Northern Knight (17 page)

I led them to the east of the tower and we walked along a crowded river bank.  Each day more knights and barons arrived by river and they disembarked on the wharfs adjacent to the castle. Gradually the bank became less crowded and I halted at a quiet, empty wharf which was opposite the bed of the river at Greenwich. I saw the banner of Blois flying from the top of the manor house. I could see knights moving around outside and there appeared to be guards and sentries.  It would be too difficult to get to either of the brothers there.

Wulfric said, "Do you see something over there which interests you, my lord?"

These were my oathsworn and they did not need me to tell them to keep secrets however I dared not let them know the full import of the Empress' words. "Do you remember the knight with the red shield? The one who dogged our footsteps in Normandy?"

Wulfric nodded, "Aye, Baron.  We saw him on many fields."

"I believe he is Stephen of Blois and he lives yonder. He is the King's nephew and I would not offend the King by accusing his nephew of treachery however I would know more about him."

Wulfric rubbed his chin. "If you wish, my lord, the four of us could take a ride south of the river tomorrow. We could scout out the manor." He nodded his head to the others, "Soldiers like to talk.  If we didn't wear our surcoats we could be four men at arms seeking a new employer."

Leofric said, "What about us?"

Wulfric laughed, "The trouble is you look like a squire and not a man at arms.  The four of us look as though we have seen a little of life and there are always old soldiers who wish a new lord."

"I would be careful, Wulfric.  We cannot afford a bloodbath and I cannot afford to lose any of you."

"Do not worry, my lord.  This will stop us being bored."

My oathsworn were the best of warriors.  I could rely on them for anything. We walked back to the Earl's hall and reached there just before dark.

That evening, as I ate with the Earl, he confided in me, "The announcement about the Empress will be made four days before Christmas.  By then all of the knights from Normandy and Blois will have arrived. They will be spending Christmas with the King but that will allow the rest of you the opportunity to get home for Christmas."

I shook my head, "The King does not know what the roads to the north are like.  We will be spending Christmas on the road home I am afraid."

"I am sorry for that.  I forget how far it is to your home in the north."

"It matters not. We will celebrate whenever we get home." We chatted about inconsequential matters for a while; the food, the wine, the inclement weather and then I asked, "The brothers, Stephen and Theobald from Blois, what do you now of them?"

He frowned, "They are my cousins.  Why do you ask?"

"Oh, nothing really. It is just that I think I met the one called Stephen when we were escorting your sister back to Worms the other year."

He chewed on some venison. "But you met only enemies on that journey and my sister did not mention our cousin."

"He wore a helmet and had a plain shield."

"Then how do you know it was him?"

"As I said I was not sure but I caught a glimpse of him without his helmet and then when your father came north I saw him again. I may have been mistaken and it might not have been him.  That is why I asked you the question, my lord, I was curious."

He wiped his greasy hands on his surcoat and lowered his voice. "There is a possibility you may be right but I would urge you not to voice your suspicions too loudly. The brothers have a claim to the throne. However neither can agree which one has the better claim. We must tread carefully, my friend."

"Surely the elder has the right to the claim.  Which one is that?"

"Theobald but Stephen is the clever one.  He enjoys chess and strategy. That is why I think you may have been right. He would use my sister as a pawn to get what he desires." He nodded, "I am pleased that you confided in me and that you kept your eyes open.  My father may be able to use this. But I urge you to keep your counsel to yourself."

I suddenly worried that I might have jeopardised the Empress, "I would not cause dissension."

"Do not worry, my friend. There will be no dissension and neither you nor my sister will be mentioned."

My four men at arms left the hall early the next day and clattered over London Bridge. If the Earl's men wondered why they rode without surcoats and shields they did not say anything. I went with my two squires to the church at Westminster. I felt we needed to pray for I was now in unfamiliar territory.  The stakes were higher in this game than any I had encountered before.  We were gambling on the right to rule England, Normandy and Maine not to mention part of Wales and Ireland.

John and Leofric were both becoming a little restless with our inactivity and they voiced this as we returned to the hall.  "My lord, why do we have to wait here? What does the King want of us?"

"When I know then you shall know Leofric.  You serve me as I serve the King.  That is the natural order of things. We are not the masters of our own destinies."

"And who does the King serve?"

"A good question, John.  He serves God. All kings are anointed and they all serve God."

I knew my answer did not satisfy either of the squires but I was distracted. I hated sending my men to be in danger.  I did not mind leading them into battle but this was different. They were putting their lives in danger for me while I was safe. I was relieved when the four of them trotted into the manor later that afternoon.

I walked to the stables for I was eager to speak with them. "Well?"

