Poisonous Plots Page 3

  “How many?”

  “I counted ten but there will be more, lord.” He looked at Henry son of Watt, “What do you say?”

  “Richard is right. I am sorry to say that I was a sword for hire for a while. If you saw ten then there are at least that many more you did not see.”

  “Why should it be unusual to see men gathering?”

  “Because, lord, they are all close to this inn. We are the only guests of note. You have taken us on because we are warriors. You have to trust me. We know what these men are like. They are killers and they care not whom they kill so long as they are paid.”

  “And when will they strike?”

  Henry looked pensive. “The ones we do not see will be waiting and watching for us on the London road. When we leave on the morrow the others will follow. We will be trapped. If they were going to attack us here then they would have done so already.”

  James said, “But what of the lord of the manor hereabouts? Surely we can appeal to him for help.”

  “This is the Archbishop’s domain. He will not risk the ire of the man who brings in the greatest coin. If I were to hazard a guess then I would say that we would be in as much danger from him as from these killers. We must rely on ourselves. The seven of us will have to get out of this without any help from another.” I unfolded my map. At the back of my mind was the memory of a port not far from Canterbury. I jabbed a finger, “There, at Witenestaple is a small port. I believe there is a greenway which heads from Canterbury north to Witenestaple. We ride north and take a ship across the estuary. We can then go directly to Maldon. William deserves to know his fate. There is a lord of the manor at Northwood. It is not far from the fishing port. As I recall he is of the de Warenne family. Seasalter is the manor belonging to the Archbishop. I will not risk that one. We will seek refuge with him. He can look after the horses.”

  James gestured outside. “And the swords for hire?”

  “We pay our bill and tell the landlord we leave early. As soon as the last customer has left the building and the streets are quiet we leave. The seven of us stand more chance against ten than we do against ten and an unknown number.”

  Henry son of Watt said, “Lord, we can even the odds a little. Richard and I have experience of men like this. If we leave the inn just before the customers leave we will be followed.” He took out his dagger. “It would be two less to deal with.”

  I looked at Richard of Ely. He nodded his agreement, “As easy as anything, lord.”

  “Good. Then get some rest and have our bags packed. We will not load them until we leave.”

  My squires and I donned our mail. It was less to carry on the sumpters. We had less than eight miles to go to reach the coast but the greenway would not be the fastest way to travel, I also knew that we might well have to battle our way north. Even if my men managed to rid us of two of the watchers there were still eight men with whom we would have to contend.

  I stayed in the inn with Geoffrey FitzMaurice while Tom the Badger went to see to the horses, Padraig and James went to pack the bags and Richard and Henry went to eliminate two of the watchers.

  The inn keeper came over as the last customer left. “I am sorry, lord, but we need our sleep.”

  “Aye innkeeper.” I handed him some coins, “And here is the payment for our stay. We leave for London before daybreak.”

  “The town watch does not like men travelling after dark, lord.”

  I smiled and took out my seal of office, “Inn keeper, I am Earl Marshal of England. I leave when I choose.”

  He had not recognised me before but the sight of the seal and the wolf suddenly made it clear, “Of course Warlord! I should have known from your surcoat.”

  As we went upstairs Geoffrey chuckled, “Your name is well known lord and feared. Even in Sicily and Al Andalus we had heard of the Warlord who never ceased fighting King Stephen. Many thought you a legend, like King Arthur.”

  I laughed, “No, Geoffrey, as you can see I am just a tired old warrior who has had more than his fair share of luck.”

  The squires were ready with the bags and our war gear. We descended. The inn had a stable protected by a barred gate and Tom was waiting with the horses already saddled. We loaded the sumpters and then mounted. We hung our helmets from our saddle horns. We wore arming caps and ventails. Geoffrey and Tom held the reins of Henry and Richard’s mounts. The two of them just materialized, almost before our eyes. They wiped their blades on their breeks.

  “They are done for, lord. We aroused suspicion when we returned without them. One of the watchers mounted his horse and headed for the London gate.”

  “Padraig, open the courtyard gate. We ride for the north gate. I will lead for I will have to speak with the watch. Tom and Geoffrey bring up the rear. Henry and Richard, lead the sumpters.”

  James held Padraig’s reins as the youth opened the gates. I spurred my horse and burst out. I was fortunate. Two of the swords for hire were standing just outside the door. They were knocked to the ground. The other five were gathered on the street which led to the west gate. When I turned right to head for the north gate they were taken by surprise. It was only a few hundred paces to the north gate. The torches which burned there were held by two of the town watch. I galloped through the street. My horse’s hooves clattered on the cobbles and I had no doubt that we woke up those in the nearby houses. It could not be helped.

  The sentries stepped out from their guard hut and held a lantern before them. They were armed. “Halt in the name of the Archbishop!”

  I stopped and held the symbol of my office before me, “And I am Alfraed, Earl Marshal of England! I am the Warlord! You bar my progress at your peril!”

  He took in the wolf on my shield and he nodded to his companion, “I am sorry, my lord!”

  I put the seal back under my surcoat, “When we have left then bar the gates for there are enemies of England at large!”

