The King Is Dead

by Griff Hosker

  "It was a mêlée, my lord and hard to estimate but I would say a hundred men. Some wore mail."

  "Then you and your men wait here and follow us. We will charge. It will be a good chance to observe our new recruits."

  "And if they run?"

  "Then we will have learned their worth and will not miss them." I turned to William. "Stay close behind and keep the standard flying. It will tell our friends that we come."

  We spurred our horses to the trot. We would not have the luxury of being able to form lines and charge side by side. We would have to bowl into them. As we emerged from the trees I saw them some half a mile away. Sir Tristan and Sir Harold were using their archers to keep them back while they charged and then fell back, conroi by conroi. They knew each well and worked together. It was fortunate that they were fighting a mob. Had the Earl of Galashiels had any kind of order and control over his men then he would have used his superior numbers to surround my knights.

  My other knights, Sir Hugh of Hexham, Sir Richard of Yarm and Sir Hugh of Gainford spread out along the flanks. Sir Richard's men would need no urging; Sir Tristan was his son. We had not had time to get our lances from the supply train. We drew our swords. The thunder of our hooves alerted those at the rear to our approach. There were some men on ponies while others were on foot. The horsed warriors were at the front.

  When we were eighty paces from them I roared, "Charge! God and King Henry!"

  Those who faced us with spears tried to form a barrier. Our horses were much bigger than the ones they were used to and some of them took fright and then flight. We poured through the gaps in their lines. I brought my sword from behind me to hack into the head of the spearman who tried to face me. His spear was cleft in two and then my sword bit into his head. One of the men on a pony had a small buckler and a spear. He wheeled to face me and jabbed at my face with his spear. I pulled my head back and my shield up as I stabbed forward. His speed took him on to my sword and it tore him in two. I struggled to keep hold of the weapon as his body fell from the frightened pony.

  I heard a cheer ahead. I guessed it was the Earl of Chester and his men. "On! Get to their knights!" So far we had not damaged the best of their soldiers. The ones at the rear were the weakest. Now, however, a line of knights made for me. They came in a wedge and I saw, from his banner, that they were led by the Earl of Galashiels. He was out for revenge. With Sir Edward and Wulfric by my side I was confident.

  We approached at little more than a trot. It afforded me the time to plan a stroke. I saw that he had an axe, slightly shorter than that wielded by Wulfric. He would swing it and hope to smash my sword and then use weight to strike my armour. An axe could penetrate even good mail if it was well swung. I had seen Wulfric do it often enough. I pulled my sword behind me as he raised his axe. I saw him smile as he realised that my sword would not be able to block his blow. I, however, was already bringing my shield across my cantle. It caught the axe head before it reached my sword. It was a powerful blow which made my arm shiver with the shock but my shield held and my sword came across to bite through his surcoat and into his mail. It did not penetrate his mail but it cut deeply into it.

  Bringing my shield over brought Scout's head around too and I found myself behind the Scottish Earl. William and Wulfric would have to watch my back. My quick hands came to my rescue and I brought my blade to strike into his unprotected back. Once again it bit into his mail but I also cracked something in his back. I heard his cry. He was totally disorientated and he tried to turn to face me. I stood in my stirrups and brought my sword across his head. It smacked into the side of his helmet and he fell, stunned to the ground.

  I sensed a spear coming towards me and I leaned backwards. It tore into my surcoat and caught on my mail. The knight should have released the spear and drawn a sword but he did not. William used my standard as lance and punched him in the head. The Scottish knight fell next to his lord. When Sir Edward and Wulfric killed the other two knights I knew we had won.

  "Yield or you will all die! Lay down your weapons."

  One of the knights nodded and shouted, "We yield." He then repeated it in their own language. Their swords, shields and spears clattered to the ground. My men at arms had swords pointed at them but it was the threat of Dick and his archers which was the most compelling argument.

