Poisonous Plots Read online

  “Come to my chamber.” I smiled. “It seems we have ever met thus.”

  She laughed, “Aye lord. Life is always interesting when you are here.”

  Once in my chamber she handed me a small chest. It was beautifully carved and was adorned with a likeness of the Empress. “My lady knew she was dying and had this prepared. She has willed all of her treasure to the Church and her son save these.” I opened it and took out a blue stone on a chain. “That was given to the Empress by her father when she married the Emperor.” I laid it to one side and took out what appeared to be a seal. There was a wild boar upon it. “That is the seal of the lord of the manor of Reeth. I believe it is not far from your home?”

  “It is but I thought that the monks of Fountains Abbey owned the manor.”

  “No, lord. She worried that there might come a time when you might need somewhere to find solace. When you were all alone in England fighting for her and her son she deeded it to you. It came into her possession during the civil war. It is a rich manor but it is quiet. The deeds are in York. The Archbishop had them drawn up after the Battle of the Standard.” I took out the last item. It was a locket. When I opened it, I saw that there were two miniatures. One was of me and one of the Empress. “She painted that herself. Now it is yours.”

  I suddenly realised that as much as I would miss Maud, Margaret and Judith had been at her side since she had been married to the Emperor. “What will you and Judith do?”

  “The Empress took care of that lord. We have a place at the priory whence you fetched us. The life of a nun does not appeal but they let us tend the garden and grow roses. We sew and we look back on a life which was rich. Judith and I have mixed with the royal families of Europe. We have had adventures, especially with you. We have known great despair and we have seen nobility in the humblest of men. Compared with many we have had a good life.” She rose and put her hand on mine. “Each night we will pray for you and your family. The Empress was lucky. She found a real man and a proper gentle man. We both envy her that.”

  I lifted her chin and kissed her gently. “And I am lucky to have known the two of you. If you tire of the priory then come to Stockton. There will always be a place for you there.”

  She laughed as she opened the door, “I fear not, lord, for it is too cold. I was born in England but I shall die here in Normandy!”

  Before I left I wrote a letter to King Henry explaining my actions. I did not want him to think I had left without good reason. I explained why and I left the letter with Margaret. I could trust her to deliver it. With our goods on the ‘Adela’ and my new precious box safely stored, we set sail for England. The priest who had consoled me had told me that he had coined an epitaph for the Empress. He asked my opinion of it and if I thought her son would approve. ‘Great by birth, greater by marriage, greatest in her offspring: here lies Matilda, the daughter, wife, and mother of Henry.’ I had, of course, thoroughly approved.

  My men had given me space when we had been waiting to take ship. Only Dick felt confident enough to speak with me. As I stood at the stern with William of Kingston, Dick, James and Roger of Bath I said, “I have grieved for the Empress. In my heart I will continue to grieve for her. She saved England, Normandy and Anjou. However, now we have other matters to occupy us. Do not think that you have to be sensitive around me. I want to hear laughter and I want to speak with men who do not worry about my feelings.”

  “Of course, lord.”

  “William, tell me what the problem was. Why did it take you so long to reach Rouen?”

  “There was a storm after we left England to sail to La Flèche. When we put in at Bruggas in Flanders for spares our ship was impounded. They made up some tale about not having paid our port fees on our last visit. It was nonsense of course. We had paid them. The delay cost us twenty-two days and then we hit adverse weather. Many ships perished and we had to put into Nantes for repairs. Sir Leofric had just arrived back from Chaumont and he was surprised that I had not been sooner. I came as soon as I could.”

  “There is no criticism intended. I will reimburse you for the extra coin you paid in Bruggas.”

  “There is no need lord. It is one of the perils of the sea.”

  “No William. You suffered because of me. It is known that this is my ship. You and your men will not be out of pocket and I will store this information. The Count of Flanders will pay for his vindictive behaviour.”

