The Temporal Knights (37 page)

“It will take us a bit,” Peebles said trying to cover his shock. “We can be ready by early tomorrow morning.”
Sir Eadwulf smiled; glad to see these strangers in an uncomfortable position. Soon they would be under his control. “Tomorrow morn will be fine,” he replied with a smile, and watched as General Peebles and his men took their leave.

“I’ll be speakin’ with
ye in me chambers,” he said and glared at Sir Eadric after they’d gone. The Ealdorman paid no mind to the exchange, but the Lady Merwinna watched with interest. She was beginning to suspect that Eadwulf was behind the Earl’s death and shivered at the thought of the man spending yet another night beneath her roof.

§

“Well?” Peebles asked once they reached his tent.

“It seems authentic enough to me,” Rice answered, sitting on the cot next to Leoforic, who was now awake, but still dazed.

“You can’t be seriously considering going with that man,” Lemay argued. “It’s fairly obvious he was behind the murder of the Earl. You could see it on his face.”

Leoforic became instantly alert.

“I saw anger, not guilt,” Peebles said cautiously, playing the devil’s advocate.

“Anger at Sir Eadric, his lackey,” the Colonel retorted. The General started to agree but then noticed that the boy was paying close attention to their conversation.

“Perhaps Leoforic had better rest in your quarters now Doctor,” he said, giving the boy a gentle smile.

Rice nodded and moved to help Leoforic to his feet, but the boy shook him off.

“Na, I’ll be stayin’ if’n ye will let me. Twas me Da’ that was kilt. I’d like to know who did the murdering, and help ye if I can,” the boy said with more dignity than either Peebles or Lemay would have thought possible.

‘Hearty stock,’
the General thought grimly.
‘That was how we humans managed to survive so long...hearty stock.’
He finally agreed with a slight nod.

“Leoforic, what can you tell us about this message?” he asked and motioned for Rice to hand it to the boy. Leoforic slowly read it, then examined the backside, folded it and examined the seal.

“Tis the seal of the King,” he finally said.

Lemay was watching his commander closely. “You’re actually considering it, aren’t you?”

“Yes,” Peebles finally said. “Arguments against?”

“To begin with, the Earl’s unstable, and he does not seem to be properly humbled by our abilities,” the Colonel started. “He’s
a loose cannon.”

The General nodded. “I agree...any others?”

“If we split our forces, we put ourselves in a weaker position,” Hersey chimed in.

Again the General nodded. “But do we really believe the King will agree to meet with us in full force? I think the only way that would happen is if we charged down to Winchester, clearing a path as we went. That’s not exactly how we wish to introduce ourselves to the populace. And I agree we could decline the Earl’s offer and remain here. I believe the Ealdorman would welcome our continued presence, but that would gain us little except for time, and don’t forget,” he added, pointing to the letter, “that is a message from the King. Would Sir Eadwulf completely discount the meeting and treat us violently? What would it gain him?
A few men dead, but our army still intact out in the west, and now an army with a cause. I don’t see that this would be an option for him. As rash as he appears to be, he still has judgment, and killing us would be a bad move.”

“Permission to come along,” Colonel Lemay said, realizing that his commander made perfect sense.

“Negative. You’re still second in command, and you need to be here, in charge, just in case everything I believe turns out to be wrong.”

“Permission to come along,” Hersey immediately sounded.

“Granted, and I want the absolute best combat troops along side,” the General answered with a smile. “We’ll take two hummers, ten men. If we’re careful and are not taken by surprise, our firepower and maneuverability should still be more than a match for even an army of this time...do you agree?”

“Yes, as long as you’re not surprised,” Lemay agreed.

“And if I am...I fully expect you to come to my rescue. Rochester is what doctor… just under two hundred miles away?” Rice nodded.

“That’s eight days hard ride for Eadwulf. I believe you could make it in...
six hours if the going was very rough...averaging thirty miles an hour. And we will be in constant radio contact.”

Lemay nodded. He was still getting used to the fact that England was very small, only about the size of Arkansas; in fact, all of what would be Great Britain was smaller than many of the states back home. He was accustomed to having a bit more elbow room.