  I turned to William. "Thank you, my son. And you will now have ransom of your own!"

  I dismounted and handed my reins to William. The Earl was still unconscious. I took his helmet from his head. He was older than I had thought. His ventail had hidden his features. I took his sword. He had been unconscious when his men had yielded. I did not want him continuing to fight when he woke.

  "Wulfric watch him. I must go and find Sir Tristan and Sir Harold."

  I walked across the body littered field. I saw a knot of knights and they were gathered around someone. To my dismay I saw that it was Sir Tristan. He had been felled. His father knelt over him. "Is it serious, Sir Richard?"

  "He was knocked from his horse. He is out cold."

  "Then let us get him into Norham and Sir Roger's healer can aid him."

  We might have ransom and many prisoners but I would have preferred it if my knights had all survived. The lustre was taken from the glory.

  Chapter 16

  Sir Hugh organised the camp this time while the prisoners and the knights for ransom were penned. We found enough squires to send for ransom. The Earl of Galashiels had come to. My blow to his back had damaged him. He did not move well at all. The knights were taken into Norham where they could be treated with some semblance of decency. There were rules to ransom. Sir Roger's wife tried to make the Earl comfortable but he was not happy. I felt obliged to speak with him.

  "We have sent your men for ransom."

  "You'll get precious little from my family. My demesne is not a rich one like Stockton! My cousins, the de Veres have all the decent land."

  "How is your wound? My squire tells me you are troubled by your back."

  "Aye, that was a wicked blow. I cannot feel my legs, at the moment. I hope it will pass."

  "Why did you risk the peace and cross the border? It was foolish."

  He grimaced rather than smiled. "We thought we had you. When my scouts reported your vanguard were isolated we thought to take them and ambush you." He shook his head., "Your young knights have old heads. They withdrew well."

  "One of them is injured yet. They are brave and they are well trained. Had your men been better trained then who knows the outcome."

  He raised his right arm and tapped my mail. "I noticed that our blows did not tear your mail. We need arms as good as yours."

  "And they are expensive."

  He lay back and closed his eyes. I could see that he was in pain. Despite his attack I liked him. He was courageous; any man who went into battle with poor mail was brave. He opened them, "You know there is nothing to stop you invading our land. This is the fourth or fifth battle and we have yet to bloody you."

  "Neither my king nor myself wishes any more of Scotland. The problem is you are living on past glory and wish the land you had before the conqueror came. It cannot be."

  "You may be right." His eyes widened, "You are not going to make more of my incursion into your lands? We broke the treaty."

  "Had your cousin not been so foolish then this would never have happened. I hope that you and your countrymen will learn a lesson. Stay north of the border and all will be well."

  He gave a rueful smile. "As I cannot feel my legs I fear that my days of raiding are long gone. Whatever ransom my family pays will be wasted."

  I left him to his self recrimination. He was right. If his back was hurt then he could never be a knight again. I hurried to Sir Tristan. I feared for him. To my great relief he was sitting up and talking. His father grinned, "My family have hard heads, thank the lord! The helmet he bought from Alf was a wise purchase."

  Ten days later the ransoms arrived and the column of Scots crossed th
e Tweed to head home. I shared the ransoms between all of the knights, including Sir Roger. It was only right. William benefitted too and he could not believe the coins he was given. We headed south as April progressed. I had achieved all that I had hoped. Sir Hugh was much richer and he would continue to patrol from Norham to Jedburgh. The Earl of Chester had seen the wisdom of such a patrol and he initiated the same from Carlisle to Jedburgh. The border was safe. After a brief visit to the Bishop of Durham to apprise him of the events and the mind of the King I returned to Stockton. I needed to put my own house in order before I joined the King in Normandy.

