Seizing the helm

[Oznerol]

The troops arrived early. Earlier than expected. Almost two hundred men, armored and mounted, were followed by the massed infantry, including a numerous force of yeomen and a cannon. The thousand men wore a distinctive livery, red and white, some with a ragged staff, some others with a muzzled bear. Many men were hardened veterans from France and beyond, having served under the earl of Salisbury in distant wars against different foes. They all rode under a very colorful banner, the quartered heraldry of Montagu, Neville, Grey and Despencer, coming from Hampshire and the heavily populated lands that laid in those shires. Thomas Grey, marquess of Winchester, Earl of Salisbury, Baron Ferrers of Groby, Baron Astley, Baron Monthermer, Lord Grey and Lord of Glamorgan, had arrived to support her mother's claim to the regency. A small comitive of knights and yeomen joined the sizable Grey host, riding at the head of those were two unlikely individuals and coming from the gates of Eltham...

The Army of Salisbury

1 Cannon 450 Yeoman archers 400 Yeoman footmen 150 Men-at-arms

Moments before:

The day breaks with a splendid dawn. Woodville hadn't even slept, pondering the events of the day, expecting the arrival of her eldest son with the largest baronial army in the whole realm. She had anxiously walked up and down her quarters, but as soon the sky was colored with purple and red she rushed towards her son's quarters, who had spent the first night under Eltham's carved ceilings. She was acompanied by several known figures, but also by several squires and royal yeomen: two of them carried a suit of armor, a third a crown in a circlet.

"Edward. Now it's time to seize our destiny, laugh at the face of Fates themselves. God be willing, today your reign starts"

She wears a Burgundian gown, headdress, veil and all, but she looked more warrior-like than the yeomen, with her determined looks and calculated movements.

"Dear, I need you to be ready"

[Gandalfus]

"Ready for what, mother?"

Asked the young King, glancing furtively at the armour and crown which had been brought before him by servants. All this talk about fate and destiny had been enough to unsettle the boy, who was now anticipating some kind of armoured conflict; some men had told him that his brother Salisbury was now on the way, accompanied by a large force.

[Oznerol]

"Entering the city"

Said the queen.

"Your uncles sit in your palace like they owned it. Both are unreliable, rumors already speak of Clarence's pride and his hunger to rule"

She bites her lip.

"We shall teach them who is the son of Edward of March, while they are but the fruit of weaker seed, the strenght of your grandsire spent in your father while they are of another mettle. Brittle. Weak. Foolish"

Elizabeth looked determined.

"I will help you suit up, we must demonstrate strenght. I will personally ride by your side and Thomas is almost here with enough men to wreck the vagrants who threaten us. Richard's host and uncle Rivers' will soon be here as well. But we have to hurry. Let me help you with the armor"

[Lucius Malfoy]

With the army's presence now known to London, the Lord Protectors begin to make their moves to secure the city. Their soldiers, now fully dressed in their respective Gloucester and Clarence livery, prepared to move for the gates. In the mean time, the Duke of Clarence, taking twenty men with him and his brother, went to go and see the Lord Mayor and the Alderman. Tradition stated that if the King was to enter London, these two were the only ones who could open the gate. If Clarence could convince them not to, then they would have a chance of holding out till reinforcements arrived.

The Duke of Clarence moves to find the foremost of them, the Lord Mayor of London, at his household, preparing, as usual, to perform traditional roles. At the gateway to the manor, George looks at Richard.

You're better than I at negotiating and speaking. I will let you handle the Mayor. Perhaps we can twist the picture enough to remind the Mayor the last time a Queen ruled this city and what happened.

And that Queen was no other than Margaret of Anjou. Play the fears of the former Lancastrian regime might help keep the gates from opening. As long as they couldn't be open, there would be a chance to negotiate or hold out till reinforcements arrived.

We just need to keep the gates closed, its the only advantage we have to level the field. It will look bad on the Queen, more so than us, if she assaults the walls.

[Barry Goldwater]

With the army's presence now known to London, the Lord Protectors begin to make their moves to secure the city. Their soldiers, now fully dressed in their respective Gloucester and Clarence livery, prepared to move for the gates. In the mean time, the Duke of Clarence, taking twenty men with him and his brother, went to go and see the Lord Mayor and the Alderman. Tradition stated that if the King was to enter London, these two were the only ones who could open the gate. If Clarence could convince them not to, then they would have a chance of holding out till reinforcements arrived.

