To Murder a King

by Griff Hosker

  My wife looked up, “Master Henry will live with us?”

  I had understood this already, “Aye wife and his servants. Fret not. I had thought to have more rooms added to our hall and stable.”

  Lady Anne said, “And I would ask that I may come and visit regularly. Since my son was taken Henry is all that I have. I have been as his mother and he is dear to me.”

  “Of course, although you may find my home plainer than that which you are used to.”

  “William, it is not the home which is important it is the heart which beats within the house and I can see that yours is a good one.”

  And so Henry, his manservant, Peter, and his horses came to live with us. Peter had been one of his father’s warriors. A greybeard, he had a limp from a war wound. He and I got on well for we could talk a common language. In fact, he made Henry’s presence that much easier. He had known the boy all of his life and was able to advise me when I was pushing too hard or not hard enough.

  Young Henry was surprised when the first thing we did was to build a training ring. He was even more surprised when he became a labourer to help with the work. Hewing wood with an axe, digging holes, driving posts into the ground all built up his muscles. He also ate great quantities of bread, eggs and cheese. We gave him beer which was not watered. For the first week he began work when the sun rose and stopped when the sun set. Peter and I used humour to make the work seem lighter than it was and my wife fussed over the young man. By the second week we were able to start his training proper. That, too, involved Henry manufacturing that which he would need. I had him cut and shape wooden swords. They were twice the weight of real swords. Then he had to make shields. I had him make square ones. Once again, they were heavier and more awkward to use than real ones but by making a shield he understood the structure of one. I knew that helped when it came to fighting.

  Once we had the basics we began his proper training. I sparred with him at first and gave him instruction. I taught him the basic sword moves he would need and how to block with a sword. When I deemed he was ready I handed over the wooden sword and shield to Peter so that I could observe his technique. I had to teach him to use his feet.

  He had grown up alone. Jack, one of my tenants had a son, John. Although a little younger than Henry he was as big as the young gentleman. He was not cut out to be a farmer. His father told me that he had been involved in scrapes in the local alehouse and he needed discipline. It suited me. My tenant was more than happy to allow his son to help in the young lord’s training. We made them play a game I had seen squires enjoying. Henry was on Peter’s shoulders and John on my mine. The two of them had to wrestle and throw the other from our backs. It was the best way I knew to get used to fighting from the back of a horse. Henry was thrown ten times before he began to learn. After two days honours were even.

  Then we began the work with a lance. I sat, mailed and armoured, with my shield. Henry was given a lance and told to run at me and spear me. If he thought it was easy then he soon found that it was not for the lance was heavy and the end wavered up and down too much for him to control it. It took him six passes before he hit the shield and even then, it felt as though a fly had landed upon it. It was two months before I even contemplated a sword. We worked hard. Henry did not even wish to return home for Christmas and we worked through autumn and into the first frosts.

  After a month or two of working with weapons I took him riding around my tenants to assess his skills on a horse. I discovered that he was not a good rider. He had developed bad habits. He slouched in the saddle and a knight had to have a straight back. Part of the problem was that he was not muscled enough. I had to set him exercises to build up all of his muscles. That began the moment we returned from our gyration.

  When we reached the home of Richard of the Stonebrook we met the priest, Father Abelard, leaving. His face told me that there was sadness. Worryingly it might also mean a return of the plague. “Trouble, Father?”

  He nodded, “Richard’s wife, Anne, is ill.”

  I waved Henry away and dismounted. I said, quietly, “The plague?”

  He shook his head and made the sign of the cross. “No, thank the Good Lord. She lost a child a month since. She lost much blood and she is struggling to recover. I believe she has lost the will to live. Richard is a good man. His fields might end up being neglected but not his wife.”

  We did not bother the yeoman. He had enough to worry about. When I told my wife about it she went over the fields to give what aid she could. My wife had a kind heart.

