About this story
A wounded messenger arrives with a tampered order and a tale of black-feathered arrows fired from ambush. Appleyard falls in the churchyard, shot from cover by an archer no one has seen, and the note bound to the arrowhead marks two more men for death by sunset — Sir Oliver among them.
How it opens
Bennet HatchThe Moat House bell rings at an hour belonging to no service.
You rode from the forest into a hamlet already gathered around the stone cross.
Bennet HatchMaster Dick, Sir Daniel summons every bow and bill to Kettley.
An express had carried sealed orders to Sir Oliver and drunk ale without dismounting.
Nicholas AppleyardNo man knows whether Sir Daniel fights for Lancaster or York today.
Nicholas AppleyardAsk which badge pays today before sewing it to your coat.