Kingmaker

Knights of Lancaster #1

"Neville, what do you make of this? David and Ava, I mean. Is it not unusual that they would both flee, then one of them turn back to the House of York? It seems most unusual to me" commented Plantagenet as he and Neville left the castle grounds on their horses. The sun had since rose, painting the sky in a beautiful light blue with hints of gold and yellow. "It does seem unusual. More so under the circumstances. David is older than Ava by several years, so it was questionable as to why he would even leave with Ava to begin with if he was going to return anyway. Ava may be an instigator, but she would never force anyone to go anywhere with her, or to do anything. My question is more aimed towards why David left with her, and why he wished to come to the very people that he has called enemies many times. It is most confusing, Plantagenet. But if we find Ava, or any of the townsfolk, they may be able to answer the questions that we have. But it would be more useful to us if we were to find Ava. After all, she is the one that wishes to join us. So we should seek the answers from her. Maybe if we can find horse tracks, we will find her. Look for old hoof prints. They will be more indented into the ground, and will probably be headed the opposite way to us. Even a single hoof print may lead us to her" replied Neville, gazing around as he spoke. Neville was a man of few words when it came to being blunt and simple. But when it came to matters such as this, he could talk for quite a while. Especially when it involved the House of York.
Neville had been a member of the House of York, but after an incident within the House of York with a fellow member; in spite and filled with rage, he had defected to the House of Lancaster. Leaving the white rose, to go in favour of the red rose*
"Do you think the King spoke his true feelings on the matter?" questioned Plantagenet, glacing to Neville at his side, his eyes drifting to the stallion he rode. The stallions had since woken up and had more active gaits. Giving the knights a more steady appearance. If the horses still held their heads low, it looked lazy. With a sigh, Neville shifted the reins in his hand. "No, I do not believe that he did. I believe he is nervous. Such incidents like this can bring about war. Especially with the families that it involves. Ava is a Woodville. The Woodville's, a family from Northamptonshire I believe. Are one of the high ranking houses within the House of York. They have links throughout the House of York, and their family has a history of keeping themselves with said house. Ava's mother married in the House of York, and I hear that Ava was set to marry into the Stafford family. Now that Ava has defected from the house and no longer wishes to ally herself with them, it will cause upset within the House of York, and most importantly. Within the Stafford family. The King knows this, and knows what the outcome will be. But we cannot stop a lady from defecting from her house. If it is what she wishes to do, we cannot stop her. A more pressing matter is that she is now without protection, and as she is a Woodville, it is most dangerous for her to be out alone in this town. She may be able to defend herself, but she is not the type for fighting unless she absolutely has to. As for David, I believe that the King fears what the man will say. David can spin tales full of lies. He can speak ill of the House of Lancaster, and of the King himself. David's family may not have high standing within the House of York, but his words will still reach the head of the house. And this is what the King fears. He does not tell us these things because he does not want us to stray from our task. If we have these things on our minds, then we may stray. But I will not. Nor should you. This is not as dangerous a mission as the King believes it is. It is simple enough. The only difficult part is seeking Ava. By now, David will be back in House of York territory and we will not get near him without being noticed"
Plantagenet nodded at what Neville had said. He knew that Neville was close to the King, and knew the man rather well. Meaning he could see when the King wasn't saying everything he was thinking and feeling. Neville's words had rang true. This could cause a war. And if not a war, it could cause conflict in the streets. Innocent lives would be at risk if that became the case. He couldn't help but feel sorry for David and Ava. David had followed Ava half-way, betrayed her, then returned to the House of York, having somewhat failed in his task. Failure was never an appealing feeling to endure. And Ava had been betrayed by someone she had once seen as a friend, and was now being chased down by the Knights of York. Both David and Ava would be seen as traitors. David, briefly. Ava for eternity. Both had their reasons for fleeing the House of York. Ava was merely seeing her reasons through until she achieved that which she was aiming for. It would be a while before she accomplished her goal, and in the end, it could all be for nothing.
But to achieve something. You have to actually try. Otherwise you will never know your limits and what you are capable of.

[Authors Note: Hello! Apologies for not updating. We've had storms here, and some days it's been far too warm to work at the laptop. And I've had several migraines recently. Normal for me with chronic migraines and all. But hey! I'm back! And updating again! How about a nice chat with Neville and Plantagenet from the House of Lancaster?]