The warlike and fervent nationalists of Stirling, the Scottish royal town, roared and roared, wielding weapons, sticks, pitchforks and even stones to drive the English who invaded the ancient medieval town out of the town. On the British side, the battle to capture Queen Mary was almost completely defeated by the defection of 400 Scottish "allies" who assisted in the battle and the heavy losses suffered by 200 noble cavalry and sergeants from the north in front of Stirling Castle.

Some 1,300 mercenaries from the Holy Roman Empire and Spain, as well as the remnants of nearly 30 noble quasi-lancers, withdrew to the village of Farin, the landing site of the invasion, John Dudley, Viscount Lyle, who had been ordered to command the ground forces to attack the Scots, was furious. While ordering the remnants of the army to desperately resist the Scottish Resistance of light cavalry, sergeants, farmers, hired laborers, and landless vagrants, he eagerly boarded the flagship of the royal fleet at anchor in the village, the "Jesse of Lübeck".

Viscount Lyle, dressed in full-body plate armor and saber and holding a helmet, came to the aft lookout angrily, and after paying homage to the Duke of Richmond, the supreme commander of the battle, with a quick and polite nodding motion, he said with a gloomy face, "Your Highness, what is going on?" Why can't the guns of 2,100 knights, sergeants, and royal ships get us the Scotsman's Stirling? ”

The Duke of Richmond, who had been briefed on the war, stood at the helmsman's side without saying a word, holding the delicate royal gauntlet and stabbing sword and staring coldly at Viscount Lyle, "Your Excellency, I am amazed at the rebellion of the Scottish allies. But what are our mercenaries doing? Is it to kill the Scots in town, or is it selfish to plunder the Scots' wealth? ”

John Dudley was well aware of the principles and shortcomings of these mercenaries from the kingdoms of Europe, but he did not understand why some of the mercenaries from the Holy Roman Empire were defeated on the battlefield. Standing on the lookout and pondering in a dull voice, he suddenly said, "Your Highness, even though the mercenaries are plundering the Scots' wealth, the 'loyal' Scottish allies are turning their spears against us on the battlefield. ”

The Duke of Richmond was also very helpless about the Scots' rebellion on the battlefield. Had it not been for the severe lack of funds and personnel for the Scottish wars by his father, Henry VIII, the invasion would have been a success. Even if Queen Mary could not be caught, at least the treasures of the royal castle of the Scots could be looted.

However, the planned capture of the castle had now lost nearly 800 men, including Isabel Walton's betrothed husband Sir William Ingleby, a knight from the central frontier and their nobles, rebellious Scottish allies, and a number of captured mercenaries.

The Duke of Richmond wanted to continue the fight, but he felt that if he lost some of his troops, the royal fleet might also be attacked by artillery from the shore. It was already a great risk to lead the fleet deep into the river near the city of Stirling, and he feared that he would lose the trust of Henry VIII if he suffered any further losses. Just like his childhood friend, the Earl of Surrey, after his defeat in the European theater, he was abandoned by Henry VIII.

In the end, he had to give two new orders to Viscount Lyle: "Your Excellency, order the ships to fire and repel the Scots, and let all the mercenaries in the village get on board." Then, let the royal fleet return to the waters of the North Sea. ”

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The Duke of Richmond, dressed in full plate armor, walked a little heavily outside the priest's room, knowing that the sound of the metal armor on his body had probably alarmed the man in black in the room. After standing outside the hatch and taking a few deep breaths, he knocked lightly on the hatch, "Madam, may I come in?" ”

At this moment, in the worship room, which is simply furnished and gives people a clean and elegant feeling, the dim lights reflect the tables and chairs in the worship room, which looks a little melancholy and a little quiet. Dressed in a tight-fitting combat cotton suit and a modified friar's uniform, covered with "Arman Rivet" infantry bust, with two swords, one long and one short, and tight trousers and high riding boots, Isabelle Walton stood in front of the altar staring closely at the crucifix (a Latin cross on a stepped platform) hanging from the wall. The three steps at the bottom represent the hill of Calvary (the place where Jesus was crucified).

"Your Highness, come in." Isabel just turned her head to the hatch on the left side and whispered.

The Duke of Richmond entered the chamber of worship and closed the hatch with his hand, staring at the advisor two or three paces away. After hesitating for a moment, he said softly, "Isabel, I... I have very sad news for you. ”

"Your Highness, what's the news?" Isabel had already had a premonition that something unfortunate was happening, and she just continued to look at the dead Jesus on the crucifixion with a blank face.

"Well, Sir William Ingleby...... He's dead. ”

When the Duke of Richmond finally told the unacceptable truth, there was a deathly silence in the room. At this moment, a tear quietly dripped from the socket of Isabel's left eye. It landed on the monk's robe at the neck, soaked in the monk's robe and evolved into a blooming flower.

I don't know how long later, Isabel turned to look at the Duke of Richmond in armor, and said softly, "Your Highness, can you tell me how Sir died?" ”

The Duke of Richmond then gave a general account of how Sir William was killed by the Scots in rebellion. Isabel remained silent after hearing this, and turned again to face the crucifixion with her hands folded on her chest, lowered her head and whispered the prayer: "Most merciful and merciful God, I beseech you to have mercy on William Inglebi for forgiveness of all sins against the Lord during his lifetime, whether in thought or in word or deed." Destiny of the Divine Mier, protection and guidance. and the dangerous road behind him, so that the devil may not wreak havoc. Avoid hell and ascend to heaven with the face of the Lord. I will also be in heaven in the future, to worship the Lord's holy face, and to see the beauty of all goodness and happiness. Amen. ”

When she had finished reciting the scriptures, the Duke of Richmond shook his head and said, "Isabel, I will have the priest pray for the dead lord." ”

Isabel lowered her hands and walked in front of the duke and nodded, "Your Highness, I hope I can avenge Sir Knight." ”

"Revenge? Well, we'll find the rebellious Sir Andrew and the rest of the Scots for revenge. It's just that we've lost a lot of troops right now......"

"Your Highness, I just need you to cover me with the guns of the warship."