  James had brought with him his first men at arms. After the siege was lifted we discovered eight English men at arms who had been held in the cells of the Count of Blois. They were in a poor way and were more than grateful to be offered swords and a lord; especially as it meant they would be returning to England. He had respected my grief as much as any but I could see that my young knight was bursting to ask me questions. “Lord, do we begin our search for this traitor as soon as we land?”

  I smiled, “I will need to get my land legs and I wish to see my family. The answer is no. I will send Aiden, Edgar and Edward north to seek information first.” He looked pleased. “You wish to go to your new manor?”

  “Aye lord.” He frowned. “Is there an incumbent?”

  I laughed, “If there is he will not quibble with you for it is one of Vernon’s estates. His people may prove awkward but Sir Philip lives not far away at Piercebridge. I am certain that he will be of help to you. You have much to do. Remember that although the people give you fealty you are bound to protect them.”

  “I know, lord, I have watched you.”

  We made good time. It took but seven days. The weather was not particularly pleasant but it did not slow us down. When we passed Hwitebi I knew that the Tees was not far away. The loops, twists and turns of my mighty river would slow our voyage but they would allow me to see my blessed valley as though for the first time. Although I had not warned any of our arrival word had reached Stockton long before we did. My banner flying from the mast told any who watched along the sands where the seals bask that the Warlord was coming. A rider could make the journey in a couple of hours. It took us half a day to negotiate every bend and twist. My son, his wife, my children, my priest, my steward and half of the town appeared to be gathered at the quayside to greet me. I felt touched.

  There had been a time when Samuel would have raced up to me, thrown his arms around me and hugged me. He was now my son’s squire and almost as tall as me. I feared the days of such hugs were long gone. Ruth was turning into a beautiful young woman. She was no longer a child and yet not a woman. She was not too old to run to me.

  “Grandfather! It has been so long!” She squeezed me and I hugged her back. I could not speak. I was home.

  Rebekah came and kissed me on the cheek, “Warlord, it has been too long. Your family has missed you.”

  I found my voice, “And I have missed my home. I think the Fates have conspired to keep me from the bosom of my family. I promise that I will stay as long as I can this time.”

  The two of them let go of me and my son and grandson stood there. My son was grinning. “And that is as likely as the Scots turning out to be good neighbours. It is good to see you father!”

  I grasped his arm and we both squeezed. We were never a family for loud shows of emotion but I could see in his eyes that he was pleased I was home. I turned to Samuel, “And who is this giant? The last time I saw you was when you barely reached my chest and now look at you. What do they feed you in?”

  He took my arm in the warrior’s clasp he had seen his father give me, “I am pleased you are home grandfather. We have heard of many great deeds.”

  I put my arms around my two grandchildren, “They were deeds. Whether they were great or not will be up to those who write down such things. I am a simple knight who does his duty as best he can. That is all that any man can do.” I turned and waved an arm. “William, we have many new men. I hope that there is room for them all?”

  “We will find it.” He looked at James and saw his spurs, “Well done, Sir James, you have been
knighted! And not before time.”

  Rebekah said, “The river air is not wholesome. Let us get inside and into the warm. Alice would have been here but she said she had to get food organised.”

  As we walked to the river gate I spied Alf my blacksmith. He looked suddenly old. He had a stick and his face looked strange. It appeared to hang down on one side. When he spoke his words were slurred, “Warlord, I am pleased to see you home.” His right hand hung from his side. He shook his head, “I cannot greet you as I should. Something has changed within me. The priest says I am lucky to be alive.”

  It was upsetting to see someone who had been as a rock since first I had come to Stockton looking so ill. “I will visit tomorrow, Alf, and you can tell me all about your family. I have tales to tell you, too.”

  He nodded, “You are white haired and that is all, Warlord. God favours you.”

  We continued into the castle. As soon as we entered my hall I said, “What happened to him?”

  “We know not. His wife sent for the priest. She could not wake him and thought him dead. Father Michael sat with him and prayed. After half a day he opened his eyes but he could not use his right arm and the right side of his face is as though it was frozen.”

