The King Is Dead

by Griff Hosker

  I went to speak with Elise, Philippe and old Raymond. They were in the kitchen. I waved away the other servants and left William to guard the door. "Trouble is coming here and coming soon. I fear we will be attacked." I looked at Raymond. "I would have you and your son's wife safe and far from here. I wish you to go to safety."

  The old man nodded, "I have lived here all my life, lord. My wife and my dead children are buried here. The lord I served is dead. I will not leave here. I may die but I shall rest with my family. I can wave my sword at them. Mayhap they waste a blow on an old man who has lived a full life. Elise can leave but I shall refuse to obey you in this, lord."

  He reminded me so much of Osric and my father's oathsworn. "Very well. Elise where..."

  She smiled and interrupted me, "My lord it is kind of you to think of me but this is my home too. If it falls and my husband dies then I have no life. If it does not fall then I wish to be here. Do not make me go. I am not made of straw. Besides we have King Henry's Champion to defend us; we will not fall."

  Philippe took his wife's hand and smiled, "I am sorry, lord, we are disobedient are we not?"

  "No, you do just what my people would do in England. I wish every man and boy arming. If they can use a sword good; if a bow, excellent, if neither then a slingshot. We teach our enemies the dangers of trying to take this castle."

  Chapter 18

  Once again we left before dawn and I took Hunter. He needed the exercise and Scout needed the rest. We galloped so fast that Sir Thurstan could not ask the thousand questions which were racing around inside his head. We rode so swiftly that we reached it in half a day. Leaving the horses with the squires I took Sir Thurstan to the Count. He was in his court hearing cases. As soon as he saw me and my face he dismissed the litigants. "What is Earl? Trouble?"

  "Yes, my lord. I need to speak with you and the Empress in private."

  "Of course."

  The Empress was with her ladies in waiting and her children. They were playing. The Count smiled, "Margaret could you and Judith take the children, the Earl needs our counsel."

  When we were alone I began. "Sir Guy de Senonches is part of a plot with the King of France, the Counts of Flanders and Aachen and the men of Aquitaine." As soon as I mentioned the duchy to the south I saw that I had their attention. "The plan, which we have through a spy the King captured, is to attack me and, when help is sent columns of men will capture key towns in Bois, Normandy and Anjou."

  The Count looked perplexed. "Then what can we do?"

  "You will do nothing, my lord, save wait within your walls for the men who will come to capture an easy target. They will not come expecting a long siege but a quick attack which will bring them Angers. Once they have departed then you can chase them back over the border."

  The Count nodded and I saw relief on his face.

  "The King sent me here to warn you, Count. There is no enmity."

  "I know. I will have to reflect upon my actions."

  The Empress said, "But you are missing the point, my husband, what of the Earl here? He will be besieged. His manor is small."

  Realisation dawned on the young Count. "Are you prepared?"

  "I am. I have no doubt that this has been planned well. When Senonches raided the north of England he was there for some time before he attacked. I expect that he has scouted well. He will expect a garrison of no more than twenty with my twenty on top. What he does not know is that I brought, from England, another twenty."

  The Empress shook her head. "That is still not enough."

  "But, my wife, we cannot spare my men, our borders are threatened. We need every man we can get to defend our County."

  "I will not take the men of Anjou. I would not leave this border so exposed."

  The Empress suddenly said, "Alfraed, take the Swabians. With those at your side you will give this Frenchman a shock."

  "But they are your bodyguard!"

  "And they are your brothers. I insist."

  I nodded, "When I am attacked I will send a boat to you. That is not a cry for help but to warn you of the imminent attack. The Earl of Gloucester has a battle of horsemen. He will plug any gaps in our defences. If the line holds then he will come to my aid."

  The Empress came and kissed me on the cheek, "Go with God."

  The Count clasped my arm, "Have courage my friend," then he laughed, "what a foolish thing to say. You always have courage; have luck and this will be a tale to warm my sons on a cold winter's night."

