Enemy at the Gate (10 page)

"Thank you, lord."

"Thank you Alf.  You have defended like Horatio at the bridge!" I looked down the wall and saw that the ladders had been cleared.  Philip and his archers were now loosing at the Scots who fled.  The night attack had been beaten off.

We kept watch all night but they did not return. Aiden and his foresters slipped back into the castle before dawn and we watched the sun rise together.  It was like a charnel house around my walls. Many hundreds had died. We had lost none from my castle walls but there would be empty hearths in Stockton.  As I ate breakfast with Alf and Wulfric I saw that the Scots were breaking camp.

"Lord, they are leaving!"

"Alf, it may be a ruse.  Let us wait. Wulfric, take command."

I hurried back to my castle. "Dick, signal for the ferry.  Take ten men and ride to Yarm. The Scots are breaking camp.  If this is not a ruse then they will try to cross the river upstream and try to trap us.  Warn Sir Richard. If it is not Yarm let me know where."

By noon half of the enemy had left.  A line of knights and men at arms protected the departing warriors.  They would not risk us sallying forth.  Aiden had not heard anything during the night which might give a reason for the departure. My own guess was that King David had decided I was costing him too many men. He had bigger enemies to defeat. By late afternoon the Scots had gone. My townsfolk were keen to strip the bodies and burn them. We all knew the dangers of rotting bodies which would attract all sorts of unwanted animals.

"No, Alf, let us do our job first.  Philip, Wulfric, take my men and make sure that they have gone."

"Aye lord."

"Alf, find Father Henry.  We have our own dead to bury."

My men arrived back before dark and it was they who began the grisly task of emptying the ditches, stripping the bodies and making a pyre for them.  We used the wood from the ram and the ladders as a base for the pyre and, as darkness fell, burned the Scottish dead.

Wulfric and the others had assured me that the Scots had headed west and no sign of them had been seen. Hartburn and Elton halls were burned as they passed but that was to be expected. It was vindictiveness.  There was nothing to be gained from that senseless act.

Wulfric chuckled, "We found Aiden's handy work.  He had placed the heads of the dead on top of their spears and they surrounded the Scottish camp.  They must have been filling their breeks.  He is a good man to have on your side."

I allowed the villagers to return to their homes the next day although Sir Tristan and Sir Harold's families stayed in my castle.  Dick returned with news that the Scots had tried to cross the river at Hurworth but the water had been too high.

"Then they will cross either at Croft, or more likely over the bridge at Piercebridge.  We have time.  We ride to Northallerton to join the Archbishop."

It was less than a few hours riding to reach Northallerton and we left a skeleton force to guard our castles.  I doubted that the Archbishop would have been able to muster anywhere near the numbers available to the Scottish King.  We had hurt him but not mortally. With Stephen busy in the south it would need my men to help the ancient Archbishop defeat the enemy. It took time to cross the river and I set each party off as soon as they landed. Speed was of the essence.  We were all well mounted and the road was a good one.

As we approached Arncliffe we met the first of the Archbishop's men. These were loyal to Stephen the Usurper but they had been warned of our arrival. "The Archbishop has received your news and he is gathering men two miles north of Northallerton."

We headed there.  I knew the place well. There were small ridges which would give a slight advantage to us. It would also allow us to fall back to Northallerton should we be defeated. If we fought closer to the town then we would have nowhere to run.

I knew where the Archbishop was by the armed guards around the large tent. "Wulfric, organise our camp." I smiled, "We will introduce ourselves to our new allies.  I suspect we will have a wary welcome.  Gentlemen, follow me."

I led my four knights towards the tent.  Two warriors wearing the livery of Walter Espec put their spears across the entrance. I said quietly, "I would move them before you are cut down."

"I have orders to prevent anyone from entering."

