Poisonous Plots Read online

  Behind me I heard James shout, “We have your back, lord!”

  That was all that I needed to know. The knight with the standard had to have skill. He would not have been given the honour otherwise. It would be a mistake to underestimate him. It is a poor knight who tries to hit an opponent’s sword. Each strike must be one to kill or to wound. You block an opponent’s sword with your shield. That is much harder if you are having to hold aloft a standard. I jerked Michael’s head to the left. I swung my sword at the knight’s side. It was a long sweeping backhand blow from across Michael’s head. The Breton’s shield was on the other side of his horse and the standard prevented him from bringing his shield across. He had no recourse but to block it with his sword. It was an awkward block for he had to swing his body back to facilitate it. It was only a partial block and my sword tore through some of the mail links on his hauberk sleeve.

  He showed his skill by whipping his horse around in a complete circle. Athelstan would be smiling from heaven if he saw my reactions. I was much older but my hands still had speed and I had a killer’s instincts. I lunged with my sword as his back was presented to me. It came away bloody. It was not a mortal hit. It was pin prick but his mail was weakened there and he was bleeding. He turned and presented his shield to me. He could still use his sword but it would be used over the top of a shield and a standard.

  Around us the battle had degenerated into a mêlée. We were winning but we could not know how Sir Robert or Dick were faring. I saw James battling with a knight who was trying to get at me. Unlike the Breton I fought James used his head and he rammed the end of my standard into the face of the Breton he fought. As the Breton’s head took the blow James brought his sword to hack into the Breton’s sword arm. The sword and knight fell to the floor.

  The Breton knight with the standard lunged at me. I had no standard and I held my shield horizontally. I took the blow easily. I stood again and swung. I swung high for I was not aiming at his shield nor his head but at the standard. My blade bit into the wood and a crack appeared. The knight had a full-face helmet. Had he not I suspect I would have seen a worried look. He began to panic and he slid the standard down behind the shield so that the damaged part was protected. It meant the standard itself fluttered before his face. He waved his sword blindly towards Michael’s head and I took the blow on my shield. I stood and brought my sword across his shoulder. It was a might blow and he tumbled from his saddle.

  Just at that moment I heard King Henry’s voice, “Yield, Count or die!”

  I turned and saw that King Henry held his sword to the Compte’s throat.

  The Count saw that his standard was down and he nodded, “I yield! Quarter!”

  James bravely leapt from his horse and tore the standard from the Breton’s grasp. He handed it to me. “We have victory, lord!”

  Taking off my helmet I nodded, “And for your heroic act you have your spurs.” I dismounted. “Your majesty, I will knight James my squire for he kept my standard flying and he protected my back.”

  The King also took off his helmet. “Aye I saw. It was a brave deed for a squire. We will find a manor for you when this rebellion is quashed.”

  James knelt. My men at arms surrounded us. Still holding my banner, he bowed his head. I touched my sword on his shoulders and said, “Rise Sir James. You are now a knight!”

  Chapter 7

  We entered Rennes like conquering heroes. Suddenly all talk of rebellion evaporated. The Count de Rennes had sworn allegiance to Henry. I had been at that meeting and I knew that it was momentous. He did not swear allegiance to Conan. That was most important. He swore that he would support King Henry as Duke of Normandy. While I was at the meeting I also heard the details of the conspiracy. The French King had used others to bribe the Bretons. It fitted in with what I had learned. He was a devious King. We discovered that the Templars were being granted rich manors in France in return for persuading those who lived in Normandy, Maine, Touraine and Brittany to actively oppose Henry’s rule. I saw my son becoming more and more angry. It was not a red-hot raging anger it was a cold white heat.

  He summoned Conan to Rennes along with his wife and his young daughter. While we awaited their arrival two letters came: one was for me and one for the King. Both bore the same hand. I recognised the flowing strokes of Empress Matilda.

  A lfraed,

  I hope that you are well and have survived the battles in the west. I know that you will be at the forefront protecting my son.

  I know that it was you advised my son to give William the task of investigating the troubles along the Seine. I thank you. He responded well. However, it took some days for them to leave and de Vernon must have heard they were coming. Sir Richard de Vernon fled before William and his knights arrived. He took with him many knights and some of his relatives. Richard le Breton discovered that he had taken ship for Scotland. He will be at home amongst that nest of vipers.

  My son has left four of his household knights to hold Vernon and he has returned to Rouen. After much searching of his soul and his heart he has come up with a plan to take the cross and go on Crusade. He hopes that by doing so the Pope will grant him permission to marry Isabella. I think it is an idea which is worthy of some thought. He is speaking with those who have experience of the Holy Land. It is a pity that your son, William, is not here. He would be able to offer the best advice.

  I am happy that you brought me from my priory. This task of reconciling my two sons has given me a lease of life I thought impossible some months ago.

  Your friend,

  Maud

  I read it and re read it many times. The King had had a similar missive. He called me over, “What think you about giving Sir James Vernon as his manor? A knight who is trained by you will be as a rock.”

  I shook my head, “He is not yet ready for such a task. Sir Robert Mortimer, on the other hand, would relish the task and he proved himself on the battlefield did he not?”