  It did not take Rolf and his Swabians long to assemble and we rode north as fast as we could. I gave the details of the plot and my plan as we headed back to my castle. The Swabians were an advantage I had not anticipated. They were veterans all. "But if they are just brigands and bandits then we have nothing to fear."

  "I don't believe they are. When he was in the north of my land over two thirds of his army were seasoned men at arms and knights. I believe this one will be too. If he hopes to draw the King and the Count of Anjou to my aid then he will need a large army. I think the bandits and the brigands will swell the numbers but its heart will be mercenaries."

  My castle was full of activity. Tents dotted the land south of the bridge in preparation for an exodus from the town. I saw wagons bringing in barrels to be filled from the river. Wulfric had placed sentries on the bridge to the south. From now on it would never be unguarded. The castle servants were emptying rooms to accommodate both supplies and soldiers. As soon as Dick sent us word I would send them to safety south of the river.

  Rolf showed his worth when he cast his eye over the northern gate. That would be where they would be most likely to attack. The east and west gates were protected a little by the river. Rolf shook his head when he saw the northern gate. "There is just a ditch. This needs the river diverting around the northern side. It will give you protection. The gate is not high enough!"

  I knew he was right. I suppose I had seen the problem but chosen to ignore it. "What can we do about it now?"

  He strode across the drawbridge and stood looking at the gate. "Simple. Lift the drawbridge and attach it by long nails to the other gate. You will have double protection."

  "And have visitors use the east and west gates...."

  "No. I would do the same with the western one. Leave the bridge gate only. You do not need more than one entrance and exit. The bridge gate is the one you will have to use to support the bridge."

  It made sense. I saw Wulfric nodding. My sergeant at arms added, "I would demolish those houses there, my lord." He pointed to a half dozen crudely made daub and wattle huts. They had not been planned. I guessed that with prosperity immigrants had taken the opportunity to take the land that no one else wanted.

  "Do it. Tell them that they may build their houses south of the river. If they complain..."

  Wulfric laughed, "They will not complain!"

  It was an inconvenience just to have one entrance and exit but it meant that we could make the bridge gate our strong point. I had my men add extra planks to both sides of the gate. If our enemies built a ram it would make it hard to break.

  While my orders were carried out I went with William to ride along the road and see the castle the way that de Senonches would. With just this one gate to worry about I could concentrate my efforts here. He would not need to take down trees close to me for his ram; there were many in the forests through which he had travelled. I was riding Scout and I must have stayed still for too long for he began to stamp his feet. They clattered on the cobbles.

  I shouted, "Griff of Gwent, bring five men and some old spears."

  Handing my reins to William I dismounted. I knelt and was touching the cobbles when Griff raced up. "What is it my lord?"

  I pointed to the old cobbles. They had probably been laid by the Romans. "I want you to take out a two lines of cobbles every six paces. Put the cobbles back in the castle. I would not have them used as missiles against us. We can use them."

  "But why, father?"

  I t
urned to William, "If they bring a ram, the wheels will sink into the road. They will not be able to move quickly and they will not be able to get up to speed."

  Griff of Gwent laughed, "My God sir, but you are a thinker. That will work."

  "And when you have done that find some pig grease and have it in pails. When we know the enemy are coming I want it spreading on the rest of the cobbles."

  "Aye, my lord."

  "And then do the same for the northern gate. They may try to use a ram there."

  While they worked I looked up at the walls and the towers. They were not high enough. I walked over to the ditch. The bottom had been cleared and there were a few traps but not enough. I walked over the bridge and down the side of the wall. It was not wide enough for a ladder and men would struggle to stand there.

  "William, go into the castle and find some men. I want a chain of pails and this ditch soaking with water."

  "We cannot fill it, my lord."

  "I know. I want it muddy and soggy. If they use ladders I want them to sink into the mud. And have the men dig holes at irregular intervals. I want it as uneven as possible."

