King Henry's Champion (18 page)

We began to catch them and the gap lessened. Then they must have spied us for the gap remained the same as they rode their horses to exhaustion. This would be the test of horseflesh. There were manors between us and York but not along this road.  They all occupied the high ground and would not be in a position to help us. When the hills to our left became little more than drifts of snow I knew that they headed for York. The road now had one or two twists and turns.  They were not large deviations but we lost sight of them, occasionally, behind stands of trees.

It was behind one such stand that they laid their ambush. It was a rushed one and an improvised one but it was effective nonetheless. The first we knew of the ambush was when arrows flew from the trees to our right.  Aiden and his horse were struck. Leofric and his mount were also hit. Dick and his archers reined in and dismounted. They needed no orders from me.  They would string their bows and hunt the enemy on foot.

I wheeled Scout to the right and drew my sword.  I plunged into the trees. Ahead of me there was a flurry of movement and a shower of snow as the ambushers mounted their horses and tried to flee.  One riderless horse suddenly raced across the front of Scout. He reared and I barely had time to react as the warrior ran to catch his horse.  It was instinctive.  I swung my sword which bit into his neck. I looked down and saw that it was one of the four men who had tried to enter my service.

The men we chased had no mail and I saw them back on the road, now mounted.  I wheeled around and went back to the road.  Aiden had an arrow in his leg.  His horse and that of Leofric were bleeding their lives away.  Wulfric took his sword and ended their suffering.  Leofric had been struck in the arm but the arrow had not penetrated too deeply. Edgar quickly bound Aiden’s leg. As he did so Dick and his three archers rode up.  “Sorry, my lord, we took too long to string our bows.  They are gone.”

“We will catch them. John and William, wait here with Aiden and Leofric. Sir Richard will be along soon.  Accompany him.  I do not want you to slow us down and Aiden will need food. I leave you in command, John.”

“Aye, my lord.”

As we continued our pursuit I began to reassess my judgement of this knight.  He had lost but one man and that was unlucky.  His attack had deprived me of four. The odds were only slightly in our favour now.  I would need my wits about me. Without Aiden, Dick and I led.  Scout’s nose would have to be our warning of any more ambushes.

We had lost sight of them but now we knew where they were heading, York.  The short days meant that they would reach there well after dark and that would suit them.  I now knew that that they had a boat waiting for them.  They could board it south of the city.  I remembered that the Archbishop had chains across the river to prevent any movements along the river at night.  The city needed the taxes from the ships. That meant they would skirt the city walls.

When the light began to fade my heart sank. Our horses were flagging.  I knew theirs would too but the night would only aid them. Dick shouted, “I can see them, my lord!”

They were a mile down the road.  Here there were houses lining the old Roman Road but any who lived there would remain behind barred doors.  Horsemen riding during the feast of St Stephen would only mean trouble. When we saw more houses and farms lining the road I knew that we neared York.  I urged Scout on.  We began to outstrip the men at arms.  Scout was a brave horse. In the fading light I saw that we were catching them. To the left I saw the walls of York, a dark lump against the cloudless sky. The road twisted to the left and the right as the darkness grew.

Suddenly out of the dark, horsemen raced at us.  They charged down the road with swords drawn. Even as I whipped my sword from my scabbard I knew that they held the advantage. They came for me. I whipped Scout’s head to the left as a sword lunged at me. It struck my arm and my side.  My mail held and I drew my sword. I swung it wildly at the second man as his sword hit me in the chest. My blade bit down into his arm. My chest felt as though someone had dropped a heavy stone upon it. I continued to wheel my horse around. I saw Dick lying on the ground but Wulfric was roaring his war cry as he and the slower men at arms raced to our aid. The remaining archers were fighting desperately.  In the dark it was confusing. But even in the confusion I saw that there were no white surcoats.

I saw one of the attackers turn to flee down the road. I spurred Scout after him. Despite Scout’s tiredness he was not as exhausted as the labouring, lathered, sweating sumpter which was ahead of us.  I brought the side of my blade across the back of the man’s head.  He tumbled from his horse.  I reined in and listened.  I could only hear noises from the skirmish behind. In the distance I only heard hooves receding into the distance.

