Warlord of the North (11 page)

As I might be leaving for a while I took the opportunity to find out what, if anything, John and Alice needed from York. We produced the majority of what we needed but there were things like cloth which we could not. The two had made a long list and I was debating how many horses I needed to take when there was a shout from the walls.

I left John and Alice and went to the river gate. There I spied, across the river, the Archbishop himself.  The reason for the delay in the return of Jack was now explained. I returned to my hall. "Alice move my belongings to the west tower.  Prepare my quarters for the Archbishop.  We have guests. We will require a feast.  John, see if Aiden has been hunting eh?"

"Aye lord."

Alice looked panicked. "My lord, I am not prepared!"

"Fear not Alice, Archbishop Thurstan is a good man and he will understand.  Just do your best."

As I went across the bailey I shouted to Sir Hugh and Wulfric.  "The Archbishop comes.  We may have news."

Sir Hugh followed me to the river. "Is this good or ill, my lord?"

I shrugged, "Speculation will not get us anywhere.  We have but moments to wait and then we will find out."

I bowed as Archbishop Thurstan stepped ashore.  He made the sign of the cross and then waved a hand at my castle.  "I can see why the Scots do not advance south.  This is almost the equal of York." I nodded.  He saw the men at arms toiling on the new wall.  "And I can see you make it stronger." He lowered his voice, "That may be a wise move but I will speak with you in private later."

"I am eager to know of the outside world, your grace."

"And I apologise for the short notice.  As you will discover, later on, that decision lay not in my hands. I shall stay but one night and then be gone.  However I have need of an escort from you tomorrow."

"My men and I..."

He stopped and shook his head, "Not you, Earl, not you."

I was a little put out but I saw no animosity in his eyes and I nodded, "Sir Hugh here will escort you.  He is a fine knight and his men are the equal of mine." I saw the young knight swell with pride at the praise. "Where do you go?  Durham?"

He shook his head and held my gaze, "No Alfraed, Carlisle. I go to meet with King David!"

His words sounded like a platter being dropped in church; it echoed and reverberated.  What did this portend? I had learned patience and I decided that the Archbishop would confide in me when the time was right. Father Henry greeted us at my gate. The Archbishop smiled, "Father Henry, I would give thanks for a safe journey.  Shall we go to your church and pray together?"

"I would be honoured for you to grace our humble church." They entered the church and I was left with Sir Hugh.

Sir Hugh was as curious as I was.  "Carlisle? The last I heard the Scots were there."

I smiled, "As the Archbishop is to meet with King David then perhaps that explains it."

"But have the sacrifices been in vain, lord?  Will the Archbishop give up the land for which we have fought?"

"It is as I said, Hugh, no matter what the high and mighty do I shall not yield an inch of land until the Empress Matilda is crowned and orders me to do so. The Archbishop is a friend and good man but he will not order me to do anything I do not wish to do."

He looked relieved and then a frown appeared, "Will we be in danger?"

"From the Scots? No.  From Brigands and outlaws?  Most certainly.  I shall give you a dozen of my archers.  They will keep you safe."

Lady Hilda and our other ladies were delighted to have such a dignitary at our table. Alice had excelled herself with the limited fare available and we were all replete.  As we finished the last jug of decent wine I reflected that John had been right.  I had a good source of wine in my other manor, La Flèche. The sooner my ship was finished the better.

When the meal was over the Archbishop stood, as did everyone else.  He waved them to their seats. "Pray sit and enjoy yourselves.  I have matters to discuss with the Earl."

I led him to the west tower. Leopold of Durstein stood on guard.  "Let no one close with us. Our words must be private."

"Aye my lord."

Alice had left a jug and two goblets.  A brazier burned and two seats awaited us.  As we sat he said, "You have good people around you, Alfraed.  I listened while we ate. They follow you as though you were a prince and your men have the look of hardened warriors.  I can see why the Scots fear you so much."

"They are the enemies of this land and I bear their enmity as a badge of honour."

"You wonder why I speak with King David?" I nodded.  "It is due to you.  He sues for peace. Your victories have shown that he cannot hang to the land he has taken.  I go to negotiate a peace treaty."

"I was there with the Earl of Gloucester when we signed the last one and that was meaningless."

