The Wars of the Roses

[El Pip]

To drop back a bit;

Young Edward was naught but eleven but he stood as well to argue, “The lot of you are weak! Vous êtes des hommes faibles! Mon père...most of all! The man outside is a traitor that takes from me in every way! You would support maman or you should go away!”

Under his breath, King Henry scoffed, “You are not of my loins.”

I can safely say that whatever terrible things happens to the young bastard Edward they will be insufficient. You can just tell he is an irredeemably awful human being, which is what you would expect given his parentage. Sad to see Henry continuing his trend of saying the right things far, far too late.

I am saddened that we never got the Henry and Henry double act having buddy movie-esque escapades around France trying to avoid capture. But then as they would doubtless agree is a life in France actually worth living?

On which note Somerset. Safe to say almost everyone will be better off now he is dead. I think I disagree with an earlier comment about a clash between his sense/self interest and his oath/honour/grievances. The impression he gives is of someone incredibly self centred, everything is about him. His oath is not framed in "being loyal to the King is a good thing" but about the impact of breaking it on Somerset personally. Same for his missing of Ned and desire to kill Warwick, it's not about Ned but about Somerset. Now he's gone you can look back and he's not that complex, he impulsive certainly but very consistent in never thinking about anyone but himself.

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

The realm is slowly being drained of all the awful stupid people that got it into this mess, in time for a whole new set of awful stupid people (and Henry Tudor) to rise.

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

To drop back a bit;

I can safely say that whatever terrible things happens to the young bastard Edward they will be insufficient. You can just tell he is an irredeemably awful human being, which is what you would expect given his parentage. Sad to see Henry continuing his trend of saying the right things far, far too late.

I am saddened that we never got the Henry and Henry double act having buddy movie-esque escapades around France trying to avoid capture. But then as they would doubtless agree is a life in France actually worth living?

On which note Somerset. Safe to say almost everyone will be better off now he is dead. I think I disagree with an earlier comment about a clash between his sense/self interest and his oath/honour/grievances. The impression he gives is of someone incredibly self centred, everything is about him. His oath is not framed in "being loyal to the King is a good thing" but about the impact of breaking it on Somerset personally. Same for his missing of Ned and desire to kill Warwick, it's not about Ned but about Somerset. Now he's gone you can look back and he's not that complex, he impulsive certainly but very consistent in never thinking about anyone but himself.

If young Edward of Westminster were not a twerp, then I would be wasting a character.

As to Somerset, that is fair. While his motivations were presented as great moral quandary, like many of these characters his actions were ultimately self serving. I would argue his last act the most of all. He wanted to die and found a way to make that happen while telling himself that he was standing for far more. At least that was my intention as I finished his arc.

The realm is slowly being drained of all the awful stupid people that got it into this mess, in time for a whole new set of awful stupid people (and Henry Tudor) to rise.

What makes you think that Henry Tudor will not also be awful and stupid as your parenthetical might suggest?

 

[coz1]

Chapter 25: The Promise of Power

* * *

Caen, April 1464​

Richard strode through the town giving nod to his soldiers as he went. He was appreciative, but he was also sad. He could not shake the face in his mind of Beaufort on his last day...his last moment. A boy he knew from an early age and one that had spent many a time in his own house. As if his very son…

“Your Grace,” the Duke of Norfolk approached, “The city is ours and so too the keep. Ile Saint-Jean is subdued and the river now secured.”

The King only raised a brow as he kept walking and looked out over the ruined town. Mowbray followed, “More so, sire...there are a few treats to be desired.”

Richard stopped and turned to him with a harsh eye, “There is no treat to this, sir!”

“Begging apology, Your Grace...” Norfolk replied, “...yet you may wish to rethink that. I know that you hold a heavy heart and rightly so. Somerset was...”

“You know not what Somerset was,” Richard leaned in close.

Norfolk gave nod, “Nay, sire. That is only for your mind. Yet...there are spoils.”

“I did not wish him,” the King moved to walk again, “I wished her!”

