King Henry's Champion Read online

  The other guests arrived and the feast was a joyful celebration of the new heir and of old friends who were comfortable with each other enjoying good company and fine food. When the last course had been cleared from the table Lady Anne, as the senior lady, shooed the wives and children out of my Great Hall, “The Earl must talk of other things with his knights. He has been more than patient with us all evening.”

  After they had gone I said, “You have a good wife there, Sir Richard.”

  “She merely followed the example of Lady Adela.”

  John, my steward, brought out a jug of the heavy wine we had brought from Aquitaine. “You can leave us now, John. Have a reliable servant wait outside the door. We would speak in private. If we need anything we will send for it.”

  Once alone Sir Edward leaned forward, “Do you fear trouble, my lord? I thought this was good news.”

  “For us? Aye it is good news but for others… I doubt it. There are those who hoped to profit when the King dies. For those people this is the worst news imaginable.”

  “You mean the brothers Blois?”

  “I do Harold; they will see this as another obstacle in their way. I hope that Rolf and the other knights are alert to the dangers to young Henry. Then there are the Scots. They will be disappointed for they would have hoped for division within the kingdom.”

  “But surely the King is not unwell. There is no reason to think he will not live for many more years.”

  “The King is sixty four, Sir Richard. How many other kings have lived beyond that age? I pray each day that he is not taken from us but he is mortal.”

  Tristan had been quiet, “And you intend to do something about this do you not, my lord?”

  “I do. I suspect Sir Barnard de Balliol of conspiring with the Scots. I intend to visit him, in force. I will take all of you and Sir Hugh with me to visit with Sir Barnard.”

  Sir Richard looked uncomfortable, “But Sir Hugh is marrying my daughter soon.”

  I smiled, “And that is the opportunity to make the visit. The wedding will take place here for I have a larger church than Yarm and after a week of feasting what could be more fitting than we escort Sir Hugh and his bride home to Gainford. Then we visit his nearest neighbour and tell him the good news? It will give me the chance to have Wulfric and my squires ferret information from those within the castle of Barnard and it puts us close to the Scottish border. When we have visited with Sir Barnard then we go to see Sir Hugh.”

  “Close to the border.”

  “Exactly. No one could say we were being belligerent but we would pre-empt any possible attempt at insurrection or invasion.”

  “But, my lord, what of Carlisle? If Gilbert de Bois is related to Stephen of Blois then is he not a danger too?”

  “No for it is not in their interests to have Scotland regain the land of Cumbria. In fact having visited with Gilbert I am confident that he will be a staunch defence against the Scots. No, I fear that the danger to the Empress and her child will come from those in Normandy, Blois and France.” I looked at Edward, “And that means that Rolf and our other brother knights will have to be the wall of steel around them.”

  As my knights discussed the situation I sipped my wine. My words to Edward had set off a trail of thoughts off. I could not just go to Normandy as I wanted to. It would be seen as desertion of my duties. The machinations and plots across the Channel were out of my hands now. My duty was to defend the land of the north. I would have to hope that Rolf and his Swabians were up to the task. My job was to make the border safe.

  I felt I owed it to Adela to make the wedding a special time. Although we celebrated the union of two fine families for me it was also a celebration of Adela’s life. The castle and the church were decked out in spring flowers. I had my servants and slaves scrub the paths and corridors. We had fresh rushes gathered so that the whole place smelled clean and fresh. There were no unwholesome vapours. Since we had been touched by the plague I was wary of any noxious aroma. Father Henry looked forward to this most prestigious of marriages. It would be a great day for my church and my town.

  The wedding also gave me the opportunity to apprise my other knights, who had come for the festivities, of my plans. I was less open with them. The manors closest to me were my most trusted of knights. I just spoke of my fears for the border and the Scots. The worrying topic which arose was that of outlaws and bandits. It seemed that the west was not the only place suffering and all had had deer poached and travellers attacked. I left them instructions to scour the land of such vermin. They were happy to apply the letter of the law. The miscreants would be shown no mercy.

