you, yours.”

“I’m not particularly worried about mine...Captain Johann...” Warwick grinned, “...yet I think you to make a wise choice.”

Johann answered quickly, “Though I know not that you have. I hear that you are Englisch...do you not know that we have treaty?”

“Treaties are made to broken...sir.” Warwick kept his smile, “And what do have on board?”

“Whatever you think we do,” Johann countered, “Does it matter? You want plunder, do you not?”

Warwick grinned, “I do, sir. You make agreement with some you may should not. I am the Constable of Calais and I would see what travels through my ports.”

“It was agreement by your Queen!” Johann exclaimed.

The Earl cared little, “You should take a notion when you travel to these parts. I think the North Sea perhaps more to your liking. As you say...there is piracy to these parts. And one should be careful.”

“Your merchants like our goods...” the Captain explained, “...good trade across the Kanal...what do you gain if you are not a pirat...a pirate?!”

“A reckoning, sir,” Warwick suggested as he turned and directed his men to loot the ship, “Take whatever you may, m’lads! It is all yours!”

Johann skewed his brow in anger, “And what will you do with me?”

“You?” Warwick answered, “Go back to your League and tell them. I will release you and hope that your words against me will be harsh. They should. For I am a pirate, am I not? Let them know my name...Richard Neville. And the next vessel that comes by...be it yours or any other...they will know it too.”

“It is merely trade, mein herr!” Johann attempted to reason.

“No!” Warwick stepped forward with malice, “It is war by any means. And you...mein herr...are the unlucky few to find yourself in these waters.”

The Earl then turned and shouted at his men, “Wrap it up! Take what you have and let us return!”

“Yet you are lucky...” Warwick returned to him, “...for I give you your life.”

As he left the Hanse Captain, his own looked at him with curiosity, “Is this wise, my Lord? I can’t imagine the King being happy with this.”

“I honestly do not care,” the Earl of Warwick answered as he placed foot back to his own ship, “His is not my worry. Set sail for Calais. We return.”

 

[HistoryDude]

Well, Warwick cares nothing for the treaties of the Queen...

I wonder if this will be bad for the Yorkists? Breaking treaties seems unwise. What will York do in response to this?

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

Well, Warwick cares nothing for the treaties of the Queen...

I wonder if this will be bad for the Yorkists? Breaking treaties seems unwise. What will York do in response to this?

No, he does not. And York will likely do nothing about it. Though we'll see. This chapter is meant to break Warwick out as a character. I hope it works.


To all - While I've been happy with the every three days posting schedule (and I hope you are too) I've got quite a lot on my plate coming up with the reveal of the YaYas. And this last section was pretty slight (on purpose.) So the next scene follows in a moment and brings back yet another character that seemed a bit lost (both in story and himself.)

And I should plug one last time...less than 24 hours left to get in those last votes for the 2022 Yearly AARland Year-end AwAARds. One final time, please do not feel need to vote for this work (though always appreciated), but please do offer up support for those AARs and writAARs that you have enjoyed in 2022. Those that have worked so hard will most definitely appreciate it and so would I!

 

[coz1]

Bath, June 1458​

Fulk sat to the corner of the tavern with his hood pulled forward to cover his face. He grunted a few sounds as he was brought drinks by the girl. Her name was Alice. He knew this, but she did not know him. Always proper, she merely continued to refill his cup as her mother had told her. Yet as the hour grew late, the girl was told to go to the house and her mother Lizzie strode forth, “Sir...we close soon. And I think you to have your fill.”

“Quite right,” he answered as he stood and tossed coin to the table, “I should be sated...though I am not.”

“Well, you’ll not find more here this night,” she admonished.

Fulk peered to her with his hard eyes, “One never knows. She is a pretty girl.”

“Not for you, sir,” Lizzie replied without hesitation, “Many have tried and I’ve had to geld plenty a man that thought otherwise.”

He smiled, “I wouldn't dream of such a thing.”