Mowbray kept pace, “And I am sad to say that she has escaped. Yet again. But the bounty is near complete, Your Grace. We have the town and...we have Henry so called King.”

Richard turned again sharply, “What?!”

“Indeed, sire,” Norfolk nodded proudly, “He was captured outside the city. And not the only one. Your son in law as well, so says Lord Hastings.”

“Where is he?” Richard moved with alacrity, “I would see him!”

Norfolk reached out, “Your Grace, he is...at rest.”

“What mean you?!” the King scoffed.

The Duke tried to show some sympathy, “Henry that calls himself King is in a state. He is to the keep yet thinks himself to Canterbury praying at the shrine of Becket. I may not explain it any more than that for I know not his troubles.”

Richard looked over his shoulder with a pensive gaze, “And you said Exeter?”

“I did,” Norfolk gave nod, “That one is held with some others to the city square awaiting your verdict.”

The King wasted no time and boldly marched to his captives. There he found seven or eight that fought for Somerset and stood above them with hands to his hips, “I would give each of you chance to repent your crimes, but you must speak your words of sorrow at the first!”

“Father?” Henry Holland raised his meek head and held to an injured leg, “For the sake of your daughter, might you spare me?”

Richard ignored him and spied another, “Is that Tailboys? The lap dog of a whore?!”

“It is, Your Grace,” Norfolk sneered at the knight.

“Sire...I mean you no harm nor ill repute,” Sir William Tailboys held up his chained hands, “I was trying to escape this poor calamity to run to your side and...”

“Shut your mouth!” the King stood over him with anger and then looked to his Duke, “Where did you find him?”

Norfolk held out a bag of coin, “Like all good cowards, Your Grace, this one stole from his supposed King hoping to find his own fortune. This is but a piece of it.”

“To run away in the night...like a roach or rat!” Richard was disgusted, “I do wonder if you learned that from your mistress?”

Tailboys knelt lower on his knees, “I beseech you, Your Grace! Please spare me!”

“I think not,” Richard held up his hand and soldiers moved readily to place the knight to a block.

“I stole only for you, Your Grace!” Tailboys pleaded.

Exeter looked on from behind and laughed, “He lies, sir. I may hardly believe it. He served the Queen in every way and when his fear won out, he fled like a coward with riches that were not his.”

The King finally turned to his son in law with a curious eye, “That itself is rich. Yet what did you do...sir?”

“Does it matter?” Henry Holland answered.

“It does,” Richard moved through the prisoners to stand over him, “What would you do? To a traitor? A thief? Tell me, son. What is your word?”

Exeter looked to Tailboys and shook his head, “He should not live. Ever.”

King Richard kept his gaze to his son in law but gave nod of his head. Soldiers moved to hold at Tailboys and he was beheaded on the spot. Richard still did not turn as he kept an eye to Exeter, “Is that the way of it?”

“It is just punishment...father,” Henry Holland replied, “Hear me or no, but I have saved two Kings in this life. I am prepared for...”

“Spare me!” Richard turned away and looked to the Duke of Norfolk, “Take him to holding and we will figure his fate later. The rest of these...they are no better than that one without his head. Let it be done. Now...where is my cousin?”

Norfolk gave nod, “To the keep sire. Yet I say again. He is...not well.”

King Richard frowned and pushed through the soldiers to find him. When he did, Henry was to a bed and covered closely by a rough blanket. He seemed to sleep soundly but Richard banged a cup to the table in his chamber and woke him up.

“We are at prayer,” Henry answered softly with his eyes still shut.

He stood over him, “No longer, cousin. I would speak with you.”

Henry rolled over and opened his eyes. He even showed a smile, “Dear Richard. I’ve waited for this moment. Would you care to kneel at the shrine with me?”

“You are not to Canterbury...sir,” Richard answered with a sad eye, “Are you not well?”

Henry slowly moved his legs over the bed with a kind face, “I know. But that I am your prisoner, it seems helpful to play the fool. Might you give some allowance for that?”

“You have never been that exacting, cousin,” Richard frowned, “And...you are my guest.”

Henry shrugged, “I shall be anything that you require, cousin. Yet what of those that serve me?”

