To Murder a King

by Griff Hosker

  “I will speak with the King. Is there room in the warrior hall for my men?”

  “Aye, Captain. You have come when the King is meeting with his supporters. Sir Simon and Sir Thomas Mortimer have been here for some time.”

  I took Master Henry with me. I felt dirty from the road but I was anxious to conclude my business and return home. Windsor felt like a besieged fortress. I saw the liveries of many lords. The King was in conference. We were made to stand without and I wondered at that. Was this a counsel of war? Was the King planning on plunging the country into civil war?

  It was her perfume which alerted me to the presence of the Queen. She appeared behind me, “Captain William and Master Henry, this is an unexpected pleasure.” She frowned. “You are being made to wait?”

  I shrugged, “The King is closeted within. I do not mind.”

  “Come with me.” She turned to the page who waited without. “When the King has finished fetch us. We will be in the south chamber.” She took my arm and we headed down the corridor. Her six ladies fluttered behind us like a gaggle of geese. “This is a more agreeable castle than Eltham. Here there is room and we are far from the mob. If we had a family…” I heard the despair in her voice. Then she shook her head, “God will grant us children when he deems it right. We have our health and we should not complain.” We turned a corner. I saw guards at each corner and alcove of the corridor. Dick had heeded my words. “I see that Master Henry is with you.”

  “He needs the courtly skills of a knight. I cannot teach him those but I thought that being in the company of the King and Queen might rub some of the rougher edges from him.”

  We reached the chamber which had the luxury of light as well as a roaring fire. She gestured to one of two seats, “Sit, I pray you. Ladies, entertain Master Henry while I speak with the Captain.”

  I saw Henry flush as the giggling ladies surrounded him and took him to a padded couch by the window. He gave me a pleading look. I just smiled. This was part of his training as a knight. He had thought to come to me for action and now he would see a different side to knighthood.

  When the servant had poured the wine, she waved him away. “So Will, was your mission a success?”

  “Partly, my lady. Henry Bolingbroke neither opposes nor wishes to usurp your husband. Of that I am certain. As for open support?” I sighed, “May I speak openly?”

  “Of course.”

  “It is Robert de Vere, the Earl of Oxford, who is the stumbling block.” I told her of the attack in the woods. “I know the King appears to be blind to the Earl’s faults, but it loses him support in the land.”

  “De la Pole is incarcerated in Corfe Castle. Is that not enough?”

  “We both know that de Vere has more ambition than the Chancellor.”

  She shook her head, “You are right, Will. I have tried to make the King see but he appears to be under some sort of spell.” She suddenly looked at me. “You still support the King!”

  “Of course, but I oppose his servant, de Vere. I would fight de Vere but not the King.”

  “Then you are in an impossible position.”

  “I know. Perhaps the King’s uncle, John of Gaunt, will return and bring order.”

  She shook her head, “I fear not. He is too busy in his new Kingdom. Henry Bolingbroke is our only hope of reconciliation.”

  I was now in an even worse position. I could not tell the Queen that Henry Bolingbroke might appear to be opposing the King when, in fact, he was supporting him. I was saved from further interrogation by the arrival of the page.

  We hurried to the hall. Sir Thomas, Sir Simon and the other lords were just leaving. I saw the looks of disdain which came my way. They did not like me! I was not a lord. I thought that the Queen would stay with me but, when we entered, she took Henry’s arm and said, “Come, Master Henry, there is a rote in my ladies’ room we will hear you sing eh?” She was teasing him and I heard him groan.

  The King was eager to speak with me and he wasted no time, “Well?”

  “Your cousin will not oppose you, majesty. I have to tell you that he is as concerned about this attack on the monarchy as you are. He believes that the King should rule and not Parliament.”

  The King looked relieved, “Good. Then when does he bring his men to my aid?”

  “He does not.”

  The King looked deflated, “Then his support is worthless.”

  “So long as Robert de Vere has your support, King Richard, then your cousin cannot bring his men to your side. The Earl is very unpopular.” I sighed. “I agree with your cousin.”

