Kingmaker (The Anarchy Book 12)

by Griff Hosker

  "No, John. I would speak with you." I sat with him and broke off a piece of bread. It was still warm. I took my knife and I smeared butter upon it. We ate silently and then John poured me some ale. I had told him some of our news the previous night and now I gave him the rest.

  "I believe, John, that we have an alliance with the Scots. I hope that this one brings better results than the one negotiated by the Empress." His eyes widened. "I do not criticise the Empress but it did not bring us peace did it?"

  John and his men had come to me as a result of the treachery of the first peace, "No lord."

  "If we have peace then we can ignite the fires of rebellion against the Usurper but we have lost many men."

  He nodded, "We have enough to guard our walls and we can withstand a determined siege, lord, but I would be loath to take them south. Stephen has many more men than we do. There is a difference between holding on to what you have and retaking what you do not."

  He was a wise old soldier. "Then we need to hire more soldiers and train the fyrd to a higher standard. If we go to war I would strip the whole garrison. That would include you."

  "You would take old men, my lord?"

  "I need experience. I wish that I did not but we both know that we have little choice in the matter."

  "At least the men we will take have armour and weapons which are the equal of any in the land. Our men at arms are armed as knights."

  We talked of men who might become sergeants at arms. I knew the value of leaders on the field. Men like Ralph of Nottingham led men. Giving them rank just confirmed the nature of their leadership.

  Sir Gilles joined us as light seeped into the guard room. "You are risen early, my lord."

  John stood, "You have given me much to think on Earl. I had best be about my duties."

  I gestured to the seat and Gilles sat as John left us. Like John I had given Gilles the bare bones the previous night and I told him all and my plans. "Young Henry will have his men trained soon, lord. This is good timing."

  "The time is not right yet for Henry but if he is here then I can oversee the final preparations. We need another year to make up our numbers. I have a mind to bring Sir Leofric and his men over. Anjou is quiet."

  "They would be a valuable addition."

  "And I would give you Norton."

  "Me lord?"

  "Who else could have it? Richard?"

  He looked up at the roof of the guardroom. "I had thought to stay here a little longer lord."

  I smiled, "You are afraid to lead." His eyes showed surprise. "Oh I know you can lead men in battle but you fear leading people in peace." He nodded. "You have Mary. She is wise and she knows how to lead people. She watched her parents do that for years. Besides Norton needs a woman as well as a knight. Erre and his Varangians were gruff old men. Norton is a place to be defended. You need to make it a place in which to live. It may never be the fortress which Stockton is but it could be as prosperous as my burgh with the right leader."

  "And I am that leader?"

  "You are and we both know it."

  He nodded. "Then I will accept." He smiled, “And it seems the right time. Mary and the women have finished the tapestry. She would have mentioned it last night but you seemed preoccupied. It is ready to be revealed and hung."

  "Good. As my father might have said, this is wyrd."

  Chapter 18

  The tapestry, considering it had been something created to stop Mary feeling sad, was a magnificent piece of work. Sir Gilles was clearly St. George and the expensive silken threads with their vibrant colours had made it come alive. Alice had had servants prepare the wall in my Great Hall so that it would cover the cold north wall. It made the room brighter as soon as it was unrolled. Everyone was pleased with it. I sent for Sir John and Sir Harold and Sir Tristan. Their castles were close and I wanted them to see the work. I also wished to make my announcement.

  Sir Gilles had told Mary of my decision. I think he was surprised by her reaction. She was overjoyed. I knew why. She was a wife and soon to be a mother. She wanted her own nest and she had her own ideas about her home. She had hugged me. "You are a truly good man, lord."

  When my knights arrived, with their wives and young children, they were equally impressed by the tapestry. Mary's sketch had captured the movement of horse and rider. Her imagination had created a dragon so fierce that Sir Harold's young daughter hid behind her mother in fear. The young boys laughed.

