THE LAST WHITE ROSE - EPISODE ELEVEN: "FEARS AND TEARS"

One page synopsis of Episode Eleven of "The Last White Rose": "Fears and Tears" As the York troops assemble below Ambion Hill and the enemy advances in the far meadows and ridges in the full daylight of August 22, 1485, Richard, upon his horse, turns to Merlin. "Will I be betrayed yet again?" He knows well the answer with Merlin's gesture, taking him back to the time betrayal became rampant, a time of great sorrow and tears, a time where lesser men would have cowered for an ill wind blows from the slings and arrows of rumor, the deadly rumor that the King murdered his nephews. Like feathers released to the air, deception floats and lingers, catching the currents of calumny. Buckingham declares open rebellion against Richard III, unfurling his banner in the Welsh marshes. Fierce storms delay his advance as well as the Welsh chieftains. With Sir John Howard's forces heavily guarding London to the west, Stafford is forced to march south. Richard's lieutenants put up opposition by destroying bridges to funnel Buckingham towards Salisbury where the Duke is captured. In prison Richard sends a faux priest to find out the truth. When Stafford confesses, Richard knows, then sends in a real priest for the sake of his former friend's soul. Richard sends for Anne and Ned to come to London but Ned is not strong enough to travel. He is left in the care of her mother Anne Beauchamp and Friar Michael Lynn as Anne's carriage carries her and her servant Phillippa south. At Westminster Richard confides to Anne the truth of the princes' fate. Morton has evidently taken young Richard with him to Flanders. No one knows the whereabouts of young Edward's grave if indeed he is dead. Though the rumors are nasty, Anne knows Richard is innocent, yet he struggles with what he could, should have done. In Parliament Richard turns to helping England by enacting laws that will abolish taxes of citizens who have no representation as well as establishing that every man is innocent until proven guilty as well as many other laws and reforms still on the books and adopted by many nations, especially the United States after the Revolution. In the second Parliament shortly after Christmas, the laws and reforms are all passed, Sir Will Catesby is elected Speaker and the Titulus Regis is enacted whereby Ned will be the heir of the Realm. The rumors hold no sway with the House of Lords and Commons, causing renewed optimism in Richard who seeks to legislate further with more laws to benefit the common man. But his joy is blunted by the failing health of his Anne. She longs to return to Middleham to be with Ned. But Richard must deal with one last matter: reconciling with the Woodville Queen by offering his protection. He asks Anne to make the initial suggestion to Elizabeth in sanctuary. Though it is a difficult task, Anne chooses truth to convince her to come out of sanctuary, including what really happened to her sons and Buckingham's treason. After much insult, she agrees. Richard is so proud of her success for she has accomplished what neither cardinal nor his cohorts could. In the spring Richard and Anne head north to reunite with Ned at Middleham. Forced to stay at Nottingham they are delayed by the swelling of the Trent River. They cannot cross. Anne has a nightmare that Ned is dying and she's not there for him as Friar Lynn administers the Last Rites. She is awakened to the reality of the ominous premonition when the Friar himself brings the bad news. Both Richard and Anne are heartbroken. Their only son passed peacefully, but he is gone and Anne never said goodbye. The omen of the old seeress haunts her more. Richard takes it as a sign of punishment for his taking the Realm. Both blame themselves whereas neither is truly to blame. They realize Ned has gone to a better Kingdom where they will see him in time. Ned's funeral is filled with tears. Meanwhile, in a manor in Bruges, Flanders Bishop Morton receives Henry Tudor of Richmond who will not attack unless he has the full support of all, more money, and more Bretons to increase his ranks. Morton's nebulous attitude toward the prince brings suspicion, but Tudor has more important matters to attend. He offers Morton the Archbishopric of Canterbury if Henry is successful. The bargain is cemented. Two more have sold their souls to the devil. Another white petal flutters by Anne's side.