Sir Edward said, "This is the Earl of Cleveland.  He has just fought the Scots and slain a great number of them. I think he is just warming up. Besides I have a dagger here and it is close enough to your manhood, or what passes for your manhood, to guarantee us entry." The sentry looked down and saw the savage looking blade Sir Edward held. The spears were removed.

When we stepped in I saw that the men who were gathered there were all the leaders. I turned to Sir Edward, "Stand guard with the others in case we have difficulty."

"Aye my lord, I will get to know these two guards a little better."

I stepped into the tent. I heard Barnard de Balliol shout, "What is he doing here?  He is an enemy!"

I laughed, "Coming from you Balliol I take that as a compliment but I am here to fight the Scots.  Tomorrow will be time enough to take your head;  if you stand this time.  Normally you flee when I appear."

"Your Grace I protest!"

I saw the hint of a smile play about Thurstan's lips, "Behave yourself Aelfraed."

"I will try, your Grace."

"We appreciate your efforts at Stockton.  Can you give us an accurate report of what we can expect?"

"The numbers reported were relatively accurate although we have thinned them somewhat and my scouts reported some desertions.  Even so I would expect twenty thousand Scots within the next day."

De Brus said, "The most we can muster is ten thousand! We should retire to York, your Grace!"

I snorted, "And do what?  Watch the Scots ravage and pillage the land and enslave the people? We are Englishmen! We fight.  That is the only reason I am here.  If you wish to fall back then do so.  You and Balliol are ever self serving! As for the rest I know not." I glared at them.

Hands went to swords and the Archbishop's voice cut like a knife. "Do not draw a weapon! I would not have the Earl of Cleveland slay you before the battle! I have seen him fight. He is a warrior. Aelfraed control your tongue! I should have introduced you all first." He gestured as he introduced each of the knights, "
William of Aumale, Walter de Gant, Roger de Mowbray, Gilbert de Lacy, William de Percy, Richard de Courcy, William Fossard and Robert de Stuteville.  You know De Brus, Balliol and Espec.  Gentlemen I think you all need to cool off.  Leave me alone with the Earl.  I will summon you when I am ready."

They glared at me as they went out.  I smiled, especially at Balliol who made sure he had Walter Espec between us.

He shook his head as he poured us both a beaker of wine. "What am I to do with you Aelfraed. You grow worse."

"Your Grace we have just fought off twenty five thousand Scots with a handful of knights and the people of Stockton.  I come here and find knights ready to run.  What would you have me do?"

"I would have you advise me.  You are a warrior and I am a cleric. None of the men here have fought in a battle of this size.  If we are to survive then we need a clear head to guide us."

"I am sorry and you are right. Firstly we do not have enough knights and mounted men at arms to make this a mounted battle.  We use the land and our best weapon, our archers. Array the army between the two areas of boggy ground you see to the north of us.  It is just wide enough for our men and will stop us being outflanked. The boggy land will be a barrier. They will be wary of that.  Have the men at arms and knights in the front rank and the archers behind.  Place the fyrd behind them.  Keep the horses behind the ridge."

"That is it? We let them come on to us?"

"Our strength does not lie in the levy. It lies in knights and men at arms.  We face them beard to beard and use our archers to thin their numbers.  Put your nephew in command of the archers."

"Not your man?"

I smiled, "Philip of Selby will be more acceptable to the other barons and besides Dick will be with him. When we have broken their back we mount our horses and pursue them back to Scotland."

"You think we can win?"

"I believe we can but you, your Grace, must put steel in their hearts. They will not listen to me.  Tomorrow morning you must inspire them. As much as they hate me is the measure by which they love you."

He nodded, "Very well; I have brought the cross from York and Pyx with relics within as well as the consecrated banners of the minsters of York, Beverley and Ripon."

"Then place them in a cart in the centre of the line so that all men may see it. Have you and your priests there so that men will defend the standards and your good self. Even Balliol will baulk at fleeing in those circumstance."

"Aelfraed!" He shook his head. "Go fetch them.  It is time."

