by Griff Hosker
We, too, dismounted when we reached them, our horses needed rest. "Your swords!" With archers approaching and Wulfric glaring at them, they complied. John and William gathered the weapons. I took my water skin from Scout and drank. I wanted them to wonder at their fate.
Aelric rode up. "The two men at arms tried to escape south." He grinned, "They didn't."
"So Sir Richard, a fruitless and less than honourable chase. Who are your companions?"
"I am Robert de Balliol."
"I am Guillaume de Vexin."
I saw that the two knights were very young. They looked to be recently knighted squires. Sir Richard, in contrast, was the same age as Harold. "Do you give your word your will not try to escape or should I have you bound?" All of them nodded. "Is there ransom for you?"
The two younger knights shook their heads. "Then you will be taken to Durham for the justice of the Prince Bishop. And you Sir Richard?"
"Aye."
I saw that the solitary man at arms had the livery of de Vere. "You, ride to your master's family and tell them he will be held at Hexham until a ransom of a hundred gold pieces is paid. If they want the squire too then it will be a hundred and ten."
I had done this enough to know the right amount. It was a large although not excessive ransom. Any less might have insulted the de Veres. They were a rich family with lands in Scotland, Normandy and England. Sir Richard nodded. When his man at arms headed south I knew that he would be going to the land around Skipton. There was a de Vere castle there. Guillaume de Vexin had been the knight who had slain his horse. "Aelric give one of the captured horses to Sir Guillaume. You others, we ride to Otterburn. Aelric, ride to Norham. We will join you there when these are safely ensconced in Hexham."
As we rode south I questioned them about their families. Their answers told me little I didn't know already but it encouraged them to talk and I learned more about Sir Guy de Senonches. It became obvious that Gospatric had sent for him. Sir Richard was quite scathing about the stance of the Earl of Northumbria who preferred to hire men to do his fighting for him. Although they did not mean to, they confirmed that Gospatric and the King of Scotland were working hand in hand. King David would not break the peace but he would happily encourage others to do so. I was not worried about Gospatric; I had fought him many times. He had never bested me. It was Sir Guy who was a bigger threat. The fact that I had had to let him go was my fault. I should have brought more men with me. I could make myself the excuse that I was just making a progress but that was not the truth. I should have known there might be a greater danger. I had made the mistake of letting my knights enjoy their families. I had only brought bachelor knights. I would not be so generous the next time. I needed to become more ruthless.
Sir Guy had been willing to have captives murdered. He was, as Wulfric had suggested, very like his father. He waged war in a different way to me. I would have to learn from him. He might keep his promise not to attack in England but he would fight in Normandy. I needed to send a message to the Archbishop. The King needed to know of this enemy. I had let him go and he would make his way back to King Louis and that would place him close to Normandy.
We reached Otterburn just before dark. Dick and his archers were there and we had a warm welcome. With just one door in the tower we were able to secure the prisoners easily. Otterburn had no lord of the manor but the Bishop had a castellan who worked the land close by. John of Trimdon had been a man at arms. He and his sons were farmers but farmers who could handle weapons. The tower was a bastion, a refuge in times of attack. When we brought news that the danger was over those within returned to their homes and we had more room.
John of Trimdon was concerned about the potential attack. "We are remote here, my lord, and very close to the Scots. There is naught between us and the border. Rothbury can send help but not quickly."
"Then you must improve the defences and train the men who farm the land." I pointed to Dick, "Dick, how many archers would you need to hold this tower?"
"Give me six men who know the war bow and we will hold this until judgement day." He looked at John. "You have a river yonder. It would take little work to divert it and give you a barrier. You and your sons have mighty backs can you not use a bow?" He nodded. "Then you can train others. Start tomorrow. The Earl here makes the men of the manor practise each Sunday."
"He is right, John of Trimdon. I believe the threat has gone for a while but I will patrol the border for a month. When I am to return to my home on the Tees I will come back this way. I will see what improvements are made. And I will fetch weapons we took in battle. We can, at least, arm you."
"Thank you, my lord. You have comforted me much."
Wulfric and my men at arms escorted the prisoners to Hexham while I led my archers back to Norham. We went by the road to the east. It was shorter but we still had fifty miles to travel. I was grateful that we all had such fine animals. We ate at Rothbury where I spoke with Sir John and told him what we had done. "I will keep a close watch on Otterburn but we are precariously placed here too, my lord."
"Then like those in Otterburn you must use the men who work this land. You have a fine castle with a good position. You can stop an enemy until help reaches you. I would invest in some fast horses and messengers who can disappear in this land."
"But I thought we had peace."
"So did I but King Louis and King David think otherwise. There will be dark times ahead but we will prevail. The Bishop is a good man."
"I would the King spent more time in England."
"As would I but Normandy must be held!"
We reached Norham by dark and my three knights were worried about me. I smiled, "It is comforting that you doubt my ability to escort seven men a few miles down the road."
