Derby House/Lamberth Palace - London

[Pontifex Maximus]

The London residences of Cardinal Humphrey Bourchier, Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Chancellor and Edward Bourchier, 3rd Earl Essex, 2nd Baron Donnington, High Lord Treasurer.

[Oznerol]

The earl of Essex is called to Eltham, discreetly, by the queen.

[Pontifex Maximus]

PROLOGUE

Edward Bourchier arrived at Lamberth Palace in order to meet with his brother, the Archbishop of Canterbury. After he was admitted entry into the imposing building, he made his way to the Archbishop’s study and once in his presence, dutifully kissed his ring. “Brother, it is good to see you again.”
Cardinal Humphrey sneered “Oh yes, it must be. It seems you have benefitted greatly from our brother’s death. You’ve come into your own, Edward.” Humphrey replied with some disdain.

“Still, it seems we have both benefitted from his death.” The Earl replied “I am Lord High Treasurer, and you are Lord Chancellor. We should be getting along quite nicely with eachother. If we were to cast aside any past, petty squabbles, we might govern effectively…”
Humphrey cut him off “Oh we might govern quite effectively together indeed. The Church is owed its due from the royal coffers, as per the King’s will. You should prioritize its payment.”

“So now we come down to it” Edward replied with a laugh “I have larger issues to deal with than the greed of the church.” The Cardinal made a move to respond venomously but was cut off once more. “I can ensure the King’s will, including the funds meant for the church.” Edward exclaimed “if you follow my directions.”
Humphrey looked bemused “Oh,only if I follow your commands? Who do you think you are?”

“I am the Earl of Essex, the Baron of Donnington, the Lord High Treasurer and possibly…the Duke of Essex.” He said with a smile “That’s right. I am on an errand from the Queen, one which might prove most profitable. I must gather evidence against the Duke Clarence, in order to undermine his regency in favor of the Queen.”

“I see.” Humphrey replied, mostly disinterested. “And if I aid you, the King’s debts to the Church will be accelerated?” It was all too easy for the Archbishop to do so, he knew. The sum was substantial, and his brother seemed to have the apparent authority to prioritize it. “We must talk further of this…” he said, he also called for wine to be served….

[Lucius Malfoy]

The Duke of Clarence comes to visit the Earl of Essex at his home, the Derby House. His brother, the Duke of Gloucester, had advised him to speak with the Chancellor of the Exchequer over matters of the longstanding debt of the Crown and other matters. The former of which was just an excuse, from what George gathered, to speak with Bourchier.

[Pontifex Maximus]

Clarence is brought before Edward in his office

[Lucius Malfoy]

The Duke of Clarence enters the office of the Earl of Essex.

My Lord Bourchier, I must congratulate you on your elevation. My brother has informed me to speak with you about finances.

He walks over to the desk. Having only recently returned from Ireland, George was aware of the mounting debt.

Especially when it concerns the present debt of the English Crown... its not good if my nephew inherits a penniless throne.

[Pontifex Maximus]

"No it is not." Edward replied frankly. "I may be able to devise a way to pay down the principal debts, specifically those owed to the Lombards. Other debts cannot be ignored however, but must be paid in installments. The management of royal holdings is also a concern, much waste has occurred due to poor management I am afraid. Truth be told, there is much work to be done." He said with the ringing of a bell. "But first, wine?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

I know the military reformations in terms of the Royal Army and Navy were quite the expenditures as I recall. I have given some pounds to the treasury for the purchase of a proper manor though.

George sits down, taking the cup of wine offered to him by a servant. He turns, thanking the Lord of Essex replying. As the Lord Protector sipped the wine, his mind contemplated upon what was said earlier by the Duke of Gloucester. The Scales Inheritance, the Dukedom of Aumale, and any means necessary to make Essex turn to their side or, at least, make him neutral.

Certainly you will have your hands full as Chancellor of the Exchequer. I suspect my brother must have been aware of your talents to ensure money flowed into our coffers.

He leans back in his chair, pondering for a moment.

At least the job won't be a boring one for quite some time.

