The King Is Dead

by Griff Hosker

  "You think he will attack us?"

  "I believe he will. It is a tactic I have used before now, is it not? I think he was at Berwick when we attacked their camp there. We will be vigilant this night. Sir Edward, ride ahead with a few of your men and find us somewhere to camp which is away from a village. I would not have locals put in jeopardy. You know what I seek; somewhere we can defend."

  Sir Edward and his men were waiting for us on a knoll some hundred or so paces from the road. I daresay in the time before the Romans it might have been an ancient hill fort for there were lumps and bumps in concentric circles but nothing of the defensive ditches remained. It was perfect. While the servants collected water from the river and others lit fires to cook my men went to a nearby wood to cut stakes. We would erect them after dark. Wulfric and his men set to making traps and deadfalls in the land between the road and the knoll. Finally we tethered the horses on the opposite side of the knoll with Sir Hugh of Gainford and his men to guard them.

  Dick and his archers reached us as the sun was setting in the west. The sky was a fiery red; what did it portend?

  "My lord, my scouts found the Scots. They have two hundred men. They are led by twenty knights. Gospatric's banner is amongst them. They are four miles away."

  "Good, you have done well."

  The Earl of Chester was with me. "You have second sight, Earl."

  I smiled, "No, I put myself in the position of my enemies and ask what would I do. If they do not attack tonight then it is a mistake on their part. We must build up fires and let them know where we are. Tell the men to laugh and to joke. We must appear at ease. We have routed a conroi. We would celebrate eh?"

  We appeared to be celebrating but my men were watching and listening for danger. The traps and deadfalls had been set. Half of the men slept, or rested at least, while the others made as much noise as they could. When the noisy half feigned sleep then silence descended upon our camp. I sat with my back against an ancient rock. William was next to me. He said, quietly, "Can we talk, lord?"

  I chuckled, "Aye, of course. Dick and his archers lie beyond our traps and they wait. Our talk will appear normal."

  "Why are we here?"

  "A blunt question. I will try to answer. The King wishes the Scots to be wary of attacking England when he wars on France next year. We are not here to make friends but to show our enemies our teeth. When we have pacified the frontier we will depart for France and leave only Norham, Hexham, Carlisle and the like to guard the Northern Marches. The Earl of Gloucester does the same in Wales. The King is trying to be a conjuror. He makes the enemy look one way while he strikes another."

  "Is it a good strategy?"

  "It could be. The problem is the King does not know how either King David or King Louis will react. He hopes they will do what he wishes. They may not." I saw that he was tired. "Now rest and keep your sword handy. We will be fighting before dawn and you are the one who will signal our men."

  I stayed awake long after I heard the heavy breathing which told me that my squire was asleep. I listened with my hand on my sword. The power of the ancient Kings of England coursed through my blade, courtesy of the pommel stone of King Harold. The Earl of Chester had asked me if I had the second sight; I did not but I knew that this was a momentous time and this year would see great changes. Would this be the year the son of the Empress Matilda became King of England?

  The moon had set when they came. I could smell them and if I could then Dick and my archers certainly could. Then I heard a soft sigh, A Scot had died. Their scouts would all lie with their throats cut. My archers were not only the finest of archers; they were the deadliest assassins in the land.

  I rose and slipped my shield around to the back. I held a dagger in my left hand my sword in my right. "William!" Although I hissed the word he was awake in an instant. I needed no words to rouse the rest of my men. They had heard the same noises and smelled the same smells as me.

  We moved silently down to the bump and ridge which was closest to the road. Sir Edward materialised at one side of me and Wulfric at the other. I knew, without looking, that William would be behind me. The standard had been planted in the ground and my squire had weapons in his hands. I could see nothing but still I stared. My eyes would adjust to the dark; they always did. There was a sudden scream in the night as one Scot was not killed silently. A Scottish horn sounded and I heard Gaelic words. We said nothing. We wanted them to think that we were half asleep and drowsy. I heard more screams as the Scots fell into the traps. Dick and his archers appeared before us. Dick was grinning. "There are twenty less for you to kill, lord! We will get our bows!"