“Then you would leave?” she asked as another moved from behind her.

“Does this one present trouble, madam?”

Fulk looked to him with a grin, “I was just leaving...Nat.”

As he moved to do as said, the two looked to each other in confusion but finally shrugged and went about their business.

So did Fulk.

Waiting in the shadows outside the Wolf and Whistle, his mark soon made his own exit and trudged a slow walk up the street to the pub that stayed open even later. He held still and silent until another pair left the tavern and Lizzie and Nat walked the other way to the house they all shared together. As they disappeared in the night, he moved swiftly to catch up and finally called out, “Is that you, old Tom?”

The other man stopped in his tracks and slowly made a turn, “Who are you?!”

“Ahh, Thomas...you know me,” Fulk grinned as he lowered his hood, “Do you not?”

A look of recognition took over quickly followed by horror, “I...I’ve held quiet. I’ve not said a word. Any information that comes this way...it has been yours...though so little of it comes...what am I to do?!”

“Be still, my friend,” Fulk smiled, “I expect little or less from you but only your loyalty. Yet I did say that you would owe a favor some day for taking in your own needed silence.”

Thomas showed confusion, “Favor, sir? What could I possibly do other than what I do already?”

“Something far greater, Thomas,” Fulk gestured to an alley, “Come and let me explain it to you.”

“I believe I’d rather stay to the street,” the older man answered nervously.

Fulk produced a purse from his side and held it forth, “Come now, Thomas. Has it not always been worth it? Your dear wife makes a decent living with her tavern, but your tastes are...more than that, are they not? You are not on your way home, are you? A bit more of a tipple after closing time? Yes?”

Thomas allowed a shamed face, “I’d rather her not know.”

“Of course you would not,” Fulk smiled, “And the other...the boy? I saw him this night and he has grown.”

“You promised!” Thomas exclaimed, “I promised!”

Fulk gestured again, “And so you shall keep that promise. As will I. Just follow me.”

Reluctantly the older man did, “I should need to be home soon enough.”

“I’ll not keep you any longer than it would take to drink a pint,” Fulk pulled him into the alley and then spoke again, “Yet you will need to come up with some excuse for the coming days.”

Thomas kept his confusion, “What do you ask of me?”

“A task that you have done before,” Fulk replied, “My employer and yours would require it.”

“Task?” Thomas questioned.

Fulk gave nod, “Indeed. You have served in the past. A fine man that served the Cardinal Beaufort until his dying day. I believe it time to press you into service once more.”

“That was ten years and more from now!” Thomas insisted.

“Yet a perfect introduction for what is required,” Fulk answered, “The very man that could do what is needed.”

“I do not wish...I could not do that again to my wife,” the older man tried to explain.

Fulk pointed up the street, “Yet you could drink yourself to a nothing each night? Seems no care for her there, sir. Do you not think she might find more pride for you if you served your kingdom? Your King?”

“You wish me to serve the King?!”

“In a manner of speaking,” Fulk gave nod, “Not him personally...yet perhaps his wife the Queen.”

“How could I?” Thomas questioned strongly, “She knows me not and besides...it’s been so long! I would not be trusted!”

Fulk smiled, “Ye of little faith. There are ways, sir. That you served Beaufort. That would be trusted by her and hers. Any discrepancy in your record...that can be arranged for the better. You may say that you moved from the Cardinal to his nephew the Lord of Somerset before his untimely death. Somewhere to his northern estates. There are few that may challenge it. Even the man’s wife is so poor and besotted...she would not remember. I would make the introductions for you easy.”

“I don’t...I do not understand,” Thomas suggested.

“You do not need to,” Fulk replied, “Not fully. Start small. Gain your entry to the court at their service. Do your work and keep quiet. Find your moments and see what you may. All I ask of you are your eyes and ears, my friend. No thing more. And then report back to me what you have witnessed. It is all rather simple.”

Thomas held up his hands, “It is too fearful!”

“What do you fear more?” Fulk dropped his smile.

