The Dunston Blade (3 page)

Jack inspected the horses and informed the stranger that all three of the animals needed work on their hooves.

“As my horses are to be with you for some time I must find lodgings, is there an Inn nearby?” enquired the stranger.

Jack answered. “There is a small alehouse sir but no accommodation I would recommend, but I am sure you would be welcome at the Castle until the animals
are ready.”

“Who lives there now?” asked the man.

“It is Sir Walter de Brahalle’s home,” answered Jack.

“I would not be welcome at all,” replied the stranger.

John looked at his father and said. “You would be welcome to my bed sir, as I have oft slept in the Smithy. There is plenty of hay and the Smithy is always
warm.” Jack agreed and Matilda went off to ready the room. “You are most generous, this is much better than some places I have slept in these past months.
I must introduce myself, my name is Cedric of Wymondham and I have lately returned from lands across the sea. I ask that this is between your family and
me.”

“You have our word sir.” Jack said raising his hand to his heart. The name was not new to him as Sir Cedric was the Earl of this part of the Shire and he
also knew that he had been on a Crusade and had not been heard of for two years.

After the evening meal Sir Cedric and Jack sat talking with John eagerly listening to the tales that passed between them. He made his way to the Smithy and
made sure all the horses were stabled, as he glanced at the bundles that had been taken from the pack horse he noticed they contained armour and spare
weapons, obviously Sir Cedric was a fighting man. He wondered why their visitor did not want to stay at the Castle.

The following morning Jack was up early to start on the preparation of the horse shoes. As each horse was finished John led it back to the stable. Sir
Cedric appeared, watched for a while then he noticed the bow in the corner and asked John if he could shoot. Jack said he had been schooling his son in
archery and swordsmanship.

“You must show me how well you can use these weapons,” said Sir Cedric. Jack urged John to take Sir Cedric to the common while he finished with the horses.
John strung the bow and fired three arrows at a nearby tree.

“Good shooting, a tight group, but now try that oak tree in the glade yonder.”

John could see the tree stood over 500 yards away, he placed three arrows in the ground and fired, notching a fresh arrow as quick as he could. They strode
over to the oak and there were two arrows together and one a small distance to one side.

“ The first must have been off line,” said a disappointed John.

“You will improve, and now let’s see how good you are with your sword,” with that Sir Cedric drew his sword and advanced on John the young man quickly drew
his own sword and took up a defensive stance. They thrust and parried for several minutes until Sir Cedric stepped inside a late move by John and the young
man found himself without his sword and the Knight’s weapon at his throat.

“You have good potential lad, just need to know a few tricks and strengthen your arm. A new weapon would not go amiss.” They walked back to the Smithy
where Jack was nearing completion of his work. All three sat near the fire and ate the bread and cheese provided by Matilda. Sir Cedric complimented Jack
on what he had taught his son. Jack recounted a battle he had been in when he had been on crusade, Sir Cedric was quiet and just listened. John looked at
the Knight more closely he noticed the clothes were worn but of good quality and his boots had seen hard times, he wore a wedding ring on his left hand and
on his right John noticed a heavy gold ring.

“I must ask if I may impose on your hospitality for one more night Jack?” the Knight announced.

“That is no problem, stay as long as you need,” replied Jack. That night after supper, John again retired to the Smithy. Sir Cedric and Jack stayed talking
for some time and eventually they stood, Sir Cedric handed a leather purse of coins to Jack, they shook hands and went to their beds.

Jack was in the Smithy early in the morning and sent John to the Charcoal Burners in the forest to ask them to send a load of charcoal to the Smithy and
continue on to the Church to ask Father Aldred for a large bag that Jack had left with him many years ago.

“He will know what I want,” said Jack. When John returned his father was working on the fire, he sent John into the house to talk to the Earl. Sir Cedric
was sitting at the table with Matilda and Joan he signalled John to join them.