“Those that are left?” Richard shifted to sit next to him on the bed, “They are few. Did you know that Tailboys stole from you?”

“I did not,” Henry replied, “Yet it does not surprise me. He served my wife and not me. Yet what of her...and the boy?”

Richard held a soft hand to his cousin’s leg, “She escaped. The both of them.”

“I might say good for her,” Henry answered as he held his hand over Richard’s.

“You might...” Richard pulled away and stood, “...yet she remains a threat. So do you. What am I to do?”

Henry could only smile, “So you find this ruling thing troublesome? It is difficult, is it not? I did say to you that it would be.”

“I am perfectly capable, as I have always been, to handle this role,” Richard stood as tall as he might, “Yet I did not imagine that I would have vipers at my side at every turn once gained.”

“Then you have not been paying attention,” Henry looked to him with a grin, “For it will always be thus. Why do you think that I care not for it? You asked for it. And there you have it. Cousin...you are roundly in and I...roundly out. I want it no more. It is yours and you may do with it what you wish. I only ask that you be kind. Allow the Almighty to be judge.”

Richard narrowed his brow, “That is why you are there and I am here, sir. I do not hold to comfort nor kindness. Not now. That day was over long ago.”

“Do you remember...” Henry leaned back in the bed as he thought, “...that day in the summer? So long ago. We were to Fotheringhay, I think. You were...hardly four and ten. I was...”

Richard answered bluntly, “Four.”

“It is one of my earliest memories,” Henry continued as he thought, “The Cardinal...he arrived and shouted to all of my servants. Paraded me around for all to see and then shut me up again for...studies...who knows?”

“He thought that he ruled,” Richard gave nod, “And I did not like it then.”

Henry looked to his cousin, “Neither did I. But I was so young. And do you recall what you did?”

“I do,” Richard found a slight smile, “I stood tall to him.”

“Never your strong suit,” Henry grinned, “Especially then. Yet you did. Told him well that I was King and he was not. That he would never be. And then you took me fishing. I think not to ever forget that day.”

Richard lowered his head as he remembered it, “I have not either. I have always loved you, Henry.”

“In past I have said that you show a strange way of showing it,” Henry answered with kindness, “Yet I hold to no thing now but my present. I love you as well, cousin. I am sorry that you find your rule so troubled. I might have told you...given counsel. Yet we find that so wanting, do we not?”

“I’ll not harm you, cousin,” Richard replied with care.

Henry smiled, “I know. Yet every step you take harms your soul in this life. I hold hate for no man. Yours? I would take a care for your soul, sir. God will judge us all despite what we do or do not.”

“I admit...” Richard softened, “...I did not realize how much pressure and pain was involved.”

The former King smiled again, “If you wish advice from me, cousin...then you have come to the wrong place.”

 

[El Pip]

I remain surprised at how much I am coming to appreciate Henry Holland. Like is certainly too strong a word and I still have absolutely zero sympathy for him as it's all self inflicted, but he has these flashes of decency and honesty. I find myself pleased he survived and will still be around, he has developed as a man in way that Somerset never did.

Once again Henry gets to the right place far too late, but I think things could go surprisingly well for him in the short term. While useless as a bargaining hostage (Margaret does not give a stuff about him) he is still more useful alive than dead at this point. Dead it means the Bastard Young Edward becomes the claimant and he's running around fee, but while Henry lives it does at least split the opposition. Of course when they are all at captured, then a series of tragic accidents becomes more tempting. Though whether Richard will do so is an open question, sure Margaret and the Bastard will be killed without as second thought, but can he actually order the death of Henry? After that last scene I'm not sure.

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

Though whether Richard will do so is an open question, sure Margaret and the Bastard will be killed without as second thought, but can he actually order the death of Henry? After that last scene I'm not sure.

Doesn't need to be killed. Renounce the throne and all his heirs (aka his brothers), explicitly denounce the bustard boy as a bustard boy, then shuffle him off to the tower for thoughts and prayers.

Kill the mummy and the boy though, obviously.

