by Griff Hosker
"You would be a rebel?"
I looked at them both and spoke slowly so that my words would not be misinterpreted. "I will continue to fight for the rights of the Empress Matilda and her son, Henry of Anjou. I will not rest until they have the throne as King Henry wished. You should know that if you are to follow me." They both nodded although Sir Richard's was less enthusiastic. "First I have to make this land safe from the Scots but be under no misapprehension, if Stephen tries to make me bow the knee then I will fight him. You have to make your own choices. I will not command either of you to join me in what may be a fruitless fight. If I have to fight alone then I shall do so."
Sir Edward raised his goblet with his good arm. "My lord all that I have I owe to you. I am your man. If I perish following you then that was meant to be and I will not regret it."
Sir Richard raised his goblet too, "And I know your worth too my lord. Were it not for you then this land would have suffered many times before. I follow you too."
I nodded, "Then tomorrow we go to war. Is the ferry on the river yet?"
"It is my lord but it is moored south of the river. When we returned from the ambush I sent riders to Stockton to warn them of the danger but the Scots had encircled the castle and the town but the ferry was moored on the southern side. Ethelred's son, Harold is here within my castle. He took refuge."
"Send for him I would have news of my home."
Young Harold dropped to his knees and kissed the hem of my surcoat when he saw me, "My lord we heard that you were dead. When I heard you had returned I wondered if you were a ghost."
I raised him up, "You heard me dead?"
"Aye lord, riders brought news to the castle they said that you had perished in Normandy."
"Describe the surcoat of the knight who brought you the news."
"It was yellow and black stripes with a hawk on the breast."
I looked at Sir Richard, "Aye, that is the same rider who came to me."
"Did Wulfric believe I had died?"
Harold gave me a strange look, "No, lord, he said the messenger was wrong."
"Who else was within Stockton before the gates were barred?"
"Sir Tristan and Sir Harold brought their people within but that was all. My father told me to moor the ferry where the Scots could not use it and Sir Harold told me to seek help from Sir Edward."
"And Norton?"
"We had no word from Sir Henry my lord. But your castle was prepared for siege and the town walls are manned also."
I suddenly realised I had no idea of the times. "When did the messenger come?"
Sir Richard said, "Three days since."
"Your ambush, Sir Edward?"
"Three days since. I was not here when the messenger crossed on the ferry."
I looked at young Harold, "And the Scots?"
"Two days since."
Sir Edward and Sir Richard both had the look on their faces that one has when someone realises that they have been badly misled. "We were tricked!"
"Did you not think, Sir Richard, that the surcoat of this messenger is remarkably similar to that of the Earl of Gospatric?"
Sir Richard suddenly saw the connection, "Of course! Now it is clear."
"And is Stockton under siege?"
Sir Edward nodded, "We spied them. They are close to the river on the east. Your archers have made them be wary of approaching closer."
"And have they siege engines?"
"Not that we saw."
"Sir Edward fetch me a map!" He waved a hand and his squire disappeared. "We know now that we are in a parlous position. We must forget the machinations of Stephen of Blois. He will either be or not be the next King of England. I am powerless to stop him. We can, however, carry out the last orders the King gave to me. We can defend this land against the Scots." My glare left no one around that table in any doubt that I would fight on despite the apparently insurmountable odds.
Gille, Edward's squire, returned with the map. It was a piece of calfskin marked with the river and the manors of the valley. I jabbed a finger at Stockton. "All to the north, west and east is lost. I do not doubt that there will be pockets of resistance. Sir Hugh at Hexham will fight and I pray he will rouse his neighbours. Like me he has the power to do so. I hope that the Bishop of Durham will fight but we have heard naught. Here we hold the southern bank of the river. Our fight begins here. Tomorrow we build a second ferry. We take over as many archers and men at arms as we can and leave the rest here at Thornaby. We have lost enough of our valley. Tomorrow we take it back. Inch by inch if we have to but we lose no more!"
