by Griff Hosker
I began to run through my mind all of my conversations with my lords. I sought clues to their loyalty. Sir Edward was now totally healed. He looked stronger than ever. He knew from my face that I had portentous news. After I had told him he said, "I know you come to see if I stand with you. I understand but you need not fear. Even if I was not oathsworn remember that, like you, I swore an oath to the Empress. I may be a rough warrior but I am a man of my word. I stand with you and we shall make our castle strong."
Sir Richard would be a thornier problem. As I headed along the south bank of the Tees I ran through all of our conversations. He was the one whose loyalty Wulfric doubted. He was Tristan's father and Sir Hugh's father in law. If he did not stand with me then there might be divisions in my own camp.
His wife, Lady Anne, hurried away. That was a sure sign of trouble. After I had told him he said, "Lord, King Stephen has been anointed by the Archbishop. He is supported by God. I cannot, in all conscience, oppose him."
I nodded. We were alone and could speak freely. "Then that means you would be opposing me." He nodded, "And your son, son in law and daughter. Are you prepared for that?"
His face became red. He had not thought this through. "Would they oppose the King?"
"I spoke with them before I spoke with you. They would. They approached me. I did not elicit their support although I am honoured and touched that they offer it."
"I cannot fight my King and I will not fight my son."
"This is a wall upon which you cannot sit. There will come a time when you have to choose upon which side you will stand. I pray you make the right decision. You are an old and valued friend. You have been a rock when we have fought alongside one another and I would not fight you..." I paused, "But do not get in my way, Sir Richard. I stop opposing the usurper when he is dead or the Empress Matilda has the throne!"
I did not like the tone I had used but I had to give him honesty. There had been too many twisted words and oaths. From now on I would speak my mind. I was my own man. I was Warlord.
Once back at my castle I took Sir Tristan to one side and told him what his father had said. "I would not, for the world come between a father and son. If you wish to leave then I will understand. And I say the same to you as I said to your father. I would not fight you but the lines are drawn. If you are not with me then do not oppose me."
He shook his head, "Nor do I wish to fight my father but my manor is close to yours. I have fought alongside you for these many years. I will not desert you now but I will not fight my father."
"Nor would I ask you to."
The air was cleared and I joined my men as we toiled from sunrise to sunset. Two days after the Archbishop had left Alf came to speak with me. "Lord, I have heard a rumour that the King comes here."
"It is true." He hesitated. I was lord of the manor and it did not sit well with my blacksmith to question me. "Ask your question, Alf. We have known each other long enough for that I think. I will not be offended."
"Why does he come here?"
"That is an excellent question and to answer truthfully I do not know. I suspect it cannot be good but as he comes with the Archbishop of York who is a friend then I do not fear the worst. Perhaps he comes to know my mind."
There was relief on Alf's face, "I had wondered if we ought to prepare for war as you seem to be."
"I am preparing for the worst but you and those who live under my care have lives you need to lead." I paused, "Do you trust me?"
"Of course, lord."
"Then I tell you that we are in the right, the day when a man's word can be broken as easily as a stick is the day anarchy ensues."
Sir Hugh arrived back four days later. His horse was lathered and he had ridden hard. "My lord the king comes but first he visits with the Bishop of Durham. I am not certain when he will reach us."
"Good. Thank you for your hard ride. Was peace made?"
He nodded, "The Scots keep Carlisle but give up all else."
I shook my head, "What a waste! They held nothing else! We had taken all but the New Castle and that would have fallen."
"Prince Henry is confirmed in his lands in England." He paused, "And Barnard de Balliol begged forgiveness and he keeps his lands."
That made me even angrier but I kept it within. Perhaps I should have let it out for there was a shout from my east tower, "Lord, a ship approaches!"
"To arms!"
I was suspicious of all. We were surrounded by foes now.