“I...I could not go back to there!”

Fulk sighed, “I really do hate to do this again, sir...yet you are a man full of fear. I may name you any number of things...but your wife must be first in that line. And your ward...such as he is. Do you care for them? Their peace?”

“Of course I do!” Thomas was adamant.

“Then do not force our employer to break that asunder,” Fulk held close, “Do what you must and he will reward you as he has. Do what you must for the betterment of this Kingdom. All men would revere you. Do what you must to protect that which is yours. No man could do better and is to be respected.”

Thomas remained unsure, “For how long? Could it be only for a short time?”

“It would be required for as long as my master suggests,” Fulk replied, “These are perilous times, sir. Our only survival is in our knowledge and that is what you would be doing. Whatever you see...whatever you hear...report it to me. It’s really quite simple.”

“I think you ask more of me than I am capable of doing,” Thomas suggested.

“Nonsense!” Fulk smiled, “You are just the man for the job. Keep your nose clean and you will be handsomely rewarded. Would that not be what your dear wife might wish? Surely that will make it all worth it.”

“I...I suppose,” Thomas mused with worry still.

“Good man,” Fulk handed over the purse, “I will be in touch soon with the particulars. Better start thinking of your story now.”

He then left Thomas to have his pint and grinned as he walked away.

 

[HistoryDude]

Fulk has blackmail. It's too bad that it's being used to make him serve the traitorous queen. I suspect that his fate will be very unkind given how much the Yorkists dislike Margaret, but perhaps they will be magnanimous.

 

[Kurt_Steiner]

Warwick being Warwick and Fulk doing some little mischief,... all is well.

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

Fulk has blackmail. It's too bad that it's being used to make him serve the traitorous queen. I suspect that his fate will be very unkind given how much the Yorkists dislike Margaret, but perhaps they will be magnanimous.

Well, poor Thomas will not really be serving the Queen. More like spying on her for Fulk and his master (aka Warwick.)

Warwick being Warwick and Fulk doing some little mischief,... all is well.

Indeed, they are starting to get good at this.

 

[Midnite Duke]

Catching up. I just realized that you are using York and Cecily to represent Trump and Hilary. The French Tart is obviously Fancy from the Bobbie Gentry/Reba McEntire song.

 

[coz1]

Catching up. I just realized that you are using York and Cecily to represent Trump and Hilary. The French Tart is obviously Fancy from the Bobbie Gentry/Reba McEntire song.

Umm...no. While I have my opinions on them, I would not waste time (nor compare these characters with those characters) while I spend my time writing. Now Fancy...that is another story. I love me some Reba!

 

[coz1]

Westminster, July 1458​

The Earl of Warwick stood outside the Great Council chamber and fumed to the Duke of York, “Uncle, you know precisely what she attempts! She desires Calais for Somerset and mayhap even my head if she may have it!”

“You have made your bed, sir,” Richard offered a stern eye, “Now you must lay upon it. Muster your best argument, for the men inside that room will not be strongly inclined to listen.”

“Then why must I even bother?” Warwick questioned, “If I am to be hanged before I speak, then what is the purpose?”

York held a firm hand to his shoulder, “You’ll not be hanged. I am here for that sole reason. This is a council I would not miss, rest assured. Offer your finest words and plead your case. It is strong enough and I will make certain that it is heard.”

The Duke gave nod and entered leaving the Earl to continue in his anger for a moment longer. Finally he was announced and entered the Great Council chamber to find York seated to the table alongside his peers. Yet there was no King in presence. Odd that, he thought, but waited for the Lord Chancellor to speak.

The Bishop of Winchester Wayneflette stood and looked to all present, “My Lords, we are gathered at the request of His Grace King Henry named the sixth in order to institute an enquiry about actions alleged and specifically in regards to our Lord Earl of Warwick, Richard Neville standing here before us...”

“Who alleges these actions?!” Warwick was quick to question.

