Enemy at the Gate (12 page)

Both shook their heads, "It is heartbreaking, lord.  We have done all that work building fine homes and the Scots destroy them both in an afternoon. Our wives are heartbroken.  All their pots and linens are destroyed."

"I know Sir Tristan. Tell me, both of you and I wish an honest answer, do you each have a site at your manor where you could build a good stone castle?"

They looked at the ground and then it was Harold who spoke. "In Hartburn the answer would be no.  We have no river such as you have here or at Norton and the high ground is not enough to build a castle which would be large enough to defend."

"The same is true of Elton."

"Yet both manors are productive and need a lord?"

"Aye lord."

"Lord, speak plain for I was brought up in Sherwood and I do not understand these games you play."

"I am sorry, Harold, but I play no games.  You both have families and you need a castle where you can protect them.  Is that not correct?"

"It is lord."

"Then I have two plans.  I speak with you first because I have others with whom I wish to share my ideas.  I have powers I have not used.  Until the Empress or her son are crowned then I shall use them. Normanby and Norton need lords of the manor.  They are both perfect for stone castles. If you wish them then I give you those manors."

"And the alternative plan, lord?"

"More complicated, Sir Tristan.  You would continue to be lords of the manor but your families would live here.  I would give you each a tower for your wives and children.  They would be safe and you would still be lords of Hartburn and Elton." They looked at each other nervously and I smiled.  "I had a wife once.  Go speak with your wives but I need your answer within the hour."

William the Mason had been waiting outside. He had his two sons with him. I remembered when my father had first given him work.  The two boys had been quite young then.  Now they were strong young men who were masons in their own right. "I wish you to build me a castle at Norton and another at Normanby."

William showed no surprise. "As large as this one, lord? Made from stone?"

"Not as large as this but in both cases I want an outer bailey large enough for those who live in the manor to take shelter.  Stone?  Largely but you may have to use wood too.  I want them up by next summer."

"That is a lot of work lord."

I  nodded, "Hire as many men as you need.  John will make the funds available to you."

"If you would allow my sons each to be responsible for a castle then I could supervise the two.  The work would move on quicker."

"If you are happy, William, then I am too."

"And the lords of the manor?"

"That I do not know, yet, but they will work closely with you."

He nodded, "And thank you, my lord. Not many lords would give a chance to two such young masons."

"You have never let me down, William."

Alice must have been waiting outside for she entered as soon as the masons had left.  "Lord, you will need new clothes.  I have taken the liberty of arranging for some seamstresses to make  you new ones.  Alf can make mail but that is all!"

I was distracted, "New clothes?"

"I went to wash those that you have worn on campaign and they fell apart.  I am having you new ones made.  I just came to tell you, lord." It was not a matter for discussion.  She had taken the decision and her tone told me that I would obey her in this.

"And I appreciate it, Alice.  You will have to excuse my behaviour. I am more used to dealing with men that ladies.  I apologise."

She put her hand to her mouth, "Oh, no my lord.  Do not apologise.  I meant nothing."

"You are right to chastise me so.  I deserve it."

Sir Harold and Sir Tristan entered, followed by Sir John, and Alice scurried away like a frightened mouse. I almost laughed.  She had a good heart and it was a shame that her husband had been killed so young and on my service. Sir John, Gilles and myself had become her new family. My two young knights were confused by her hurried departure. Sir John smiled.  He was castellan and he knew Alice better than any.  She mothered him as much as she did Gilles.

"Well?"

"Our wives are quite happy to stay here, lord and we are too.  Hartburn and Elton are close enough for us to manage them and to protect their people from here."

"Good.  I will see John and Alice and explain the new arrangements.  I think that Alice, in particular, will be happy.  She likes the presence of the babies.  Gilles!"

My squire ran in, "Yes, my lord."

"Fetch Erre, John of Craven, Wulfric and Dick, if you please."

"Should we go, lord?"

"No Sir Tristan, this concerns you and Sir Harold." I had spent most of the night coming up with my ideas.  Each person I had spoken to had clarified them but I knew this last part would be the hardest. Wulfric, Erre and Dick were used to my hall but John of Craven was not.  Since he had entered my service all had spoken of his honesty and his discipline. He had behaved heroically when the Scots had tried to scale our walls. He was a warrior in the mould of Wulfric. I saw his confusion when he arrived with the others.  I think he thought he had caused me some offence.

