Summit

[Gandalfus]

The King and Duke of Clarence had agreed upon a meeting, at last, that would take place before the walls of London. Thus, for the first time in a few days, the southern gates opened. A party of riders emerged, the royal standard used at the coronation held high above their heads, alongside the badges of the white rose and the sunne in splendour. Edward of Grafton rode at their head, flowing robes and ornate tiara denoting his identity among the cavalcade. At his right side would be his brother, the Duke of York, and upon his left, the Duke of Suffolk, and then the Earl of Kent; Devon remained within the city, with command over the royal forces left stationed there. They rode south, within sight of the city walls, to the agreed upon meeting place where Clarence and whichever Peers who accompanied him would meet with the King and discuss these demands.

[Lucius Malfoy]

The army of the Lord Appellants kept their distance from London, a measure by Clarence in order to keep the King at ease. Once they spot the royal party exit the southern gate, Clarence would ride with his own party of Lord Appellants, which included the Duke of Norfolk, Lord Hastings and the Bishop of Durham. Since his brother, the Duke of Gloucester was still in a coma, George had taken full command of what remained of their army and support. A report from a physician at one of his estates in Gloucestershire, earlier today, showed no signs of change. For now then, Clarence would have to work alone and achieve what the two sought to do.

As the two parties met, Clarence would bow his head to the King, showing due respect.

Your Majesty and royal nephew, I hope you have been well.

He raises his head shortly after to continue speaking.

Allow me to assure you once more, our purpose. We seek the removal of those who desired to conspire against your uncles. That those same persons be arrested for the unlawful execution of Lord Aumale, who had warned me of the plots against our persons, and for conspiracy against the royal relatives of the King. That those same persons be removed from office and due punishment be meted out. That a summit, quite possibly a Parliament session or a gathering of the nobility, be held to determine the future of the state of England's government, of which those that participate will determine whether the regency will be extended or Your Majesty will begin your reign without the presence of regents.

George knew what had to be said and what needed to be done.

For the duration, in which will lead up the summit to determine England's future in terms of governance, one week, we ask Your Majesty to allow us be interim Lord Protectors. Restoring the original will of your late father and my good brother. If the summit decides to extend the regency, we will oblige. If the summit decides to end the regency and conclude that you should rule as your own person and King, we will oblige. This we swear as your loyal uncles.

[Xion]

Devon, surrounded by his retinue of knights, one of which was holding a banner with Devon's arms upon it, watches the king with his chosen escorts for the parlay ride out and the approach of the Lords Appellant party. "My lord, the preparations are complete." A officer of the royal army informs Devon after a messenger arrives from another gate. "Good. Hopefully they will be for nothing but....we can not take any chances when it comes to the safety of his majesty." Devon replies. "Also to keep the peasantry from trying anything again, should the razing of the Archbishop's palace embolden them."

[Gandalfus]

"Uncle of Clarence."

Greeted the King, in a soft tone, gaze shifting over all present. He barely knew most of them, discerning their identity through livery. Those lessons at Ludlow did prove useful.

"We hear thy complaints, and I am willing to bring justice to unlawful actions. God knows I shall pardon the late Lord Aumale, may he rest in heaven, as well as thyselves for any wrongs done."

The King placed one hand upon his breast, slowly, pointedly. Others in the King's retinue crossed themselves piously, including the Bishop of London, who had come as a sort of mediator.

"Which is why, before we turn to other matters, I ask that the Lord Percy is submitted to the Crown's justice. My dear sister, my father and thy brother's daughter, was wed to Lancaster at his hand. My Lord Buckingham, through folly, but not treason, was responsible for her escape, and thus he was forgiven of any crime committed in ignorance. I do believe Lord Percy's were entirely deliberate."

Edward tried his best to sound firm, sitting straight backed in the saddle. He would perhaps soon grow to be as tall as his father, but not as muscular as the giant of March.

[Lucius Malfoy]

A pardon may be able to relax the tension, but I know that many desire to see these crimes fully examined and punishment meted out. As the Queen Regent was the pinnacle of law in England, she spat upon that law by this unlawfully execution. And yet none stopped her and those very same persons, who aided her, deceived you over and over again, Sire. This cannot go unpunished.

