by Griff Hosker
There was silence which was only broken by a flap of wings from the nearby wood. I saw a hawk rising slowly to climb the thermals. It seemed to circle overhead. I unsheathed my sword and, pointing it to the skies said, "Rolf, Knight of the Empress!"
All those around the grave did the same and said, "Rolf, Knight of the Empress!"
The hawk took flight and headed heavenward to hunt. In my heart I knew that was the spirit of Rolf.
Chapter 15
We prepared to ride to Lisieux but some survivors must have fled the battle and reached it already for they capitulated before we reached there. They pleaded for peace. Their only chance had gone when Sir Hugo had been defeated. The baron there accepted the authority of the Empress. We set off north eastwards towards Elbeuf. We were met by a delegation of Norman knights. "Sir Hugo would like to discuss a truce."
The Count and the Earl were delighted. The year had begun with the loss of Normandy now more than half had been recovered in a couple of months. The Earl made arrangements to meet at Elbeuf. After the Normans had departed the two of them began to talk animatedly about the reparations which the defeated knights would have to pay. I knew it was necessary but Rolf's loss was still too raw.
"My lords I will return to Argentan. I must speak with the Empress about Sir Rolf and then I will take ship for England. It is now July and I said I would be home as soon as I could. You no longer need me here and England calls for me."
The Count looked crestfallen, "But Alfraed this is as much your victory as ours! Surely you wish to be there when we humiliate our foes."
I saw that the Earl did not like the words either but this was not the time for a disagreement, "You do not need me there, lord. My son can stay if he wishes."
"No father for I would return to my own manor too. This is not over. Next year we will begin to fight once more and I need to train more men."
The Earl nodded and clasped my arm, "Once again, Alfraed, Earl of Cleveland, I am in your debt. You were ever my father's man. We will send your share of the reparations to your castles. You shall have your share."
"Thank you."
As we headed towards Argentan William was reflective, "Sometimes I think that the Count is just like you, and then at other times I wonder if he is two people. How can that be?"
"Men are complicated, William. We are made by our fathers and by our experiences. The Count was made vindictive by his father. The Empress has made him a man but sometimes the old Count, the son of Fulk, rises to the surface. One day the demons within him will finish fighting and we shall see the real Count of Anjou."
Word of our victory had reached Argentan and we were greeted like heroes. The details were unknown but they had heard that we had sent the rebels packing and all were in the mood for celebration. The castle was also in high excitement for the Empress was about to give birth to her third child. Despite her confinement she sent for William and me as soon as we arrived.
"My two heroes!" Henry and Geoffrey were with her in the solar and their faces were filled with joy too. "Tell us all."
"Rolf is dead." I said it flatly and it seemed to puncture the very air of the room. As soon as the words were out I regretted saying them.
The Empress judged my mood and said, "Judith would you take the boys to the hall perhaps young William will tell them of the battle?"
William looked at me and I nodded. He grinned and held his hands out for the boys. "Come and I will regale you with the tale of how your father fought alongside mine to defeat the rebels at Thiberville! How we charged our enemies and drove them from the field!"
There was just Margaret left in the room. The Empress gestured for me to sit next to her. Margaret closed the door so that we would not be disturbed. Maud took my hand, "Tell me all and do not spare my feelings. He was the last of the men the Emperor hired to protect me. I would know how he fell."
By the time I had finished tears coursed down her cheeks. I took the handkerchief and dabbed them away. "Do not grieve for him. He told me, not long before he was killed, that he did not want to waste away. He died the way he wished. He would not have been a burden on any. He is at peace now. It was a good death for he was ready."
"His last visit to Angers now makes sense. He arrived not long after you had left. When I told him you were back he determined to follow you but before he did he asked to be freed from the obligation of being my bodyguard. He said that there were other younger men who could do that." She sighed and squeezed my hand a little tighter. "He left me his treasure. It is in two chests in his quarters. He was ever frugal and over the years he had collected coin and treasure as well as the payments we made. They are for you and for William. He said that William was as close to his own son as he would ever get and that you were like Karl, Godfrey and the others, you were his brothers. The two of you are his heirs."
I nodded, stunned by the gesture, "Then his death was planned. I guessed as much from his words before the battle. It puts my mind at ease."
The Empress nodded. I wondered if I should have been so honest in my account. She shut her eyes. I knew what she thought. Had she known it was the last time she would see him she would have spoken from the heart. Then I saw her wince as a sharp pain seemed to grip her.
"When is the baby due?"
She smiled, "I think you should call my women, Alfraed. You have many skills but delivering a child is not one of them!"
I leapt to my feet and ran to the door, "Margaret! The child! It comes!"
She nodded as she entered, "Be calm my lord. She has had two before. This one will be easier. Find Judith and send her to me. You can care for the boys until we have done." She smiled, It will be good for you to get to know Henry."
Judith smiled when I told her, "You stay with the Earl, boys, while I see to your mother."
