The King Is Dead

by Griff Hosker

  "And the castellan?"

  "I will wrestle with that alone."

  Chapter 8

  The King and the Earl both came to see me off. I was handed the parchment which gave me authority over my new manor. I saw the curiosity written all over the faces of my men and squires as I took the parchment and the seal of office. Dick and Wulfric had told the five men that they were being offered the chance to stay in Normandy. They had come to me to thank me. For Brian and Griff it meant more pay. More than that it was a new start.

  We had over twenty miles to travel but the roads would be safer. It would take no more than a couple of hours. I rode with my squires. I had made my decision. It was the only one I could make. I spoke with them as I rode. It seemed appropriate that this decision would be made on the back of a horse.

  "You know I have been given the manor at La Flèche?"

  "We heard, my lord. Will you move here from Stockton?"

  "No William, but I will need a castellan."

  "Wulfric? He would be a good leader."

  "He was my choice, Leofric, but he wished to serve me still as Sergeant at Arms."

  "I do not envy you your choice, my lord, it is a hard one. The man you choose must be loyal as well as someone who can give orders and run an estate."

  "Could you do it, Leofric?"

  His mouth dropped open and then closed. I smiled for he looked like a fish. "Are you asking me about the idea of it or do you mean me to be your castellan, my lord?"

  "I am asking you to be my castellan. Of course I would need to knight you."

  I saw the mixture of joy and jealousy on the faces of my other two squires.

  "Do you think I could do it?"

  "I would not offer it otherwise. And I have given you five of my best men. I will not be abandoning you. We will spend the rest of the year in Anjou and Maine. I will be here to advise."

  I saw him debating with himself. We rode for some time before he said, "I will do it, lord, for if you believe that I can do it then so do I."

  I had been aware of the silence behind us. As soon as he gave his assent there was a cheer. He was a popular squire.

  John gave him the heartiest of congratulations. William nudged his horse closer to mine. He said, very quietly, "But I thought I would be knighted first."

  "Are you ready for it? You are almost a man grown so answer honestly."

  Like Leofric he stayed silent and then he shook his head, "No. I am not but Leofric is. As is John."

  "Then John must become as complete a knight as Leofric."

  "But he is a better warrior."

  "There is more to being a knight than being a warrior who can handle a sword. Think of Leofric's qualities. When you have them, you shall be a knight."

  La Flèche had a defensive position almost as good as Stockton. It stood right next to the river. The difference was that here there was a bridge and not a ferry. The castle itself, however, was smaller than mine. It looked the way mine had done ten years earlier. It had stone towers and a keep but it was not as big. There were two ancient sentries who placed their spears across the bridge into the castle. They said nothing which told me that they had not been told of the new lord of the manor. I smiled and held my hand out with the signet ring. "I am Alfraed, Earl of Cleveland and the new lord of the manor of La Flèche."

  They looked at each other. Behind me I heard Wulfric growl; they bowed and then parted their spears. A grey hunched man was in the inner bailey speaking with two other men at arms. Whilst not as ancient as the two on the gate they were nonetheless far older than one would wish. The hunched man turned

  I dismounted and handed my reins to William. I took out the royal warrant. "Do you read?" The man shook his head. "I am Alfraed, Earl of Cleveland and the new lord of the manor of La Flèche." To their credit these three bowed.

  The old man said, "I am Raymond, my lord, I am the steward here. I served Baron Henry for forty years."

  "And I hope you will serve me."

  "Aye, lord, but not, I think, for forty years."

  I smiled. He had a keen sense of humour. We would get on. "Leofric, Brian, Griff."

  The three stood to my side. "This is Sir Leofric, he will be my castellan here. Brian will be the sergeant at arms and command the garrison and Griff of Gwent will be captain of archers." They all nodded and I was pleased that the two men at arms appeared to show no resentment at my appointments. "My men and I will stay here for a week or so to enable me to get to know the manor and then I will visit with the Count of Anjou. If you would show Sir Leofric and me around the castle then your men can show my men at arms the quarters and the stables."

  "Aye, my lord."

  He set a painfully slow pace and I forced myself to be patient. "What happened to Sir Henry?"

  "What happens to all old men, my lord, God decided he had lived long enough and took him."

  "And he had no family?"

  "His sons died in the wars with Count Fulk and Lady Margaret, well, she died of a broken heart when her sons fell. Baron Henry was loyal to the end, my lord."

  "I believe it."

  "And I doubt not that I shall soon follow him." He was the most perfect of retainers. Loyal beyond death.

  It was a comfortable castle. There were good sized chambers and the Great Hall, whilst not as large as mine, would accommodate a good number. Raymond had a son and his wife who helped him. Philippe son of Raymond looked to have emulated his father and dedicated his life to the manor. His wife was the cook and housekeeper. There were few servants. Philippe's four children appeared to be unpaid servants. Raymond explained that the old baron had not replaced men at arms and servants when they had left or died. It was not a matter of penury just indolence.

  We went to the Great Hall. "I have seen enough to make a change already. Raymond you served Baron Henry well. Now it is time to take it easier. You will live on here and I will pay you a pension. Philippe I would have you as steward. What say you both?"