  Henry nodded. Sir Robert and his household knights had swept the men at arms from the field. It had ensured that our left flank had been protected. “Then I will give Sir James one of Vernon’s manors in England.” He waved a clerk over. The King had been allocating Breton manors to those who had distinguished themselves. He studied one of the documents. “The small manor of Forcett is close to your beloved valley. That would suit. We need to return to Rouen. I would speak with my brother. Crusade is a mistake. It will not win him his bride. I would have him rule Brittany as regent. I will find a way to replace Becket. But first we must see that the question of Brittany is solved. When Conan is removed and the barons swear allegiance to Geoffrey, my son, then we can return.”

  James was delighted that he was to be granted a manor so close to Stockton. In anticipation of a return to Rouen and thence to England I sent Sir James, along with ten of my men at arms to La Flèche to visit with Sir Leofric. I charged James with discovering all that he could about unrest in the borderlands and about Templars in Anjou. He would also seek a squire.

  I was left with Dick, four men at arms and my archers. While we awaited the arrival of Conan we hunted and hawked. We did so in the company of King Henry and his lieutenants. It was a statement of power. Each day we hunted or hawked in a different manor. He was letting the Bretons know of the change in the wind. He was master of this land; not the Duke and certainly not the Counts. They had gambled and lost.

  It took a month for Conan to arrive. I do not think it was a wilful act of disrespect. I think it was his nature. He was indolent. As soon as I met him I took an instant dislike to the man. He was not a warrior. He was a flabby, venal man. I could see why the Bretons had resented him. His wife and daughter, in contrast, were a delight.

  Richard le Breton sent more information to us. It added to the information provided by the Empress. Sir Richard de Vernon had taken not only his slightly younger brother and household knights with him, he had also emptied his castle of treasure. He had to have had plenty of warning from Rou
en was the measure of the man. Scotland was a safe place for him. The peace we had signed meant that we could not take him from there. I doubted that King Malcolm would harbour him but the land of Scotland had many factions and leaders who wished to be king. De Vernon would be safe. He had treasure and he had the backing of the French King. He was key to the French King’s poisonous plot.

  Henry ordered Conan to a meeting with myself, Sir Richard D’Avranches and the Count de Rennes. The King had allowed the Count to keep his title but he knew what would happen if he failed to support the King. Sir Richard had been awarded the title the Count D’Avranches as a reward for his support.

  “Conan, you have let me down. I confirmed you as Duke of Brittany in the hope that you would rule. You have patently not.”

  “I have not been well, Your Majesty, a man cannot rule effectively if he is plagued by ill health.”

  The King had expected such comments. He nodded, “Then I think that, it is in your interest for you to abdicate in favour of your daughter Constance.”

  He looked surprised, “My daughter, but she is still a child!”

  “And she is to be betrothed to Geoffrey my son, who is also a child. Until they are old enough to rule the Duchy then I will see to its administration. My brother William will be coming to Nantes. He is a warrior and he will ensure that the Duchy is ruled as I would wish.”

  “And what of me?”

  “You have your own estates?” Conan nodded. “Then you live from the income which they generate.”

  “But that is a pittance compared with…”

  “Compared with the money you have squandered! Quite. I will have my clerks draw up the official papers. The Bishop of Rennes will be present next week when all are signed.”

  And with that one ruler was deposed and another replaced. Henry had always had a ruthless streak. His grandfather, Henry, and his great grandfather, William had had the same streak.

  It took longer to complete the handover. My men returned from La Flèche. James had a squire, Robert of La Flèche. He was the son of a local wine maker. Although not born of noble blood, he had trained with Alfraed, Sir Leofric’s son and wished to be a knight. His father’s money meant that he came fully equipped with horses, mail, sword and helmet. James was happy for the young man wished to dedicate his life to becoming a knight. They also brought four more men at arms. Gilles de Loir, Guiscard the Gascon and Jean de Le Lude were all local men from La Flèche. Ralph of Lincoln had been on crusade and was the only survivor of a conroi which had perished in one of the battles there. His journey west was one which had taken him two years. He was desperate to return to England and I was glad to have him.

  It was Ralph who gave me information about Bertran of Clairvaux. James had mentioned him on the ride back from Sir Leofric’s manor. Ralph’s face had darkened, “Lord that man is not to be trusted. He was with the Templars who abandoned my lord and the rest of my company. They deserted us. If ever I see him or one of his kind again I will kill him.”

  Sir Leofric had not met Bertran of Clairvaux but he did speak of small groups of Templars who had been riding around the country trying to buy horses for the Holy Land and to recruit sergeants. However, he had discovered that when they found lords who appeared disenchanted with the Duke and the King they were offered incentives to support French claims.

  Even as James told me I could see the cleverness of the plot. La Flèche was close to the border. All of the manors which were close to Blois had been visited. Blois was already an ally of France. If Louis could gain support amongst the border lords then when he attacked the castles which were there to defend the border would open their gates.