  "And I have more news. Sir Gilles is to be lord of the manor of Norton." They cheered and John and Harold patted him on the back. I saw an envious look on Richard's face. His eye caught mine and I nodded. Soon he would be knighted and then he, too, would have his own manor. Already I had Thorpe in mind for him. "And there is more. I have spoken with King David and I have his word that there will be peace. More than that I have his promise to use his warriors to serve under Henry FitzEmpress and retake England from the Usurper."

  This was even greater tidings. Harold and John could see the implications immediately. "Then the war might be over sooner, lord?"

  "I hope so, Sir Harold. We need Henry in England and he needs to meet with the King of Scotland but I am hopeful."

  Sometimes the fates hear our words. I know it is not a Christian idea but I believe there is something of the pagan deep in the heart of everyone. Even as the words hung in the air I heard, from my castle walls, the cry, "Sail, ho! It is the 'Adela'!"

  My captain had returned and soon I would have news. "Come let us go to the quay and greet my captain! Hopefully he brings men and news."

  I could see that both ships were laden as they tacked up the river. It seemed to take them forever to do so. I saw the heads of strangers lining both decks. Sir Leofric had sent more men and that was timely. William of Kingston stood at the rudder and, as they approached I looked for a sign of news. Ominously he had a frown upon his face. As the ship was secured he was the first ashore. He was handed a small chest by his ship's boy and he hurried across to me. He bowed, "Lord I bring grave news from Anjou and letters from the Empress and Henry FitzEmpress. I came as soon as I could."

  There was something in his words which disturbed me. I turned to John my Steward, "See to the unloading. Knights and squires come with me."

  I took the chest from William and we hurried through my gates and into my castle. "Richard, close the doors. Tell Leopold to admit no one."

  I opened the chest and took out the two letters. "What is the grave news?"

  "The letters should explain all, lord."

  "And I would hear from your lips. Tell, for the delay in reading the missives will not hurt."

  He sighed, "Henry FitzEmpress sailed three months since for Chester. He intends to wrest the crown from Stephen the Usurper."

  Sir Harold could not contain himself, "What? Is he mad?" He saw my look and bowed, "I am sorry my lord. He is the future king and I should know better but why would he do such a thing?"

  "I know not." I took the two letters which lay within the box. I laid Henry's to one side. I did not want to read his words yet. They would not bring me joy. Instead I opened the one from the Empress. It was brief and to the point.

  Rouen,

  My Earl Cleveland,

  My son has had a letter from Ranulf Earl of Chester. He has advised my son that England is ripe for his return. I tried to dissuade him but his new warriors and knights encouraged him. I write this letter in the hope that it reaches you in time and that you can prevent a disaster from overtaking us. I would that his father had advised him better but since the wound he has not been himself. I fear for his health.

  You are our only hope. I pray to God that this reaches you in time and that you are able to stop my son from doing something stupid.

  Your friend,

  Maud

  I folded it up and put it in the chest. It was with a heavy heart that I opened the second one. I recognised his large strokes.

  Rouen,

  Warlord,

  I have rece
ived hopeful news. Ranulf the Earl of Chester has written to me. He is gathering an army to oppose Stephen. He has urged me to join him. I have used the money I captured from Flanders and engaged ships and hired more men. We sail for England. I hope that you receive this in time and that you can join us.

  I will wait at Chester until the start of June and then we march on Lincoln.

  Henry FitzEmpress.

  "What is the date?"

  "What, my lord?"

  "The date, Sir Gilles, what is the date?"

  "Today is the last day of May!"

  I closed my eyes. We would be too late. Even as despair filled my heart I resolved to do all that I could. "Richard ride to Sir Wulfric, Sir Gilles of Normanby and Sir Tristan. I need them and as many men as they can muster. They will meet me at Piercebridge. James ride to Sir Phillip and tell him that we are to head west and I will need some of Sir Hugh's men too."

  As the two squires ran off Sir John asked, "What does the Prince say, lord?"

  "He intends to march on Lincoln at the beginning of June."