The Duke of Clarence moves to find the foremost of them, the Lord Mayor of London, at his household, preparing, as usual, to perform traditional roles. At the gateway to the manor, George looks at Richard.

You're better than I at negotiating and speaking. I will let you handle the Mayor. Perhaps we can twist the picture enough to remind the Mayor the last time a Queen ruled this city and what happened.

And that Queen was no other than Margaret of Anjou. Play the fears of the former Lancastrian regime might help keep the gates from opening. As long as they couldn't be open, there would be a chance to negotiate or hold out till reinforcements arrived.

We just need to keep the gates closed, its the only advantage we have to level the field. It will look bad on the Queen, more so than us, if she assaults the walls.

"As you wish." Richard stated, simply but decisively. "You are correct, of course, that we must keep those gates closed. Should the Londoners open them, all is already lost. But if we can keep them shut...I think we can at least get our foes to negotiate. What concessions do you think the Queen and her affinity will make, and demand from us?" The Woodvilles and Greys had greater resources than Gloucester himself, of course, and could probably muster a vaster host than he. Negotiations would be needed, if not to solve this affair bloodlessly, then to delay until any allies his messengers had made could get to the capital.

[Lucius Malfoy]

"As you wish." Richard stated, simply but decisively. "You are correct, of course, that we must keep those gates closed. Should the Londoners open them, all is already lost. But if we can keep them shut...I think we can at least get our foes to negotiate. What concessions do you think the Queen and her affinity will make, and demand from us?" The Woodvilles and Greys had greater resources than Gloucester himself, of course, and could probably muster a vaster host than he. Negotiations would be needed, if not to solve this affair bloodlessly, then to delay until any allies his messengers had made could get to the capital.

They will certainly demand posts, and the Queen will demand either to be sole regent or a member of it. I do not know her views on either of us, for I have been gone too long.

That was what put George at a disadvantage here. Being gone from London too long ensured that he was in the dark when it came personal opinions. He had not been a part of the English court's atmosphere, ensuring his status as an outcast among the regency. This was certainly the greatest of disadvantages, what could and would the Queen demand of them? What were her opinions of both dukes? The former was easier to estimate than the latter though.

​If we can't negotiate, its all over for us, Richard. I know it is.

[Gandalfus]

"Fine." Conceded Edward, wishing to simply get it over and done with. The armour was fabulous of course, but so heavy. He'd be sweating like a bull, even though the summer was now drawing to an end.

Then, he donned the circlet. He didn't feel like a king, and no crown could change that. But at least he appeared to be a little more regal in appearance. The golden prince, great King Edward's son, returning home to take up the crown.

"There, mother." He said. The plate made him feel taller, stronger... and a little uncomfortable. Truth be told, he was a little apprehensive about the whole affair. Would they open the gates? Surely, they wouldn't remain shut for the King of England himself.

[Oznerol]

"Fine." Conceded Edward, wishing to simply get it over and done with. The armour was fabulous of course, but so heavy. He'd be sweating like a bull, even though the summer was now drawing to an end.

Then, he donned the circlet. He didn't feel like a king, and no crown could change that. But at least he appeared to be a little more regal in appearance. The golden prince, great King Edward's son, returning home to take up the crown.

"There, mother." He said. The plate made him feel taller, stronger... and a little uncomfortable. Truth be told, he was a little apprehensive about the whole affair. Would they open the gates? Surely, they wouldn't remain shut for the King of England himself.

"Good"

A squire then surprisingly fastened a scabbard around her hips, the sword was ceremonial, but the message clear. A servant handled Edward a jewelled scepter and the own Elizabeth placed the golden sword on his belt. An heraldic surcoat was brought, with the arms of England, undifferenciated.

"God be merciful"

The queen makes the sign of the cross.

"Let's go. Open the march, my good men, the King rides today"

Moments later...

