by Griff Hosker
He gave me a look of surprise. “He will soon take Wallingford. At least, that was the news we had.”
“When first he came to power your taxes were reduced were they not?”
“Aye lord. They were good times.”
“But in the last five years they have gone up year on year and you and your people suffer.”
He nodded, “How did you know?”
“Stephen is a brave warrior but he is a poor leader. He squanders his money by being generous to friends. Someone has to pay. Henry FitzEmpress is now Duke of Normandy. The war in Normandy has been over these four years. There is peace and prosperity. When we bring his knights over here how do you think the war will go? Think what I have done with a handful of knights. Imagine what I could do with hundreds.”
I was deliberately planting seeds of doubt in the old knight’s mind. I would let him go after Christmas and he would tell De Waleran of his doubts. He would tell his neighbours too. When Henry returned, the north would expect to lose. I was saving men’s lives with my words. They were not lies. I had commanded at Lincoln and defeated Stephen. I had led, with the Archbishop of York, at the battle of the Standard and driven the Scots from the field. With a large army from Normandy and Anjou I knew that I could take the north in less than a month. It was frustrating to have to wait for Henry but I had made this future king; I could not complain if I did not approve of all his characteristics. I had created them.
Four days later I led a smaller number of men at arms and archers south. With five knights, thirty men at arms and thirty archers we were small enough to ride quickly but I had enough men to quell any opposition.
We stayed at Northallerton the first night for my hostages ensured a welcome there. It also made a better base for raiding south. The next day we headed for Tadcaster. As we rode down the Great North Road, we caught up with folk fleeing south. They cowered terrified at the sodden side of the road as we halted.
“We beg you to spare us lord!”
“Where do you go?”
“Away from York. There is famine and pestilence there. We have family at Sheffield. We go there.”
I leaned down and spoke to the merchant. “I will let you go but know this; until Henry is King of England then all who support Stephen will be punished. Now go!”
As we continued south Sir Richard asked, “Why did you not take what they carried, lord? He looked to be a rich merchant.”
“He is not a warrior and besides, this will reap us greater rewards. I was not intending to raid Wetherby. Now this merchant will spread the word that the Warlord is coming. Fear will gnaw at them. They will husband their food in case I lay siege to their lands and they will live in misery. The merchant will wonder if life might not be better without Stephen. I know we can win a battle against Stephen but I need to remove his support. It is the peace which will be harder to win.”
I had Aiden and his scouts out ahead. They were not seeking merchants but warriors and they found some just five miles from Tadcaster. It was close to where the oathsworn of Eustace had made their last stand. Someone had removed the corpses although I could see the place from the rat and fox gnawed bodies of two horses. Half picked over by scavengers and vermin they would be gone by the spring.
“Lord there is a column of men heading north. They are a mile away just beyond the crown of the road. It is fourteen knights leading forty men at arms. They have some fyrd with them.”
I made up my mind quickly. “We will attack them on the road. Dick, we use your archers as men at arms.”
“Aye lord.”
“A column of fours.”
We trotted down the road. We were half a mile from the crown when I saw their banners as they crested it. I spurred Badger to make him go a little faster. They saw us. They had the high ground and whoever led them decided to make a stand there. They dismounted and formed a shield wall. The knights formed the front rank. The men at arms the second and the third was the fyrd. I saw the squires and horse holders behind as we thundered up the slight slope. They had neither archers nor crossbowmen. Some of the fyrd had bows and, as we closed with them, they sent a few arrows to pitch short of us.
I lowered my spear and pulled my shield tighter. I recognised the shields. These were the men of Roger of Tadcaster. I had fought with his father at the Battle of the Standard. Sir Roger was young. That meant he had never experienced a charge of Norman horse. We did not look intimidating; we were just four men wide but we had depth. There would be fifteen ranks of us ploughing through them and their line was three men deep.
I saw that Sir Roger had a plume on his helmet. It made a tempting target. The danger lay in their spears which were braced against the ground. However, the angle of them meant that, by leaning forward over our horse’s heads, we had a longer reach. Sir Harold, Sir Tristan and Sir John rode with me. They were the most experienced of my knights and we stood as one, leaned forward and, after pulling back our arms, punched forward. My spear head went into Sir Roger’s mouth which had opened to scream something. He had made the mistake of not fastening his ventail and it cost him his life. He was thrown back and the four of us burst through the knights and into the men at arms. The five we struck were hampered by the bodies of the knights before them falling into them and our horses bowled them over. The fyrd turned and ran. I saw the squires, on their horses, debating what they ought to do. Behind me my men poured through the gap. Leaving Wilfred and my men at arms to split left and right and encircle the others I galloped through the fyrd to the horses.
“Squires, yield or you die!”
One of them began to draw his sword. Sir Harold swung his spear sideways and smacked it into the side of his helmet. The squire fell, stunned.
“That was a warning!”
The others said, “We yield!”
I turned, aware that the sound of battle had stopped. I saw why. Dick and his archers were in a circle with the bows. Their arrows were pointed at those who survived. A knight looked down at Sir Roger’s body and said, “We yield!”