I was exhausted by the time we had finished planning. Before I retired I sought out Gilles and Alan. "Tomorrow I go to war. Gilles, I will not be needing my horses but I want them cared for. You will remain here and watch over them for me."
"Aye my lord but I will fight by your side if you need."
I ruffled his hair, "That day will come but it is not tomorrow. Alan, you now have mail, sword and a helm. Get yourself a shield and tomorrow you watch my back until we regain my home."
"My father taught me, my lord and I will guard you until your enemies prise the sword from my dead hand."
"I would prefer you to live so that you can join my men at arms."
I knelt next to my bed that night and held my sword before me, "Lord, I pray you guide my arm and my mind. I know that you have set me a task and I hope that I am up to it. Protect my people from the ravages of these barbarians and protect my Empress and my son! I am ever your servant. Amen."
I kissed the pommel stone of Harold Godwinson. Tomorrow was a momentous day. Until either the Empress or her son was on the throne then I bowed my knee to no man. I was my own man and I would be Warlord of the North. I would carve out an enclave protected from all enemies or I would die trying.
Chapter 3
We rose before dawn and went down to the river. It was a misty morning and we could not see the northern bank. Some of Sir Edward's men were in the woods close by the river felling trees for the second ferry. I had all of the archers from Thornaby and Yarm as well as the remaining men at arms and Sir Richard. There were just forty of us. "Harold, take us across and drop us."
"My lord! The Scots!"
I smiled, "The Scots will believe the rumour that I am dead and that Sir Edward is no threat for he was ambushed and wounded. From what I have been told they are an arrow flight from the walls. Land us as close to the walls as you can manage. If we see heavy forces then we will return to Thornaby but if we have the chance then I will rejoin my men and Sir Edward will wait for news. You will need to watch for my signal."
"Aye my lord."
As we made our way across the Tees, hidden from view by the thick fog which blanketed us Sir Richard said, quietly, "Is this wise, my lord?"
"I know not Sir Richard but it is the right military decision. Up until now everyone has danced to Gospatric's tune. All have done as he expected. He will not expect this." I turned to the others. I guessed we were half way across. "Silence until I speak."
They nodded and drew their weapons. I saw the grey shape of Stockton castle appear before us. I began to hear voices to our right. It was the Scottish camp coming to life. I had four of the best archers we had at the bow of the ferry and they had arrows knocked. We peered into the gloom for targets. As I had expected they had two sentries on the jetty. I could smell their fire and the meat cooking on it. They had their backs to us. When I nodded, four arrows sped towards them and they fell. I heard a shout from my right and then the murmur of voices continued. It was not the cry of alarm. As we closed with the shore I saw indistinct figures to my right. They would be out of bow range. That meant they would be well over a hundred paces from us. The ferry nudged gently into the wooden jetty and I heard a question shouted, "Angus, what goes on?"
I leapt ashore followed by Alan, Sir Richard, his squire and six of his men at arms. I pointed to the castle and waved the others towards it.
"Angus!"
&nbs
p; The ten of us locked shields. The last of our men left the ferry and Harold began to pull in the rope which we had tethered to the southern bank. Others, under Sir Edward's supervision would be pulling Harold back to safety. I said quietly, "Walk backwards towards the walls."
Walking through the fog which clung to the ground was weird. All that we could see, in the distance, was ghostly shadows moving around the Scottish camp by the river. I had no doubt that someone was investigating where Angus had got to but so far the alarm had not been given. That would not last. Sir Richard's men had fought with me before and, like their master, they were as dependable as any. We were ten paces from the dead sentries when the bodies were discovered.
We heard the voices, somewhat muffled by the fog, "Treachery! Sound the alarm. We are under attack!"
I smiled. The shout did more to add confusion rather than to present a threat to us. I could not see the men, just their shadows and we continued to move back.
"You four, search close to the castle!"
"What about those damned archers?"
"Fool! They can see nothing!"
I hissed, "Ready but keep moving back!"