Wulfric and the others rode up to me.  “They are all dead my lord.”

“Dick?”

“He will live.  It was a cudgel to the head.”  He laughed, “It is a good thing archers have thick skulls.” 

I shouted to Griff of Gwent, “Fetch Dick and the horses here.  Search the bodies for any clues.”

Wulfric pointed at the unconscious man, “With this one it means there are just the two crusaders and the bitch ahead.”

My men at arms rode up and archers rode up leading the captured mounts.  I could see, by the light of the newly risen moon, that Wulfric’s horse was exhausted.  Roger of Lincoln and Wilfred had the only two horses which were fit to ride. Griff of Gwent and Ralph of Wales also had horses which could go further. “Any clues?”

“Just the usual Imperial coins we saw and sharpened daggers.  These were hired killers my lord.”

Nodding I pointed to them, “You four come with me.  Wulfric stay here and see to Dick. Find out what you can from this one when he wakes.  We will follow.”

“My lord, why not wait for Sir Richard?  He will have fresher horses.”

“Then he can catch up with me.  I will not lose them now.  Come, we ride.”

I knew where they were going.  The moonlight showed us their tracks which stood out clearly in the snow. They turned off and headed east.  They were going to the river.  Where the Fosse met the Ouse, the river was wide. That would be where they would find their escape. The question was, would we make it in time?

The hint of mist ahead told us that the river was close.  We had not galloped we had trotted.  Scout was worth more than the treacherous three we followed. Ahead I caught a glimpse of white and beyond it the unmistakeable shape of a mast.  They were at their ship. I saw the three horses standing forlornly by the river and the three fugitives clambering aboard their vessel.

“Griff and Ralph, use your bows.”

They had their bows strung and they loosed two arrows. The two crusaders held their shields above their heads to protect them and the woman.  The knight shouted in Norman, “This is not over! You may be the King’s champion but I shall have your life and take my revenge.”

Before I could answer Griff of Gwent had loosed an arrow at the two crusaders. I saw it strike the sergeant at arms in his right shoulder.  He was thrown to the deck and the knight and the woman threw themselves there too.

“Well done, Griff!” My two archers continued loosing arrows blindly at the departing cog. None of us had any idea if they had found flesh; it mattered not. They had escaped but at least I had more information than before.  The knight was Norman and his feud was personal. He might be taking money from the King of France and helping the Scots but he was doing it because he hated me and yet I had recognised neither him nor his voice. Who was this crusader?

We took the three palfreys with us.  They were the better of the horses. We made our way back to Wulfric. I was pleased to see Dick was upright.  He had a bandage around his head. The captured man lay in a pool of blood.  He was dead. I said not a word but I looked at Wulfric.  He shrugged, “I got the information but he was tough.” He saw the three horses. “They escaped?”

I nodded, “They had a ship waiting.”

“I know where they are going. They are heading for Calais. They do serve the King of France but they also had confederates in Brabant and Flanders.”

“Did you get a name?”

“Aye my lord but I did not recognise it. The man is De Waller, Phillip de Waller of Maraclea in Tripoli.  He served Bertrand of Toulouse.” He stopped for my face had fallen. “You know this man?”

“I knew the Fitzwallers.  They tried to kill the King back in Normandy.  They lost their lands.  I killed one in England.  This must be another branch. It is a blood feud.  He will not stop until I am dead. Who is the woman?”

“She spoke true, her name is Lavinia.  She is the woman of this Waller.  He brought her from Tripoli. This man did not serve with him in Tripoli but some of the others had. He was picked up when the ship landed in Aquitaine.  He knew our whereabouts from our visit with the Duke there.”

Everything we did in life had an effect.  It was like throwing a stone into a pond.  The stone might be small but the ripples kept going. We turned as we heard hooves.  It was Sir Richard with his men and my four. He shook his head, “I am sorry we are late, my lord.  We were celebrating too much on Christmas day and it took us longer to get going than it should. Aelric told us of the murders.  Did you catch them?”