We did not head back to Northallerton but to Tadcaster. This was the home of the majority of the garrison. The knight who had yielded was one of the household knights of Sir Roger and the gates were opened to admit us. They had no garrison just a town watch. We had another stronghold.
We stayed for two days. I sent my knights out to raid for livestock in the surrounding area. When they returned, I took hostages from the families of the knights and headed back to Stockton. December was upon us and the weather was worsening. I had done all that Henry had asked of me. With the limited forces at my command I could do no more. The livestock we had taken would make the lives of those living close to Tadcaster miserable. Others would join the merchant and flee south away from my ravages. More importantly there would be fewer knights and men at arms who would heed the summons of Stephen. They would hunker behind their walls and await the wrath of the Warlord. It was the fear of me which would freeze the land every bit as much as the icy weather which would soon be here.
The animals and the hostages slowed us down and it took us four days to reach Stockton. My knights would return to their families and I would plan my strategy for the New year. I had to leave my land safe and decide who to take with me to Normandy. I had a Queen to win for the Duke.
My knights sent me news of their raids. They had been equally successful. There would be much hunger in the north and animals would be in short supply. If Henry did attack the following year then the opposition in the north would be that much weaker.
Chapter 11
I sailed for Normandy at the end of February. The ransoms were paid and the knights returned. The recently acquired hostages from Tadcaster would be retained to guarantee peace. I took Dick and his archers, Sir Richard and twenty-five of my men at arms. That still left enough men in my garrison under John of Craven. My land would be safe.
I had no real idea how our raids would have impacted on Stephen’s siege. There had to have been some effect but I
did not know what it would have been. When ‘Adela’ had returned William of Kingston told me that Henry’s orders had been obeyed and reinforcements set to Wallingford. We were in the hands of God now. Father would have said that it was wyrd.
A winter voyage was never pleasant and the seas were rough. The result was a six-day voyage to Normandy and my ship was so badly damaged that we had to put into Le Havre for repairs. Rather than endure the tortuous voyage up the Seine we disembarked and bought horses to ride to Rouen. We managed to pick them up at a low price. The end of the civil war and the lack of any other conflict made many knights sell their second and third horses. Most Norman knights bred horses and they would have young ones they could school.
It took a couple of days to reach Rouen but the journey was instructive. I still had Albert to ride but my archers and many of my men at arms would be riding the new horses while we stayed in Normandy. I hoped it would be weeks rather than months but I did not know the details of Queen Eleanor’s annulment. All of my men had armour which was the envy of many knights. Their swords were the best and had been made by the best steel makers that could be found. Most of them had one made by Alf and that was as good as they came. All now had a helmet with a nasal. We had found that better than the open helmet. There were trends in helmets and I had seen some of Eustace’s men wearing something called a kettle helmet. I did not like it. I had shunned, some years earlier, my masked helmet. The nasal gave me better vision and was able to deflect blows better. Our surcoats were also much sturdier. Alice used women from Stockton to embroider and strengthen the seams. They were robust and would last a long time. Our riches meant that every man at arms had a spare. We made a fine sight as we rode towards Rouen. Alice had had to make a new Standard for James' attempts to use it as both spear and shield had resulted in it being badly cut about. The new one was also of better quality with finer embroidery.
Henry was overjoyed to see me. In fact, he met me on the road. He had with him an escort of household knights. I recognised four of them but the other six were new. I would have to discover if they were trustworthy. Henry had learned much but there were always dangers in having men close to you that could not be totally trusted.
“Warlord! You have exceeded my expectations!”
“How so, my lord?”
“I have heard that although the siege works are still in place at Wallingford, Stephen has returned to London. You are indeed a threat, Warlord. He is strengthening the defences of the city. He fears an attack from you.”
“Surely not. Even the most exaggerated numbers would not suggest that I had enough men to attack London.”
“No, Warlord, but now that there is peace with Scotland and the Earl of Chester has his lands then Stephen, apparently, fears that you will lead an army to take first Lincoln and then Oxford. London would be the next logical step. We can now prepare to invade. If you, with just your handful of knights could cause such panic then imagine what a whole army could do!”
As we entered the castle I said, “We caught them by surprise, lord. The next time they will be watching. I still have hostages from Tadcaster and a couple from Northallerton but De Waleran will be wary.”
“Do not be a pessimist. Raymond of Mortain is gathering ships at Caen. We have more being built at Le Havre. We have the men; all I need are the ships and my Queen.”
“Your queen?”
“I have heard that the annulment will be granted in March. I wish you to ride to the borders and meet her in April. Through intermediaries we have arranged for her to be at the border on the first day of spring. It is propitious. That day will be the nineteenth day of the month this year.”
“Is this not soon, lord? What will the King of France have to say about it? He will not be happy.”
“I care not. The marriage will be annulled and it will be no business of his!”
We had entered the Great Hall. Henry had raised his voice and so I bit my tongue. It was a chilly day and we went to the fire. A servant brought us a goblet of mulled wine.
Henry gave me an apologetic look, “Sorry, Earl. I did not mean to snap. My priests have been telling me the same thing but what can he do about it?”
