After thanking them all for heeding his call to arms, Richard led the way inside the castle to be briefed. As they crossed the great hall to the smaller audience chamber, Richard drew Francis aside. “I have a favor to ask,” he said. “I would be grateful if you kept my son out of the fighting this time. He is only fifteen, and although eager to prove himself, he is too young for battle. Besides, his mother would never forgive me if aught happened to him.” Francis grinned and agreed.

Jack Howard opened the strategy meeting by ruefully admitting: “Richmond has gathered a goodly number on his way, our scouts report. More than we anticipated. They are two days’ march from here, led by Oxford.”

“Where is Northumberland?” Richard asked.

“On the road south, I am informed,” young John of Lincoln replied, eagerly, “with more than five thousand.”

Was he the only one who questioned Percy’s loyalty, Richard wondered, but he nodded. “That is good news. And what of my lord Stanley?” He hoped he sounded nonchalant.

Silence.

“God damn him to Hell!” Richard shouted and his fist hit the table. “Not even a word?” Jack slowly shook his gray head.

Always able to calm Richard, Francis Lovell stepped forward. “It is not to say he won’t be here, Your Grace. We should not count him out—yet, although we know his brother did not hinder Richmond in Wales.”

“Such perfidy,” Richard muttered and turned to John Kendall. “The charts, John. Let us look at our battlefield options.”

A few minutes later, the lords were gathered, heads bent poring over the map, when Rob Percy entered the room and whispered in Richard’s ear.

“Excuse me, my lords,” Richard said, and exited with Rob, who gave him the thick envelope, bowed and left.

Instantly recognizing Kate’s untidy lettering, he frowned; he had no time for anything but the upcoming fight. Curious, however, he opened the crudely sealed parchment and Kate’s little gold ring fell into his palm. What this time, he wondered.

I must see you, Richard. I beg of you, do not deny me, although I know you are occupied. I am staying with Master Roger Wygston on Church Lane. I await your summons. Yours truly always, Kate.

Richard folded the paper and smiled to himself. Aye, you have always been true to me, Kate. But what, in Christ’s name, are you doing in Leicester?

“Get out!” Richard’s voice carried into the great hall, where several of his friends exchanged meaningful looks. His raised voice was becoming an all-too familiar sound as Richard’s knights went about their business, some checking their weapons and armor or giving instructions to their squires, and others writing letters to their wives.