The Duke of Buckingham sat forward with a narrowed brow, “You would hold your silence until asked a question, my Lord. Show your respect to this council.”

With a huff, Warwick tightened his lips with irritation as the Bishop gave nod and continued, “...as I was saying...these allegations entail treaties made with foreign powers that may have been broken by one that is not our King and further, that the Earl of Warwick may abuse his position as Captain and Constable of Calais to disrupt shipping and more, the peace between countries.”

The Duke of Exeter showed a grin, “These are indeed serious allegations, my Lords. As Lord High Admiral of His Grace’s fleet, I should like to know if others are practicing unlawful maneuvers to these waters that surround us.”

“Come now, Holland...” John Mowbray the Duke of Norfolk spoke up in as much humor, “...do not act so shocked. Having just returned from my sojourn to the east, the whiff of piracy could not be stronger to the Channel. As Admiral, you should know this and if you do not, then mayhap these proceedings should be to look into your own practices.”

Buckingham looked to them both, “We are pleased to see you return to us my Lord of Norfolk, but this be not about the Duke of Exeter.”

“And these were no pirates!” the Earl of Wiltshire spoke up, “If any one should be called such, it is this man here!”

York looked to him with a withering glare, “You would accuse without proof, sir. I believe both the Lord of Buckingham and the Lord Chancellor would wish a questioning, not an accusation.”

“Indeed true,” the Archbishop of Canterbury followed, “I believe we would all wish a question and would reserve our judgment until such time.”

The Lord Chancellor held up his hands, “My Lords...please. His Grace would desire a full accounting and each will have their turn. At the first, however, it is my duty to inquire if the Earl would wish an opening statement?”

“I hardly know what and why I am charged for anything?” Warwick answered with an indignant tone, “Yet I thank you finally for the chance to speak freely. Despite whatever may be alleged, I know well that I have done my duty to protect the ports of Calais along with the cinque ports. Our merchants require it and as it has been stated, piracy runs rampant. Where was our Lord of Exeter when Sandwich was plundered, I ask? If he will not protect ours, then I will make sure that we are safe.”

Buckingham looked to the Lord Chancellor first before turning to Warwick, “Then may I ask of you why the Hanseatic League, especially the pilots from Lübeck, would or could be considered pirates? Especially as His Grace has signed a treaty of trade with that league?”

“I should not need to tell you, my Lord...” Warwick answered him readily, “...that flags are flown often that are not accurate. It is the very act of piracy that compels many captains to practice in subterfuge and one may not know until they have been detained.”

York flipped through some papers before giving his own question, “And my Lord of Warwick...I would tell you that this is indeed the very thing that requires answer. From my reading, captains of Lübeck have made complaint to His Grace. Could you tell us if you yourself have boarded such a vessel?”

Warwick was certain in his answer, “At the first, I rarely venture out myself for my duties to Calais keep me well at business…

“And yet you and your largess are seen often to London, sir!” Wiltshire spoke out.

The Earl of Warwick ignored him and continued, “...and thus I could not prohibitively say that no mistakes have been made by mine own which I take very seriously indeed. However in my duty, any ship boarded was done so for reasons that would be clear to all were you there.”

The Earl of Northumberland had remained silent but finally asked, “Could you express those reasons, my Lord?”

“I hardly saw you there, Percy...” Warwick began to answer with flippancy before seeing York offer a harsh eye and then softened his reply, “...yet of course. Ships as close to the sands off Dover, sir. Near to Gravelines as well. One may not trust any flag be it Castillian, Burgundian, French or more. As I say...these are pirates, my Lords. They are not like to follow the proper rules of order.”

“I would not question your prowess, my Lord…” Norfolk suggested before asking his own question, “...yet as the Duke of York conveys, these are specific accusations. As there is treaty with the Hanse, is there some thing they may do or have done that may have caused this incident?”

