by Griff Hosker
Henry was delighted to see his mother and I left them to become reacquainted. I went to see my men. They had discovered nothing new and so I went, with Ralph, to the kitchens. All work stopped as we entered. I spied the bakers. They were about to finish work having baked all the bread for the castle for the day. They waited for me. The chief servant hovered nearby. “Did you speak with these men?”
“I did, lord.”
“Well?”
He gestured to the bakers. The eldest of the men said, “We saw the three men, lord. They came from the stables. I thought it unusual but with so many guests there is much coming and going.”
“Thank you.” I gave then a handful of coins. “Your loyalty will not be forgotten.”
Ralph and I headed for the stables. “This makes more sense, lord.”
“What do you mean?”
Ralph had been an outlaw and he had lived rough. There were many things about his youth which suggested a wildness. He smiled, “When I was much younger and on the other side of the law I often sought shelter in castles. It is easy to get in such places. You follow a large group of visitors and then hide in the stables. If you are a horseman and know horses, then they do not give you away. It is warm and, in the night, unguarded. It may be that these three killers gained access that way. It is easy to hide swords beneath straw.”
“How will we know?”
“There are ways.”
There were a pair of stable boys and squires preparing the horses the Count and his son would use. They were grooming them. They stopped when we entered. “Did any of you notice anything unusual this morning when you came in?”
“No, lord, nothing.”
I nodded and Ralph suddenly ascended the ladder to the hay store. He disappeared and then, a short while later, reappeared. He proffered a jug and three leather beakers. “Unless these belong to those who work here I have found where they hid.”
“Are they yours?”
“No, lord.”
“Then, until all the guests have gone I would have one or both of you sleep here. Last night three killers hid here. The next time they may succeed.”
“We will do as you command, lord.”
Our discovery made me happy. It had worried me that they had gained access so easily. Thanks to Ralph that was now explained. The rest of the day would have been tedious were I not fretting about killers who might appear from the crowd. My men and I were prominently close to Henry as he entered the church. We watched those who might wish him harm closely. There were many of them. The bishop had decided to make the crowning an even longer event by going on about the new Duke and his lineage. I was sure I saw the Count nod off at one point.
The ceremony was one to impress the dignitaries. The Empress looked just than; Imperial. The church was filled with the rich scent of incense. The robes and the gowns were spectacular. It was Henry who drew my attention. He looked like a younger version of me. He stood tall and proud. He handled himself well. I caught Maud glancing from the two of us. I suspect that only the two of us made the observation. The rest were just appraising the new young Duke. All was well done. Had I not been watching for assassins I would have been impressed.
Eventually all was done and we went back to the castle. After checking with the guards, I joined the feast. I ate sparingly. In fact, the only things I ate were morsels from Henry’s platter. Although all the food had come from the kitchens I suspected everyone and I acted as unofficial taster.
The Empress left shortly after dark. I waved over four of my men and followed her. “Get horses. I would have you escort the Empress to her priory.”
When the Empress heard what I said, she shook her head, “There is no need.”
I pointed to the two skulls, “I think there is every need and they do not mind.” She nodded.
When they had gone, she said, “I think you are right about our son and the Queen. I spoke with her. She is in a loveless marriage. I can sympathise with her.” She gave me a knowing look. She of all people would know what that was like. “She has petitioned the Pope for an annulment but so far she has heard nothing.”
“Annulment? One what grounds? She has a child by her husband.”
“On the grounds of consanguinity.” She smiled, for my men approached. “I for one hope that they do find happiness in each other’s arms.”
“It would mean war with France.”
She laughed, “And when would that bother you, my lord! So long as Henry has you behind him then he can take on the world. My father never baulked at fighting France, nor I think, will you.” She put her hand on mine and her fingers stroked the back of my hand. “Take care, my love.” Then she whispered, “I still think of you each night and ache for your embrace.”
Then she mounted and rode through the gate. Our moments together were brief and even more valuable for their brevity.
The feast went on even longer and I found it hard to stay awake. My men had been ordered to rest while the others ate. That night they would need to be on guard again; all night. I accompanied the Count to his rooms, “The day after tomorrow they will all leave and it will be over. It is interesting that the King of France sent his wife. She is vivacious, is she not?”
“Aye, lord.”
“And seems much taken by my son.”
“Does that not worry you, Count?”
“France is already our enemy. Do you think that anything could make it worse? Tomorrow we have the tourney and we will see the mettle of our enemies. On the next day we will meet and plan our strategy to defeat our enemies. My time is short.”
“You seem better today, lord.”
“I have good days and bad days. The bad days are growing and the good days lessen. Your presence helps me. I am pleased that you came.”
I had an undisturbed sleep. I was the first to rise. Henry, surprisingly, joined me soon after and we ate with his household knights. “My father has forbidden me from taking part in the tourney, lord, but my household knights will form a team.”
“Good. A tourney is a good way to develop skills.”
“It is a pity that your knights are not here.”
“Had I known then I would have brought them. I think they would have been difficult to defeat.”
A sneering voice sounded behind me, “Difficult to defeat? I think that sounds like someone boasting when the argument cannot be proven.”
