Baron of the North (11 page)

"I know."

"And you do right to tell the King." He took one of the rings from his hand.  "Take this, it is seal of the See of Lisieux.  It will ease your passage to Normandy.  I will not need it any longer for I go home to die." He handed me the ring. He sighed and closed his eyes as a wave of pain passed over him. When he opened them he said, "What will they say of me when I am dead, Baron?" I hesitated, "Do not flatter me for a dying man deserves the truth."

"I believe that they will say you were a man who helped to make England what it is today but there will be your enemies who will spread lies about you.  That is in the nature of men and we live in treacherous times. Those who know you will speak well of you."

"I confess that, in my younger days I did not always behave as well as a man of God should have done but I have tried to make amends in my old age and I have given much to the poor."

"Know that I will speak well of you, Bishop."

"I know and I thank God for the day that you met King Henry for without you who knows what the North would be like."

We left the next morning and Mark was taken with the Bishop. The spare horses we left with the Bishop enabled the Bishop's people to move much faster. I never saw the Bishop again for he was dead before I returned from Normandy but I always honoured him. Matthew had been badly shaken by the attack and the wound to his friend. "Matthew, you did all that I asked of you and more. You will be stronger as a result  of the attack."

"But Mark could have died."

"We all die Matthew but it was not your friend's time.  Be resolute and learn from this."

We made the journey in a further two days. I went to the Tower to see if the King was there.  Apart from the constable of the Tower there were no lords. It resulted in accommodation for us but I could not risk giving my information to the constable.  I knew him not. If there was danger In Durham with men I thought I trusted then my news had to go to only two people: the King and his son. The next morning I journeyed to the river to try to gain a voyage to Normandy. Most of the ships were going elsewhere.  The wedding had taken place even as we were journeying south and so many of the ships which normally plied that route were on their way back from Normandy having taken more guests for this most momentous of marriages. I discovered that there were ships due in at the end of the week.  We would have to bide our time until then.

It was as I was watching by the river that I remembered the house which the brothers Stephen and Theobald of Blois had used.  It was across the river.  I spied it. There was a banner flying from it. One of the brothers was in residence. Sometimes we do things and know not why.  I did this act deliberately. I took my squires, crossed the bridge over the Thames and rode by the manor.

They had cleared the land around the hall and we headed to the forests beyond, ostensibly for a leisurely ride.  We had no sooner entered the forest than riders erupted from the hall. Although they had no unsheathed weapons they glared at us belligerently.  "What are you doing here?"

"This is England is it not?  We ride for pleasure.  Who says we should not?"

The men at arms parted and I saw Stephen of Blois. "Is it Baron Alfraed?"

I smiled, "It is.  Have I committed an offence, Baron?"

I saw the look on his face; he was shocked. "Of course not it is just I had thought you to be on the Tees." That was a lie.  He had thought I was dead; I could see it in his eyes.

"I am headed for Normandy." I was deliberately obtuse in my words.

"You must join me in my hall.  I have some fine wine from Burgundy."

"I fear I must decline.  I have business on the river.  This was just a minor diversion twixt meals. I thought you might have been in Normandy for the wedding."

His eyes narrowed, "No, Baron, my brother Theobald attended,  I had business here in England."

I could see that he had not expected to see me, not just here in London but at all. I did not like Stephen of Blois but was he a traitor too?  I wondered what had made me cross the river. "Your business must have been important to miss the wedding of your cousin."

He nodded, "And you, Baron, I thought you were a Knight of the Empress?"

"I am but I had to quash a rising in the north."

"It seems to be a dangerous place to live."

"It is but living there makes us strong and able to withstand powerful forces which would upset the balance of nature."

"Balance of nature?"

"Yes, Baron, when evil tries to usurp good when foreign forces try to change a people. In the north we have a fine balance.  We may not grow wheat but there are good people there and no one can change that.  Rebellion and treason might come naturally to some but those who live in my Valley are loyal to the King and will fight to the death to protect their way of life."

