Knight of the Empress (5 page)

Gottfried spurred his horse on to warn the Emperor that his wife was coming. We saw the crowds gathering in the distance.  Guy was quite amusing and, now that the journey was almost done, he entertained us with some stories of his cousins when they were younger. The three of us were laughing as we approached the first of the crowds.  Matilda waved cheerfully to them.

As she did so I spoke to Guy on her other side. "I envy you, Sir Guy. You grew up with young cousins. I had old warriors to play with.  They were good tutors and stalwart warriors but there was little laughing and joking."

Matilda turned to me and, putting her hand on mine said, "And no mother too.  You had a hard upbringing."

I laughed, "And yet, like Sir Guy, I appear to have survived." She laughed too but, as I looked up I saw her husband, the Emperor for the first time and his face was dark with anger. I wondered what he had read into the Empress' harmless gesture. The anger was replaced by a smile as we neared them.  We waited outside the gates whilst they were reunited and then the Emperor, on his white charger, led her into the palace. We were left to our own devices.  I felt a little lost.  Did we just turn around and head back to Caen? I did not understand the protocol involved. Rolf laughed when he saw my puzzled expression.  "Come, Englishman, we have our own quarters here for you and your men.  This may not be Paris, London or Caen but we will be comfortable here. We rode through the gates.  The Swabians appeared to be well known but we were the focus of attention and all stared at us.

The stables were enormous, clean and well equipped and I knew that our mounts would be well looked after.  Due to the deaths and our success we now had plenty of spare mounts. The squires would be kept busy. I made sure the men at arms were taken care of in the old warrior hall. It looked like it had not changed since the time of Charlemagne.  Then Rolf led us by a back door into the palace.  Compared with the Emperor's palace in Constantinople this was just a large castle and it was barely bigger than Caen.  The six of us would share a room whilst our squires would have to make do with the servant's quarters.  Harold was still impressed.  He shrugged when he saw where he would sleep, "When you have slept for most of your life in the green sward then a roof is a luxury.  I am content, Baron."

Once we had washed and changed into more comfortable clothes I asked Guy and Rolf for they seemed to know more than I did, "What happens now? Do we eat and then return to Caen tomorrow?  We have done as we were asked."

Rolf said, "We are based here anyway but I would imagine that there will be a feast and then the Emperor will want to reward you."

"Are you certain?"

He shrugged, "It is normal and he sometimes likes cavalry games."

"Cavalry games?"

"Aye knights fight with blunted weapons watched by the King's heralds.  The victor normally gets a prize." He held up a beautifully decorated dagger.  "I won one and received this.  These are precious stones upon the hilt."

Edward and Guy nodded, "I have heard of these.  My uncle, the Count, has spoken of holding one when more peaceful times descend upon us."

"When I served in the borders some of the Normans there liked them.  They are good for training." Rolf was a well travelled knight.

"How do they work then?"

"You fight in conroi.  There might be six or seven different conroi.  When the herald thinks you would have been wounded then you leave the
mêlée
. The last man standing normally wins although if you fight bravely enough then you are rewarded too."

I shook my head, "It sounds like the gladiatorial games from ancient Rome."

"No, my friend, they were to the death. You receive bruises only and damage to your reputation; that is all. I will try to discover what is happening.  If there is nothing then we will explore the town.  There are some interesting sights."

While he was away Edward and I sought our men. We left Guy polishing his sword.  He hoped to catch the eye of the Emperor.  He was a landless knight who could not even afford a squire.  He had to impress where he could. "Keep yourselves amused and out of trouble."

Wulfric laughed, "Easier said than done, Baron."

Edward nodded, "If idle hands need something to do then paint your shields blue.  The Baron and I have decided we shall all look the same.  People will know, on the field, that we are Norton!"

They liked the idea and we left them discussing how to make the paint that they would need. Edward chuckled, "That is better than having them spending their coins in the taverns and getting into fights with the locals."

"Would they do that, Edward?"