[Pontifex Maximus]

"It isn't so much a matter of where the money comes from, but where it goes." Essex replied. He sized the man up, this would be the man against whom he would need to fabricate evidence to advance the Queen's plots. "Once the council is in session, I will go over my proposal in full."

[Lucius Malfoy]

George nods slightly, glancing out the window of the Earl of Essex's home.

Tell me, my Lord, I have only just recently returned from London, but I have heard of a grave insult upon your family by the Queen and her family.

He calmly sips his wine, looking at Bourchier calmly.

I have heard they snatched away Lady Scales, your niece, as well as her inheritance, and that she married off, without your permission or consultation, the Earl River's son and heir.

Clarence leans back into his chair, stroking his trimmed beard slightly.

I recall the same thing happened to my uncle-in-law, the Marquess of Montagu. And who knows what other families they plan to aim at to secure their power in this world without Edward IV.

His mood then suddenly change as his eyes turned cold, locking straight with the Lord Essex's gaze.

Tell me, my lord, how do you feel about that situation? A situation, I hear, you had no control over... it was all done by her royal authority.

[Pontifex Maximus]

This was either potential double dealing on behalf of the Queen or an attempt to drive him into the camp of the regents. Edward knew this, and it made his blood boil.Either eventuality was maddening. He tried to conceal his anger but probably failed to do so. He was aware that things were heating up quickly in this power struggle. The Queen had assured him the struggle would play out in the courts, but it seemed as if fighting could breakout at any moment, and he had none of his own men in London. "I had not heard as such, no." Edward admitted "Even though it is my right, I have little interest in the fate of my niece, the last of my brother's children. It does not affect me or my estates."

[Lucius Malfoy]

This was either potential double dealing on behalf of the Queen or an attempt to drive him into the camp of the regents. Edward knew this, and it made his blood boil.Either eventuality was maddening. He tried to conceal his anger but probably failed to do so. He was aware that things were heating up quickly in this power struggle. The Queen had assured him the struggle would play out in the courts, but it seemed as if fighting could breakout at any moment, and he had none of his own men in London. "I had not heard as such, no." Edward admitted "Even though it is my right, I have little interest in the fate of my niece, the last of my brother's children. It does not affect me or my estates."

Well... it is known who has the present power, but it is uncertain who has the future power.

George says plainly, noticing something off about Lord Bourchier for a moment. Maybe just needed to push the buttons a little more.

After all, my Lord, land is what matters more than title. Your predecessor once held the title Duke of Aumale, but it had no lands attached. A mere honorary given to favorites of the King of England, even some Dukes of Brittany have held it. Why, as Lord Protector, myself and the Duke of Gloucester can give you land to compensate for the loss of your niece's inheritance. More than enough to make you feel pleased to be the Chancellor of the Exchequer and... in the good graces of His Late Majesty's brothers.

He smiles lightly, but it was a smile that had a hidden agenda nonetheless.

After all, you are the Earl of Essex. Maybe you should be given more lands in Essex... perhaps Epping, Ongar and Rayleigh. And, if certain individuals fell from power, the entirety of the Scales inheritance, transferred to your control.

George leans forward, speaking plainly to Lord Bourchier. His voice getting lower and slightly threatening.

I know your family still supports the Queen. And I am sure she gave you promises. But I will tell you this, my Lord, if you were such her ally, why does she rely more on her own family than yours? What matters more, a Dukedom of honorary status or a title that can easily be enlarged with lands? Lands that certainly belong to your family and can easily be granted even as we speak.

He leans back now, feeling good about his words.

​Choose wisely, my Lord Bourchier. Choose very wisely. For we have been kind enough to your family to give you great offices, despite your previous loyalties. We can always be more generous just as my brother was before.

[Pontifex Maximus]

CHAPTER ONE

Malfeasance

“The object is to get the incriminating evidence into Clarence’s keeping somehow.” Edward explained. “Getting it in is easy enough – bribe a stable boy or a washing wench. What concerns me is what sort of evidence might be best manufactured. It has been suggested to me that perhaps articles of witchcraft or black magick may be used, or perhaps evidence which will tend to establish that Clarence intends to usurp royal authority through a claim of bastardy or some such.”

