............... Queen Elizabeth arose from her ante chamber inside the castle walls of Oakhampton. She had returned back from her year long journey to France where she had given birth to her Son Robert III. Thanks to Roi Jean, she had a pleasant trip. She was given a tour of Paris in the Fall, treated to the still jolly entertainment of his court Jesters, and was Pampered such as a Queen should be for the first time since her brother's early death. It was great to spend an entire year in peace and tranquility while assuring an heir of true Bruce Blood.
But Now it was time for war.
Her meeting with Gaston Valois who had done a great job managing and Defending Oakhampton since she liberated it from the Tyrant Edward 6 seasons past went well.
..... "So I understand that D'Audley has taken up his sword again?" the Queen inquired.
..... "Yes My Lady" Gaston replied. " My scouts have confirmed that he has an army behind the gates of Falmouth."
..... " Ive noticed that Saltash, Penzance, Merigissy, and Bude all fly French Flags. Has Audley offered and resistance?" The Queen was amused at Valois slight blush at the praise. She knew how to talk to men. approach there ego's and they will eat from your hand.
..... "there has been minor resistance my lady. I cant be sure what his plans are." Gaston was aware of his blush, but was wise enough not to try to hide it. The Queen was a beautiful lady and he often envied Robert II of the Gueslin family for becoming her husband.
..... "Very well then" the queen sighed. "I have Commander Fevrier outside the gates with a thousand battle ready troops. We shall leave tonight."
..... As the Queen turned to leave, Gaston could muster but a meager whisper. "Good Luck. and may God be on your side this day."
..... Queen Elizabeth left that very evening, and before Dusk crossed the horizen, her army was encamped in Saltash. They were carefull not to raise any fires that could be spotted in the mere miles between them and Falmouth.
..... With the Dawn brought the morning Dew on the Ground. With the Dew came the first Rays of Sunshine that warmed the the first day of Fall at Falmouth. With the Sunshine, brought one thousand soldiers marching boldly over the hills.
..... The Panicked Shouts of the English Sentries could be heard over the walls of the City. "The Queen of the Scotsman is here. She is here !!!" could be heard over the stampede of running feet to take up there battle positions.
..... Like a well oiled machine, the Queens army mechanically took there postitions surrounding the fortress. they were oblivious to the shower of arrows that spilled from Falmouth's walls as they set up there siege engines and raised there tents for an expected long seige. For 30 days they battered the walls. reducing the keeps strength more and more each time.
....... Then suddenly, shouts of worry broke across the ranks as one evening, out of nowhere came the thundering hooves of the knights of King Edward. The Queen seeing that as usual he had her outnumbered over 3 to one and fighting would be futile quickly blew the horn with the signal for retreat. It was a hard journey as they lost 150 men in there fighting effort to retreat to the friendly confines of Penzance.
....... After only one day of gathering there composure, Queen Elizabeth then showed a sign of true courage returning to Falmouth with only 850 men to finish what they started. They rebuilt the destroyed engines and continued to batter the fief with all they had. After 40 days of hard fought battles day and night The Audley led Garrison finally wilted under a devastating storm attempt led by Commander Fevrier and Falmouth was under friendly Control. Audley, a warrior to the End was captured while he fought heroicly alongside his commanders in the galley of the fortress.
....... Queen Elizabeth, showing much more mercy than King Edward had shown to her Brother and Father allowed Audley to pay a ransom and go a free man and not bury him alongside his fallen. But the victory installed little pleasure to her meager frame. The pains of the War were still much to bear. She then went into one of Falmouths bedrooms, asked to be left alone. There she wept for hours.
story by Aceofharts
Ron Clarke from Connecticut
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