English Knight (8 page)

I listened to my father speaking with Ralph and Garth behind me. If you did not know them it would be hard to identify the lord for they spoke easily with each other.  My father had told me how often they had stood in a shield wall.  There was little rank in a wall of death. It explained much.

“We will need a mason, Lord Ridley.  Our skills in building are basic.”

“Aye but will we find one? I have not noticed many fine buildings. There will be masons in Durham but I suspect that they will be occupied working for the Bishop.”

“And Osric is right too, lord, we have too few men.  We could not defend our walls if we were attacked.  We have barely enough men to hold the tower we have yet to build.”

My father lowered his voice but I could still hear his words. “We must give my son a start.  He is young but he is improving.”

Garth chuckled, “Aye he is but have we enough days left to make him into his father?”

“He will not be his father.  His father was a housecarl.  My son is a knight. He will achieve more than I could ever have dreamed. He will take Ridley and his name into the future and bards will boast of his deeds.”

“Your deeds are mighty, my lord and men sing of them.”

“That is kind of you, Ralph, but we both know that we are forgotten already in Byzantium.” He raised his voice.  “Alfraed, take Harold and scout ahead.  There is a forest coming up and it is the sort of place a bandit might use for an ambush.” He laughed a little, “I am sure Harold will identify the perfect place for such an ambush!”

To be honest I was glad to ride ahead.  The sedate pace of the three older warriors did not suit me.  I kicked Scout on.  He seemed pleased to be trotting rather than walking. “Where would you ambush us if you were waiting in the woods?”

“You see yonder, sir, where the road rises and then turns. That would be a good place for an ambush.  A pair of good archers could cover the approach and they would wait around the bend.  The others would wait in the ditches and the brush on this side of the woods.”

“Not in the woods?”

“No, my lord. Most horsemen worry only about woods and they would not be alert until they entered the eaves.  A good bandit can disguise himself and lie in a ditch and remain unseen.”

“And were you a good bandit?”

He grinned, “Aye, my lord, the best.  I think that is why Robert of the Wood was so angry about my leaving.  I could hide in a ditch all day and not be seen.”

“Have you killed up close, with a dagger?”

His face became serious, “Aye my lord; more times than I care to think of.”

“Is it hard?”

“It never gets easy but in most cases it was the man I killed or me. I survived.  My father did not.”

We had reached the bend in the road. Harold slipped from his horse and jabbed his spear into the murky waters of the ditch which ran along the road.  I knew from those in the east that they were designed to be kept clean.  Since the Romans had left no one had bothered. “And you could hide in that water?”

He nodded, “You have a reed through which you breathe.  Normally you hide there just before the ambush.  It is not long to wait and it guarantees success.”

There were no hidden men and we waved on the others. The woods went almost all the way to the walls of Durham. When we emerged on the ridge to the south of the castle we halted. The road went steeply down to the bridge across the river.  There was a gatehouse there and we saw the road climbed up to the castle and the cathedral which dominated the skyline.  We could see the masons working on the magnificent structure. The river ran around three sides of the castle and the town.  I could now see why the Scots had not bothered trying to take it. They would have lost many men. It seemed to me that the only way would be to build rafts and cross the river.  Of course an attacker would then have to climb the steep bank and face arrows and missiles from the walls.  It explained why they had chosen the softer target of Norton.

Ralph, however, had a sharp, military mind. “The Scots would have needed to pass close by this castle to reach Norton.  Why did the Constable not sally forth
and bring them to battle?”

My father pointed to the west. “Perhaps there is a ford further west.”

Ralph was not convinced, “Perhaps.”

The men at arms who presented their spears to us were not dressed in mail.  They wore leather but they looked like men who knew their business. They looked insolently at my father, who smiled, patiently.  When they did not speak he did so.  “I am Baron Ridley of Norton, recently appointed by King Henry.  I am here to present my titles and deeds to the Seneschal.”

His tone and titles had an immediate effect. “If you would dismount then you can lead your horses up to the hall. The Seneschal is holding his weekly court.  You will have to wait until he has finished.”

We dismounted.  I did not like the man’s tone but my father and his oathsworn seemed happy enough. The hooves of our horses clattered across the stone bridge.  It was a steep climb up to the tower and the hall.  I noticed that the wall ran along both sides of the gate and it turned. It was not finished yet but an enemy would have to endure an attack from both sides if he was to take the tower. This was a castle which would be the equal of Caen when it was finished.

The cathedral lay to one side of the bailey.  It had men scurrying up the half finished tower.  They had, seemingly, many masons here. There was a trough filled with water.  “Aiden, water the horses.  Harold, help him.”

The four of us walked towards the Great Hall. The two guards saw our weapons and our armour but they parted to allow us entry.  Inside there was a small man seated on a chair which looked far too big for him.  This was the first time I saw the Seneschal of Durham, Geoffrey Fitzrobert. I came to learn what a clever and devious man he was. He would have fitted in well at the court of the Emperor.  He knew how to play the game of politics.  He was as shifty as quicksand. We stood at the back and listened to his deliberations. It would tell us much about the man.  I was learning. The man who was brought forward to be examined was not a knight.  His rough clothes showed him to be a workingman but a freeman. The Seneschal had a high pitched voice and I noted that he spoke in Norman.  I wondered if the man could understand what was being said.