"They would not mean to but they are Englishmen and, as such, think they are worth ten of any foreigner." He suddenly realised what he had said, "Sorry, Baron, I meant no offence."

It was my turn to laugh, "I wouldn't worry.  I think of myself as English rather than Greek. We had better take some coins with us in case we have the chance to buy a surcoat or two."

"Is that likely, my lord?"

"It depends if there is a tailor here who wishes to earn money.  But we will wait until we discover what Rolf has to say.  It may be that we leave the day after tomorrow."

Even as I said it I knew that I did not want to leave.  The Empress Matilda held a fascination for me.  I suddenly felt guilty as I thought of Adela, back in Stockton.  She had given me a lucky charm and obviously thought much of me and I had not even thought about her once.  This was the first time and that was only because I thought of my castle.

While we waited for Rolf's return we explored the public areas of the castle.  There were many rooms forbidden to us. Stern faced guards moved poleaxes across the doors.  We were guests, just about, but I suspected that, in the Emperor's eyes, we were not welcome guests. By the time we had explored what we could Rolf was back and we met him in our room where Guy had finished his polishing.

He looked at me askance before saying, "There is to be a feast tomorrow and then three days later a tourney to celebrate the return of the Empress. He wishes you three to participate as a conroi."

"But I have never even seen one."

Rolf laughed, "Do not worry, my English friend, I have seen you fight.  You and your companions are more than up to it.  Now let me show you Worms.  It is an interesting place."

As he led us through the ancient town he regaled us with stories. He had been a mercenary; indeed he was still one for the Emperor used the three Swabians as his most trusted bodyguards. He had travelled and fought throughout Europe. No wonder poison had been the method the Teutonic Knights had chosen. When we were in the market place I asked, "Are there tailors here who could make us surcoats such as the ones you wear?"

"Of course! There is a man just down one of the alleys here.  He is expensive but they are fine garments."

"So long as they fit then I am happy."

Guy said, "I will go with Gottfried and Carl.  They have promised to take me to taste some of the finest beer in the world." He shrugged, "Why drink beer when you can have wine?  Still I will go with them. It would be rude not to."

The tailor proved most accommodating. He apologised for his lack of variety.  "I only have two blues, my lord.  I can send for more if you wish."

"I am afraid we are only here for a short time.  Will you be able to make them in such a short time?"

"I can put aside my other work for the knight who saved the Empress but it will cost you, Baron."

"If they are ready in time and fit then you will be paid their worth."

"A man can ask no more. How many would you require?"

I took a deep breath.  "At least five and, if you could manage it then ten."

He almost took a step back. "Sir, I could do that but I would have no more stock left in that blue." I took out one of the gold pieces with the face of Count Charles of Flanders.  I said nothing but I twirled it before him. "I will have five ready for tomorrow and the rest three days later."

"One more thing.  I wish two blue stars over the heart. They need not be the same blue."

"That can be arranged, sir.  I shall hire two seamstresses."

I flipped him the coin.  "Then we have a deal."

"Yes sir.  Shall I measure you or your other knight first?"

I shrugged, "It matters not but let Edward go first. The others are his size."

When they disappeared into the back room Rolf said, "It is good we are alone.  What I have to say to you is for your ears only."

"You sound serious."

"I am.  I like you Englishman.  You are honest, forthright and brave.  More than that I can see that your men would follow you to hell and back.  You are a leader."  He lowered his voice, "The Emperor suspects that you and the Empress have, how should I say, become close."

"You mean…" He nodded, "But that is ridiculous!"

"I know but he is the Emperor.  All that I am saying is be more circumspect around her and watch your back in the tourney."

"That is easy. I will not participate."

"I am afraid that would make matters even worse. It would be considered an insult to the Emperor." He saw my crestfallen face.  "I am sorry, my friend. My brothers and I will be in the tourney and we will do all that we can to protect you."

"It is not me I worry about but Guy and Edward.  They have done nothing wrong."

