Hands clasped, Valentine and Denys strolled Middleham Castle"s grounds on this sunny second Tuesday after Easter. Bright daffodils and bluebells promised spring, the air sweet with primroses, May blossoms, apple, cherry, and pear blossoms from the orchards. An endless azure sky streamed with ribbons of clouds. The kingdom reveled in a two-day Hocktide festival. Valentine and Richard"s tenants visited Middleham laden with eggs, and their lords catered them a feast. They enjoyed tournaments, jousting, archery, puppet shows, and minstrels played merry tunes. Striped tents topped with fluttering flags surrounded them.
A collective gasp knifed through the music and laughter. A messenger astride a horse bearing the royal standard galloped away. The surroundings silenced. Heads bowed. Ladies wep
