by Griff Hosker
"It is sixty miles upriver. We can ride that in half a day, perhaps a little longer. The ship would have taken at least a day." I held my finger up to the air. "See how the wind is against us. This is better. We can see something of the land. I have not been here since King Henry was on the throne or at least not in peace. I was usually looking for ambush. I shall enjoy this ride."
And the journey was pleasant. We were so well armed and in such numbers that I think we could have travelled with enemies about us but we were greeted with warmth from the Normans. My son's surcoat was similar enough to mine for us to be welcomed. Here it was my son who was the hero and not me. We still had twenty miles to go and I turned in my saddle to look at the men who followed my squires.
Every group of men at arms had their own informal leader. With mine it had been Edward and then Wulfric. Now Edgar led the men at arms back in Stockton. I waved forward Ralph of Nottingham; he had been the one to organize the men. He was a tall man and younger than some of the other men at arms who now bowed to his authority. They spoke well of him. "Tell me, Ralph of Nottingham, how you ended up with Sir Leofric."
"Sir William of Burton was fighting for the Earl of Gloucester. When the Earl returned to England we stayed here. I think that Sir William hoped for a manor. When the peace came there was none." He looked a little uncomfortable and shifted in his saddle.
"You will learn, Sir Ralph, that I prefer openness and honesty from my men at arms. I do not berate for honesty."
"Sir William was a little too fond of local women. Not the ones who are happy for such attention you understand, my lord, but ladies. The Duke was not satisfied with his behaviour. He did not reward him. Sir William could not afford to pay us and he and his squire disappeared one day when we were in Rouen. We heard a rumour he took ship to the Holy Land. He owed us money."
"Us?"
"There were six of us left, my lord; all from Nottingham. We tried to get work but there was none. It was your son, Sir William, who sent us to La Flèche. He gave us coin and food. He was good to us, my lord. As soon as we met Sir Leofric I knew him for an honest knight and your name sir, well it is well respected. I am just grateful for a chance to serve a noble knight once more."
"Your lord should not have abandoned you. I fear that, unless he changes, then his nature will destroy him. The Holy Land, from what I have heard, is a treacherous enough place at the best of times."
"Aye sir. I would not fancy it myself; too hot and full of the Musselmen. Nasty they are, or so I have heard."
I nodded. Many English called Muslims, Musselmen, and they feared their cruel nature. They could never understand a religion that forbade drinking. There were many English, Norman and Angevin knights there now. It was seen as a quick way to make much money and live well.
We saw the walled town of Rouen ahead of us. The greatest town in Normandy, I had yet to visit it. I had fought in many other parts of the County but never here. My banner must have been spied from afar for, when we were a mile from its walls riders galloped out to meet us. I saw, from the banner, that it was my son, his squire and the leader of his men at arms.
I could not keep the grin from my face. I had missed my son. He was now a man grown and he had filled out. He too looked happy to see me and clasped my arm. "I am glad to see you, father! We did not expect this!"
As he turned his horse to ride next to me I said, "Henry FitzEmpress invited me over. It was quiet on the border and I wished to see you again. I was anxious to see my grandchildren."
"Ah well in that you will be disappointed. They are with my wife at my estate in Ouistreham."
"I thought that, with the war over, you would have been there with them."
He waved an airy hand around the land through which we travelled, "This is a great land for hunting and the Duke keeps a fine table. The court is here now and celebrates our great victory. You know that we have peace with France? King Louis acknowledges the Duke as rightful ruler of Normandy. Perhaps his new Crusade shows a change of heart."
"We have no victory in England and the Empress is beleaguered. It would be over if we had half the knights who hunt and enjoy the Duke's fine table."
He lowered his voice, "Do not speak like that when we are in the presence of the Duke. He will not like it."
I smiled, "You should have learned by now, William, that your father cares not whom he offends so long as he speaks the truth and does what is right."
He shook his head and laughed, "You never change. Aye I know. You might have been born in the east but you are English oak." He shrugged, "The Duke holds you in high esteem. Perhaps he will forgive you your bluntness for you are, along with the Earl of Gloucester, the two rocks on which he can depend. How long do you stay?"
"Not long. I am anxious to return to my valley. It is quiet now but it will not stay that way for long."
He turned in his saddle. "I see you found the men I sent to your manor."
"I am grateful for that. We need a large army."
"How do you afford it? We hear that Stephen controls the north."
"He thinks he does but there is a valley which resists both him and the Scots. Both enemies fear to take on the Warlord of the North."
He looked thoughtful, "Perhaps I should bring my men there. Life will become dull here soon enough."
"You would be more than welcome. You could bring your family too!"
He said, rather too quickly, "They are happy in Ouistreham. I would not disturb them." He turned to Robert of St. Michel, his sergeant at arms. "Take my father's men to my hall. There is room enough for them there and we will go to the castle."
"Aye my lord!"
As we rode through the gates our men at arms left us and we wound our way through the busy streets. I noticed sour faces amongst some of those we passed, "I take it not all those who live here were happy that Geoffrey of Anjou captured their capital."
