Northern Knight (16 page)

As we entered my gate house I frowned. Just outside there were two old soldiers begging. I dismounted and handed my reins to Leofric.  "Stable them and take the ham to the kitchens."

I walked back to the two old soldiers. One had lost an eye.  I could not see the wound which had deprived the other of his livelihood. They struggled to their feet when I approached and knuckled their heads.  "Good afternoon my lord, we will go now.  We did not mean to offend you. We were travelling north to Durham to beg for alms from the Bishop."

I shook my head, "I was not offended." In many manors such beggars were beaten. Neither man looked to have had a decent meal in some time. "Do I know you?  Whom did you serve?"

"We fought with you at Gainford.  We served Sir Mark of Normanby. After the battle we were deemed to be of no further use and sent packing."

I remembered the Sergeant of Arms who had served Sir Mark.  Like his master he had not looked after his people. Sir Guiscard had only arrived months after the battle.

"Come into my castle.  You fought under my banner that day and I will feed you." They hesitated.  "Come, that is a command from the lord of the manor." As we entered the gate I saw Roger of Lincoln who was the captain of the guard for the day.  "Roger, we will feed and shelter these two for the night. They fought with us at Gainford."

Roger smiled, "Then they are most welcome.  Leave them with me, my lord."

My men at arms had a comradeship which I envied. They were truly brothers in arms and we could never hope to emulate that with my knights.  We all had our own manors and were never together long enough to form such a bond.  Rolf and his Swabians had the same affinity. I saw Aiden and John his falconer.  They had the cadge with Caesar and Sheba.  John had grown. He had always been bigger than Leofric but he had not shown the same potential as a swordsman. He would make a good warrior.  I had a sudden idea.

"Aiden, John son of Godwin, a word if you please."

John laid the cadge down carefully and they walked over. John looked worried as though he was in trouble. "John how like you looking after the hawks?"

John was an honest youth and his face showed the truth before he gave me the answer he thought I sought. "It is an honour, my lord."

Aiden was as sharp as they came and I saw the frown flicker across his forehead.  He had recognised the lie too. I smiled, "Aiden, is it hard to do what John does?"

"No, my lord.  It requires patience and affection.  You must like the birds."

"Can you teach any to care for them?"

"So long as they have a heart for animals then aye."

"If I took John son of Godwin from you would you be unhappy?"

"My lord I hope I have not offended you!"

"Silence John. Answer me Aiden."

"He is good with the birds and he is strong.  I would not like to lose him."

"Suppose I replaced him with two men.  How would that suit?"

"You have someone in mind, my lord?" Aiden was quick.

I nodded, "If you find Roger of Lincoln he has with him two old men at arms.  Speak with them and see if they could be trained.  They were wounded at Gainford. The fact that they arrived here today seems to me to be propitious."

"Yes my lord, and John…" Aiden did not want his young apprentice to be without a job.

"Do not worry about John son of Godwin.  He will not suffer."

When Aiden had gone I turned to John who looked thoroughly miserable. "Do you miss the company of Leofric?"

He looked at me in surprise, "Yes, my lord.  We grew up together.  I envy him."

"When I took him as my squire did you wish it was you?"

He nodded, "But I knew why you chose him.  I am too big and clumsy.  I cannot wield a sword as well as he.  He was the better choice."

"And it speaks well of you that you recognise that. Can you ride?" He hesitated, "Answer honestly.  I cannot abide those who lie to get what they want."

"I am not a good rider but most horses are too small for me."

"I can see that. Go and see to your hawks and then, in the morning we will put you on a horse and see how you fare."

"You would make me a man at arms, my lord?"

The excitement in his voice and face told me that my instincts were right, "We will see."

I spoke with Adela of my plans and she approved.  She knew John far better than I did.  He had been in the castle all the while I had been away. "He is good with the hawks, my husband, but it is not enough for him.  He would be perfect but with whom would you replace him?"

"There were two old soldiers begging at my gates.  They fought under my banner.  I would not have such men abandoned.  Their lord was Sir Mark and they deserved a better leader."

She kissed me on my forehead. "You are a kind man, my husband.  You took me in and I will ever be grateful to you for that.  This was meant to be. I will find them some livery."

