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Not far from the Bosworth Field the army stopped to take a break. There was a well, where they could drink and give the horses a moment to rest. It was a beautiful late summer day, the weather was nice, but the atmosphere was belligerent. Everybody knew what was waiting for them - an open battle, that is.
Richard had taken some water from the well, and after drinking it, withdrew himself into the shadow of a tree. His thoughts were lingering on Henry, who he knew surely followed him closeby.
He fell back from his thoughts, when Catesby came to him.
- Your Majesty.
- Catesby, have you had time to think about what I told you? asked Richard.
- Yes, and I have a plan, the older man replied with a low voice.
Richard was silent. He was nervous. He watched his troops get ready to continue their march, to their whatever end. But what was his end? If something went wrong, he would be dead. What would become of Henry, now James Tyrrell, then?
- If I die... come and join me, Henry, Richard whispered into the wind so quietly one could hardly hear it.
- Lord Richard? Did you say something? asked Catesby.
- No, nothing, answered Richard, but continued, - You know, Catesby, someone told me some time ago, that all who ever loved me are dead.
- Who said that, my lord?
- A ghost.
- A ghost?
- But I think she was wrong, said Richard, turning his face to the older man, - since not all are gone. You're still here, even now.
- My lord--
Richard turned to face Catesby properly.
- I think I have been blind not to see it, he started, - but you have feelings for me, haven't you?
- My lord, how did you...?
- I started to ponder about it some time ago, and now I'm sure of it. I noticed how you look at me, Richard smiled softly, - Maybe it was because my love has been brought back to me that I was able to see it now.
- My lord, I assure you, I have never thought of anything improper--
- Calm down, Catesby, said Richard softly. - I didn't think you had. I'm only sorry that I don't feel the same in return...
- No, Lord Richard, I have not asked and will not ask it of you. I'm fine as I am, by your side and serving you.
- I've never really repaid you your loyalty, said Richard. - Instead, what a whacking you've sometimes got from me.
- Don't worry about that, my lord!
- Just promise me one thing, Catesby, Richard started and put his hand on the other man's arm, - Promise me, that you survive and come with me and Henry. I won't leave you behind. Make sure to meet us where I told you to.
- Yes, my lord, you have my word.
- Thank you. Get ready. We should get going.
**
The battle was about to begin. When Richard looked at the enemy army he knew he had a better chance to win, at least when looking at the numbers. Still, he felt as if he was watching dark clouds rising from the horizon, which filled him with awe and excitement, but at the same time stirred up this ominous bad feeling, as when he was waiting for the first flash of lightning to strike.
His heart was drumming, but he felt calmer than he usually did before a battle, because he had the feeling of Henry watching him hidden somewhere. His presence was like magic to his soul.
When the fighting began, the chaos really was like a storm. Flashes of beaming blades, blood-soaked land and the roaring of men - this was where Richard had always felt he was most alive. But not anymore. What was this war to him? He would fight valiantly, but for what cause? His life, his meaning, his dream - they all belonged to Henry.
Nevertheless, father, I'll fight bravely as far as I can get, he thought.
Then suddenly his horse was killed and he fell down, clutching his sword even harder. He lost his helmet, but had no time to pick it up, since the enemy was already at him.
- My lord! he heard Catesby shout.
- Catesby, I need a horse!
- You should retreat, my lord!
- I won't give in yet!
- I mean it, you should do it now, my lord!
Richard didn't listen but fought on fiercely, looking for Richmond all around, drifting further away from his trusted Catesby in the battlefield. It wasn't until he lost his sword, that he knew he'd soon be done for.
This should be the moment.
- A horse! A horse! he shouted, - A kingdom for a horse!
He heard a terrible clatter of a horse's hooves getting closer. The rider advanced like a raging wind, dodging blades here and there - and when he got to Richard's side, he grabbed him up to the saddle, dodging a fateful blow.
- I got you!
They rode through the chaos on the battlefield. Richard saw Catesby fighting madly, but was able to create a short eye contact with him. Catesby looked at him fondly, but then continued his fight. He'd know what to do later.
Henry and Richard left the battlefield behind. They rode into the forest and were enveloped in greenery, swallowed completely into another world - a world of mist and magic, where they could vanish and start again.
Richard felt like his heart was in fire. The sensation was almost unreal - how the raging of the battlefield suddenly changed into him holding Henry tightly with his hands, and pressing his face so close to him he could smell his beautiful hair.
They were both worn out from the fight, but they made it. No one seemed to be after them and as they continued further they could hardly even hear the noises of the battle.
They dismounted their horse when they were far enough.
- Now we are free, said Henry. - We've stepped into our new life.
- Henry..., Richard whispered and took the other man's hand - come and kiss me.
He pulled the white-haired man closer and Henry blushed gently. They waited for their breaths to settle down from the excitement of running away together from the slaughter of the battlefield, and listened to the birds singing magically in the trees. At first their lips hardly brushed each other, but after a moment of hesitation, joined together for a first full kiss for years.
- I think Whitey is still there, whispered Henry. - He's watching after your man, Catesby.
- Let's hope for the best and wait for them.
They waited for hours, but eventually, a man worn out from battle accompanied with a white boar came into sight from the mist.
- Catesby! Richard exclaimed. - You're safe! Are you unscathed?
- I am, Lord Richard, and they think you're dead.
A loyal man had kept his promise once again.
- Now we must all get as far as we can from here, said Richard.
- Where should we go? asked Henry.
- I've been thinking about it, Richard replied. - I don't think we can stay in England. Let's go to France.
They set out to ride into their new life as ordinary people with no noble names. Hopefully somewhere in the middle of a faraway forest they could live in a cottage as they always dreamt they would.