  The gates opened and I rode through. I waited until the sumpters were through and the gates close before I spurred my horse. As we headed north I heard raised voices. The swords for hire would be delayed. It would not be for long but, hopefully long enough for us to establish a lead. As there were just seven of them I did not fear them. However, I was keen to escape the clutches of the Archbishop. He was a viper in holy garb. He would send other men after us. We kept a steady pace north. I knew that those pursuing us would be looking for signs that we had left the greenway. They would still expect us to head for London.

  We made good time and reached the manor of Northwood safely. The doors were closed. I banged on them. “Open the gates in the name of the King!”

  The hall was an old fashioned one. The door was on the first floor and it opened. A man stood there with a sword. He looked old. “Who are you? What do you wish at this time of night? My master is abed!”

  “I am Alfraed, Earl Marshal of England, I need to speak with the lord of the manor.”

  Hugo de Warenne must have been listening for he appeared next to his steward. He was an old man. He had fought alongside me for the Empress. He recognised me, “My lord!” He turned to his man, “Steward, stable these horses. My lord, pray enter.”

  The first part had been accomplished. I now needed to make the second part go as easily. As the old knight led us into his hall I said, “Thank you for your hospitality. There are men searching for us. They mean to do us harm.”

  He frowned, “They wish to harm the Earl Marshal of England? Who is their master?”

  “I have my suspicions but I would not bring harm on you.” He nodded. “I would leave thies horses with you for I wish to cross the estuary to Essex.”

  “How lord?”

  “There are fishing boats I believe?”

  “Aye.”

  “Then I would pay fishermen to take us across.”

  “In that case you would have to go from Witenestaple for the boats which sail from here are too small.” He became animated. “If you wish to leave this day then we mus
t ride there now for, oft times, they leave while it is still dark.”

  “Make it so.”

  For an old man he was quick witted. “Have my horse saddled and wake three of my men. We will escort the Earl to Witenestaple.”

  I was worried that we might be too late. I knew that fishermen like to use the night. I had hoped that they would have sailed at dusk and return at dawn. That would have suited us. When we rode into the tiny port the fishermen were already loading their fishing boats. They stopped, fearfully, when we rode in. Eleven armed men were more than a little intimidating.

  Hugo de Warenne knew the fishermen. He waved over the headman, “Ralph, this is the Earl Marshal of England.”

  He looked at my face and my surcoat. “The Warlord?” He made the sign of the cross and his hand went to his crucifix.”

  “I need you to take us to Essex. I wish to get as close to Maldon as I can.”

  He nodded, “We could take you, Earl, but what of our catch?”

  I took out my purse and counted out some gold. “Would this compensate?”

  “Aye, Earl, it is more than enough.”

  “When can we leave?”

  I could see that he was curious but he knew better than to question the King’s right-hand man. “When you have loaded your war gear.”

  I turned to James, “Get the men on board. I wish to speak with Sir Hugo.”

  I put my arm around the old man and led him to one side. “I am in your debt Sir Hugo but I have another request to make.”

  “Anything, lord.”

  “I know that you are loyal. We fought together. There is a conspiracy and there are plots. I know not all of the details but the men who pursue me are being paid in English gold. I need you to keep your ears open for any hint of danger to the King or his family. I will have to return here for the horses at some point. It will not arouse suspicion and you can tell me if you discover anything.”

  “You are a clever man Earl, for who would suspect an old man such as myself. I will do as you ask and I will be discreet. My sons died in the struggle to regain the throne for King Henry. I would not have their deaths be in vain.”

  It was crowded in the fishing boat and yet it was the largest one we had seen. I knew that we would stink of fish when we landed. I suppose we could have landed closer to London but I was still worried that someone might be waiting for us. The fact that they expected us to go to London meant that was the last place we would go. I had thought ‘Adela’ was slow but the fishing boat was ten times slower. The journey lasted from the early hours of the morning and all day. It was almost dark by the time we left the River Blackwater and entered the narrow Chelmer. There was a quay and a couple of fishing boats tied up. Ralph and his son helped us to unload our war gear.

  “Thank you, Ralph. If I visit your port again I will make sure to speak with you.”

  “My father fought for King Stephen, lord.”

  I smiled, “Thank you for your honesty but I have fought alongside many men who did the same. The civil war is over and now we have one cause, King Henry and England.”

  “Aye lord.” He looked relieved. “It is true what they say. You are an honourable man.”

  There were no horses to be had and we had to walk carrying our war gear. We were exhausted as we trudged to the castle at Maldon. William FitzEmpress had built a simple wooden castle there. It had a motte and a bailey. The hall was not enormous and I knew, from having spoken to him, that when he married he had plans to build a grand castle there in stone. I was recognised by his guards and we were admitted. I suspect that he had an idea of the purpose of my journey for he dismissed his household knights and his steward so that we were alone. “Take the Earl’s people and have them fed and housed. I must speak with him.” When they had gone he asked, “My mother, does she approve of my bride to be?”

  “She does, lord, but she is not well.”

  He looked shocked. “I have not visited her for some time. I am a bad son!”

  “No, my lord, you have much on your mind.”