The two unlikely figures were those of a woman and her son. Edward was resplandecent in his suit of armor, crowned and wielding the scepter. Lady Elizabeth rides like an amazone, her female figure adorned by a sword. Both approached Salisbury, who awaited in a full suit of Milanese armor, plain steel adorned by the heraldic surcoat, emblazoned with all the quarterings that were his. The host approches the city in full splendor, the sun shinning over the metallic surfaces. The army formed before the city walls, at a careful distance. And right when the sun was raising in the sky, behind the shimmering army's back Elizabeth gestured to a side and a standard bearer unfolded a glorious banner. Tremendous in size, the Lion of March roared silently to the morning, in a field of white roses and golden sunburts, no boars or bulls, but the Lion of March returned, acompanied by the holy cross of Saint George. Woodville did another gesture and the royal arms were unfolded, glorious fields of azure and gules, with golden leopards and lilies. Arms without difference, the royal arms that only belonged to the monarch. A king of arms, an herald, approached the gates, he wears the full quartered arms of Edward V, that included March and Ulster, Castile and Leon:

"Open the gates to Edward, of the House of York, King of England, Ireland and France, Duke of Gascony, Earl of March and Ulster, Count of Ponthieu, heir to Plantagenet, Clarence and York, rightful sovereign. He wishes to be granted entry to his city of London"

[Trot]

Hastings had arrived back to the city a mere day before arrives to find the two regents discussing events. His young son Richard rides in tow. "My Lords." He says acknowledging the two. It seemed the queen had brought an army and that Hastings himself had been named a regent. He was unsure what to make of that as he had been one to speak against the queen being named co-regent.

[Jokern]

The two brothers of York were given entry by an obviously nervous steward, who led them to the chambers of the Lord Mayor of London. Sir William Heriot, a member of the Worshipful Company of Drapers, sat in the heavy robes and chain of his office. He rose as the dukes entered and made a quick bow. Around him were advisers and several masters of the livery companies, speaking in hushed tones among each other.

The lord mayor looked upset and nervous, and his voice shook a little when he spoke.


"Your Graces, may I be so kindly informed of why there is an army bearing the arms of the king outside the city walls? Messengers have arrived all morning, demands and more demands to let them into the city."

[Lucius Malfoy]

The two brothers of York were given entry by an obviously nervous steward, who led them to the chambers of the Lord Mayor of London. Sir William Heriot, a member of the Worshipful Company of Drapers, sat in the heavy robes and chain of his office. He rose as the dukes entered and made a quick bow. Around him were advisers and several masters of the livery companies, speaking in hushed tones among each other.

The lord mayor looked upset and nervous, and his voice shook a little when he spoke.

"Your Graces, may I be so kindly informed of why there is an army bearing the arms of the king outside the city walls? Messengers have arrived all morning, demands and more demands to let them into the city."

It is an army composed of those who support the Queen, my Lord Mayor.

He glances back at the gates, knowing there was little time to talk. Clarence had to follow the plan of Exeter and Gloucester.

Go forth and open the gates to them, Lord Mayor. But ensure they only bring a handful of retainers. Permit no less than fifty and no more than a hundred men to enter the city. Indicate that we desire a peaceful resolution, negotiations involving the regency of His Majesty, King Edward V. Otherwise, the more men they bring, the more likely the commoners think they are a conquering army, such as what the Lancastrians sought to do during the troubled reign of Henry VI. We should not give the populace any motive to be uneasy.

Clarence waves to the officers present, ordering them to line the streets in preparation for the King. The remainder were to be stationed outside Westminister

Tell the party of the Dowager Queen that she may enter and come to Westminister, with His Majesty and those lords with her and a handful of retainers. Tell her that this is the will of the people of London, who seek no violence nor disturbance. Don't you agree, my Lord Mayor?

[Barry Goldwater]

The two brothers of York were given entry by an obviously nervous steward, who led them to the chambers of the Lord Mayor of London. Sir William Heriot, a member of the Worshipful Company of Drapers, sat in the heavy robes and chain of his office. He rose as the dukes entered and made a quick bow. Around him were advisers and several masters of the livery companies, speaking in hushed tones among each other.

The lord mayor looked upset and nervous, and his voice shook a little when he spoke.


"Your Graces, may I be so kindly informed of why there is an army bearing the arms of the king outside the city walls? Messengers have arrived all morning, demands and more demands to let them into the city."

