In the parlour Meg sat beside Lady Margaret, thinking through what she must do. Escape was uppermost in her mind for as long as Bandy held them … [Read more...] about Shadow Of Doubt, Day 19
Shadow Of Doubt
This story fits within the Craft of Kings series set in the 1480s, between Book 3, Echoes of Treason and the final book, Crown of Fear, out later this year. However, the story itself is self-contained and can be read without any knowledge of the series – nor are there any major spoilers for the series.
By the early spring of 1485, the Elder family are still licking the wounds sustained in the abortive October Rebellion of 1483 against King Richard III. The head of the family, outlawed Lord John Elder has joined the pretender, Henry Tudor in France while his aunt and half-sister linger in the dubious safety of Ludlow.
Though John is one of the most wanted enemies of the crown, as long as the ladies have no contact with him, they are unlikely to be harmed by the king. King Richard’s closest adviser, William Catesby, knowing an invasion is certain, is keen to capture any of Tudor’s supporters if they land in England. Henry Tudor though is also anxious to find out who, among prominent Englishmen, he can rely upon. So in March 1485 he sends his trusted ally, John Elder to sound out one man who might hold the key to his success in the south west.
Shadow Of Doubt, Day 18
At Acton Court Gibb had little trouble in persuading Bandy’s soldiers that he was a fool. He passed up no opportunity to stumble and then fell … [Read more...] about Shadow Of Doubt, Day 18
Shadow Of Doubt, Day 17
The search took far longer than John hoped and, in the end, it was all to no avail for both parties had lost the trail in the woods. It was hardly … [Read more...] about Shadow Of Doubt, Day 17
Shadow Of Doubt, Day 16
At Acton Court, the silence between the two women, wary at first, was now companionable. But as Meg watched Lady Margaret finish her embroidery, she … [Read more...] about Shadow Of Doubt, Day 16
Shadow Of Doubt, Week 3
It did not take long for Will to return to Acton Court where he entered by the north east gate – close to John’s chamber. As he crossed the small … [Read more...] about Shadow Of Doubt, Week 3
Shadow Of Doubt, Day 15
René hoped that Lady Eleanor’s cries would alert John Elder and the others but, wounded leg or not, he was not going to wait for anyone else. Eleanor … [Read more...] about Shadow Of Doubt, Day 15
Shadow Of Doubt, Day 14
Careless of the noise she was making, Eleanor splashed wildly in the water in a desperate effort to keep herself above the surface. Then, in the midst … [Read more...] about Shadow Of Doubt, Day 14
Shadow Of Doubt, Day 13
René de Merckes was out of sorts. His sole reason for accompanying John Elder on his clandestine visit to England was the hope of seeing Eleanor Elder … [Read more...] about Shadow Of Doubt, Day 13