"You are astute, Alfraed and you are correct.  The treaty will last but a short time. It matters not. It gives the King time to build up his forces." The look I threw was a scowl.  I swallowed my wine. "I know you like him not but let us be practical.  In Anjou and Normandy there is civil war.  Baron fights baron and the land is laid waste. Here there is peace for the country wants a hand at the helm. That hand is King Stephen." I was about to speak and he held his hand up. "Like you I wish that King Henry's wishes had been observed but they were not.  Maud and her husband are destroying the duchy.  Would you have them destroy this one too?"

I had no answer to that.  "Of course not but I will not accept Stephen as my liege." I poured myself more wine, aware that it was loosening my tongue.  "I would rather take my people and go to La Flèche."

The Archbishop leaned forward and put his hand on mine. "I pray you do not do that.  You are the last defence in the north.  I know that the treaty will not hold and if you are not here..."

I pushed my goblet away. "Perhaps I have drunk too much for I do not understand your words. If I stay then I do not support the King. I will be, to all intents and purposes, a rebel."

"I know and I have wrestled with this.  It is why I sent Philip to you. I am on the horns of a dilemma.  By my office I am bound to support the anointed King of England but I am also a man of this land and I know the strength you bring to the border.  You are a modern Roman Wall. I need you, England needs you."

"Then I will stay but I will not bow the knee to that man."

"I know.  It is the one trait I do not like."

"A man cannot change his nature. Tell me Archbishop is my gold and treasure still safe within your palace?"

"Of course.  I gave you my word I would keep it for you.  Whenever you have need of it , it is there. In return I beg you to promise to hear King Stephen before you act hastily."

"Listen to King Stephen?"

The Archbishop finished his wine. "I need to tell you that I do not go alone to Carlisle.  I go to meet King Stephen.  When the treaty is concluded he comes here to speak with you."

I did not sleep overmuch that night and I was up before anyone else.  Sir Hugh was also down early to ensure his men were ready to ride.  The Archbishop was the most important man they had guarded. I drew him to one side.  "A word Sir Hugh." He cocked his head to one side. "You will not be needed to escort the Archbishop back but I would have you wait until he is ready to leave."

"Of course, my lord, but why?"

"Stephen of Blois will be there.  I need to know what his plans are so that you can return to me and let me know."

"Does this mean war?"

"I know not but I shall prepare."

He nodded, "Thank you for confiding in me, lord."

When they had departed I summoned Sir John, Sir Tristan and Sir Harold. "Stephen of Blois is in the north.  He meets with the Archbishop to discuss peace terms with the Scots.  It seems our efforts have saved us from further incursions." They said nothing but I saw questions written all over their faces.  "They will return here after they have been to Carlisle. I know not if that means war but we prepare as though it does. I go to speak with Sir Edward and Sir Richard.  While I am gone I leave you three to prepare our castle for siege.  You need not tell any what I have said.  I will speak with Wulfric, Dick and John myself.  The fewer who know this the better."

Sir Harold looked at the other two.  They nodded, "Know you, lord, that we have spoken of this.  We stand by you even if you are called a traitor.  We will be traitors too."

"Thank you but I pray that it will not come to that."

Gilles was hovering close by.  "Gilles, get Scout saddled and your own horse.  Have Aiden join us.  Today we ride abroad."

Wulfric and Dick were both wise old birds.  When they saw the activity they were prepared for my words.  They nodded when I told them. Wulfric shrugged, "It was ever thus, lord.  You  are the one who saves the land and yet others reap the benefit. We are better off on our own for some friends you cannot trust."

There was something in his words which had hidden meaning, "Speak plainly, Wulfric."

"I am not certain that all your lords will join this venture. That is all I can say.  It is conjecture only for I have no evidence but I have heard rumours from other men at arms.  When you speak with your knights, lord, I would look into their eyes for, as they say, the eyes are the windows to the soul. You have the power to see into men's hearts.  We need that skill now as much as we need your sword arm."

I began to run through my mind all of my conversations with my lords. I sought clues to their loyalty. Sir Edward was now totally healed.  He looked stronger than ever.  He knew from my face that I had portentous news.  After I had told him he said, "I know you come to see if I stand with you.  I understand but you need not fear.  Even if I was not oathsworn remember that, like you, I swore an oath to the Empress.  I may be a rough warrior but I am a man of my word.  I stand with you and we shall make our castle strong."