“William of Lincoln you have been found guilty of attempting to defraud the Bishop of four gold pieces.  How plead you?”

Surprisingly the man spoke in Norman.  It was halting but I could understand it. “My lord, I protest.  I was paid that coin for work on the West Chancel of the cathedral. It was honestly earned.”

The Seneschal smiled and it was an evil smile filled with cruelty. “Robert of Durham disputes that and maintains that he completed the work. He says that you did not do the work you were contracted for.  He says that you spent much time with your wife. Are you calling the master mason a liar?”

I did not have much experience in courts but I knew that this was not something to say lightly. The accused’s shoulders slumped, “I did the work.”

“And Robert of Durham says you lie. We have no reason to doubt the word of the master mason. You are fined four gold pieces and banished from Durham.  Pay my clerk.” The mason reached into his purse and walked towards the clerk.  “If there are no further cases to be heard then this session herewith ends.” The strident voice echoed around the hall.

As the people started to leave my father whispered something in Ralph’s ear; he nodded and left. The three of us approached the Seneschal who had stood and was watching the court empty. We waited patiently.  Fitzrobert waved his hand at my father, seeing that he clutched documents. My father inclined his head and handed over the titles and deeds given to him by Brother John in Normandy.

“My lord, I am Baron Ridley of Norton and King Henry has endowed me with the manor of Norton. Here are my titles and deeds.”

The Seneschal allowed a brief look of irritation to flash across his face before he adopted the smile of a serpent and began to read the documents. “It is good that good King Henry has appointed a lord of the manor for Norton.  We were saddened when the previous owner, Baron Guy de Ville was so treacherously slain by the Scots.” My father said nothing.  “Would you and your companions care to spend the night in the castle?  I am sure it will be more comfortable than a night on the road.”

“Thank you for your kind offer, my lord, but my son and I need to get back to the manor.  We have yet to build a wall around my hall.”

“Of course.  This is your son?”

I stepped forward, “Alfraed of Norton, my lord.”

“Another Saxon name; how interesting. I suspect there is some story here. You must promise me that you will visit at Christmas time. We hold a winter feast and I would get to know you. If there is aught that I can do for you then please let me know.  The Bishop is still in London and I rule in his stead.”

My father nodded, “Thank you for your generous offer and hospitality.  We will take advantage of your market for we have come north with few possessions.”

“You have coin?”

My father smiled back at the question. “We have coin.”

After we had left Garth said, “There is someone I would not trust out of my sight.”

“You are right, Garth.  Let us complete our business and get back to Norton.”

I was surprised to see Ralph outside and he was talking to the mason. My father approached him. “William of Lincoln has my oathsworn here explained what I want of you?”

The mason nodded.  “I did not lie to the court, Baron Ridley.  I did the work but I had just finished my work and they wanted to rob me of my payment.”

“The Seneschal and this Robert of Durham are working together?”

The mason shifted from foot to foot.  “I would not wish to risk further censure. I have lost enough and I will keep my counsel.” He raised his head to look at my father. “You wish me to build a church?”

“No, the church is built but it is crude and I would like it improved and I would have a tower built.”

“I do not know you, sir and I do not wish to offend you but what is to stop you from withholding my payment too?”

Ralph began to bridle but my father restrained him. “No Ralph, he is right.  And he appears to be an honest man.” He looked at the mason.  “I am Ridley of Norton and when I give my word I keep it.  I shall house you and your family and pay you five gold pieces for your work.  I give you my word but if that is not good enough then we will part.”

As I have said my father had this way of speaking that made people trust him.  I do not think I will ever have that skill. It worked yet again. William smiled, “I take your word and the work my lord.  I shall get my family.”

My father clasped his arm. “Garth, go with him and see that he is not molested.”

“Thank you, my lord.”

When they had gone my father shook his head. “There is much deception here. Come, we will see what the market has to offer.”

We found little of value in the market.  There were neither weapons nor armour and when we asked about a smith we were told that he only worked for the Seneschal. It was the same story with the horses.  The one or two they had for sale were of a very poor quality. We bought some rye and wheat flour for Faren.  In all we spent but two hours in the castle. It was a disappointing expedition. However the short time in the castle meant we could reach home before dark. When Garth arrived back we were ready to leave.

William had two sons, a daughter and a tired looking wife. Judith. My father smiled, “Judith, wife of William, you should ride with your daughter.”

“Oh no my lord, I could not.”

“I insist.  Aiden, help the lady on to the horse.  William put your tools in the packs on the horses.  I would be gone from hence.” She looked relieved once she wearily mounted. Faren would have someone else to fatten up. It was not just the priest who was thin and emaciated. That was another difference with the east.  In the east even the less well off were well fed whilst the rich were positively obese! This land of the north appeared to be constantly on the edge of famine. I had noticed the lack of animals in the fields as we had travelled north.  The fields just grew rye, barley and various green vegetables.  It would be a poor diet.