"You are right. Some feel that Count Fulk has achieved that which he planned and Anjou has captured Normandy through the blood of Normans. It does not sit well. I am certain the presence of young Henry will change their minds. He is popular." We dismounted as we approached the gate to the castle. My son suddenly turned, "You did know that the Duke's father, King Fulk, died last year."
I shook my head, "I had not heard."
"Aye a hunting accident. Baldwin is now king there. I thought I should mention it. The Duke was much affected by the death. His father never saw what he achieved."
It was not Geoffrey, Duke of Normandy, who greeted us but Henry FitzEmpress. He had grown. The last time I had seen him he had been the same age as James. Now he was almost thirteen. He looked like someone on the threshold of manhood. I saw that he was the raw clay which could be moulded into a king. I hoped his father was taking on that responsibility.
"Earl! I am pleased you answered my letter. Gilles! Richard! You are men grown!"
They both bowed. They had helped to train Henry when he had been, briefly, my squire. "And you have grown too, my lord." Gilles spoke for them both.
"Come, when you were seen I had rooms prepared for you. The last time I shared rooms with you two did I not? Here we want for nothing!” he turned to me, “How is my mother, Earl?"
"She is in Devizes, and your uncle keeps the enemy at bay. I have seen neither for some time but I believe they are well."
"Your rescue of her across the frozen river is spoken of and sung by our troubadours. It is the stuff of legend. I wish I had been there with you!"
"It was a hard and dangerous ride. We were lucky."
"No, my lord. The Good Lord favours you."
"Where is your father? I am anxious to speak with him." I needed to persuade the Duke to help his wife by bringing soldiers to England.
Henry looked embarrassed. "He is somewhere. Robert, take the earl and his squires to their rooms. We will hold a feast for you. I will see the steward." He turned to me and his face showed neither deceit nor dishonesty as he said, "I am pleased you are here. I feel sa
fer already and when time allows I would speak with you alone."
"Of course. I am your servant."
I was intrigued. What was going on?
William nodded, "And I will see you later, father. I have a little business to conduct. Until the feast!"
I was given my own room and my squires the antechamber. The castle had been built in the time of the Conqueror and they always built well. When I had washed, and changed from my mail into one of my silken tunics I decided to take a walk around this castle which had held out for so long against Geoffrey of Anjou. I was always interested in the way castles were constructed. I was not so vain as to think that my castle was perfect. There were always ways to make it better. "Gilles you and the others can amuse yourselves before the feast. Do not let James get into any trouble!"
"Aye lord."
The castle was partly stone; there was a round keep but most of the buildings were made of wood surrounded by a stone wall. Caen had a more substantial castle but this was built for comfort. There were nooks and crannies everywhere. I heard giggling as I approached the southern bailey. There were some fruit trees which had been planted to give some shade. As I turned the corner I saw the Duke of Normandy. He was with a woman and they were kissing beneath a medlar tree.
He stood when he saw me and waved the woman away. Holding out his hand he said, "It is good to see you, Earl! Is this not great news! I am now Duke and we have peace with France! The rebellion is over! I am grateful for the part you and your son played in this. You will not be forgotten."
He seemed to be ignoring the woman who was now sitting by a stone watering trough casually running her hands through the water.
"It is not over in England, my lord, and Stephen has a son."
“His son is a shadow of his father and I do not fear him.” He shrugged. "Perhaps I will take your son and an army and conquer it but I would have some pleasure from my victory first."
There were many things I objected to in his words not least 'conquer'. If he tried to do that then I would fight him. I decided to let the matter lie for nothing good would come of it.
I waved a hand around the bailey, "You have a fine castle."
He shook his head, "This needs work! It is not fit for a Duke! When time allows I will rebuild it in stone to become the finest of palaces. So, tell me, what brings you here?"
"Your son invited me. He was keen to show me his father's new Dukedom."
"He is fond of you, Earl. He seems distant to me. Perhaps our sons were switched at birth eh?" I kept an impassive face. "We must hunt while you are here."
"Perforce my visit will be brief, my lord, but I would go hunting."
He looked over at the woman, "Excellent. I believe your son is within."
I knew I was being dismissed and I bowed. I headed for the hall where I knew I would find William. I needed words with him. As I entered I heard laughter. William was at the centre of a group of knights and squires. He was regaling them with some tale. I would have to find a quieter time to speak with him. I went to the table with the jugs of wine and poured myself a goblet. There were seats around the outside of the room while the table dominated the centre. I sat on a seat in a darkened corner of the hall. No one had noticed my arrival and I sat quietly reflecting on what I had learned. If I was honest with myself then none of it was a surprise. Geoffrey’s ambitions had always been known to me. It was just that I did not know they extended to the throne. I suppose I had always suspected that he would have women; he was fourteen years younger than Matilda and she had lived in England almost since her father had died. Yet the deception did not sit well with me.
"You are quiet Earl." I turned and saw that Henry FitzEmpress had joined me. He had a goblet of wine in his hand. "Is there aught amiss?"
There was but I did not want to discuss it. I did not like to do it but sometimes it saved further questions, "It has been a long journey and I am no longer a young man."
"The nobles all say that you never age. You are the same now as when you were young."
