The King Is Dead

by Griff Hosker

  He brightened, "It is. You will continue to work on him?"

  "I will but I would be back in Stockton for Christmas."

  He nodded, "Do not leave until I have visited with you at your new manor. I have much to discuss." He looked over as Count Geoffrey made his way towards us. "Here is neither the time nor the place."

  "I am at your majesty' command."

  He nodded, seriously, "I know. Such loyalty is rare."

  The Count was in a slightly better humour as we headed west. The Earl had mollified him and promised his knights a share of the ransoms. "Are you certain you wish to leave for England before Christmas? I know that the Empress would like to see you and you have barely had the chance to speak with young Henry. He speaks of you often."

  "But he barely knows me."

  "Judith and Margaret tell him bed time stories about your deeds. They make them simpler but to him it is like St. George fighting the dragon. He would be a King's Champion like you."

  "But he will be King!"

  "Perhaps. Some of my knights fear that the King will change his mind. Did you see how much attention he paid to Stephen of Blois? He gave him the manor!"

  "And he gave me a manor. Does that mean I shall be King?"

  He laughed, "No, of course not but you are not the same. My knights will not hear a bad word said about you. If you were the leader of our army they would follow you to hell and back."

  "But I am not; the King and his son command." I lowered my voice, "If I might give you a piece of advice, my lord. Listen to your heart and head more than you listen to others. Some of those around you may not have the best interests of you and the Empress at heart. Would the King have made everyone swear twice to support Matilda if he did not wish her to succeed him?"

  "But he had to do it twice! That shows that he does not trust his own men."

  "And I have sworn that I will ensure that the Empress attains the throne or, if he is old enough, your son Henry. And you know I am never foresworn."

  "I will try to do as you say. It would be easier if you were closer to hand."

  "I will return next summer. That I promise."

  He was in a better mood when we parted. William and John rode next to me. They were pensive. It was also obvious that they had been listening too. "Could you be King, father?"

  I laughed, "Little mice have big ears! Of course not. Short of marrying a queen I shall never be king. Nor do I wish to be one. It is onerous and too many try to take what you have from you. I am happy with Stockton and La Flèche."

  "Most men desire bigger thrones and more power, my lord."

  "I know John and it is sad. We have one life to live and we should live it to the best of our abilities and not strive for things we can never attain. I am happy enough."

  I would have to be happy for I could never have the Empress Matilda and if I could not have her then I wanted no one. Making my son, Henry, King of England would have to suffice.

  We had to stay in a small inn on the way to La Flèche. It gave me the opportunity to gauge the mood of the people. They were worried about their future. The constant revolts and incursions made them fearful. We were welcomed for we brought coin into their homes. Many were worried that their sons would end up fighting for one lord or another. This was not the same as England. In England the enemies were all across borders: the Welsh and the Scots. Here the neighbour you spied from your manor could be your enemy. It was anarchy.

  Our halt meant we reached my new Norman home at noon. I could see that both Leofric and my men at arms had worked hard. They had cleared the ditch and replaced the gate. The sentries looked alert and were well equipped. Even Wulfric was impressed. "Young Leofric has learned well. Mind you, my lord, Brian has all his wits about him."

  Leofric was in the outer bailey when we clattered through the gate. He was talking with Philippe and Brian. They both bowed as I dismounted. "You have done well, all of you."

  "Thank you, my lord. The townsfolk are happy that there is a new lord. They like the coin in brings."

  I frowned. I worried that Leofric might be ingratiating himself too much. He had to command in my frequent absence. "Remind them the taxes will need to be paid."

  Philippe said, "They know my lord. Without the old lord they paid taxes to the Duke's tax collector but they received nothing in return." He hesitated and then said, "The taxes increase year on year and yet we do not produce more. The people suffer and become poorer."

  "That is not right and it will stop now. Where is the home of the Duke's tax collector?"

  "He has a hall in Le Mans and he comes four times a year with his men for the taxes. It began when old Baron Henry was ill. He took a long time dying."

  "Do you think the Duke knows of this?" I saw Philippe's face cloud over. He thought he had said too much. Who knew if I would stay? I had put him in an impossible situation. "It matters not. When does he return?"

  "At the end of the month, lord."

  I turned to Leofric. "I had thought to return to England sooner but I will delay until I have spoken with the King and this tax collector. Come take me to my hall and tell me all." I nodded to Wulfric. He would talk with Brian and discover those things they hid from Leofric.

  "I hope I have not disappointed you, lord."

  "No, Leofric. I am pleased. If I appear critical it is because I have given you an onerous and challenging task. I feel guilty."

  "Oh no. my lord, I am honoured. You have raised me far above the station I expected. I am more than content."

  "Good, then so am I." We sat by his welcoming fire. "How many men at arms do you have now?"

  "Ten. A couple of the new ones are little more than farm boys but Brian and Padraig are happy. They say they are raw clay which they can mould."

  "You will be on your own until the summer. I have asked Rolf to keep an eye on you. You can trust him. He and Karl are like brothers to me."

  "I will, my lord."

  "One thing more. Never commit anything to writing which might be intercepted. If you need me urgently or there is a problem here I need to solve then write and ask me if the river at Hartness has flooded. I will come."