Sir Richard would be a thornier problem.  As I headed along the south bank of the Tees I ran through all of our conversations. He was the one whose loyalty Wulfric doubted. He was Tristan's father and Sir Hugh's father in law.  If he did not stand with me then there might be divisions in my own camp.

His wife, Lady Anne, hurried away.  That was a sure sign of trouble. After I had told him he said, "Lord, King Stephen has been anointed by the Archbishop. He is supported by God.  I cannot, in all conscience, oppose him."

I nodded.  We were alone and could speak freely. "Then that means you would be opposing me." He nodded, "And your son, son in law and daughter. Are you prepared for that?"

His face became red.  He had not thought this through.  "Would they oppose the King?"

"I spoke with them before I spoke with you.  They would. They approached me. I did not elicit their support although I am honoured and touched that they offer it."

"I cannot fight my King and I will not fight my son."

"This is a wall upon which you cannot sit.  There will come a time when you have to choose upon which side you will stand. I pray you make the right decision.  You are an old and valued friend.  You have been a rock when we have fought alongside one another and I would not fight you..." I paused, "But do not get in my way, Sir Richard.  I stop opposing the usurper when he is dead or the Empress Matilda has the throne!"

I did not like the tone I had used but I had to give him honesty. There had been too many twisted words and oaths.  From now on I would speak my mind.  I was my own man.  I was Warlord.

Once back at my castle I took Sir Tristan to one side and told him what his father had said.  "I would not, for the world come between a father and son. If you wish to leave then I will understand. And I say the same to you as I said to your father.  I would not fight you but the lines are drawn.  If you are not with me then do not oppose me."

He shook his head, "Nor do I wish to fight my father but my manor is close to yours. I have fought alongside you for these many years.  I will not desert you now but I will not fight my father."

"Nor would I ask you to."

The air was cleared and I joined my men as we toiled from sunrise to sunset. Two days after the Archbishop had left Alf came to speak with me. "Lord, I have heard a rumour that the King comes here."

"It is true." He hesitated.  I was lord of the manor and it did not sit well with my blacksmith to question me. "Ask your question, Alf.  We have known each other long enough for that I think.  I will not be offended."

"Why does he come here?"

"That is an excellent question and to answer truthfully I do not know. I suspect it cannot be good but as he comes with the Archbishop of York who is a friend then I do not fear the worst.  Perhaps he comes to know my mind."

There was relief on Alf's face, "I had wondered if we ought to prepare for war as you seem to be."

"I am preparing for the worst but you and those who live under my care have lives you need to lead." I paused, "Do you trust me?"

"Of course, lord."

"Then I tell you that we are in the right, the day when a man's word can be broken as easily as a stick is the day anarchy ensues."

Sir Hugh arrived back four days later.  His horse was lathered and he had ridden hard. "My lord the king comes but first he visits with the Bishop of Durham. I am not certain when he will reach us."

"Good.  Thank you for your hard ride.  Was peace made?"

He nodded, "The Scots keep Carlisle but give up all else."

I shook my head, "What a waste! They held nothing else! We had taken all but the New Castle and that would have fallen."

"Prince Henry is confirmed in his lands in England." He paused, "And Barnard de Balliol begged forgiveness and he keeps his lands."

That made me even angrier but I kept it within.  Perhaps I should have let it out for there was a  shout from my east tower, "Lord, a ship approaches!"

"To arms!"

I was suspicious of all. We were surrounded by foes now.

The bends in the river meant it took time to reach us and we had time to study her while Gilles and Edgar dressed me. It was a large merchant vessel. It appeared to be harmless but I was taking no chances.  "Dick, have your archers watch her carefully. At the first sign of treachery unleash death!"

Armoured and with Wulfric and Sir John at my side I strode down to the jetty. Ethelred and his men were already hunkered behind their new wall with arrows at the ready. A sailor leapt over the side and tied her up.

"What is your business here!"

The captain was disquieted by my tone. "We are here to meet King Stephen."

I pointed to the sailor.  "Before you tie up at my port ask permission!"

"I am on the King's business."

"The only King I recognise is now dead and his body lies in Normandy." I turned to Ethelred.  "Go aboard and collect the port taxes."

"You cannot do that!"

My anger got the better of me.  I drew my sword and sliced through the rope which tied the ship to my jetty.  It began to drift away.  A second rope was thrown to the stunned sailor who tied that one to the stanchion.

"You were saying?"

"You have ruined a rope!"