I went to the flap, "Come, the Archbishop has made his dispositions."

I think they all knew it was my plan but despite their opinion of my politics all respected me as a leader.  I had been King Henry's champion and fought alongside him many times. They approved the plan.

I sent my own scouts to discover the enemy before we retired and discovered that they were close enough for us to smell their camp fires.  The next day would be the day that battle would be joined.

I urged the Archbishop to have the men ready well before dawn.  The Scots would use the dark to advance close to us.  The knights and the rest of the army gathered around the cart, lit by burning brands, as the ancient Archbishop addressed us.  His words were formal but they were delivered with all the gravitas of the most respected cleric in England.

"Most illustrious nobles of England,
 
Normans
 
by birth, consider who you are, and against whom, and where it is you are waging war; for then no one shall with impunity resist your prowess. Bold France, taught by
 
experience, has quailed beneath your valour, fierce
 
England, led captive, has
 
submitted
 
to you; rich
 
Apulia, on having you for her masters, has flourished once again;
 
Jerusalem
 
so famed, and illustrious
 
Antioch, have bowed themselves before you; and now Scotland, which of right is subject to you,
 
attempts to show resistance, displaying a temerity not warranted by her arms, more fitted indeed for rioting than for battle. These are people, in fact, who have no knowledge of military matters, no skill in fighting, no moderation in ruling. There is no room then left for fear, but rather for shame, that those whom we have always sought on their own soil and overcome have come flocking into our country.

This has been brought about by Divine Providence; in order that those who have in this country violated the temples of God, stained the altars with blood, slain his priests, spared neither children nor pregnant women, may on the same spot receive the condign punishment of their crimes; and this most just resolve of the Divine will, God will this day put in execution by means of your hands. Arouse your spirits then, ye civilized warriors, and, firmly relying on the valour of your country, nay, rather on the
 
presence of God, arise against these most unrighteous foes.

And let not their rashness move you, because so many insignia of your valour cause no alarm to them. They know not how to arm themselves for battle; whereas you, during the time of peace, prepare yourselves for war, in order that in battle you may not experience the doubtful contingencies of warfare. Cover your heads then with the
 
helmet, your breasts with the
 
coat of mail, your legs with the
 
greaves, and your bodies with the
 
shield, that so the foeman may not find where to strike at you, on seeing you thus surrounded on every side with iron.

It is not so much the numbers of the many as the valour of the few that gains the battle. For a multitude unused to discipline is a hindrance to itself, when successful, in completing the victory, when routed, in taking to flight. Besides your forefathers, when but few in number, have many a time conquered multitudes; what then is the natural consequence of the glories of your ancestry, your constant exercises, your military discipline, but that though fewer in number, you should overcome multitudes?"

For me it was too cold a speech but it seemed to work on the nobles who all stood and began to cheer loudly! Many dropped to their knees and began to pray. I did not need the inspiration of the old Archbishop to fight well. I was fighting the old enemy and for my people.  That was enough. We went to our positions. I chose the centre of the line and stood flanked by knights on one side and my men at arms, led by Wulfric on the other. The rest of the barons stood with their own men amongst like minded fellows.  It was not a bad way to deploy.  Behind us were the archers.  Philip of Selby, Dick and the archers from the valley formed the centre of the line.  I knew that their accuracy and their rate of release would guarantee that the enemy before us would be weakened. The mist limited our view to three hundred paces.  I did not mind for that was as far as the best archers could release.  Realistically they would not begin sending their arrows at the enemy until they were two hundred paces away.

Many of the men had heard the Archbishop's  words and felt inspired.  They banged their shields and shouted at the, as yet, unseen enemy.  All that could be discerned were their advancing banners above the early morning mist. I turned to Sir Edward.  "I think that King David tried to catch us unawares."

On the other side of me Wulfric laughed, "Wait until he sees your banner in the front rank! You make sure you wave it Master Gilles!"