  "But there is no river at Hartness!" Then he smiled. "Of course. Very clever, my lord."

  Elise, Philippe's wife cooked a fine meal for us. I heard later that the one she cooked for my men at arms and archers was equally fine. I had been lucky with the servants I had inherited or perhaps the old Baron had been like my father, a good judge of people.

  The next day I summoned Dick, Wulfric and my squires to Leofric's hall. "I wish you to travel back to England, Dick, with the archers and John. We need more archers recruiting and training. That must start sooner rather than later. I do not think we will need archers this winter." I took out my share of the gold and silver we had taken from the dead. I gave it to John. "Here is the coin for your passage. Get back to England however you can. Tell Alice I will be home for Christmas and I want a great feast this year. Last year we were visited by death. We will show death that we do not fear him and enjoy ourselves even more this Yuletide."

  "Aye, my lord."

  "And John, I would have you help my Steward. He has toiled much alone. It will only be for a short time. Besides it will be good practice for you."

  "Thank you my lord. I will."

  When they had departed I began to look closely at my new manor. Wulfric and his men continued to work with Edgar improving the defences but it was the heartbeat of the manor I needed to examine. It appeared to be much like Stockton. It was a vital crossing point of the Loir. Unlike Stockton, salt was one of the main commodities it traded. There were large warehouses by the river. It came up from the sea and was sent thence to Normandy and Anjou. I saw, from the tax records, that the income had been steadily rising during the time of the previous lord of the manor. After his sons died there was no expenditure on arms and men. Until the death of Baron Henry the prosperity of the town had grown. However since that time I saw that they were paying far
too much in tax. The tax had risen disproportionately. It concerned me.

  We were taking a break from poring over lists and documents. I strolled by the river where I found the old steward, Raymond, fishing. He tried to rise as I approached, "No, my friend you have earned your rest. Sit."

  It was a cold day and I wondered if the fish would be biting but the old man was wrapped up well against the cold and appeared content. With a rabbit fur hat upon his head he looked warm enough.

  "Have you found all that you wish, my lord?"

  "Aye I have." A thought came to me. "While you fish would you mind if I picked through your memories?"

  He laughed, "The ones I still have do you mean?" he tapped the side of his head, "Those that remain are yours and welcome, my lord."

  "You were a rich town until the tax collector began to increase the taxes. Why do you think that was?" He looked fearful. "Believe me, Raymond, I am an honest knight. Speak the truth and no harm will come."

  "But you are Duke Henry's man."

  That worried me. "I am the lord of this manor."

  He nodded, "This was Anjou. We were the northern boundary." He nodded towards the river. "Since the old days we have guarded the river crossing. The Duke captured the town in the days of the wars with Count Fulk." He smiled, "The Baron had lost heart when his sons fell and the town did not resist overlong. The Duke showed mercy and allowed the Baron to remain. The Baroness was alive in those days. She was ill and the Baron wished to care for her. He swore fealty to the Duke and was never foresworn." I heard the pride in his voice. "When the tax collectors first came the Baron was tending to the Baroness. I blame myself. I should have seen that the tax collector began to take more than was owed. When the Baroness died and the Baron began to forget things it was too late. Each year the taxes went up and up and the people became poorer. Many drifted south to join family in Anjou."

  "Your Baron should have appealed to the Duke. He is a fair man. What is the name of this tax collector?"

  "Gilles of Arromanche."

  Just then the line bobbed, "You have a fish. Thank you for your words. You are a loyal servant still and your master was lucky to have you."

  I returned to Leofric where I penned a letter to Le Mans. Sir Henry de Varenne could use his position to get me knowledge I needed. When it was finished I summoned Wulfric. "Take Raymond of Le Mans and travel to Le Mans. Give this letter to the castellan, Sir Henry, no one else. There will be a reply but it may take a day or two. Raymond knows his home town. See if you can hire a few men at arms. I think the town may be able to afford more." I handed him a bag of coins. Sir Henry would see that they had food and lodgings but the new men at arms would need horses and they were not cheap.

  "Aye my lord." I could see he was curious but Wulfric would wait until I was ready to speak with him before he said aught.

  Already I had delayed my departure. However as the King had yet to arrive I dared not leave. Perhaps it was intended that I spent a longer time for Leofric had grown much and had many ideas. I saw William watching him. He too was growing. He was now sprouting his first beard. It had the wispy look of a first beard but Leofric refrained from mockery.

  When Wulfric returned five days later he had a letter with him and two new men at arms. They were Raymond's cousins. When he had left to join me, some years earlier, they had not been full grown. Now they were and were delighted to serve me and yet be close to their home. It had worked out well. Wulfric handed me the letter and I read it. I must have frowned for Wulfric said, "Trouble, my lord?"

  "Aye, but not for me."

  A messenger arrived from the south on the same day telling me that the King and the Earl would visit with me in seven days time. "Wulfric, we leave in nine days time. Prepare." I went into the town. There were merchants there who had ships sailing daily to the coast. At this time of year they were empty having unloaded their salt. They were more than happy to gain favour with their new lord by transporting us to the sea. We would save many days this way.

