Crown of Fear — Derek Birks

England, August 1485.For almost thirty years, the Elder family has been ravaged by the feud between York and Lancaster. Now exiled John Elder, yearning for an end to the Elders' troubles, throws his support behind a young, untried pretender, Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond.Henry's tiny invasion force looks certain to be heavily outnumbered by the massive host that Richard III has summoned. But nothing is certain for some of King Richard's subjects are wondering if the dire rumours they have heard about him are true.Since one of Richard's most powerful nobles, Lord Thomas Stanley is also Henry's stepfather the king takes Stanley's son hostage. If Stanley deserts him, the king must rely upon the vast army of Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland, but the earl has long resented Richard's power in the north.King Richard's chief councillor, Sir William Catesby, keen to protect his king decides to crush the dangerous Elder brood once and for all. So, one by one John's kinfolk are captured and imprisoned.On a marshy plain not far from Market Bosworth the fate of the Elders and the kingdom of England will finally be settled.