Lord Clarence knew that the very same Percy, that the King spoke of, had ridden with Lord Gloucester to join the Lord Appellants army. He had heard that Henry feigned innocence and declared this and that. However, George felt he needed to inquire something further. Especially given a late decree by the then Queen Regent, Lady Woodville, concerning the fate of the Earldom of Northumberland.

Your Majesty, his crimes will be examined in due course, this I agree. Yet, I must ask though... if his crime is on the basis of Lancastrian affiliation then why a noble, whose family has deep Lancastrian ties, be made to replace him?

Clarence felt that the sentiment towards Lancastrian nobles and families could be exploited still. Now that Edward the Exiled was starting to make his intentions well-known.

[Gandalfus]

"Sir Ralph Neville has worked hard to prove his loyalty. Percy's is that which is questioned."

Why did such a thing matter? All those in England had picked their side: that of York. Percy had abandoned them for Lancaster. Still, the King seemed content that Clarence did agree.

"Aumale's innocence and where the fault lies is something that needs examining. I have, for now, sent my mother from court."

For her own safety, he almost added, but then thought better of it. The King seemed uneasy at the prospect of prosecution, but painfully understood the value of justice.

"She is no longer regent, for I rule England myself. I must confess, mine uncle, you speak of crimes and yet you have all mustered under arms. Our kinship keeps me from anger, though this warfare doth displease me."

Edward's voice didn't rise in tone or pitch. It simply remained calm, collected.

"I ask for thy trust. I do not need a regent, but I need good counsel, my lords."

The King turned his gaze from Clarence to the rest, fair eyes passing over each in turn.

"My councillors that you so detest are in your keeping, so consider them removed from office. Though I would very much like to see my brother Salisbury and uncle Bedford released, for they are mine kin as you are, uncle of Clarence."

Warwick and Lionel were with the King, currently - one in the Tower, the other at Baynard's. Both lived in comfort, though the King knew they both wished to see their fathers again.

"Mine cousins send their prayers. Lionel worries greatly for his father, for who's health we all pray."

[Lucius Malfoy]

"Sir Ralph Neville has worked hard to prove his loyalty. Percy's is that which is questioned."

Why did such a thing matter? All those in England had picked their side: that of York. Percy had abandoned them for Lancaster. Still, the King seemed content that Clarence did agree.

"Aumale's innocence and where the fault lies is something that needs examining. I have, for now, sent my mother from court."

For her own safety, he almost added, but then thought better of it. The King seemed uneasy at the prospect of prosecution, but painfully understood the value of justice.

"She is no longer regent, for I rule England myself. I must confess, mine uncle, you speak of crimes and yet you have all mustered under arms. Our kinship keeps me from anger, though this warfare doth displease me."

Edward's voice didn't rise in tone or pitch. It simply remained calm, collected.

"I ask for thy trust. I do not need a regent, but I need good counsel, my lords."

The King turned his gaze from Clarence to the rest, fair eyes passing over each in turn.

"My councillors that you so detest are in your keeping, so consider them removed from office. Though I would very much like to see my brother Salisbury and uncle Bedford released, for they are mine kin as you are, uncle of Clarence."

Warwick and Lionel were with the King, currently - one in the Tower, the other at Baynard's. Both lived in comfort, though the King knew they both wished to see their fathers again.

"Mine cousins send their prayers. Lionel worries greatly for his father, for who's health we all pray."

Richard of York, sat easily upon his brother's right, smiled and chimed in pleasantly. "My noble Uncle of Suffolk, foremost of the peers, is right. You sit before King Edward V, who rules now in his own right. I see little reason that you, whose deeds in Ireland were so unspeakable, should return to a Regency over a capable king."

If a regency is not needed, then why was one stipulated by His Late Majesty? Why is it until now, when our lords have defeated those who we charge with a number of valid crimes that a regency is stated not to be needed? Yet the Queen's regency was tolerated and accepted, while good nobles and men were arrested for reasons unknown.