“He can make war.”
“He already conspires against me!”
“But that is not war. Could the Queen not return to Aquitaine. When you have conquered England then you would have more men to bring to Normandy and fight him.”
“We do not want to wait. Eleanor is older than I am. We are anxious for sons. You, of all people, know the dangers of a king who has no sons! My grandfather had one and he was lost. Eleanor has promised me many healthy sons!”
“You say priests. Do others know of this?”
“I have only spoken to you, my oathsworn knights and the Bishop of my plans and only you know the date and time. The rest just know that I intend to marry the Queen. They know not when.”
“Then there is a risk that others will know too! These are dangerous waters in which you sail.”
I was not convinced about the wisdom of the plan but I could not dissuade him. Sometimes I wonder if our lives are written by God or Fate. I am not certain what would have resulted from the marriage of Henry to Eleanor had nothing else happened but when Geoffrey Count of Anjou died, a week after our arrival, I knew that it created more problems than it solved. His death was expected but it was still sad. He was but thirty-seven years old. It was no age. If my raid on York had been a pebble in the pond then Geoffrey’s death was a rock in the sea.
The Empress Matilda came from the Priory and we escorted her to Angers for the funeral. Her two other sons were already there. It took several days to reach it and the funeral rites took days. When he was interred his family stood before his tomb. It was noticeable that Henry and his brother Geoffrey stood on either side of their mother so that they had no contact. Poor William, the youngest, trailed behind. His position behind his mother mirrored his position in life. He was the youngest and there would be few crumbs for him to grasp.
The Count was barely in his tomb before the wrangling began. A funeral feast was held as well as a hunt. It was several days before the dignitaries and guests left leaving just me and the family there. As Henry’s adviser I was in the room with the three sons, the Empress, the Bishop and the cleric who had Geoffrey’s will. I already knew what it contained. He had shown it to me before he left for his last journey to Angers. Matilda received her own jewels. She did not seem put out by that. I knew she was a rich woman in her own right. Young William was made Viscount of Dieppe. Geoffrey was confirmed as Count of Nantes and given half a dozen castles in Poitou. Henry inherited Anjou. I saw the face of Geoffrey as it reddened and he boiled with rage. The cleric added that the Count wanted Henry to be generous to his brothers when he thought them mature enough.
The cleric finished reading the will and the Bishop said, “These were the wishes of Count Geoffrey of Anjou. I pray that all in this room adhere to them. To do other would dishonour his memory.”
Matilda smiled, “I pray you leave us now your grace and you too Father Abelard. The five of us need to speak alone.”
When they had both left and the door closed, Geoffrey pointed an accusing finger at me, “Why does he stay? He has always favoured Henry! He influenced my father! He put a spell on him! He is the reason I inherit a few pathetic castles in Poitou! It is nothing!”
I turned on him, “I allowed you to rant so the last time we met but no longer. I did so because your father was dying and did not need the upset. Your father wished this. I tried to persuade him to give you land but he would not. He said he wanted you to be ready to rule. Your rage here, while your father lies buried close enough to hear your words, is intolerable. Keep silent and let your mother speak! If you do not then I will silence you!”
The Empress put her hand on mine, “Thank you Alfraed. I, too, tried to persuade your father to be more generous. We can do nothing about that now. However, I have land in England. I will give both William and
Geoffrey estates in England. They can rule them until their brother decides which counties he will give them.”
I thought it a generous and happy solution. Henry nodded and William smiled. Geoffrey however stood and shouted, “I am to wait for the crumbs from my brother’s table? I told my father I will not do that; I tell you all that now. I will have Anjou or I will have nothing!”
The room echoed with silence. Poor Matilda looked sad. William was aghast while Henry was, amazingly, composed and quiet. He said, quietly, “Then, brother, you shall have nothing.”
Geoffrey strode angrily from the room. We all looked at one another. William said, “He will come around, mother. He always had a temper. We all know that.”
The Empress said, “I think this is why his father wrote the will in the manner he did.” She looked at Henry. “Your brother will be a dangerous enemy.”
Henry looked from his mother to me and back, “You feel the same as the Warlord then? I should have him bound and kept prisoner.”
She looked at me, “The Warlord is wise and remembers how my father did the same with my uncle. Even then his son caused us problems until he died.”
“I will not have my brother murdered.”
“We did not suggest that but he can cause mischief. There is an alliance of enemies. They are gathering like carrion around a corpse. I fear for you, my son.”
“Do not, mother. The Warlord has tempered my metal!” He nodded. “I will go to my brother and I will talk with him. Perhaps he may have calmed down. William go find him and ask him to meet me in the solar. He is always calmer there. Father gave us our first wine in that room.”
When William had left us, I said, “Have you told your mother your plans for Eleanor of Aquitaine?”
He smiled, “She is about to have her marriage annulled and then we shall be wed.”
“I will not ask if that is wise for I know that the heart is never ruled by the head but I will ask if you are certain the moment is right. A delay could not hurt.” I saw the concern on her face. We were both of the same mind.