Wars of the Roses

[ChristopherMaxwell]

Richard Smythe drew his longbow and released his shot, hitting the Yorkist archer with lethal velocity in the joint connecting arm to shoulder and torso. A plain burgher, Smythe just hoped to be paid properly after the battle. One could never tell with the rival Houses. York and Lancaster were headed by princes who cared only for power and wealth, which didn't reassure young Richard about his chances. Even so, he wanted this money badly. His chances of finding a good tavern wench and enjoying her favours increased with better pay. Most of all, however, he hoped to survive the battle. Just because Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond, now led the Lancastrian forces didn't mean anything all, nor that he was wedding Elizabeth of York, daughter of King Edward IV and Queen Elizabeth.

No, against King Richard III and his Yorkist cohorts, much more, like divine intervention, would come in most handy. Would the Lord object so much that he simply wished to live and fornicate a little? Well, best not to tempt Fate or Almighty God. Either one might strike him dead. He might land in Purgatory or even Hell.