It is an army composed of those who support the Queen, my Lord Mayor.

He glances back at the gates, knowing there was little time to talk. Clarence had to follow the plan of Exeter and Gloucester.

Go forth and open the gates to them, Lord Mayor. But ensure they only bring a handful of retainers. Permit no less than fifty and no more than a hundred men to enter the city. Indicate that we desire a peaceful resolution, negotiations involving the regency of His Majesty, King Edward V. Otherwise, the more men they bring, the more likely the commoners think they are a conquering army, such as what the Lancastrians sought to do during the troubled reign of Henry VI. We should not give the populace any motive to be uneasy.

Clarence waves to the officers present, ordering them to line the streets in preparation for the King. The remainder were to be stationed outside Westminister

Tell the party of the Dowager Queen that she may enter and come to Westminister, with His Majesty and those lords with her and a handful of retainers. Tell her that this is the will of the people of London, who seek no violence nor disturbance. Don't you agree, my Lord Mayor?

"It is as my brother says. The army amassed outside our walls has no purpose but to aid the Queen Dowager in forcefully amending our late brother's will." Gloucester added once Clarence had finished speaking. "We are not usurpers, of course - nevermind what fanciful tales the Queen, who is the only person here trying to seize power and force changes in King Edward IV's will, has spun - and to prove that we will be more than happy to welcome His Majesty Edward V into his capital. Indeed, I believe he will be more understanding of the circumstances once we have explained the situation properly to him. But there is no need for thousands of his mother's lackeys to march in with him, and frankly, they'll only further complicate this delicate situation. The soldiers I and my brother of Clarence have brought are sufficient to provide the capital with security against external foes, such as the recently resurgent House of Lancaster."

Richard further cleared his throat, and felt it was also time to put his reputation on the line to buttress his words. "The king assuredly has nothing to fear from we, his loyal uncles. Have we not already shed quarts of our blood on foreign battlefields in service to our brother, all without complaint? I for one drove myself to near insanity ensuring that Burgundy remained in the fight as long as it did, not even half a decade ago. How can we do less for his son? Or his people? Let the King, his mother and those other lords with them come in without their legions, and we can promise you a smooth coronation and swift, productive negotiations with the Queen Dowager. It is in absolutely nobody's interest to have violence and chaos on our streets, don't you agree?"

[Jokern]

It is an army composed of those who support the Queen, my Lord Mayor.

He glances back at the gates, knowing there was little time to talk. Clarence had to follow the plan of Exeter and Gloucester.

Go forth and open the gates to them, Lord Mayor. But ensure they only bring a handful of retainers. Permit no less than fifty and no more than a hundred men to enter the city. Indicate that we desire a peaceful resolution, negotiations involving the regency of His Majesty, King Edward V. Otherwise, the more men they bring, the more likely the commoners think they are a conquering army, such as what the Lancastrians sought to do during the troubled reign of Henry VI. We should not give the populace any motive to be uneasy.

Clarence waves to the officers present, ordering them to line the streets in preparation for the King. The remainder were to be stationed outside Westminister

Tell the party of the Dowager Queen that she may enter and come to Westminister, with His Majesty and those lords with her and a handful of retainers. Tell her that this is the will of the people of London, who seek no violence nor disturbance. Don't you agree, my Lord Mayor?

The lord mayor eased up a little, the apparent confidence and command of Clarence and Gloucester giving hope of a peaceful way out. The other burghers discussed profusely what to do, as was their want. Heirot finally raised his hand to get them quiet.

"Very well, your Graces, I shall do as you suggest. We guildsmen of London are here to serve its people, to keep the peace on behalf of our king. If you truly seek to solve this dispute of regency without bloodshed, without the common folk being ravaged once more by a conquering army, then I will aid your efforts. Please excuse my lords, but I shall have to take my leave. It is best that I answer the summons of His Majesty. Good day, your Graces."

The dukes were shown the way out while the lord mayor and his council prepared to move out, still wildly discussing every little detail.

---------

Not long after, the lord mayor and his men appeared on the ramparts on the walls where the queen's army had gathered.

