King Henry's Champion (16 page)

“Then I have been charged with removing your bodies from England too.”

I heard a ripple of angry comments from the men behind the young warrior.  He held up his hand. “We are not here out of choice.  We lost a battle three days ago and this band had been pursuing us.  I was not certain where we were until I saw the wall.  I am sorry for our transgression but I swear we did not do so deliberately.”

Behind me I heard Wulfric say, “They tried to kill you, my lord.  Let us slaughter them!”

“Hold.  I have yet to make up my mind.” I nudged Scout closer to him, “If I choose to let you live where would you go?”

“You are saying I could not travel through England.”

“I am.  Word would get back to my King and he would think I had not kept my promise to keep this land Scot free.”

“Then we will return to Scotland.” He hesitated, “You have driven Lachlan and his men off?”

“Who is Lachlan?”

“Lachlan, the son of the Earl of Strathclyde; it was he who defeated us.”

“They have dispersed north.  If you leave now and move quickly then you should be able to escape them.”

“Then do we have your permission to leave?”

“So long as you promise to stay north of the border then, yes.”

“Thank you.  I have heard of you and even your enemies say you are a fair man.  One more thing…”

“Yes?”

“We have not eaten for two days.  Have you food you can share with us?”

I burst out laughing. “I admire your cheek, Máel Coluim mac Alaxadair.  John, fetch food for them.” As food was brought I sent Harold and Tristan to collect, with their men, the arms and treasure from the dead. I spoke with Máel Coluim.  He was an affable young man but I had no doubt that if he were King he would be as keen to regain his English lands as King David.

As they left I shouted, “I wish you well Máel Coluim mac Alaxadair but remember; do not return on pain of death.”

Harold and Tristan had returned.  They joined me and Wulfric.  Wulfric said, “We should have killed them.  The King will be disappointed.”

“I think not. Máel Coluim mac Alaxadair will continue to fight and so long as he does then King David’s gaze and avarice will not be directed to England.  Once he is defeated, and I believe he will be, then it will be different.  Besides, Wulfric, it was my decision and my responsibility.”

Sir Harold said, quietly, “We all stand behind you my lord.”

“I know but there are times when one person takes the blame, if there is any blame and in this case that is me.” I smiled, “Was there anything of value?”

Sir Harold’s face was serious as he held out his hand. He opened the palm and there was a silver coin with the image of Conrad. It was almost identical to those we had found on the assassins.

“Where is the man you took it from?”

“Up on the other hillside.”

I mounted Scout and followed Sir Harold. There were three men sprawled untidily together.  Two had been killed by arrows.  The third had his back laid open by a sword. Harold kicked the body of the man with the sword wound over. “This one.”

I knelt down and used my knife to slice open his kyrtle.  He had a tanned mark around his neck.  He had come from the east. “Was this a coincidence I wonder?”

“My lord?”

“Just thinking aloud.  He has the same coins but he might have acquired them from someone else.  However the fact that he has come from the east makes me think he has a connection to this mysterious knight.  Would that he was still alive.”

We left the bodies where they lay.  They would feed the carrion over the next few months. Wulfric pointed to the sky.  “My lord it is coming on to night. The Scots may come back. There were many of them.”

“You are right.  We will go to Carlisle.”

It was after dark when we reached Carlisle. A cold wind had come from the east bringing with it biting rain.  Sir Gilbert de Bois welcomed us warmly. I was still suspicious of him because of his affiliations to Stephen of Blois but he held the frontier well. “You are out late, my lord.”

“And I am also frozen to the core.  I will tell you all when we are before a fire with something warm in my hand.”

“Should the Bishop be informed?”

“It will not hurt to have Bishop Æthelwold hear my news.  We have plenty to tell.”

The squires unpacked; Wulfric organised the men and the knights sat with Sir Gilbert and Bishop Æthelwold before his fire. I told them first of the attack on Norham and our meeting with the King of Scotland. “However when we were on our way here we came across bands of warriors, some of them were Scots and some were Vikings.” I was aware that I was speaking to a man of God but technically I was not lying. “We sent the survivors across the river to Scotland. I will stay here for a week or so and make sure that they have gone. However if you suffer any major attack you should let the Earl of Gloucester and myself know.”

Æthelwold said, “God preserve us from these savages.”

“Amen to that Bishop.”

“And I will ride with you.  I would visit the scene of the attack.  We have had many men passing through our town.  I have kept watch on them.  It may be that I recognise some of them. We may have to close the border north.”

“And that is a good idea.”

Æthelwold shook his head, “Many travellers are merchants my lord.  It would be wrong to deprive them of a living.”