  A month later and we had a visit from Sir Robert. I sat in the main room of my hall. Henry and Peter were there. Eleanor left to fetch wine. Sir Robert looked concerned. “William, I have had a summons from the Earl of Derby and Northampton.”

  “Henry Bolingbroke?”

  “The very same. He demands service from me. I owe him four swords. He needs them for service in Castile.”

  “And how many knights can you summon?”

  “Three. Sir Walter of Blecheley, Sir Richard d’Issy and Sir Ralph Fitzjohn.” He shrugged, “I suspect they may pay scutage to have others do their service for them.”

  Scutage was almost a fine. A knight could pay someone to do their service for them. “Then pay someone to fight for you, Sir Robert, and the summons has been fulfilled.”

  He looked uneasy. “The Earl has learned that you are one of my tenants. He would have you as one of the swords.” Eleanor had entered while we were talking. She said nothing but poured out the wine. “I will pay you the two shillings a day for the forty days you are required.”

  I sipped the wine. It was good. “But you believe the contract will be extended?”

  He nodded, “It will take two weeks to get to Castile and to return. The Earl has said that his father will pay the scutage after that.”

  Eleanor said, “Eighty shillings for forty days?”

  “No, Mistress, eighty shillings for a month. The contract is for service on foreign soil.” My wife had been almost destitute when the plague had taken her family. She liked the security of coins in a chest beneath the bed. I saw her nod. She would have me accept the contract. “The rate for the men should be a shilling a day.” I heard the doubt in his voice.

  “If men are scarce then that may not be enough.”

  He rubbed his chin. “I could manage fifteen pennies a day.”

  I nodded. “And is there security for horses?”

  “Yes William, any losses will be made good by the Earl.”

  “And you say four swords; what else must you provide?”

  “Ten sergeants and ten archers.”

  “You have them?” His shrug told me that he expected me to find them. “And when are we needed?”

  “The muster is at Southampton in one month from now.”

  “And how long are we expected to serve?”

  “Six months.”

  The contract was not excessive. We had signed for longer before but a month before departure: that was not long. I turned to Henry, “I fear, Master Henry, that your training will have to wait until I return. You will have to practise with Peter.”

  The young man had changed in the time he had been with me. It was not just the physical changes. He had matured. He liked the rigour of training and he was handy with a sword. He had been a little vacuous when first I had met him. Perhaps being with old people all the time had done that. My house was filled with life. He spoke quietly but firmly, “Grandfather I would go as Master Strongstaff’s squire. My training has just begun. What better place to learn my trade than on the field of battle?”

  Sir Robert’s face fell. He had given his grandson freedom and he knew he could not confine him yet his wife, Lady Anne, would be distraught. “But you are not yet ready, Henry. Tell him, William.”

  “You have made great strides in a short time Henry but, as Peter will tell you, the battlefield is unforgiving.”

  “He is right, Master Henry, and Master Strongstaff would not have t
ime to watch over someone who lacked experience.”

  “But you could, Peter. You have often said that you miss the cry of battle.”

  “But I am now slow. I could not guarantee that I would be able to protect you.”

  “If I am meant to die then so be it but I believe that I will return. Grandfather, you must let me do this. My father would have wished it.”

  That was the one argument which worked. His grandfather nodded, “William Strongstaff, bring my grandson home alive and there will be a one hundred pounds bounty waiting for you.” I saw the look of joy on my wife’s face. She had an eye on more land. With that amount of money, she could buy it.

  I nodded, “Then we need to get mail for you and Peter. You will need an aketon, hauberk, sword, shield and helmet.”

  “Aketon?”

  Peter explained, “A long padded garment worn beneath mail. And for me Master Strongstaff?”

  “It is an expense, Sir Robert, but if you wish your grandson to be safe then you will buy Peter the same. They will not need a courser but they will require a hackney and a sumpter.”

  “Of course. I will have my steward arrange that and Henry, you must come home for your grandmother will need to see you every day now until you depart.”