As I strolled along my ramparts after our meal Aiden found me. "Those men will do well, my lord.  They are grateful for a roof and I have spoken with them. They are not cruel men and they can be trained. It does not need strength to carry the cadge.  It is also better to have a falconer for each bird.  I will begin their training on the morrow." He looked at me expectantly.  "What do you intend for John, son of Godwin?"

"I will not tell another before I tell him. Fetch him now and I will tell you both at the same time."

By the time they had returned the sun had set.  I walked across the bailey to greet them. "Come, we will go into my hall where there is light." The hall was empty for Adela had gone to bathe William. The fire had been lit and there were tallow candles burning. John and Aiden stood looking at me.

"John, how would you like to carry my banner into battle?"

His jaw actually dropped open.  He had expected to be a man at arms and this, I could see, had been beyond his wildest dreams. He dropped to his knees.  "It would be an honour, my lord."

"Good then we need to find a horse for you and get Alf to make some mail."

Aiden said, "My lord, we have the mail we took from that Scottish knight.  The huge one.  I think we were going to have it melted down but I think it will fit John."

"Good. Now you will be trained by both me and Leofric.  I hope you can take instruction from one who was your friend."

"I can, my lord."

"Then you had better move your things from the stable into Leofric's quarters." I smiled, "I will let you give him the news."

I suspect the only person in the whole castle who showed the slightest displeasure was my steward, John son of Leofric.  "More expense, my lord, and where will you get a horse large enough for him?"

I shook my head, "John do you not realise that we need men such as John to fight for us so that you can continue to make as much coin as you do. I almost lost my life for the lack of a second squire.  Think on that!"

I saw the shock on his face.  He had not thought that through.  "I am sorry, my lord, you are quite right."

I laughed, "Of course I am. I am lord of the manor."

My daughter, Hilda, was born on All Saints Eve. Both she and my wife were healthy after the birth and I breathed a sigh of relief.  It ended a perfect time for us.  The harvests were gathered and the bounty was great. The churches were full on All Saints Day to celebrate the bounty of the fields and the birth of my daughter.  We had had a bell made for Norton Church and it tolled out the joyous news.

The next day I received a summons from King Henry. The most important barons in the land were summoned to Westminster.  We were to be there for Christmas. I, of course, did not wish to go.  I wanted Yule at home with my family in my castle.  I still remembered the wolf winter and did not want them to come to harm whilst I was away.

Adela was the one who told me I had to go. "My lord, this summons marks you as a powerful lord." She held up the letter, "There are few others from the north.  You are the most powerful Northern Baron. It would not do to offend the King and I will be safe."

"I shall just take my squires, Wulfric and three men at arms.  The rest can guard you!"

Both Edward and Wulfstan concurred.  They came, along with Harold, Edward and Richard of Yarm when I summoned them. "I know you will protect my land and my family whilst I am gone but I wish I were not leaving."

Wulfstan was in agreement with my wife. "You have to go, Alfraed.  This is a great honour and your father would be proud.  I know not what this means but you will be with the most powerful men in the land.  It bodes well for us all. You need to listen and to make friends.  This land is not peaceful yet and we will need all the allies we can get some day."

The summons had asked for us to gather by the end of the first week in December.  It would take us almost fourteen days to travel south and the weather was unpredictable.  Having decided to go, we left a week after the summons arrived. Our small numbers made travelling easier and we only needed two sumpters. I took Roger of Lincoln, Conan and William of Deal with me. They, along with Wulfric, had been with me for a long time and I knew I could rely on them.  I did not expect danger on our journey south but with these four men at arms I feared no one.

The journey was not a pleasant one.  It rained for the whole of the way. Had we been on my estate then it might not have been so bad but the rain permeated our cloaks and soaked us to the skin.  It was fortunate that our mail was wrapped in sheepskins on our sumpters. The only good side was that John and Leofric were able to learn much from the men at arms.  All of the men at arms were confirmed bachelors.  None would marry and they enjoyed talking to the two squires and to have a little fun at some of their questions. It made up for the weather.

We reached London by the end of November and I found us lodgings close to the Black Friars' Monastery. It seemed we had arrived before most of the other barons, earls and counts. London would be crowded when they all arrived.  I left my men to get settled and then rode to the Tower for that would be where the King would be found. I did not know the protocol but I was sure he would wish to know that I had arrived.