“Not so Bishop.  Most merchants use ships.  They can carry more goods.  The land to the south of here is still plagued by outlaws.  Despite my best efforts there are just too many forests for me to control Cumbria.”

“Then I will travel that way when I return to Stockton.  We shall scour a safe path east for you.”

I sent Sir Hugh Manningham back to Hexham.  He had done well out of the raid and had lost no men.  He was in good spirits. “I shall keep my patrols on the north road, Earl. I still do not trust the Scots.”

I sent Sir Harold and Sir Tristan to the west and the river.  They were there to show the Scots that we were watching.  I took Sir Gilbert to the forest where the attack had taken place.  The animals had been at the bodies but Sir Gilbert did not recognise any of them. I deliberately took him to the warrior who had been in the Holy Land.  As soon as he saw him he recognised him. “I know that one!”

“Are you certain?”

“He and a Sergeant at Arms came through our town three months since. They were asking about you, my lord.  They said they were back from the Holy Land and were seeking a new lord.  They said they had heard you paid well.”

“And they left?”

“Aye, they headed east.  We thought they had travelled to Stockton.”

“Did they wear surcoats?”

He thought about it, “No, my lord.  The sergeant at arms had mail and the other, well he was dressed as he is now.” He started at the body.  “Where they spying for this band do you think?”

“I am not certain.  But if you see the sergeant again then detain him and if he is with a knight wearing a white surcoat with a red griffin then he should be detained too. They are dangerous men and involved in a plot against the King.”

“Red griffin?”

“You know of such a device?” I became animated.  Did Sir Gilbert hold the key to this mysterious visitor?

“There is something at the back of my mind but….” He shook his head, “It is gone but I did not see it in England.  Blois, Anjou perhaps?”

As we rode back to Carlisle I tried to suggest places he might have seen the device but the memory was hidden. Sometimes it happened that way,

We left a week later as an early snow drifted down from the north. Wrapped in our cloaks and huddled together to get warmth from our horses we rode east down that desolate piece of Roman engineering. We travelled the wall but saw no sign of anyone neither Scots nor English.  The land appeared as a desert; empty. We stayed for a further week with Sir Hugh but when snow fell heavier we headed home.  We could do no more and the land would soon become a frozen wasteland.  If the Scots came again then they would struggle to survive. I had much to think of over the month leading to Christmas.

Twelve days before Christmas I received a letter from the Archbishop. It was not encoded for it was delivered by John my Steward who accompanied a new priest sent from York, Father Nicholas. John had been escorted by some of my men at arms to pick up goods in York which we needed for the celebrations. We had run out of spices and Vasconian wine. As Olaf had not been available we had had to use a ship based in York. John used the opportunity to buy other goods which Alice had asked for. Father Nicholas was to work with Father Henry.  He was an earnest young priest who wished to serve a lord of the manor. The Archbishop had sent him to me for he was worried that Father Nicholas was something of an innocent.  I knew that Father Henry would welcome the company and be a good mentor. I escorted the new priest to his new church myself. Although I only met him briefly, I liked Father Nicholas. He was full of life and passionate about his work.  He had zeal which he would need here on the northern border.

I had yet to use the code but I was pleased that the letter came in plain writing with seal intact.  I had never doubted my steward. However the unbroken seal was confirmation. I read the letter alone in my western tower room. It did not make for pleasant reading. Brother James had picked up two messages from the inn. Both had been requests for information about me.  The Archbishop had made Abelard send replies which said I was in Stockton. Money had been received.  The Archbishop’s spies had failed to see who collected the letter from the innkeeper and no crusaders had been seen in York. As the second letter had only been intercepted four days before John’s visit I was worried.

I locked the letter in the chest I used for all my correspondence. The Archbishop had thought to dupe this knight of the red griffin. He was a clever and wily foe. I had not been in York but I deduced that the inn keeper was sending the messages on. That would be simplicity itself. The inn was at a busy part of the river with many visitors.  The innkeeper could pass his letters on to anyone. My worry was that the Archbishop had said, twice, that I was in Stockton.  I had not been.  If word got back to the knight of the red griffin that the information was false then they would no longer use the inn. On the other hand, if the knight of the red griffin believed that I was staying in and around Stockton, then more assassins could be on the way.

I spent a restless night; my dreams haunted by a dark skinned knight with a white surcoat. After I had broken my fast I summoned Wulfric, Dick, Aiden, John and my squires.

I began without preamble.  These were my men and they would do as I said.  They needed no explanation. “I believe that there may be men who wish to come here to do us harm.” I shook my head, “I mean, of course, me.”