Humphrey snorted. “Since you’ve asked me, I consider it all a waste of time and effort, but you will have my aid nonetheless as per the terms of our agreement.”
“Have you confiscated any articles of witchcraft?” Edward asked

Humphrey nodded “Of course some surface every now and then, from sacrifices to the form of rivals into which they utter curses or beat the thing. The idea is to inflict the same sort of pain on the doll as you intend to inflict upon the person, it’s all rather sordid.”

“Sordid indeed, but useful in this case.” The Earl replied. “I shall instruct some of my…staff to procure something of that nature. Now onto the matter of the fraudulent family line. You have access to plenty of talented scribes, I’m sure the press hasn’t made them totally obsolete. You must press them into service, preferably some monk who has taken a vow of silence. I need documents which will be used to allege bastardy or illegitimacy of some sort in the family tree – one easily proven false but enough to make Clarence look guilty.”

Humphrey shook his head. “Is nothing sacred to you? Must everything be profaned by your greed?” The Cardinal was not a purist himself, and he would never claim to be, but some things must be off limits, not to be profaned by greed and politics. Still, the sum of money was substantial…substantial enough to make him forget his own misgivings. “Yes, God help me, I might try.”

The meeting ended abruptly, with both men going their separate ways to procure the articles they desired:

Rolls for (1) articles of witchcraft to be procured (2) false documents which establish Clarence is trying to usurp the King in some manner

[Gandalfus]

CHAPTER ONE

Malfeasance

“The object is to get the incriminating evidence into Clarence’s keeping somehow.” Edward explained. “Getting it in is easy enough – bribe a stable boy or a washing wench. What concerns me is what sort of evidence might be best manufactured. It has been suggested to me that perhaps articles of witchcraft or black magick may be used, or perhaps evidence which will tend to establish that Clarence intends to usurp royal authority through a claim of bastardy or some such.”

Humphrey snorted. “Since you’ve asked me, I consider it all a waste of time and effort, but you will have my aid nonetheless as per the terms of our agreement.”
“Have you confiscated any articles of witchcraft?” Edward asked

Humphrey nodded “Of course some surface every now and then, from sacrifices to the form of rivals into which they utter curses or beat the thing. The idea is to inflict the same sort of pain on the doll as you intend to inflict upon the person, it’s all rather sordid.”

“Sordid indeed, but useful in this case.” The Earl replied. “I shall instruct some of my…staff to procure something of that nature. Now onto the matter of the fraudulent family line. You have access to plenty of talented scribes, I’m sure the press hasn’t made them totally obsolete. You must press them into service, preferably some monk who has taken a vow of silence. I need documents which will be used to allege bastardy or illegitimacy of some sort in the family tree – one easily proven false but enough to make Clarence look guilty.”

Humphrey shook his head. “Is nothing sacred to you? Must everything be profaned by your greed?” The Cardinal was not a purist himself, and he would never claim to be, but some things must be off limits, not to be profaned by greed and politics. Still, the sum of money was substantial…substantial enough to make him forget his own misgivings. “Yes, God help me, I might try.”

The meeting ended abruptly, with both men going their separate ways to procure the articles they desired:

Rolls for (1) articles of witchcraft to be procured (2) false documents which establish Clarence is trying to usurp the King in some manner

It wasn't difficult for the Earl of Essex to find such a person who could procure such things. Men or wise women who would make dolls or wax figures upon request, designed to project curses and pain upon to a rival by the power of the devil. Bourchier enter one such person's den, and, if the Earl would wish it, he would be able to acquire a crudely made doll, perhaps designed to resemble the countenance of an adolescent boy or a woman with fine golden hair. Not unlike the King's own, in fact, or the Queen Dowager's. And if it was found at Clarence's home, by some chance, then perhaps some would whisper it was in the likeness of one whom he would like to see dead. Spells and charms were also sold by this sordid shop, designed to commune with the dead and invite their wrath upon the living. Accompanied with incense and various ingredients (the innards of animals among them), these items would definitely be compelling evidence for witchcraft or necromancy if they were discovered in someone's home.