  "Tomorrow."

  "Aye tomorrow. All that I have done could be undone by this single act of recklessness. Curse Ranulf of Chester!" I paused. Losing my temper was not going to get me anywhere. I turned to William of Kingston. "William, when you docked were others aware of the prince's intentions?"

  He nodded, "Aye lord. Even before Sir Leofric told me I knew for it was gossip amongst the captains on the river. All knew that Henry FitzEmpress had left for England to reclaim his throne."

  "Then Stephen will know. The sea crossing to London is shorter than that to Chester. I fear that the Usurper will be waiting before they can reach Lincoln. Send for Aiden. I need my scout this day." Sir John went to the door to summon a guard. When he returned I said, "You two must prepare your men. I will take half of the new men and leave the rest to guard my castle. John of Craven I leave you as castellan. I know I ask much of you but go and choose the best of the men to come with me and then I want every horse we can muster."

  He smiled, "I would come with you if you asked, lord."

  I nodded, "I know but we do not go to fight the battle for England; we ride to rescue the future king."

  "We are well provided with horses. Each rider can have a spare."

  "We will not take our warhorses. The long ride would break them and this ill news means that there will come a time when we have to wrest the crown from Stephen's fingers. Then we shall need our horses. Tell Alf I wish to see him, John."

  "Aye lord."

  John, my steward, stood close by. "Will you need servants, lord?"

  Shaking my head I said, "No. We ride hard and sleep by the road. Already we may be too late. We cannot leave before the morrow and it will take two days to reach them; when we know where they are."

  Aiden arrived. His calm face gave me hope. Henry might be reckless but my men were not. "Aiden, Henry FitzEmpress has landed at Chester and is heading for Lincoln. I fear that Stephen will reach him and bring him to battle. I leave with my army tomorrow. We go from Piercebridge. I intend to head south down the Roman Road and then try to intercept Stephen. You must find both Henry and the Usurper."

  He nodded, "I will, lord." He smiled, "Do not fear, lord; I will find them and you will defeat them."

  He made it sound so simple and yet I knew that it was not. My knights and squires hurried away for they had much to do. I took out the maps I had of the land. I was heading into country which was not as familiar to me. Much of it was empty until we reached the Mersey. There were many places an army could hide. The safest route for Henry would be through Cheshire and the lands controlled by Ranulf. How quickly could he move?

  Alf's arrival brought an end to my speculative thoughts. "I have to leave the valley and the town, Alf. I shall have to take most of the men."

  He nodded, "The word has spread through the town, lord. Fear not. Your new peace with the Scots makes us safer and it is time we learned to defend what we have. Ethelred and I have made sure that the fyrd practices each Sunday after church and those who went with you north have come back eager to become warriors. It will be well."

  "I hope so Alf but Henry FitzEmpress might have undone all of our good work."

  Alf shrugged philosophically, "You do not know, lord. This might be the making of him."

  "Perhaps. I will return as soon as I can."

  He turned to go and then he said, "I almost forgot. I brought one of the boy slingers with me. He begged an audience with you."

  "A slinger?"

  "Will, son of Osbert; the one to whom you gave the sword. He waits without."

  "Bring him in then." I could do without the distraction but I knew that ignoring such requests could create resentment. Better to humour him and send him on his way.

  When he entered, I was surprised. It had been less than a month but he seemed to have grown. He wore a new leather jerkin and his sword was strapped to his side. The Scottish used shorter swords but it still seemed a little too big for him. He bowed, "My lord I would beg a boon of you."

  I hid my smile. He sounded so formal. "Speak. I will not bite."

  "The town talks of how you go to war and I would go with you, my lord."

  "I take no slingers, Will, son of Osbert."

  "No, lord, I would go as a warrior. I have practised with this sword and I would use it."

  I was about to shake my head and refuse when I had an idea. "Can you ride?"

  I saw the lie in his eyes as he said, "Aye my lord."

  I shook my head. "If you are to serve me then never tell me a lie. I ask again, can you ride?"