  He frowned, “Then if you did not come here to tell me my mother disapproved why is your face as dark as thunder and why do you smell of fish?”

  I smiled, “I am sorry about the fish, lord but that can wait. There is no easy way to tell you this other than to come out with it. The Archbishop of Canterbury refuses to sanction your marriage to your lady.”

  If I had struck him with a mailed fist I could not have had a greater effect. He sat back in his seat as though all the air had been sucked from him. When he could speak he said, “But why?”

  “I know not for certain but I suspect that the French have a hand in this. They are devious and King Louis is trying to build an empire which will rival your brother’s. The reason he gave was that you are too closely related by blood but we both know that others with closer ties have been married.”

  “But we must be able to do something!”

  Just then the door to the hall burst open and five household knights burst in. I knew Sir Richard le Breton and it was he who led Reginald Fitzurse, Hugh de Morville, William de Tracey and Roger de Tanqueray. Sir Richard burst out, “Lord, we have just heard the news! The Earl’s squire told us. Let us five go to Canterbury and make this priest change his mind! If he will not then we will slay him and your brother can appoint another who will sanction your marriage!”

  I shook my head, “Sir Richard, what you suggest is madness. If you harmed the Archbishop then you would bring the full force of the Pope and his church upon you, your master and the King. At the very least you would be excommunicated. Besides the Archbishop of Canterbury is appointed by the King but confirmed by the Pope. Do you think that if Becket were dead the Pope would appoint anyone who might sanction the wedding? He would do the opposite.”

  William found his voice, “But what is the alternative? We do nothing and I lose the woman I would marry?”

  “No, you do not. We need to prove that Thomas Becket is in the pay of France or whoever else is involved in this plot. You tell your lady that you must be patient.” I saw him shake his head. “How long did your mother have to wait to see the crown returned to its rightful owner, your brother? We will not have to wait as long as that. You asked me why I smell of fish. I shall tell you. Becket hired killers to ambush us. We evaded them but if he is so desperate that he risks killing the Warlord then he is worried. A conspiracy of this size cannot be kept secret for long. I shall return to London and speak with your brother. If he is apprised of the situation then we can do something about it. Patience is all I ask.” I turned to the five knights, “And from you, restraint. I do not doubt your courage but I do doubt your wisdom. Guard your lord and be ready to strike when I ask.”

  The five knights and William nodded their agreement. “Good, and now, with your permission, my lord, I will change out of these clothes and sleep. At my age it is harder to go for two nights without sleep!”

  When we left, the next morning, William FitzEmpress and his household knights insisted upon accompanying us to London. I saw, as we neared it that the guard tower for the entrance was coming on and would be ready within the year. The King was in his Great Hall. Leaving his household knights and my men to take our baggage to the royal quarters William FitzEmpress and I went to speak with King Henry. He had with him the great leaders who, like myself advised him and were used as instruments of power by the King. When he saw William and myself approach, however, he dismissed them. This was family. This was his inner circle.

  We were alone and Henry looked at me, “He knows?”

  “I know, brother. What are we going to do about this priest? It is not right that he should interfere in our lives like this.”

  Henry shook his head and I saw anger in his eyes, “I fear it is my fault. I thought I could trust him but he has changed. The latest outrage is that he is refusing to confirm priests who are appointed by my other bishops. As Archbishop he claims he has the right!” He banged the table. “No Archbishop of Canterbury
has ever exercised that right before! What is wrong with the man? Is he deliberately trying to provoke me?”

  Both brothers were becoming over excited and what was needed was a calm head. “Your majesty, I think that there are many strands to this plot. Yes, Becket is trying to provoke you but he has been put up to it by another. If you react angrily then the Pope and the Church will be against you. It is very clever and Louis has involved many people.” I told the King of my journey from Anjou. I saw him visibly calm as the import of my words sank in.

  When I had finished he said, “Then this is far more serious than I had first thought. When you spoke to me earlier about Brittany I was not surprised but now I see a wider conspiracy. If Becket is involved with the French and the Bretons then it is not only England which is under threat, it is Normandy, Anjou and even Aquitaine. We will ride for Canterbury. I will confront the Archbishop.”

  “Your majesty you do not want to antagonise the church or the Pope.”

  “No Warlord but nor do I wish to lose my crown!”

  We left the next day. My men had not stopped travelling since they had joined me but travelling with the King and his nobles made up for that. We stayed overnight at the massive castle at Rochester. King Henry showed that he was becoming as full of guile as his enemies. The castle had been given by his grandfather to the Archbishop of Canterbury. Thomas Becket had yet to replace the castellan and so by staying there, King Henry would be able to impress upon Ralph de Laybourne the need to ensure that his final loyalty lay with the crown. The castellan made it quite clear that hit would.

  We reached Canterbury just after the noon mass. We were a large body of men and, as we clattered on the cobbles outside the cathedral, priests rushed out and when they saw the King they disappeared back inside.

  The King shook his head, “Like damned ants!” He led us into the cathedral. The only concession to it being a church was that we took off our helmets.

  We strode so quickly that the Archbishop was half way down the aisle when we reached him, “Your majesty, you should have given me warning.” His eyes flashed pure hatred at me.