  He dropped the reins of Scout and trotted back into the castle. I mounted Scout and headed north towards the forest. It was a mile away. When I reached the eaves I turned. I could not tell that there was no drawbridge down. It looked like the gate was merely closed. He would expect that and he would waste time getting to the northern gate. How could I use that? The keep had been built off centre and was close to the road which led to the bridge. The north eastern tower was also higher than the wall. If I put my archers there then they could protect us if we sallied out. I had an idea and, if de Senonches gave me enough time then I would put it into place.

  I was actually smiling when I went back into the castle. Leofric was there with a portly, well dressed merchant. I dismounted, "My lord this is Hugo of La Flèche." He added, almost apologetically, "As I told you I am to marry his daughter Eloise."

  I nodded as he bowed, "I hear you need two small ships which can send for help, lord?"

  "I need two messages sending yes."

  "I have the two men and boats. They will tie up close by the south gate and await your orders."

  "Thank you."

  "Can we, the men of the town, help in any way? You and Sir Leofric have done much for us and you will protect us now from harm. We would not sit idly by."

  "If you could organise your people south of the river and defend the camp then you will be aiding us for I do not doubt that a large force will try to take the castle. If you and your people are safe then we can fight with more freedom."

  "And when would you have us leave our homes?"

  "That I cannot tell you. I hope to have a few hour's notice but if you have valuables and precious goods ready to go then that would also be a help."

  By the end of the next day we were as ready as we would ever be. Dick and his eight archers had still to return and we had time. Griff of Gwent would command the archers in the absence of Dick and he had the time to arrange veterans and those who had only recently joined so that they supported each other. Arrows and spears were laid at regular intervals. We had neither bolt throwers nor mangonels but they took up space and my archers were deadlier. Those without experience were allocated somewhere to defend. We waited. Everyone would fight.

  In the mid morning, an hour so before noon, Long Tom and Gurth galloped in, "My lord, Captain Dick sent us. The army is half a day away. He and his men are following them."

  "Ride back and tell him that you are to harry them. Do not risk yourselves but harry them."

  They turned and rode away. Rolf appeared at my side, "So it begins."

  "Aye. William, take the two scrolls I wrote and give them to the waiting boatmen."

  "Aye, my lord."

  "Leofric tell Hugo and the townspeople they should leave now."

  "Yes, lord."

  "Griff of Gwent, use the pig grease."

  Philippe was waiting in the bailey when I descended, "Have your wife organise a meal. Men fight better on a full stomach."

  "Aye, lord and Eloise is keen to be part of the defence. This is our home and we shall defend it!"

  When they had all gone and there was just Rolf left I explained to him my plan. I had already told Wulfric and Leofric what would be happening.

  "That might just work, Alfraed and is worth the risk. I will ready my men at arms."

  Sir Thurstan came hurrying over. "It starts then, lord?"

  "It does and I have an important task for you."

  "Whatever it is I shall do it."

  "I want you and your men at arms with William and my standard at the north gate. I want you to make the enemy attack."

  "Is that all? I thought I would be doing some great deed worthy of a song from a troubadour."

  I laughed, "That is the work of fantasy and fiction. This is real life. You hold their attention so that we can charge their flank."

  "I could do that!"

  I shook my head, "This is not a place to learn. There will come a time when you will charge knee to knee but this is not that day. I need men who have charged before and know how I fight. You do not. You will win the battle if you and my son draw the enemy to you." He looked crestfallen. "Your time will come and you are young. I would not write a letter to your uncle telling him of your death in your first battle."

  Griff of Gwent was grinning when he returned to the castle. "They will find it hard to keep their feet my lord, James the Short ended up on his arse! That pig grease is slippery!"

  When William returned I sent him with my banner to the north gate. "Remember you are to keep the attention of de Senonches. He will remember my banner and, I hope you. Feel free to annoy him. He may talk with you; if he does then continue to irritate him. You know by now what to do."

  "Aye, I have watched you enough."

  "And Sir Thurstan is new to this. Be understanding."