  He was stunned. “Had you not saved my life I would have called you a traitor.”

  “Lord, if the Earl of Oxford is so loyal why is he in Wales? Why is he not here?”

  “He is raising an army for me!”

  “And using them to attack those he deems to be his enemies.”

  “They are my enemies!”

  “Then why did his men attack me when I was returning from Monmouth, sire?”

  I could see the genuine shock on his face, “Are you sure?”

  “They wore his livery.”

  “Then when I see him I will speak with him.” He poured some wine for us. “You know I begin my gyration after Christmas?”

  “Aye lord and I have brought ten of my best men to augment your guards. I have ten archers too but …”

  He shook his head, “Men at arms are what I need and if you vouch for them then they will be good. I will need them until the early summer.”

  I nodded, “They are happy for that commitment. Will you need archers too?”

  “No, not until I am ready to face my uncle. Have them ready for me by summer.” I nodded. “By then I will have my army and we can return the government of this land to me! Sir Simon raises an army from the Cinque Ports and Sir Thomas is mustering Lancashire and Chester. There the men are loyal to me. Then will my uncle, Gloucester, and all the other traitors feel my wrath.” He emptied his goblet. He had a wild look in his eyes. Was he unwell or was this simply his character? The threat in his words worried me. He was still young. His uncle and those who sought to weaken his position were older men who knew how to play the game of politics. “You will dine with us this night?”

  “Of course.”

  When I left the King, I had to pass through the Great Hall to reach the warrior hall. As I passed through the milling lords, barons and knights I was aware that I was under scrutiny. Thomas Molineux was Constable of Chester. I had seen him before. He was a close confederate of the Earl of Oxford and I saw him glowering at me. He spoke with two knights who were close to him. When a finger jabbed in my direction I knew that I was being identified but I did not know the reason. I knew that I had some notoriety. The story of Sir John Chandos at Lussac Bridge was often told and inevitably my name came up. Added to that was my service to King Richard. I understood the interest but this appeared to be different. I put it from my mind.

  I walked across the inner ward to reach the warrior hall. I realised I should have fetched Henry but the ordeal of performing before the Queen would do him no harm. Inside I heard shouts and cheers. When I entered I saw Silent David. He was arm wrestling with Ham. Ham had been the huge man at arms so easily bested by Henry. I knew him to be a strong man. He had over matched himself for my archers all had arms like young oaks. I stood with Stephen the Tracker, Dick of Craven and Roger of Chester. They were grinning. I saw piles of coins on the table. I knew my three leaders would not have bet but the rest would. It was almost a rite of passage.

  As Silent David slammed down Ham’s hand a cheer went up and I saw my men greedily grab the coins from the table. I turned to Dick and Roger. “The King wishes you and your men at arms to accompany him on his tour of the land. He is paying your stipend until the early summer and then you return to me.”

  “Thank you, Captain. Ten such good men will make my life easier. You know yourself that some of the men under my command while willing are not the warriors to pr
otect the King in strange castles.”

  “Then you should make them worthy of the honour.”

  “We do not have enough time to practise and to train, Captain. We have more visitors here than at Eltham. It is a harder castle to watch.”

  “I do not envy you. When I had the duty I just had the Tower and the King was unmarried.”

  “And us, Captain?” Stephen had not heard me mention archers.

  “You stay with me. The King does not go to war. He goes for show. Roger, you will wear the King’s livery.”

  After leaving my men to discuss the new arrangement I went to rescue Henry. The Queen was laughing, “Your squire will make a fine knight, Captain William. He is both a fine singer and can tell an amusing story or two. My ladies found him a pretty young thing. He has the face of a boy still.”

  I smiled at the blush which rose up Henry’s cheeks. “Then he has learned neither skill from me!”

  She leaned in, “Yet he has learned much more useful lessons from you. He admires you greatly.” I nodded. “You will be at the feast?”

  “We will.”