“No, but we now have horses for Aiden and John.  It is too late to ride home.  We will go to York.  I must have words with the Archbishop.  At least we now know our enemy.”

Aiden and John took the better of the two palfreys and we tied the other captured mounts so that they could be led.  The bodies we had left for the carrion.  The ground was too hard and we were too tired for such a Christian act.  And they had not deserved any compassion.  They were killers; plain and simple.

As we headed east towards York I told Sir Richard and my squires what we had learned. Sir Richard found hope in my words for he believed that knowing whom we sought would make his capture easier. I was not so certain. The next time I saw him he would be in disguise.  He would now know that I knew his badge. But I would look for a crusader with the Waller nose, a beautiful and dangerous woman and a sergeant at arms with a weakened shoulder.  It was little enough but it would have to do.

The sentries were reluctant to open the gates and admit us within the city walls. I was tired and I was annoyed. “I am Alfraed, Earl of Cleveland; we have men injured on the King’s business.  Open up.”

The gates slowly opened, “Sorry, my lord, but the Archbishop has been strict about those coming and going.”

“I know my friend but believe me we are not the threat.” Something in the man’s voice made me ask, “Has something happened?”

“Aye, my lord, murder.”

Soldiers were used to death on the battlefield but murder was something else. We made our way to the palace.  The Archbishop did not sleep overmuch.  His priests woke him when we clattered through the streets. I dismounted and addressed the priests.  “We have men who have been wounded. They need their wounds tending to.”

“Do not forget yourself, my lord.  You took some blows today.”

“Thank you, Wulfric, but I shall last a little while longer. See to the men. Sir Richard, try to get us some accommodation.”

“Aye my lord. Wulfric is right.  Blows can become infected.”

I shook my head, “Two mothers are more than enough for any man.”

The Archbishop joined us, “The hour is late, my lord.”

I nodded, “Let me enter and I will tell you a sad tale which will touch your heart.”

After I had told him what had happened at my castle and the loss of his young priest the Archbishop shook his head. “I am as much to blame.”

“You, your grace?  How?”

“It is fourteen days since Brother James and the innkeeper of the Saddle were murdered.  We knew not how they were murdered but now we do.  They were poisoned and a young cook, recently arrived, disappeared shortly after they were found. We had thought she had been killed too.  Now I see that she was one and the same, Lavinia.” He shook his head, “I am getting old and making too many mistakes. I should have warned you.  I thought that it was just the innkeeper and Brother James who were the targets. I am an old fool.”

“No you are not, Archbishop.  We are up against a cunning and ruthless foe but we now have a name, Sir Phillip de Waller.  He is a knight from the County of Tripoli in Outremer. He has a blood feud with me.  I was responsible for the death of some of his relatives.  I saved the King’s life in taking their lives but the family blame me.”

“Just so.” Food appeared.  The Archbishop nibbled and I devoured.  While I was eating he said, “There are events in the wider world which touch our lives too. We have had news in this last week that the Empress is with child once more.” I looked up.  This time I could not possibly be the father.  My mouth full, I just nodded. “It seems to me that I see the hand of God in all of this. You draw death to the land of the Tees valley.  They know where you are. These assassins have failed.  Thanks to God and your vigilance.  Others might get through.  From what you have told me the border is quiet.  Perhaps we should take the temptation away from the valley. Count Geoffrey has already invited you to train his knights. You are a Knight of the Empress.  I believe you are summoned to Anjou. If this crusader is heading for Calais and Flanders then it will take some time for him to discover your whereabouts. If you visit Anjou then he will leave Stockton unharmed. You have thwarted his plans and he will need to plan again.”

“I have been away overmuch and I would not draw danger to the Empress.”

“You have cowed the Scots. You have thwarted the plots of King Louis and the border is safe.  You will not be taking your knights.  Sir Edward and the others can easily cope in your absence. As for the Empress; the King lies between Flanders and Anjou.  If you visit with the King and tell him of this knight then there is more chance that he and this murderess can be apprehended.”

He was persuasive and I was weary.  My plans for a celebratory Christmas had turned out to be a disaster. I had lost a fine priest and an irreplaceable man at arms. I nodded.