My livery was now well known and I was admitted to the castle. If Caen was a mighty castle, then this was a fortress.  The White Tower was a symbol of the King's power. I left Scout with one of the stable boys and approached the stairs which led to the interior.  Earl Robert himself opened the door and waved me inside as another shower slashed down from the skies. It was almost falling horizontally. He shook his head, "I thought Wales was wet but I seem to have brought the wet weather with me." He clasped my arm, "Good to see you again, Baron.  I hear you have been trouncing the Scots again?"

I nodded, "Should they ever be led by a decent general then we will be in trouble. And you, my lord, how goes the war with the Welsh?"

"Oh we have the lands from Pembroke to Hereford under our heel but they are the very devil to shift from their mountain stronghold. We let them have the north which is fit only for birds and sheep. Where are you staying?"

"My men and I have taken rooms at a small inn close to the Black Friars."

He shook his head, "You shall stay with me. I have a manor just north of here." He waved over one of his household knights. "Go and fetch the Baron's men to our hall.  They are in the inn close to the Black Friars." After he had gone and I had taken off my cloak he put his arm around my shoulder. "My father and I will need your support. With you and the other Northern Barons behind us we can ensure that our line survives."

I was intrigued but I knew that I would be told what this was about when the time came. "I am always there to support you and your father; you know that, my lord."

"A more faithful knight I have yet to find." He smiled "And I think you will find more old comrades here too.  Come we will go to the hall.  There are some there you will know and others that you will not."

I heard the hubbub from within the hall before we reached it. When the doors were opened the first sight which greeted me was Matilda, Empress of Germany and my Swabian brothers. I felt a thrill when the Empress smiled at me.  It was spontaneous.  She was pleased to see me.  I bowed, "Empress, it is good to see you."

"And you, Baron.  I have been hearing of your exploits in the north.  My father is well pleased with you. He has made a wise decision in appointing you his northern guardian."

Rolf and the others waited while I bowed my head and then surrounded me as the Empress left me to join the other ladies of the court. "Good to see you Baron. And you are right about the ale over here.  It is much better than that which we endured in Normandy."

I saw a handful of knights from Normandy and they scowled as they overheard Rolf's words.  He was irascible and he cared not what others thought. The Earl said, "And we have other guests." He gestured towards another woman who had been seated and was attended by a young girl and a youth.  "This is my guest the Lady
Nest ferch Rhys."

Although approaching middle aged
Nest ferch Rhys was stunningly beautiful.  She was the most famous and infamous woman of her age.  She had been the lover of King Henry and she had had six children by four men.  Her abduction and rape by
Owain ap Cadwgan
was still spoken of twenty years later.

"I think guest is a milder word than I would have chosen, my lord.  I believe I am a hostage for the good behaviour of my countrymen."

The Earl smiled, "I believe you are comfortable enough here, my lady."

She nodded, "The Empress has spoken of you fondly, my Lord of Norton. Your exploits do you credit.  It seems there are still noble knights who behave well."

If this was intended to insult Robert of Gloucester it did not work for he laughed. "Oh the Baron is noble but he is a fierce man in a fight.   The next time your countrymen prove troublesome I shall send for the Baron here and we will cow them once and for all."

The Welsh princess just smiled diplomatically.  I learned that she had been used to navigating between enemies and friends since her father, the King, had been killed by King Henry.

Matilda stood, "I think we shall retire now, my lord.  The King has asked me to prepare for a feast this night." She held out her hand for me to kiss.  "I hope to see you again, my lord."

As I took her hand she gave it the slightest squeeze. "I am still a Knight of the Empress, my lady, and I serve you always."

I heard Nest laugh, "Perhaps I will have an order of knights and then I shall receive such honour and affection."

I found myself blushing. The Earl saw my predicament.  "Come Baron, we will go to my hall. My father entertains his Norman Barons here tonight. The conversation will be dull. We will feast with our warriors."

It was not far to the fine hall which the Earl of Gloucester had been given.  The rain had eased off which made the journey slightly more pleasant. As we rode he chatted to me.  "Now that we are away from prying ears and eyes I can speak more freely.  My father will name my sister as his heir." I nodded.  It gave me the time to digest that information. "It will prove unpopular, especially amongst the knights with lands in Blois and Normandy. The brothers Stephen and Theobald of Blois would expect to be named as joint heirs." He shrugged, "Indeed my father hinted to Stephen that he might look favourably upon him.  However there was some doubt about his loyalty."

