Return of the Knight

by Griff Hosker

  “What is it that you wish?”

  The leading squire spoke. “Our lords died and we would take their bodies back for burial.” He hesitated, “Their bodies have not been spoiled, lord, have they?”

  “We are not savages. The wounds they bear were suffered in the battle. Take them. We will burn the bodies of the common men.” I realised they were still waiting. “Was there something else?”

  “The squires who fell?”

  “Take those too but I fear you will not have enough horses with you for the dead.”

  They draped two bodies on each horse and it was a sad sight as they rode along the road with men and boys who had begun the day full of life and now lay dead. We made a pyre with the shields and bodies. As we crossed over the bridge to the castle the flames rising in the sky told the land to the north of us that we had laid down a marker. This was our land.

  To Save a Maid

  Chapter 15

  Sir Henry and Sir Richard now had more riches. The mail and the coin carried by the dead more than compensated for the lack of ransom. My archers had recovered the animals they had hunted while waiting for the French. We would eat well. As we headed back to my home, the next day, there was cheerful banter amongst my men. We had mourned our dead when we had eaten; they would not be forgotten, no dead warrior was ever forgotten, but we would not dwell on their deaths. I still heard the sadness in the voice of the French squire who had come for his master’s body. I prayed Fótr would never have to perform such a duty.

  We had captured horses. Some had been left with Sir William. The rest were stabled. Sir Henry had built a stable at the bastion and we put the new mounts there. The spare weapons and mail were cleaned and stored in the cellar of my keep. When new men arrived, they could be fitted out as warriors.

  Life settled back into a peaceful routine until July. We patrolled and we were vigilant. My married warriors enjoyed their families and my unmarried ones courted the young girls of the town. Life was normal. Despite being surrounded on all sides by our enemies, life went on much as it always had in this sleepy part of Anjou. In July that changed. Hamlin the Archer said, “Lord, a hooded man came to the town gate. He said he would speak with you. The sentry tried to persuade him to enter but he said he would not.”

  “And where is he now?”

  There was an avenue of trees just two hundred paces from the west gate. They would not afford protection to an attacker but they gave pleasant shade for those who liked to fish along the river in the summer. Hamlin pointed. I could see the horse and the rider.

  “I will go and speak with him.”

  “My lord! He could be an assassin.”

  I smiled, “Hamlin, you will be in the gate tower will you not? He is one man and if he tries anything then you could slay him with your bow. However, I think if this was a killer he would pick a better place for an attack.”

  I was mailed and I had my sword. I was not worried but I was curious. The man wanted his identity hiding from me. The hooded man kept his hands in plain view. He was no killer. As I approached I saw that he had a good palfrey. This was no common man. I saw that his boots were made of fine leather. He wore spurs and the scabbard of his sword was well decorated. He waited until I was close before he stepped behind a tree and lowered his hood. It was Guy, the squire of William des Roches.

  “My lord, I apologise for this but the Seneschal did not want it known that he was communicating with you. He has enemies who would bring him down.”

  The man was full of surprises and intrigue. “And what is it that he wishes?”

  “He wishes to meet with you.”

  “Why?”

  “There is a delicate task and only you can be trusted with it.”

  I looked into his face for any deception but I saw none. “I am the enemy of his master. The Seneschal has hundreds of knights and yet I am the one he needs. I am intrigued. Where is this meeting to take place, Angers?”

  “No, lord, the Seneschal waits just five miles down the road in the woods to the north of Bazouges sur le Loir.”

  I knew then that this must be important for him to risk coming so close to my castle. While I debated what to do I noticed that Guy was better dressed. I pointed to his spurs, “You have been knighted?”

  He smiled, “Aye lord, I was getting a little old to be a squire but his lordship had to send someone that you knew.” He paused, “And, hopefully, someone you would believe.”

  I nodded, “Someone I would trust.” He nodded. “Now that you are a knight I can ask you this; will I be safe when I meet with the Seneschal? Do you give your word?”

