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Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Trifecta Writing Challenge 63: What Richard Did

"Don't think about it," James told himself as he rode to London. The weather, itself, seemed to share in his misery. Darkness was falling on a grey day. It was drizzling steadily, and a sharp, cold wind compelled Sir James Tyrell to pull his collar up around his neck.

Only one servant rode with him, the loyal Tom. It would have been better to have no witnesses, but he needed one other man for what he was about to do.


The horses plodded on, but neither man spoke as they drew closer to London. There was nothing to discuss. Sir James' path had been set for him when he threw in his lot with Richard III in his bid for the throne.

Everyone knew that sooner or later something would have to be done about the Princes in the Tower. The claim of Richard III would always be questioned as long as the princes were alive.

Sir James had been dreading the day that Richard would summon him about the princes. He knew that as Richard's oldest and most loyal ally, that that day would come, and when it did he was almost grateful for the opportunity to finally do it and end the anxious waiting.

He had not told Tom exactly what they were about to do. He had merely said that the king had ordered them to go to the Tower to see the princes. But, the look of shock, followed by a look of grim resignation that registered on Tom's face let Sir James know that Tom understood their mission.

Far too soon, the lights of London appeared in the distance. Woodenly, James began to instruct Tom. They would use the princes' pillows.


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This is my entry for this week's Trifecta at http://www.trifectawritingchallenge.com/2013/02/trifecta-week-sixty-three.html

What do you think? Please comment! Also, please consider joining in! It's fun; good writing practice; and you meet cool people!

(Picture Source: Wiki)

33 comments:

  1. Oh, sinister. And timely - inspired in part, I assume, by the discovery of Richard III's body? I can't help but think: poor Tom...

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    1. Thanks! Yea, I am fascinated with all this Richard III news!

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  2. Very good. A nice historical piece!

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  3. I love all the old, historical, medieval ish stuff. Intriguing story!

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    1. Me too! Very cloak and dagger! Thanks for commenting :)

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  4. I love historical fiction, especially of the British monarchy. The last line is really chilling.

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    1. Thanks! Sadly, that may really be what happened to the Princes in the Tower. But, I don't think anyone alive knows what really occurred.

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  5. Come now--you don't think Richard was a misunderstood saint?

    I liked the desolation of this piece.

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    1. I actually plan to read more about all the theories of what happened to the princes. I wrote this piece about one theory. It is fascinating though...but, the poor little boys :(

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  6. Nice piece, very creepy though. Imagine always having people plotting about you. I will take my anonymity any day.

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    1. Yea...being royal is probably not that great. I agree with you.

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  7. Well done. Historical pieces are difficult - for me at least. You have pulled it off beautifully. The poor Princes. Nice work.

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    1. Aw...that is so nice of you, Steph. Thank you very much :)

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    1. It is a horrible, but fascinating story. Google the Princes in the Tower.

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  9. chilling, disturbing.. very well-written. i love stories that take you to another era. ^^

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  10. It is good. The language could use a little polish (IMHO), but the plot is chilling, and the darkness and the rain add to the mood.

    Caveat: I am neither a good reader, nor a good critic, so take this for what it is ;)

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    1. You are too a good critic! You are exactly right...it is flash fiction, so it not super polished, but glad you like it over all!

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  11. Oh,what crimes & misdeeds men have been committing since times immemorial for the love of power!Great piece^& loved the way you thought of linking it up to the current news about Richard ,well done:-)

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  12. Thanks :) I just ran with one of the theories about Richard and the Princes!

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  13. FANTASTIC! Historical Fiction. I love it... and the last line! (perfect pic, btw)

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    1. Aw, thanks Ted. Appreciate the kind words :) I am an historical fiction lover myself!

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  14. Oh, what a sad and horrible plot. You drew me into the story and I was disappointed when it ended.

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  15. I always found this piece of history darkly interesting. Your take on it is great!

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  16. Chilling ! I was drawn to the story so much that I was sad when it ended. Love historic fiction :)

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