  “Good for I will have someone to talk to. My husband’s men only plot and plan!”

  As I led my squire back to our chamber I worried about that. The King was dabbling in murky waters. He was an unpopular King. His enemies were appealing to the ordinary people and promising them that which would enhance their lives. I was close enough to those people to see the attraction in their words.

  My wife had managed to make me one new surcoat and I took it from my bag. I guessed that the lords who flocked around the king would be rich and well-dressed men. I did not wish to embarrass myself before them. I would have one more night of pretending to be someone I was not and then I could return to the bosom of my family and enjoy Christmas. The King would be away for months and I could just be William Strongstaff, gentleman.

  When we reached the hall, many lords had already arrived. They jostled for a place close to the King and Queen. A servant brought us drinks and I waited to one side with Henry. He was still excited about his time with the Queen and her ladies. “Captain, do you think the Queen meant what she said about my having a good voice?”

  “I cannot see why she would lie. You and I are the least important men in this whole room. I waved my arm. This will be your world when you are a knight. Are you ready for it?”

  “I am not sure but I do know that I would be a knight and support the King. I have learned much with you, Captain.”

  I nodded. A servant came over to us. “The Queen has reserved seats for you, Captain and your squire. If you would follow me.”

  He led us to the high table and we were seated by the Queen’s right hand. It was the most prestigious of positions and I saw many knights casting covetous and hateful glances. It did nothing to increase my popularity!

  The King knew how to keep his lords on his side. The food and the drink were superb and the quantities were prodigious. I thought back to the time when I had been with the free companies. Sometimes we had not eaten as much in a month as I ate in that one night. Henry proved to be good company. Knowing that he was well thought of by the Queen seemed to make him more confident and he kept her laughing all night. I had counselled him about his drinking and he did not drink too much. Many of the lords around us became very drunk. Some were just a little older than Henry and I saw one or two fall face first in their food.

  Henry went to make water and the Queen shook her head, “He will break some hearts when he wins his spurs.”

  “He is a well-meaning youth.”

  “At least tonight you need not sleep on the floor. Here we are safe.”

  “There are still enemies out there, Majesty. Dick of Craven knows his business. You will be well cared for.”

  “And that is just as well for some of the young nobles who are supposed to protect us are obviously incapable.”

  Henry came back and looked a little flushed. I knew something was the matter. “What is amiss Henry?”

  “It is nothing lord.”

  The Queen frowned, “Speak, I command you.”

  He lowered his voice. When I returned from the garderobe I was accosted by a young knight. He asked me how much were my services! He thought I was a boy for hire!”

  The Queen said, “That is intolerable. Which is he?”

  “I will not say, majesty. I am just a squire and I have no standing.”

  It was obvious who it was for a knight came in and pointed a finger at Henry and spoke to the knight next to him. They laughed. The Queen turned to her page, “Robert go and fetch Sir Hugo Vernon to me.”

  “Yes, my lady.”

  She shook her head, “He is an unpleasant man. His elder brother is one of the Constable’s lieutenants. I do not like him nor his master, Sir Thomas Molineux. At least Sir Thomas can pretend to be polite. I have had cause to speak to Sir Hugo about the way he speaks to my ladies. He does not speak to them in an honourable way.”

  I saw the page bend down to speak to the knight. The laughter left his face. He made his way towards us. I could see that he was a powerfully built knight. Although young,he had the look of a tournament knight for his right arm looked to be larger than his left. It often happened that way when men used the long jousting lance.

  “Yes, my Queen.”

  “Do not my Queen me! You are an unpleasant knight with no manners at all. You owe this squire an apology.”

  He feigned surprise, “I owe him nothing! He made lewd approaches to me. I should have had him whipped.”

  Henry coloured, “My lord! I did not.”

  Sir Hugo laughed, “Lies and deception! What can you expect of a country bumpkin who has to follow a jumped-up serf and villein?”

  The Queen started, “Sir Hugo!”

  I said quietly, “You lie. Apologise as my lady told you.”