 

[Rensslaer]

A very touching scene. Well written and poignant. It meshes well with our previous scene with Henry running and being found.

Interesting how Richard is surprised when he hears they've actually caught someone -- so used to having his prey slip away.

Great scene between Richard and Henry. Henry might be of use in renouncing the crown and denying his "son". But that may be too much to expect.

I also look forward to seeing what will become of Exeter. Hard to believe Richard would kill his daughter's husband. But I watched him try before. I agree with what @El Pip said on this.

Rensslaer

 

[HistoryDude]

I liked that scene - it's nice to see that Henry and Richard's relationship might not be totally destroyed.

If Henry does renounce the throne and denounce Edward as illegitimate, how will Margaret attempt to justify remaining in rebellion?

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

I remain surprised at how much I am coming to appreciate Henry Holland. Like is certainly too strong a word and I still have absolutely zero sympathy for him as it's all self inflicted, but he has these flashes of decency and honesty. I find myself pleased he survived and will still be around, he has developed as a man in way that Somerset never did.

I feel much the same way. He seems to have more agency even if much of it leads him down wrong paths.

Once again Henry gets to the right place far too late, but I think things could go surprisingly well for him in the short term. While useless as a bargaining hostage (Margaret does not give a stuff about him) he is still more useful alive than dead at this point. Dead it means the Bastard Young Edward becomes the claimant and he's running around fee, but while Henry lives it does at least split the opposition. Of course when they are all at captured, then a series of tragic accidents becomes more tempting. Though whether Richard will do so is an open question, sure Margaret and the Bastard will be killed without as second thought, but can he actually order the death of Henry? After that last scene I'm not sure.

A very good point as regards Henry/Young Edward. And I hope it has been noticed over the years that Richard does have a "soft spot" for Henry at times. In many ways, he thinks of Henry as a little brother.

Doesn't need to be killed. Renounce the throne and all his heirs (aka his brothers), explicitly denounce the bustard boy as a bustard boy, then shuffle him off to the tower for thoughts and prayers.

Kill the mummy and the boy though, obviously.

Richard will have to capture her first.

A very touching scene. Well written and poignant. It meshes well with our previous scene with Henry running and being found.

Interesting how Richard is surprised when he hears they've actually caught someone -- so used to having his prey slip away.

Great scene between Richard and Henry. Henry might be of use in renouncing the crown and denying his "son". But that may be too much to expect.

In RL, it behooved Edward to finally get rid of Henry because of a whiff of illegitimacy. Both in the taking of the throne itself but rumors of bastardy as well. Richard doesn't quite have that problem. No one questions his legitimate right, even if they question how he gained it. And his blood is pure, perhaps even more than Henry's. It is a tricky subject and while Henry is seemingly happy to be recovered, he may not let go of his God anointed right that easily.

I also look forward to seeing what will become of Exeter. Hard to believe Richard would kill his daughter's husband. But I watched him try before. I agree with what @El Pip said on this.

Rensslaer

Richard has gone through a lot since the last time he saw Exeter. And so has Exeter. Their relationship will continue to develop for a time, rest assured.

I liked that scene - it's nice to see that Henry and Richard's relationship might not be totally destroyed.

If Henry does renounce the throne and denounce Edward as illegitimate, how will Margaret attempt to justify remaining in rebellion?

I'm sure Margaret can think of a few ways. Or she will try

 

[coz1]

Baynard’s Castle, April 1464​

The two boys trained in the courtyard as the Master instructed them, but the older one kept pushing. Young Richard had finally felt enough and used his dull blade to slap his brother over the head.

“Christ’s Keys, Dickon!!” George shouted as he held to his skull, “We’re only sparring!”

The instructor moved to separate them and Richard remained sullen without saying a word.

George pressed, “I was only trying to give you a solid fight! You won’t learn otherwise!”

“You are bigger...and you are stronger,” Richard answered with a narrowed brow, “But I swear to you, Georgie...I will not be bullied!”

“The two of you...” Master Prentice tried to reprimand them but George showed a deep frown before he rushed his little brother.