The bends in the river meant it took time to reach us and we had time to study her while Gilles and Edgar dressed me. It was a large merchant vessel. It appeared to be harmless but I was taking no chances. "Dick, have your archers watch her carefully. At the first sign of treachery unleash death!"
Armoured and with Wulfric and Sir John at my side I strode down to the jetty. Ethelred and his men were already hunkered behind their new wall with arrows at the ready. A sailor leapt over the side and tied her up.
"What is your business here!"
The captain was disquieted by my tone. "We are here to meet King Stephen."
I pointed to the sailor. "Before you tie up at my port ask permission!"
"I am on the King's business."
"The only King I recognise is now dead and his body lies in Normandy." I turned to Ethelred. "Go aboard and collect the port taxes."
"You cannot do that!"
My anger got the better of me. I drew my sword and sliced through the rope which tied the ship to my jetty. It began to drift away. A second rope was thrown to the stunned sailor who tied that one to the stanchion.
"You were saying?"
"You have ruined a rope!"
"Would you rather I ruined a sailor instead? I can make any demonstration you like and I will do so until my taxes are paid!"
The captain could see that he was defeated. "Send you man aboard but the King shall hear of this!"
I laughed, "I should hope so for you will be taxed each day you are in port and he will be taxed when he leaves!"
"He is the King!"
"Not here, he is not!"
I waited until Ethelred returned with the gold. He was chuckling. "This will make a fine tale, lord! A fine tale!"
Our visitors arrived four days later and they came from the north. I had had scouts out watching for them and I knew when they were imminent. I had my walls lined with my armed men and my new standard flew. My men had all painted the black wolf with red eyes and tongue on their shields. I was impressed by the effect. Sir Hugh had his own livery but Sir John, Sir Tristan and Sir Harold all had variations on my coat of arms. I had sent for Sir Edward as soon as I knew they were at Thorpe so that, he too, joined me on my walls.
It was not a large escort. I recognised the Bishop of Winchester and four Barons. The Archbishop I knew. I also recognised Barnard de Balliol and the Bishop of Durham. Their escort was less than fifty men. I could, if I had so chosen, have captured the erstwhile King of England. I did not. I had more honour than that and besides the Archbishop was with them and I had promised him that I would listen.
I saw that they slowed as they approached my walls. I might not like him but I respected Stephen of Blois. He was a fine warrior and a passable general. He was assessing my defences. They halted before my barred gates. He lifted his helmet so that I could see his face. "Is this a welcome fit for your king?"
I was not wearing my helmet and I shouted down, "You are not my King. The one I swore an oath to was murdered and his heirs are in France. They are not before me."
He laughed and turned to the Archbishop, "You are right Thurstan!"
The Bishop of Durham called, "Then open it for your Bishop!"
"You were my bishop but you abdicated that title when you fell under the sway of your Scottish spy." William Cumin tried to hide. "Cumin you coward do not hide. If I wished it you would be dead already with an arrow in you. I will come down. I want not enemies within my walls."
"I am not your enemy."
"I was speaking with Barnard de Balliol the foresworn." As I descended I said, "Wulfric come with me and Dick..."
"Do not worry, lord. An arrow will be aimed at each of their hearts!"
My gates opened and I stepped out. Stephen of Blois dismounted as did the Archbishop. Archbishop Thurstan shook his head, "Was this well done, my lord?"
"You know I respect you more than I can say, your grace, but these others come here demanding entry. Not one word of thanks for the fact that it was my men and our force of arms which drove the Scots to the table." I jabbed a finger at Barnard de Balliol. "And I have fought him twice; each time he ran. So pray do not lecture me on manners. The fact that he still lives as does the Comyn spy speaks volumes for my patience." I turned to Stephen of Blois. "Before your captain comes bleating to you I shall tell you that I have charged him taxes for docking here and you will be taxed too. This is not England."
I saw him colour. One of his knights said, "This is one insult too many, my liege."