  He hung his head, "I have never tried, my lord."

  "That is better. I have need for someone to groom my horse and to care for my second. If you can learn to ride in a day then I will take you."

  His eyes lit up. "Then I will learn."

  I nodded. “I will send my squire to test you at sunset. If you cannot sit astride a horse and ride around the outer bailey then you cannot come." I waved a hand to dismiss him.

  "That was kindly done, lord."

  "I saw something in his eyes. He deserves the chance."

  Alf nodded, "I will teach him myself. I have a pony that is gentle." He laughed, "I suspect he is in for some pain. He will be sleeping on his front this night."

  The day passed in a blur. Richard arrived back with the news that my knights had begun to mobilise and would be at Piercebridge at the appointed time. "Good. When you have eaten find Will, son of Osbert. He wishes to come with us. I told him he had to show you that he could ride. Be honest with him. If he cannot ride then tell him so."

  "But why do you need him, lord?"

  "I do not, yet, but when you are knighted I will need a squire. This will help me to see if he has skills. You, too, will need to find a squire. Keep your eyes open."

  "Aye lord. I learn each day I am with you."

  After he had gone I wished that Henry had learned more from me.

  We had two hundred men as we headed south. I had gleaned the rough numbers of Henry's forces from William of Kingston but as it was gleaned half from gossip and half from the size of the ships which had taken them I was not certain of its accuracy. It ranged between four hundred and six hundred men. Either way it was not enough to bring Stephen to battle. The Earl of Chester had men. I knew that he could field five hundred decently armed men and knights with a healthy sprinkling of archers. The men I would trust but their leader? We rode quickly. I did not fear any of Stephen's forces in the north. He would have sent for the best and I had beaten them too many times to worry. We passed Arncliffe and the field looked peaceful. How many had died there and for what?

  Wulfric rode next to me. Richard rode at the rear of my men at arms with Will son of Osbert. The boy had proved he could ride and now Richard was instructing him in his duties. Wulfric looked at the sky. "The weather has cleared for us, lord. We should make the Lincoln road in two days."

  "Aye but where on the Lincoln Roa
d? Aiden has to find them and then find us."

  Wulfric laughed, "I have no doubts about either of those outcomes, lord. He will find them and he is like a hound; he can find his master easy enough." He leaned forward to stroke his horse's mane. "My worry, lord, is what we do when we find Stephen. He will have more than a thousand men. We both know that."

  "I would say nearer to two thousand, perhaps. If he knows that Henry is in England he can end the threat in an instant. With Henry captured we could do nothing. I just hope to use surprise and guile rather than brute force."

  We camped that night by the village of Goodshaw. We had covered more than half of the journey. We had heard nothing from Aiden but I had not expected news yet. We were still well placed to either head for Chester or Lincoln. Both would be within a day's ride of us. Our horses had done well. We had all changed horses many times during the day. It had meant we could ride quickly. As we camped and ate cold rations I gathered my knights around me. I had more knights than I had had for a while for Sir Phillip and Sir Hugh were with me. It also meant that I was well endowed with archers.

  "I know not what we shall meet when we find Stephen. I will rely on you all to do that which you have done before. None of you are foolish and none are reckless."

  Wulfric asked, "And what is our object lord? Do we try to defeat Stephen?"

  "Would that I could say yes but I cannot. Our only aim is to extricate Henry FitzEmpress from this trap. It is a harsh thing to say but I do not mind if we lose the rest of his men so long as he is safe. We head back to Stockton when that is done." I turned to Dick and Sir Phillip. "You two are my secret weapon. I know not how I will use your men so when we sight the enemy stay close to me."

  "Aye lord. We have plenty of arrows."

  "It may be we use other skills, Dick."

  I knew that I was being enigmatic but I had an idea in my head. I knew not where it came from but I saw a way to wrest the advantage from Stephen. It all depended upon Aiden. My eyes would be burned raw seeking sight of him.