  I could see that I had read the situation well for they both nodded eagerly. "As for your children, if they wish to be servants then that is well and good but they will be paid and dressed in appropriate livery; my livery. I will find a seamstress in the town." I took a gold piece from my purse. "Go into town and buy provisions to feed us. I dare say you have not enough supplies to feed my hungry band. When I have time we will discuss payment in detail."

  They both bowed. Philippe said, "Thank you, my lord. There was a rumour that the King had appointed a new lord and we feared the worst. I hope that we can serve you as well as you deserve. We have heard your name and we are honoured." They left and I thought that old Raymond moved a little sprightlier.

  William and John found us. "The men and horses are accommodated, my lord."

  "Good then fetch them all here."

  Leofric said, "You addressed me as Sir Leofric, my lord."

  "I know. It was easier that way but we shall remedy that soon enough. Wait here. I will return." I went to the chamber of the old Baron. His clothes and mail were still there. I picked up his spurs. From what I had learned already about the old knight I did not think that he would mind. My men had gathered in the Great Hall. "Come there is something which is overdue."

  I led them to the small chapel we had found. It was small and we all barely managed to crowd in. That somehow made it more intimate. It made us closer. I had not done the ceremony since Harold had been knighted. There was no set words but there were rituals which were vital. Leofric's oath came first. I saw the realisation of the responsibility as he spoke each word. Then William and John fitted the spurs. Finally I dubbed him with my sword.

  When I said the words, "Rise Sir Leofric of Stockton."

  My men all intoned 'Amen'.

  By the time we returned to the Great Hall it was too late to visit the town and so we celebrated the ceremony with a fine feast. Elise, Philippe's wife, proved to be a fine cook. Leofric and I sat at the head of the table so that I could speak with him. "You have
been lucky in those within the castle, Leofric. They will serve you well. You need to use the money that the manor brings in wisely. You need a smith and you need more servants. From what I have seen the defences need improvement. Until I see how much income the manor has we will not begin any major work but the most important thing we must do is find another six men at arms. You have six only. Only Brian and Padraig can be relied upon."

  "And archers, my lord?"

  "They are as rare as hen's teeth. Griff will need to find likely lads and train them. He and Dick will come with me on the morrow and we will see what raw material is out there."

  William had been listening, "Father, Leofric will require a squire."

  "Are you volunteering William? Do you wish to leave my service?"

  He smiled, "Never."

  "Good. I will give this some thought Leofric. Perhaps Rolf and the Swabians know of some suitable candidate. There must be many lords who have too many sons. However I think that you will have enough to do without worrying about training a squire."

  "Amen to that, my lord."

  After a day travelling the manor I realised that this was not quite the poisoned chalice I imagined. The townsfolk had heard of me and were pleased. We found three young men who were happy to be paid and trained as archers. Sadly we found no men at arms but that would have been nothing short of a miracle. The days after that were spent travelling to the neighbouring manors with my two squires and Wulfric to introduce myself to my neighbours. To my great relief I found that they were all small manors and the lords had retinues as small as that at La Flèche. The wars had taken their toll. All were loyal men of Maine and supported King Henry. There was no treachery in this enclave on the Loire. I explained that Leofric was my castellan and I promised them an invite when time allowed.

  By the end of the week I was satisfied. There would be enough taxes from the manor to allow Leofric to spend well and there would still be a profit for me. However I would be happier when there was a clerk and a squire to help my new knight. It was a wrench to leave. The five we left there were a vital part of my retinue. The thirty miles to Angers were ridden in silence as we reflected on the changes the King had made. However the closer we came to Angers the more my mind turned to the main reason for my visit. I had to discover the poison and remove it. I would need my Swabian brothers to give me as much help as possible.

  I noticed a definite air as we passed through Anjou. It was an air of unrest. I had expected the Loire region to be a hotbed of intrigue but it was calm. Anjou, in contrast had few smiles as we passed through and the gates of castles were closed and guarded. Angers itself was on a war footing. This did not bode well.

  We were, however, greeted with great joy. I had helped the Count to train his knights and men at arms. King Henry and the Count might be in conflict but I was not. The King and the Earl of Gloucester were using me. It was fortunate that my father and Athelstan had trained me well. I would be my own man. I had my own code. I would do what was right.

  I could not help smiling as we passed over the bridge into the castle. The Count had heeded all of my words and his ditch was scrupulously clear of all save the traps I advised him to use. All his sentries now had a helmet and mail shirt. This was now a bastion.

  He strode over, "Earl! I heard that you were close by."

  I nodded, "The King appointed me lord of the manor of La Flèche."

  There was the slightest of frowns and then he nodded, "He is a cunning old bird! He has vacillated for a year since the old lord died. Many sought the manor for it guards the road to Angers. I pleaded with him to allow me to appoint the lord of the manor. He has chosen the only knight I would accept as its lord!" He clasped my arm. "It will be good to have you as a neighbour."

  "I fear I will be absent for much of the time. I still have the Tees valley to protect."

  "Then you will leave the castle undefended?"

  "No, my lord, Sir Leofric is the castellan and I have my own men at arms and archers as the garrison."