  The traps broke up their formation. They had tried to advance in a single line. That was a mistake. At night you relied on individual groups of men. Suddenly we saw them and they saw us. We were above them standing on what had been a rampart in times past. I swung my sword, ignoring the spear which jabbed ineffectually at my mail. My sword ripped across the warrior's throat. I deflected a second spear which came at my head with my dagger and hacked at the Scot's head. He only had a leather cap and his head was split wide open. The Earl of Galloway was a cautious man and he had sent his weaker men first. Those with armour and mail would follow.

  I heard another trumpet sound three times and a wedge of Scots appeared before the Earl of Chester to my right. In the dark they had no idea of our dispositions. The Earl would bear the brunt of this attack. We dared not move for we had the advantage of height. The Earl would have to survive until we had dealt with this new wave of attacks. It was Wulfric who broke their hearts. He was using his axe two handed and it swept through spears and heads with equal ease. The men to our fore fell back.

  "William, spread the word, we go to the aid of the Earl of Chester!"

  "Aye, Lord!"

  We left the safety of our mound and began to head to our right. The Scots before us were dying, dead or fled and we descended like a wave on to the flank of the men attacking Ranulf, Earl of Chester. They had no shields facing us. In their right hands they held their weapons. They were fighting the men of Chester and we waded into them. I brought my sword over to slice through the head, shoulder and arm of one man before plunging my dagger into the neck of a second. Wulfric was taking two heads at a time and Sir Edward had the old blood lust upon him. He was a relentless killing machine. We became our own wedge and my valley knights were the tip of the arrow. It was hard and bloody work. My arm began to tire as I harvested bodies. Inevitably it broke their hearts. They began to pour down the hill. I shouted, "Take prisoners!" I wanted to bargain with this Earl of Galloway and I wanted his men as bargaining tools.

  By the time dawn arrived we had thirty prisoners and our wounded had been tended to. Our losses had been light and I thanked God for that. A herald appeared during the morning. "My lord, the Earl of Galloway wishes to begin negotiations for the return of prisoners." As we had lost none I knew that we held the upper hand.

  "Tell his lordship that he may approach."

  I saw by his torn surcoat that this Earl had fought. He had joined with his men in the assault of our camp. Bareheaded, he nodded to me, "Earl."

  "Have you a healer for your wounds?"

  He put his hand to his head as though he had just noticed the blood, "This? A scratch. You are a canny fighter, Alfraed, Earl of Cleveland. We thought we had you by the balls." He laughed, "Aye well we live and learn eh? Now how do I get my men back?"

  "You give me your word that you will not cross the Esk."

  "And is that all? No ransom? No cattle?"

  "That is all."

  He gave me a shrewd look. "If you had not come to the river de Vere would not have crossed the Esk. Why did you come?"

  "You might have short memories but we have long ones. We learned our lesson last year. We patrol our lands so that the French, the Scots and any rebels are watched."

  "We had no part in that attack."

  "I know but this will be a regular occurrence. Be warned and war
n your knights. We come not to provoke but to patrol."

  He looked behind him. I had already seen the rebel lords but they were not hiding themselves away from sight. "My lords will obey me but as for those with lands on both sides of the border, they are a different matter."

  "Then just tell them that if any rebel crosses they will not be ransomed but will lose their heads."

  He strode towards me with his hand held out. "You have my word," I held his forearm and he smiled, "besides this is a Godforsaken part of the country. My land to the west has better hunting. No wonder there are no lords here. You watch your back, Earl, the de Veres have a blood feud with you now."

  I nodded, "He fell from his horse. No blade touched him. Perhaps they should be angry with God."

  "And maybe they are."

  Chapter 15

  After we had buried our dead we continued north east. The Earl of Chester rode next to me. "Where to next?"

