King Henry's Champion (14 page)

“And I will try to find out who is this knight with the rampant griffin.”

I headed north with much to think on.  I rode ahead of my men with Wulfric and Sir Edward.  They had a right to know what I had learned.

Sir Edward was not convinced that we were dealing with a living threat. “Are we certain that the two knights from the east are not one and the same? Perhaps we have killed the danger.”

Wulfric shook his head, “I do not think so, my lord.  The knight I saw in Berwick was younger and he looked to be bigger than the Frenchman.”

I agreed with my man at arms. “And all of that means that the danger is still there.  We have stopped one danger and one source of enemy intelligence but there may be others. Cumin in Durham is a spy.  Him we know about.  What of the ones who remain unknown?  From now on we treat every stranger with suspicion.”

“Like the four archers we discovered in the forest?”

“No, Edward, for I invited them.  They did not seek my service.  The ones I suspect will be those who come to serve. We are all good judges of warriors.”

Roger of Lincoln jingled his purse, “There will be many of them, my lord.  All of us who were at the tourney are now rich men. We cannot hide that wealth.  Others will wish to serve you in the hope of attaining such riches.”

“Then we shall have to be even better at seeing beneath the skin of those who come to serve, eh?”

As we waited for my ferry I reflected that the one advantage we had was that our enemies did not know what had happened to their assassin. They would suspect he had been taken but they would not know. All of them were dead and all of them lay in the Thames.  Fishes would feast on their dead flesh. Nor would they know of our discovery of Abelard. Until they did then we had a slight advantage but I was keen to know more of this knight from Outremer.

Dick greeted me when I stepped from the boat. He had a look of concern on his face, “The new archers you hired told us of the attack.  You should have taken us with you, my lord.”

Wulfric growled, “We protected his lordship and the squires. We suffered neither wound nor hurt.”

“Peace we live and no harm came to any. Are they welcome additions, captain?”

“They are young and they have skill.  I could not ask for better and I meant no offence Wulfric but I was brought up in Sherwood.”

Wulfric’s face softened, “I know.”

Our arrival was the signal for much activity. Horses had to be stabled and bags unpacked. I sat in my hall and received the reports of the events during our absence.  John, my Steward, was actually pleased.  “We have taken more taxes this year than ever before.  Trade is good despite our charges.  With the gold you have brought to our coffers then we can buy extra grain for the winter.”

“I would have the tower in the church enlarged and a dwelling built for Father Henry and we need another stable building.”

“We have little enough room in the bailey, my lord.”

“Then build it outside.  It is for the sumpters and not our war horses and palfreys.  Soon we will need to acquire three war horses for my squires. I intend to extend the curtain wall along the river to the east.  We will build a tower there and that can be an extra defence.”

“Three war horses, a tower and a curtain wall! That is a huge expense, my lord!”

“I have more than enough from the tourney.” I held up the crown.  “If money becomes short then we sell this!”

John was mollified.  Even he had rarely seen such a valuable commodity.  There was also the possibility of leaving it with the Jews of York.  That was another way for me to raise money should I need it.

Next to speak with me was Erre who commanded my garrison.  A Varangian Guard he had come with us from the east to end his days in his homeland. He and his companions were old fashioned housecarls, they were my oathsworn and would die for me and my son.

“Wulfric said you did well at the tourney my lord.  Congratulations.”

I smiled, “I know it would not suit you and your brothers for we were on horses.”

“Give me the ground beneath my feet.” He lowered his voice, “I hear you have encountered Crusaders, my lord?”

“I have.”

“Then beware for they are as fanatical as the Musslemen they fight.  They do not view the world as we do.”

“Have you ever heard of a knight with red griffin as his emblem?”

“No my lord, but that is an old fashioned symbol. It is like the lion of Scotland, the leopard of Normandy and your wolf.  It suggests a warrior with a lineage.  This unknown knight sounds like a foe to be respected.”

“Not feared?”

He laughed, “My lord, you need fear no man. Your son is even now regaling the castle with the tale of how you defeated all the other teams single handed.”

I shook my head, “You know better.  My son is growing but at times he still thinks as a child.”

“He is not long beyond those years and besides he admires his father.  I wish I had a son who would hold me in the same esteem.”