Geoffrey was seated upon William's knee and Henry climbed on to mine. His hands played with the blue pommel stone on my sword. "Mother says that you will win back my kingdom for me, lord. Will you?"
"I swore an oath to your grandfather that I would make sure that his wishes were observed so aye I will."
"It will take time will it not, lord?"
"It will." I pointed to a dove which was gathering twigs to build a nest high beneath the castle walls. "Watch that dove, see how he builds a nest." As we watched the dove tried to put three twigs into place. Two fell but one held. It flew away to gather more. "It will take time for that bird to build a nest for its young but it will persevere. When the nest is strong enough only then will the bird trust it to its young. That is what we will do. When your nest is strong enough then you and your mother can come and claim the throne that is rightly yours."
"That may be many years hence."
"Aye it may."
"Then I shall fight alongside you and William and I will help to regain my birthright!"
"And we will be proud to fight alongside you too. We will help you become a great warrior!" There was a cry from inside and I said, "I am guessing that you have a new brother or sister."
We rose and Judith came running out, "Come boys, you have a new brother. Come and meet William!"
I think my son was more delighted than any. I knew that the baby had been named for his great grandfather but my son took it to be for him. It made him closer to the youngest of the Empress' children.
I had planned on a brief stay but it was not to be. The Empress and her ladies wished me to stay and I could not, in all conscience, say no. I sent Gilles to La Flèche to bring back some men at arms to escort the treasure back to my manor. The inheritance from Rolf was not the only chests we had to escort. Over the next few days our share from the victory was brought from Caen.
William left before I did. He had enough men to escort his share. "You will return to Stockton father?"
"Aye, I will."
"Would you have me return thither with you?"
I smiled, "Do you wish to do so?"
"Truthfully? No. This is my home and I will be needed to regain
the Dukedom for the Empress."
"I think it is for the best. Until we have Normandy I do not think that either the Earl nor the Count will contemplate invading England to reclaim the throne."
William said, "I am not certain that the Count will wish to leave Normandy."
My son was become wiser. "I believe you are right. When Normandy belongs to the Empress again then join me in England."
"What of your manor? Leofric's"
"That will become a place where my men are trained. I will need more men in England and now I have the coin to pay for them. La Flèche is a rich manor and I will use it to keep the north safe. I believe it is what King Henry would have wished."
The Count arrived a day after William left. He was delighted with his son. He saw it propitious that his new son had been born within days of his great victory. My departure for La Flèche was delayed by a further week as we celebrated the birth of his child. The result was that I did not leave for La Flèche until August. I felt I had done more than enough for both the Count and the Earl. I needed to be in England. When Gilles had returned with the men at arms he told me that my ship, 'Adela', was in Angers. That solved one problem at least. I would not have to wait for him.
We had captured horses, mail, weapons as well as four chests of coins. I was happy to have my men at arms guard it. The convoy would be a tempting target for any brigand or bandit.
The Empress and the Count came to see me off. The Empress said, "The Count and I are grateful beyond words, Alfraed. When other former allies defected you remained loyal and we will never forget it. As much as I want the throne of England do not be reckless. You may have to bend. We will understand."
I smiled, "Then you do not know me, lady. I will hold on to the island that is Cleveland and, when the time is right for you to bring forth your forces to England I shall join you."
She nodded and kissed me on the cheek.
The Count clasped my hand, "You stand alone against a sea of enemies. I admire you and your courage. I would my son learned some of those qualities for he will need them when he attains the throne.
I caught the Empress' eye and she nodded. I reached down to ruffle Henry's hair, "And know this, Henry of Anjou, that I will be at your side when you come to England to claim your birthright. I will be your champion as I was for your mother and your grandfather."
He impulsively threw his arms around my neck and hugged me. It was a struggle to maintain my dignity. I saw the Empress and her ladies well up too. I mounted my horse and left Argentan. I had the seventy odd miles to La Flèche to reflect on my situation. Gilles was coming to know me and he remained silent as we headed south. We could have stopped along the way; the castellan at Le Mans was keen to speak with one of the heroes of Thiberville but I was anxious to get to my castle. The result was that it was dark when we crossed the bridge to my Angevin manor. Leofric was pleased to see me and his new and heavily pregnant wife also made a great deal of fuss over me.
"My sympathies, my lord, for the death of Rolf. I only served with him briefly but he was a mighty warrior."
"And his death was equally mighty. It was he won the battle and made the truce. The harvest can be gathered without fear of raids and invasions. Our people will prosper." I waved a hand at the horses which were being unloaded. "I leave some here to pay for the wine and other supplies which I will now need. I rely upon you and your steward to fulfil all of my orders."
"You return to England then lord?"
"You think I should stay here?"
"King Stephen will soon tire of your rebellion, lord and bring his army to crush you."
I shook my head, "Do you have so little faith in me, Leofric? Have you grown so comfortable here? Do you not know how we have fought against great odds many times before?"
He looked distraught, "I am sorry, lord! I meant no offence. I just thought that it was time for you to enjoy some of the riches you have acquired."