Wulfric grinned, "They are a tight lipped bunch, my lord, but after a few jugs of ale they loosened up a little. It seems that the Count of Blois and his little brother do not get on. They also told me that the younger one, Baron Stephen, sometimes took himself off for months at a time.  He is the one who is richer."

I frowned, "Richer than his brother, the Count?"

Wulfric nodded, "I know, my lord.  It seems strange to me too."

"Did you get to see them?"

He nodded, "Aye as we came away they were just returning from a hunt.  I would know them both again."

"Good you have done well."

He smiled, "We enjoyed it my lord but we will keep our swords sharpened, eh my lord? His men seemed to think that they may see action soon and that it might return a healthy profit."

He was right and I made sure that my weapons were ready too. The day of the announcement saw a hive of activity as we all prepared ourselves for the great gathering. I felt quite privileged as I knew what was coming but the majority did not; they might have guessed but I knew for certain.  We all had our mail and helmets burnished. We would not need our shields but it would be a mighty gathering of all the important barons from the whole of King Henry's realms. I rode with the Earl although I was at the rear of his retinue. When we reached Westminster I left Scout with my men.  I did not need to tell them to keep their eyes open.  They would do that anyway.

We stood in knots of knights.  Each faction was separate from the rest. I saw the knights from Blois gathered around Stephen and Theobald. They both had faces as black as thunder.  I was relieved that those close to the Earl looked to be in the majority. When the King strode in, flanked by his bodyguards, silence descended. The only sound was that of their mailed feet as they made their way to the altar where the Bishop waited.  Behind him came the Empress Matilda with my Swabian friends protectively gathered around her. She looked so small in the midst of their huge bodies that she appeared to be a child. How could she rule England? It was unfair of her father to make her his heir and I wished that he would name Robert of Gloucester. He could defend the land.

The King turned and Matilda stood beside him. His voice echoed in the vaulted church as he said, "Know you that I, Henry of England and Normandy, do name my only child, Matilda, Empress of the Empire, as my heir. She will rule my lands when I am gone!" There was a murmur of voices, mainly from the Norman contingent. The King jutted his chin out as he said, "Does anyone object! If so speak now or forever hold your peace!" This was a tense moment.  Had anyone spoken then swords would have been unsheathed and blood spilled in the sanctified shadows of Ethelred's church. Thankfully there were none.

"Kneel and swear, in this holy church, your allegiance to my daughter Matilda. Let it be known throughout the lands of Normandy and England that she will rule after me. Swear!"

We all dropped to our knees and the walls echoed as the packed ranks of knights swore to protect Matilda, daughter of Henry.  It was in that moment that any dreams I might have had of possessing Matilda disappeared.  It was also the moment when civil war became inevitable and knights who knelt alongside me would be foresworn when they reneged on their sworn word. It was the beginning of the anarchy which would tear England and Normandy apart.

We all bowed as the King, the Empress and the Earl left.  Rolf and the Swabians nodded to me as they passed.  When we emerged into the overcast, damp, London skies I saw Theobald and Stephen talking to each other and their faces showed the intensity of their discussion.  The Empress had said that they needed diverting.  I decided to divert them. I strode up to them and, smiling, said to Stephen. "You are the knight with the red shield who tried to attack the Empress when I escorted her to Worms and her husband the Emperor."

I think it was the last thing which Stephen expected.  His face looked as though I had slapped it. He might have enjoyed chess but he could not disguise his reaction to my words. His brother obviously knew nothing about it for he gave me a look of disbelief.  Stephen was not fast enough to hide his feelings and I saw it in his eyes. He composed himself and smiled back at me, "I think you must be mistaken, Baron, for I have never attacked my cousin nor would I."

"You may be right for the knight who had the red shield was obviously a craven coward else he would have identified himself so that he could be challenged. I can now see that you could not be the knight with the red shield for he ran away the last time I followed him." I laughed, "He ran so fast that hares could not catch him.  Yes, now that I come to think of it, the red knight will still be hiding in Flanders and shaking in case I come for him again."

This time I had pierced the armour of Stephen of Blois. He could say nothing in reply without incriminating himself. He stared angrily at me.  Had he had it within his power then he would have struck me. Theobald frowned, "I am pleased you did not accuse my brother.  I would have crossed lances with you to teach you a lesson."

"Any time you wish a lesson in honour then I am your man."

Stephen put his arm between us.  "Brother, this is the knight who defeated the Count of Stuttgart at a tourney in Worms. A challenge would be ill advised."

I smiled, "As would any threat to the Empress." I held the medallion out.  "I am a knight of the Empress and sworn to protect her.  Should you ever see the red knight again then warn him of that for I am an implacable enemy to any who would harm the Empress." I allowed my words to linger in the damp morning air and then added, "Of course we all just swore before God to protect the Empress so I am sure that you two would join me in ridding the world of her enemies eh?" They both nodded.  "Well, gentlemen, I shall have to leave you. I have a long journey back to my home in the north.  My work here is done. I have enough of intrigue and dishonesty.  I would return to the Northern lands where I rule and I can trust the men to whom I speak!"

