The Sins of the de Sine

It was spring in the year of our lord 1467, and England was in the grips of dynastic war. Your family the de Sine was an old family having come across with William the Conqueror and earned a small barony in the North of England in the aftermath of the Battle of Hastings.

The family had helped curb the excesses of King John the first and were present when he was **** to sign the Magnacarta. During the Reign of Edward I the family patriarch gained the kings favor and was granted the title Earl of Sanbury.

When the house of York rose against rightful King Henry your famies current head Albert Sine 4th Earl of Sanbury ralied to the kings defense. Through victory and defeat your family triumphed, normally at the expense. Some in court had in both admiration, and envy had compared Albert to the Earl of Warwick the Kingmaker.

Amazingly when most noble families has lost sons and fathers to the bloodshed yours has not. Nor has any of Earl Alberts offspring have passed to childhood disease. Sadly your family's health and political adroitness has brought forth jealous whispers that maybe your family is in league with the dark one.

It is early in the spring and Albert, still hearty and hale at 50 years of age has left for court having been summoned.

Anne Deleur from Burgundy his new wife at the age of 18 was left behind st the family castle Albert leaving for court 3 days after their wedding.

Simon de Sine age 22 is Alberts son and heir. Who some has labeled the Bastard maker. Is at home having just healed from a broken leg, injured during a skirmish.

Luke de Sine Age 20 is Alberts younger son. His father had arranged for him to be made a Bishop of Sanbury. Some whisper that he uses the nearby convent as his personal brothel. And its claimed he has an unhealthy releaship with his youngest sister.

Mary De Sine nee Woodville was the eldest daughter at 21. Her husband a cousin of Elizabeth Woodville had recently died in an hunting accident. There are whispers that she had her husband murdered and that the child she is supposed to be carrying is not her husbands.

Jessica de Sine i.e. Sister Mary Brigid age 19. Despite taking vows only a year ago was recently elected Mother Superior of the convent in Sanbury. It has been whispered that she's unchaste, and has even had incestuous sex with her brother the Bishop

And of course as with any old family that are many cousins.

Authors note: Yes I'm aware the girls as young as 14 were being married during this era. But that was then everyones at least 18.