"I will! I promise you."

We each held a long spear. If the enemy tried to use their horse against us then we could defend ourselves. For my own part I did not think that the Scottish King would do so. He did not have enough heavy horse.  I guessed he would use  his own spearmen to punch a hole in our ranks. When they had weakened us he would send in his knights.  They were too valuable to throw away.   We would be outnumbered.  If he had committed all of his men and not left some to guard his line of retreat then it would be two to one.  It was why I had suggested to the Archbishop that we place our flanks between the boggy ground.

I saw spears approaching.  It was as I had expected.  Then through the mist I saw the first rank of the Scots.  They were Galwegians.  They had shaven heads and many were tattooed on their half naked bodies.  They carried a small shield, a long spear and throwing spears. By their side they carried a long knife.  They relied on speed and terror. They lined up, two deep. Behind them I saw the banner of Prince Henry , his knights and the men at arms. As they moved forward I saw that the men of Lothian were behind the knights.

Sir Edward said, "He will let loose his wild men at us first and then attack with his knights and men at arms.  He will hope that we are weaker after his barbarians are done with us."

Sir Harold said, "With the archers behind us he will stand little chance.  They wear no armour at all.  Not even a helmet!"

I cautioned those around me, "But they are fast and they are fierce! I want a solid line of men; at least here in the centre.  They will try to get to the Archbishop and the standards! We stop them!"

As we waited for the attack I saw that the Scottish King was also dismounted. He stood with his picked knights and best warriors.  They would be the final attack. He intended to attack with his men. That proved he was no coward, at least. A horn sounded and the Galwegians launched themselves at us.  That, in itself, was a mistake for Prince Henry and his mailed men could not keep up with the wild men.

I heard the command from behind me, "Release!" as Philip of Selby ordered the arrow storm. The sky was black with arrows and they plunged into bare flesh.  Amazingly many of the wild men ran with four of five arrows sticking from them.  Even so many more fell but the wave of warriors did not diminish.  "Brace yourselves.  Lock shields!"

They hurled themselves physically at us but our shields, helmets and mail held firm whilst they impaled themselves upon our spears.  The two men who threw themselves at me were both pinned with one spear.  I dropped it and pulling out my dagger slashed it across the throat of the first one.  His falling, dying body brought the other forward and I stabbed him through his screaming mouth! I put my dagger in my left hand and drew the sword. The blue pommel stone, which had come from Harold Godwinson's sword, always filled me with a power I did not understand. It made me feel invincible. The centre was holding but I could see the two wings pushing back our own flanks.  The men there had recoiled.

I yelled, "Archers, clear the flanks!" We could hold but if the flanks fell then we would be surrounded.  I saw Prince Henry and his men as they advanced. Before me I saw a mormaer as he urged his men forward.  He had arrows sticking from him but he seemed to care not. He hurled his javelin and it would have struck Wulfric had I not held my shield up to block the blow.

"Stockton, forward!"

I stepped forward with Sir Edward and Wulfric in perfect time.  That came from years of practice. I brought my sword up to tear into the stomach of a Galwegian.  I ripped it to the side and his entrails fell before him.  I punched my shield at the mormaer next to him who dropped his javelins and went to draw his sword.  I did not give him the chance I brought my sword diagonally across his neck and chopped his head.  He had been screaming when I struck and his mouth appeared to be grinning. It tumbled from his neck. I reached down and picked it up.  There was no hair and so I rammed my sword into the open mouth and held it aloft.  At that moment Sir Tristan slew the second mormaer. I swung my arm behind me and hurled the skull high into the sky.  His men all looked up to see their dead leader.  It proved too much and the survivors broke and ran.

Their rout broke up the second line which was led by Prince Henry and consisted of English and Norman knights.  "Forward! For Archbishop Thurstan! We have them!"

