Archery Field

After I received his majesty's letter I returned to Whitehall immediately. I found Harry at the archery field. I picked up a bow and arrow "Your majesty, it's great to be home and out of exile what have I missed?" I asked as I watched him take the target. "My wife is well, we had a son, we decided to name him Henry after you my good friend.

Bearing grave news, Cromwell reached the archery grounds where he'd been told he could find the king at his shooting practice. He bowed to the king, and seeing Sir Anthony there too he bowed as well, vaguely remembering he'd been sent away, but foremost in his mind was his news.

Majesty, please excuse me... but I have some news about Wolsey..

He shifted uncomfortably as he stood.

He stepped closer to the king, not wanting the others to overhear him.

He...attempted to take his own life.

He looked the king in the eye, knowing this had to be disturbing news for someone who was so fond of the cardinal.

Cromwell proceeded delicately, seeing the sadness and regret in the king's eyes. He lowered his own gaze to the ground as he continued in a low voice.

All I know is that he is alive, I've not gotten any further reports.

He stepped back, respectfully.

Neither did I, Majesty..

Before I could reply Thomas Cromwell approached us. I prepared my bow and arrow pretending to to over hear them.

With nothing more to say, he bowed, silently agreeing that none should ever know of this very secret and troubling matter. He quickly walked back to the palace. There was much work to be done.

Alexandrina Duarte Marquess of Fronteira was at the Archery Field with her ladies.

Anthony had been practicing archery for a while in the morning, his loyal man servant handing him arrow after arrow-each time he made a fine shot, often hitting the bull's eye. They both discussed the previous days events. Anthony spoke in his usual, habitually confident way, dismissing his servants good natured taunts about Joan.

They both glanced up at the same time, noticing a gaggle of finely turned out ladies arrive. Anthony dipped his head respectfully.

Her ladies and her curties to the men.

Anthony smiled and handed his bow to his manservant, removing his leather gloves he wore for archery as he approached the women, "Ladies, "he said, smiling at each individually, "You seem to have a better aim than I."

"I learned from my father."She said to him. She looked over at him after she did a other shot. "I am Alexandrina Duarte Marquess of Fronteira." to the man.

Anthony raised his brows playfully, "A marquess, well I am honoured."

He then looked at her arrow as it pierced the target, "Your father must have been a very skilled man."

"He is very."She said to him. As she handed her lady her bow.

"So what brings you to England?" he asked curiously and positioned himself to take another shot.

"I am just traveling the courts."She said to him with a smile.

Anthony smiled and released his arrow. It whistled through the air and hit a perfect bullseye. He recalled his years of travel with his friends, the adventures they had and replied, "Where have you been so far?"

"I have been to Germany."She said to him with a smile.

He grinned to himself, remembering his talk with Francis, "My brother and his wife have been to Germany. Did you like it?"

"It was different. But it was pretty there." She said softly with a smile on her face.