  He nodded, “I swear my lord, on my life, that you will come to no harm from this meeting.”

  “Then wait here while I get my horse.” I strode back to the gatehouse. I saw that Hamlin had summoned Sir Richard, Fótr, Edward, David of Wales and James Broadsword. I could not help but smile at their concern. “Fótr go and saddle Skuld and your horse. I want a plain cloak. We go in disguise. Edward, I need four men.”

  “Aye lord!” They both departed. The others looked at me expectantly. “The Seneschal wishes to meet with me. He is waiting in the woods north of Bazouges. David of Wales, I have been told I will be safe but just to make sure I am I wish you to take ten archers and ride to the woods. Stay hidden and watch. At the first sign of treachery…”

  “Aye lord.”

  Sir Richard shook his head, “This seems an unnecessary danger and risk, Sir Thomas. What have you to gain from this meeting?”

  “If I do not attend then I will never know, will I? Sometimes you have to take a risk Besides William des Roches seems to me to be the most honourable of John Lackland’s men. He could have attacked us many times but he has chosen not to. I cannot see why he needs me for this task but I will go. It will be a pleasant ride by the river.”

  James Broadsword nodded, “I will have the garrison stand to, lord. If this is a trick to lure you from the castle then we will be ready.”

  James was right to be cautious. Sir Guy had said I would come to no harm. He had said nothing about my town. The six of us met Sir Guy and rode the road west through the woods and by the river. Bazouges sur le Loir was well known to me. My patrols often passed through it. There was no castle now. It had been destroyed during the time of the wars between Count Fulk and King Henry. Its people used my market. It had been in my mind to do as I had at Le Lude and build a castle there. It was a good site and would protect us from the west.

  Edward had chosen Ridley, Robert and Henry Youngblood to come with us. They were the largest men in my retinue and all of them were proven killers. I saw the murderous looks Edward gave to Sir Guy as we rode. Until we were back in my castle their vigilance would not be relaxed.

  William des Roches had also brought a handful of men with him. There were just five men at arms waiting in the woods. They were all dressed for hunting and I saw a deer being gutted. I felt more at ease. I dismounted and handed my reins to Fótr. “Out for a day’s hunting my lord?”

  “When we return to Angers there will be no suspicion. I take a great risk in riding here today.”

  “And yet you did.”

  He put an arm around my shoulder. I saw my men stiffen. I laughed, “Relax. We are going to talk in private. I am safe.”

  William smiled, “Your men are loyal. That speaks well of you.” We sat on a felled tree. “First I will congratulate you on your defeat of the French. That was well done. Your attack on the de Ferrers retinue was less wise.”

  “They were attacking a knight and his men on the road. I was protecting them.”

  “The de Ferrers clan are a bad lot but the King favours them. You know that the King of France has summoned him to Paris to answer for his treatment of the Lusignans?”

  “I did not. Will he go?”

  The Seneschal laughed, “Of course not. Now that Prince Arthur is with the French King it is a trap.”

  “And why do you tell me?”

  “Because, Sir Thomas
, you are a clever man and you know that knowledge is power. I have come to ask you for a favour.” I cocked an eye at him. “It is not for me. In fact, I am risking the King’s anger by asking you to do this.” I nodded for I was intrigued. “Prince Arthur’s mother and sister, Eleanor, are at Seiches-sur le Loir. If King John knew where they were then he would take them as hostages. My honour dictates I cannot allow that. The only place where they will be safe is at Mirebeau with Queen Eleanor. Even King John would not risk taking them from her.”

  “And what would you have me do?”

  “Escort them to Mirebeau.”

  “Are you mad? I would have to pass Tours and Chinon. It is almost eighty miles. It is impossible! Why me?”

  He smiled, “A number of reasons. Firstly, you are loyal to Prince Arthur and you are the only hope for his mother and sister. Secondly, I cannot do it for it would be the end of my time as Seneschal and, as you know, I do not make war on you. My replacement might decide to eradicate the annoyance. Thirdly, Duchess Constance asked for you.”