"Is that a good thing I wonder? Why did you invite me here? It was not just to show me the castle. We both know that."
He lowered his voice and moved closer to me. "I thought that my father fought to regain the Dukedom for me or my mother but it seems he wanted it for himself."
"You will inherit the title and the land when he dies. Are you so eager to rule? You are still young and have room to grow."
"It is not for me but my mother. It was you who saved her and now she is cornered again. My father should be preparing to sail to England and regain my mother's inheritance instead of..." he looked beyond the wall. He knew of his father’s infidelity.
I could see the dilemma for Geoffrey. If he regained the crown for Matilda then she would be his liege. I now knew Geoffrey's true intentions, "He has just won back Normandy. He should be allowed some time to enjoy it."
"You would not."
I did not answer, "What would you have of me?"
"Do as you did once before. Take me to England and teach me how to be more like you."
"What about your father?"
He shook his head, "He does not need me. I sent for you because I know the next few years will see me become a man. Every knight who has been your squire has achieved great things. Your son is the greatest knight in Normandy and by his own admission he was made by you. Sir Leofric is admired in Anjou. He has the best managed manor and is well loved. I have seen how the knights in England fare under your tutelage. Before I can be a king I need to be a knight and you will make me one."
"If your father allows then so be it but I will not cause a rift. Your mother will need his help sooner rather than later and we have few enough friends at the moment."
"Then I will seek his permission."
I was unable to talk with my son at the feast. There were too many around us. We spoke but not about what concerned me most. My squires enjoyed the company and young Henry bombarded me with questions about our escape from Oxford Castle. My son had a room close to mine and as we ascended the stair I found that we were alone. As we reached my chamber I said, "The Duke has dalliances with women?" I phrased it as a question so that he could deny it.
He smiled, "Of course he does. He is a man and he has needs. His wife is in England! Surely you understand."
I shook my head, "No I do not." A chilling thought struck me. "You do not have such needs, do you?"
His face told me all that I needed to know. I was not drunk. I had barely had a quarter of the wine the others had consumed but it made my tongue marginally less guarded. "How could you? You have a wife and children!"
"Do not lecture me. I am a lord and I answer only to the Duke."
I shook my head, "No, my son. There are others you answer to and if you do not see that then I have failed as a father."
I turned and went into my chamber. My son had changed and I had lost him.
I rose early and left the castle on my hired horse as soon as the gate was opened. I headed out into the country. I needed to ride to clear my head and my thoughts. I recognised that there was something of the hypocrite in me. I had lain with the Empress. It had been once and was not a dalliance. It was more and we both knew it. It was a sin and I had paid for that sin with the death of my wife. From what my son had said he was fulfilling an animal need and that was not Christian. I regretted ever bringing my son to Anjou all those years ago.
By the time I returned my horse was lathered but I had exorcised my demons. I could not blame my son and I could not blame the Duke. By the same token they were both lesser men in my eyes because they had given in to their carnal needs. A true knight did not do that. He dedicated himself to being a warrior who defended his people and that included his family. I had put the desire for the Empress from my mind after my one fall.
The Duke was eating in the Great Hall when I arrived. William was there as well as Henry. They turned as I entered.
"Your squires said you had risen early, my lord."
"A good ride clears a man's head and gives him an appetite, my lord." I sliced a large hunk from the ham and put it on a platter with some runny cheese and I took half a loaf of bread. Eating meant I did not need to speak.
"Henry here says that he wishes to travel with you again." I nodded. "I confess I had grown used to his company but, at the same time, I noticed he came back better for the time he spent with you and those who teach him weaponry said his skills were excellent." He smiled at Henry. “You are a great leader and you taught me well when I was a callow youth such as he.”
I swallowed the bread and washed it down with some watered wine. "He is a good learner and my men are the best of teachers."
"Then I give him to you for a year. Besides he can see his mother if he is in England. This time, however, I give him four men at arms to watch him. He is now the heir to the Dukedom!"
I said, quietly, "He is still the heir to England."
The Duke laughed, "That is a lifetime away! Stephen shows no signs of dying. Besides I may follow my father and get my own kingdom in the Holy Land. That would be something would it not? Duke of Normandy, Count of Anjou and King of Jerusalem! Tell me, will you need horses?"
"We have horses in England but if the Marquess has one he wishes to take then I can take it. I have my ship waiting in Le Havre." I knew that William would be anxious to leave and any joy I had had at meeting my son again had turned to ashes. I too wanted to go home. I needed to be with honourable men once more; my men.
The Duke nodded, "Then I will hold another feast this night and you may leave in the morning."
Chapter 3
Henry's horse was called Bucephalus. I hoped he knew what he was doing, for naming a horse after such a famous one was inviting trouble. I persuaded him to leave the horse at home. “The voyage may discomfit him and besides we have fine horses in my stable.”
Reluctantly he left the horse at Rouen but I was pleased he had his bodyguards. His four men at arms seemed to know their business. Ralph of Nottingham knew them from the campaigns against the rebels and he vouched for them. "They are four hard men, my lord. Not that clever but tell them to hold a bridge and they will. If they are asked to protect the young lord they will die before anything happens to him."