"And that is another reason I like you; you are honest and protect those who serve you."

"That is the way I was brought up.  My father's men were oathsworn."

Rolf smiled, "Oathsworn.  I have not heard that word for many years.  I like the idea."

Edward came out, "He's ready for you, sir!"

Rolf just nodded to me as I entered the tiring booth. He was on our side.  He would say no more and it would be up to me to speak to my men.

Although I had decided to tell my men of the dangers we might face that night they were in no condition to hear my words.  Even Harold and Alan had been into the town to sample some of their beer. They were reeling as they fell into their beds. I had spoken with Edward on the way back to the castle and told him.

"That's the trouble with women sir, they don't mix with war.  And don't worry.  You did nothing wrong.  It must have been good for her to have someone she could speak to in her own language. The sooner we are out of here the better."

I nodded and added, gloomily, "You realise we shall have to go back the way we came.  We cannot go north; we would have to pass through Flanders."

He laughed, "Yes Baron but, to be honest we can get back a lot quicker.  We have spare horses and we don't need to go sedately.  We can cut the journey in half and we know where to avoid now, don't we?"

He was right and his positive attitude made me feel better.  I prepared for this feast I would have to attend.  I was not looking forward to it.  I had made sure that I had one decent tunic.  It was from Constantinople. Not only was it beautifully made, it was extremely light. I could not get used to the lack of bathing here in the west.  I had Harold fetch me a large bowl of hot water and I bathed from head to foot.  I still had some of the oils I had brought from the east and I oiled my body with them.  I could, at least, smell civilised for a while.

We were told to be on time for the feast.  The two squires were invited.  Poor Guy felt bad about not having one. I could never afford one Baron but seeing Harold and Alan makes me envious."

"Surely you can afford one now, Sir Guy.  You have some of the coins we took from the dead Flemings."

"Not enough.  I would have to equip him with armour and horses."

"But we have spare horses we captured."

He brightened, "True, and if we can win the tourney then I may be even richer."

I did not want him under any illusions about the tourney.  We would be the target from all but the Swabians. I took him to one side and explained the Emperor's attitude.

He did not seem put out. "If they all come for us so much the better. We can show them how brave and skilled we are. Do not worry Alfraed, we are good.  I know that sounds like boasting but that charge up the hill showed me how good we are." He put his arm around me.  "And do not worry; tonight I drink only wine and I will be less boisterous than I was last night!"

I saw my companions look at each other as we entered the Great Hall. Apart from me they appeared to be shabbily dressed compared with the fine gowns and clothes on display. It looked like a deliberate attempt to put us in our place. To me, it seemed like a statement of our status; we were good enough to be hired swords only. The tables were set out in a large hollow square and we were directly opposite from the Emperor and Empress.  Matilda did not look happy although she smiled when anyone addressed her. The food and the drink were brought to us continuously. It was the first time I had eaten German cuisine and there seem to be a lot of heavy pork dishes and sausages.  There was wine on offer and, like Guy, I stuck to that.

I chatted with Rolf, on one side of me, and Sir Guy on the opposite.  I would miss both of them when I returned west.  Sir Guy would be with us as far as Bar but it was unlikely that I would ever see my Swabian comrades again. Rolf surreptitiously pointed out some of the more important people.  "The man seated next to the Empress is Count Stephan of Stuttgart.  He fancies himself as a swordsman. He and his conroi usually win the tourney. I expect he thinks they will win this one too.  On the other side of the Emperor is Count Charles of Aachen.  He is the most untrustworthy man in this whole room. I would steer clear of him. He is keen for power.  If I were the Emperor I would keep both eyes on him.  He smiles but it is a false smile."

I swallowed the wine that was left in my goblet.  "I have already had enough of this intrigue. We leave as soon as the tourney is over. If the King does not need me then I return to the Northern Marches."

"You wish for a dull life then?"

Edward had heard the comment, "Dull? I think not my friend. We have had less fighting on this journey than we see in a month at home."

