St. George for England
Page 23
CHAPTER XV: THE SIEGE OF A FORTALICE
Walter's first step on assuming the command was to examine thoroughlyinto the capabilities of defence of the place, to see that the well wasin good order, and the supply of water ample, and to send out a foragingparty, which, driving in a number of beasts and some cart-loads offorage, would supply his garrison for some time. The castle he foundwas less strong than it looked. The walls were lightly built, and wereincapable of withstanding any heavy battering. The moat was dry, andthe flanking towers badly placed, and affording little protection to thefaces of the walls; however, the extent of the defences was small, andWalter felt confident that with the force at his command he could resistany sudden attack, unless made in overwhelming force, so that all thefaces of the wall could be assaulted at the same time. He had a largenumber of great stones brought in to pile against the gate, while otherswere brought into the central keep, similarly to defend the door shouldthe outer wall be carried. He appointed Ralph as his lieutenant, andevery day, leaving him in charge of the castle, rode through the countryfor many miles round, with twenty men-at-arms, to convince himselfthat no considerable force of the enemy were approaching. Thesereconnaissances were not without some danger and excitement, for severaltimes bodies of the country people, armed with scythes, axes, andstaves, tried to intercept them on their return to the castle, andonce or twice Walter and his men had to fight their way through theiropponents. Contrary to the custom of the times, Walter gave orders tohis men not to slay any when resistance had ceased.