  He looked at me, “Aye, for I will be busy trying to hire ten sergeants and ten archers. It will not be easy.” I looked at Sir Robert, “And it will not be cheap!”

  “I will send Peter back with coin for the men, the equipment and the horses. He can stay with you for I know that you will need his help. I will be at Towcester for another month. I have to supervise its demolition.”

  When they had gone Eleanor hugged me, “This is for the best, husband. We both know that you miss the clash of steel and the smell of war. You are no farmer. The money for your service will pay for more men to help around the farm and more servants. You just need to make sure that you return from Castile!”

  She kissed me. She was right but there was no guarantee that I would come back from Spain. I knew many men who had gone for the riches and stayed to feed the crops.

  Chapter 2

  We left to find the men the next day. I rode my hackney, Jack. We would ride to Lincoln first. Captain Tom would know of good men. Then I would head to the tavern in London called ‘The Blue Company’. Two members of our company had opened it after they had left us. John and Tom felt they owed me their lives. Certainly, I had allowed them to keep the purses from the dead we had slain at the bridge at Lussac where Sir John Chandos had died. I did not like London but I might find the men I needed there. Alice was too young to even know who I was but Tom became upset when I left. I promised him that I would bring a present back from my travels but it was a sign that I had changed. Before I had met Eleanor, I had only had to worry about myself. Now I had to think about others. I was not worried about my wife. She was hardy but my son and daughter were different. I needed to be a better father than mine had been. I would complete this task and then stay closer to home. I had a job now. I was training Henry of Stratford.

  We headed to Lincoln. “How old are you, Peter?”

  “I have seen forty summers.”

  “Why no family?”

  He shrugged, “I know not, sir.” His silence suggested something other.

  “Come Peter, we will be going to war. You and I both know that there can be no secrets on the battlefield. A man has to trust his shield brothers.”

  “I will hardly be that, sir. I am a cripple.”

  “You cannot move as quickly as some that is true but oft times we will be fighting horsed and I have seen you on a horse. You ride and fight as well as any. As for fighting on the ground you are here to protect Henry and I do not intend to allow him to get close to blades. My wife is already spending the bounty for his life!”

  Peter laughed and looked around. I know not why as there was no one with us, “Sir, when I was wounded the blade not only crippled me. It made me less of a man. I cannot father children.”

  Now I understood. “You could still marry. The plague took men and left widows and children. There is comfort in a woman.”

  “And yet, sir, you are leaving the comfort of your home.”

  I nodded, “That is true but I am a soldier still. I have spent my whole life wielding a blade. I cannot be a farmer.”

  “Then you have many problems to solve, sir.”

  Running an inn was a popular occupation for those who had been soldiers. They knew how to give orders and commands. They understood the need for supplies and they usually had money from the wars in which they had fought. Captain Tom had led a company for many years and he was rich. He could not be an idle man. He had worked and fought for all of his life. He had tried to sit in the hall he bought and found himself bored. Now he ran an inn. That is to say he hired people to serve beer and food, keep it clean, muck out the stables and change the bedding. He sat and talked.

  When I walked in and was framed in the doorway he jumped to his feet. For a man who was the wrong side of fifty he was still remarkably fit. He grasped my arm, “It is good to see you Will! I am running out of tales to keep my customers enthralled!”

  One old man with a stump for a left arm, snorted, “You get more truth from a lawyer and I would not trust one of those further than I could throw him!”

  “Don’t listen to Edgar Stump Hand. He only ever fought the Scots!”

  I smiled, “I have few stories these days, Captain Tom. I am a gentleman farmer now.”

  “And that is a step your father dreamed of. You have done well. Come, sit.” He looked at Peter. “And who is this?”

  “He is another old soldier and he is here to help me recruit.”

  Edgar Stump Hand quipped, “If you need a hand, young man, I am your man!” He laughed as he waved his stump.

  I smiled too. Often those with such disabilities mocked themselves. “And I daresay you would be better than many with two!”