The four men sent to find us came at us cautiously with swords before them. They wore no mail; even in the murk I could see that. We were looking for them but they were scanning the skies for the arrows which never came. When they did see us it came as a shock. "We have them my lord! Here hard by the castle!"
I knew we were closing with the drawbridge for the ground began to rise. The four came at us without any conviction. There were ten of us and all wore mail. We kept moving up the ramp. I wondered if the rest of my men had been granted entry to the castle. I had heard nothing but then the fog muffled all sound.
I heard the sound of metal on metal before us and a knight appeared behind the four scouts. He had many men at arms with him. "There are only a handful. At them!"
It was like running into a stone wall when they hurtled at me and my men. Our shields took the blows and we rammed our blades hard at the soft spots. Only a few had armour. Those fell quickly and we moved back leaving those pursuing us to fall over their fallen comrades. The Scottish knight took charge, "Shield wall behind me!"
We kept moving and I felt the wood beneath my feet. The drawbridge was down. I stopped, "Behind Sir Richard and me!" The drawbridge was only wide enough for four men and I knew that the ditch would be filled not only with water from the river but deadly stakes which would kill and maim any who fell within.
The Scots came at us and I stepped further back.
"The gate is open! Charge!"
It was what Dick and my archers within the walls were waiting for. A hail of arrows plunged down at such close range that mail afforded little protection. The knight and the first ten men fell with arrows sticking from them as though they were hedgehogs. We continued our retreat. Some hardy, perhaps even foolhardy, Scots thought the tempting target of the open gate was too much and a handful raced towards us. Two managed to evade the arrows by using their shields above their heads. They could not avoid our swords as they tore them open. The others vanished into the mist and we turned to walk into my castle.
When I stepped into the bailey a tumultuous cheer erupted all around. I saw that many of the townsfolk were within my walls. Wulfric and John, my castellan, strode over to me with huge grins on their faces. "I told them you were not dead, my lord! I knew it in my heart!"
"Thank you for holding out."
Wulfric snorted, "We could have chased them hence. They are a poorly led rabble."
Behind him I saw Sir Tristan and Sir Harold. Sir Richard ran to embrace his son.
"Come, let us go to my hall. I have much to impart and there are decisions which need to be made. Ask Father Henry to join us. Much of what I say will concern him too."
It was reassuring to see my walls still standing and my people looking so elated. As we entered my hall Alice, my housekeeper, burst into tears and kissed the hem of my surcoat, "My lord, our prayers have been answered."
"Rise Alice! It is good to be home. Fetch us some warmed ale to the Great Hall." I saw John my Steward and said, "Come with us John. You need to know the situation too. Dick, Wulfric join us."
Once in the hall I took off my helmet and sat at my table. The others took their places around me. I waited until Alice had brought the refreshments before I spoke. "You know that the King is dead?" They nodded. "He was murdered but the assassin is dead too." I took a drink of the ale. "Stephen of Blois is, even now, in London claiming King Henry's throne." I let that sink in. The ones in the castle knew naught of that. I watched their faces for it meant different things to different people. What I would say next would be even more momentous.
"I will not swear allegiance to Stephen even if he is anointed in Westminster Abbey." That had an effect. I saw Father Henry make the sign of the cross. John, my Steward frowned; he saw his livelihood being removed. We would be rebels. His father had been a moneyer; they served the lawful king. My knights saw war before them and the risk of losing their manors. If they sided with me they gambled. Stephen, if he became King, would not view such disloyalty well. I would not hide my plans from them. If they followed me it would be because they knew the reality. This was not a romantic tale; this would be brutal civil war.
"I will stay here in Stockton and I will fight to keep this valley safe from the Scots and others who would destroy what we have built. When that is done, " I paused, "I will take the fight to Stephen. I will not rest until either King Henry's wishes have been observed and either Empress Matilda or Henry rule or... I am dead. I will not break my oath." Surprisingly it was just Wulfric and Dick who did not seem put out by my words. Their faces remained impassive throughout.