“Good and I will give thought to Brother Abelard.  He is no longer needed to dupe the enemy.  How should I punish him?” He smiled.  “That is my problem and not yours. There is not long left of the night but rest.  Your horses need it. I will have my men wake you when I think you have slept long enough. Use my chamber. Perhaps God will grant you some peace here in this most sanctified of places.”

Although I was reluctant to take him up on his offer I did so and had the most peaceful night’s sleep I had had in a long time. When William came to wake me it was late afternoon.  “The Archbishop asked me if you were awake. You have slept longer than the others.”

I laughed, “A criticism from my squire! I shall rise, suitably admonished.”

“I did not mean…”

I stood, “It is called banter, my son, and you should get used to it.  It is what warriors do.” He nodded and helped me to dress.  “How are the wounded?”

“The healers say nothing is serious. Dick will have a scar across his forehead.  Leofric will have an arm in a sling for a week or so. They stitched it!” He seemed quite impressed by that.

Sir Richard had already returned home to Yarm.  He only had forty or so miles to travel and he was keen to be back with his wife. The Archbishop entertained us in his palace.  We talked no politics and we did not speak of plots. Instead he asked my squires of their ambitions.  He had no children of his own.  That in itself was rare.  Although churchmen did not marry it did not stop them fathering children.  He appeared to be genuinely interested in their hopes and aspirations.  I remembered Father Nicholas.  Had the Archbishop shown a similar paternal interest in him?

As we left, the next day, he said quietly, “I will keep watch on your land.  If Sir Edward requires my advice I am here.” He looked heavenward, “So long as the good lord deems fit.”

I laughed. “You will outlive us all, Archbishop Thurstan.”

The snow had frozen hard and the chill wind from the north east ensured that it would remain a hard blanket for some time.  Our horses’ hooves crunched underfoot as we headed home.

“We will take ship to Anjou just as soon as we can.”

“Olaf will not be visiting again until the spring, my lord.”

“I know Leofric but there are other vessels and the Archbishop said that he would arrange for a suitable vessel to be found. We will not have long at home.  I will take John and William with me.  Wulfric you and Roger of Lincoln can accompany me and Griff of Gwent with Ralph of Wales.  We do not need an army.  We go to train knights.”

“I am fit my lord.”

“I know Dick but I need you to help Erre and to train more archers. Despite what the Archbishop has said we have only temporarily cowed the Scots.  When their own rebels are destroyed they will turn their avaricious eye south.  We must be ready.”

“And me, my lord?  I am fit.” Leofric looked hurt.  He did not want to be left behind.

“You have an arrow wound in your arm. I would that you heal properly.”

“It is my left arm. William has not finished his training.  I swear that it will not hamper me. I can serve you and train William. Perhaps this was meant to be.  A knight should be able to deal with adversity.  This broken wing is just that; a problem to be overcome.”

I saw that both John and William were pleading for his presence, “Very well but you have sworn.  No complaints!”

Sir Richard had warned my people of our imminent arrival.  Father Henry, Alf and Erre awaited us. The priest made the sign of the cross, “Thank God no more died.  We heard they escaped.” I nodded. “Fear not Earl, God will make sure they do not escape his justice.”

Wulfric growled, “When I next see her she will not escape the justice of my axe.” Gurt had been especially close to Wulfric.  He was angry but it was the cold anger which made men fear.

“The Archbishop has suggested that now might be a good time to visit Anjou and to train the Count’s men for the tournaments next year. I leave Erre and Dick to command my castle.  I will visit with Sir Edward and ask him to hold my sessions.  Alf, I am certain that you will ensure that our town prospers.”

“Aye, my lord you can count on me.” He had been as shocked as any by the murders.  His resolve would make Stockton a secure town.

We left Stockton at the end of January.  The river was frozen for a week else we might have left earlier.  It gave me the time to write to the Earl of Gloucester and give him an account of events.  I was also able to visit with Sir Edward. I confided more in him than anyone.  He was of the same mind as the Archbishop and was relieved at my decision. “I agree with the Archbishop.  You draw danger, my lord, like shit draws flies.”

