1461 - Novel.

Background: 

1461 A.D. - the year the first Yorkist King, Edward IV, came to the throne of England after defeating the adherents of the Lancastrian dynasty headed by King Henry VI at the battle of Towton, acclaimed as the bloodiest battle fought on the English soil. Edward's rise to kingship was brought forward by several battles fought in close succession - Wakefield, Mortimer's Cross, Second St. Albans, and Towton.

The  second half of 15th century became the end of the Middle Ages in England as the importance of archery and mounted and armored men-at-arms in battle declined for they were largely replaced by the pike and shot of the 16th century. We know this period of history as the Wars of the Roses that lasted from 1455 until 1487. The characters and battles of this period have been an inspiration for writers of the past such as Shakespeare and Stevenson. Hundreds of years have passed since these momentous events, yet they continue to inspire a multitude of authors today.

The story:

The novel will follow a young archer, named Richard, fighting for the Yorkist cause in 1460 and 1461. He will encounter historical characters such as Richard of York, Lord Clifford "The Butcher", and Richard Neville, known as the Kingmaker, among many others. He will send arrows into enemy ranks, bloody his sword, and run for his life as he seeks glory, revenge, and love.

I intend to continue this story through several novels that will culminate in the rise of the Tudor dynasty in the form of Henry VII.