"I have gathered you here for, with the exception of Sir Geoffrey and Sir Hugh of Gainford, you are the last of the valley knights. I do not doubt that Sir Hugh Manningham will have roused those knights north of the wall, but until I speak with the Bishop of Durham we are in God's hands." I saw Father Henry nod. "I release everyone of you in this room from any oath you have taken. I will speak with the people of Stockton when this threat is gone and tell them the same. If you leave there will be no hard feelings. Each of you must look into his own heart and decide what to do. I cannot do that for you."
I stood, "I will not stand here to wait for the decisions you might make. I will go to my chambers and prepare for war. Regardless of what you decide know this. By tomorrow this Scottish threat will be gone from our gates. When they are gone and if we survive then tell me what is in your mind and, more importantly, your hearts."
I really wanted to go to my church and speak with my dead wife. Although the church was inside the walls of the town I needed to walk those walls and, when the fog had lifted, see where the enemy was and where we could attack.
I went to the east gate which overlooked the river. I received smiles and welcomes from my sentries. I was afforded space. Erre, my Varangian Guard, stood with his fellows on the gate wall. "Good to see you, my lord. Now we can send these barbarians back where they belong."
"How are they disposed?" I needed to know where the knights were camped. If we could destroy them then the battle would be over.
He pointed to the river. "There is a camp here with about sixty men." He chuckled, "There are fewer already. Dick and his archers have thinned their ranks. The main camp is north of here. That is where they have their knights. I fear they took Norton. They hurled the heads of Sir Henry and his men at arms at our walls. They have yet to try to breach the walls but we have heard them building siege engines. They will attack the town walls." He pointed, "Sir John placed men at arms there. We are the only ones here. The other sentries are archers. Perhaps they will hurry their preparations now that they know you are here."
"Perhaps. The women and children?"
"Sir John and Wulfric brought them within your walls. It is their men who guard the walls of the town. The Scots tried to attack the gate when they first came but t
hey were repulsed."
"Good. Tonight we attack here and kill these close by the river. Sir Edward has reinforcements ready to join us."
"Men at arms, my lord?"
"No but we need just numbers here."
I descended and walked over to the town gate. I spied Aiden and waved him over. "I have a task for you."
"Good my lord, I like not being confined."
"Tonight we will clear the river of our enemies. I want you to slip out and scout out the road to Durham. I would know where the Scots have a hold. Do not risk yourself and I care not how long it takes but I need to know what we face."
"I could slip out now, my lord."
"And you might get caught. Tonight will suffice. As soon as we attack the men by the river then you slip out by the west gate."
I left by the town gate. My town was eerily empty. The only ones within were on the walls. Had I led the Scots then I would have attacked already. The walls of my town were only founded on stone. The palisade was largely wood. Perhaps the ditch had defeated them. I climbed the walls to stand on the north gate. I joined Edgar and Wilfred. "Good to see you, my lord!"
"Have the Scots showed any sign of attacking today?"
Edgar pointed to the small rise on the Norton road. "They are building a ram and a mangonel. They had to go to Hartburn for the wood. When you arrived this morning there was confusion in their camp. Men came from the river and their leaders gathered to discuss it."
"Do you think they know it is me who has returned?"
"I do not know. Perhaps they thought it was just reinforcements."
"Tonight we clear them from the river. I will have you all replaced by archers so that you may rest."
"Good we have taken enough of their insults."
Wilfred said, as he pointed into the ditch, "They are not resolute my lord. See how few fell to their deaths in the ditch. They lost but fifteen. Your townsfolk are tough and they fight well. Alf your smith wields a mighty war hammer."
I saw him speaking with his sons. "I will speak with you all later. I have much to tell you."
Alf beamed when I saw him. "There, I told you that Wulfric was correct and it was a lie that our lord had perished. Go to the walls and spread the word!" His sons ran off to tell the others who had not left the walls since I had returned.