Warwick was certain in his reply, “I recall no incident, my Lord. Yet it would not surprise me should they balk at our other traders. We hope to keep trade with Burgundy solid, do we not? They may feel threatened. More to that, Italian merchants seem to run amok throughout these parts and I recall no treaty with them...unless you count the Queen’s desires.”

“You would take a care, sir!” Wiltshire announced.

The Lord Chancellor looked to him with irritation, “Do you have question, my Lord? If so...please offer it.”

The Earl of Wiltshire looked to them all before turning back to Warwick, “Very well...you speak of Burgundy. You speak of France and others. Could you tell us in what capacity you hold that would give you reason to treat with them yourself?”

“I know not of which you speak,” Warwick was plain.

“You do not?!” Wiltshire smiled, “Well then...please explain why you have been sending envoys to these courts and others offering up the Prince and others in marriage alliances?”

Before Warwick could answer, it was the Archbishop that interrupted, “My Lord...these are not the questions to be asked at this enquiry. There is no formal complaint of such and, more to that, it would be in his purview to treat with the Duke of Burgundy.”

“Indeed so, my Lords,” York looked to them before showing Wiltshire another withering gaze, “And I do wonder, my Lord...has someone made such complaint to you?”

“I am not the one to be questioned here!” Wiltshire strongly answered.

Norfolk showed a slight smile, “Too poor that for it seems that someone does make complaint. Either one or the other...I would be curious as to who that is.”

“The merchants of Lübeck, surely,” Exeter replied with impatience, “You have been away for a time so you may not know.”

“That much was clear to me, sir,” Norfolk looked to him, “Yet there is person to here in our kingdom that takes up such charge and as I do not see the King to these proceedings, I should think he be not so concerned. That leads me to consider another.”

Northumberland questioned, “And who would that be?”

“My Lords...” Warwick looked to them all, “...is it not I that am under question? And if so, I shall answer that. There is one and one alone that might bring such charge. I believe that we all know of her. All good and loving before her King, yet when give chance would see us all under suspicion.”

Buckingham sat forward, “Sir...you are the one accused. Not the Queen.”

“Aha!” Warwick smiled, “You did mention her by name. Not I. So it is clear, is it not? I myself charge that her intentions on the Loveday...planned in part by men here to satisfy His Grace...were insincere and more...that she holds no regard for the glory of England’s achievements on the high seas!”

“Is it true, my Lord?” York looked to the elder Duke, “Is it Queen Margaret that brings these charges and not the King?”

When Buckingham did not answer readily, the Archbishop pressed, “Please, my Lord...answer that question. We are told to hold council for the King. Did he or did he not request it?”

“My Lords, we have yet to fully find answer to our question...” the Bishop of Winchester attempted to push them all along but even Northumberland sat forward.

“Sirs...my Lords...I have come a long way for this council and I should not like to think that I have done so under false pretense. Aye...there is question that remains. Where is His Grace? Why is he not here if it be to his import?”

Wiltshire answered him, “His Grace is at prayer.”

“As I am to understand...this is often,” Norfolk suggested.

“As often as he sees fit,” the Bishop of Winchester quickly replied.

Exeter followed him, “And the Lord Chancellor is quite correct. We remain without full answer from the Earl.”

“Oh my son in law...” York stood from the table and rounded to hold a hand to Warwick’s back, “...when did I ever think that you would be enough for my daughter? Do you not see? He has answered and in full. Every man here can see the truth of it should they choose to look. She has played you like fools. Buckingham? My Lord Exeter? Your Eminence? Did you not hold out all hope that the King’s Loveday would produce a more promising future? Was that not the King’s promise? Percy...you were there and though we be not friends, did we not make a pact of peace that day? My pocket is empty for that promise and I would do it again. For the King...my cousin...and many here that hold relation to His Grace.”

Wiltshire spoke out, “Poor promise is what this man does!”

“I was not there...” Norfolk answered to him, “...yet I do think that the Lord of York is correct. And in my hearing...I’m not quite certain why you are here. Flags are supposed to fly forever...yet yours did not, sir.”