I saw his face as I spat each word out. It was as though he had been assaulted by me.  I had shocked him.  Now I knew why I had come here.  I was throwing down a gauntlet. I had no evidence but I knew that Stephen of Blois had been involved in the Scottish raid and the attempt on my life. He was a confederate of either Fitzwaller or those in Durham; perhaps both.

"How long will you be here in London? Perhaps we could go hunting."

I knew what the prey would be, me! "A kind offer but I will have to decline.  I have delivered my message to the Constable.  I have a family and game aplenty.  You must come and hunt with me."

"I will take you up on that but for now I have things I must do."

As we rode back I could feel the daggers in my back.  John asked."What was that about Baron? " We had been speaking Norman and some of the words were unknown to my young squire.

Hugh explained, "I  heard the same words John but the Baron was testing the Lord of Blois. He has told him that the documents are with the Constable."

"Indeed.  You are right Hugh and when we leave we go without horses and without Matthew.  I wish to disappear from the London.  This Stephen of Blois is a dangerous adversary.  He may be the King's nephew but I trust him not. He would take the throne from the Empress. I want to be away from England before he knows. I am hoping I have set his eye to search the north road for us."

"Why would that be a bad thing lord?  The Empress Matilda is married to an Angevin. What is the difference?"

I could not speak from my heart for I kept that part of me hidden.  "The Empress has a heart which is English. Stephen of Blois would make England part of his own Empire.  He would rival the Holy Roman Empire.  My father returned here because he was English.  I am English and I will fight for England!"

The Constable was quite happy to house our horses and to watch over Matthew.  For his own part Matthew was happy to be spared the journey across the Channel. We found passage on the
'Jerusalem',
a small cog which carried messages between London and Caen. The ring of the Bishop and the weight of the Archbishop of Canterbury ensured four berths. It was fast enough to avoid any pirates and it carried messages between the King and his ministers. The Archbishop of Canterbury entrusted some parchments to me for safe delivery to the King. I asked them to be discreet but I knew that someone would know we had gone to Normandy and our secret would be out but any delay was useful.

We slipped out on the first tide of the day.  Dawn had not yet broken and we, I hoped, vanished from sight. The captain was a dour, silent man and that suited me. I had made faster time than I had hoped.  I had only left home fourteen days since and within another two I would be in Caen. My meeting with Stephen had made me more fearful of my home than before.  This was a man with his eye on the throne and I was an obstacle in his way. In many ways I envied Harold and Edward.  They had no family to lose and to be held a hostage to fortune.  I did.

The winds were against us and it took more than a day to beat down to the Orne and Caen. Even worse, when we arrived I discovered that the King had gone from Anjou to Rouen.  The four of us spent a frustrating night in Caen. I did not wish to risk moving at night.  A few days more could not make a difference. Speaking with the Castellan I discovered that Robert of Gloucester was with his father. With an alliance secured in the south it did not take much thought to realise that the King could now advance on Flanders. Unless the king of France was willing to risk war King Henry could teach his nephew a lesson.

We had to wait longer than I wanted to leave for horses were in short supply.  In the end I bought four.  It was better than waiting.  As it turned out the delay was propitious for Edward and his men rode in as we were about to leave. His face lit up, "Baron what are you doing here?" My reaction was less happy than he expected. "What has happened?"

We were in the full gaze of many men. "Accompany me to Rouen and I will tell you all."

It speaks well of my knight that he and his men, even though they had been anticipating a journey home, all of them acceded to my request without a murmur. When were out of earshot of the castle and on a lonely stretch of road I told him all.  It took some time. Behind us I heard Hugh telling his cousin Gille the same information. By the time I had finished I saw that Edward was becoming angry. His knuckles were white.

"I never met this Fitzwaller but I wish you and your father had slain him. Wulfstan was a good man and deserved a long life." He shook his head.  "I wish I had not had to attend the wedding."

"It would have made no difference.  Had you been with me you would not have been able to prevent Wulfstan's death."

"You are right but I feel I have wasted months being… well I am not sure what I was." He shook his head, "The Empress is marrying a child! It is not right."

"You did not express such views before the King did you?"

He laughed, "Baron you will be teaching me to suck eggs next! No I kept a dispassionate face.  But the Empress was angry, and she did not hide it.  This marriage will not be a happy one.  Of that I am certain."