“The knight with the red griffin?”

“Aye Wulfric. Bearing in mind we found wolfsbane in the bags of Guy of Senonche it is possible that someone may try to get to the kitchens and poison us.  Christmas is approaching and an assassin would know that we would be cooking a feast.  It would be a perfect opportunity.”

I saw John pale.  His world was a safe one.  He did not have to risk death on the battlefield as the others in my hall did. “Poison?”

I nodded.  Wulfric said, “But that would not guarantee that you would partake of the food. Even if someone tried poison it would have to be part of a bigger plan.”

I smiled. Wulfric’s mind worked like mine. “I agree but let us put certain things in place. I would not have any of my people hurt for my sake. John, we hire no new servants.” He nodded. “If we are shorthanded then so be it. All food and goods which arrive in the castle must be checked by you personally, John.”

He smiled, “Then I am happy, my lord.  We need nothing more from the outside.  We have our own grain and I have just collected the spices and wine from York.”

“Wulfric, I want a sentry watching the granary from now on and another on the wine and beer cellar.”

“Aye my lord.”

“Aiden and Dick, I want my archers to hunt as they normally do. But I want them to watch for sign of any visitors to our land.  Our sentries are good but we have sneaked into enough castles to know that it can be done. Better to know if there are strangers around.”

Leofric asked, “And us, my lord, the squires?”

“You will do as the Lady Adela and I did.  You will walk the town and the houses beyond the walls. You are idle young squires; act the part.”

William said, “But we are not idle!”

Leofric laughed, “No, but we play the part. No one will notice us but we can watch for strangers.  The people of Stockton will just think that the Earl is being too lax with us.”

“You are right Leofric. You three will soon know every face in the town.  When you spot a stranger then you can tell me or Leofric.” They all nodded.  “Be under no illusions.  This is war just as much as journeying to Norham. Wear your mail when you are out and about. All of those in this room are close to me and an assassin will know that.  They may try to get at me through you.” I pointed to the squires.  “You three stay together.”

I saw that the three squires had not thought of that.  William looked worried.

“One more thing; we have been a little casual about ships arriving at the quay. John, we will now keep a record of the ships which arrive and depart. You will assign one of your clerks to do so. Wulfric, I want a sentry on the quay at all times.”

“And the ferry, my lord?”

“We keep a record of those using the ferry.” I smiled, “If Ethelred becomes curious just tell him that we are making sure he pays the correct tax.  The same goes for the captains who use our quay.  If they think we are suddenly mercenary then I will live with that.”

John waited after the others had gone, “Alice, my lord.”

“What of her?”

“You have not mentioned her. She is new and she is in the best position to do you harm.”

“You are right John but for the wrong reasons.  Alice, I trust completely, but she is in as much danger as you and the others. Send her to me.” I understood John’s suspicion.  My words had frightened him but, like my father, I had this ability to know someone’s heart.  I had been let down; most notably with Sir Richard but since my father’s death I had made no such mistakes. Alice was loyal.

She looked nervous as she entered.  She always did.  I think she expected to be dismissed each time I summoned her.  “You may go, John.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“Alice, pray sit.” She did so but looked worried. “What I am about to tell you I want you to keep to yourself. Do you understand?”

“I do my lord but I would not gossip in any case.  Others may ask me what goes on within these walls but I keep my counsel.”

I was intrigued, “Who are these others?”

“Oh the women in the market on Wednesdays.  They all want to know what goes on in this house of men.”

I was relieved.  That was natural inquisitiveness.  “This is more than gossip. Someone may try to harm me or my son.” Her hand went to her mouth.  “I am not talking on the battlefield but here in my own home. I have ordered steps to be taken.  The granary will be watched. We will hire no new servants. However you need to be aware of danger. If strangers ask you questions then tell Wulfric, John or me.  Keep your eyes open, especially in the town, if you see anything suspicious then tell me. I trust the cooks but be vigilant in the kitchen. Anything unusual should be reported instantly.”

“I will my lord.” She shook her head, “There are some wicked people in the world.”

“But thankfully, Alice, there are more people in this world who are kind.  Especially here in my home.”

I also took to riding around my manor.  I took either one of my squires or Roger of Lincoln with me when I did so.  I was not so arrogant that I did not fear for my own safety. I used it as an opportunity to speak with my knights who lived close by.  I spoke with Sir Edward first then Tristan and Harold.  I left Sir Henry at Norton until last.  He was the newest and youngest of my knights. The son of Geoffrey of Piercebridge, he had been a good squire who had shown great courage in our campaigns. I had left him to run Norton without demands for some time but this was an occasion when he needed to be part of my plans.

