After seeing his men billeted on a decent patch of the grassy hillside, he went off in search of Edward’s contingent. The lack of the royal banner told Richard that the king must be housed in greater luxury elsewhere—no drafty tent for Edward, Richard thought scornfully. News of his brother’s continuing descent into hedonism had disappointed Richard greatly and made him ever more determined to steer a righteous path and follow his father’s example. Richard of York had been a capable Protector during Henry’s madness, and progressive, steady lieutenant governor of Ireland before Richard was born—those troublesome subjects still harboring goodwill towards anyone bearing the York name.

As he stepped between groups of soldiers seated or lying back on the chalky grass, some preparing a meagre meal or polishing a blade, he paused to greet a billman here or an archer there or admonish two that were brawling. “Keep your fighting spirit for those Frenchies,” he said, pulling them apart. When they recognized his White Boar on murrey and blue, their eyes widened and they fell on their knees. Richard grinned at them and gave them both a friendly cuff. “I know ’tis tedious waiting, but you’ll be glad you rested once we face the enemy.”

“That’s Gloucester! They say he be a good commander,” Richard heard one in the group say as he moved off. “Better him than his prick of a brother, they say. Clarence only cares for hisself.” It was only too true, but Richard was sorry to hear it from the yeomen.

“Lord Gloucester!” the booming voice of Jack Howard hailed him from farther up the hill, and he hurried down to meet Richard as fast as his stocky legs could carry him. “Well met, my lord. With your northern troops assembled, I can send word to the king that we are all mustered. Did you know he is sending me as envoy to treat with Louis first?”

Richard grasped his hand, glad to see his old friend, although Jack would always bring thoughts of Kate to mind. “You are just the man I wanted to see, Jack. Perhaps you can explain the logic behind this invasion—the king has failed to enlighten me.”