Surprisingly that did not make me happy.

We rode in silence for a while as he took in all that I had said. "We knew about Blois of course but this new development concerning Durham worries me."

"It worries me and it worried the Bishop too.  I pray that he has strength enough to do something about it before the end."

"He is as ill as that?"

"They have been reporting his death these six months and I can see why but he clings on to life.  He wishes to make amends for the mistakes of his youth."

"If we all did that then we would live to be a hundred!"

Rouen now had the air of a capital. It was as busy as London. As we rode north I discovered that the King's nephew, the Count of Flanders, had died suddenly.  Edward did not know if this was an act of God or something more sinister. Henry was at Rouen in strength to show King Louis that he had the power to take Flanders if he chose. "You have been with him more recently than I have Edward.  Will he challenge Louis and take Flanders?"

"I doubt it, Baron. The land of Flanders has little to offer King Henry.  So long as the new Count is amenable then I think the King will let that particular sleeping dog lie." Behind us the two cousins were laughing.  Edward smiled, "And Harold, how did he take the loss of his people?"

"Badly.  He went into himself and I left him with my wife.  If anyone can bring him out of his humour it is she."

It was a sign of my new position that the two of us, Leofric,  myself and the precious leather satchel were admitted to the King immediately.  As soon as I mentioned the word treason the room was cleared leaving just myself with the King and his son.

"Treason is a dangerous word to use, Baron.  I hope you have proof."

In answer I took out the four documents. The two men read them both and then asked, "This is proof but your words imply a greater conspiracy."

"When I was heading south we were attacked by men who sought the satchel.  The only people who knew of that were Hubert of Durham and the Dean.  None else, save Harold of Elton knew of it. The Bishop told me he would seek out the guilty party."

Robert of Gloucester shook his head, "The Bishop is a sick man.  He should be making his peace with God."

"Amen to that. my lord. We also found fresh minted gold on the killers. They had come from Durham. Then, when I reached London I ran into Stephen of Blois." The lie almost stuck in my throat. "His shock made me think that he thought I was dead." I picked up one of the letters from Normandy. "In here it speaks of a new King.  Stephen is a potential heir is he not?"

The King waved a hand, "I agree with all of the rest but you are wrong about Stephen.  Matilda is now my heir and Stephen is happy about that. Why, his brother Theobald came to the wedding and affirmed his support for my daughter."

I nodded, "And yet Stephen stayed in London."

I could see that the thought had not occurred to either of them. "Thank you for your concerns Baron. You did right to bring this to our attention.  Those lords of Anjou will be dealt with. It means, of course that I will not be able to return to England to deal with the threat there. My son will have to be my right arm here as we ensure that all danger of rebellion here is quashed. The treason and treachery in the north will have to be contained by you."

"But…"

"But nothing.  I have appointed you Baron of the North and you have shown you can do the task well.  When you have defeated Gospatric then you will be Earl of Northumberland."

"He is clever, my liege, and hides beneath Scotland's skirts."

"And you were brought up by the Greeks.  I am certain that you have the wit and the wherewithal to outwit an old man like that. Do all that is necessary to protect my borders."

I was not certain but I could tell that the interview was over. "Yes my liege. What of the border.  Can I pursue across the border if I need to?"

"Were my words not clear?  Do all that is necessary.  There is nothing more important than protecting our lands."

  Then with your permission I will return to England and begin preparations."

The King stood and beamed, "There, that is better.  I will have a war chest prepared for you.  Stay this night and on the morrow you can return to England."

I joined Edward and Leofric; we walked the crowded streets of Rouen.  I told him all. He seemed happy about the idea. "You should not be so fearful of the responsibility, Baron.  This way you answer to no one save yourself and if you have a war chest then we can hire more swords."

"I was lucky with you Edward but there are many out there with false hearts. Remember Richard?"

"I do but we have a core of brave knights. Leave the choice to me." He smiled, "This is a fine town with many merchants.  Perhaps you could take presents back for your wife.  I know women like pretty things."