"Whom do you fight?"

I held up my goblet to be refilled, "There are Scots.  We still have occasional Viking raids and then there are traitors like the De Brus clan who are a Norman version of the Count of Aachen.  They would get on well together." Edward and Guy laughed.

The Emperor's Chamberlain banged his staff on the floor.  We all fell silent.  The Emperor stood.  He looked a little thin and pasty to me. He was no warrior. He smiled and spread his arms as though to embrace the room.  "We are here to celebrate our dear wife, the Empress' safe return.  Thanks to our brave knights she came to no harm.  In honour of these knights we are holding a tourney so that they can demonstrate the skills which kept Empress Matilda safe." Everyone cheered and banged the table.  The volume of each cheer was an indication of the amount of beer and wine they had consumed.

He held up his hands for silence. "We have decided to reward them for their services to the Empire." He waved his arms and three servants appeared behind us.  They had three of the Great Helms similar to the one worn by the Count du Bar.  They were magnificent. "To my brave Swabian knights, Sir Rolf, Sir Gottfried and Sir Carl I present these helmets."

The three Swabians took them and lifted them up.  The whole room cheered. As he sat down Rolf said, "I bet the damned thing doesn't fit. I have an enormous head you know!"

When silence fell once more he waved his arm again and a servant came behind us with a purple cushion. "I know that Sir Guy of Dijon has worked tirelessly in my borderlands.  To Sir Guy I give the demesne of La Cheppe.  Since the last owner was so treacherously slain it is good to know that I will have a guardian for my road once more."

Sir Guy stood and, taking the chain of office, put it around his neck. Once more there was cheering. I wondered what our reward would be. I could not see us being given a manor and if it had been a helmet we would have received ours with the Swabians. I was intrigued more than anything else. When the Emperor stood I knew it was not going to be anything good.  He had a sly smile playing about the edges of his mouth. "The two English knights have served their king well and I have no doubt that King Henry will reward his men in his own way."

Two servants came behind us and placed a cushion before both Edward and myself.  On it was a single coin.  It was a gold piece of Flanders.  The face of Charles, Count of Flanders, stared up at me. Edward looked at me and I gave a slight shake of the head.  I stood and, smiling, said, "We thank the Emperor for his gift but he is quite correct we need no reward.  The Empress Matilda's safe return to her home was reward enough."

As I sat down, this time amid a hubbub of chatter, Rolf said, "This is a disgrace! You and Edward did more than both myself and Sir Guy here.  He is insulting you."

I said, calmly, "Of course he is but at least we know where we stand now, don't we Edward?"

Edward laughed, "Aye sir, and this will come in handy! It might not be much to him but it is half a year's earnings for me."

I was only half listening for I was watching the flushed face of the Empress who had obviously not approved of what she had seen and heard.  I also saw the sniggers from the two Counts who were seated on the top table.  From the animated conversation which was going on between them and the Emperor they were obviously a party to it.

Sir Guy turned to me, "I feel awful about this, Alfraed.  You have nothing and I have my heart's desire."

I smiled, "I am happy for you and for your uncle.  La Cheppe is close to his manor and it makes that part of the road safer.  I expected nothing.  It appears I have upset the Emperor. He has no reason to suspect me and I can do nothing about his thoughts.  I will soon be gone from here.  Do not let it worry you. I will soon be back in England and I will be far from his influence."

"Thank you for your understanding." He studied the seal of his new manor. I realised that I had obtained my manor in a similar way.  One owner died and the king, or in this case, Emperor, replaced him as though he had never existed. Such was life.  We were pawns to be used in this grand game of chess which Emperors, Kings and princes played. I remained quiet.  Our table was relatively quiet; the others examined the three Great Helms and discussed how they might affect a knight when fighting.

"We shall discover this at the tourney. I, for one, am looking forward to this." Gottfried was turning the helmet around in his hands.