"I am Sir William Heirot, Lord Mayor of London. On behalf of the people of this city, I humbly welcome His Majesty King Edward V to the capital of his realm. The lords Clarence and Gloucester have invited His Majesty, the Queen Dowager and the loyal lords that accompany them to Westminister, where they may sit down together and peacefully settle their differences and negotiate the current regency. Neither them nor the people of London seek any violence nor disturbance, so we graciously ask His Majesty to only bring a retinue between 50 and 100 men. Though we trust beyond reasonable doubt that His Majesty only comes with peaceful intentions, an army stands outside the city walls, which has happened too much in this great city's history. If His Majesty insists to bring more, the common folk of his capital may fear that a conquering army has come to terrorize their homes and families, like Lancaster and their Scottish horde tried to many years past. It is the will of the people of London for whatever dispute there may be concerning the governance of the realm to be solved peacefully."

[Oznerol]

The lord mayor eased up a little, the apparent confidence and command of Clarence and Gloucester giving hope of a peaceful way out. The other burghers discussed profusely what to do, as was their want. Heirot finally raised his hand to get them quiet.

"Very well, your Graces, I shall do as you suggest. We guildsmen of London are here to serve its people, to keep the peace on behalf of our king. If you truly seek to solve this dispute of regency without bloodshed, without the common folk being ravaged once more by a conquering army, then I will aid your efforts. Please excuse my lords, but I shall have to take my leave. It is best that I answer the summons of His Majesty. Good day, your Graces."

The dukes were shown the way out while the lord mayor and his council prepared to move out, still wildly discussing every little detail.

---------

Not long after, the lord mayor and his men appeared on the ramparts on the walls where the queen's army had gathered.

"I am Sir William Heirot, Lord Mayor of London. On behalf of the people of this city, I humbly welcome His Majesty King Edward V to the capital of his realm. The lords Clarence and Gloucester have invited His Majesty, the Queen Dowager and the loyal lords that accompany them to Westminister, where they may sit down together and peacefully settle their differences and negotiate the current regency. Neither them nor the people of London seek any violence nor disturbance, so we graciously ask His Majesty to only bring a retinue between 50 and 100 men. Though we trust beyond reasonable doubt that His Majesty only comes with peaceful intentions, an army stands outside the city walls, which has happened too much in this great city's history. If His Majesty insists to bring more, the common folk of his capital may fear that a conquering army has come to terrorize their homes and families, like Lancaster and their Scottish horde tried to many years past. It is the will of the people of London for whatever dispute there may be concerning the governance of the realm to be solved peacefully."

The Queen, the king and company had aproached to the walls. The herald, whose voice was arguably best suited for the task, was the one to speak.

"Her Majesty says why do Gloucester and Clarence have troops, numerous by the looks of it and the words of Lord Rivers, in the very city? The King wishes exact treatment, isn't he your Lord and King?"

Said the herald.

"Are we supposed to let us be butched like pigs? Her Majesty refuses to enter the city without any guarantees and assurances, neither will she let herself be badly outnumbered among these walls"

He clears his throat.

"The king will bring no harm to this city. This is not conquering army, but a safe measure against ambitious lords. Do you think us as conquerors? Who do you see there but men of Hampshire, Somersetshire and Devon? Good old christians, good englishmen"

The herald was running back and forth the queen and the walls, and was getting winded.

"Since when does the Lord Mayor ignore the will of his King? The regents say the obey the king's will. But... the king is here, waiting your permission, like a good sovereign. Will you Londoners let them butcher good Englishmen, a queen and her son? I don't think that's what a Londoner would do. He, standing there, is Edward of York, none less. You see our soldiers massed there. Don't you think we could have stormed the walls if we wanted to shed blood? Don't you see the banner of York and England there? Since when does London refuse York entry?"

He coughs again.

"I say to thee, nay, never. We come in peace with London and its citizen, as they are our people, our sons and subjects. The King and Queen just desire to enact the king's actual will, that is to establish Lady Elizabeth as his regent"

[Gandalfus]

"What is taking so long?" Asked Edward, softly, feeling quite ridiculous stood outside the city in full regalia whilst the gates remained closed, utterly silent. Doubt now gnawed at him - perhaps his mother was right?