The boys scuffled on the ground with each getting in several good blows, but finally a voice called out from above, “You will cease!!”

“He started it!!” George pushed from the ground and pointed.

Cecily stood from the balcony with her hands on her hips and a familiar harsh glare, “And I shall end it! The both of you should be ashamed of yourself! Be to your rooms at the once and do no leave them until you have been called!”

Knowing that they would not dare challenge her directive, Cecily moved back through the wide doors to the solar and found her eldest daughter to a settle by the fire. Anne held tightly to her young daughter and sung to her softly. With a loving sigh, the Queen moved to pour a goblet of wine and then stood over them, “You know that you need not stay here with me to keep me company, dearest. The castle to Exeter is yours now and should be made so for this cherub as well for it is hers as much as yours.”

Anne did not smile as she looked up, “Yet father is so long gone and poor Edmund. Meg is far away now and Lillibet with her young one to Lincoln...who is to look after you otherwise? Those two out there?”

“My dear,” Cecily moved back to the doors and looked out to make certain that the boys did as told, “I have been doing for mine own long before you were ever born and have been through worse than this.”

“Yet are you not worried about Ed?”

Cecily did not turn even as her face screwed into a frown, “Percy would not harm him. Not if he values his own life.”

Anne showed her own worry, “I wish I could be as calm about it, mama...yet we have seen so much these years. Such awful things! I think to trust no one to be honorable. Not after what happened to…

“Speak it not!!” Cecily turned swiftly with a crooked brow and shut her up. Moving slowly to a settle opposite, the Queen sat gently and raised her proud head, “Your father will not remain to Normandy forever and when he returns, all shall be sorted. As it has always been done. Do not question.”

The Duchess looked down to her little namesake and brushed at her fat cheeks, “I have always admired you, mama. The strongest Lady in the land, that is no doubt. Yet sometimes...I think you to be cruel.”

Cecily took the admonition calmly and brushed gently to her dress, “Cruel you say? Hmm. I shall choose not to take offense nor do I apologize for my ways. I have raised all of my children to be proud and self sufficient as I was. As I am. And I will hold little regret in this life for only God may judge me.”

“I do not judge you, mama,” Anne held her own more tightly, “Yet I do not understand why you will not mention...him...by name.”

The Queen’s eyes grew wide as she peered strongly at her daughter, “For he...will not...return. This world is for the living, child. You had best get ready for that for you are alone and must take care of yourself now. And that is your own choice!”

“Tis not my choice that my husband can never be found, mama!” Anne stood after making certain her young one was nestled in the pillows, “Who may know where he is at any moment, nor what he does? Or why?!”

Cecily scoffed and turned away, “He has seen you made well, it seems. All of his lands and more are yours after his attainment so I think not that you be some pauper...my Lady Duchess.”

“That is no answer, mama!” Anne replied with sadness, “Do you think that lands and castles and titles are things that might make one happy or at peace? Is there not some thing to be claimed for a life with another? As you have seen with father?”

Cecily turned back and pointed plainly, “You hold a life with another there. Yet another thing that he did give to you.”

“Why do you stand up for him?!” the Duchess looked shocked towards her mother, “He has never been anything but cruel to me and you would think him some paragon?”

She looked plainly to her daughter, “I was not the one that lay with him, my dear.”

“I was not the one that chose him!”

With a shrug, Cecily stood and moved to the fire, “Now you are being foolish. No one chooses that.”

“I would choose to divorce him,” Anne held her head high.

Cecily turned swiftly, “You will not!!!”

“Why?!” Anne pressed, “He is no husband to me at the now, nor father to this child! I am only twenty and five, mama! Still of age for more children and a fine husband! Why?!”

“Because it is not done!!” the Queen rushed to her daughter and held strongly to her arm, “You are a King’s daughter, young lady! A Princess, for God’s sake!! And if you could think clearly, instead of being a silly heart, you might imagine that your role and title give you plenty of power on your own! That child there is of the blood royal on both sides and a match nonpareil! Think to her future and not your own! Do not be selfish!”

