Worcester, September 1459
The hoot of an owl could be heard in the night, though it was rather bright owing to a full moon over head. It was quiet so the snap of a twig was heard easily and Edward hid behind a tree. He held to the pommel of his sword until he heard another sound.
“Is that you?”
The young Earl was tentative but recognized the voice, “Harry?”
“God’s balls, Ned!” Henry Beaufort pushed through the brush, “You send for me and out into all this? I should be mad for even coming.”
Edward moved away from the tree with a smile, “I knew you would.”
“And I should be hanged for it were I found out!” Henry answered with his own slight smile.
Edward moved to him, “I had to see you.”
“You take great risk,” Henry replied but offered a slim embrace, “I cannot be away for long. My absence will be missed.”
“By her?” Edward asked, the jealousy in his voice apparent.
Henry offered a soft kiss to his friend’s cheek and then stood away, “We should not be here together. I had to come...to see that you were safe. Yet I cannot stay.”
“Papa has already begun the march towards Tewkesbury,” Edward replied, “He will be missing of me also, I am certain.”
“Then why, Ned?” Henry questioned, “Why take such risk?”
The young Earl showed a precious smile, “Because it is just we two. With all of this swirling around us...our bond remains. Does it not?”
“Oh, sweet Ned...” Henry looked around the bright forest and then back to his friend with a sigh, “...do you think that the love we hold could end this? I’ve told you before...you are such a charming fool.”
“I wish not to see you in battle.”
Henry laughed, “I recall a time when you would relish it. I on my sick bed? You tending to me? You said that you could take me.”
“And I did,” the Earl grinned.
Somerset did not return the smile, “And that time is over. You know it well. It was I that commanded the forces that brought your cousin to you at Ludlow. Wishing to see all of you together...and by doing so, end this for good and proper.”
“Harry...” Edward showed a serious eye, “...I promise you. They will not fight. I have heard them. Over and over again. What happened to Blore Heath...it was the same to St. Albans. They were provoked and had little other choice. It was kill or be killed.”
“I was there!” Henry Beaufort grew angry, “There was no provocation at St. Albans. It was the very same as we see now. And my father died because of it!”
Edward held a hand to his chest, “I know, Harry. I know. I was there too and I have tried to counsel my father. Yet he will not listen. None of them will...except maybe my uncle. Yet he is heart sick over his sons.”
“They are tended to in all good faith,” Henry replied, “And should I ask for poor Dudley?”
“Likewise,” Edward answered, “His wounds are healing.”
Henry pulled Edward close, “Yet what of ours? What is it that you think we might do to end all of this? Just because of our friendship? Our love? I will never deny my unending desire to see the Earl of Warwick perish before me. I find sleep at night with that thought and wake upon the morn with the exact same. It is personal...and he has made it more than that! He and your father challenge the very crown!”
“The King’s standard is displayed, Harry,” Edward suggested with their faces held tight, “My father is very specific, regardless of the why and mayhap to his detriment. He will not fight the King and even swore after sacrament to render obedience.”
“All lies told to God when his actions prove otherwise,” Somerset backed away, “Even the King knows it true.”
Edward pressed, “These are lies that the Queen tells to you!”
“I am not God, so which is better?” Henry questioned, “You have been offered pardon...again. And will not take it. Not your father. Not Warwick! My father is dead so who is now the supposed evil councilor? The Queen? She is the man’s wife and anointed so...”
“And your lover?” Edward asked in pique.
“Your tongue may get the better of you, young sir!” Henry held to his sword.
Edward stood tall, “It has gotten the better of you a few times, as memory suggests! Is she better than I? Does she do things that I cannot?!”
“Your jealousy does not become you, Ned,” Henry answered, “And I did not come here to fight you. In fact, I never wish to do so. Our thing...is not this. In better times? Mayhap. Yet we are beyond that. There is an army out there that is far superior to the one that your father holds. In numbers if no thing else. If the Duke of York is content to try his hand one more time at playing obedience despite his clear intention...well...I cannot save him. Nor you.”
The young Earl stepped back and showed sorrow, “I wish we did not have to take sides.”
“If wish and buts, Ned...” Henry showed a slight smile, “...yet you know it to be true. There is little to be done and certainly not by we. As long as your father holds an army that threatens...”
“We are in retreat!” Edward answered readily.
Henry replied with a soft gaze, “Not enough. If you could convince them to stand down...mayhap. Yet likely not. Not even that. You speak of provocation? This Queen would do anything to protect her own. Her husband and her cub. Like it...or respect it...or no. There is not a man that serves her that would turn tail and run such is her wrath. No, sir...my lovely boy...appreciate my knowing of her or not. She will not relent and she holds to her every part of this kingdom.”
“I held hope,” Edward sighed.
The young Duke pressed a hand to his friend’s chest, “And you are hardly eight and ten, sir. A sure bright light...in a most certain dark age. I wished to see you...and I am happy that you are well. Yet no matter where your father goes at the now...and you with him...there will be no one safe. Of that, I can assure you.”
“Harry!” Edward held his friend close, “This is all so foolish! Too many will be harmed and I know you do not wish it!”
Henry Beaufort clasped the young man’s face and kissed him fully before pulling back and showing a loving eye, “I think this the last time we may see each other in such fashion, Ned. Seems we say it every time...yet this may be it. I love you. I truly do. Yet I am on my quest...and you are on yours.”
“She will be your undoing,” Edward replied softly as he held an embrace.
Henry held it too, “Then I am to be undone.”
The young Earl squeezed tighter, “I’ll not fight you, Harry!”
Somerset pulled away only to gently kiss Edward again and then said, “Yes...you will.”
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