"Two of you have served me since I first came to Stockton all those years ago.  I would reward you.  Wulfric and Dick, or rather Richard, I shall knight you at Martinmas."

"We need no title, lord."

"I know, Wulfric, but I need knights and you two have the qualities I need. It is not a request, it is a command." They nodded, "And you, Erre, have served me well.  I would knight you too."

" I am but a common soldier, lord!"

"As was my father. Now I wish you, Sir Erre and you, Sir Wulfric to be lords of the manor at Norton and Normanby! You shall rule for me.  William the Mason will build a castle at each site. You will need to hire your own men at arms but there will be silver for you to hire them.  When the time is right you shall pay taxes but, for now, the Scots are paying for our men.  Sir Richard, I need you and your archers.  You will have no manor but your archers will become your company with your own livery."

They looked stunned, "What say you?"

"Lord I would still fight at your side."

"And you shall Wulfric but I need the iron from the Eston hills protecting.  Until I hear from Anjou there will be no campaign.  We hold what we have.  You hold on to what we need.  You will be at Normanby and you will have Guisborough to watch. With your eyes upon it then De Brus cannot use it. You see my reasoning now?"

"Aye lord."

John of Craven asked, "Lord, what am I here for?  You are not knighting me nor making me a lord of the manor so why am I here?"

"You are no longer a young man, John, but you are a warrior.  I have had good reports about you. With Erre and his Varangians leaving for Norton I need someone here to help Sir John and to be castellan when we campaign.  Sir John's mighty arm was needed at Northallerton. With you here I know we can leave Stockton in safe hands. The men of Copeland follow you already and the Frisian warriors seem happy to serve with you.

His face broke into a smile, "Then I am honoured, lord and I accept, gladly!"

The easy part was telling them the hard part was working out, with John, the finances and the logistics of moving men and horses to the two manors. Initially it would mean we had a smaller garrison at Stockton but that would not be for long.  Both Norton and Normanby, as well as the surrounding area, had young men who wished not to farm but to fight.  Erre and Wulfric were the finest of teachers. The rest of September was exhausting but in a different way from the rigours of battle.

When the '
Adela
' hove into view at the end of September it seemed that it had been ordained by a higher power for at the bow was my son William.  My ship had brought me the perfect gift. "Come, John, let us go and see my son!"

Although I was both excited and pleased that my son had come I wondered at the reasons. He leapt from the ship as soon as the side touched the jetty and before the crew had tied her up. He put his arms around me and hugged me.  There was power in those arms.  My son had grown and was almost as tall as I was.  When he finished growing he would be bigger.

"This is indeed an unexpected pleasure!"

He stepped back and took John's outstretched arm.  "And for me.  Good to see you, Sir John! I am happy to be in Stockton again."

"Is there trouble?"

He laughed, "There is always trouble, father, but I must speak with you.  I can stay but one night and then I needs must return home." He took a step towards my castle and then stopping blurted out, "You know I am to be a father!"

"I know!" Despite my best efforts I could not keep the disapproval from my voice.

He shook his head, "The Empress is happy enough, father."

We could not speak further for my son was greeted by my soldiers most of whom had served with him and they all liked him. Most had helped to train him.

Wulfric was in the inner bailey readying his horse, preparing to go to Normanby and he picked William up in a bear hug.  "The cub is back! And growing! That wine in Anjou must suit you, young master!"

"It does although you have lost none of your strength either.  Perhaps I should take back some English beer."

"It does not travel well." He mounted, "Do you stay long?"

"I return tomorrow."

"Then I will hear your tales the next time we meet." He turned to me, "I shall be back within the month lord."

"If you need aught then send word."

"I will."

I could see that William was intrigued.  I smiled, "After your news, which is of greater import, I will give you mine!"

Alice rushed up and curtsied, "My lord, it is good to see you.  I will go and prepare a chamber.  Sarah will fetch food and ale for you." She rushed out saying, "Such changes! Such news!"

William looked bemused and John said,  "Alice thinks she is the mother to us all.  If you were staying then you would get used to her ways."

The three of us were alone in my hall.  I had dismissed the servant. "So, William, why did the Empress send you?"

"She would have sent a letter but feared that your ship might be captured or sunk."

"That could still have happened with you on board."