“I have to journey to Norwich tomorrow but I will return and when I do I wish you to join me as my Squire. I have spoken with your father and he is willing
to release you if you wish to follow this path. You are ready for adventures and I need a man who can use the bow and sword. You will be trained and I will
explain your duties. Give me your answer when I return and if it yes then be ready to depart the next day.” With that announcement the tall Knight rose and
went out to the Smithy. John strode after him.

“I shall leave the destrier here with my pack horse, see that they are exercised and ready for me.”

“I thank you very much for your offer sir and I will give my answer on your return,” said John.

Sir Cedric turned and saw the light in John’s eyes and smiled to himself. Early next morning Sir Cedric left the Smithy and rode off towards Norwich. John
watched him go, climbing the hill out of Dunston towards the City. Jack came and stood next to him. “ Well son, do you now want your adventure, you did say
you would stay here but I will not hold you to that.”

“Thank you father, Sir Cedric seems an honest man but to serve him as a Squire will not be easy as I have no knowledge of what I will be required to do.”

“Now don’t worry son, Sir Cedric and I had a long talk about it and he questioned me a lot. He knows you can read and write and that you can fight,” said
his father. “He has the means to train you and the rest is up to you.” He knew his wife and Joan would be sad to see John go but this was too good an
opportunity to miss. Who knows where John could end up, dead on a battlefield or maybe a Knight. Jack returned to the Smithy and carried on hammering and
shaping his work, he stopped for a moment and wiped his brow looking at what he had made. “Needs a lot more work yet.” That evening Jack was late coming in
to supper and was very tired.

“You mustn’t work so hard Jack, what is so important out there?” asked Matilda. There was no comment from Jack so the table became quiet. Joan thought
about her last meeting with Roger and argued with herself that she had made the right decision. There was no future with the Knight’s son who would never
be the heir. Soon she would be on her own but while they lived she had loving parents who would protect her. With those thoughts she drifted off to sleep.

II

Roger rode into the Castle yard where Elric Fletcher stood issuing orders. “So you could not persuade your father to release his destrier to you, well that
paltry animal you are riding will not last long in battle so you may as well stable it and join the foot soldiers.” After saying this Elric strode off to
the group of horsemen assembling at one end of the yard. Roger’s heart dropped, if he was to be on foot his full suit of armour could not be worn and he
was sure it would soon disappear. Well, he was not going to have that so he rode over to the wall, dismounted and tried to look as inconspicuous as
possible. Soon Roland found him and the two friends talked about where they thought they would be going. The small army settled down with the foot soldiers
camped in the castle grounds and the mounted men sleeping in the stables or what shelter they could find with their horses. Roger kept out of Elric’s way
and mingled with some men and horses in a small building near to the gate.

“It’s a bit hot in here,” complained Roland. “My mare is damp and smelly.”

“Just be grateful we are not out in the field, and stop complaining Rolly, we’ll need all the rest we can get I feel we have a long march tomorrow.” At
that moment there was a loud noise from the rear of Roland’s horse and everyone put their heads under the blankets.

“When you said it was smelly, you weren’t wrong,” said Roger pulling his cloak tighter.

Early next morning before the sun had risen over the Castle walls, they were awakened by shouts, and the general activity of an army preparing for a march.
Elric Fletcher was standing on the Keep steps shouting out orders and the Knights and mounted men filed out onto the field to join the foot soldiers. Roger
squeezed himself into the middle of a mounted group and prayed he would not be spotted. When the army had assembled Henri de Granville rode out with his
two friends, they were fully armoured as were their horses. John of Lancaster held de Granville’s great helm while de Granville addressed the assembled
men.

“ Today we travel south to join forces with our friends in securing stability in this England. You will be fighting for your families, for justice and a
rightful government. We will fight for the love of our country, we fight for ENGLAND!”

At this men shouted ‘HURRAH’ and banged their shields. de Granville signalled the mass of men to move off and their journey south began.

“That didn’t tell us much,” complained Roland.

Roger looked around to see who was listening and told Roland that he had overheard his father talking to Ralf that the Barons were fed up with the King and
the way England was being governed.

“Who we are joining with, and where, I do not know,” said Roger.