Although I was young and did not know England I too felt that we were in danger as long as we remained in the castle. Our weapons and armour were of a much higher quality than those we saw within the castle walls. There were many envious glances from the handful of knights that we saw. All of them still had the long kite shield and the old fashioned mail with the ventail.  My lamellar armour attracted much attention.

As we left my father put Aiden, the mason and the pack horses in the middle. He rode at the fore with Garth and Ralph. “Alfraed you and Harold watch our rear. I do not trust these people.”

We noticed that the guards at the gate over the bridge took a great deal of interest in the direction we were taking.  There was only one road south but they may have been making sure that we did leave the castle.

We had plenty of time to return home before dark.  Had we not left before dawn we might have struggled.  I suspected that the younger child of the mason would slow us down for he looked to be barely six years old.  I think Garth thought so too for he reached down to pull the boy before him on his saddle. Garth was a sentimental man.  I saw him making the boy smile.  He was just like a doting grandfather.  He had been denied the opportunity to father children and he was too old to do so now. The young boy made him smile. The laughter of the child enlivened the journey home.

We rode at a little distance from Aiden and the horses. I wanted to be able to react to danger.  Harold kept looking over his shoulder to ensure that we were not followed. I idly drew my sword and checked the sharpness of the blade.  Harold looked at me, “You think we might need our weapons, my lord?”

“Let us just say, Harold, that I can feel the hairs on the back of my neck prickling.  Wulfstan has taught me to trust such things.”  I ruffled Scout’s ears.  “Beside Scout here is a little restless and is looking around.  He senses something and I have come to trust his judgement.”

He nodded, “Wulfstan is a mighty warrior.  Why does he not lead his own band?”

“He is oathsworn to my father.”

“Oathsworn?”

“Aye it appears a little archaic I know but my father and the others remember when a man took an oath to fight for a man and he kept that oath unto death.  My father swore one to your namesake, Harold Godwinson. It was only a wound which prevented him from keeping his oath.  He was still at Stamford Bridge when Harold and his housecarls died.”

“I think it is good to swear an oath and follow someone. Robert of the Wood always wanted my father to swear an oath to him but he said he had already sworn one oath and that was to Lord Aelfraed and so long as Aelfraed lived he would honour that oath.”

Perhaps our conversation distracted us or it could have been that we were too far from the front of the column to smell danger but whatever the reason the first we knew of the ambush was when the arrows flew.  Garth, at the front, was quick and his shield came around to protect the child.  He was struck in the shoulder by a second arrow.  Still the warrior held his seat and protected the child.

My sword was already drawn and I yelled to Harold, “Follow me!”

I knew from what Harold had told me that the ambushers would be deep enough in the woods to hide and yet close enough to release arrows accurately.  I guessed the distance to the hidden target and I leaned forward over Scout to make myself an even smaller target. I knew that I needed to attract arrows: I was armoured and Harold was not.  Even so it was a gut wrenching ride through the undergrowth as I headed towards an unknown number of men. I was relieved when no arrows came my way.

To my surprise these were not bandits but soldiers who wore both mail and leather.  I discovered that when Scout flushed two of them from their hiding place as he galloped towards them.  They came so quickly that I barely had time to react. I sliced at the nearer one to my right and was rewarded by my blade sinking into his neck. I jerked Scout’s head around and the second warrior was taken by surprise as I sank my sword into his chest.  Had I not had such a good seat I might have tumbled from my horse but I lowered my sword and allowed his body to slide from my blade.

My move had allowed Harold to join me and he shouted, “To the right my lord, they are heading for their horses!”

He held his spear like a lance and we plunged through the thinning trees towards the seven men who were running away from us.  I knew not why they ran; we were just two warriors on horses but run they did. I watched as Harold pulled back his arm and punched the head of his spear between the shoulder blades of the man at arms who was tardier than the rest.

I saw the horses, there were ten of them.  One warrior was mounted holding the reins of the others. I slashed down and laid open the back of the man who ran, too slowly, before me.  I glanced at his body as I passed.  His back looked like a freshly cut fig, oozing red. The others had reached their horses.  As Harold thrust his spear again at one of the riders another tried to strike at his unguarded head.  I kicked Scout and jammed my shield between the sword and Harold. I have quick hands and my sword stabbed into the mailed warrior’s side.  He tumbled from his horse. The blow to Harold had surprised him and he lay on the ground unhorsed. I watched in frustration as the remaining six galloped west.

“Secure the horses!” It was foolish I know but I charged after the fleeing riders.  I felt all powerful. Scout was a good horse and had nimble feet.  His hooves danced around the roots of the trees.  The last rider was not so lucky and his horse stumbled. It allowed me to close with him.  He glanced over his shoulder and tried to pull his sword from its scabbard.  He was one of the guards from the castle! I brought my sword down hard and was rewarded by seeing his sword bend. “Surrender or die!”