“Well hold yourself and your men ready.  We are to visit with the King of Scotland.  I will leave Roger of Lincoln and Dick to command in my absence.  I think your presence might prove interesting. It seems the Scots have to fight Vikings.  You and your brothers look enough like Vikings to make King David take stock.”

He brightened, “We would like that, my lord.  Do you think there might be some action?”

“Let us just say that we will be travelling well armed.”

Finally Alice entered, “It is good to have you home, my lord.  I have arranged to have your clothes washed.” She frowned, “There was blood on many of your garments.”

“I am a warrior.  Did not your husband, Alan, have blood when he returned from war?”

Her face darkened, “The only time he went to war he died.”

“I am sorry, Alice.  That was insensitive of me.”

“No my lord, God has set me trials.  A good Christian rises to their challenge but I thank you for giving me this chance.  I feel as though I have been born again.”

The Earl’s ship arrived in the Tees ten days after I had arrived home.  I had been expecting him for some days and we were ready to embark. I took all three squires but just the three Varangians and Wulfric.  All four were fierce looking men.  They were all a throwback to the days before the Normans had arrived. We were not going to war but I wanted King David to understand my message; if he supported the rebels then he would have me and my men to deal with and my men were not gentlemen knights.  They were hardened professional warriors. We did not need horses and so loading the ship was simple.

The Earl had brought with him one of King Henry’s oldest friends and allies, Earl Geoffrey of Mandeville. He was a bluff old warrior who was even older than the King but there was not a more loyal knight in the Kingdom.  They stayed the night. My squires were allowed to dine with us and the household knights the two earls had brought.  Alice fussed and worried over everything but I assured her that the food was more than fine.  Luckily I still had plenty of Vasconian wine; its strong taste covered a multitude of sins. When the platters had been cleared and the servants dismissed I told them of our discovery in York.

“So we need to watch for this knight with a red griffin?” I nodded. “Have you seen such a device Mandeville?”

He had a long memory and if anyone knew of it he would. “I recall a red griffin but it was on a blue background.  There was a family of knights in Normandy who lived close to the border with Flanders but the name escapes me.  It was from my youth; many battles and wars ago.”

“It matters not for we shall all keep an eye out for him.” The Earl of Gloucester nodded to me, “You did the right thing to leave the inn keeper in place.  Set a sprat to catch a mackerel eh?”

“What if the King of Scotland takes offence at our demands?”

“A good question, Alfraed; I can understand why you ask it.  If he should decide that he is insulted then you would bear the brunt of any invasion.”

“My worry is that we may tip him to side with the rebels.  At the moment it is just tacit support he is giving. There were clearly not many Scottish knights with the rebels we fought.  Of course they could have been in the isles and Moray.”

“He has become estranged from England since his wife, Maud, died.  He has forgotten that he was supported by our Royal House.”

“He is, however, fighting to capture the north and west of his lands.  He fights Vikings and the wild men of that region. Could he afford a war on two fronts?”

“We shall see, Alfraed.  We had best retire. My captain wants to sail at first light.  There are more twists and turns in this river of yours than in a lawyer’s argument!”

“It serves us, my lord.”

My men were below decks when the two earls and their retinue rose. Wulfric made sure that my mail and weapons were well stored.  He would not trust them to the sailors. We had just passed Thornaby when the four of them came back on deck.  The Earl of Gloucester burst out laughing, “You are a clever fellow, Cleveland.  These four look like Vikings.  King David will not be certain if we are allied with his enemies.”

“I just thought to set him thinking, my lord. Besides I did not wish to bring huge numbers of men and these four can do the work of a conroi!”

I had to confess that the journey north, even though autumn was approaching, was easier on a ship than riding north.  It was pleasant to see the land I defended from the seaward side.  For William and my squires it was like seeing a whole new world.  As we approached Berwick they took even more interest.  They had fought there and we had held the rebels.  From that point on we left England.

We entered the Forth and headed for the port of Leith, close to Holyrood Abbey.  We would remain on board the ship until the priests we had with us had made contact with King David.  For all we knew he could be with his army in Moray in the north west.  I had no idea what we would do if we had to wait months. We knew that word of our arrival would reach the King’s stronghold long before we arrived in Leith. There were towers along the coast and we spotted riders heading west heralding our arrival.