  "Where we fought them last year. We will ride close to the abbey at Jedburgh. You and I will visit with the prior."

  "Is that not in Scotland?"

  "It is, which is why we go with just our squires. We go for religious reasons." I could see he needed more and so I explained. "The abbey is new and is the pride and joy of King David. We go to let the Prior know the dangers of raids across the border."

  "You would threaten a churchman?"

  "No. I will advise the prior of the advantages of peace with England. He has the King's ear. The fact that just four of us visit should show him that my intentions are honourable."

  We camped on the English side of the border and, as dusk approached, the four of us crossed the Jed Water and approached the abbey. We wore no helmets and our shields were slung across our back. A shaven headed monk approached, "I am Brother James. The prior asks what is your business here on this side of the border?"

  I smiled and pointed to the Earl of Chester. "This is the Earl of Chester. He rules the part of England which is south of here. He has not seen your fine abbey and I thought to introduce him to the Prior. We come in peace."

  "And yet you have swords."

  "We are knights and they are as much a part of us as your tonsures are to you."

  He gestured towards the abbey. "Have your squires wait here with the horses and I will take you to the prior."

  It was a fine abbey. King David had used good masons. I knew now the signs of good stonework. I had watched William build my castle, stone by stone and layer by layer. We went through the gate and passed the monks cells to the cloister and fountain where I saw the Prior with two of his monks. He rose as we approached. I bowed my head.

  "The Earl of Cleveland, this is a surprise. Are you here to make demands?"

  I shook my head, "I explained to Brother James that I am here to introduce you to the Earl of Chester. This is a peaceful visit. Our men are still in England."

  His eyes narrowed, "But you have men with you."

  "Of course. We scour the northern lands to rid the country of brigands and outlaws, rebels and invaders." I smiled, "As you know there are many such creatures who lurk in the dark places."

  "And that is all? Then you return to England?"

  "Of course, as we told the Earl of Galloway, this will be a regular event. It should alarm no one. You have my word that we will not try to take any part of Scotland. We are here to protect King Henry's lands only."

  "You have spoken with the Earl of Galloway?" He seemed surprised.

  "There was a misunderstanding. He and his men crossed the border and we had a skirmish. It was resolved and it has not broken the peace. I am an understanding lord and the Earl knows that. However should another incursion occur then my patience would be tested," I smiled, "You understand?"

  "Perfectly and as you have given your word in these holy and sanctified grounds then I know you will keep it." He made the sign of the cross over us both, "Go with God. Perhaps you have brought peace."

  As we headed back to the forest the Earl of Chester laughed. "I can see why the King puts so much faith in you. Did you learn such skills in Constantinople?"

  "It was where my education began but I have learned from those around me. Sometimes you do not need to fight. At other times you do. You choose your battles."

  "And that is why you do not lose. Perhaps we can return home already. The King of Scotland will receive the message and I believe you convinced the Prior."

  "No, we shall have to fight again. We go to the part of the land which is the most contentious. The Scots believe that Norham lies in their country. They have seen how valuable the castle is. Between here and the castle the forests are filled with those who wish harm to England. Warn your men to be alert. I hope we shall not have to fight but I expect that we shall."

  Sir Edward and Sir Hugh had made sure that we had a well defended camp. I summoned Dick to speak with us. "Tomorrow we head for Norham. Send your archers out in pairs. We will travel slowly. I wish to know if there are any outlaws hiding here yet."

  "Aye, my lord. We will leave before dawn."

  I sent Sir Tristan and Sir Harold ahead to Norham to warn Sir Roger of our imminent arrival. The farms we passed were all shut and we received no welcome. Any armed man was a danger on the border. I did not blame them although the Earl of Chester was somewhat put out. I tried to explain the situation to him, "You have to remember, my lord, that here there are no large numbers of knights to come to their aid. Here it is Sir Roger with his handful of men. They cannot do as we do."