  After a joyful celebration and with aching heads we left with our war horses and war gear for Gainford. Armed servants brought sumpters with supplies. Our camps would be defended and I would not need to waste men at arms or archers on such tasks.

  As we headed west to Sir Hugh’s home I saw Dick and Harold deep in conversation. I knew of what they spoke. Both had been outlaws in Sherwood many years hence. Dick especially would be unhappy with my edict. While Sir Hugh introduced his new wife to her servants and guards and my men adjusted saddles I went to speak to the two of them.

  “I would speak with you both privately.”

  “Aye, my lord.”

  “You are not happy about the punishment for outlaws are you?”

  Harold said, “I know why you gave the order, my lord, but it is hard for us for we lived in the greenwood.”

  “You were ones who fought the injustice of Norman inflexibility. You had no other way to feed your families. I saw this new breed of outlaw at Bolton. They are opportunists. The two new falconers are orphans because of them. Did you and your brethren prey upon the poor? Did they hurt the farmers and their families?” They shook their heads. “If this was poor men taking the odd deer then I would turn a blind eye. But we cannot have merchants and travellers attacked. Think on my words and you will see that I am right.” There was a difference between brigands and men driven by desperation to live in the wild woods.

  We left Gainford with a healthy garrison and rode north to Barnard Castle. I had made sure that we had left plenty of men to guard our castles. I had the largest retinue with ten men at arms and ten archers. We were however all mounted and even the archers had helmets and leather jerkins for protection. We would be able to handle ourselves.

  Edward rode next to me. “Will Sir Barnard de Balliol be at home?”

  “I hope so.”

  “Why was he not invited to the wedding, my lord?”

  “He was invited but his steward said that he was still in Scotland and was due back this day. That is another reason for my unannounced visit. He manages to avoid meeting with me when I warn him.”

  Edward laughed, “You are cunning, my lord. When we arrive he will not have time to excuse himself and be absent.”

  “And we, of course will have to give him all of the news of the Empress and the wedding of Sir Hugh. What could be more natural? And Wulfric will be able to speak with his warriors who will be drunk.”

  Edward nodded to the two firkin of ale we had brought, “And you have brought strong beer for them to celebrate.”

  “I am a thoughtful lord, am I not?” I knew that I was becoming more devious as I grew older but those changes had been wrought by fate and my enemies.

  “I am pleased that I am on your side, Earl.” We rode in silence along the twisting road to the distant castle. He spoke quietly. “Do you still think of the Empress, my lord?”

  “I hope we both do, Sir Edward, for we are both Knights of the Empress.” I held the medallion up; the symbol she had given us.

  “You know what I mean, my lord.”

  “Aye I do.”

  I left it at that. Edward would have to work out for himself which question I had answered.

  Barnard Castle always impressed me. Perched high above the Tees it would be an almost impossible castle to take if it was well supplied for the river wound around it like a coif.
Sir Barnard’s father had built a good castle but he had not used much stone. He had used the natural rocks and tied the wooden walls to the natural outcrop with mason crafted stones. Even so it would be hard to destroy. It was another reason for my visit. Had the King given me the power to remove the castle from the Balliol family? He had told me to do what I had to but the castle belonged to the Palatinate. If only the King would appoint another bishop then my task would be easier.

  The standard flying from the gatehouse told me that Sir Barnard was at home. My own standard fluttered behind me so that the guards knew who came. The gates were opened and we were admitted. A frowning Sir Barnard hurried to greet me.

  “My lord, this is an unexpected honour. Had I know you were coming I would have prepared.”

  I dismounted and clasped his proffered arm, “You were away, were you not and besides my news was of such import that I thought fit to deliver it personally.” I waved a hand to the two sumpters carrying the firkins of ale. “And I have not come empty handed. I have brought ale for your warriors.”

  “Thank you, my lord.”