I could have given evidence as to his disloyalty.  He had tried to abduct Matilda on at least two occasions.  I would not trust him despite his reputation as a fine knight.

"And your father; he still intends to marry her off?"

He nodded, "There are a number of suitors but he hopes that by making her his heir she will attract a more powerful husband."

Although I did not like this I could do nothing about it. I now understood why I had been summoned. "Is there much opposition to the decision then?"

"The knights of Normandy and Blois and those with estates in Scotland and England are looking at the opportunities to increase their lands. They worry about the husband my father may choose. You are unusual, Alfraed.  You do not seek to gain for the sake of gain.  It is one of the many reasons my father likes you."

"Surely the knights who oppose him would not risk civil war!"

"The land my father rules is the richest in the whole of Europe.  Everyone covets what he holds. It is one of the reasons he spends so much time in Normandy.  He relies on you and me to keep his lands safe."

We reached the manor and my men were already there. They were far happier to be amongst fellow warriors. If I am to be truthful then so was I.  I felt safe and secure here. I trusted Earl Robert and that was not something I would say about every knight.

I did not enjoy the next few days.  Although we were happy enough in the manor of Earl Robert I was called upon to attend the court each day and I had to watch the Empress Matilda being paraded like a prize cow before the lords and knights who gathered there. My only consolation was talking with Rolf and his men. They were as angered by this travesty as I was. While the other lords and knights fawned around Nest and Matilda, we would stand at the side glowering at all the false knights who paid court to them. Poor Matilda had to smile at every greasy knight who slobbered over her hand. The Earl might have thought it was a secret but Rolf knew that she would be named as the heir to the throne. He spoke it quietly and privately. Others were less discreet with the information. I now knew why I had been summoned.  We were the protection for the Empress and the King. The Blois faction lurked menacingly close each time the Empress was paraded before them.  My hand was constantly upon my sword.

Rolf growled, one day, "The sooner the King makes his announcement the better.  Then we can close ranks and protect her.  This is a nightmare. There are daggers in men's eyes and I fear they might soon be in their hands."

As the days dragged on to the announcement I prepared my men. "I want all of you sober and ready to fight until we leave London. I know not what will arise but I want all of you ready at a moment's notice."

"Trust me, my lord we will be." Wulfric was as solid and dependable as Edward.  I needed not fear. I now regretted bringing so few men. The weather, like my mood, was dark and dank. It was either wet or foggy each day.  This river was not the wholesome one I was used to.  This Thames appeared pestilential and sickly.

One morning, when the weather was slightly better than it had been, I was summoned by Carl.  "The Empress wishes to see you."

"At the Tower?"

He shook his head, "She is going to the church at Westminster to say prayers for her husband.  She will meet you there."

I took only Wulfric. I needed a bodyguard I could rely upon and Leofric was just too inexperienced. Rolf and Gottfried were outside and they merely nodded as I approached.  Wulfric joined them and I entered the church begun by King Ethelred. The candles gave a soft, golden light and I walked down the aisle to the kneeling Empress.  She said nothing but gave the slightest movement of her arm. I knelt and made the sign of the cross.  I said nothing.

"Thank you for coming." She paused, "I am in danger. My life has been threatened." I glanced over and her eyes met mine, she nodded. "One of my ladies, Judith, was poisoned. We found an antidote and she is tough but she was close to death. I need you to watch out for me."

"But Rolf and your Swabians?"

"They are warriors and will die to protect me. You are a thinker and will stop the danger."

I bowed my head, "How can I help?"

"Theobald of Blois wants me dead. My Swabians can protect me from physical harm but …"

"But you need him diverting."

She nodded, "I knew you would understand.  My brother and my father can know nothing of this for I would not have a civil war because of me."

I understood.  It would not be easy. "I will do what I can. Where does he stay?"

"The knights of Blois have taken a hall close to Greenwich.  Stephen also has a hall there. They believe they are safe there."

"I will do what I can."

"Do not take unnecessary risks."

I put my hand on hers, "I promise you I will not!"

I returned to the Earl's hall. I would have liked to speak with the Earl about the Empress' problem but I knew that I could not for I had given my word. I sought, instead, my men. "Come, let us walk by the river." If they were surprised by my request they said nothing.