  Gilles of Arromanche and his bloodsuckers arrived two days before the King was due to arrive. I do not think he knew of my appointment else he might have entered the castle with less swagger. He had six men with him. Although they wore no mail they had the look of hired swords. They led ten sumpters and each one was laden down. I was practising with William, Leofric and Brian. We had no mail and no surcoat. Leofric heard the horses and went to greet them. I sheathed my sword and towelled my sweating head dry.

  "I am Leofric of Stockton, castellan of this castle. Who are you?"

  As he spoke I turned to view this tax collector. "I am Gilles of Arromanche. I am the Duke's tax collector. Who appointed a stripling like you to such a lofty position?"

  Before he had spoken I did not like him. He was a large hulking brute of a man. I had seen brigands in the forests of Scotland who had his look. I began to stride towards them as the tax collector dismounted.

  "I appointed him!"

  He turned and saw, not a knight but a man at arms who had been practising and he made the mistake of underestimating me. Wulfric and Brian were making their way to the men on horses.

  Gilles of Arromanche laughed, "And who are you? Some brigand who wandered from the forest and decided to take over this hovel?"

  He was a head taller than me and well made but I pulled back my arm and hit him with all my force. He fell backwards stunned. Brian and Wulfric pulled from their horses the two leading riders while the other four found themselves surrounded by my men at arms. Their spears were at the men's throats. I took my sword from my sheath and placed it at the throat of Gilles of Arromanche.

  His eyes opened, "The Duke will have your head for this!"

  Without moving my sword I showed him the seal. "The King and your Duke appointed me. I am Alfraed of Stockton, Earl of Cleveland and Lord to La Flèche. You should mind your tongue. Leofric here has killed many men for lesser insults and I object to my manor being called a hovel. An apology is in order."

  As I had said my name I saw him pale, "The Earl of Cleveland? The King's Champion?" I nodded. "I am sorry my lord I knew not."

  "You know now. Wulfric, disarm the tax collector's men and have them placed in the donjon. Have the sumpters unloaded and the Duke's taxes locked and secured. I will make sure that he receives them."

  "I apologised to you! You cannot do this! I am an official of the Duke!"

  "And I have many questions for you. Until I get answers you are my prisoner. William, take his sword."

  He rose and put his hand to his jaw. He spat out two teeth. "The Duke shall here of this."

  "I know and it will be from me."

  When they were secured and locked away Leofric asked, "Are you certain you do the right thing, my lord?"

  "Do not worry, Leofric, I did not act in haste. I know what the man has been up to. I will question him later and discover just what he knows. You will need to hire a good clerk and keep perfect records."

  "There is a young man in the town. His father is a merchant. I do not think they get along. I would hire him."

  "Then watch him carefully at first to make sure he is the right man although you are a good judge of men."

  "Thank you, my lord. I have watched you. I see how you speak with men, listen and then watch them."

  I took Wulfric and Brian with Leofric when we went to question the tax collector. He and his men had been talking. If they thought of rushing us when we unlocked the door the sight of Wulfric and Brian soon deterred them. My men at arms looked like two mighty oak trees with eyes. Brian had a chair for me and I sat. I held before me the tax records which Raymond had given to Leofric.

  I sat and stared at the tax collector. I wanted to see the lies in his eyes. "You say you were doing the Duke's bidding?"

  "Of course."

  Wulfric growled, "My lord!"

  Gilles of Arromanche added, hurriedly, "My lord."

  "And are these an accurate account?" I pointed to the document. "Your seal is there I see
."

  He glanced at them and nodded, "If my seal is there then they are accurate." He glanced at Wulfric, "My lord."

  "Good. Then tell me why there has been a steady increase in the taxes of this manor. The number of people has gone down and the trade in salt remains the same. Why are the people and the manor paying more than they did in the days of yore?"

  He smiled, "I know not. I just collect it. I was ordered to do this by the Duke or one of his officials, my lord."

  "Then have you the name of the official? It might be useful when I write to the Duke."

  "I think he has left now, my lord."

  He was shifty and he was lying. Not one word was the truth. "Then who orders your tax collection now? Who has told you what our tax is to be this year?"

  He shrugged, "I was just going to take the same as last year, my lord."

  "Then I will speak with the Duke. Until I receive orders from him you and your men will continue to be my guests."

  "But that may be weeks!"

  "We will feed you and my men will watch you."

  When the door clanged shut and was locked I said to Wulfric. "Make sure they are good sentries and warn them of tricks. We do not wish another incident such as we had at our castle last Christmas."

  Wulfric nodded, "We will be careful."

  Part 3

  War Ferments

  Chapter 13

  The King and the Earl had a small entourage with them when they arrived. He was in good spirits. "Have you seen my grandsons, Cleveland? Henry will be a great warrior and Geoffrey has lungs like a rutting stag! They are fine boys!"

  "And are you reconciled now, my liege?"

  "I think so. I thank you for your efforts. We argued less and smiled more. Each day you rise in my standing."

  "Then perhaps you will not think so when I tell you what I have done and I may fall in your estimation."

  He frowned, "What have you done that would offend me, Earl?"