  Sir John, as William teased him, had survived almost a month without me. John my steward was impressed with him as was Erre now returned to rude health. I was relieved. I could safely leave Stockton in his hands. Now that we had Ralph of Etal and the other archers I could afford to leave a couple more with John. Before they left me for their own homes I told all of my knights that they might be required in Normandy for the French war. I hoped they would not. I disliked the idea of taking them from their families to fight on foreign fields. My valley needed protection too. We had but a week in Stockton before we left. During our absence the fletchers had been busy. This time we would not run out of arrows. I also took a new set of mail. The damage to my own mail was worse than I had thought. I left it with Alf to repair. Once again I took Hunter. If he needed a spare then John could use badger. However if he had to use my war horse then it meant things had gone awry for us.

  Farther Henry blessed us as we left for York. I said my own goodbye to my wife and daughter in the church. With eighteen men at arms and twenty two archers we headed south. We took but two servants: Edward and Ethelred. They were brothers and had shown themselves to be adaptable when on campaign. We did take supplies for Leofric. I was aware that my new manor did not have the services of a good blacksmith like Alf. We took swords, helmets and mail. I had decided that I would not take Edward with me. He had lost a couple of men during the patrol. If events required it then I would send for him. If the King was unhappy then I would accept his punishment.

  The Archbishop looked to have aged since we had been away. He hurried me into his chambers. "This is a propitious visit, Alfraed. I had hoped to see you. Even now I was writing a letter to you.

  "I have been in the north on the King's business." I explained the King's plan and the threat posed by King Louis.

  The Archbishop nodded. "I thought as much. I have heard rumours from my clergy who travelled to Rome." He shrugged, "I know the Pope is no friend of England but he is my superior and I have to speak with him. I have discovered some ominous news. The French are planning an attack. In fact you might even arrive too late for it is moving on apace. The Count of Flanders and some of the nobles from the Empire are combining to form an alliance against King Henry. He is seen as old and weak. We know he is not but it is their perception. They intend to deceive the King by pretending to be rebels from Normandy. He needs to know they are not. I have written all down." He handed me a scroll. "This is for the King's eyes only. I know I can rely on you."

  He stood and went to pour us both a goblet of wine. "I also have a favour I need from you. I have a young knight with men at arms and archers. He is keen to serve the King and I trust him." He smiled. "He is my sister son. Young Thurstan was named after me. I know you will watch over him."

  Inside I groaned; the last thing I needed was a young knight to train but I smiled, "Of course, your grace. Has he been on campaign before?"

  "I am sorry, Alfraed, he has not but he is keen."

  That was the problem with churchmen; they did not understand the dangers of battle. They believed that God would protect them. Every knight felt that but in the end they relied on good mail and a fine sword. "I will do my best but the battlefield is a dangerous place."

  "I know and I realise the burden I place on you but he is desperate to serve with you. He has heard your name since he was a child. The stories of the Knight of the Empress were told him each night. He hero worships you."

  That made it worse. "I will take ship tomorrow." I smiled, "At least we have no treasure to attract pirates this time!"

  The Archbishop himself came to help me negotiate a price for passage to Le Havre. We found a merchant vessel and a captain willing to carry us. I suspect he was travelling to the region anyway and we would be paying his costs. I noticed barrels stacked close by. The wine trade was burgeoning. The peace in the heart of England meant that lords could afford to buy good wine from Aquitaine and the Loire. After we had secured the ship and Wulfric had begun to load it the Archbishop took me to meet his nephew.

  Thurstan was an affable young man. He looked to have seen twenty or so summers. His features were gentle rather than rugged. Had I not known I would have had him as a churchman. His squire, Robert, was younger than William. He had six men at arms and four archers. As a retinue it was small but archers were always valuable. The King would appreciate them. He seemed eager to please. "I am grateful for this opportunity, my lord. I will serve you well."

  The Archbishop had already mentioned that Sir Thurstan was the youngest of three boys. His armour and his men were all that he would get from his family. The Archbishop funded their upkeep. He had told me that he was willing to do so for longer as he had no children of his own but he thought it better if the young man made his own living.