“Well then, I suggest we get to work on selecting your personnel, and what strategy we’re going to be using to monitor your safety,” the Colonel said signaling that the discussion had come to an end; the decision had been made. “I want to leave as little as possible to chance.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” Peebles answered and once more found that he was excited and glad to be alive.

Chapter Ten

T
he morning was partly cloudy and pleasant, though cool for this early in May. General Peebles and his men were ready at sunrise, but it was several hours later before Sir Eadwulf and his men managed to gear up for the departure.

“Meg Jones and her baby will be fine,” Rice informed Peebles, having just come from the medical tent where he had left Wells and Padstone in charge. Father Gillian was at his side, in riding clothes, though the General did not recognize them as such.

“I hate to leave them this early after the birth, but the Lieutenant knows what to do in case there’s an emergency, and if it’s serious, they could always send a Bot after me,” the Doctor said talking nervously. The General noted his anxiety.

“Gordon, if you need to stay, just
say the word. I’d like to have you along. You seem to have a better grasp on how these people think than the rest of us, but if it means putting that young lady and her baby in danger, by all means stay.”
“No, unless the mother develops an infection, they both should be fine. I’m just a little nervous about leaving, and about finally meeting King Alfred. He’s a historical figure you know…quite like meeting George Washington...or perhaps Henry VIII.”

“And I like to thank ye for lettin’ me ride along, Genaral,” Gillian said. “The trip to St. Albans will be much less a chore with thee alongside.”

Peebles smiled. “Glad to have you,” he replied and nodded as Sir Eadric rode up with several other knights.

“Sir Eadwulf
be ready,” he announced then quickly moved off, frightened and fascinated as the Humvee closest to him started up. The noise caused his horse to skirt away from the metal vehicle but she quickly settled down. Eadric watched with something akin to awe as the General and the Docktor climbed into the back seat of the purring monster.

“Incredible, are they
na?” Gillian asked as he shuffled past and climbed up onto his own horse for the trip, half-wishing he could ride in one of the magic wagons.

Sir Eadric just nodded as other men clambered aboard the grumbling beasts.

“How many?” Eadwulf asked riding up beside him.

“Ten,” Eadric answered and the Earl smiled. He had over thirty-five men, good strong knights. He would finally feel at ease once the army of strangers was left behind. The Ammericaans were very queer, with many strange ways, but Eadwulf was thankful they were not overly suspicious. No one, it seemed, even noticed that all of his knights were not joining their Earl for the trip back to Rochester. Captain Lochlin was among those staying behind.

Just before they were to depart Major Thane rushed up to the Dr. Rice and handed him a sealed letter.

“Please see that it gets to Ellyn,” he said. “We didn’t part on the best of terms and did not say good-bye to one another.”

Rice nodded and stuck the letter in his belt and then they were off.

The party started out north along the Exe River, heading northeast along a primitive trail toward Bridgwater. Peebles settled in next to Rice. Staff officer Newton drove the hummer with Captain Hersey riding shotgun. Sergeant Sadao stood in the back manning the M60. The other Humvee contained Sergeant Moore, Corporal Jefferies, and Privates Troske, Chuen, and Hamilton. Everyone was in full combat gear, though most had their TVD’s up and inactive. Only
Sadao and Hamilton, who manned the larger guns, were linked into all systems, their tactical virtual displays down and operating. Nevertheless they were all monitoring the GBF. The main battle frequency would keep the departing group in complete communications with the base at the Ealdorman’s for about thirty miles. Once farther out, they would have to use a more powerful radio transmitter to communicate.

“I’m looking forward to seeing more of the countryside,” Peebles commented glancing out the small window on the side of the car.

