by Griff Hosker
“You know your horses the best.”
“Thank you for the trust. I will try not to abuse it. You are a big man and not yet fully grown. I think you will broaden out a little more and a man puts on more weight as he grows older. Alciades here is fast but he is also strong. To be honest I need a buyer for him.”
“Why is there aught wrong with him?”
“No, lord. But he is a stallion and he fights with the other stallions. If I keep him I will have to geld him and that is not right.” He handed me the halter. “Here lead him and watch him walk. This will test if he is the horse for you. If he baulks then I will choose another.”
I pulled on the halter. Alciades was magnificent. He was jet black with two white socks and a white blaze. He came with me. I was aware that he was watching me. I stroked him between his ears and then put my mouth close to his head, “Will you be mine, you black beauty? Shall we war together and fight the heathen in the desert?”
He stamped his foot. The gesture seemed to please Basil. “You are a match. You love horses and he approves of you. It is good.” I handed the halter to the stable boy who waited close by. “Now the second. This one is slightly smaller and he is gelded. He is older but he is Alciades’ uncle. This is Leonidas.” This one was also black and had three white socks. “I take it this is for your squire?”
“Perhaps.” I looked at Tom and saw that he was eager. “However, Tom, perhaps you should speak with Leonidas and see if he approves.”
Leonidas was a calm horse. Tom stroked his mane, “I will learn Greek, Leonidas if it will help. I will make sure that you are fed and watered well. I will share when we are in the desert.” The horses nodded.
“Good and that just leaves the two, what do you call them, palfreys?”
“Aye, workday horses.”
We went out of the stables to a pen. The horses there were being groomed. “Those two, the chestnuts with the three white socks; they are twins. Romulus and Remus. They are gelded and they get on well. You could not ask for better horses. They can carry you and will be perfect for the desert. Their dam came from Arabia.”
“It is good; we shall buy.”
Basil laughed, “I can see you are no Greek for you do not haggle.”
“I trusted you with the horses and I will trust you with the price. I do not know the prices here but I think my friend Ralph does.”
“You have a good attitude, Norman.” We agreed a price and he even threw in some saddles. They would allow us to ride them back to the city.
Aethelward was happy to walk beside us. “I am no horseman, lord. I am happy to walk.”
Ralph waved a hand around the land through which we would travel. “I will take us a different way back. I would like you to see the Gate of Christ. And the Golden Gate. They are my two favourite entrances to the city.”
The land rose and fell in folds. We were afforded glimpses of the sea and then olive and lemon groves. It was beautiful. We were not far from the city when we heard an altercation. We were travelling through a stand of trees and, at first, we could see nothing. When we emerged there were half a dozen riders, a cart with a broken wheel and a boy who was being whipped. The leader of the men was a mailed warrior. He had an open helmet. He was a Lombard. This was not our country but I did not like to see the boy being whipped by the cart driver. I saw that the boy had paler skin than most of the other people we saw. He was a Frank or an Angle.
Suddenly Ralph threw himself from his horse. “Leave that boy alone!” he did not speak in Greek for the Lombards spoke either Italian of French. Instead he used French.
I said, “Garth!” Garth nodded and quickly strung his bow.
“Who are you to tell me what to do with my property?” The Lombard had understood for he spoke French too. I recognised the accent. It was the same as that of Robert of Nissa. I saw that he also had a yellow shield but he had just three red stars. They were related.
“I am a member of the Varangian Guard and that boy is the son of a Varangian.”
The Lombard laughed, “He is mine now. I bought him and the whore of a mother that spawned him. I wasted my money with her for she died. I will not do the same with him. Be off.”
Ralph drew his sword as did Aethelward. None of us had shields but they did and there were seven of them. Six mounted men and a cart driver. I slipped from my horse and handed the reins to Tom. “Keep watch.” I drew my sword.
The Lombard turned and, along with the other six drew his sword. “There are but four of you and a boy. Put up your weapons and you may live.”
Ralph did not stop moving. He was swinging his left hand even as he approached the cart driver, “And you are threatening one of the Emperor’s Guards. The punishment is severe. Put up your weapons.” He smashed the cart driver backhanded and the man’s head cracked against the cart rendering him unconscious. Years of wielding a shield in battle had given Ralph a left arm that was like an oak.
“You wretch. Get him!”
One of the Lombards had a spear and he galloped at Ralph with his lance couched. There was a whoosh and he was plucked from his saddle by Garth’s arrow. Another was ready instantly. The Lombard knight seemed to have noticed Garth for the first time.
I spoke, “And now the odds are more even. However, if you wish to save all of your lives then sheath your weapons. Garth here is not only accurate, he is fast.”
The Lombard pointed his sword at me before he sheathed it, “I will remember your face, Frank! Guy of Èze does not forget such injuries. What is your name?”
“I am William of Stockton and I do not fear a man who has others do his dirty work. I will meet you, sword to sword at any time you choose. However, I should warn you that I have won many a tourney with my lord, the Count of Anjou. Do not say I did not warn you.”
