Hastings leaned over to Richard and muttered. “I’m for Lancashire,” where Richard knew Will had large land holdings, “and may I suggest you find Jack Howard and keep me apprised.” Richard nodded, and after saluting Edward and ignoring Warwick, Will and his men cantered away.

“Find Elizabeth and tell her the news, Richard,” Edward commanded, only now choosing to dismount. “I am sure this ‘confinement’ is a temporary inconvenience. Am I right, cousin?”

Warwick said nothing and watched as Richard followed the king out of the saddle and Edward took his brother in a warm embrace. “Don’t let him get away with this,” Edward hissed in Richard’s ear. “Gather support and we shall defeat these rebels ere the rising of the next moon. Now get you gone from here at once, before the traitorous whoreson changes his mind about you.”

Chapter 16

Chapter Sixteen

Autumn 1469–Spring 1470

Bemused and silent, Richard rode from the extraordinary scene towards London. He kicked his horse’s flank into a gallop, intent on putting as much space between himself and Warwick as possible. Trusty Rob Percy was at Richard’s side, and he was also rendered unusually speechless by the disaster that had befallen the king. With only their squires attending, they followed Watling Street and covered the first ten miles on that old Roman road in record time, and, upon reaching the town of Stony Stratford, reined in their mounts. As the sweating beasts gratefully slowed to a walk, their riders guided them over the River Ouse to an inn hard by the Eleanor Cross.

“What happened back there?” Rob wondered aloud as he wolfed down a pigeon pie. “Has our former patron committed treason? He has taken up arms against the king.”

Richard shook his head and cradled his cup of ale. “It seems Warwick would rule the king who would still rule the kingdom. He does not see himself as traitor, I’ll warrant. What I need to discover when I reach London is if the council is for Warwick or for Ned. If Jack Howard is there and active, then I cannot believe he sanctioned Warwick’s actions. But we don’t know. We could ride into a trap and end up in the Tower. Then I am of no use to Ned.” He chewed on his lower lip. “I need some time to think—and get a message to Howard.”

Rob was concerned for his friend. Like Richard, Rob had learned to put his faith in the earl of Warwick for many years. Now it seemed the earl was wanting complete control of the government with a puppet for a king. And, worse, the man appeared to also be pulling the strings of Richard’s only other brother. It was a catastrophe, Rob thought, and he doubted Richard knew how or was influential enough to play politics.