William looked at me and I saw that the boy had long since disappeared.  Over four years of war and three years of Civil War had hardened him. "Then I would have perished but my message would remain a secret." I nodded.  Alice and the servants came in with the food and ale. After they had gone William continued. "The Empress and the Earl will invade next spring. They will land on the south coast.  Kent supports our cause and the south and west are still loyal to the Earl."

"And what of me? I hear what you do not say. You speak of the west and the south.  You talk of the east.  What of the north?"

"Ranulf of Chester is an ally of Stephen but spies have told us that there is discord between the two of them.  The Empress remembers that you and the Earl were close once and that he respects you.  She wishes you to bring him to our side. He is a powerful Earl and the son in law of the Earl of Gloucester. If he could align with us then the balance of power in the north would shift."

I nodded, "That would make sense but King David says that he is an ally of the Empress.  It was he took the Earl's lands in the north."

"And that is why she sends you.  She has not entered into any alliance with Scotland. His words are not the truth.  He said he would support her in return for the historic lands of Scotland.  She refused. She knows of the privations you have suffered and what the Scots have done to our people. You must convince the Earl that he should join us."

"And I will do so. I can see why the Empress sent you.  Now eat and I will tell you our news." I told him of the siege and the battle.  I spoke of the arrangement I had made with King David and I finished by telling him of my plans for the castles.

When I had finished he raised his beaker, "My father, the hero of the north! Many say that had you led our forces in Normandy the war there would be over! I can only hope to be half the man that you are."

"You will be greater.  And will you come to England with the Empress and the Earl?"

"I may. The Empress still has work for me to do and the Count relies upon me. Sir Leofric is a good castellan and runs La Flèche well.  He can both manage and protect the manor. Besides the Count and the Empress have given me a manor in Normandy.  I am the Baron William de Ouistreham."

"That is a fine manor."

"It will be but the castle there was reduced in the early days of the war. I must make my fortune in England and collect ransom.  Then I will make it a fine castle."

"And the girl, Eliane, what of her?  Will you marry her?"

"A little blunt, father, but to be expected.  Eliane does not expect that. She is happy to be a lady and to bear my child."

"You said in your letter that you just wanted my permission.  I give it to you."

"The letter was written in haste.  Eliane and I have considered our position. I have told her she will have all the accoutrements of marriage without the title."

"She will be your mistress."

"A little blunt but yes."

"Your mother would not be happy about that."

"True and the Empress has also spoken to me.  She thinks, like you that I ought to marry her."

"And why do you not?"

"Who knows what awaits me? I am still young.  I swear that neither Eliane nor my child will suffer.  She will be accorded all that a wife would have save, of course, the title wife and lady."

"You have changed but perhaps that is my fault for leaving you alone in Anjou. Had you been here..."

"Had I been here, father, I would have been seen as Wulfric called me, the cub.  In Normandy I am known for my deeds and not those of my father. I am my own man and I like that.  I am not you nor could I ever be." He stood, "And now I would like to visit with Sir Harold and Sir Tristan."

Sir John said, "Then you do not have far to go. Come I will bring you to them."

I was left with Gilles who had hovered by the back wall during the time we had been speaking.  He had known William in Normandy and he knew me too.  "Lord, if I may speak?"

"You know that I like honesty, Gilles. Speak."

"I have spoken with those who have served you the longest: men like Wulfric and Dick.  They tell me that your father was a great man and well respected but that you are nothing like him."

"That is true."

"Then I would take it as something in your family's nature that each generation changes.  Your son is not you and you are not your father.  Your father was the son of a peasant so he changed too. Accept your lot my lord.  Life will be easier. Your son is beyond your grasp. You must let him live the life he chooses or else face conflict and you would not wish that. You will have a grandchild; that is surely a good thing."

I smiled, "Words of wisdom from one so young.  Thank you Gilles, I will consider your words. I will visit the church and pray."

"And be close to your wife, lord."

"Aye Gilles, the Lady Adela."

My church always brought me peace.  There were always flowers or, in the winter, greenery on the tomb of my wife. I knelt before it and spoke to her in my head. I did not hear William enter but felt his presence as he knelt next to me. I suddenly sensed the spirit of his mother and I enjoyed a feeling of inner calm. Adela was happy.  He was half her and half me.  She had been a pragmatic woman and I had been lucky to have married her. William appeared to have inherited her pragmatism. I stood and left the church.

William joined me a few moments later. His eyes were wide.  He said, quietly, "Mother was there.  Her spirit, I mean.  I know her body lies there but I swear that I heard her voice. She said she was happy for me. How can that be?"

