We see Tristram in the opening scene, delivering the news of the death of John Clifford and the Lancastrian’s defeat at the Battle of Towton. He gives a token to Lady Margaret Clifford as a pledge of his support and she calls in the promise when she wants help in restoring her son Henry to his land and titles. In his youth, he was a member of the Flower of Craven and idolised John Clifford in the same way that John was inspired by Lord Egremont’s troop of hard riding, hard fighting men. His larger than life character brings humour and light to the novel.