"It might impair your vision and your hearing. The holes for the eyes have to be small else a blade could get in there and render the whole thing useless." Edward was ever the practical knight.  He had been a man at arms for almost fifteen years and what he did not know about fighting was not worth knowing.

"Possibly but it would be very hard to get a lance below the edge and almost impossible to force such a helmet off a head.  I have seen it tried before and failed."

Edward pointed a thumb at me, "The Baron here doesn't go for the head.  He goes for the middle."

"Surely that is a harder target?"

I had not being paying close attention. I was still watching the top table, "What?  Oh the middle.  It is a bigger target than the head.  If you miss when you aim at the head you have a good chance that your lance will go above your enemy's head.  A middle thrust which misses either hits the chest or the cantle. Both can dismount a rider."

Rolf nodded, "Interesting but perhaps you have given your secret away for the tourney."

I smiled, putting the Emperor and his machinations from my mind, "Perhaps I have others."

"You will bear watching."

The eight of us were the first to retire. I did not fall asleep straight away.  Although I had done nothing to justify my treatment by the Emperor I knew that I had in my thoughts. Matilda was an Empress and the daughter of a king.  What could she see in a lowly Baron who had a tiny manor at the edge of the world?

I was up early and I resolved that I had sat on my backside long enough.  I sought Wulfric and Dick. "Today we become warriors again.  I want every weapon sharpened. We need more arrows manufacturing.  I want every shield painted blue."

"Already done, Baron and Sir Edward mentioned the gambesons for the archers.  We bought some dye yesterday and they are drying now.  We found a washer woman who made them blue for a few copper coins. She said if we get some blue stars she will sew them on for us too.

Dick nudged Wulfric in the ribs.  "Of course old Wulfric here sweet talked her too, eh?"

Wulfric sniffed, "There's more than one way to skin a cat, my friend."

I clapped them both on the back.  "Excellent.  We have a tourney coming up and as soon as it is over we will be heading back with Sir Guy and his men.  He now has a manor."

"Good, I like him, sir.  He is approachable.  Not like that Sir Richard.  I never liked him!" My men were honest to the point of bluntness.

We went to the tailor and picked up our surcoats. He promised me that the others would be ready by the tourney. I was about to leave and he said, "Baron, I hope you don't mind but someone heard I was making your surcoats and asked which one was yours.  I told him the one with the blue flower in the middle of the upper star.  I hope I did right."

I nodded, "It matters not but could you tell me who it was?"

"It was the steward of the Count of Aachen."

"Thank you."

I did not bother Rolf or the Swabians with that information but I did tell Edward, Sir Guy and my men at arms.

"That means they will be looking for you on the field."

I smiled, "Better me than one of you two.  It seems I have made myself a target. When this tourney is over we will revert to plain blue stars."

The tourney was to be held on the site of an old Roman fort. There was a circular ring which the Roman Cavalry had used when they had trained.  I had seen them in the east and when we had travelled from Genoa to Caen.  In the time of Charlemagne they had begun to use it again to practise formations.  The Emperor had extended its use.  He entertained his people. It now afforded a good view for spectators and was large enough for charges and retreats.  We lined up before the dais containing the Emperor and the Empress. Emperor Henry stood. "The prize for the winner today is this chest of silver." It was a small chest but worth winning. "The judgements of my heralds will be final.  If you fall from your horse then you are eliminated.  If you are knocked to the ground you are eliminated.  All other decisions will be made by my heralds. May God be with you."

There were four conroi and each had a table where there were wooden swords and spare lances.  I suspected that they would all come for me as soon as it began and I would be eliminated first. It mattered not.  I had already sent a message to the Emperor, through Rolf, telling him that we would be leaving immediately after the tourney.  An early elimination would not hurt. Apart from the conroi of Swabians there was the Count of Stuttgart and his team.  There was another team who were dressed like Lothar and Konrad. They had black surcoats with a white cross above their hearts. I suspected they were their friends and they would seek to hurt me.