  "It is a dangerous world you enter. The border wars in Normandy are fraught with danger. From what your uncle tells me if you were captured there would be no ransom."

  He smiled cheerfully, "Then I will ensure that I do not get captured."

  I heard a snort from behind me as William expressed his opinion. Without turning I said, I hope you are not catching a chill, William, I would hate to have to leave you behind."

  "Sorry, my lord."

  "We had best get aboard. The captain was keen to sail as soon as he could. Say your farewells to your uncle and let us leave." I knelt and kissed the Archbishop's ring. "I will do my best with him, your grace, but it is war."

  "I know, Alfraed, and he is in the finest of hands. God will watch over you." He made the sign of the cross over me.

  I turned and walked towards William. "Being a knight means having control over not only your weapons but your tongue. Sir Thurstan is a knight and you are a squire. Remember that!"

  "But he is so naive!"

  "Then you will have to help him become more worldly; as others did with you. John and Leofric are of an age with Sir Thurstan and they were patient with you."

  "You are right. I still have much to learn."

  "And that is why you are not ready for knighthood but you are improving."

  The goodbyes said, we walked their horses towards the river and the waiting ship. Sir Thurstan's men did not have horses. That would help us with the voyage for we would be overcrowded as it was but they would need them when we landed. I had a purse of coins from the Archbishop but that would all go on the horses when we reached Normandy.

  He gabbled as we walked. "I am so excited, my lord. I have never been abroad before. Do we go to war soon, my lord?"

  "We do not talk of war on a quayside in England. Who knows which of these idlers is a spy. When we talk of such things it is in private where no one can overhear." He looked contrite. "But I believe that we will only have a short time to make sure that you and your men know how to fight."

  "But they do, my lord!"

  "And where have they fought?"

  "Well nowhere yet but they are well trained!"

  "And none have killed a man in combat yet?" he shook his head, "And you?"

  "I fought in a tourney."

  I hid my smile. "Then I will put you under Wulfric, my sergeant at arms. He will make men of your men at arms and you."

  "A sergeant at arms?"

  "And the best warrior who follows my banner. Remember that and do not cross him! William will attest to his strength."

  "Aye Sir Thurstan; many a time I have been laid flat
on my back by a blow from Wulfric."

  "That is not how I was trained."

  I laughed, "Then your real training is about to begin." We had reached the river and Wulfric stood there shouting at the men to hurry loading the ship. "That is Wulfric and he does not suffer fools gladly!"

  With just two horses to load and the meagre supplies Sir Thurstan had with him we were soon loaded and warping away from the quayside. I know not what the young knight thought the accommodation would be like but I could see that he was disappointed when the four of us were jammed under the tiny forecastle. William said, "We are lucky, lord, for the men have to make do with a canvas shelter rigged over the sides. If we have bad weather they will be soaked."

  What he did not mention was the fact that Wulfric would take them below decks to sleep with the horses if the weather worsened. The smell was preferable to the wet. The deck would only be used when the weather was clement. We were lucky, as we headed towards the sea. The spring storms had been and gone. It was chilly but the fresh breeze promised a fast voyage.

  I took the opportunity, as we passed Kingston to explain to Wulfric the shortcomings of our new recruits. He shook his head, "One day, my lord, we will get men who do not need molly coddling!"

  "You mean like Erre?"

  "Aye, like Erre."

  "The new archers, they are to your satisfaction?"

  "Compared with these new ones they are. To be fair they seem keen and they are grateful that they are clothed and fed. Dick had the bowyer at the castle make them new bows. The war bows they used were not good enough. They will be satisfactory but these men at arms? Have we time enough?"

  "We will make time. The King gave us until summer. By the time we reach the Loir we will have one month. I want to make La Flèche as strong as possible. These new archers will help. Between you and me, Wulfric, the news I bring from the Archbishop suggests that the King may have more than just the French against him."