I bought some delicate lace for Adela and gifts for my children. When we returned to the castle Robert awaited me. We had had a disagreement during the Welsh campaign and although the rift had been healed our relationship was still strained. I no longer trusted him. I suppose I could not blame him; he was illegitimate and had to watch out for himself.

"Here is the war chest my father promised.  Use it wisely for there will be no more. If you want my advice," he laughed, "which I doubt, but you shall have it anyway then I would make the Scots pay for your war. Do not fight in your own land but in the border lands." He proffered a document.  "Here is your authority to appoint new lords to empty manors such as Elsdon and Alnwick. Use your own judgement." He smiled, "I trust it." My orders were quite clear.  Pursue our enemies into Scotland.

It was a few days later that we approached the English coast. I now had a greater responsibility than I had had before.  I was young to be appointing lords and yet Robert of Gloucester was not much older than I was. I hoped that the D'Umfraville heir would return from the Holy Land. I knew that one of the line had given his life to defend the castle and that kind of loyalty deserved a reward. We gathered my horses and headed north. This time I did not worry about the road.  I was protected by Edward and his retinue.

Edward and I decided to change my livery to reflect my new status.  I would retain the blue but the yellow stars would be replaced by red ones to reflect Wulfstan, Athelstan and the others who had died.  Their blood had bought me success and they would be honoured with the three red stars which would adorn my surcoat. The war chest would pay for the changes. We also halted at Nottingham to hire more men at arms and archers. I had worried about making such selections in London.  Stephen of Blois was cunning enough to have his own men pose as mercenaries.  The King might trust his nephew but I did not. I had fought him when he had disguised himself as the Red Knight.

We left with six more men at arms and six archers. It was not enough but it was a start. Edward had been given gold by the Empress Matilda and he gained four men at arms. Our retinue was growing.

Finally we called at York where I closeted myself with the Archbishop. Archbishop Thurstan was a wise man.  On his journey north Bishop Flambard had told him of my fears and he had taken steps himself. "I sent four priests with the Bishop. They are all true men of the Church and can be relied upon. Are your churchmen reliable?"

"They are." I smiled, "It was I who appointed them."

"Good, you know your own mind. I will have the lords of the manor south of the Tees be more vigilant but I am afraid they will be loath to venture into the land of the Scots."

"I intend to improve the castles there, your grace. We will stop their privations and their raids that way."

Before I left he drew me to one side. "I see dark times ahead, Baron.  I pray you let me know of any threat to the security of the north.  York is the jewel of the north and if it were threatened then it would lay the rest of the country open. You are the last barrier from chaos and vigilance will be needed."

I knew he was right and I would do all that I could but we were spread thinly. I hoped that my knights had used the money from the ransoms to build up their forces rather than wasting it on fine clothes and furnishings.

My castle looked reassuringly solid as we approached.  It was September and I had been away longer than I had wished. As we crossed on Ethelred's new and improved ferry I turned to Hugh.  "You have served with me for over a year now. Are you ready yet?"

"Ready Baron?  For what?"

"To be knighted and become lord of Gainford. You know that I need every knight I can get.  You should also know that I believe you are ready.  The question is, do you?"

"It is a mighty step, my lord, from squire to knight."

"And that is why I ask you.  If you are not ready then speak for I will be neither offended nor upset. However I believe you are your father's son and that you will make Gainford a strong defence.  The lord of Barnard is old. If you take over the fief then it will not be easy."

The ferry bumped into the jetty and he turned and smiled, "I will, Baron. I can still serve you and I now see hope here where I once saw despair."

"Good.  I will give you a couple of my men at arms until you hire your own."

"There were many likely youths at the manor before …, well before.  Some were of a mind to be warriors."

"And your steward had husbanded your taxes well.  John has cast his eye over the accounts and you have coin. Use it wisely."

"Could I use William?  I would have some stonework in my new castle."

"When he has finished my gatehouse then he is yours."

My wife and children greeted me and I saw Harold in the background.  To my relief he was smiling.

William ran up to me. "Have you a present for me father?"

"That depends, my little warrior, have you been good?"

"I have and Sir Harold has been teaching me to fight."

"Good then I have." I waved my arms and John and Leofric handed the presents to my son, daughter and wife.