Anne was moved to tears and pulled her arm away from the hard clutch of her mother. Sweeping up her young child, she rushed from the solar leaving Cecily to look after her with some bemusement.

“She will be well, mama,” a voice suggested behind her.

Turning to spy young Richard’s face, the twelve year old stood as tall as he might and followed, “And I am sorrowful for fighting with George. I promise not to do it again.”

 

[HistoryDude]

Why do I feel like Anne is about to do something reckless?

It was nice to see how York's family back in England was doing. Hopefully the enmity between George and Richard was normal sibling shenanigans and not a sign of future conflict after King Richard's death...

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

We do need a baddie for Henry VII to fight so...maybe George ends up being the villain in a shocking TWIST

 

[Rensslaer]

I was half ready for Exeter to show up on scene while that conversation was going on. THAT would have been a hoot!

I feel bad for her. Feel bad for Exeter. He does try, and he does love her. But there is no love in return? I thought maybe at one time there was, but I may be misremembering. She wouldn't want him back? Or perhaps I was reading the subtext wrong.

It's not Cecily that is cruel, so much as the world they live in -- the "noble" lifestyle. It's hard for us to understand from a modern perspective.

Rensslaer

 

[Kurt_Steiner]

Why does she need to divorce Exeter when there are daggers and posions (or ships) at hand?

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

Why does she need to divorce Exeter when there are daggers and posions (or ships) at hand?

Indeed. He's currently fair odds of being killed legitimate by the king too so no need for divorce. Just have him cut out the old fashioned way, have the baby inherit everything, and live it up as a duchess 'in mourning' until she wants to marry again.

 

[Lord Durham]

Great exchange between Anne and Cecily. Sucks being a female of royal blood back in the day when your marriage choices amounted to zero and none. I wonder if Cecily thought the same way when she was Anne's age? If so, it would either make her a hypocrite or resigned to 'the way things are.'

 

[Bullfilter]

“She will be well, mama,” a voice suggested behind her.

Oho, who’s this slyly listening in to others’ conversations?

Turning to spy young Richard’s face, the twelve year old stood as tall as he might and followed, “And I am sorrowful for fighting with George. I promise not to do it again.”

Knock me over with a feather, ‘tis young Richard! He won’t do it again - better to do it in the shadows and without attribution. With Edward gone and Edmund at hazard in captivity, there’s just George in the way and a sticky outcome for Ed and … voila, who’s heir to the throne then?

 

[coz1]

Fb-fb:

Why do I feel like Anne is about to do something reckless?

It was nice to see how York's family back in England was doing. Hopefully the enmity between George and Richard was normal sibling shenanigans and not a sign of future conflict after King Richard's death...

From this point forward, all of York's children will begin to have more urgency. It may happen slowly over time, but I've been trying to focus more on them when I can.

We do need a baddie for Henry VII to fight so...maybe George ends up being the villain in a shocking TWIST

What if Henry Tudor is the actual villain?

I was half ready for Exeter to show up on scene while that conversation was going on. THAT would have been a hoot!

I feel bad for her. Feel bad for Exeter. He does try, and he does love her. But there is no love in return? I thought maybe at one time there was, but I may be misremembering. She wouldn't want him back? Or perhaps I was reading the subtext wrong.

It's not Cecily that is cruel, so much as the world they live in -- the "noble" lifestyle. It's hard for us to understand from a modern perspective.

Rensslaer

I'm sure I've mentioned it before but Anne is the most naive of the York children (odd since she is the oldest.) She desperately wanted to believe in her storybook marriage and life but events conspired against that (and Exeter himself.)

Why does she need to divorce Exeter when there are daggers and posions (or ships) at hand?

There is that.

Indeed. He's currently fair odds of being killed legitimate by the king too so no need for divorce. Just have him cut out the old fashioned way, have the baby inherit everything, and live it up as a duchess 'in mourning' until she wants to marry again.

That is true. Anne would become Dowager Duchess with her daughter inheriting Exeter estates. Quite the catch, actually. Cecily has a point.