---

The Archbishop would hear of a sordid rumour involving the late King Edward's mother and a Norman Archer named Blaybourne; though much of this potential scandal had been hushed up and would require further investigation. Another matter entirely was the possibility that Edward had been contracted to marry another woman, long ago in his adolescence. Again, not much information came to light, and Bourchier would certainly be required to do some digging if he was to implicate Clarence with such a scheme to bring the current king's legitimacy into doubt.

[Pontifex Maximus]

The Duke seemed to know more about the current situation than Essex could have imagined possible. More lands seemed a good price to do nothing on the Queen's behalf, but perhaps the Queen's price might also increase...there was much to contemplate. More lands in Essex would be nice, but honorifics also had their place. More lands in Essex and the Duchy of Essex...now that would be a prize. "Let us speak plainly." Edward said, refusing to confirm his position in support of the Queen. Let the man wonder. "What exactly are you asking of me?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

Simply this, my brother and I want to know her plans, any plots that she has concocted. Tell us of them and you will not go down with the Woodvilles. In fact, you will only gain from your newly founded loyalty.

George resists smiling, it seems the bait was in place. He had finally snagged a piece of Bourchier that, at least, intrigued him. Perhaps it was time to sweeten the pot slightly.

Be truthful with me, my Lord Bourchier, and you will certainly be greatly rewarded for your services and honesty. And this I can fulfill with parchment and a quill.

[Pontifex Maximus]

"You are correct in stating that my brother was a Duke with a worthless title. Why be Duke of something out of reach? It shows a weakness. Why not be made Duke of Bavaria?" He gave a dark laugh. What price would it take to betray the Queen? Was it even betrayal if he simply refused to perform his appointed task? "The sum of my ambitions are thus. I wish to be the largest land holder in Essex, and in addition made its Duke. I want my holdings close to home, to be more easily controlled and managed. Any who wish to win my friendship may help make that dream become a reality. In accomplishing this I will not betray the King - that is my only condition. I am ambitious but not unscrupulous."

[Lucius Malfoy]

My brother and I are already in that position to grant you what you desire. The Queen can only make promises, promises that may not even be fulfilled if she wins. After all, my Lord Bourchier, look at Lord Montagu. He supported the Queen, alongside you and others, to remove the late Queen Percy. Yet, instead of reward, she betrayed him for helping her and sought the lands of Salisbury for her own family, Lord Grey, who is married to the late Warwick's daughter. Now, a Woodville is married to a Bourchier. Who's to say they are not trying to seek claims, through her marriage, upon your lands?

It was a rhetorical question, but one that would hopefully put doubts within the mind of Lord Bourchier. Hopefully it would be enough to even remotely nudge him towards the regents.

Think about it, my Lord, the Woodvilles need land and money to have power, and they will marry into families seeking those claims. Why else would the Queen seek to be regent?

George then calmly gestures to himself.

My brother and I already have land, money and power. We are content with the inheritances granted to us, content with what we have. I even fought to increase the inheritance of my nephew in Ulster, not for my own gain! We only wish to see our nephew rule as he should, not be under the thumb of his mother and her family. We do not seek more than to be good uncles to His Late Majesty's heir, our nephew.

George then reached out to Lord Bourchier, offering his hand as he looks at him dead in the eye. It was now or never, thought Clarence.

Side with my brother and I and the name Bourchier will resound throughout Essex, for generations. Side with us and you will only gain advantages instead of promises. Tell us what we wish to know and you will be rewarded.

George then gives a smile, a slight one though.

Is that not a good deal, Lord Essex?

[Pontifex Maximus]

"One final thing, your grace." Edward said, narrowing his eyes "No matter what I saying in the next five minutes, no retribution will be sought by you or your brother." Edward was on the edge, events had taken a turn, he was not so sure of himself.

[Lucius Malfoy]

"Loyalty and service are rewarded. Your words will not be used against you nor your family. Your brother is the honorable Archbishop of York and I do not want to go against the church." George smiles, making the sign of the cross to show the sincerity of his words. "Now what is there to speak about involving the Queen?"