  “She asked for me? The last time we spoke it was as though I was the dirt beneath her feet!”

  “She has come to reassess her opinion, Sir Thomas. She trusts you. She trusts me too which is why she came to us.”

  I nodded. I could not refuse. When I had sworn to help Prince Arthur, that had included his whole family but it would be a hard journey filled with risks. “How many in the party are there?” I remembered when I had rescued my wife. She had not been the problem. Her ladies had been.

  “There are four other ladies and six servants. They have horses and they can all ride. At the moment they are safe in the priory at Seiches-sur le Loir but there are many spies. It will not be long before someone discovers their identity and tells King John or, worse, the de Ferrers.”

  “And our journey? Where do we stay? If we stay at inns then we will be discovered before we have travelled seven leagues.”

  “There are two priories on the way. The ladies will be welcomed there. We have sent word to say that two ladies of high position may wish to visit and they should be prepared to have rooms made ready. The Empress Matilda endowed them both. They are beholden to her. They know that ladies who are related to Eleanor of Aquitaine will be arriving and that they need accommodation. You and your men will have to camp in the grounds. We gave them no names and we did not give them a day.”

  I turned, “I will be at Seiches-sur le Loir by dawn tomorrow. If I do this Seneschal, then you will owe me.”

  “Understood and I will repay you. I will not be at the priory. Sir Guy will be there. He will go with you and get you across the Loire.”

  “Does that put you in jeopardy, lord?”

  “No for if it is discovered then I shall chastise my overzealous knight for taking the ladies to the dowager Queen. He is prepared for such a reprimand.”

  I clasped his arm. “Then I will see Sir Guy on the morrow.” I turned and shouted, “David of Wales, we are safe!”

  A voice from the forest made the Seneschal’s party turn, “Aye lord.”

  I mounted my horse and we rode back to my castle. That was the game which William des Roches would be able to play. He could put any blame on his newly knighted man. I wondered why he was doing this. There had to be more to it but I could not fathom the reason. So long as it thwarted King John then I was happy. I already knew the boon I would ask in return. I said nothing on the journey back for I was making plans. I had to choose the men I would take. I could not take too many. I did not wish to attract attention. Nor did I want the quest to be known. I trusted my people but ships came and went and loose lips might jeopardise our chances. It was not just that we would have to get to Mirebeau, we would have to return too.

  When we reached my hall, I sent for Sir Richard, David of Wales, James Broadsword, Fótr and Edward. My wife was about to leave us and I said, “I pray you stay for this may concern you too.” Intrigued, she sat. “Firstly, what I say must go no further than this room.” They nodded. I told them what we had been asked to do. With the exception of my wife their faces showed that they thought it a foolish idea.

  My wife smiled and put her hand on mine, “You are a true knight, husband.” She turned to the others, “It is dangerous, yes, but it is the right thing to do. You are the men who can do this.”

  I squeezed her hand. Her words had helped. “Edward, I need ten men to come with us. They must be experienced and good horsemen. Phillippe of Poitou and Michael of Anjou should be among them. Do not bring Ridley. If he is with us then they will know I am too. Those two know the land through which we will be travelling. David of Wales, I need ten archers. Griff, Tom and Harry should be among them. They also come from this land. Fótr you will be with me too. Sir Richard I leave you and James to watch my land. I want none to know I have gone. Wear my surcoat when you ride on patrol. It should be as though I am still here. If word gets to de Ferrers or the French then all of us will be in danger. We have to get back once we have delivered our charges. I intend to slip out well before dawn. We use plain cloaks.”

  Once they knew my mind they were happy and they left happier than when I had made the announcement. My wife said, “You will be careful, husband. You not only have Alfred but soon he will have a brother or sister.”

  “You are with child?”

  “I think so but I was going to wait until I was certain.”

  I hugged her, “It is you who need to be careful. I am just going to escort some ladies.”