I turned and saw the Count of Champagne. He was with his knights and Siegfried of Trier and his men. “I rarely boast, Count. I state facts. My knights are well proven in battle and the mêlée will always be won by battle hardened warriors.”
“Do you fight in the competition after the mêlée, Earl?” Siegfried of Trier’s voice was like the hiss of a snake.
“No.”
“That seems strange for you were keen for single combat with me.”
“That was to save men’s lives. Here there is nothing for which to fight save gold and I have enough of that already.”
If the conversation had ended there then events might have turned out differently but Henry spoke. “The Earl is the greatest knight in the whole of Christendom!”
Siegfried said, “Then, Your Grace, why does he not prove it?”
“He will do, won’t you, Earl? In fact, I command it!”
I could not refuse now. I was however confident that I could defeat this Siegfried. If he had any skill, then he would have fought me before when the rewards would have been greater. “Very well. I will, reluctantly, partake.”
“Of course, you will not be fighting me, Earl. I have a young knight who follows me. He is a Swabian and has great skill in tournaments. You would not want the easy victory of defeating me.” He waved a hand and a young man, the age of my son William, stepped forward. “This is Hermund of Alsace.”
The young man had a long scar running down his face. He was powerfully built and looked like a warrior. This was the first time I had seen him and I wondered where he had been hiding. The fact that he was Swa
bian made me cautious.
His voice was heavily accented as he spoke to me, “It will be an honour to fight such a great warrior. When I defeat you then it is my name that people will shout. It is I who will have the title of the greatest knight.”
I saw the smile exchanged between Charles of Champagne and Siegfried. This had been planned and, thanks to Henry, successfully executed. They had failed to kill me in my bed. Even though the combat was not to the death I knew that this Hermund of Alsace was a killer and he would intend toensure my death in the combat. I had been outwitted. It had not been my fault. It had been because my hands had been tied. The oath I had sworn could come back to haunt me.
Chapter 6
The word soon spread to my men. They did not fear for me but they had been in such situations before. Wilfred spoke for them all, “Lord, your war horse is a good one and your mail is good too but we have heard that this Hermund of Alsace is a killer. He will not abide by the rules of the tourney!”
I laughed, “Do you think I do not know that, Wilfred? I go into this with both eyes open. This is all part of Eustace’s plot. He would have me killed in the tournament so that no blame can attach itself to him. He is clever. He knows that if I kill the young man then it is my honour which is impugned and the cause of Duke Henry, weakened. Ralph, I need the best lance that you can buy. Leopold, I would have you strengthen my shield.”
“Aye lord and what will you?”
“I have the morning to become one with my war horse. What is his name?”
“Albert.”
“Good. Come Ralph, we have much to do.”
As we headed for the stables he asked, “Would you not prefer James? He knows how these things go.”
“No, Ralph, I am happy with you. You are a warrior. All that you need to know is this: if my horse falls then fetch me a spare. If my lance breaks then bring me a new one. If his squire intervenes then you are permitted to fight him. Other than that you watch.”
“I will be mounted?
“You will.”
“Good. Then his squire had best watch out! Are these men the same who tried to kill us?”
“I believe they are. The one I fight is a Swabian and the ones who came to kill me were also. Although I have no real proof it seems likely.”
“I will watch them. No matter what the outcome I will be there afterwards and I will have my vengeance.”
Our enemies did not know the quality of the men who followed me. They would soon learn, to their cost.
Albert was not a young horse but I could see why Wilfred had chosen him. He had wise eyes. I put my nose close to his muzzle and spoke quietly. “This is the first time we have fought together. We will be as one weapon, Albert, King of the Normans! When we ride, you will feel my touch and hear my thoughts. I am Warlord and I am a mighty warrior. You will have more glory this day than in your whole life. Now let us get to know one another!”
I had to get to know him without exhausting him. It would be a challenge. I rode him gently at first so that he could become familiar with the touch of my knees and the weight of my hands on his reins. Then I tried to ride him gently but with just my knees. He responded magnificently. I was able to turn him to left and right with just the pressure of my thighs on his flanks. That was a vital skill in a war horse. Wilfred had chosen wisely. I stopped him and backed him up. He did that well too. I pulled back on his reins and stood in the stirrups; he reared. I knew all that I needed to know and I took him back to the stable. I gave the stable boy a silver coin. “Groom him and feed him. Give him the best of grain and lots of water. Let no one near him. You understand?”
“Yes lord!”
I then returned to the hall to don my mail and prepare for combat. I knew that I would not be there for the mêlée. I would prepare myself well. I was no longer the puissant young knight. It did not matter that I would not be watching for Henry would be safe in the stands, next to his father and the Queen of France. No one would be able to harm him. I had to be ready to face a knight thirty years my junior. I had no doubt that he would have both skills and energy. He was young. I would have to use experience.
When I was ready and Ralph was similarly prepared for battle we led Albert and Ralph’s horse to the field where the mêlée was taking place. We heard the shouts, cheers, jeers and catcalls as we approached.
Ralph asked, quietly, “Are you afraid, Warlord?”
