The Battle of Bosworth Field
My fifth and final battle was many years later at Bosworth Field. (Yes, the one bards sing of) King Edward had long since died and his younger (and much less capable) brother Richard III was King when word reached London that Henry Tudor had returned from France and had landed in South Wales. I was part of the royal artillery though I was getting on in years so when word came to King Richard that Henry Tudor was mustering an army in Wales, we were off to Leicester where the King’s army was being mustered. After the King’s army had been mobilized, we were to meet Henry Tudor’s army to the south near Bosworth Market.
Th e morning of the battle came with both sides arrayed against each other and we began our bombardment. Henry’s forces had guns of their own and we were soon exchanging volleys. So it continued that day for many hours, the ground shaking with each volley and the smoke billowing in great drifts like morning fog. When the smoke had settled, we could see that it was not Henry Tudor that was dead but King Richard! As I was not a supporter of King Richard though I was in his artillery and, his death did not upset me. Moreover, I had had enough of war and by this time cared little who wore the crown. And so I left fighting behind to spend time instead in my favorite alehouse, telling my stories to those who want to listen such as yourself.

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