Great exchange between Anne and Cecily. Sucks being a female of royal blood back in the day when your marriage choices amounted to zero and none. I wonder if Cecily thought the same way when she was Anne's age? If so, it would either make her a hypocrite or resigned to 'the way things are.'

It would be an interesting side story to write the original courtship between Richard and Cecily. They are one of those rare medieval couples that actually do love each other despite it being a purposeful match.

Oho, who’s this slyly listening in to others’ conversations?

Knock me over with a feather, ‘tis young Richard! He won’t do it again - better to do it in the shadows and without attribution. With Edward gone and Edmund at hazard in captivity, there’s just George in the way and a sticky outcome for Ed and … voila, who’s heir to the throne then?

I am pleased that someone found the creepy vibe I was going for with young Richard. I'm not saying that is who or how he will become, but I did try and perhaps suggest it. Really, this character will be the most difficult to write because so many people have such preconceived notions about him (thanks, Bill!)

 

[coz1]

St. Andrews, Scotland, May 1464​

Bishop Kennedy looked out over the rocky promontory to the beach below and watched the boy play in the sand. It was a warm day with a hot sun overhead, but the news he needed to tell his young ward was cold indeed. He waited for another beat before finally slapping his thigh and worked his way down until he felt the pebbles crunch under foot. Servants were alerted to him and spoke softly to the Prince who made no movement to acknowledge his mentor.

Standing for a time before clearing his breath, the Bishop took another step, “Sir, I come with poor tidings.”

Lord Boyd stood close by and questioned, “Must you disturb the Prince? He is having a fine time of it.”

The fool Bishop Kennedy thought and then looked once more to James, “It is your father, sir.”

“Aye?” the Prince finally spoke, “What of him?”

How to say it? The Bishop knew not but tried, “He...he was very brave.”

“Was?” Lord Boyd questioned realizing what the Bishop meant.

Bishop Kennedy lowered his head, “To Northumberland, my Prince. Though valiant and victorious, your father the King...was not to see the final result for he was struck down in battle with the English.”

The young Prince was not more than twelve, but lifted on his gangly legs and stood before his warder, “What mean you?”

“I know it be difficult,” the Bishop tried to console, “Having already lost your mother the Queen...yet it is true, my Prince. You are...now King.”

Both the Bishop and Lord Boyd quickly offered bow but James remained confused, “That cannot be. Not at all. Father held only one wish after mother died. To defeat the English and take what is ours to the south.”

“And that he did,” Bishop Kennedy raised his head, “Yet he did perish in the trying. It was a great victory. I am told that the English Earl of Warwick pressed to him at Hexham not a fortnight ago with a great army and yet this Lord was pushed back with great effort. King James led the charge that caused this Earl to flee the battle. Yet he was...the King did...he did not survive from his wounds.”

Lord Boyd narrowed his brow, “I told you that we should not have honored this French alliance. Her Grace wished it not when alive...nor that with the so-called English Queen. She has caused no amount of ruin to us over these years and even King James liked her not.”

“My father is dead?” James continued to question.

The Bishop gave nod, “Aye, sir. To find the grace of God Almighty and enters to eternity at His side. I am...we are all most sorrowful.”

“So then...” the young Prince clasped his hands and held them to his mouth in thought, “...what are we to do?”

Lord Boyd ignored him and looked to the Bishop, “Where are this man’s brothers? His sister?”

“All to safekeeping,” the Bishop assured them both, “And we must waste no time to see you crowned, sir. That is our first priority.”

Young James lifted his head, “I should think winning this war first. Would not you?”

“It is unwinnable,” the Bishop answered plainly, “Though a great victory, it is...or will be...short lived. Word comes from Normandy that the English King has won a resounding victory and has taken Caen. He moves now to Caux and the Castilians march upon Paris itself.”

Lord Boyd skewed an eye, “What of the French whore? Was she not to take her husband and find London?”

“They are fools, the lot of them,” Bishop Kennedy answered with exasperation, “Her champion has died, my Prince...my King. This Margaret of Anjou goes back to where she came from and is no more. And her husband once called King? He is once again prisoner to the man of York who now calls himself King.”