My archers turned their attention to Prince Henry and his men. Already disrupted by the fleeing Galwegians more fell to the deadly arrows.  When we struck them we did so as one solid line of mail, metal and muscle. I brought my sword down on to the shield of a knight who was defending the Prince.  Wulfric's axe took out a second defender.  I punched my opponent with my shield and he was forced back.  I brought my sword up and hit him in the middle.  I winded him and as he bent I stabbed down into his spine. Wulfric's axe hacked into the Prince's shield and it split.  He turned and ran towards the waiting horses. Wulfric and I had enemies through which to wade.

Those on our flank had now joined us in the charge and our archers were causing mayhem amongst the third rank, the men of Lothian. Unbelievably the Scots were falling back before our charge. I heard English voices amongst the men we fought. I recognised some and I made my way towards them.  As I did so I saw the Earl of Northumbria, Gospatric.  He shouted for his horse. The obese lump of lard was going to escape. I hacked and I slashed at the men before me.  They all fell but I saw the Earl mount his horse.

"Dick! Gospatric!"

My furious charge had broken the second line of Scots who began to flee.  It took the men of Lothian and the islanders with them.  I saw King David mount his horse. I yelled, "Gospatric, you traitorous dog!  Stand and fight!"

As he turned to face me Dick's arrow plunged into his face and knocked him to the ground.  The man I had fought for more years than I cared to think was now dead. I turned, for no enemies remained before me. "Gilles, you and the squires fetch the horses.  This will now be a chase."

The rest of the English line was now flooding forward but the men they pursued were without armour.  To my amazement I saw knights stripping off their hauberks so that they could run faster. We had not left our horses with the others.  Instead they were close to the cart with the standards and Gilles and the other squires soon returned with our fifty horses. I mounted and rode to Archbishop Thurstan.

"Your battle is won, my lord, but we must pursue the enemy and slay them or capture them.  We can win back the north this day."

He smiled, "And you were the right Captain, Earl.  Go with God! You have served your country well this day!"

I rode back to my men.  "Dick take command here.  Make sure we have our share of the armour for we did the most work today!"

"Aye lord."

Just then we heard a shout from the ridge.  One of the Archbishop's priests shouted, "Earl! The Scots are amongst the horse holders!"

My plans to catch King David and end this war were thwarted in that instant. I wheeled my horse around and galloped back to the horse holders.  As we crested the low ridge I saw the Scottish and Norman knights slaying the unarmed horse holders. I became angry. This was not well done! "After them!"

The thundering of our hooves alerted the enemy.  I saw Prince Henry and his banner. He had taken his opportunity to garner some glory. Rolf needed little encouragement and he soon began to outstrip the others.  I heard Gilles shout, " My lord! Slow down! You will be alone!"

I cared not.  I soon began to catch those at the rear of the line as they fled north.  Their horses were tired from their charge. I let my shield hang loosely from my side and I galloped towards the rearmost knight. I brought my sword down on his back.  I used all the force I had and I heard his spine as it broke.  He tumbled from his mount. I kept my eye on the Prince's banner.  If I could not have his father then I would have him. Some of those before me turned and recognised my livery and my device. Few wished to face King Henry's champion and some pulled to the side.  I ignored them.  I heard cries from behind me as my men caught up with the ones I had passed. They had escaped my wrath but not that of my men.

I saw that we were heading north east, towards Stanwyck and the bridge over the Tees.  I knew this land. Soon their horses would tire for the ground would rise and I reined Rolf in a little. Any gains the enemy made would soon be lost as their horses tired.  They were riding war horses and they were powerful beasts but they tired quicker than a horse such as Rolf. Even though I had slowed a little I was still catching them. I saw William Redere.  He was four knights away from me.  I shifted Rolf to approach the next knight from the right. As Rolf came abreast of the knight the Scot swung his sword sideways. He made the mistake of not looking where his blow struck and it hit my shield.  I stood in the stirrups and lunged forward to strike him under the arm.  He fell from his horse.