The King's Dogge Read Online Free

flank and you, my Lord of Oxford, to command our right,’ continued the Marquis. ‘I myself will take the centre and my brother will support us with the reserves.’
    The Earl of Warwick spoke up.
    â€˜Edward’s captains are not as experienced as you,’ he said. ‘We expect Edward of York to hold the centre.’ He jabbed the diagram to illustrate the block of men facing those of the Marquis Montague. ‘He is likely to put his younger brother, Richard of Gloucester, to face you, my lord duke.’
    The Duke of Exeter glanced at the plan on the table.
    â€˜From what I hear, Gloucester has never fought a battle. I imagine I will be able to hold my position against an inexperienced youth fighting uphill.’
    â€˜On his left flank, Edward will probably put Lord Hastings to face you, John,’ continued Warwick. ‘Now let’s hear my brother’s plan.’
    My lord put down his wine and gestured at the parchment.
    â€˜It’s simple,’ he said. ‘We will use our numerical superiority to strengthen our right flank so that you, my Lord of Oxford, vastly outnumber Lord Hastings. You will defeat him quickly while the Duke of Exeter and I hold our positions. Once you have beaten him, you swing round to your left and attack King Edward’s flank.’
    He paused and looked at the others, while they stared at the diagram intently.
    â€˜At this point,’ the Marquis continued, ‘King Edward will have you, my Lord of Oxford, attacking him from the side, while I push forward from the centre. We will advance all our reserves and the Yorkists will be crushed.’
    There was silence round the table as my Lords of Exeter and Oxford absorbed the plan and glanced at each other. I could sense their unease – plainly the battle plan looked to be a good one, but could they really trust their former enemies not to double cross them?
    The Duke of Exeter looked at my Lord of Warwick.
    â€˜Ten years ago you and I fought against each other at Towton, my lord,’ he said softly. ‘How do I know that I can trust you and your brother today?’
    The Earl of Warwick flushed.
    â€˜I have sworn an oath to put King Henry back on his rightful throne.’
    The duke nodded thoughtfully.
    â€˜Then God help you if you break it,’ he said grimly. ‘Now, my lords, despite our respective loyalties in the past, we find ourselves in a situation where not only do we have to trust each other, but additionally we must display that faith to our men. As such, I suggest that we and our captains should all fight on foot, leaving our horses in the camp. That will demonstrate to our men that we are all resolved to fight and die next to each other.’
    Montague and Warwick stared back at him. It was common practice for knights to ride into battle and fight on foot, but their horses were usually kept close at hand to facilitate flight, if defeat seemed likely. While the duke’s suggestion would undoubtedly make a positive impact on our troops, unless our side secured victory it would be unlikely that any of our leaders would be able to return to camp. It was an effective death sentence for them. My Lord Montague looked at his brother who nodded as if the matter was of no importance. The Marquis Montague’s face hardened.
    â€˜We agree,’ he said grimly.

    By the next morning, I was profoundly frightened. The little sleep I had managed had been frequently interrupted by the sounds of Warwick’s cannons booming away. Tiredness added to my fears, and I fumbled badly as, by the light of flickering candles, I helped my lord on with his armour.
    He must have realised how I felt, as he gave me countless tasks to keep my mind busy. I was dispatched to see whether the Duke of Exeter’s men had moved into their appointed positions. Then I had to check that Oxford’s force was placed behind the thick hedge. I blundered around in the darkness and mist getting