I was thinking of Henry of Anjou as I said, "I do this for my son and for the Empress. I gave my word to Henry's grandfather. I will keep my word."
"I understand."
As we made our way in to the hall I said, "You have another task for me while you are castellan. I do not expect you to come to England and fight as much as I would value your skills." I saw his wife breathe a sigh of relief, "However I expect you to train and supply me with a steady source of men at arms. Now that the truce is in place there will be men at arms who seek employers. Spread the word that you are interested. Have Brian and Padraig select the best and they will be sent to England. You can keep any of the rest."
"I will, lord, but we have enough men here now."
"We have bought peace but war will return, Leofric, and you must be ready. This castle was in disrepair when I came here. I would have it better than it was."
"Aye, lord."
I spent a few days at La Flèche and made sure that Leofric had his fair share of the weapons, coins and armour. The remaining horses, however, would be needed in England. Leofric could buy more and I could not. I sent the goods to be transported down to 'Adela'. William would need time to load the valuable horses.
As I was leaving I said, "What we lacked at Thiberville, Leofric, was archers. I know the skill does not come naturally to the Angevin but have Griff of Gwent seek out those local youths with potential. Pay them well and have Griff train them. You and I will need them before too long."
The next time that my captain, William, sailed for Anjou I would have him bring the ship to La Flèche. The journey to Angers was too long. I was impatient to get home and as I headed down the road I wondered what problems lay in my land and what mischief the Scots had in mind. The 'Adela' was heavily laden. When I reached Angers I could see that William was eager to leave.
"The horses have been a little restless lord. They like not the ship."
"Fear not William, Gilles can speak to horses and as these are Norman he knows their own particular language."
I allowed him to concentrate as we negotiated our way through the busy river and headed downstream to the sea. Once we left the crowded river and struck the sea he was able to hand over the helm to Henri the Breton. He knew the waters as well as any and I could hear, from their banter, that they worked well together.
"How is the ship, William of Kingston? Does it match your expectations?"
"She sails well enough but when time allows I will balance her ballast a little better. I can sail her closer to the wind."
I did not understand what he meant but it sounded good. "And the crew?"
"Ah, they are a different matter. I cannot fault them. They work well together and are good seaman. We have begun to train with war bows as you suggested."
"Good. And the Tees is it still in our hands?"
"Aye, lord. It is quiet enough. There appears to be peace and your castle prospers. The wine you sent last time was much appreciated and the spices sold for a high price. I bought some more on my own account." He gave me an apprehensive look, "You said that I might."
"Of course. And I shall want you to return immediately we dock. Leofric will have more goods and, perhaps, men when next you dock. I would have you try to sail up the Loir to La Flèche. The salt barges manage it and it will save you having to negotiate the Loire."
He tapped Henri on the shoulder, "Henri, the Loir, can the 'Adela' navigate it?"
"Oh aye captain. There is a good channel. You mean La Flèche?" I nodded, "We can reach there. I used to work the barges. It is easier to dock there too."
"Then I can do as you wish, Lord."
We were lucky with the weather. August could sometimes bring brutal squalls from the south west. The winds still blew from that direction but they were gentle. We beat through the Channel and towards our home. It was not a swift voyage. We were heavily laden and the winds were not strong enough but it was a safe journey. I put my mail on when we passed the mouth of the Humber. King Stephen might have declared a truce but I had made enough enemies over the years f
or one of his knights to, perhaps, decide to make a name for himself and capture the Earl of Stockton.
I viewed my river differently from my other journeys home. Now I was sailing through land controlled by those who sought to defeat me. There were no castles and defences until you reached Stockton and I wondered how long it would be before someone decided to try to build on the salt marches and sandy shores. Even As soon as the thought came into my head I dismissed it. Stockton was the only place upon which one could build a castle. So long as I held the castle then the river was mine. Had King Henry deduced that too? Was that why he had made me Earl of such a strategic valley?
The fluttering wolf on my keep was a welcoming sight. I had fought for others and now I would fight for myself. I now knew that it would be years before Normandy was conquered and the Empress able to think about England. Until then I was the only hope. I knew what I had to do.
The smiles and cheers when I stepped ashore were heart warming. This was not Normandy, this was England and I could never be attached to Normandy. England was in my blood. And so long as that blood coursed through my veins then I would fight for her.
Part 3
Warlord
Chapter 16
I almost felt suffocated when I landed. I was pressed on all sides. John my steward had a smile as wide as the River Tees and a bundle of documents in his hand. Alice curtsied and smiled and asked how long I would be at home. John, my castellan, was keen to know how Leofric was and Wulfric and Dick had the looks of men with much to say. I held up my hands, "Thank you for your welcome. John and Alice, there are spices and other goods on my ship which require carriage to my castle. There are horses whose unloading Gilles will supervise. They need stables. When that is done then I pray you come to my hall so that I may speak with you." They bowed, curtsied and hurried off. "You three come with me I know you have much to say."