Ralph held his sword towards the Lombard. “And do not even think of coming to Constantinople! I will spread the word. My brothers do not forget an injury either.” Aethelward had gone to stand before the boy so that they could not do him injury. Ralph turned to me, “Mount, lord. I would not turn my back on a snake such as this.”
Garth said, “I could end all their lives now, if you wish. The mail might fetch a pretty penny!”
The Lombard hissed, “Put Michael on the horse.”
Leaving their dead companion, they threw the cart driver on the horse and galloped off. Ralph shook his head, “They went quickly enough.”
The boy spoke for the first time. He spoke in English. “We should go quickly. The Count of Provence is his uncle and he is camped up the road. He had twenty knights with him. Sir Guy is an evil and vindictive man but his uncle is worse. They will return.”
I put my arm down, “Come ride double. Aethelward, ride behind Garth.”
We galloped the last mile and a half to the walls of Constantinople. We had more on our minds than the beauty and strength of the gates and I was grateful when we galloped through them.
We stopped only when we reached the ship. While the horses had their saddles taken from them and Tom fed and watered them Ralph spoke with the boy, “You are Alf son of Morgan are you not?”
He nodded, “How did you know?”
“You have your father’s complexion and his hair. I saw him in you. When your father died, we tried to find you and your mother. We had money for her.”
“When word came that my father had died my mother was beside herself. Her cousin said he would care for us but, instead, he sold us to that Lombard. We spent the last four years in Italy. My mother died. She was used. I will kill that knight for what he did to her.”
“First, we must keep you safe.” Ralph, for the first time since I had known him looked apprehensive, almost worried.
I waved over Garth, “He looks like he needs food and his clothes are in tatters. Take him aboard and feed him and change him.”
Alf heard me and he snapped, “I am not a baby! I can fend for myself.”
Ralph rounded on him, “Did you forget manners when you wer
e taken from the Guard? Your father taught you better. Address this knight as lord or I shall finish what the cart driver began!”
Garth put his arm around the boy’s shoulders, “Come young Alf. You can tell me of this Lombard. If you are English then you will appreciate ale and we have a fine barrel in the hold.” Mollified, Alf went with Garth but not before giving Ralph a venomous look.
Ralph laughed ruefully as the boy was taken below decks. “That is because his mother was a Pecheng! They are a volatile people.” He shrugged, “They are good in bed; or so I have heard. Now the boy, what do we do about him?”
“Is there a problem?”
“We could give him the money we intended for his father; save that we spent it celebrating his death, but that Lombard will be back. If he serves a Count then I cannot keep him from the city.”
“What about you?”
“I will take my chances, but the boy.” He turned to face me. “Lord, this is wyrd. You are the grandson of Ridley and this is the great grandson of Aelfraed. He cannot stay here and you need someone who can speak Greek for you.” I looked to the ship. “And I can tell that you are a good man. Many men travel on Crusade for gold but for others there is a higher purpose. You are one of those I think. And I believe you are a good man.” He shrugged, “However, if you cannot then we will take him into the city and I will find one who can bring him up as a Greek.”
“I did not say that, Ralph. It is great responsibility.”
“It is. If you save a life then you owe him a life. I do not ask lightly. He will be difficult. I can see he has an attitude and life with him will not be easy. Your companions are like oathsworn. You know each other and I am asking you to put a piece of grit beneath your mail. It will irritate.”
I laughed, “And you know that I will take him.”
“I do lord. You come from good stock. Let us see if you can save this youth.”
There had never been a doubt. This was my chance to atone. I had lost my own son. Perhaps God had sent this boy to give me an opportunity to save him. Tom returned. He was a year or two older than Alf. “Tom, I think we will ask Alf if he wishes to come with us. He can serve us in some capacity but I need you to watch over him.” He nodded. “He may be difficult. You will need patience.”
“My father taught me patience and I know that I tried his. He would I had been an archer. I will do penance with this boy for my father.”
Ralph nodded approvingly as Tom went aboard. “You have good people around you, lord.”
“Aye I have.”
“A word of advice. Beware those you find in the Holy Land. Not all the evil men are Muslims. You will need to exercise sound judgement.”
“I know.”
When Alf returned, I saw that Garth had not only dressed and fed him, he had attempted to tame his unruly locks. The youth looked a little happier. Garth was much older than I was and he knew how to deal with the young. He would have made him laugh.
“Alf, I have spoken with Ralph. If you stay here in Constantinople you may be in danger from the Lombard knight.”
“I fear no knight!”
I saw Ralph roll his eyes. This would be a challenge, “I know but there is a time to face that which threatens us and there would be little to be gained by staying here. The Lombard has men who serve him. You would die. Your father would not like that nor would his comrades. I have not known you long but I would not either.” I hesitated and then spoke openly, “We are linked, Alf son of Morgan. Your father’s grandfather and my grandfather came here together as housecarls. They fought for the Emperor. They were brothers in arms. My grandfather would wish us to be together. Would you come with us to the Holy Land?”
“You are the grandson of Ridley?” I nodded. I saw him take in the information and to reflect on his situation. “I would like to visit the Holy Land but would I be your slave?”
“You are free. You can leave me whenever you choose or you can become as my other men, oathsworn.”