  After I told King Henry, he nodded his agreement. “It is what the Breton lords told me. The promises were made through a third party. It seems the Templars are trying to exercise their power here, close to my lands. They are seeking to gain power here in France. Things are not going well for them in the Holy Land and they seek a bolt hole. We must visit Touraine and Maine on the way back to Rouen. I would have the seneschals of Tours and Le Mans alert to the danger.”

  Inwardly I groaned. It would take me even longer to get back to my home. I smiled and said, “Yes lord.” It worried me that he had not broached the subject of the Dukedom with William. It was as though he believed that his brother would go along with whatever he said. I was not so sure.

  In the end a violent winter storm delayed our departure. We were forced to endure Christmas in Rennes. The unexpected snow was pretty enough but it meant we could not travel north. The Count of Rennes was as unhappy as we were that our departure was delayed. Each day we stayed there cost him coin as he fed and housed more than eighty knights and their squires. Our men at arms did not mind. Food was plentiful and the wine flowed. They gambled, they whored and they fought. For men at arms that was as perfect a Christmas as one could wish!

  It was January when we finally left and it took nineteen days to reach Rouen. At the time we thought nothing of it but events were taking place which would have a catastrophic effect on King Henry’s plans. We were so weary when we reached Rouen that King Henry went directly to his quarters. Most of the other knights who had returned with us did the same. Leaving Padraig to deal with my war gear, baggage and horses, I headed for the Empress. I was anxious to see her. I also wished to speak with William. I knew it was disloyal of me but I wanted to broach the King’s plans so that he would be somewhat prepared.

  I found the Empress in her quarters. She said that she had improved but, to me, she still looked ill. Her face brightened as I entered. “Alfraed! We hoped you would be here for Christmas!”

  “I am sorry, my lady, the weather and the land conspired against us. But we are all safely returned.”

  “And my son?”

  “He is returned but he was weary and has gone to his quarters.”

  I saw the disappointment on her face but she quickly recovered. “You had a successful campaign then and brought the rebels to heel?”

  “We did and I must see William for King Henry wishes him to be his eyes and ears in Brittany.”

  She shook her head. “I fear that will be a lost cause. When he and Sir Roger de Tanqueray returned all that they would speak of was holy crusade. They fell in with a few crusaders on the way here and it was they who persuaded William that it would help his case and enable him to win fair lady. They were rich men for knights who were monks. It made my son think that he could win his lady and a fortune in that land. They were very persuasive.”

  I had a sudden chill down my spine. “These crusaders were not Templars, were they?”

  She clapped her hands in delight, “They were! How clever of you to guess.” Then she saw my ashen face. “That is not good news, I take it?”

  “It is the worst news.” I had no time to explain. I ran from the room. James, Dick and Sir Robert were in the Great Hall drinking ale and honey heated with a poker. I had no time to explain. “Get your weapons. There are Templars in the castle and they are with William FitzEmpress. I fear treachery and more.”

  I had no need to say more. I drew my sword and ran for the stairs which led to William’s quarters. When we burst in the door I saw that we were too late. William and Sir Roger de Tanqueray lay on the floor. A frightened looking servant, a young man, stood there looking terrified. “Lord they drank from the wine the knight gave them. I was sent for food and when I returned I found them like this.”

  I put my finger to William’s neck. He was dead. I could see no wound but both knights’ hands were around goblets. I guessed that they had been poisoned.

  “We must find these killers before they can escape. James go and find the King. Tell him what we have discovered. There are Templars loose in the castle.”

  As it was after dark there would be just one gate which would be open. We ran to the main gate. The guards were just closing it. “Who left?”

  “Five men, lord. One was a Templar knight. They said they were on an errand for the King.”
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br />   “They were not.” The stables were back in the inner bailey. My men were camped just outside the castle. “Open the gate.”

  We ran out and headed for the camp. Roger of Bath was walking back to the camp with a couple of wineskins. He looked at me in surprise. “What is it lord?”

  “Where are the men?”

  “In the town. I said I would guard the war gear. Roger of Ely is joining me later.”

  “Get us to the horses. There has been murder.”

  It seemed to take an inordinate length of time to saddle the horses. James joined us just as we mounted. “Grab a horse and follow us. Roger, did any horsemen pass you?”

  “No lord.”

  “Then they must have either taken the road east or the road south.”

  Dick said, “East! They will head for France. It is less than forty miles to the border. They will thrash their horses.”

  “Then so will we.”

  We would be evenly matched, if we caught them. The difference would be that they would have shields and we would not. As we rode I saw that Dick had his bow with him and a quiver of arrows. I smiled. That gave us a most distinct advantage.

  The snow had gone or, perhaps it had not fallen as heavily this far east and north. Sometimes the weather was like that. The ground, however was hard. There was a frost and Dick noticed, at one point, hoofprints at the side of the road. “They came here and one of the horses stumbled at this point.”

  The horses we had chosen were the best in our herd but they had been ridden for fifteen miles already. They had been fed and watered but they would still be exhausted. This was more than a hunt to wreak vengeance for the death of a noble prince. This was a battle against a conspiracy. I had no doubt that the man we sought was Bertran of Clairvaux. He had already caused much harm in the Dukedoms of Normandy and Brittany. If he was allowed to live then he would continue his work. We would send a message to the Templars that this land was not theirs for the taking.