  I noticed the tone of his voice, “You were invited to the wedding of your nearest neighbour, Sir Hugh. He wished to visit with you and we came as his escort.”

  “You stay the night, my lord?” He could not keep the disappointment from his voice.

  “Yes, just the one, I have other Barons to visit.” I had his curiosity aroused.

  “Very well my lord although we will be a little crowded.”

  “Fear not, our men at arms are hardy folk and this is a fine castle. There are but six knights and our squires to accommodate.”

  To be fair to the Baron his quarters were comfortable and I shared mine with my three squires. They had to make do with hessian filled straw pallets on the floor.

  Sir Barnard had no wife as yet and so it was an all male gathering around his table. Sir Hugh and I flanked Sir Barnard. He was pleased that Sir Hugh had taken a wife but he was not surprised by the news of the new heir to the throne. His face was full of joy but not his eyes. The news must have reached our enemies too. “The King must be relieved.”

  “I have not spoken to him but I would imagine so. Tell me Sir Barnard what do you think the Scots will make of all this?”

  My abrupt question confused him. He had not expected such a direct interrogation. I was using a technique I used on the battlefield. An unexpected charge sometimes worked better than a carefully planned assault. “The Scots? I would not know, my lord.”

  I feigned surprise. “But you visit there often! I assumed it was to gather intelligence for the King of England. Why else would you go?”

  I had given him a way out and he took the bait like a fish with a juicy worm. “Well I do try to keep abreast of what our neighbours are doing. We are in a parlous position here. But, of course, I do have lands north of the border too and family also.”

  “Then you will know their feelings. I assume that as you already knew the news of the male heir the Scots will too.”

  “Of course and they are happy for the Empress and the King. Do not forget that King David and the King are kin.”

  I sipped the wine appreciatively, smacking my lips, “A good wine.”

  “Thank you, my lord.”

  “And yet the Scots continue to press for the return of Cumbria. Surely now that Henry has been born and is the male heir, it means they have less chance of gaining that prize?” he did not answer. “Still I can see why you might be worried. Are not your Scottish lands just to the north of Cumbria?”

  “And that is why they will be safe my lord for my family will ensure that the border there is not used by any invading army!”

  I fought to control my face. He had slipped up. I had hoped that his tongue would be loosened by my barrage of questions and it was. I smiled, “Excellent. When next I write to the King I will tell him of your diligence and loyalty.”

  Tight lipped at first I gradually elicited much information from him. It seemed that King David was increasing his power north of the border. He had arranged for the marriage of Matad, Mormaer of Athol to the daughter of Haakon Paulsson, Earl of Orkney. That marriage, to the earl’s only child, would bring the northern islands and their fighting men into the Kingdom of Scotland. Already my visit had been beneficial. King David might have appeared to have accepted peace but in reality he was arming himself for a conflict.

  I retired when my host was in his cups and his men took him to bed. I said nothing to my men. I would wait until we were on the road to discuss what we had all learned.

  Before we left I clasped hands with Sir Barnard, “Thank you for your hospitality and I am pleased that I can report to the King of your fidelity however I have to take you to task.”

  His face paled, “What have I done wrong? How have I offended you, Earl?”

  “There are bandits and outlaws in the forests hereabouts. They prey on travellers. Perhaps you should spend more time here in your home making it safe for the King’s subjects. I command you to clear the land of all outlaws and brigands. There are many who fought in rebellions. These are dangerous men.”

  He looked relieved, “I apologise and you are right. I will make that a priority.”

  When we were well clear of the castle and on the road to Hexham I waved Wulfric forward. “Well my friend, what did you learn?”

  “Where did the Baron say he and his men had been, my lord?”

  “In his lands to the north west.”

  Wulfric shook his head, “He was in Edinburgh where he met with the King and other leaders such as the Red Comyn and the Earl Gospatric.”

  “That is interesting. Now why should he lie?”

