Why Does Right and Wrong Seem So Far Away? An Anne and Richard Halloween Tale

"Prayers can't keep out all evil souls..."

October 1483

Anne and Richard strode down the castle steps, followed by a trail of Ladies in waiting, Knights and Guards and made their way into the Great Hall of Middleham Castle. There was a great uproar as they entered, looking fantastic in their costumes. Little Edward, Prince of Wales, joined them dressed as a dragon. Anne had asked for the costume to be made herself, and was impressed with the vivid greens and reds that attracted the attention of all around them. Richard was dressed as a King Arthur of Camelot, and she of course, was Guinevere, but instead Anne was a faithful Queen.

The hall was beautifully decorated; candles were scattered everywhere burning white, red and orange. Hundreds of Lords and Ladies bustled about in their colourful and creative costumes and they bowed and curtseyed very low as the King and Queen entered. Decorations made of Gold, Silver and many other jewels hung from the ceiling twinkling in the candle light. Richard offered Anne his hand as they marched down the hall to their tall, gold thrones that were now encrusted with red rubies and black jewels. Scenes with angels and dragons and mythical tales were carved into the thrones and Edward squealed with excitement as he looked it over.

“Let the celebrations begin!” Anne called out. Of course, they started with a dance which all of the guests were more than happy to take part in. The music started as jolly and cheerful - this could have been mistaken for Christmas - until it turned more dramatic and low. Richard escorted Anne into the crowds and they danced until the candles started to burn low and were replaced quickly by the servants.

The hall grew silent as they took time to say some prayers to ward off any evil beasts lurking that were somewhere between Hell and Earth: Purgatory. The games began and Richard and Anne laughed more heartily than ever. They gasped when they caught sight of Margaret and Teddy - they had never seen them look so grown up. Margaret was dressed as an old crone, yet looked more beautiful than Anne had ever seen her. And Teddy was dressed as Merlin and made them laugh almost hysterically as he tried to communicate with them through a thick grey wool beard. Katherine and Johnny were also here and all the children started to dance together more merrily than ever before. However, Anne noticed the doleful look in Margaret’s eyes and knew that both of them were thinking of Isabel.

Richard grabbed Anne’s hand and squeezed it reassuringly.

“Dance with me again, Anne?” he pleaded, with a look of both sorrow and lust in his eyes.

“Of course, my King. I am your loyal servant, am I not?” she teased. So the young and beautiful couple danced, holding each other closely and cherishing every touch. They kept an eye on the children as they played apple bobbing and various other games. It was growing late, and the feast was about to arrive.

However, just as the tables were set out with food filling them like portholes to other worlds, there was a loud noise. Anne and Richard gave each other a nervous look. Was someone else expected? Was there a surprise? Had something happened?

Anne noticed that her nails were almost chewed to the bone and she snatched Richard’s hand from under the table. Suddenly, the great wooden doors opened. A woman stepped in, followed by a younger woman. Anne almost shrieked when she saw her, dressed fully in black, looking more menacing than ever.

The prayers hadn’t kept out all evil souls tonight.

It was Elizabeth Woodville and her dazzling eldest daughter, Elizabeth of York.

 © 2013 by Eliza Wood. All rights reserved.