As we edged into the quayside I wondered how I would be greeted.  When I had invaded Scotland, on the secret orders of King Henry, I had aroused the ire and wrath of King David.  I had had to journey to Constantinople to assuage his anger. I had recently trounced his men from Berwick. Why had the king insisted upon my participation in this embassy? Was he trying to intimidate the King with my presence? He played a game I did not understand.

We tied up and the Earl sent a man ashore to hire two horses for the priests.  It was not a long journey to the castle, we could see it from our mooring, but he wanted the priests to have some dignity. We had all dressed in our mail and surcoats when we had sighted the Forth.  We were ready for King David or whoever he sent to speak with us.

We had but one night on the ship before the priests and the King’s representatives returned to the ship.  It was the Earl of Strathclyde.  He was a warrior.  His armour and his weapons demonstrated that as did his steely, martial gaze. Perhaps he had been sent to intimidate us. He nodded rather than bowed.  It could have been taken as an insult for the Earl of Gloucester was representing his father, but Robert of Gloucester was too clever to fall into that trap.

“King David of Scotland welcomes you to his kingdom. If you would like to come with me; I have horses for twenty.”

That was another insult.  We would have to leave some men behind. The Earl of Gloucester smiled.  He turned to me and Geoffrey of Mandeville. “We each bring five men.” He nodded to Wulfric, “Bring your doughty warriors with you Earl.”

“Leofric, you will come with me.  William and John you stay aboard.”

I saw the disappointment in my son’s face but I needed Leofric’s quick wits. He might be able to pick up on something when the high and the mighty debated. The horses they had provided were poor.  I think they were sumpters. It could have been construed as another insult. The Earl of Strathclyde was making life difficult for us. The Earl of Gloucester made out that this was just a pleasant ride in the country.

“A fine aspect for a castle.  That lump of rock looks like God placed it there with the sole intention of making an impregnable castle.”

“Aye.  It is the best site in the whole of Scotland.  King David will have it as our capital.  Soon it will rival London.”

The ice was broken and we chatted as we completed the short journey to the mighty fortress of Edinburgh. I agreed with the Earl I would not like to take this castle. Hopefully we would not have to. Passing through the huge gates I saw the King waiting for us on the steps to his keep. Erre and his Varangians had not been happy with the thought of riding but the sumpters were little more than large ponies. When they stepped off them they were as tall as when they had been on them.  The four of them dwarfed Leofric as they flanked me.  The effect was all that I had hoped.  I saw the King of Scotland frown. It looked like a Viking horde was about to assault his keep. The Earl of Gloucester hid his smile.

We bowed and the King recovered his composure, “Welcome to my castle. I hope your father is well.”

The Earl stood, “He is your majesty. He apologises for the lack of warning but events recently in Berwick…”

He got no further. “Come we will discuss this inside where we can be comfortable and away from prying ears.” As we went up the steps two guards put their spears across the door to stop myself and Geoffrey of Mandeville from following.  I heard the rasp of swords as our men drew their weapons.  They were not afraid. 

Robert of Gloucester said, “Perhaps I should go back with my earls, your majesty? We came here for a peaceful meeting but if there is to be discourtesy…”

King David waved an irritable hand and we were admitted. I turned and nodded to Wulfric. He would keep my men in order and his ears open.

We sat at a table.  The King was flanked by four advisers.  One was the taciturn Earl of Strathclyde. We three sat opposite. The King began the meeting badly by pointing an accusing finger at me and shouting, “I know not how you have the effrontery to bring this killer here into a meeting to discuss peace!  He is a war monger and a border raider!”

Despite the insults I kept a neutral expression on my face as did Sir Geoffrey.  My father had always said to keep calm when others were losing their tempers.  In the diplomatic battle King David had just lost ground.  The Earl of Gloucester spoke reasonably and quietly, “The Earl of Cleveland is here because he was at Berwick when the unwarranted attack on Norham castle took place.  He is here to give testimony to you so that you may punish those who transgressed.”

