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Take 'Em Down; Norfolk's men
Topic Started: Apr 18 2011, 04:25 PM (283 Views)
William Parr
Unregistered

mid July 1512

It was coming soon.

For days, they had ridden up to Northumberland from the city of London, the noble men gathering their troops as they went through the English countryside, calling for those men who were loyal to their king who had not already been sent to France to come and defeat England's neighbor. The Auld Alliance between France and Scotland was James's precept for war, now that Henry VIII was busy with sieges on French towns as part of the Wars of the Holy League to protect the Pope from the French.

News came to them gradually, filtering through the gossip was hard; but they came to know that James's army was on the move, having captured Norham Castle on the border, demolishing half of it. The Scots were keen on destroying anything they could that was English. The men the Duke of Norfolk had rallied to his side on orders of his king were ready to defend their country. England would not be bullied around by a bunch of barbarians, even though Scotland's queen was steadfastly English.

In the green fields, summer heat beating down upon them, tents had been erected as a camp for the English army. The largest tent of them all was Norfolk's, and that was the one William Parr was headed to now. The men who would command forces would all meet this day to discuss their plans to send the Scots home to hell where they belonged.

"My lords," he said, spotting a few of the men the moment he pushed the side away so he could enter, giving them a courtly little bow. Essex was no soldier, he was a scholar, though he could ride well and now thanks to Baron Denbigh could fight well enough. He looked tired and anxious, never having been in such a position before, but he would do what he could to obey his king. He would do anything he could to protect his country. Too bad he was no soldier. "I hope this will end swiftly so we can return home the victors." He had nothing else to say about that. It was obvious he didn't want to be here, but he was following orders as any man would do.
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Thomas Howard
Unregistered

Norfolk had a bed - a wooden folded frame with cloth stretched on it, and blankets, and furs. He had chests and a solid table. At one spot he had his armor and shield, his swords, daggers, saddle, reins and riding boots. At another, a supply of paper, quills, ink, and wine of course. His tent was the biggest in the English camp, with his crest over the entrance, manned by two guards at every time. No carpets, tapestries, paintings or other silly thing. And he wasn't dressed for court - this was an army camp, and he was preparing for a battle. He was clad in leather garments with signs of wear and tear from the armor.

The map of the area spread on the table was the best they could find in Alnwick. Norfolk leaned over it, looking at the dots that were the armies positions. The English were stationed near Wooler, and the Scots, according to all reports, atop the Flodden Hill. The enemy had an advantageous position at the heights. The commander of the English army was considering maneuvers that would make the Scots leave, and he was leaning toward one, his choice shared by the few men he kept close for advice.

He heard a rustle at the flap, so he turned and saw the Earl of Essex. William Parr looked weary, the war camp was not his place of choosing. And the early hour could be blamed in part. Thomas knew some of the man's inclinations and uses. Essex was a good ally at court, but in battle he was green. He was not considered for a large command, nor had he asked for one.

"Lord Essex," he nodded back with enough respect, calling titles for courtesy. "Join us. We're about to discuss the impending battle. How are your men dispositioned?" he asked straight away. No offer of wine or food, this was the day of battle and they were to tend to their needs themselves. "I'd like you and them to join my host." He needed a strong unit to dissuade the Scots from attacking the main banner straight away. Furthermore, he needed these men to be led by someone he trusted, who would not shun being posted in the rear, and whose talents would not be wasted there.
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