Kingmaker

Battle Prep #1

Several months passed without a single murmur from York to Lancaster, or Lancaster to York. Tensions within both houses had risen significantly, with neither of them knowing what the other was planning. It came on a cold winters afternoon, Lancaster had called a meeting of high profile men from the surrounding churches. In silence, the men entered the great hall, taking their seats along side the knights and King Henry. Ava was the only one not seated; pacing up and down the hall with her hands clasped behind her back. All the while, her sword bounced ever so slightly at her hip; reminding her of what this meeting was all about. The silence from York, and the inevitability of an attack at any moment.
Sir Richard had found himself watching her, she looked deep in thought. The past few months had been unusually peaceful, yet each day she had woken early and scouted the grounds herself. She'd been on edge, with the only time she wasn't being when she was laughing and talking with her soldiers. But even then, they had all been on edge. Ready to strike. A day hadn't gone by where she questioned the unusual peacefulness. As she paced, Ava continued to glance at the men seated around the large oak table. She noted several faces. Several she didn't trust. Some were of York, or had been. Who was to say they weren't still tied to York and had simply lied of their allegiance? Either way, she didn't trust them one bit, and would be treading carefully with her words. Silently, Ava moved to Sir Richard, leaning over his shoulder to whisper; "Several of these men are of York. Watch their words, and keep a hand on your sword" The words were barely audible, even for a whisper. She repeated the same thing to Sir George, the two knights sharing a silent gaze for a second before they gazed at the men around them.
King Henry eventually called Ava to her seat beside him with Sir Richard on her left. He had purposely chosen to seat her beside him, between himself and Sir Richard. Maybe he should've seated her between Sir Richard and Sir George. The two knights could easily restrain her if they needed to. York had become the biggest thorn in their sides. The silence had only made Ava more and more annoyed, and now she wanted their blood more than ever. Just the way she looked at the men around her was enough to signify that. "What is it that we need to speak of? I have men to train" she commented, folding her arms. King Henry didn't snap at her for how she had spoken there; he knew the time she spent with her troops was vital. Instead, he merely nodded to acknowledge that he'd heard her. "York, Ava. They're quiet. These past months have been silent compared to last year. There's been word of King Edward sending men marching to smaller towns and cities to gather soldiers. Right now, his army stands at six-thousand. I fear it will grow significantly in the next few weeks"
"Then why are we sat waiting for an attack? Should we not be marching to a vantage point that will give us the upper hand? A hill, would at least give us some viewing distance. We'd be able to send our arrows much further, and the metal balls of the cannon would also fly further. My men are ready and waiting. I could have my army on the road within the next 2 hours" started Ava, leaning forwards to rest against the table. The men around the table had now directed their gaze to her. Some questioned why she was even allowed to speak and hear of this, still not understanding her stance in Lancaster. Though they dared not question. It was silent for a moment after she'd spoken. King Henry seeming to be in thought. She had a point. Why were they just waiting for York to make a move? The silence from York was probably due to them building an army, and preparing to march on Lancaster.
King Henry tugged lightly at his beard, thinking for a moment longer before he looked to Ava. "Get your army on the road. Have 2000 of my own men go with you. That brings your own army to what? 4000? Myself, Sir Richard and Sir George will ride after you" Ava shook her head. "Sire, if I may. I already thought of all this. You will be guarded in the centre square by axemen, around them will be swordsmen with shields. Before them I will place archers. York will have to try very hard to get to you, Sire" She stood now, looking to King Henry. "I will prepare my men and ride at once. We'll take the hill at Tewkesbury. It's not the biggest, but any height over the enemy will give us the advantage. At the bottom of the hill is a pit of mud that will suck at the feet of any man on foot. As the enemy charges into that, they'll be left tugging. We'll have the advantage"
With that, Ava hurried out of the room. Motioning for her two soldiers that had came to the meeting to follow after her. They seemed excited and fired up now to be headed for a battle. Once she was out of the room with her soldiers, the men of the church looked to the King. "You allow her to lead an army?" questioned one, a man of around 60 years with thining grey hair, and a rough grey beard. The man walked with a cane, and questioned anything where there was a moment of silence for him to do so. "Indeed I do. She's wise and she knows what she's doing" replied the King, watching the elder before he caught Sir Richard's worried expression in the corner of his eye. "Go on, Sir Richard. I know you wish to ride with her. Combine your armies. I will set out myself with Sir George once this meeting is complete. Unless there is nothing more you wish to speak of gentlemen?"
The men of the church merely shook their heads. Their part in this meeting was just to hear of Lancaster's plans, to ensure that it was known they did this for defence, and not to call for conflict. But conflict was inevitable now. York were marching on them.
A battle was on the horizon. The second battle after the one that covered the moors in a sea of red.

[Authors Note: A battle is ahead! No spoilers. But I won't be killing any main characters. I am merely using the location. If you wish to know more about the battle of Tewkesbury, feel free to ask questions!]