Already the King was half defeated for he allowed the Earl to use the word punish.  He was telling a King what to do. “I had nothing to do with that attack.” He was too hasty with his excuses.

“And yet you allowed Gospatric and his rebels to use Berwick Castle as their rallying point. There were Scottish nobles and men who attacked Norham.”

The Earl of Strathclyde shouted, “Your majesty, this is too much! Norham is on the Tweed and that is Scotland!”

“The Tweed is the border and Norham is most definitely in England.”

There was a huge contrast between the way the Earl spoke and the way the Scots ranted.  I saw now why he had wanted me.  I was there to goad and anger the Scots by my very presence. They would not argue calmly so long as I sat there. I had been taught logic by Greeks and I knew that the Earl was also adept at mounting arguments.

“This is easy enough to settle your majesty. I believe you, you knew nothing about the attack.  It did not have your support.”

“Thank you.”

“In which case, you will hand over those responsible for the attack.” The Earl glanced in my direction, “Gospatric,” he paused, “Buchan, De Brus and Comyn are the names the Earl here has provided.”

There was uproar from the Scottish lords. In contrast we sat quietly. Eventually the King restored order. “Gospatric is an English earl but the others are Scottish lords! We cannot hand them over.”

“They have lands in England and Gospatric, your Earl of Lothian, told the Earl of Cleveland that those three were involved in the rebellion.”

The King glared at me, hatred in his eyes, “The Earl of Cleveland is no friend of Scotland.”

I spoke for the first time, “What you say is true but it does not change what I was told by Gospatric, Earl of Lothian, Earl of Northumberland and treacherous traitor.”

The Earl of Strathclyde snorted, “And we only have your word for that.”

The room went quiet and I leaned forward, “I am never foresworn. I say it is true. Are you going to gainsay me? Apologise.” He glared at me but I saw doubt in his eyes. “Otherwise we shall have a trial by combat as is my right and God will decide which of us is foresworn.”

I was not certain if King David wanted him to challenge me.  I just stared into the Earl’s eyes. I was not afraid of him. He had fine armour and fine weapons but I knew that I had the fastest hands any knight had ever had and, more importantly, I knew that I was a killer.

He leaned back, “And if you say that Gospatric spoke those words then I will have to believe you.” He suddenly saw a way to regain some dignity.  “In which case Gospatric lies. He is an Englishman and it comes easier to them.”

“He normally does but in this case I think he spoke the truth but that is just my opinion.  We are agreed on one thing Earl, Gospatric is a foresworn renegade and no one would choose to either fight with him or for him.” I smiled as I said it. The Earl of Strathclyde nodded.

King David looked defeated.  “We cannot hand over those men and I know not where Gospatric is.  He may have left the country.”

The Earl of Gloucester said, “He may well have hidden himself but we need recompense for the damage our people suffered. The attack emanated from your castle of Berwick which makes the Earl of Berwick responsible.”

It was at that moment that I knew we had won.  The King’s shoulders slumped.  “The Earl of Berwick died in the attack.” The King’s son, Robert, said not a word but continued to look at the King.

“What recompense will be fair?” The King’s words sounded defeat for the Scots. They had lost the battle of Berwick and now they had lost the verbal battle of Edinburgh.

“One hundred head of cattle.” The King nodded. “And your promise that there will be no further attacks across the border.”

“But I cannot guarantee that! What if the rebels decide to attack?  Am I to blame?”

“They are on your land.  If you wish the Earl of Cleveland to enter your land and hunt them down for you I am sure he will oblige. He is a good hunter and as tenacious as a terrier.”

The thought of allowing me free rein worked, “That will not be necessary. You have my word.”

“Then it is agreed.  If you have the document prepared we will sign it and then we shall leave.”

“I will send it to your ship on the morrow.”

“Excellent.”

It was a petty act on behalf of the King to deny us hospitality but we did not mind.  He should have offered us food and lodgings but he had not.  I did not mind.  I would rather sleep peacefully on the ship where there would be no risk of a knife in the night. The Archbishop’s words still rang in my ears.

We rode back in silence for we were escorted by King David’s guards. We stood on the ship and watched the guards take the horses away. Geoffrey of Mandeville said, “I do not like this, my lord.  They agreed too easily.”