“I am aware that I could die today but I have made my peace with God. I have confessed my sins and I am prepared for judgement day. Am I afraid of this young man? To speak honestly, no. He sees an old man who is past his better days. He will be confident. He will think me nervous. To me he is like any man I meet on the field of battle. I believe that I can defeat him. One day that will not be true and I will die but for this day I think that, although it will be hard, I will prevail. I hope the young man does not have to die but that is out of my hands. God will judge. I am prepared for that judgement.”
As we approached the field I could see riders being led away. They had been defeated. I saw that the doctors were dealing with those who had wounds. Even though it was not to the death, injuries and, sometimes, death occurred. I left Albert with Ralph and made my way to the stands. There was still time. It was down to the last two conroi. Charles of Champagne’s riders were facing those who remained from Henry’s men. The men of Champagne had numbers. I hoped that Henry’s men had heart.
The two groups of knights gathered at opposite ends of the lists. Henry bowed to the Queen, “I must speak with my men. Perhaps the Earl will keep you company while I am away.”
“It would be an honour, Duke.”
He smiled, “The title sounds good. King would sound better.”
As he went down the Queen said, “For one so young he is very confident.”
“He knows his own mind and he is no one’s fool.”
“And that is down to you.”
“His father has been a great influence.”
She laughed, “Then why is your name never far from his lips? He spoke of your travels and battles in England and here in Normandy. It is you who have made the king. He owes his father a debt but it is you who hold the greater part of his heart.”
“Which you think to take.” I had lowered my voice.
“Is it so obvious, lord?” She whispered the words so that they came out as a sigh.
“To me, it is. Tread carefully, my Queen. This is not just the heart of a young prince with which you play. If this goes awry then men will die. Think on that.”
“You must think me a fool, lord. I am aware of what we do but you of all people should know that I do bear a brain. I will engineer a situation which suits Henry and myself. Louis is not a clever man and I can outwit him.”
She had confidence. “Know that I am sworn to protect Henry from all who would harm him. All.” I stressed the last word and held her gaze.
She did not flinch and returned my stare, “And I swear that no harm will come to him through me.”
I nodded, “Then that is good enough for me.”
Henry did not return to us but remained by the spare horses, squires and lances. The two conroi charged each other. I smiled for Henry had learned his lessons well and he had taught his men to fight as I had taught him. His smaller number of knights rode boot to boot and did not gallop. The result was that the men of Champagne struck their line piecemeal and riders fell. After the first pass the numbers were equal. The Duke’s men also turned quicker and they charged down the men of Champagne. Henry’s men had been blooded in the wars in England. To them this was war and they excelled at it. One of Henry’s knights fell but three of their enemies dropped from their horses. Henry’s men now held the advantage. They were led by Richard of Caen and he had fought with us against the Scots and the Flemish. He kept his line together and they swept through the men of Champagne as though they were not there. None of them were horsed after the pass. Henry had won.
When the Duke returned, I stood, “
Well done, my lord. That was a worthy victory.”
“Now go and do the same, Warlord, and this will be a day to remember.”
Eleanor touched my hand, “Take care my lord. Better to fall from your horse and lose dignity than lose your life. The Duke will need you.”
“Then I will heed your words but I will not fall from my horse. I will prevail. Will that do?”
“Aye, lord, it will.”
I made my way down to the enclosure from whence we would ride. Many of those entered into the lists had fallen or been hurt. There were just six of us left to fight. I was drawn not against Hermund of Alsace but Guillaume of Champagne. He had fought in the mêlée and been unhorsed. We were the second pair. Hermund would fight in the third combat.
The first pair were both young and they threw themselves into the combat. Their lances shattered, they fought with swords. They wore each other out. Neither side could gain advantage. The only winners were the four of us who had not fought. When one horse was hurt then etiquette dictated that both fight on foot. They battered away at each other. The swords were blunted and without tips but being beaten with an iron bar would weaken any man. When they both fell to their knees the herald intervened. He looked up at the stand, “What say you, Count?”
“They have both fought well. It is an honourable draw.” The two knights were too weary and hurt to fight again.
The crowd approved and all cheered. I mounted. I was to fight another of Siegfried’s men. He too had the unicorn on his shield. He too was young. I knew that he would have more power than I did and I also knew that he hoped to weaken me for his countryman. I intended to make a swift victory. I would have to use tricks which Hermund of Alsace would see and that meant I could not repeat them.
I tied my ventail tightly and donned my helmet. Ralph handed me the blunted spear. “Take care lord, he has a Muslim spike on his shield.”
I saw that Ralph’s eyes had spotted the deadly shield. Although not forbidden, they went against the spirit of the games. They also gave me an insight into how he would fight. He would try to hurt me with the spike. The herald dropped the standard and I trotted towards him. He thundered at me. I expected that. He held his shield forward. That was his weapon and not just his shield. He was galloping so fast that his lance head was wavering up and down. He would have been lucky to hit a barn door. His shield was held high. As we approached I spurred Albert and then stood in my saddle. It took him by surprise. He punched at me with his shield but all he met was my shield. My lance went beneath his shield and above his cantle. It struck him in the stomach and he tumbled over the back of his horse. I had won.