"Your mother gave her life for this place and she loved both of us more than you can possibly know.  I often come here and take comfort from her. I sensed her joy too.  She loved you dearly, William, and would wish for happiness for you."  I smiled, "And were Harold and Tristan happy to see you?"

"Aye, like Wulfric they cannot believe how much I have grown."

"We have you for but one day.  Let us make the most of it. What would you do?"

"See Sir Edward, see Norton, walk Stockton and speak with Alf.  Who knows the next time I will return here?"

The visit to the church had healed any rift there might have been and we spent the day doing all that he wanted. After a feast which Alice had lovingly prepared and when all my knights had left us I gave William my message for the Empress.  I also wrote a letter for her.  When I gave it to him he gave me a knowing look. "You are closer to the Empress than any man save her husband.  Even her brother is more distant than you.  That is strange is it not?"

I did not like deceiving my son but there were things he could never know for they would threaten the future of England.  The Empress and I had a secret which could never be revealed. "The Empress made me her champion and the King ordered me to protect her.  I fulfil an oath, that is all."

"And you do it with all the zeal of a crusader.  It is to be admired. And you should know that I also took an oath.  I swore to protect Henry, her son.  He is young yet, but when he is old enough to go to war then I will be amongst his guards and protectors."

"Then I am happy for Henry will be safe."

"He will be as safe as my child will be." My son gave me a knowing look.

The
'Adela'
left on the late tide.  Captain William wished to sneak out and be down the coast before dawn.  There were still pirates who preyed, at dawn, at the mouth of the river. This would be her last voyage before winter for she needed her keel stripping of weed and repairs to her masts. John, my steward and Ethelred made sure that her holds were filled with trade goods.  Normandy was our market now!

As I lay in bed that night I wondered how much my son had deduced.  Life was complicated. We all held secrets. I thought I knew my son's.  Did he know mine?

The knighting of my three new knights barely interrupted the frantic work to get as much work done on the two new castles before the ground became too hard.  Once we reached Yule the ground would be frozen and mortar would not set. On one of my visits to Barnard Castle, not long before Yule, Sir Hugh had some interesting news.

"My lord, my scouts have seen many lords travelling twixt Durham and Carlisle.  There are ongoing peace talks I believe.  I made a point of crossing the trail of the Bishop's emissaries when they returned to Durham.  I discovered that peace talks are at an advanced stage.  I think that Stephen and King David will soon be reaching an agreement." My face must have shown my displeasure for he said, "Peace talks and a truce were inevitable were they not my lord?"

I shook my head,  "We had Scotland here in the palm of our hands.  Had I had but five hundred more men I could have reconquered the land the Scots have stolen! We have wasted an opportunity."

"The peace you negotiated holds, my lord."

"I did not negotiate I demanded and I made it quite clear that I intend to take back Scotland when we have the rightful ruler on the throne once more." He nodded. "When the Empress and the Earl land again I will be taking some of my men to join her."

"Will I be required, my lord?"

"I have put Wulfric and Erre in command of two castles so that I can leave a ring of defences around Stockton.  You are vital to that defence.  No, I shall not leave this land defenceless. I know that the Empress and the Earl must fight where they have their strength and that is far from here. You and my knights will defend and hold what we have bled for."

"You know that I will follow you anywhere, lord."

"I know and that is why I can go knowing that I leave my land in safe hands. The knights I leave will be a bastion against any predators."

"And who will you take?"

"Harold, Dick, Tristan and John.  Those four knights, my archers  and my men at arms are worth ten times their number."

"It will be strange not to have Wulfric with you."

"It will but I have begun to worry about Wulfric.  Since Roger of Lincoln fell he has not been the same.  He had what my father called the look of the berserker on his face. He was hurt because he recklessly charged the enemy.  It was almost as though he wished to die. His last wound healed but, after, Northallerton, he was weary.  He is not finished as a warrior but I will give him a different challenge.  He deserves a rest. He has served me well."

"Does he know he will not be going to war with you?" I shook my head. Sir Hugh laughed, "I would like to be there for the delivery of that piece of news."

After seeing his wife and new baby we left to ride along the northern route to my home.  It meant we passed close to Durham and I was curious as to the defences of Durham.  William Rufus had declared for neither claimant to the throne.  He was trying that most difficult of tricks, sitting on the fence. There was always a danger one could fall off!