“How dare you!” the Earl lunged but the Lord Chancellor stopped him.

“My Lords...let us keep a peace here at the least! For His Grace!”

Buckingham had stood as well to separate the men, “I would agree. And I hold the Earl’s word as satisfactory. We need not go down another hole from which we may be buried.”

“May I say another word?” Warwick protested.

They all looked to him but the Lord Chancellor gave nod. Warwick did not smile as he responded, “While I know that you all do your duty as do I, I must say that this enquiry has been unduly rigorous and unfair. I believe that there is a plot to discredit me such that my achievements are made to look as treason and the protection of this realm as no thing other than a personal battle waged by a singular entity.”

Wiltshire was not done, “That would explain why you show to London with over six hundred of your own personal retinue. Armed and your retainers!”

“Should I not protect myself?!” Warwick showed an astonished eye, “You each hold your own. Whether you knew it or not, I was well aware of my accuser.”

Norfolk gave nod, “And I may say, sir…I do not blame you.”

“My Lords...” the Archbishop suggested, “...have we not enough information to provide a vote? We grow far afield in our endeavors and we were tasked with a specific goal. If the Earl of Warwick would leave us to deliberate, I believe we might hold an answer to the original question.”

“I think that the very thing,” York agreed.

The Lord Chancellor was flustered but he allowed it, “Indeed, my Lord of Warwick. If you might wait outside.”

The Earl did as requested and it was some time before York exited the chamber. When he did, Richard looked to him with a smile, “I told you that you would not be hanged. Wiltshire’s outbursts showed the game and the vote was not close. Even Buckingham sided with you.”

“Northumberland?” Warwick questioned.

York allowed a slight laugh, “No. Both he and Exeter waffled, but when it became clear the notion was to acquit you, Bishop Wayneflette sided with the majority and my son in law followed. Bloody coward.”

“I’ll not forget this!” the Earl showed anger.

“Then welcome to my nightmare,” Richard held a strong hand to his shoulder, “I’ve told you before and I will again...this is our lot. What to expect. She has tried to remove you from the political scene. How well I know that play! She has failed.”

Warwick was not ready to let go of his anger, “I will not stand for it, uncle! Just this day, as I have stood before you, I was already aware of trouble within the city. Those of Somerset are out for mine...and not too few from Northumberland. I am hunted and I know the hunter!”

“And she will never stop!” York exclaimed, “So you must be careful!”

“I have done no thing but to protect yours and ours!” Warwick continued, “If my father were here, he would understand.”

Richard showed a calm eye, “He is not here, son. I am. You think that you play at something. So does she. What did I tell you? Gain allies...not enemies. Your play with the Hanse? Not smart, sir. If you are to blame her for something, then blame her for what she does. Not some bloody rumor.”

“She has done much and more, my Lord,” Warwick remained incensed, “I need not tell you. Every thing more poor said about her in all corners! For good reason and our own! I will not cease slandering her name for she deserves it and there is no man that may see...as you have said this day...that would not witness it also had they eyes!”

“We are in a perilous state!” York pulled him closer, “Did you not witness with your own eyes within that chamber how easily one may be led? Wiltshire is a fool and more. Northumberland will never side with you nor us. Be happy that young Somerset is not to Council! He would most assuredly see you hang or more!”

Warwick was not convinced, “And you are too worried, uncle. Have begged for time when you have it not. A person that would strike you down as easily as a morning shite or placing topping to her bread without a care as if it were all natural...just the way things are done. No, sir! That time is over! This Queen...this woman...this girl! She knows not what she does and we are too powerful over her!”

Grabbing his collar, York answered with scorn, “You think that I am weak?! Do you think that I do not know this?! You would hold your own without a care for the true purpose?!!”

“What is the true purpose?” Warwick asked as he allowed the Duke to hold to him, “What is...your goal?”

York pushed him away as he turned, “By God, man! Have I not told you?!!”