As I walked slowly away to Leofric and John I felt their eyes as they stared daggers at my back. I had done what had been asked of me and now I would have to pay the price.  I knew that assassins would follow me north.  I had insulted both of them; more than that I had told them that I would stand in the way of any threat to the Empress.  They would have to be rid of me before they could bring harm to her.

As soon as I met up with my men again I said, "We are now in danger.  I have upset the Count of Blois and his brother.  When we ride north we ride as though we are in the middle of Flanders with enemies all around."

Wulfric laughed, "Well boys, it looks like life has become interesting once again."

I clapped my sergeant at arms around the shoulders. "It will indeed, John, unfurl our banner, let us show the world where we are!" I was pleased with the reaction of my men.  They showed not fear but defiance.

We galloped north towards Watling Street. John and Leofric led the sumpters.  If there were to be any fighting then it would be my four tough men at arms who would do it.

The ride south and the time spent walking around London had strengthened my leg and I no longer felt the wound.  Father Richard had stitched it well and it was the smallest of my many scars. If we had to fight then I could rely on my leg and on the repaired armour which was now stronger than ever. We made good time as we headed north. We left Watling Street and took the Great North Road.  The Romans had built well and it would guide us home. I knew we would be followed but the pursuit would take time to organise.  I intended to get a good lead. We could not hide. Stephen of Blois knew where we were going and there was really only one way to go. The only question was where would the attack be?

"Wulfric, if you were to attack us where would it be?"

"That is obvious, my lord, Sherwood Forest and blame it on the outlaws."

"That is what I thought too. It is a pity we did not bring Dick.  He would have known where the outlaws were and brought them to our aid."

Wulfric shook his head.  "The last time Dick scouted for archers he found perilously few in Sherwood.  They are now the stuff of legend."

We were twenty miles north of London and looking for somewhere to spend the night when we heard hooves thundering up the road behind us.  In an instant we had wheeled around to present our shields and swords to whoever was pursuing us. I relaxed when I recognised the Baron of Doncaster, Sir Roger Fitz d'Amphraville.  I had met him at the Earl's hall and knew him to be an ally. He reined in when he saw us.

"We thought we had made a swift departure from London. You have ridden hard, Baron."

"We have further to go, Sir Roger. We will have to ride hard just to be home for St. Stephen's day."

"May we ride with you? I can promise you a warm bed when we reach my manor."

"I would be delighted but that will not be tonight, I fear."

"No, but I have a cousin who lives just fifteen miles along this road.  It is not a large manor bur he has a barn with a roof."

Our men fell in behind us as we spurred on our horses.  I felt much safer with Sir Roger and his ten men. The Count of Blois and his brother would need to catch us alone to do us harm.

"Well, Sir Alfraed, what do you make of the King's choice?"

"He had little choice now that his son is dead.  For myself I would be happy to follow the Earl of Gloucester should he be named heir."

"As would I but that cannot happen.  The King's nephews would seize the opportunity to question the claim of an illegitimate son."

"You have met them then?"

"I know what they are like, Baron, and their ambition.  Both seek to be king.  The tragedy of the White Ship still sends ripples out from the shores of Normandy. The King plans to marry her off, you know."

"I know." I tried to keep the despair out of my voice but it was not easy.

Sir Roger was a pleasant companion and the two days spent in his company were rewarding in many ways. As we left his castle to head north on the forest road I felt suddenly naked.  We had to return to looking over our shoulders.  I wondered if I was wrong.  Perhaps Stephen of Blois did not think me worthy of killing. Once more we pushed hard as we headed north. The forest still stretched like an endless green blanket before us. When we had ridden through the southern portion with Sir Roger it had seemed open.  Now it felt constricting and filled with danger.

It was Scout who saved us, again. The road dipped a little and he neighed whilst pricking up his ears.  I needed no second warning.  "There is danger! Draw your weapons! I just managed to get my shield up when a bolt from a crossbow smashed into it. It came from ahead and to my left. It was close enough for the head to have pierced my shield. Although I knew there would be other crossbows that one, at least, would take time to reload and I spurred Scout on towards the danger.  He leapt towards the eaves of the forest where I caught a glint of metal and a flash of colour. A second and a third bolt hit my shield.  One of them penetrated the wood a second time. That meant the ambushers were close.

I had my sword drawn already and as I caught sight of a crossbowman trying to re arm his bow I swung my weapon and it tore into his face. I was not worried about Wulfric and the men at arms but Leofric and John had little experience of this sort of fighting. You had to react quickly and strike as soon as you had a target. Scout had superb reactions and he pulled to the left as the man at arms with a lance galloped towards us through the trees.  The head of the lance went across Scout's mane and I stabbed at him more in hope than expectation. As his horse crashed into Scout my sword entered his chest.

