English Knight (19 page)

Behind me I heard a cheer as King Henry’s household knights ran down the bank towards us. This was our chance! “Charge!”

My small band hurled themselves at the shield wall.  They were in the process of carrying their leader aboard and in the confusion we broke into their wall. Swords and axes rained down on my shield and helmet but they were too close to hurt me.  Two Vikings fell into the river and the departure allowed me to swing my sword.  It bit into the side of a half naked warrior.  I twisted as I pulled and stepped over his body to cleave the helmet and skull of another.

The Vikings had had enough and they poured back aboard their dragon ship. John and Dick rained arrows as fast as they could nock them. The wooden jetty was slippery with blood and I halted.  I did not want any of my men to slip and fall to a stray spear or arrow.  Even as they pulled away from the shore Dick and John continued to score hits. This was one Viking raider who would not return.

King Henry arrived in time to see the dragon ship turn and head east. “That was impressive with just twelve men.  I look forward to see seeing how well you do on a horse.”

We searched the bodies and removed all weapons and treasure before returning the Vikings to the sea where they would feed the fishes. I gave the weapons and armour to Alf as compensation for any damage and as a reward for the warning.

We merely had to wait for Ethelred to repair the ferry and we would be ready to cross the river.  The King said, “There is no hurry.  We are waiting for more knights.”

He said no more.  At noon I saw a conroi of armed and mailed men coming from the east. The king nodded, “Ah, we can now load the ferry.  Here is Sir Robert De Brus and the knights of Hartness. Our army of the north is complete”

King Henry’s voice was silky.  He was watching me and seeing how I would react. I smiled. I was from the east. I could be as two faced as the next man if I chose.  The next man happened to be the king and he was, as I soon discovered, extremely devious.

Sir Robert had brought five knights and thirty men at arms. I did not recognise them as the knights I had encountered previously. That worried me for it meant my home and my father were both in danger. Sir Robert was at least ten years older than I was and had a hint of grey in his beard. He bowed to the king and then smiled at me.  “Ah Sir Alfraed, I have been looking forward to meeting with you.  It has been remiss of me not to invite you over as a neighbour.”

I bowed and smiled back, “I met with some of your knights and enjoyed their hospitality and a bout with blades.”

He nodded, “Ah yes, I have heard you are good.  That was an unfortunate encounter and there was a great deal of misunderstanding.  The men concerned have been punished.  It is one reason why I did not bring them with me. Such failure will not be tolerated in the future.”

I listened to his words.  What he meant was that the next time his men would carry out his orders and there would be no survivors.  I was not worried.  So long as we were with the king and his household knights then Sir Robert would have to behave himself. As we were ferried to the south bank I wondered at his inclusion.  Was the king keeping his enemies closer than his friends and if so how did he view me?

On the journey to Wales I came to know some of the household knights and the entourage of the king. We were the lowly end of the entourage and given the job of guarding the pack animals. Sir Richard felt slighted, especially as we rode in the dust of the others but I was happy as it allowed me to listen to the chatter and gossip of the squires who led the animals. My father had taught me to listen, always. He had advised me that just because a person was low born did not mean that they were stupid.  As much as I could I treated all of them with respect.  It was something Sir Richard could never quite manage.

I learned that King Henry relied heavily upon his illegitimate son, Robert of Gloucester.  He was an able general.  Ranulf le Meschin was also a fine warrior and well respected by the household knights. We saw little of them while we travelled as they formed the bodyguard around the king.  Some men at arms and knights had been detached to escort the tax collector back to London.  Although they would meet us again, closer to Wales we were a small force, certainly by Eastern standards.  We had just over a hundred knights and six hundred men at arms. We had a small force of archers; there were only one hundred of them including my two who had impressed the king in the skirmish with the Vikings.

Poor Harold found himself with his hands full.  He had his own horse, Star, a rouncy and a sumpter to contend with. He was learning to be a horseman.  This was the first time Star had left the Tees since I had captured him.  He behaved well enough. I was relieved that he looked as good as any of the other destriers being led by their squires. They were, however, an aggressive breed. The squires had to work hard to stop them biting and kicking each other. The work I had done over the winter had made me confident that I could not only ride him I could control him and make do my bidding. That was no mean feat.

The king pushed hard and we rode almost fifty miles each day. We passed over the high, bleak centre of the country.  No-one lived there and all we saw were birds flying high and looking for their next meal.. It was desolate but once we dropped down to the western side it became not only warmer but we could see the fields of ripening wheat.  I could see why the king was addressing this issue of the Welsh.  This land was too valuable to risk.