“You have told to me good governance,” Warwick readily answered, “And I see it not. A King that is quiet and a woman that runs his affairs. A legion of Lords that would be just as happy to answer to her clarion call if they might take a morsel. And a thing done well...to Ireland...to Calais...that is unappreciated because it does not suit them...or her. I know that I am young, but I know your history...sir. Is this not what you have dealt with throughout your life?”

Richard turned back to him with anger, “You take too much chance!”

“At what point does chance make good?” the young Earl questioned, “When you hold what I have described...when you have seen it for yourself...how better are you than those that sit within that room if you do not see it?”

“How many times must I tell you that I do not wish a war?!” Richard asked with plea in his voice.

Warwick offered a very slim smile, “And how many times should I say that one exists? I value your counsel, uncle. Yet we are in one already. You know it as much as I. You did not give me marching orders if you did not. And so? I have done what I must.”

“I did not ask you to break trade agreements...nor the King’s peace!” York admonished.

The Earl showed a larger smile, “Yes you did and it is done already. I tire of waiting, my Lord...uncle Richard...and so my men will demonstrate on the morrow against this Queen. For the pain that she has caused to me and the pain that she has caused to this realm. We two hold powerful positions and what are they for if not to use them?”

“It is far too dangerous!” York admonished.

Warwick dropped his smile, “I care for you, uncle. I truly do. I do all of this in your name. To my mind, the rightful ruler of this realm. Yet a King does not retreat in the face of pain. A sovereign Lord does not worry overly if the milk is spilled to the barn floor. I need not tell you how dangerous this woman is...and I must say...you have been unduly respectful to a man that would be King.”

“My young Lord...” York looked to him with fierce eyes, “...you do not know what it is that you ask. What you desire. Those men inside that chamber...they would easily hold you to the block. I might myself if it did not mean...”

“What? My Lord...please tell it to me,” Warwick pressed.

Richard sighed with a heavy breath, “You must work within the system!”

“And how has that worked for you?” the Earl asked readily, “A failed plot in fourteen and fifty two? Might as well have been Cade. The battle in which we slew Somerset? Over and done with, sir. And where are we now? At all times, you are reticent. You are right, my Lord. We play a game. I play to win!”

York narrowed his brow, “Your head remains to your body because I was there.”

“And your chance remains because I am here…my Lord,” Warwick replied, “My retinue from Calais...and the north. My father is too peaceful, but I am not. I tell you, sir...I will not stand down!”

“You will do as said!” Richard answered quickly.

Warwick replied, “I will do as said, to be certain. And then I will do more.”

“We do not ask that!” York replied with strength.

“And that is your weakness...uncle,” Warwick answered, “For it is not we...it is you. We would do better with you. Yet you do not see it yourself. I am young, to be certain. My father is old. Neither of us follow this Queen. We follow you!”

 

[Midnite Duke]

Umm...no. While I have my opinions on them, I would not waste time (nor compare these characters with those characters) while I spend my time writing. Now Fancy...that is another story. I love me some Reba!

The first half was a throwaway as I detest all four. But, I think Fancy may be appropriate. Try to find the Bobbie G version as she wrote the song. You are evil, I had to hunt up Kingmaker on Youtube.

 

[HistoryDude]

Well, the war against Margaret will probably begin soon.

Also, whoever had the idea to summon lords under false pretenses on Queen Margaret's behalf was stupid.

Warwick does have a point about pirates flying national flags. How do you tell which are fake?

 

[Historywhiz]

If York truly cared about good governance and nothing else, at this point, he’d grab Warwick by the ear and drag him back into the council chamber declaring that the Earl just attempted to recruit him for a plot to overthrow the king and replace him with York. Yes his wife and the whole of the Nevilles would probably never speak to him again, but he’d silence the queen’s accusations once and for all as even King Henry and all the stupid courtiers would now have proof beyond any doubt that York means what he says.

But of course, he’s not going to do that, because he agrees with Warwick subconsciously, even if he doesn’t realize it yet.