I continued the wheel which Scout had begun. I saw a third crossbow and this was aimed at me. I stood up and pulled my shield across my body. The bolt hit my shield but the angle made it ping off to the left and I brought down my sword on his helmet. I crushed it so hard that I am certain I drove part of it into his skull. I saw that John was using my banner like a lance and there was a man at arms being skewered even as I turned. There were, however, more of them than us.  Our sudden charge had given us an advantage but our small numbers now worked against us. What we could not do was to turn our backs.  They had crossbows and they could penetrate our mail.  Even though it was harder, we had to face them and to fight them.

"Drive them into the woods! Use our horses!"

I had not seen any knights but these were experienced warriors. I watched as one raised his axe to try to drive it into the neck of Roger's horse.  Suddenly an arrow blossomed from his neck.  I had no idea where it came from but I took heart from the fact that it had been loosed at the axe man and not at Roger. Now was the time to advance.

"At them!" A man at arms charged at me.  He held his shield tightly and had his sword behind him ready to swing it at my head. I jerked Scout's head around so that we would meet shield to shield. He could not react quickly enough and, as I stood in the stirrups, I punched with my shield. He had to parry with his own shield and when I brought my sword down he almost overbalanced.  His arm holding the sword smashed into a tree.  I heard the crack of the bone breaking and the scream of pain at the same time. As he rode off towards the road I saw that it was over.  Our saviours with the arrows had managed to reach us in the nick of time. I quickly checked to see what damage had been done to us.

Leofric and John were still in their saddles as were Roger and Wulfric.  Conan was helping William to his feet.  There was blood but William was moving.  I searched in the forest for the men who had come to our aid. I saw no one.  "Hello! Thank you for your intervention." I spoke in Saxon.  If it was the men of the woods then the use of Norman might result in an arrow. A shadow moved and then a second.  Five figures emerged from the woods.  They looked like scarecrows.

I dismounted and took off my helmet. "Thank you! Had you not intervened then we might be dead."

The leader looked a little younger than Harold.  He gave me a wan smile.  "When we saw you fighting we thought to leave you for Norman killing Norman suits us. Then Alan here," he pointed to a blond haired youth, recognised him," he gestured at Wulfric. "I remembered that you came some years ago and took some of our men: Harold Osbertson and the others."

"You are part of Robert's band?"

"We are all that remain.  We were heading to the monastery close to Doncaster to beg for alms.  We are starving."

"Where is Robert? This was a large band the last we heard."

"Some Normans came at the time of the Bone Fire two years ago and they managed to track and to trap us.  We think there was a spy. Robert and the others were either killed or taken and hanged in Nottingham."

"How did you escape?"

"It was luck.  We had been sent to empty the fish traps on the river.  By the time we heard the fighting and reached our friends they were dead."

I saw that there were three of the ambusher's horses still loose.  "Roger, capture those horses." The five young men looked lost. "Harold serves me still and he is a knight now. If you wish then you can serve me too.  At least you will be fed and be warm."

Their faces told me their answer before their words. "Aye, my lord.  We will follow you. The days of being outlaw are passed."

"Then strip the bodies of all that is valuable and that includes their clothes; everything is of value. Two of you can ride double." While they collected the clothes and arms I went to the tree the man at arms had hit.  There, lying on the ground was his sword.  It was a good sword. It was well made and it was Frankish.  "Here John, fate has given you a sword." My young squire looked excited as I gave him the sword.  "You may find a scabbard but if not then you can make one." The new recruits found helmets and some mail as well as daggers, shields and short swords.

We rode north until it became dark. The fight had stopped us from reaching a castle and so we camped in the forest.  Luckily we had food and Wulfric made sure that our latest recruits ate first.  They would be a welcome addition to my archers. I saw him looking paternally at them.  All were young enough to be his sons.

As we huddled around the fire I asked them of their life in the forest. "Our fathers did not wish to follow Branton.  They were loyal to Robert.  We were too young to go but we envied those who did.  Life was hard in the forest.  Some of our mothers had come to the woods to live with us but many found the life too hard and went to the towns to seek work.  Others, like my mother and Garth's died."

"You are brothers then?"

He nodded, "This is Alan and I am Ralph.  We had a younger brother, John, but he was killed in the camp with our father."

Wulfric ruffled Alan's hair.  "You will like it at Stockton." He gestured to me, "The Baron here lets you hunt for him and we have a stone castle which is warm in winter." He opened his purse and spread the coins in the palm of his hand.  The gold coins and the silver ones glittered and glistened in the firelight.  "And you will make money!"