The army swung east to reach the river and there they saw many boats ready to take men, horses and equipment down river to Yarmouth. On reaching the coast
the army camped in the old Roman fort between Yarmouth and Lowestoft. Roger, keen to keep out of sight of Elric, suggested that he and Roland should visit
Yarmouth and sample the towns delights. The two friends arrived in the town which was full of men who had the same idea. Walking down by the docks they
came upon several large ships anchored in the port. “I hope you’re not sea sick Rolly, for it looks as though those are our next transport.”

II

For three days there had been no sign of Sir Cedric and John was starting to think he would not see the Earl again. Jack tried to reassure him by saying
with the country in a turmoil there could be many things to detain him. “I have a gift for you John, which should take your mind off Sir Cedric for a
while.”

John followed his father into the Smithy, from behind some old sacks Jack pulled out a bundle and gave it to John.

“I had to make sure my son was well equipped to serve a Knight properly,” said Jack. John undid the bundle to reveal a magnificent broadsword. The blade
glinted in the light from the forge and John felt no weight from the weapon as it was so finely balanced. The quillions gently curved away from the grip,
which was leather bound. The pommel was finely carved with the figure of an eagle. John looked closely at the blade and saw engraving that spelt out on one
side ‘ALIS AQUILAE, (on eagles wings) and on the other ‘DEO JUVANTE’ ( with God’s help). John was speechless as he swung the blade.

“I have always wanted to make this blade from an old, large falchion that was given to me by a Knight I served in the Holy Lands,” explained Jack.

“He told me it had magical powers but it did not save him from losing his life. It has been difficult to convert it to a broadsword, the metal looks and
feels like steel to me but harder than I have ever come across. Now it is finished and I have given into the right hands. Fight with honour son.”

John put down the weapon and clasped his father to him. “I will never forget this moment father.”

“Here is the scabbard, not quite so new but serviceable. With your longbow and dagger you should be equipped enough for your first encounter, you will also
find a small bag that was given to me by the same Knight, what is in there is only to be worn when you are invested as a knight, it has also come from a
Holy Lands. I will tell you more of that when the time comes.”

John’s eyes glistened as he looked at this man who was more a friend than just a father. Joan came out to call them to the table, John called her over to
show her his new sword.

“I am sure it is the best,” said Joan. “I hate to think what it will be used for.”

As they were finishing their meal they heard hoof beats in the yard. John went to the door and there was Sir Cedric on his horse leading another pack horse
with many bundles on its back. The baggage was taken in to the cottage and the Earl produced gifts for everyone. Bed coverings, dresses and clothes for the
women and men. “I have found true friendship here and I wish to show my appreciation.” Sir Cedric told the family who were speechless as they surveyed the
gifts.

“I have just the one daughter and no son and my wife died four years ago, so you have filled a gap in my life for a short while. My daughter is being
looked after by my staff until I return.”

They all sat down to the table together and Sir Cedric talked of the state of the country.

“There is going to be trouble for the King, Simon de Montfort is gathering barons around him. If the King does not meet their demands I see a fight
looming. Henry is our lawful King and although he has made many mistakes I would hate to see someone like de Montfort or one of his friends, control the
country.”

On this gloomy note they all retired to their beds. John thought of Roger and wondered where he was and who with. Earl of Norfolk, was a powerful baron who
had no love of the King and would be a supporter of de Montfort. Was Roger at Norwich Castle preparing for battle? Was Sir Cedric going to join the fight
and which side would he support? Surely it would be the King.

John picked up the small leather bag his father had given him and found inside a large gold ring, he tried it on but it was too big. Looking closely at it
he noticed a strange writings on it. With all the thoughts he had spinning around he dropped off to sleep.

Early next morning Sir Cedric was up early preparing his horses. “John, the second horse I brought yesterday is for you. He has seen battle so will not be
frightened in a fight. You will also find a breastplate and helmet in that bag, it should fit you. The last item is a spear with our colours, you must also
carry and care for my lance. We will take the destrier and I will ride my other horse and leave the pack animal here with your father.” The Earl finished
his instructions and went back into the cottage.