  “The priest can do nothing?”

  “He is alive. He can walk and talk, after a fashion. He spends more time in the church now.”

  I nodded. It seemed the time to break the bad news, “The Empress is dead and her son William FitzEmpress.”

  We had beaten the news back to England. My son had been one of her husband’s knights. He knew her well. He had fought alongside Henry and William. He was visibly shocked. He said, very quietly, “She was the same age as you, father.”

  I gave a wry smile, “And you think I will be next?”

  He shook his head, “No, of course not, but perhaps Alf and the Empress are a warning that it might be prudent if you took things easier.”

  “And I will. Now Samuel, take me to my room and I can change out of these clothes.” I turned, “Padraig, have my bags brought.”

  “Aye lord.”

  Alf’s affliction had affected me. I put it from my mind. “Ruth, you must come too. I have many questions to ask the two of you!”

  It had been too late to invite the knights I knew but William sent out invitations for a feast in three days’ time. Ruth and Samuel chattered away telling me all that they had done since I had last seen them. Their words drove my dark thoughts away. They left when Padraig brought my bags and I changed out of my salty, sweaty and dirty clothes.

  He smiled. I could tell that he liked my castle and my family. “This is a fine castle, lord. It looks strong.”

  “Stephen the Usurper tried to take it. He failed. The Scots just come close and then run away. It is the barrier which stops them heading south.”

  “Good. I feel safe here. This will always be a rock.” I hoped he was right.

  At the meal I sat between Rebekah and William. Samuel had his head craned around his mother all night as he tried to eat and to catch every word I spoke. I told them of the Welsh and Irish campaigns. I told them of Brittany and of the French plots. I told them of the Templars and their insidious growth. Finally, I told them of the siege of Chaumont.

  “So the King let you go! Surely there must be other men he can use.” William’s words were laced with sarcasm.

  “There are but so long as he needs me then I must, perforce, aid him. He is my king.”

  “And there are others who squat like toads in England and never venture forth. They do nothing for the King and nothing for their people and yet they prosper!”

  “You have become a wise old man, William.” I pointed to James, “And Edward’s son has been given a manor too. He is the Lord of Forcett.”

  My son frowned, “Forcett?”

  “The manor which lies south of Piercebridge and close to the old hill fort. The King himself gave it to him. It belonged to Richard de Vernon.”

  “We have tried to find his whereabouts for you but he appears to have disappeared completely.”

  “I have been tasked with bringing him to justice. Which means I must stay here for some time.” I gave a smile. It spread along the table when they realised the implications of the statement.

  Rebekah put her arm on mine. “Then I pray he stays hidden for a long time just so that we have the pleasure of your company.”

  Alice my housekeeper appeared. She too was now white haired. She smiled nervously at me, “My lord was the food satisfactory?”

  “Alice, you have never presented with anything less than the best. I am just sorry that I sprang my visit upon you.”

  “Oh no, my lord. It is a pleasure!”

  After the meal William, Samuel and I retired to my old solar. Samuel had to bring in a stool for there were only ever two seats in it. Alice had some warmed and fortified wine with bread and ham ready for us on the table. She knew me well.

  “The French plots; will they mean war?”

  “The King has grown since last you met him. He is no longer impetuous. He has thought things through. It was a masterstroke to take over Brittany in the way he did. We fought a couple of battles and he secured a border as well as providing us with a larger number of men. The Vexin is secure and Toulouse will soon be added to his empire. Had we not defeated Blois and Champagne I might have been worried but the French have fewer allies now.” I told them of the impounding of my ship by Flanders. “The Flemish are a problem but we can deal with them when we have found this de Vernon. And what of the old enemy? What of the Scots?”