Sir Hugh shook his head, "No, my lord, there are brigands about too. When Leofric escorted the captives he was told that there were bands of outlaws who were flooding across the border. They had raided even before the Frenchman."
I frowned. Perhaps I would need to spend longer in this area. "Sir Hugh, you had best return home on the morrow. We will scour the land of these robbers. I will make a few examples of them."
"Do you not need my men, my lord?"
"I need you to ensure that the Bishop's castles are all held. Not enough is being done to train men to defend their land. You are the exception. I will give you authority to order defences to be strengthened. When I return to the Bishop I will press him to make John of Trimdon Lord of Otterburn and to use some of the taxes of the see to make his lands stronger. This is too far from my valley."
"Aye, my lord."
"And when you head south call in at Otterburn and give John of Trimdon some of the weapons we captured the other day."
"And helmets?"
"If they are any good then yes."
The next morning Sir Hugh left before dawn. He had a long ride; almost seventy miles. He would reach home after dark. After we had broken our fast I sat with my three knights, Wulfric and Dick. "Until Wulfric returns we only have sixteen men at arms We will divide into four columns. Sir Roger you will need to leave five men at arms and five archers to watch your castle. Take the rest and ride to the west. Find the bandits. Sir Harold and Sir Tristan, you take your men and cover the south. I will take my squires and my archers to the east."
Leofric ventured, "But my lord the people I spoke to said the brigands and outlaws were operating to the south and west of here."
I smiled. He did not wish to appear to have taken the easier task. "And we have just come from there. I think they may have moved east however if we have a pleasant ride I will do penance. How say you?"
"Sorry, my lord. I forgot myself."
"No you do right to make me question myself." I stood and went to Sir Roger's map. "The monks who told the Bishop of Sir Guy de Senonches were from Lindisfarne. How did they learn of this? I do not doubt that they are holy men but they are not worldly men and they may have been used by others."
"Y
ou think these are not brigands?"
"It strikes me that it is more than convenient that they are preying on farms just before the French come. I smell Gospatric's fingers in this."
We headed east. It was not far, less than seventeen miles. Of course the causeway meant that we might arrive when the tide was in but it was important to see the abbot. It was comforting to have all of my archers with me once more and they rode ahead of us in a wide circle. Woodsmen all, they would be able to see any signs of brigands, bandits, outlaws or rebels. We were close to Etal when Ralph of Wales waved us over.
"My lord, men camped here some days since. They had horses. I am guessing thirty of them."
"Could they be the French?"
Dick and Aelric were also scouring the ground. "Scots, my lord!" Dick had found a piece of cloth which had become entangled on a bramble bush. He held it for me to see. It was part of the cloaks worn in this part of the world by the Scots.
"And where did they go?"
"They headed south and west."
"Then when we have spoken to the abbot we will pursue them."
I could sense the doubt in my men as we headed east. I knew they thought that we should follow these outlaws but I knew it was just as important to find out what the monks knew. The tide was with us and the causeway was open as we reached the monastery. We were meant to cross. Our horses were able to wade through the shallow waters. I had not visited here before and my banner and livery would be unknown. I suspected the monks would be hiding their treasures. Each Benedictine house created their own rules although they all followed the teachings of St. Benedict. I knew that the influence of St Columbus would be strong here too.
We were greeted at the end of the causeway by the abbot and four senior monks. "Welcome, travellers. What brings you to our private monastery?"
That was the abbot's way of telling me that we were not welcome. I dismounted, "I am Alfraed, Earl of Cleveland and I am here on the business of the King and the Bishop of Durham."
"We care not for worldly matters. Our work is the study of God's word."
I nodded, "And yet the King protects all here. I do not come to take anything from you, abbot, I am here to gather information."
"We know nothing. All that we require we have on this island."
"But you are not blind and you are not stupid, are you?"
I could see that he did not wish us to enter his monastery. I was suspicious but I would not force the issue. The abbot waved a hand and a servant ran to the monastery. "If we can be of any help we will." He nodded towards my standard. "We have heard of you, even here."
So much for their being an isolated community. "All good I hope?"
"It is said that you are both honourable and fair."
"I try to be."
The servant brought four goblets for us, "Try our mead. We are famed for it."
The servant looked to be a little shifty. Even as I took the goblet I wondered why. "Thank you." I tasted it and smiled although, in truth, it was too sweet and cloying for me.
"What information do you wish?"
"Some monks who passed through here heard a rumour," I swept a hand around the island, "that there was band of Frenchmen led by Sir Guy de Senonches in the area." He nodded, "How did you know?"
I saw no guile in his eyes as he answered, "That was Edgar here. He lives on the mainland and he told us."
I turned my attention to Edgar, the shifty servant. He squirmed uncomfortably. "I just heard a rumour."
"A rumour with a name and a nationality. That sounds a little more detailed than a rumour."
"Someone passed through the village and told me."
"Who?"
"I know not his name. He passed through and he rode a horse."
"A knight?"
"No, my lord."
"A merchant?"