“Yet his son is prisoner, is he not?” Boyd questioned, “The man Percy holds him hostage.”

“Sod the Percy!” the Bishop answered in frustration, “He is the last of them. The named Earl of Northumberland rots to the Tower of London. It is only a matter of time that King Richard defeats his enemies within France before he returns to face us all. We should sue for peace and hope to keep Berwick as promised.”

Young James thought more before answering, “No. I think not. That was not my father’s wish. I am young so I shall trust in you both for your counsel...yet I would honor him. My father.”

“Sir...sire!” Bishop Kennedy pressed, “I tell you now. This Earl of Warwick is not finished in the north and will return. With him will come the full might of England. And that includes their King.”

“Who did not accept Berwick for that was gifted by the whore so she might use our men for her purpose,” Lord Boyd answered, “If she is gone, then we must gain it for ourselves. There are near to twenty thousand to Northumberland, my Lord Bishop. Our twenty thousand. Invest the lot of it, I say. Use what time we have before this Richard sails in return so that we may make some thing of the treaty.”

James gave nod, “Yes. I agree. I would not let my father die in vain. He has won it soundly, in my hearing.”

The Bishop sighed, “I would honor your father the King in all ways, sire...yet it be best to make a friend of this Richard King of England. He will be vengeful to those that mistreat his son, especially after what happened to his first. We have made our play, rightly or wrongly...and it is near to the end. Unless you desire an invasion...”

“They will invade anyway,” Lord Boyd countered.

Bishop Kennedy ignored him, “Unless you wish to lose all that your father has gained...Berwick...Roxburgh...all of it, I fear that you must choose peace. I may not express enough how tenuous your rule already is. This be Scotland...Your Grace. And you hold two brothers that will someday be men like yourself. Our clans are fickle and ruthless. No less than the King of England himself. Right moves now may prove your rule. Wrong ones?”

Young James looked up with strength, “Think not that I do not know our history, sirs. My father slew the Douglas by stabbing him twenty six times, it is said. And then threw him from a window. I would not do any less to one that crossed me.”

“Your Grace...” Bishop Kennedy tried to reason, “...you are twelve and soon to three and ten. This King Richard has killed more people in his sleep than you have ever met. And the clans of Scotland are not kind to minority rule. You already fight on two fronts.”

Lord Boyd was forced to agree, “He’s right, sir...sire. We must clean our own house before we tussle with our neighbor.”

Young James did not like it and kicked the sand castle he had built. As it crumbled to the surf, he paced and then looked to them both, “As my father died, someday too will this King Richard. He is old and I am young. I will outlast him.”

“Indeed, Your Grace,” the Bishop replied with a nod, “Patience is the order. A thing the English King does not hold. You will be better for it in the end.”

James again looked to them with some ferocity in his eyes, “Yet I am young, sirs. And impatient. Let those that tussle with us know...we will take our spoils. I may not answer for my father’s decisions, yet if we hold some of Northumberland...then we should hold it all.”

“It will not be kept!” the Bishop proclaimed.

“No...” James offered a wry smile for his age, “...yet we may render it useless in the after.”

 

[TheButterflyComposer]

What if Henry Tudor is the actual villain?

Now don't be silly.

James

Well, he's doomed. Scottish king called James? Only thing up for debate is how awfully he will die.

Young James lifted his head, “I should think winning this war first. Would not you?”

“It is unwinnable,” the Bishop answered plainly

“They are fools, the lot of them,” Bishop Kennedy answered with exasperation

Who is this sensible chap and why was he not listened to before this point?

Young James did not like it and kicked the sand castle he had built. As it crumbled to the surf, he paced and then looked to them both, “As my father died, someday too will this King Richard. He is old and I am young. I will outlast him.”

“No...” James offered a wry smile for his age, “...yet we may render it useless in the after.”

Uh huh. I mean, he is sort of right in that England is, eventually, going to crush Scotland without France to Distract them. So they might as well go down fighting.

Burning the north actually strengthens the king of englands hand though. That's where all his rebellious vassals are.