  “We had peace for a while. When Malcolm was knighted by Henry it seemed to make him less aggressive towards Northumbria but he was taken ill at Doncaster on his way back from Toulouse. We heard that he is in Jedburgh and is still unwell. We had a bad winter last year and the Scots raided a long way south. The road back to the border was marked with their bones.”

  Samuel could not help interrupting, “And his brother William hates the English and has sworn to retake Northumbria from us!”

  William shook his head, “Samuel!”

  “Sorry, father, but I have heard you speak of this William as being a threat!”

  My son nodded, “My impetuous son is right. William is a king in waiting.” He frowned. “I havw heard that he had advisors from foreign parts. Could that be de Vernon? It would fit in with when you said that he left France and, coincidentally, when King Malcolm fell ill.”

  “Aye it could be de Vernon or it could be the Templars. It could be both. Louis knows that if the Scots plague our borders then it weakens our presence in Normandy. It just costs him a little gold to stir up trouble. How long has Malcolm been ill?”

  “Almost a year. Over the last half year his brother has begun to flex his muscles. He has made demands. We have denied them. His men raid across the border. The Palatinate suffers more than we do.”

  “The Bishop is still ineffective?”

  “Some say that he cares not about his people only that they pay taxes to him. I think it is something more sinister. He is a plotter. There are many French and Scottish visitors to the cathedral. They say it is for St. Cuthbert’s bones but I do not believe them.””

  “Then you and I must visit him some time. We have one Archbishop who has caused trouble. I do not think that the King will suffer another.”

  We sipped the wine and ate the bread and ham. Samuel was eagerly looking at us both. He would not risk the wrath of his father by speaking out of turn again. My son poured us some more, “What is your plan?” He smiled, “I know that you will have formulated one.”

  “Tomorrow I will send Aiden, Edgar and Edward north to the borderlands. They will find out more than we could. The people who live north of the wall will know the whereabouts of this William. Once we have discovered that then we can send others to find out if Vernon is with him.”

  “And if not?”

  “Then he will be with the King of Scotland and that does not bear thinking abo
ut. This de Vernon is without honour. William FitzEmpress was poisoned. De Vernon had a hand in it. King Henry showed that he can handle King Malcolm. Thanks to the lands he holds in Hertfordshire he has to bend the knee to King Henry. It may be that the French think him dispensable. The King will not be alone.” I sipped my wine. “I have another thought. James is going tomorrow to Forcett to take over his manor. Perhaps you and I should go with him. Who knows, if there are retainers who still serve there, then they might have information about Sir Richard de Vernon. We could come back through Barnard. Sir Hugh knows the Scots.”

  My son nodded, “And the ride will tell the whole of the north that the Warlord has returned. A good idea. Why not send Masood with Aiden?”

  Masood was an excellent scout but he looked foreign, while my three men could pass as horse traders, Masood could not. I gave my reasons and then said, “Besides he can keep watch in the woods around the manor. Who knows how many more enemies are close to hand?”

  Chapter 10

  Aiden and his men were more than happy to scout to the north. “We were getting stale here, lord. We will find this William of Scotland and the Norman knight. It might take some time.”

  “Just so long as you find them and stay safe then I will be happy! Use, as your cover, that you are buying horses. We need some and I have gold.”

  “Scottish horses are poor, my lord.”

  “But there will be knights’ horses and even if they do not sell them to you then you will be able to gather information.”

  Aiden chuckled, “Lord, I have missed your cunning!” He suddenly realised that he had insulted my son, “No offence my lord.”

  William laughed, “None taken for you are right! I have missed it too.”

  I gave Aiden coin to buy horses. He and his men did not look like warriors. They wore decent cloaks and boots. They looked like horse traders. I took my new men at arms and archers with us. It would help them to get to know my land and help us to regain our legs. Seven days on a small ship always affected me. James was delighted to have such an escort and as my son brought ten of his men at arms we were a force to be reckoned with. Padraig rode with Alf son of Morgan, my son’s squire and Samuel. They chatted easily. Soon the three of them would be thrown even closer together.