I turned, "If any feels I have insulted them then let us settle it here under God's eyes. I will fight in single combat any who feels aggrieved. Balliol?" I pointed at the knight who had spoken, "You Highclere?" I turned to Stephen of Blois, "Or perhaps you and I should settle this now. I was King Henry's Champion and I am a Knight of the Empress and one of her champions. Another stands behind me. How about it, Stephen of Blois? You are a fair swordsman. You might win. How about we settle who rules this kingdom here and now. You or the Empress?"
Silence reigned and then he said quietly, "You go too far."
I said, equally quietly, "Not as far, it seems, as you."
I watched as he regained control of himself. "Let us speak quietly as two men who have fought together. We will do so away from the ears of other men. It is your land, which way should we walk?"
I pointed east. "It is quiet down here close to the swans." I turned to Wulfric, whose hand was on his sword. "I will be safe."
"I am not worried, Lord, you and I could handle these apologies for men on our own. None had the spine to fight you!"
As we walked Stephen of Blois shook his head, "Your men are like you, Cleveland, they know their own mind and they are forthright."
"We live on the edge of the world here. Your cousin Gloucester knows the feeling. This is not the civilised world of London or Blois where your enemy is civilised and obeys rules. The Scots and those whose land straddle the border are wild and savage men. There are people from the valley who are slaves in the land of King David!"
He stopped, "Truly?"
"Truly. Thankfully few since I was appointed but enough for me to be angry."
"And I did not thank you for what you did. You were right to chastise me. We owe the peace to you. Can we not be friends?"
I smiled, "Aye, relinquish the crown and support the claim of Maud and Henry as you swore along with me in Westminster Abbey and we shall be the best of friends!"
He shook his head, "I cannot do that. What I do I do for England. I have her best interests at heart."
"I do not doubt that but I took an oath."
"I would not fight you."
"Good for you would lose."
He laughed, "You have a fine castle but you have few men."
"My few men have defeated over a thousand Scotsmen and traitors in the last few weeks and we have suffered a handful of deaths. This is our land and we know it well. And I would not fight Englishmen. I would rather kill the enemies of England but I will not bow the knee to you and that is as honest as I can be."
He nodded, "But you will fight the Scots?"
"Always and it was a mistake to let them keep Carlisle. That is a dagger in our back."
"Of course if you do not serve me then you cannot break the peace can you?"
I smiled, "No for I am warlord."
"Warlord; I have not heard that word for some time. It suits you. Then we have a truce."
"We have a truce but as soon as your cousin chooses to come to England then I will support her and fight for her."
"I understand, you are a man of honour. I will speak plainly. I wish you to keep this border safe."
"I promised King Henry I would do that. He may be dead but I obey my king." We headed back to his ship, "As we are being honest with one another I have to tell you that I will kill Balliol the first chance I get. He is evil and he is dangerous."
"I agree. He comes with me."
"A hostage?"
He smiled and I saw his ruthless streak, "A guest."
We reached his ship. Ethelred stood there. Stephen took his purse and threw it at Ethelred, "There are your port fees. "Let us board gentlemen. The tide awaits us and we have business with the Welsh." He turned to Barnard de Balliol. "Balliol send your men home. You need to come with me!" The gangplank was down and the knights and squires led their horses on board. Barnard de Balliol ran so quickly that he slipped and fell flat on his face. My men laughed loudly.
I moved backwards towards the two clerics. I said, without turning, "Cumin you have moments to board this ship and sail away from my land. When I turn I order my archers to end your miserable life and if I ever see you again then that will be your last on this earth!"
I heard his feet as they scrambled up the gangplank and smiled. Wulfric said, "Not worth spit!" As we watched the gangplank raised and the ship begin to turn.
I turned and saw that the Bishop of Durham looked less than happy. "I take exception to your comments Cleveland. My men did as much as you did."
"And they were led by me while you counted your gold in Durham and shook each time you heard the Scots were about."
"Manningham has sworn an oath to the King."