"Perhaps. I cannot remember lord. I did not know him nor his name."
"And yet he spoke with you." The man was lying. I wanted to question him properly but I doubted that the abbot would approve. "Tell me did the monks from Bolton Abbey reward you for your news?"
He did not answer but the guileless abbot smiled and said, "Aye, they gave you two silver coins did they not?"
Ralph gave a weak smile, "Your are right, Abbot, they did."
I reached into my purse and took out a single silver coin. "Then this is from me. Thank you Ralph of..."
He looked reluctant to say and the abbot said, "Ralph of Beal. It is a village on the mainland. Most of our servants and workers live there. Sometimes the tide means they have to spend the night here." I nodded. "And speaking of tides unless you are to spend the night then you should leave soon,. The tide returns."
I remounted, "Thank you for your hospitality and your warning. We will leave you now to your devotions and your studies."
He was right and the water came to our knees as we made our way back to the mainland. We rode inland a short way and then halted so that my men could adjust the girths. "He was lying."
Dick nodded, "Through his teeth, my lord."
"We will camp yonder. Have two men watch the causeway and let me know when Ralph comes. I would have a word with our lying friend."
It was not until dawn that Ralph was able to cross. My two archers brought him to me. He was not struggling as one might expect. "So, Ralph of Beal, you have much to tell me."
"I have told you all."
"No you have not. You know that I am the King's man and I have the power to administer justice?"
There was fear in his voice as he said, "But I have done nothing wrong."
"I doubt that. You made a mistake, I will grant you that. You tried to make money from the monks and your master, will, no doubt, be unhappy about that."
"My master?"
He was suddenly afraid, "Aye the man who has you watch the monks and pass on any information he might be able to use. The man who leads the outlaws hereabouts to prey on those who do not pay him to leave them alone." Although much of what I said was guesswork I knew I had hit the mark when he began to squirm in my archer's grip.
"I pray you let me go; he will kill me if I speak."
My voice was laden with threat as I said, "And death is not the worst that could happen to you. There are many punishments for treason. You knew of this Frenchman. He invaded our land. That is treason."
"But I told the monks!"
"Now tell me how you knew. Who is this man you fear?"
He hesitated and then his shoulders sagged. "William of Lucker."
"And he is?"
"He was a lord of the manor but his family rebelled. He lost his land. He lives in the great forests to the west of here."
"And how does he contact you?"
"He and some of his men pass through once in a while to collect tribute from the headman."
"And because you spy for him you do not have to pay?"
"No, my lord."
"Then, Ralph of Beal, I will let you go but know this; if your master discovers you have spoken to me then you will die. I will not tell him so your fate is in your own hands and tongue. Now go!"
"Was that wise, lord?"
"I know not but he is a pawn and I would not take his life. The forest he spoke of is close to the camp we found. We will start our search there."
As we mounted Aelric chuckled, "Wulfric will be less than happy to be missing this hunt."
Although the trail was a couple of days old to Dick and the others it was as clear as a Roman Road. We moved carefully through the forest. It would not do to be ambushed. I was well aware that my squires and myself made far more noise than the archers. We kept to the rear. I noticed the trail we were following was well worn. I would not have been able to follow the signs they saw but my archers seemed to manage.
We followed the trail for most of the day. Henry Warbow, one of my newer archers, rode up to me. "We have found where they are my lord."
"Where is it?"
"It is less than a mile or so inside the forest."
He looked apologetic. "Dick says to ask you to walk rather than ride, my lord. Sorry."
"Dick knows what he is about. We will walk." I put my helmet on my cantle and hung my shield there too. I wanted my ears free to hear and my eyes to see.
We made far less noise when we walked. Dick suddenly materialised from the darkening forest. "There is an old hall, the sort the Danes built. They have occupied it. There are more than twenty of them and they have a stable for horses." He was warning me that we might not have enough men to take them. They would outnumber us.
We moved towards the edge of the forest. The land had been cleared of trees for twenty paces all around. Safely hidden in the eaves I saw the outlaws fetching water and chopping logs. Two men were roasting a deer. That alone was punishable by blinding or the loss of fingers. We moved back into the forest. "Is there a rear way in?"
"Aye, Aelric has Rafe and Long Tom watching it."
"Leofric and William, stay here. John come with me. Dick, take me to the rear doorway."
Dick sighed; I knew he thought it unnecessary but I had a plan. "Move quietly, John." The instructions from Dick were for me as well as John. He took us a long way around. We found the three archers watching the rear door. I whispered so that Aelric and John, alone, could hear. "We will attack the front. When we do some will try to escape here. Aelric, you stop them. John, you protect my archers."
They nodded and Dick and I returned to the front. I had seven archers and two squires with which to attack the hall. They had to believe we had more. "Dick, I want you and the archers to begin to eliminate the men who are outside. I think that, at first, they will retreat within. Then when no one else comes they will attempt to escape at the rear. Aelric will stop them. Then they will rush you. My squires and I will be mounted. When they come towards you then we will charge them."