Would his royal uncles dare to conspire to seize power, to not even allow him to enter the city? The King could do little outside the walls, sat awkwardly on horseback. The sceptre felt heavy in his left hand, the other giving the reins a firm grip, knuckles whitening under the lobstered gauntlets.

[Oznerol]

"I don't even know, unless... I was right. All this time"

Said Elizabeth.

"This is your uncles' doing clearly. They would have openned the gates otherwise. See? They have no good will towards us, Edward"

The queen wanted to bite her nails, like when she was a mere girl, but she restrained herself. Grey's horse paws the ground. Lord Salisbury had his visor raised.

"Mother, they refuse to give us entry"

"I noticed, Thomas"

"Will they yield?"

"I presume they will, the mercers of London cannot afford barring their king from entering the city. It's unlawful"

"The army is fed and watered. We can afford to wait. My uncle and brother will soon be here with even more troops. I presume Cambridge and Monmouth will follow suit"

"We have the upper hand, right now. They have to yield. They have to, I didn't intend to shed any blood"

Hissed the queen.

These uncompromising fools might force my hand even more.

"Did you dispatch the riders?"

"Yes, they left as soon as we reached London"

"Good"

She looks back at Edward.

"Do you need something, dear? We can go rest a little if this takes much longer. Eltham is close by, you see?"

The queen looks to a squire.

"Bring refreshments and water"

[Gandalfus]

"I'm fine, mother."

Said the King, a little irritated. To retreat back to Eltham now would only prove his weakness; no, instead he'd sit out here fully armoured in the heat. If there was one thing it he couldn't stand, it was the perception that he was a weakling. Inevitably, comparisons would be drawn with his father, who he simply couldn't measure against in terms of physicality.

Then came the announcement from the ramparts. Only one hundred? His mother had gathered at least ten times that, and it looked likely from what they could see that Clarence and Gloucester had their own men within the city.

"Would we be safe, walking in with so few?" Asked the King of those around him, neglecting to reply to the bearer of news for now.

[Oznerol]

"I'm fine, mother."

Said the King, a little irritated. To retreat back to Eltham now would only prove his weakness; no, instead he'd sit out here fully armoured in the heat. If there was one thing it he couldn't stand, it was the perception that he was a weakling. Inevitably, comparisons would be drawn with his father, who he simply couldn't measure against in terms of physicality.

Then came the announcement from the ramparts. Only one hundred? His mother had gathered at least ten times that, and it looked likely from what they could see that Clarence and Gloucester had their own men within the city.

"Would we be safe, walking in with so few?" Asked the King of those around him, neglecting to reply to the bearer of news for now.

"Of course not. We would be facing five, six times more men. If they haven't faced us out here it means they have fewer men, but still enough to be confident"

Replied the Queen.

"Either they leave and we enter, or we enter with our full force"

She said.

"They can also crawl out their holes and come to see us, face to face"

"They might be scared, but not enough to seek a parlay. They seem to be confident in their abbility to avoid their pending fate. This only worsens things. Your uncles have been... obtuse, to say the least, brother"

[Gandalfus]

Exeter ensured he was present, with a handful of retainers. He was unarmed save for a long dagger he wore at his hip. Atop a horse he brooded, the jewelled livery collar 'round his neck depicting the White Rose of York, a purposeful symbol of his fealty to the new monarch. Holland's beard was neatly trimmed, and a damask chaperon had been elaborately wrapped around his skull. None could say that he wasn't dressed for the occasion - a great spectacle of power by the Queen Dowager that had the potential to end in hideous violence.

"This has slipped through their fingers." He muttered under his breath, eyeing the house in which Clarence and Gloucester had disappeared into. Outside, the people waited, gathering to watch the entrance of the king; the anxiety in the crowd ran thick in the air, and they waited with bated breath to see if the regents would refuse the entry of their late beloved king's son into London, as many had feared.

[The Mad Skylord]

Lord Stanley, stuck in London now that the gates were closed, paced restlessly within the Admiralty. He had fallen ill and taken to seclusion in his London home, and had received no notification of any move made by the Queen until it was too late to help... Or is it? Stanley thought. There was, after all, men within the city who held no loyalty to the Regents, Gloucester and Clarence. Hurriedly buckling on his sword and racing out of the building, he made his way to the Lord Mayor, and demanded a meeting.