I had never campaigned before but it was a similar experience to our journey from the east.  Each night we camped and every conroi was expected to fend for itself. The influence of each knight could be measured in their proximity to the king. We were on the periphery.  I did not mind.  Our position at the end of the column meant I could send Dick and John off hunting as we travelled the road.  We ate well.  I have no doubt we broke many laws as we hunted on the lands of other lords. However I felt certain that the presence of the king worked in our favour.  The desolate high lands only resulted in a few game birds but they made a pleasant change to our diet.

We halted on the banks of the Mearsey. There was an old Roman bridge hard by Wilderspool. There the King sent for each conroi leader.  Although I only had one knight serving me that meant I was included amongst the great and the good.

“Since Richard Earl of Chester drowned with my son on the White Ship, Maredudd ap Bleddyn has begun privations against our lands here in Cheshire. He has retreated from Cheshire but as I intend to travel to Normandy in the autumn I will crush this rebellion and extract such a price that the Welsh will hide in the hills with their sheep. I will have these borders safe and secure at least.” He waved his arm around us all. “The Welsh have few knights and none as skilled as we.  Our men at arms will secure our bases and we will spread death and destruction throughout this land.”

There was much cheering before Baron Robert De Brus asked.  “The land of the Welsh is not good for destriers. Will your majesty compensate us for any losses?”

Henry stared at the knight until he sat down. Sir Richard murmured.  “He is right to ask.  This is not the country for fine horses.”

“Then we shall ride with care!” I hissed. I did not want to be associated with such carping comments.

Robert of Gloucester stood.  “We will divide into three battles. I will lead one, Lord Ranulf a second and King Henry the third. The men at arms will all march with the king and they will guard the animals and supplies but each knight will bring their mounted archers with them.”

We were then allocated a battle. Sir Richard and I were to be with Robert of Gloucester.  I smiled when I saw that Robert de Brus was to be with the king. He had made a mistake in asking his question. The king would keep him under close scrutiny. There were just thirty knights with Richard. He gathered us around him.  He had a map of the area before him.  “We are going down the southern side of the Clwyd valley.  The squires will be banded together under my squire Roger Tancerville.  Their job will be to find the Welsh and draw them on to our lances. Ranulf will proceed down the northern side of the valley while the king will travel along the coast road. Our aim is to defeat any horsemen they send against us. Hopefully we will catch them in a trap with my father waiting for them with the bulk of the knights and the men at arms. You should regard yourselves as the beaters who will drive the game into the traps.” He stared belligerently around the tent. “Any questions?”

No-one had any and we began to leave.  His voice suddenly called, “Sir Alfraed, a moment if you please.”

I waited and the tent emptied. “The king tells me that you fight as well on foot as on a horse.”

“My father and his oathsworn were Varangians.  It was their natural way of fighting. I was taught well by the best from an early age.”

“Good, for Sir Robert was correct.  This is not good horse country.  If we have to go on foot and winkle out these Welshmen I want you to lead a small conroi.  Can you do that?”

“Aye my lord.”

He laughed, “Good, he said that nothing would surprise you.  You may be young but I can see steel in your eyes.”

“I hope so, my lord.”

I saw that Harold was nervous as he and the other squires followed Robert of Gloucester’s man.  “Fear nothing Harold.  You are as worthy as any of them and remember that you have Dick and John with you too.”

Edward took Scout with the other horses and all of the equipment. “Fear not my lord; not a hair of your steed will be harmed.  You have my word.”

I smiled, “Ride him, Edward, he has a good nose and ears.  He will smell out the Welsh.”

I had my Gonfanon on my lance as did Richard. It marked for who we were. I had never ridden with so many knights. We were not at the rear this time.  Robert of Gloucester had us four knights lead from the front.  I took that as a compliment.  We headed south towards the head of the Clwyd. The ground was not as rough as it might have been; there was an ancient stone road, but I was wary riding Star to war for the first time. Aiden had given me a few tips and I had slipped an apple or two into my saddlebags.  Star liked them, apparently. I decided to keep on his good side.  It might save my life.

It took us half a day to reach the southern side of the valley.  We knew that our thirty odd squires and twenty or so archers were ahead, tormenting and teasing the Welsh. We were the hammer waiting to strike. I was aware that this was excellent ambush country.  Arrows could fly from cover.  I was confident in my armour but I remembered that my archers used knight killers.  I hoped and prayed that the Welsh did not possess them.