I smiled, "I am happy that Sir Hugh has made his own decision. At least there is one lord north of here who will fight the Scots." I looked at the sky. It was heading towards afternoon. "If I were you Bishop I would hurry home, you don't want to be caught out after dark. Scurry back to your cloisters!"
He wheeled his horse around and men at arms followed him. It left the Archbishop and his half a dozen guards.
"You will stay the night, your grace?"
"That depends... will I be insulted too?"
"I would not invite you if I was to insult you. Do you scorn a man who speaks the truth?"
"There is truth and there is cruelty."
"I was never cruel to any who stood shoulder to shoulder with me against my enemies."
As we went back to my castle Wulfric said, "And that list is growing steadily my lord! We will have a short life, interesting but short!"
Chapter 10
When the gates slammed shut behind us it felt as though it was a final statement. We had nailed our colours to our walls. There would be no turning back now. Sir Richard had not had to choose between Stephen and me but he had made his choice clear. I was slightly disappointed in Sir Hugh Manningham's decision but I understood it. He was no earl. I knew, however that both he and Sir Richard would continue to fight the Scots. For the time being they were the enemy. I would have to fight Stephen but not yet. I was grateful that he had decided on a truce. I would have fought him but it would have cost me dear.
No one had mentioned the manors of Hartness or Normanby. I intended to appoint my own lords of the manor. If I had to I would use my own men at arms. Even as I escorted the Archbishop to his quarters I had decided to return with him to York. I trusted him but I needed my treasure in my castle. If he died I would lose it. If he lost power I would lose it. I would hire my own captain and then I would travel back to La Flèche. I had much to do. I needed an army and I need it as soon as possible. Stephen had done me one favour. He had given me implicit permission to raid the Scots. I would do so. Barnard de Balliol would be my first target and then I would range north of Carlisle and make its position that much weaker.
After I had escorted Archbishop Thurstan to his quarters I sought out Alice and John. "Alice, make tonight a feast to remember."
John said, "My lord, the money!"
"And tomorrow, John, you and I will escort the Archbishop back to York where we will access more money that you or your father ever saw!"
He brightened, "Of course, my lord."
Considering the events of the day the meal was lively. Sir Hugh and my other knights seemed to realise that I had burned their boats for them. They had one master now and that was me. I saw the worry on the face of the Archbishop. When the feast had finished I took him to my ramparts. It was a chill night but the stars were bright and my land looked magical.
"Archbishop I know you worry about me and what I will do."
"Your words this afternoon shocked me."
"For that I am sorry but my words were intended for the Scots and for Stephen of Blois. The air is clear between us. He has given me permission to pursue my war against the Scots."
"He has?"
"When we were apart we were honest. He may not like my stance but he knows I am the new Roman Wall. I sent a message to King David. Balliol's men will scurry back like rats to their nest and tell the King of the danger I represent. He will wait and he will worry. Soon I will have an army which is large enough to take Carlisle and recover what we have lost." I raised my goblet, "But I do this for the Empress and not Stephen. He knows this. The civil war will begin here when the Empress comes. Does that satisfy you and put your mind to rest?"
"It does but I worry about you. I like you Alfraed but I fear that you are too honourable. You must bend! The times change and you must change with them."
"No, I will not and if you think I will then you know me not."
When we left, the next day, I took Gilles, Wulfric and Dick as well as ten men at arms and archers. We took sumpters to bring back all that we would buy. Our new ship, under construction, would mean we would trade with La Flèche and this would be the last time that I would risk a visit to York.
I had another reason for my journey. I was scouting the land. I might have to fight battles to the south as well as to the north. I wished to be prepared. We travelled at the speed of clerics and we stopped at Northallerton. It had a castle and a lord who was loyal to both Stephen and the Archbishop but I liked the lord and I enjoyed his company. The men at arms and priests who accompanied the Archbishop kept their distance from me. I had challenged a king. It seemed to frighten them. It meant I could ride with the Archbishop and speak with him. We would not be overheard.