Clarence seemingly ignores the presence of Lord Suffolk as he speaks, keeping his gaze focused upon the King and the young Duke of York, his second nephew.

And yet the deeds of your mother speak louder than mine, nephew. For the unlawful execution of a Duke, whose only crime was exposing a plot to remove both of your uncles, has shook England harder than what was done in Ireland. War and conflict causes innocence to be killed by accident. Yet the purposeful murder of a Duke, in order to cover one's tail, is a far worst crime under God.

His gaze returns to the King afterwards.

Sire, it is true we raised arms, but what choice did we have? If we had not done anything, the Queen Regent and her cohorts would have killed more and more nobles to ensure their control over you and England.

Clarence looks at both his nephews, they were still young and easily manipulated. No doubt that Suffolk was whispering in their ears like the womanly scourge herself.

Your Majesty, if it had not been for your pardon back then, we would have been locked up. As you said, Salisbury and Bedford are your kin, then why is my son locked up, long before I even acted? Is he not your kin as well? Why was he locked up for a full year without any reason beyond being my son? If I had not acted, he would still be in the Tower for reasons unknown.

Was the King saying that his Grey and Woodville relatives mattered more than his own Plantagenet ones?

If Lionel had been locked in the Tower, like my son, would you have let him stay there or try to set him free?

[Oznerol]

Suffolk looked royally bored. He inspected his nails, just to find some dirt under one on the right hand. He spends several minutes, almost the second intervention of Clarence, cleaning it throughfully. He clears his throat, once he approvingly places his right hand over the left, on the saddle's pommel.

"Why do we even need to determine if the king needs a regent?"

He wears flamboyant Burgundian robes and the Golden Fleece.

"God forgive me, but I see him speaking by himself"

John de la Pole chuckles atop his horse.

"A gathering of nobles is an interesting notion. Does that gathering include thee and some of your creatures? Oh, God in heavens, it's absolutely unnecessary. Forgive me, Lord Clarence, but as one eldest and one of the first peers of the realm, I say thee nay"

[The Mad Skylord]

Richard of York, sat easily upon his brother's right, smiled and chimed in pleasantly. "My noble Uncle of Suffolk, foremost of the peers, is right. You sit before King Edward V, who rules now in his own right. I see little reason that you, whose deeds in Ireland were so unspeakable, should return to a Regency over a capable king."

[Pontifex Maximus]

Durham crossed his arms. He was unhappy that his friend would be under heavy legal scrutiny, bit at least his rights woukd not be trampled and some form of due process would be had. "A pardon for the late Aumale will send the rught message, I think, a formal repudiation of the depradations of the Woodeville regency. But a pardon of Aumale without reparations for his unjust murder seems like little more than an empty gesture, to be frank Highness." Bourchier would want to see the Queen lose her head, but perhaps a middle road would persuade him to abandon such notions.

[Gandalfus]

"Warwick is not 'locked up' my lord, he remains at court as per the agreement made before mine coronation. He may yet return to thee, as a gesture of goodwill on the part of the Crown."

The King's mouth lined into a vaguely stern expression, without hint of a smile.

"Thou art both my kin. I love thee no less than they, and they lie blameless in this matter."

Now the King was beginning to become annoyed. His lip twitched, ever so slightly.

"Lord Clarence, I am not mine mother, who you accuse so readily of murder. Guilt or innocence shall be proven, as you so demanded of me."

Edward folded his arms.

"My lord, my mother is no longer in power, nor is my uncle Bedford, for he is with you. And yet it seems I am treated as if I am under their thrall still, and as punishment I must suffer another regency to satisfy the will of my three years passed father, may God rest him."

What was his point? Simply that crimes had been committed?

"So I shall speak plainly. You asked for the removal of mine mother and uncle. It has been done. You asked for justice for Aumale. I have said and shall swear it will be done. You and Gloucester wish for thy sons back, and I have said I shall acquiesce, so long as Salisbury and Bedford are in turn released. What more remains? What reason is there to continue to bear arms against thy sovereign?"