I was not worried about either my men or my horses.  They were both well trained.  However I did close my eyes and offer a silent prayer that they might survive the day. I had too few to risk loss. We rested at the head of the valley.  Richard and I checked our stirrups and our girths. I worried that many of the young knights did not and seemed happy and jovial.  War was not something to be taken lightly.

When we were ready we remounted.  We were about to continue our westward march when we heard the thunder of hooves. We saw, less than half a mile away, the squires and mounted archers. They were falling back up the centre of the valley pursued by an untidy mob of Welsh. There appeared to be no order in the pursuit. There were horsemen and knights but there were also many soldiers on foot.

Robert of Gloucester
turned to us, “We will charge on my command.  There will be two lines. God be with you!”

I found myself and my companion four knights from Robert of Gloucester. We were knee to knee. Our shields hung from our shoulders which allowed us to use our left hand to guide the reins although once we were in action I would use my knees to direct my horse.  Star stamped his hoof impatiently. “Steady boy! We will go soon enough!”

The squires were cleverly leading the enemy up the valley.  We rode obliquely down the gentle side of the upper Clwyd. We trotted to keep the line.  I saw Robert of Gloucester as he kept glancing to his left and right to watch for any errant knight.  There were none.  We kept a perfect formation. The first of the Welsh spotted us and a wail went up as some of them tried to halt. Robert of Gloucester increased the speed of our charge.  Star was coping magnificently.  It seemed effortless for the huge war horse.  We were now cantering down the slope and we were like two walls of steel. I did not risk turning but I knew that there was an identical line of knights behind me. Roger of Tames, who led the second line, would choose his target once we had struck their line.

The Welsh were attempting to face us with their own knights. They had the disadvantage that they had halted and were charging uphill. Arrows showered down upon us.  They had been released hurriedly and did little damage. I heard Robert of Gloucester shout, “Charge for King Henry!” and we spurred our horses. I pulled my right hand back in preparation for the blow.  I had trained to do this many times but this would be the first charge against knights for me. I had speared men at arms on foot not knights who were armed as I was. The handful of knights who had managed to turn tried to charge uphill.  They had no speed and they were not in a line.  I punched with my lance at the knight who tried to wheel to face me.  The head of my lance powered into his chest forcing the mail into his flesh.  He was thrown from his horse with an ugly tear in the centre of his chest.  His dying hand dragged his horse to crash amongst the archers who were trying to hit us at close range.

As Star galloped down I heard a crack and a crunch as his hooves crushed skulls and shattered bones. My lance was intact although there was now a gap between my right side and the next knight. I saw a warrior rallying the men around him.  He saw my approach and hefted his shield for protection. I pulled my arm back again and this time I aimed at the top of his shield.  I punched hard.  As I had expected he pulled his shield up but he merely succeeded in guiding the lance into his throat.  It came out of the rear but the weight of his body pulled the lance from my hand and broke the head.

I risked a glance along the line.  It was no longer straight and many lances were missing.  Sir Richard still rode next to me and his lance was intact. I drew my sword and in one motion swung it sideways across the head of the spearman who tried to stab Star. I felt the spearhead slide off my armour and strike the girth then my arm jarred as my blade bit across the top of his skull.

Two men, sheltering behind one shield stepped before Star and tried to jab him with their spears.  It was brave but foolish.  I leaned forward, stood in my stirrups and pulled back Star’s head. His mighty hooves rose high in the air and crashed down on the two brave Welshmen. I heard their brief screams before they were crushed into the ground. We had stopped and I reined in, the better to survey the scene.  I saw that the Welsh were fleeing.  Ranulf had brought his knights from the southern side and we had trapped them between us.  Although vastly outnumbered our surprise attack and our superior skills had turned the tide. I saw the squires flooding back down the valley with the mounted archers to support us.

Sir Richard’s voice carried across the field, “Pursue them to the sea.  Slaughter them all!”

We did not have enough men to take prisoners for ransom. All we met would be put to the sword. Star was rested and I spurred him again. We soon caught up with the stragglers.  These were not the knights or the mounted men.  Most of those lay dead at the head of the valley or were leading the rout.  These were the heavier armed and mailed Welshmen who could not out run us. Their own archers tried to stop us by gathering in knots and releasing their arrows but our own mounted archers would stop and deliver a more deadly shower of their own each time they tried to rally.