“Well at this pace you won’t miss anything,” Rice answered. They were moving at just under ten miles an hour. At first the General ordered his hummer to ride alongside Sir Eadwulf, but his horse shied away from the noisy vehicles, as did most of the animals, and soon the Earl and his men were riding several dozen yards from the trail. Only Sir Eadric and Father Gillian were able to ride alongside for any length of time. In fact, Father Gillian managed to coax his old mare right up next to the side of Dr. Rice’s hummer. They chatted amiably as they traveled down the bumpy road, talking about a great many things, including the Father’s trip to St. Albans to meet with the bishop there, and how the clergy would be very excited about the American’s arrival here on their lands.

“His Excellency will be most interested to meet with
ye, and greatly relieved, as was I, that even in the distant future, Christ’s words and deeds still carry great weight,” Gillian commented to Rice, though all the men in the hummer listened in.

“Oh, yes. Christianity was still the dominate religion in the world at the time of the attack, and many things including the calendar revolved around the birth of Christ.” Rice did not say that there were many other religions that also carried great weight, and that religious tolerance was the norm in his time, and not the exception. Nor did he mention the fact that with the advent of technology and science, the church was forced to go through many changes before finally settling back into a niche. This did not concern Rice, for he knew that change was the mother of all things. Peebles raised an eyebrow, but he was smart enough to stay out of this discussion, especially with a priest.

“And tis verily heartening to see that ye soldiers are Christian.”

Rice nodded, knowing that he was deceiving his new friend, but seemed unable to think of any way to explain the complexities of the modern world. He knew that Father Gillian had spotted the crucifixes that many of the American soldiers wore around their necks. Of course he naturally assumed that since these men were Christians, that all of the soldiers had to be Christians, since in his experience it would have been inconceivable for Christians and non-Christians to fight or even to associate too closely together.

“Sadao,” Peebles whispered into the GBF.

The Sergeant, who was also listening to the conversation, laughed softly. “Never fear General,” he answered. “We Taoist are a tolerant bunch.”

“Glad to hear it.” Colonel Lemay remarked as he listened in over the GBF.

“Mayhap the Bishop can be coaxed down to Rochester to meet with ye if ye hadn’t moved on to Winchester,” Gillian added, knowing that the meeting was not likely since it would take him another three days to even reach St. Albans.

“The King’s court is in Winchester?” Rice asked, mostly for confirmation.

“Yah, tis where he spends most of his days, when he is
na up in East Angles sparring with the Danes. There be word that the Boneless has a fortress on the Isle of Mersea where he is partial to hold up during the winter. But thee cold be over now, and trouble be a startin’ soon, if it hasn’t already. Them Danes be nasty. King Alfred has his hands full with the likes of them.”

They didn’t speak for several moments as the hummer was forced to go around a large hole, and then again around a boulder. The ground was relatively flat, but Peebles could see rolling hills in the distance. Father Gillian fell back for a spell but reappeared as Bridgwater came into view. It was a small village, smaller than either Pilton or Athelney, but there was a great deal of land under cultivation and a sizable herd of sheep. As they rode forward a number of peasants fled into the surrounding high brush, but a few brave souls moved forward to greet them. By now they’d all heard of the Americans and their exploits from their lord, Sir Oldalf. By the time they reached the outskirts of the town, a long line of locals followed them through the streets, creating an ad hoc parade. The town had no wall and was roughly organized around the main road. On a hilltop, just passed Bridgwater and completely outside the town’s perimeter, was Sir Oldalf’s Hall, and though it wasn’t nearly a castle, it was far more imposing than the Ealdorman’s. The hall was completely made of stone and was easily the largest single building they’d come across.

“How is it that Sir Oldalf has such an impressive home? He’s just a knight,” Peebles asked Gillian as they rode up to the large iron gate.

“Sir Oldalf tis a rich man,” the priest answered as if addressing a simpleton.

“It’s a common misconception from our time that wealth and titles go hand in hand. Though it is true of this time that titles gave land and serfs, it did not always give great wealth. A nobleman would still have to run his lands efficiently to generate income, and those nobles who were not so business minded often squandered what they had. At this time the rise of the merchant class was just getting started, but it will not truly come into its own for another couple hundred years,” Rice explained further. “In the coming centuries it was very common to marry money if you had a title and to marry a title if you had money.”