The King looked upon him again, impatient, the veneer of calm slowly giving way to irritation.

[Oznerol]

"You know the will is several years old, right Clarence? The king is no longer a boy you might play fiddle with"

Suffolk said with displicence.

"If you do not desist in your errands, my noble Clarence, you shall prove to be as treacherous as said"

He smiled. Suffolk kept his words very simple, very straightforward, fearing Clarence would miss the meaning.

"My lord, take my advice. Retreat to Ireland and spend your days in peace"

[Gandalfus]

"Peace, noble uncle Suffolk."

The King turned to his left hand side. Pleased though he was at such support, it likely didn't help matters as they were.

"We shall hear what good Clarence has to say."

[Oznerol]

"Very well, your Majesty. I will hear him, very atentively"

Suffolk rolled eyes. He sighed. He started inspecting his fur-lined sleeve, uninterested.

[Lucius Malfoy]

You have still not agreed to all our demands though, Your Majesty. For you not agreed to a summit be made to determine the future of England's governance nor the reinstatement of the Dual Protectorship.

George could tell that something about his nephew had changed, someone had influenced him, but who. Before the boy relied greatly upon his mother for everything, but now, things were different.

We did not raise our banners to just go home with only half the promises fulfilled. We did not fight in Hampshire for a half victory. We demand that all our terms be accepted! For it not, it will feel as if the justice we desire was half achieved. Your good uncle, Gloucester, believed in all those terms... yet I am the guilty one for speaking of them before you, Sire.

Clarence wanted to make things clear involving the Lords Appellant.

Your uncle is in a coma for what he believed in, for what he fought for... if not all terms are agreed upon then you may as well go and spit in his face, Your Majesty!

George would not stand idle and let their terms be brushed aside with promises. The only way this could be affirmed and ensured if is the regency was reinstated. He looks sternly at his nephew.

The Lords Appellant desire to see all terms accepted, Your Majesty, without any alterations.

[Oznerol]

"You better give up your claims, Clarence"

Said Suffolk.

"The king needs no regent. Not even his mother can now rein the Lion of March"

He scorned. He didn't certainly need such a half-wit.

"I wish my good and noble Gloucester was here, instead of your Lordship. He would understand"

Suffolk frowned.

"I remained uncommited, my Lord, and you do not want to alienate me, I assure you. So, settle for a more fitting deal. He is your king and sovereign!"

[The Mad Skylord]

Richard drawled out idly. "You dare to demand that the King of England be forced to sit in summit to listen to whether he is fit to rule or not? He has declared he is fit to rule, Lord Clarence. Perhaps Mother had correct justification for her fears. The King has told you he will provide answers. And he has told you that he, and he alone, now rules in England. You are not required as a regent, my Lord, and nor is a summit required to decide that."

[Pontifex Maximus]

Durham looked to Suffolk "and from which corner of the Rralm did you materialize so suddenly and so unlooked for? I saw not your banners on the field of blood yet here we find you deep in the King's counsel when all his other ill counselors have fled. I think it strange." ill counsel was the whole reason this began "Didst thou scamper here to eat the scraps from the table once all the real men had met on the battlefield?" certainly this coward had been ingratiating himself with the king for some time, an opportunist of the worst sort. Durham eyed him suspiciously and with disdain.

[Gandalfus]

"You demand?"

So, Clarence was baring his teeth. Suddenly the King was much less willing to hear out his uncle, who had cast off his veil of placidity and suddenly forgotten about his 'captured' son entirely. The King frowned, deeply, and remained silent for a few moments.

"I have promised justice. Do you think me a liar? I would summon Parliament now, were your armed host not outside my gates, threatening me."

Another pause, more measured, a collection of thought. A softer tone to combat the rising tensions.

"You must think me a fool, uncle, if you insist upon asking the question of a regency. I am not mad or infirm. But wise counsel is required, and thus I invite the Lords Appellant to aid in the forming of my new government. To see that thy wishes are represented."

[Lucius Malfoy]

George was pleased that Norfolk finally spoke. He was never good with speaking, better with the sword all together. He decides to see how the King will react to Norfolk.