After I had visited with him I looked across the swampy ground that was Billingham Bottoms. The track way stood out on that frosty morning.  I still had Hartness to worry about. The widow and son of De Brus lived there.  The Baron De Brus was not from the treacherous side of the family but I knew that they would try to influence the young De Brus. Once Christmas was passed I would visit with the Lady Eloise and her son.

A week before Christmas a number of things happened all at once.  Four swarthy looking men, each armed with a short sword and dagger and carrying their belongings over their backs, arrived at my ferry.  Wulfric and I were in the castle and were summoned by the sentry at the quay. He had seen them at the other side waiting for the ferry and was suspicious. I went to the ferry to inspect them when they landed. They kept their heads down as the sentry, Richard of York, stepped forward.  “What is your business?”

“We are here to seek employment with the Earl of Cleveland.”

I was wearing the same surcoat as my men.  They would not know who I was and I stepped forward, “I am the Earl of Cleveland. Who sent you?”

“Two of them looked worried but the obvious leader smiled, “No one, my lord.  We were in York and someone said you were on the lookout for men at arms.  We are handy lads in a fight.”

I nodded to Wulfric.  He drew the short sword from the leader’s belt.  It was pitted and rusted. He looked ready to argue but one look at Wulfric’s face pacified him. Wulfric handed the sword back and then drew the dagger. In contrast the blade was gleaming. Wulfric said, “You are no more warriors than that woman yonder.” He nodded his head at a woman, aged twenty or so who was just leaving the ferry with her bag in her hand.  “You are bandits.”

“My lord! I protest.”

I trusted Wulfric’s judgement and he was right.  A man at arms would never carry a rusty sword. “Protest all you like, you are leaving.  Be thankful I do not put you in my dungeon! Ethelred, give them a ride across the river and make sure they head south. Richard, go with them and set them on the right road!”

They boarded the ferry. Wulfric nodded to Padraigh who joined Richard. As I turned I saw Roger of Lincoln and Leopold of Durstein talking to the dark haired young woman who had just left the ferry and was heading into my town. I suddenly remembered being told of a strategy in ancient times which presented a force with a large and obvious threat while a smaller force captured the King.

“Hold!”

Everyone turned except the young woman who continued to walk.  That was her mistake. “Stop that woman! Roger! Restrain her!” I shouted, in Greek, “Stop or my man will run you through!” She stopped.

Roger complied but everyone, including Wulfric stared at me as though I had gone mad. “My lord, it is but a woman seeking work.” I ignored Wulfric and strode over to her.

“Who are you?” I spoke in Greek but she pretended she did not understand me. I changed to English. “Come now you understood me just when I commanded you in Greek.”

She shook her head, “I thought your man might use his sword!”

She had an accent. I moved back her mantle and saw that she had a light brown skin.  She came from the east. “Leopold and Roger, take her to my castle.  She is dangerous. Wulfric fetch her bag.”

All of my men thought I had taken leave of my senses. As we entered my gate Dick rode in.  “My lord we have found a camp.  There were horsemen and they were two miles from Hartburn on the river bank. Aiden is tracking them.” He suddenly saw the woman being taken to my hall. “Have I missed something, my lord?”

“I will tell you later.  Take as many archers as you need and find these strangers.  I warrant they are up to no good.”

By the time I reached my hall my men had seated the woman and held her so that she could not escape. I saw that Wulfric had the bag on the table.  The woman glanced somewhat nervously at it. “Let us start again.  What is your name?”

“Lavinia. I protest my lord…”

I held up my hand.  “You are Greek.”

“I understand a little Greek…”

“You have a Greek name and you have the olive skin of someone who lives on the Mediterranean.  You are Greek or from the east. Why are you here?”

“I came seeking work.”

“Like the four I sent back.”

“I did not know them.”

She was far too ready to deny knowledge of the four.  That, again, was suspicious. “What kind of work?”

“I can cook. I have cooking implements in my bag.  You can look.”

“Open it.”

Wulfric took out a kitchen knife which looked very sharp.  Wulfric nicked his finger as he took it out.  There was a cooking pot and some small jars.

“Open the jars.”

“They are herbs and spices.”

“Taste them then.”

Wulfric opened a jar and the woman licked her finger, dipped it in and tasted it. “See!”

“Try another.”

Wulfric opened four jars with the same result. I could see that she was relaxing and my men thought that their lord had, unusually, got it wrong. She became more confident. “I will cook for you, lord.  Believe me I am a fine cook. Give me the chance to cook one meal for you and if you are not satisfied then throw me out.  I will deserve it.”