  "Your squire?" I nodded, "He fought well in the tourney and when we fought the rebels. You do not make foolish decisions. I am happy. Good. Come let us see my wife. She will be pleased to see you."

  He led me through his castle. I had decided to say little and listen much. It had held me in good stead before now. I was in dangerous waters. Here the pirates would not sail longships. They would smile and feign friendship. My silence prompted the Count to speak as we wandered his corridors.

  "There is much unrest not only in the County but in the Dukedom too. The Empress and I had begged the King to hand over the Norman castles to us now. It would save discord but he fears we do this to gain power."

  "He must have his reasons. He is not close to death is he?"

  "No, and that is why I wonder at his reasons. If we held the castles then we could protect the land from Rouen to Anger, from Blois to Le Havre. We would have a ring of stone as a barrier to the French and the Flemish." We had reached the private chambers of the Count. He turned to me. "Do not mention any of this to my wife. She almost died giving birth to young Geoffrey. She has been ill." He smiled, "I know that your coming will bring her joy."

  The servant opened the door. I could see that they had made this room quite cosy. It was not a room to receive large numbers of guests and visitors. It was where the Count and the Empress could be alone with their children. She was seated by a large fire and was sewing. Margaret and Judith were on stools nearby, also sewing. I felt my heart sink when I saw her. She was pale and wan. However as soon as she smiled it took years from her.

  "My knight! How good to see you!"

  I bowed and kissed her proffered hand, "And to see you. I was sorry to hear you had been ill."

  She nodded, "God saved me although the priests had given me the last rites." She laughed. "I feel that I was reborn."

  "The Earl is now lord of La Flèche."

  "Then we are neighbours."

  "As I told the Count, I leave a castellan here for I have my manor in England too but I shall be a more frequent visitor."

  "Excellent."

  "And we have tired you long enough. I will take the Earl to the Great Hall. We have much to discuss." The frown on the Empress' face worried me. Were the two of them in accord? Perhaps it was the Count who wished the castles to be handed over. I began to wonder if it was he who was the poison.

  At the Great Hall I saw many of the knights I had trained: Sir Raymond, Sir Guy, Sir Stephen, Sir Hugh and Sir John. However there were many others who were strangers. I began to realise the problem I faced. How could I tell the villain from the friend?

  "You know my tourney knights." They all nodded and smiled at me. Each of them had fought with me in the last rebellion. "This is Baron Philippe of Usse. Baron Ralph of Tours and Baron John of Amboise."

  I clasped hands with them all. I quickly worked out that the poison was in this room. I had to discover it. Then I would have to remove it. That would be harder.

  The next morning I took my squires, Wulfric and Dick, on a ride along the Loire. The rest of the castle was still abed; it had been a heavy night’s drinking for all but me. I needed to speak with them. “Problems, my lord?”

  “Aye, Wulfric, I fear so. I would have the four of you keep your ears open for any hint that there is a plot against the King.”

  He nodded, “Strange that you should say that. In the warrior hall I heard whispers that the Angevin lords are unhappy with the way that the Count is treated. They stopped speaking when I drew near.”

  “Then find any names that you can. But be discreet. This is a dangerous path we tread.”

  The morning ride, even though it was passed summer, was pleasant. “This is a fine river, my lord.”

  “Aye Dick and the hunting looks good. Perhaps we will be able to enjoy some with the Count.”

  The castle had come to life when we returned. The table in the Great Hall was laid with all kinds of breads and cheeses. I had an appetite, unlike most of the o
thers. All stopped and bowed when the Empress entered. Margaret carried the infant Geoffrey while the Empress herself led young Henry. The King had said what a fine child he was and he had been right. He looked hale and hearty.

  “Here, Henry, is another of my knights. This is the Earl of Cleveland.”

  He nodded, “Grandfather has spoken of him.” He pointed to my sword. “Is that a magic sword?”

  “I know not that, young Henry, but it serves me well.

  “I would be a great knight when I grow up.”

  “And I shall help you to become one.”

  He seemed happy with that thought, “Mother, may I go and play?”

  “Of course.” Judith took him away. The Empress looked at me. “He is growing well is he not, my lord?”

  “He is.” I looked around, “I have not seen Rolf and the others yet. Where are they?”

  “My husband sent them back to their homeland to recruit more warriors such as them.” She smiled, “Since your last visit they have warmed to my husband. Thank you for that.”

  We were in the middle of the room and yet we appeared to be alone. “I am your knight, my Empress, you know that.”

  “And yet you are my father’s champion.”

  “The two do not bring me into conflict,” I paused, “do they?”

  She did not answer at once but went to the fire. No one was near to it. When she did speak she spoke quietly. Only Judith and myself could hear her words. “There are plots against us Alfraed. The Norman lords do not want us to inherit the Dukedom. We have to protect ourselves.”

  “But your father is on your side!”

  “I am not so sure.” She looked at me, her eyes bright and sharp. “He has sent you here.”

  “He has heard rumours of dissension. I heard them last night too. There are many enemies out there. When I was in England I discovered that King Louis is sending money and men to ferment rebellion in England. We know he will do the same here. You must stand with your father.”