  She laughed, “And remember what happened the last time? You and your men barely escaped with your lives.”

  “That was Estonia. This is Poitou. It is less dangerous.”

  “For others, perhaps but you are a hated man.” She shook her head, “And yet I cannot understand why you are viewed so. You do nothing for yourself and all is for others.” She disengaged herself from me, “Now go. You have much to organise as do I.”

  I went to the stables. Edward was selecting the sumpters to carry our supplies, “Lord what about the ladies? We cannot camp.”

  “We will camp but they will be staying in priories. It is the journey back which I fear more. The priories may well be honoured to have such guests but they are loose lipped and will tell all once we have passed. We will keep our route home a secret from all. Make sure there are spare spears. Food is not an issue. We can go hungry for a couple of days if we have to but we will need grain for the horses.”

  We rose in the middle of the night. The guards at the two gates had been sworn to secrecy and we left silently, walking our horses. We did not mount until we were well clear of the walls and then we headed west. It was a quiet road to Seiches-sur le Loir. There were no gates or walls at Bazouges to hinder our passage. If the villagers thought anything of mounted men riding through their village, they were wise enough to stay indoors.

  We heard the bells tolling at the priory as we approached. The nuns would be up early and at prayers. Sir Guy and his squire, Robert, awaited us at the gate.

  “Are they ready?”

  He nodded. “They joined the nuns at prayer. The servants have the horses ready.”

  “Good, I am anxious to ride. And the route?”

  “We will avoid Tours. It is too close to the border with France and the garrison there are wary of strangers. I know the castellan at Saumur.” He smiled, “He is my brother. If I am to be a traitor to King John it is best I keep it within the family.”

  I was pleased, when the ladies emerged, to see that they were dressed for riding. They were cloaked and booted. I would not have recognised Prince Arthur’s mother. Her hood came over her face and the clothes were not the fine ones I had seen her with hitherto. His sister looked like the Prince. She was the elder and she was very pretty. I could see why she was named Eleanor, Fair Maid of Brittany.

  As they emerged I said, “Edward you are to ride with the Duchess. If danger threatens then take her reins and protect her. Fótr you do the same with the Lady Eleanor.”

 
The Maid smiled, “I am a good rider, Sir Thomas.”

  “Good, that will make Fótr’s job much easier but he will be like your shadow until we see the walls of Mirebeau.”

  The Duchess laughed, “You cannot argue with him, my child, he is a law unto himself but we are in safe hands now.”

  We had sixteen miles until we reached the Loire. My river was a stream compared with the mighty Loire. The fortresses of Tours, Chinon and Saumur protected it. Sir Guy might get us across but getting back would be a different matter. With my archers ahead with Sir Guy and his squire and my men at arms at the rear with the baggage I rode ahead of Edward and the Duchess and Fótr and Eleanor.

  To make conversation I spoke with the Duchess. Edward would be uncomfortable with such a lady. “I was surprised at your son and his decision, my lady.”

  “As was I. He was ever headstrong. But he was right to fear John. That man is evil. I know that King Philip is greedy and grasping but he does what he does for his country and I admire that. King John does what he does for himself.” We rode a little way in silence. “I was wrong about you, Sir Thomas. I knew you had slain the Bishop of Durham and I thought you, too, were evil and that it would be you who would lead my son astray. It was why I opposed you.”

  “And what changed your mind? I have not changed.”

  “I spoke with William des Roches and he told me why you acted as you did and how you had done penance with a crusade. When people began to flock to your castle for sanctuary I knew I had misjudged you. You were the only one to stand by my son. You tried to rescue him and put your own life at risk. I am sorry. We have been badly used by those from England. The Earl of Chester abducted me, you know, on the orders of John!”

  “Will you be safe in Poitou?”

  “It was either there or Rome and I could not see us managing that journey!”

  We settled into an easy silence and I heard Fótr and Eleanor speaking. “You are not English then?”