“A colourful figure of speech.  Perhaps I should be insulted.”

“You know me, my lord, I am a blunt and plain spoken soldier. You did not make me a knight for my pleasant conversation.”

“No I did not.  I have been remiss. There are many things I should have done here before I left. I should have visited with Hartness to see how they fare.  When the weather improves…”

“I shall do so and I will visit with Sir Barnard.  He needs watching. I will be the guardian of your land until you return, my lord.” As I was about to leave he added, “Be careful of this crusader, my lord.  He sounds persistent.  Do not underestimate him.”

“I will not.”

The captain of the cog the Archbishop had procured was a dour man but a good sailor.  The weather was atrocious and we spent most of the time below decks calming our horses. I had not brought Star.  I intended to buy a new one in Normandy.  They had better war horses in Normandy than in England and I did not want to risk my best war horse in a winter crossing.  I had plenty of coins I had taken from the assassins.  I wondered if I should call my new horse Louis in honour of the man who had paid for him.

It took ten days to reach Caen.  High tide was in late afternoon and so we spent our first night at the castle.  There I discovered that King Henry was away to the north.  He was visiting his northern castles.  I told the castellan what I intended and left a letter for the King.  I left nothing out. If he wished to punish me for letting the usurper go then he could.  I believed I had done the right thing. I had kept the border safe. He also sent a fast courier to Angers to tell the Count that I was on my way.

I could not believe how much warmer Normandy and Anjou were compared with the valley of the Tees. Although I wore a cloak I only did it to protect my mail. I did not feel this cold.  It was not the bone chilling ice I felt at home. I began to plan how I would help the young Count train his knights.  A tourney was only practice for war. The Count wanted the glory of victory in a public arena.  I wanted his men better able to protect the Empress. I would be able to achieve both if I planned well.

Angers was a fine castle.  Count Fulk and his father had built well. The Maine was also a good river which provided not only defence but also wine. I could see why the King had coveted it so much. The only drawback to it position was its neighbours. I could see was Blois to the east and, now that King Louis had betrothed his son to Eleanor of Aquitaine, the vast Dukedom to the south. There was now danger all around the County.

We were expected and I was greeted by the Count and his household knights.  They looked martial enough but the test would come upon the battlefield and lists.

“Welcome, Earl.  I am pleased you came earlier than you said.”

“The Scots were pacified and there was nothing to keep me at home.  Besides I wished to congratulate you both on your good news. Another child; that is good news.”

Count Geoffrey’s face lit up in a huge smile, “Another son I believe. One can never have too many sons.”

Matilda said, “My husband, the Earl lost his wife. He has but one son.”

His face fell. “I am sorry.  Forgive me I speak when I should think.  At least that is what my wife tells me.” He shrugged, “Come in out of the cold.  I fear it is too cold for sword play and the lance but we have fine food and the best wine in the whole of the land.”

“Where are Rolf and your Swabians?  I expected my normal bone crunching greeting from my brother knights.”

“As the Empress is confined to the castle and there was little danger to her I sent them to Germany to buy some of their new armour and weapons.  I was impressed by the equipment of Lothar of Passau and his men.”

“Aye it was well made but I believe it was the gambeson and padding beneath which made the armour better.”

“Perhaps.  When they return we shall see.”

I was saddened.  I looked forward to my time with the Swabians.  Perhaps they would return before too long.

The castle was much larger than mine and, having brought so few men with me my squires and myself were accommodated in the main residence. We were shown to our rooms.  Margaret, the Empress’ lady, waited in my room. “Welcome my lord.  As this is the first time you have stayed in the Count’s castle I was asked if there were any special needs and requests that you might have.”

There were things unsaid in her words. I smiled, “No Margaret. I am happy just to be here.  How is the child?”

She gave a slight nod of her head, “The child is healthy, my lord. He sleeps well and he eats well. He suffers neither from the croup nor the blotchy rash. He is strong and he is a fighter.  He will grow up to be a great warrior like his father.”

“The Count should be proud.”