  "This is why you have come with such a large force."

  "This is not large. The last time we came here we faced many hundreds. Berwick has a large garrison. The Earl of Galashiels also has many men and I have heard that he wishes for glory in battle."

  "How do you know that?"

  Sir Hugh was riding close behind us, "Sir Hugh here listens to the travellers who pass through Hexham. He keeps a fine table and merchants and priests gossip. If Sir Hugh of Hexham says that the Earl of Galashiels wishes for glory then it will be so."

  The Earl reflected for a moment and then nodded. "Our slow progress allows him to close with us."

  "And we fight on ground of out choosing, in England, so that we do not break the peace. The Earl of Galashiels is a cousin of the de Vere family."

  "Did you know that before we fought Sir Richard?"

  "I did and that was why I wished him to walk away. I wanted him to ride to his cousin and tell him. His death achieves the same object but it has created complications."

  The trail, for it was not cobbled, wound its way through the forests close to Yetholm. My men's vigilance had made the men of Chester wary too. I had no doubt that there were men watching us. They would be outlaws, poachers and brigands. Dick and his archers would have discovered some already. I had no doubt that they would have slain them but there would be others that they missed. The forest was large. We were, however, too big a mouthful for any but an army to challenge.

  Fate sometimes threw morsels your way when you least expect them. Dick and his scouts were returning and they flushed out ten outlaws who had been hiding close by. They suddenly found themselves surrounded by men at arms with spears at their throats. They did not even have time to knock an arrow. One foolish brigand who tried to flee found himself dead with a spear in his back.

  I dismounted, "Which is the leader?"

  One of them pointed to the dead outlaw, "Aelric of Rothbury."

  "You know that these forests belong to the King and none may take either game or wood without the permission of his lord of the manor." They nodded and hung their heads. "And you know the punishment?"

  The man who had spoken to me said, "The loss of a hand or an eye, my lord?"

  "Just so." I saw that they were resigned to their fate. I had intended to take their bow fingers but I realised that they were young. None were older than William. The dead outlaw, Aelric, had been much older. "However you may yet live whole. Answer me some questions satisfactorily and I may be merciful."
I saw them brighten. "What is your name?"

  "Ralph of Etal, my lord."

  "And how came you to be here?"

  "My family were taken by the Scots when I had seen but eight summers. My father had sent me to hide. Aelric took me in."

  "Then, Ralph of Etal, you shall speak for your fellows. Firstly how many more are there in your band?"

  "Ten, my lord."

  I looked at Dick, "How many have you accounted for?"

  "Eight, my lord. They resisted."

  "Good, you speak the truth then. Secondly if you had the chance for service would you take it?"

  "With you, my lord?"

  "Perhaps."

  "Aye!" This time they all spoke. I noticed how emaciated they all appeared. Aelric had not been a good leader. He had not fed his men.

  "If Dick, my captain of archers, tells me that you have the makings of archers then I will take you into my service." I pointed to them, "Dick, they are in your charge."

  "Aye, my lord." He gestured to his own men, "We grew up in the greenwood and know all the tricks. Behave and you too shall wear the same livery as us and eat well. Now follow us."

  He led them up the trail. Ranulf, Earl of Chester said, "Is it not a risk taking on men you do not know?"

  "It is but Dick is a good judge of men and besides, these are bound for my manor on the Loir. They will be far from home. Leofric needs all the archers he can get and that means English bow men and English war bows."

  Our new recruits were called into action almost immediately. We were four miles from Norham and I was just congratulating myself on a relatively safe patrol which had kept the frontier quiet when Dick and his men galloped and ran towards us. "My lord there are Scots between us and Norham. Sir Tristan and Sir Harold are retreating towards the castle."

  "Earl, take your men and ride due east for two miles and then head north. You should be able to reinforce Norham and my knights." He and his men galloped off. I had fifty men at arms left to me. "Dick, how many are there?"