Kingmaker

Llane Richard Neville #2

As Ava dozed lightly now back in hers and Neville's room in the castle, the new father had remained awake at her side. Their son in his arms as he spoke to Plantagenet. "This birth will cause an uproar if York hears the child is alive. They will likely make more threats now than they already have" murmured Plangenet softly; to which Neville sighed. "I'm aware. If this cold doesn't kill him, York surely will. If it comes down to it, I will speak with Ava on sending Llane away until this heat with York has ceased. But I doubt she will let him go. She carried him for 9 months. Through a battle. She won't give him up that easily" murmured Neville, handing the small child to Plantagenet for a moment. "We actually recieved word earlier that York had marched on London. Half the army down there were killed. The banners of York were sighted. The people are beginning to question King Henry's reign and hold on the cities and towns. Some citizens have eventurned to King Edward of York, though he doesn't hold the title of 'King'. They have turned to the man and have given their support. Soon, we will have to march on London ourselves with an army. Your army, my army; and Ava's. Another matter we will have to tackle soon is our King's Coronation. A jousting event, as always. It is a few months away yet. And hopefully, your Llane will be walking by then. Some children can walk at a mere 7 months these days. But Neville. Much is coming in the next few months. And we must be prepared. York will take whatever chances they get to attack the Crown. If we do not show that our King still has power. We will find ourselves in a state most troublesome" sighed Plantagenet softly as he cradled Finn in his arms.
Neville felt a sense of dread fall over him for a moment. "Have we heard word from the Prince of Wales? And more threat to him?" he asked, inclining his head to Plantagenet. "There has been another threat recently, but his army fought well. It seems Ava sent 500 of her men to aid him, and they are fairing well. Less than 200 fell, and he has requested to meet Ava to thank her, and her army. I wrote back to say that it is not possible for her to travel under the circumstances. He now understands that York are out to kill her, as well as King Henry. It is petty, really. But when I put more thought to it, would we not chase down someone that defected from Lancaster to York?" Neville nodded at the words, chewing his lip thoughtfully as he gazed to Ava, still dozing lightly. "Her army are strong. And she is in a great mind to send her men to aid a fellow man of Lancaster. It is quite petty, but yes. We would chase down anyone that defected from our house. Information is too sensitive. What of that boy, Plantagenet? The one who dared lay a hand on Ava?" The knight sighed. "A spy of York. Paid to sneak among our ranks as a general. His intention, had he been successful. Was to see the strength of our men, to pass on information of our stance and the condition of our horses. Also the condition of myself, you and Ava. He would have surely spoken of Ava's pregnancy had he been able to go back to York. The boy had said he was defending himself with the words he spoke. But I fail to see how he was doing that. And in lashing out, he merely cemented the fact that he would die"
Neville rubbed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose for a moment. "York are sneaking men into our ranks left, right and centre. We need to double the guard, talk with our men. Make sure they all know the faces of one another. A single face out of place and we will know it is a spy. Armies that acquire new soldiers through us, will not be deployed until they know each other. Knowing faces is something we need to do these days it seems" he sighed, resting a hand on Ava's as she stirred, but didn't wake. "What of Ava, Neville? What do we say to her?" asked Plantagenet, glancing to Ava. "We tell her what we have just spoken of. We cannot hide things from her, and she has to know. Her army are, and will be involved for much longer. If she has to have Llane at her side. So be it. Leaving him anywhere will not be a wise move. Taking him with her will be much easier. She will have soldiers on either side of her. And she will be protected"
The events in the upcoming weeks would surely set apart Lancaster and York. With the impending threat of attacks on the King, the knights and their armies. There wasn't much they could do but prepare to fight. The thought of taking his son on a battlefield sent shivers down Neville's spine. But it felt like the only way that he would be safe. Neville knew that Ava would have the child bundled against her chest, chainmail wrapped over him for protection. At the same time, Ava would be without armour. This would take some thought. But again, at the same time. With the threat so high. Keeping the child close to them would be the best move. Ava wouldn't let him out of her sight. And Neville wouldn't leave her side if he could help it. If he had to leave her side, she would be guarded by his most trusted soldiers.
As Ava still slept, the two knights gazed over to her. "She will make a fine mother, Neville. Have faith in her to protect your son. And once more, congratulations my friend"
"Thank you. And, Ava asked that I speak with you. Our son requires a godfather. Would you do the honour?" asked Neville, clasping hands with his friend. "I will, thank you" replied Plantagenet, his lips forming a smile. He was now godfather to his closest friends child. He too now had the responsibility of protecting the little boy.
But it was a responsibility that was most welcome.

[Authors Note: Plantagenet is the godfather! Had to be him because he's the closest friend she and Neville have. There is much to come, folks!]