"Would you rather I ruined a sailor instead?  I can make any demonstration you like and I will do so until my taxes are paid!"

The captain could see that he was defeated. "Send you man aboard but the King shall hear of this!"

I laughed, "I should hope so for you will be taxed each day you are in port and he will be taxed when he leaves!"

"He is the King!"

"Not here, he is not!"

I waited until Ethelred returned with the gold.  He was chuckling. "This will make a fine tale, lord! A fine tale!"

Our visitors arrived four days later and they came from the north.  I had had scouts out watching for them and I knew when they were imminent. I had my walls lined with my armed men and my new standard flew. My men had all painted the black wolf with red eyes and tongue on their shields.  I was impressed by the effect.  Sir Hugh had his own livery but Sir John, Sir Tristan and Sir Harold all had variations on my coat of arms. I had sent for Sir Edward as soon as I knew they were at Thorpe so that, he too, joined me on my walls.

It was not a large escort.  I recognised the Bishop of Winchester and four Barons.  The Archbishop I knew. I also recognised Barnard de Balliol and the Bishop of Durham.  Their escort was less than fifty men. I could, if I had so chosen, have captured the erstwhile King of England.  I did not.  I had more honour than that and besides the Archbishop was with them and I had promised him that I would listen.

I saw that they slowed as they approached my walls.  I might not like him but I respected Stephen of Blois.  He was a fine warrior and a passable general.  He was assessing my defences. They halted before my barred gates. He lifted his helmet so that I could see his face. "Is this a welcome fit for your king?"

I was not wearing my helmet and I shouted down, "You are not my King.  The one I swore an oath to was murdered and his heirs are in France.  They are not before me."

He laughed and turned to the Archbishop, "You are right Thurstan!"

The Bishop of Durham called, "Then open it for your Bishop!"

"You were my bishop but you abdicated that title when you fell under the sway of your Scottish spy." William Cumin tried to hide.  "Cumin you coward do not hide.  If I wished it you would be dead already with an arrow in you. I will come down.  I want not enemies within my walls."

"I am not your enemy."

"I was speaking with Barnard de Balliol the foresworn." As I descended I said, "Wulfric come with me and Dick..."

"Do not worry, lord.  An arrow will be aimed at each of their hearts!"

My gates opened and I stepped out.  Stephen of Blois dismounted as did the Archbishop. Archbishop Thurstan shook his head, "Was this well done, my lord?"

"You know I respect you more than I can say, your grace, but these others come here demanding entry.  Not one word of thanks for the fact that it was my men and our force of arms which drove the Scots to the table." I jabbed a finger at Barnard de Balliol.  "And I have fought him twice; each time he ran.  So pray do not lecture me on manners.  The fact that he still lives as does the Comyn spy speaks volumes for my patience." I turned to Stephen of Blois. "Before your captain comes bleating to you I shall tell you that I have charged him taxes for docking here and you will be taxed too.  This is not England."

I saw him colour. One of his knights said, "This is one insult too many, my liege."

I turned, "If any feels I have insulted them then let us settle it here under God's eyes.  I will fight in single combat any who feels aggrieved.  Balliol?" I pointed at the knight who had spoken, "You Highclere?" I turned to Stephen of Blois, "Or perhaps you and I should settle this now.  I was King Henry's Champion and I am a Knight of the Empress and one of her champions.  Another stands behind me.  How about it, Stephen of Blois?  You are a fair swordsman.  You might win.  How about we settle who rules this kingdom here and now.  You or the Empress?"

Silence reigned and then he said quietly, "You go too far."

I said, equally quietly, "Not as far, it seems, as you."

I watched as he regained control of himself. "Let us speak quietly as two men who have fought together.  We will do so away from the ears of other men. It is your land, which way should we walk?"

I pointed east.  "It is quiet down here close to the swans." I turned to Wulfric, whose hand was on his sword. "I will be safe."

"I am not worried, Lord, you and I could handle these apologies for men on our own. None had the spine to fight you!"

As we walked Stephen of Blois shook his head, "Your men are like you, Cleveland, they know their own mind and they are forthright."

"We live on the edge of the world here. Your cousin Gloucester knows the feeling.  This is not the civilised world of London or Blois where your enemy is civilised and obeys rules.  The Scots and those whose land straddle the border are wild and savage men.  There are people from the valley who are slaves in the land of King David!"