  I was almost speaking to myself but Wulfric knew me well enough to answer me, “Perhaps because there are many camps to the south of Edinburgh. An army is being prepared. It is mainly Northumbrians under the hand of the Earl Gospatric but there are also mercenaries from Ireland and the Scottish lords of Lothian.”

  “You have done well, Wulfric. Thank you.” He was about to ride back to the men at arms but I held his reins. “Stay. I would have you hear my words too for I discovered much last night and when I tell my knights then you should hear too.”

  Sir Richard said, “I heard all that you did, my lord and I learned naught.”

  Sir Edward laughed, “Nor did I but I saw from the Earl’s face that he did.”

  “Sir Barnard said an invading army would not come through his lands north of Cumbria.”

  “But he could be lying.”

  “He is covering himself in case of failure. He knows that I will report what he says to the King. The rebels will not come through the back door which is Barnard castle. It would reveal him once and for all as a traitor. He plays a dangerous game. The Scots and the rebels will come down the east coast. This is confirmed by Wulfric’s information.” I saw Wulfric nodding. “We need to find out where and be ready to meet them.”

  “Could we not attack them in Scotland?”

  “We could, Harold, but that might risk the ire of the King; besides our lines of supply would be stretched. I will use the knights of the north to repel them when they come.”

  My words set my knights to speaking animatedly about the possibility of war. I began to plan my strategy. The knights who were loyal to the King were the ones from around the New Castle and Morpeth area. I could rely on them but, sadly, they had few men at arms. I needed a fast moving force to counter the rebels. They would outnumber us and I could only hope to stop them through speed and manoeuvre. They would come down the east coast. That would protect the traitors in the west. I did not doubt that Sir Barnard had confederates. The richer land was just north of the Tyne. Further north it was slightly less fertile. I would have to stop him before they could harm the rich land of the Palatinate. It was mid afternoon when we arrived, unannounced at Hexham. This time we were given a warm greeting by Sir Hugh who was an old friend and as loyal a knight as a man could wish for.

  There
was no apology this time, “We will squeeze you all in, my lord.” He rubbed his hands, “This bodes well. Your presence means profit for me and my men! Whom do we fight this time?”

  I laughed and put my arm around his shoulders. “All in good time, Sir Hugh. Let us find somewhere away from others before I speak.”

  While our squires saw to our horses we knights gathered in his Great Hall and I went through my thoughts and my plans. I had had many miles to devise it. “I think it is a good plan, my lord.”

  “Now I need your local knowledge, Sir Hugh. Which lords of the manor should I take and where would you say the Scots would be likely to attack?”

  He poured us all some rough wine. He liked it deep, red and strong. He wiped his beard with the back of his hand as he considered his response. “Morpeth and Rothbury have sound lords. William of Warkworth is new but he has no castle as yet. I think he is not a particularly rich knight. Eager young bloods are always good to have in your line. William of Warkworth is one. He is keen to increase his power and his treasury. Roger of Norham is but recently appointed. Bishop Flambard built the castle in which he lives. As the Scots hold Berwick it is the northernmost manor. The river which borders his castle is the line between England and Scotland. It is disputed by the Scots. We would have to use his men in any case. If there is an attack then the Scots must take Norham first. Phillip of Elsdon I know not. He was also only but recently appointed. The rest of the lords of the manor are Either Gospatric’s supporters or have gone with the Earl to Scotland.”

  “Thank you for that assessment. Have you a map?”

  He waved one of his men at arms over and he hurried out of the room. It is not a good map but it shows the roads.” He laughed, “They are all Roman! Those who lived here before we came could not be bothered to either repair the old ones or build new ones.”

  When his man returned with the map he spread it on the table. Sir Hugh placed a dagger at one corner, the jug of wine on a second and his sword across the bottom. He jabbed a finger at each of the places he named, “Norham at the north, Elsdon and Rothbury here on the road to my castle. As you can see there is Warkworth, closer to the coast and Morpeth at the south. It is Norham which is the barrier to the rebels. Until there is a castle at Warkworth an enemy could flood south unchecked.”