“Oathsworn?”
“You would swear to be my mine and I would take care of you.”
He pointed to Ralph, “He is not one of your men, is he? The Varangians abandoned my father on the battlefield.”
Ralph started forward, “We did not you…”
I held out my hand. “Your mother told you that.”
“How did you know?”
“Often when people, especially women, are hurt, they lash out in all directions. Your father died bravely and his comrades could not save him. Your mother had to blame someone. Believe me, Alf son of Morgan, your father’s comrades would have saved him had they been able.”
Ralph approached the youth. “The knight is right Alf. What we will do is to kit you out so that you go to the Holy Land with mail, sword and shield. How is that?” He nodded. “Then when you are kitted out you will swear an oath.”
“Why?”
“Because that is what your father would have done.” It was a statement as though there would be no argument. “I will return in two days’ time. Then I will take you and Sir William and we will go to the baths. Garth has made a good effort with the comb but I think you should be shorn. Let us make a new start eh?”
He smiled, “Aye and I am sorry for my harsh words.”
“I have endured worse.” He turned to me, “And keep a good watch for that Lombard. They are a sly and sneaky race.”
I told my men when they returned and we all agreed to keep a good watch. William of Kingston had finished his business. The ship was repaired and fully provisioned. We just had the surcoats to pick up. Ralph returned, as promised with the lamellar armour, helmet and shield. It was a smaller shield than we used. The sword and spear were also shorter. However, he had found a Norman helmet, complete with nasal. He had smiled as he gave it to him. “This is the last of the ones that old Ridley and Aelfraed took from the Normans they defeated. I knew not why we had kept until now. Come you can try them on when I have taken you and your lord to the baths. This will be my gift.” As we headed for the baths he said, “I am to leave the Guard after the next winter. I have served my time. Speaking with you has fanned the flames of my desire to return home. Besides there may be work for my axe there.”
My father had extolled the virtues of the baths and, after this visit, I understood why. The barber there trimmed my hair and beard and shaved Alf’s head. We had found wildlife there and it seemed for the best. I was not certain how either our horses or my men would take the sweet-smelling perfume with which we were doused but Ralph had assured me that even the Varangians enjoyed the aroma.
On the way back we called in at the seamstress. To my relief, she had finished them all. I paid her the last instalment and the merchant’s slaves carried them back for us.
Garth admired the surcoats, “So, lord, you will be leaving?”
“My captain is keen to deliver us. It will be winter by the time he reaches England and we both know that the waters there are not benign like these.”
We had reached my ship. “Then this will be farewell. I had hoped for another drink. I enjoy the company of your men.”
“If you get to England then look up my father. He is keen to hire such as you and Erre would give you a good welcome.”
“Then I may. Farewell.”
We boarded and I saw him trudge back towards the Forum. We had been lucky to have met him. I wondered if our luck would last. When William found that we could leave he was delighted and he prepared for sea immediately. We had to load the horses first therefore it was late afternoon when we left. As we did, and passed through the harbour I spied a ship arriving. We passed close enough for me to see her colours and her passengers. I saw yellow swallow tail flag with two red stars. It was the Lombards from Provence. Robert of Nissa was at the prow. He saw me as I saw him. We just stared. Had we remained but an hour longer then we would have met ashore. Blood would have been spilled. My luck lasted still.
The Holy Land 1146
Chapter 3
Wh
ile in Constantinople we had heard that the fortress of Edessa had finally fallen to Zangi. We had planned on landing close to Antioch. Now we decided to head for Tripoli. It was more secure. We sailed along the coast of Anatolia through the Greek islands. I took the opportunity to get to know Alf. It became apparent that when Alf and his mother had made their way in the world, he had been the strong one.
“Why did your mother take you away from the city? Your father’s comrades would have helped you.”
“I wanted to. I wished to be, like my father, a warrior. Mother thought that she would be enslaved again.”
“She had been a slave?”
“Yes, lord. My father bought her and gave her freedom. She never liked the city. Her people were nomads who travelled the open lands. The city walls were like a prison for her.”
“Then know that you may leave at any time you choose. I am here to do penance. I believe that I have begun to do so.” He nodded. “Can you fight?”
“With a sword?”
“Yes.”
“Not really. When the Lombards took me, they would not let me near a weapon. My father showed me how to hold a dagger for I was small when he went off to war.” He took out a sling. “I can use this.”
“Good. I will get my men to teach you how to use the sword and, perhaps the bow. You can ride?”
“A little.” He sensed disappointment in my reaction. “I do not help you, do I lord?”
“We do not know yet. Your language skills are what I need most of all. You can speak Greek?”
“And Pecheng. I can understand some Arabic but I speak little of it. My Norman is good. But you speak it different to the Lombards.”
“Tell me about them.”
The Count is a cruel man. Guy of Èze is harmless in comparison. The Count would not have had me whipped. He would have had my hand taken instead.”
“And what was he doing in Constantinople?”
“There is another crusade, lord. They plan to retake Edessa. That was what we were told. They are gathering the clan so that they can travel together. The Count intends to do as the Count of Anjou did. He wishes to steal himself a kingdom.”