On the Trail of King Richard III. L. M. Ollie
tion>
On the Trail of King Richard III
by
L. M. Ollie
First published in paperback New Zealand 1998
ISBN 978-0-473-05234-8
By Taheke Press
Copyright © 1996-2011 by L. M. Ollie
Email : [email protected]
Published in eBook format by eBookIt.com
ISBN-13: 978-0-4731-8310-3
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.
A Historical Novel with Powerful Insights
Every age has its heroes, and its villains. Richard III, King of England (1483-1485) was a villain, a monster perhaps, but that’s Shakespeare’s version, sourced from documents which were either pro-Tudor or blatantly anti-York; the War of the Roses – The Continuation.
But, was he so very evil? Not according to a small group of enthusiastic individuals called Ricardians who seek to have the truth told. The central character of this work of fiction - Laura - is determined to undertake her own investigation, using a combination of common sense, instinct and more than a touch of ESP. She gets more than she bargains for however when she reaches for the ultimate prize; the truth about what happened to the “Princes in the Tower” and unwittingly unleashes a chain of events which threaten to destroy her and her travelling companions.
Witty, amusing and provocative, this is a story overflowing with little-known facts, bizarre encounters and finally, unremitting evil. A traveler’s tale? Absolutely! But, be warned! For those who seek knowledge must come prepared, for often it seems that Truth is jealously guarded to the death, and sometimes beyond!
Reputed to be the most concise and historically accurate rendering of King Richard III yet set within the confines of an intelligently written, exciting and frequently amusing storyline.
‘A worthy successor to Daughter of Time,’ said David Hardwick, Ranger at the Bosworth Field Battlesite.
P.A. Hancock, Provost Distinguished Research Professor, University of Central Florida – ‘Ollie’s book is a most enjoyable contribution to the historiographic genre … occasional nuggets of information and surprises … find one running for reference texts and asking questions such as “Is it true” or “Could that have happened?” It is an engaging book that will interest most Ricardians, and it acts to stimulate ideas about possible courses of events. In this, its value goes well beyond mere pleasure alone. An excellent tour guide too … Richardians will want to re-create the Ollie “Tour”!’
‘Well-researched, well-written, and very enjoyable.’ Annette Stark, Past Chair, Richard III Society of New Zealand.
R. Corney, The Dominion: ‘The history of King Richard works … I got thoroughly hooked.’
M. Christensen, Wairarapa Times-Age: ‘For investigators and apologists for the Richard III phenomenon, On the Trail of King Richard III will prove engrossing reading’.
Also by the same Author
Thirteen at Dinner
A play about King Richard the Third of England 1452-1485
ISBN 978-0-473-18356-1
Creatures of the Chase
Book One - Richard
A tragic love story and edge of your seat thriller.
ISBN 978-0-473-18463-6
Soon to be released
Creatures of the Chase
Book Two – Yusuf
ISBN 978-0-473-18464-3
Creatures of the Chase
Book Three - Mikail
ISBN 978-0-473-18462-9
Acknowledgements
My first debt of gratitude must go to History, that great work of convoluted non-fiction where truth often wears a disguise and falsehoods abound.
To the numerous scholars over the years who have contributed substantially to our knowledge of King Richard III and the age in which he lived. I wish to express my thanks and admiration to all those individuals, both professional and amateur, who have sought, and continue to seek to learn and publish the truth. From them I have drawn my sources, and my inspiration.
To the Richard III Society and its members, many of whom infused me with a deep sense of caring for this strange and enigmatic man.
L. M. Ollie
April 1998
Disclaimer
Although this work is fiction, special care has been taken to preserve historical accuracy within the bounds of the storyline which is, of itself, a product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons or events in modern time is strictly coincidental.
L. M. Ollie
April 1998
Dedication
To my beloved daughter Alicia Magdalene;
a symbol of the hope we all must sustain.
August 22nd, 1485
The Field of Redemore, England
King Richard:
Up with my tent! Here I will lie tonight;
But where to-morrow?
Shakespeare –
The Tragedy of King Richard the Third
[Act V, Scene 3]
He stood just outside the King’s pavilion and watched as the first pale glimmer of dawn encroached upon the landscape, eclipsing the terrors that beset the night. Around him the camp stirred listlessly. A mummer here and there, a muffled cry; shouts half heard, carried on a freshening wind, screaming of watchfulness and smelling of the primeval fear so long associated with impending death. His coal-black eyes surveyed the scene with infinite care, missing nothing, but none dared meet his gaze or even look in his direction.
‘Long has it been so,’ he mused, turning the thought over and over in his mind, delighting in the knowledge of the terror he evoked in the minds and hearts of the ignorant, the superstitious and the unwary. He was pleased, for was that not his intention, was that not his reason for being? And soon, yes very soon, he would be free of this, free to hunt anew and glory in chaos and the hopelessness of mankind.
King Richard, third of that name of the House of Plantagenet, lay like a man newly racked, his skin deathly pale; his body frail beyond endurance. His face betrayed the knowledge of a sleepless night and his eyes had fear in them.
‘The Dragon is on the move my lord, ‘tis time.’
‘The priest, where is he?’
‘Gone Sire, with neither the holy blood nor the wafers to say the Mass or ease thy soul in the coming trial. No matter. Steel shall be thy strong right arm, thy armour a shield against this bastard Welsh pretender. Come