  Edgar Stump Hand shook his head, “He cannot be your friend Old Tom; he talks sense!”

  From their banter I gathered that they were the best of friends. “This is Peter, Captain Tom. Have you a room for us and stables for our horses?”

  “Of course. The stables are at the back. Tell Tam I said to give you the best stalls.” Peter left. “Dolly!” A plump woman with cochineal on her lips and rouged cheeks came from the back. “Find a room for my young friend.”

  She smiled lewdly, “Does the young master wish me to warm his bed?”

  “Away with you, doxy! He is a friend and he is married!”

  She blew me a kiss and left. “She is new.”

  Captain Tom nodded, “Aye, Hilda Plump Buttocks caught the pox last year. Dolly Ample Breast means well but she has a mouth on her.” He gestured for me to sit next to him and he poured me a beaker of ale. “So, you need men?”

  “Scutage. The Earl of Derby and Northampton wishes men to fight for his father in Castile. The lord of the manor wishes me to go in his stead and find ten archers and ten men at arms.” I sipped the beer.

  “Men are easy to find. It is quality which you need. I would have said Red Ralph but he, like you, is married and living comfortably in Middleham. As for the rest of our company…”

  “Aye, I know. I am going to ‘The Blue Company’ in London. Perhaps Tom and John may have men for me.”

  “Oh I can get you men but it will take time. How long do you have?”

  “We sail in less than a month.”

  “Go on the morrow to London. See Tom and John. London is full of men for hire. They are our brothers and they will not see you cheated. How long is the campaign?”

  “Six months.”

  “Then I may have men for you. This is the home of the best of English archers.”

  Peter came back in carrying the bags. Dolly Ample Breast appeared at the door and nodded to him. “I will show you to your chamber.”

  Tom and I were alone but I still lowered my voice, “Have you heard much about the King?”

>   “He continues to make bad decisions. He has made de Vere the first Duke of Ireland. The man is like a spider. He grows richer and more bloated day by day. Some say that it is he who rules England. France still threatens war and the King’s marriage has yet to produce the allies his advisors hope. The Chancellor squeezes the land dry to pay for a war we cannot win.”

  “Cannot win?”

  “We have no Black Prince. Who will lead the warriors to war? One uncle prepares to go to Spain and the other plots to control how his nephew rules the land. Richard is young and has not been to war. Had you still been his guide…”

  “But I am not. Then I wonder that his uncle is busy in Castile.”

  “John of Gaunt is King of Castile. The lords chose Richard. He is letting the boy make mistakes. By going to Spain, he distances himself from any accusations of treachery. Perhaps he hopes that he will be recalled to be regent. Now his son…”

  “The man to whom I now owe fealty.”

  “The very same; he is ambitious. Unlike his cousin he has more experience of war. When you serve him, watch yourself.”

  “Watch myself?”

  “You trained the two young men when they were boys. Henry knows you and your loyalty to Richard. Do not allow yourself to be used. It would not be the first time that a lord used someone from a lower station to be a scapegoat. I am suspicious that this Earl asks specifically for a man he knows was loyal to King Richard.” Tom had survived as a Captain amongst men like John of Gaunt for years. He understood their world and their motives far better than I did. Peter returned. Tom smiled but he put his finger to his nose. “Remember my words.”

  It was not that Tom did not trust Peter he just did not know him. Peter was Sir Robert’s servant and not mine. I could be just a tool to be used. We therefore spent a pleasant and lively evening in the tavern. We spoke, as all old friends did, of the men we had known who had died and those who were still living. We spoke of politics. Those who used the tavern each had a view. Opposing views rarely ended in blows. A man’s opinions were his own and each man was entitled to hold them. Peter and the others in the tavern told tales of men they had served with and characters they had met. Many reeves came in for harsh judgements. Corrupt millers were recalled. Even Dolly Ample Breast spoke of some of the whores with whom she had worked. The conversation was as far from the ones I had had with the King and with Sir Robert as it was possible. I was a creature of two worlds.