  “I will do no such thing and unless you apologise for your very existence then I will have satisfaction.”

  All eyes were turned to us for Sir Hugo’s voice had become louder. I should have realised that this was deliberate. He had been put up to the provocation and I had bitten. Henry was a squire and could not fight a knight. If he had he would not have lasted two exchanges. If I had remained silent then the Queen would have censured him. I could not allow my charge to be insulted.

  The King said, “What is this that disturbs our feast?”

  Sir Hugo said, loudly, for the benefit of the hall, “I demand satisfaction from this creature. He has insulted me.”

  I saw the King was on the horns of a dilemma. He did not wish his knights to fight but Sir Hugo served a most important lord. Sir Thomas commanded most of the men of Lancashire and Chester. He was also a close confederate of the Earl of Oxford. The King could ill afford to alienate him. In that moment he made a choice and I was abandoned for the men Sir Thomas could bring. It showed me my true position. “I will not have any of my knights hurt!” It was a weak reply and I felt disappointed in him. There was no need to fight and yet I would have to. “It will be a combat to first blood.”

  Sir Hugo roared, “Till the morrow! Upstart!”

  The Queen’s hand pressed on mine and she gripped my hand. She whispered, “He is a tournament knight! This is wrong! I will speak with my husband.”

  “You cannot put the carrot back in the ground, my lady. The King has spoken and if he were to go back on his word then he would risk losing his allies. If I lose then the King has lost nothing.”

  Her eyes were like deep pools. “Will Strongstaff you are a good man. If England had more like you then we would not be in this position. Good luck!”

  I stood. I would need to prepare for a combat. I was guessing it would be on foot. Tournaments were not fought in winter. As I turned Henry look shocked, “I am sorry Captain! I should have said nothing!”

  “You have done nothing that was wrong. You have behaved with honour.” Men parted before us as we left. “This was planned. I was identified earlier on. There are men here w
ho seek to weaken the King while there are others who think that my presence also makes the King weak. I should have stayed away but I had a duty and I performed it.”

  Instead of going to our chamber I went to the warrior hall. My men needed to know what was going on. The warrior hall was in direct contrast to the King’s feasting hall. Men chatted and drank. It was almost quiet by comparison. I stayed at the doorway and my leaders came to me. “What is amiss, Captain?”

  “I have been forced to fight a combat to first blood with Sir Hugo Vernon.” They both nodded. “He will have men at arms here. They may be loose lipped. Without giving too much away or putting yourself in danger find out what you can. I will send Henry at dawn and you can tell him what you know.”

  Roger said, “We heard this Vernon mentioned as we ate. He has won many tourneys. They say he has become rich by unhorsing many men. He is said to be the best with a lance in the land and there are few, even in France and Italy who can match him.”

  “Then I hope it will be on foot.”

  As we walked back I said, “Wear your mail from now on. I fear for your safety. I would not send you tomorrow but I need to know as much about my foe as I can.”

  He nodded, “What does first blood mean, Captain?”

  “Just that. We are not supposed to kill each other but, as we will be mailed, then any wound which draws blood could, potentially be life threatening. Sir Hugo thinks to kill me tomorrow no matter what the King says. If he does then he will be reprimanded. If I kill him then I will be punished for I am a mere gentleman and he is a knight. There are few endings to this in which I come out well.”

  “Have you fought like this before, Captain?”

  “I have fought to the death many times but it was on a battlefield. I lived on my wits. I hope that those wits will see me safely through this tomorrow.”

  As we prepared my armour and mail I knew that my enemy would have a full-face helmet. My open bascinet would make it easier for him to claim first blood. He would be completely mailed and if he was so good with a lance then his right arm would be powerful indeed and it would be unlikely that he would tire. Unless my men discovered another weakness, I would have to use the speed of my feet. I did not think that he would be used to moving quickly on his feet. A tournament knight rode to battle and his cantle held him in place. The more I could make him twist and turn the better the chance that I might survive and that was all I was trying to do, survive!