  "Aye I will and... father?"

  "Yes?"

  "Be careful. I have much yet to learn from you."

  I nodded, "I will live a while longer."

  I heard the hooves of the horses clattering in the bailey. Wulfric held the reins of Hunter. This was a day for a warhorse. I stood at the north gate peering towards the forest. Dick had done well. The eight archers hurtled down the road towards the bridge. That was deliberate. He and his men would cross the bridge and then return to the castle on foot. Ralph of Wales shouted, "Slow down Dick!" It would not do to have the horses slip and show the enemy that we had sabotaged the road. Dick waved and they slowed to a walk.

  I waited until the horde emerged from the forest. A horde was the correct term for they spilled out like ants from a nest. There appeared to be no order. Yet that was an illusion. De Senonches had used his outlaws and brigands to pursue Dick. The banners and the mailed men followed. It was a larger force that I might have anticipated. It was clear to see that many men had been attracted by the potential booty from the heart of Anjou.

  The disordered rabble hurtled towards the ditch but I ignored them. If they came too close then Griff and the archers on the gate would slay them. I was more concerned with the knights and the banners. When the first six men to near the ditch had been slain the others fell back out of bow range. Then I saw a discussion amongst the banners.

  "Sir Thurstan, let me know if they move towards the walls."

  "I will, Earl." We had deliberately placed few men on the walls. If I could make them overconfident they might attack and if they did then we might win the first skirmish.

  I descended the steps and mounted Hunter. Rolf and his Swabians, Sir Leofric and Wulfric were there already. I turned to the men at arms. "Remember, we do not ride on the road. We ride on the side. The cobbles are a death trap. Let the enemy die and not us! When I order retreat fall back as quickly as we can. You are not here to die; you are here to make them bleed."

  "My lord, they come!" I heard Sir Thurstan's voice. Sir Guy had taken the
bait and was hoping to strike my gate before we were ready.

  I led my men, silently out of the eastern gate, the bridge gate. Here Wulfric had placed half of the men at arms of Sir Leofric and four of my best men at arms. The bridge itself was guarded by the rest of Sir Leofric's men and his archers. They had made spiked barriers across the road to prevent a charge. At the foot of the bridge waited two boats to take them across the river if things went awry; I hoped they would not.

  Sir Guy would see two banners, a knight, two squires, four men at arms and four archers on the north wall. The archers in the north tower brought the number he could see up to nineteen. He could easily defeat that number. We moved, carefully on the ground to the east of the treacherous road. There were twenty five of us. Not a huge force but a carefully honed one. We waited, hidden by the north tower. We were reliant upon Griff of Gwent giving us the signal to attack.

  We had formed two lines; one of twelve and the other of thirteen. Each of us held a lance. The timing of the charge towards the enemy's left flank was crucial. When we appeared we would have just forty paces to get up to speed and attack them before they could adjust their lines to meet our attack. I saw arrows being loosed. With just twelve archers it was hardly an arrow storm but it would keep their attention. Suddenly Griff of Gwent shouted, "Now, my lord!"

  We walked across the slippery road and then began to trot across the ground which had recently been the site of the houses we had demolished. It was firm and I spurred Hunter on. He leapt forward and our front line arrowed towards the mass of humanity which was rushing towards the wall and the ditch. Even as we charged I could see that had crudely made ladders and improvised shields made of bound willow. They had been busy in the forest. My enemy was thoughtful. They had not seen us for they were trying to protect themselves from the arrows and slingshots which were cascading among them.

  I saw that there were mounted men at arms and two knights on the left flank of the French. I pulled Hunter's head around a fraction and began to lower my lance. They were forty paces from us and Hunter was moving like a colt. We were unseen; invisible. The Swabians, led by Rolf, were the first to strike. They hit the six men at arms who were too slow to react. Rolf and his men had big horses and their mail was the best we had. One of the French men at arm's horses was knocked over, throwing its rider. Their lances took the rest.