“Yah, Sir Oldalf tis a rich man, and manages both his money and lands wisely,” Gillian agreed.

As soon as the hummer came to a complete stop, General Peebles stood and pulled open the door. He hopped to the ground and stretched his back. The trip had taken just over an hour, even though Bridgwater was less than fifteen miles away. It was like driving home during rush hour.

“Colonel we’ve arrived in Bridgwater,” Peebles said into his mic, noting the strange look he was getting from Father Gillian. “Don’t get all superstitious on me Father, just yesterday I believe you helped deliver a baby through the mother’s abdomen.”

Gillian smiled at the thought. “Yah...yah. Ye can still talk with Lemay?”

“Yah,” Peebles mimicked. “But let’s keep that our little secret,” he added and motioned toward Sir Eadwulf.

“Yah,” Gillian agreed.

“Roger, how was your trip?” Lemay answered.

“Slow. Rice, Hersey come with me. The rest of you keep your eyes open.” And Father Gillian found this to be very funny, since with their visors down you could not see their eyes. He was still laughing as Sir Eadwulf and Sir Eadric rode up to them now that the hummers were quiet. The two gentlemen from Kent led them into the front hall where they were greeted by Cadby, Oldalf’s Marshal.

“Magnificent,” Rice said as they entered the main hall, and both Peebles and Hersey could only nod in agreement. The room was huge, with a high vaulted ceiling that was heavily beamed with rich dark wood, much like the Ealdorman’s but more ornate with woodland scenes intricately carved throughout. On nearly every square inch of wall space there was a hanging
tapestry or a weapon’s display or a shield or banners. There was also an enormous painting of a very serious woman at the far end, who they would later learn was Sir Oldalf’s late wife, the mother of Ellyn. All around, on tables large and small, were signs of wealth, from golden candlesticks and goblets, to trinkets and silverware.

They all spent a few moments taking it all in but were soon interrupted by Sir Oldalf, who marched into the room smiling. “Gentlemen, welcome to me home,” he greeted cheerfully; even the presence of Sir Eadwulf did not dampen his good spirits.

“Sir Oldalf,” Eadwulf began at once, with just a hint of a sneer. “Ye be suspect in the death of the Earl of Mercia, who was found kilt just after your hasty departure.”

Sir Oldalf was clearly surprised and began to stammer his innocence, but the Earl interrupted him by pulling from his tunic the knight’s personnel hunting knife.

“This was found buried in his chest,” Eadwulf said imperiously. “Save yor speech for the King, he be sure to take great interest in the murder of his brother. It should be yor hope that he is unaware of the way ye covet the lands of western Mercia.”

“Tis na true,” Oldalf argued, finally showing anger.

“The King twill decide wot be true,” Eadwulf answered and with a wave dismissed any further comment from the knight.

“Twill rest our horses and dine here before we move onto Langport where they be expecting us. Ye will be our personnel guest, Oldalf, on the trip to Rochester where the King will meet with us four days hence,” Eadwulf said, then yelled for a kitchen wench to bring some food and drink. He sat and made himself comfortable, as if he owned the place. General Peebles finally moved and sat also, along with Sadao, but Sir Oldalf continued to stand, stunned by the recent happenings.

Suddenly Rice remembered Matt’s letter and walked up to the stricken man. He put his hand on his shoulder.

“I have a letter for Ellyn. Where could I find her?” he asked as gently as he could.

Sir Oldalf stared at him for a moment, not comprehending but then he blinked and came back to the present. “She’s gone to court...left early this morn for Winchester at the request of the Lady Ealhswith.”

“Oh,” Rice said surprised as the two moved down the hall and away from the others. Soon they were in a much smaller room. It was far cozier with several large comfortable chairs and a nice size fireplace along one wall. There was also a large oak desk, strewn with papers, sitting in front of an enormous set of windows. Rice correctly guessed that this was the knight’s study and safe haven.

“She felt right sorely at the way she was treated by Sir Matt...Yah, she was right sad,” the man commented and sat heavily behind the desk, still shocked by the accusations which were so recently thrown at him.