by Griff Hosker
“My son, take care. You are a mighty knight but do not allow the king to throw the lives of you and your men away lightly.”
“I will not and I know that Wulfstan will look after you.”
“I can come with you, my lord”
“I know you could, Wulfstan, but this is a journey I must make as a leader. This is a quest to see the world and to find out what kind of knight I am. I will return and I will be a better knight for it. I know that when I return my manor and its people will have prospered and I will bring back riches, father.”
As he embraced me he said, “The only riches I need are you, returned to me healthy. God speed.”
The joy of a night alone in my castle was spoiled by the late arrival in the night of the king and his retinue. My men had to sleep on the top floor which had no roof although Sir Richard and I were not ejected from our own hall. It proved a propitious happenstance.
We were awoken before dawn by Alf who banged on the door of the castle. “Vikings, my lord! Vikings!”
I grabbed my armour and began to dress. King Henry was already awake. “What is it, Sir Alfraed?”
“One of my people has seen a Viking ship in the river.” He looked at me as though I had spoken a foreign language. “They still raid apparently.”
His squire began to dress him and he laughed, “Then I am more than happy that you chose to build a stone castle.”
We clambered the stairs to the top of the tower. We could see, peering above the mist the mast of the dragon ship as it rowed towards the ferry and the village. I saw no lookout on the mast and so I assumed that they did not know we now had a tower.
“Edward, bring the men. Sir Richard!”
Leaving a bemused king to dress and follow with his household knights we raced down to the river. My people were being shepherded by Ethelred and Alf towards the sanctuary of the castle. Alf had told me that there could be more than sixty Vikings on a single raider. We would need the help of the king. However we had enough men to slow them down.
Sir Richard and I had drawn swords and Carl and Harold watched our backs. Dick and John had arrows already nocked and ready to loose. The last stragglers from the village were screaming their way along the river bank fearful of the depredations of the Norsemen. And suddenly the mist cleared and we saw the Vikings. Half had mail but most were almost naked with a large round shield and either a sword or an axe. They saw us and raced towards us. There was no order to their attack. They saw a handful of warriors and assumed they could kill us and have their way with the villagers. They would learn to their cost that we were not to be knocked aside like wheat. The bank was narrow and we had the advantage that the river was to our left.
The first reckless warrior almost hurled himself at me. He swung his axe from far behind his head. I stepped back and swung backhand. My sword sliced into his back as his swing took him beyond me and threw him into the river. Sir Richard had despatched a second and their leader must have realised that we knew our business. He halted his men and they formed a small shield wall. That suited me for we had reinforcements coming.
The leader led from the front. He had mail armour and a spear. He stabbed at my shield with his spear. He punched, as much as I might have done from a horse. It deflected along the boss of my shield. I did not hack, I jabbed quickly and sharply. He barely had time to bring his shield up. I felt a blow hit my helmet as one of his men stabbed at me with a spear. Edgar’s pole axe came swooping down from behind me and I heard a gurgled scream as the spearman was killed. The warrior on the other side of the leader fell. The pressure from the front diminished and I took the opportunity of punching with my shield into the face of the mailed warrior. He grunted as blood spattered from his broken nose. I stabbed forward into the press of warriors and felt my sword sink into flesh. Sir Richard hacked sideways at the chief of the Vikings and he lurched across my front. I stabbed blindly a second time and this time the sword went into his side. He was a big brave man and he stepped backwards into the protection of a wall of shields.
Behind me I heard a cheer as King Henry’s household knights ran down the bank towards us. This was our chance! “Charge!”
My small band hurled themselves at the shield wall. They were in the process of carrying their leader aboard and in the confusion we broke into their wall. Swords and axes rained down on my shield and helmet but they were too close to hurt me. Two Vikings fell into the river and the departure allowed me to swing my sword. It bit into the side of a half naked warrior. I twisted as I pulled and stepped over his body to cleave the helmet and skull of another.
The Vikings had had enough and they poured back aboard their dragon ship. John and Dick rained arrows as fast as they could nock them. The wooden jetty was slippery with blood and I halted. I did not want any of my men to slip and fall to a stray spear or arrow. Even as they pulled away from the shore Dick and John continued to score hits. This was one Viking raider who would not return.
King Henry arrived in time to see the dragon ship turn and head east. “That was impressive with just twelve men. I look forward to see seeing how well you do on a horse.”
We searched the bodies and removed all weapons and treasure before returning the Vikings to the sea where they would feed the fishes. I gave the weapons and armour to Alf as compensation for any damage and as a reward for the warning.
We merely had to wait for Ethelred to repair the ferry and we would be ready to cross the river. The King said, “There is no hurry. We are waiting for more knights.”
He said no more. At noon I saw a conroi of armed and mailed men coming from the east. The king nodded, “Ah, we can now load the ferry. Here is Sir Robert De Brus and the knights of Hartness. Our army of the north is complete”
Chapter 19
King Henry’s voice was silky. He was watching me and seeing how I would react. I smiled. I was from the east. I could be as two faced as the next man if I chose. The next man happened to be the king and he was, as I soon discovered, extremely devious.
Sir Robert had brought five knights and thirty men at arms. I did not recognise them as the knights I had encountered previously. That worried me for it meant my home and my father were both in danger. Sir Robert was at least ten years older than I was and had a hint of grey in his beard. He bowed to the king and then smiled at me. “Ah Sir Alfraed, I have been looking forward to meeting with you. It has been remiss of me not to invite you over as a neighbour.”
I bowed and smiled back, “I met with some of your knights and enjoyed their hospitality and a bout with blades.”
He nodded, “Ah yes, I have heard you are good. That was an unfortunate encounter and there was a great deal of misunderstanding. The men concerned have been punished. It is one reason why I did not bring them with me. Such failure will not be tolerated in the future.”
I listened to his words. What he meant was that the next time his men would carry out his orders and there would be no survivors. I was not worried. So long as we were with the king and his household knights then Sir Robert would have to behave himself. As we were ferried to the south bank I wondered at his inclusion. Was the king keeping his enemies closer than his friends and if so how did he view me?
On the journey to Wales I came to know some of the household knights and the entourage of the king. We were the lowly end of the entourage and given the job of guarding the pack animals. Sir Richard felt slighted, especially as we rode in the dust of the others but I was happy as it allowed me to listen to the chatter and gossip of the squires who led the animals. My father had taught me to listen, always. He had advised me that just because a person was low born did not mean that they were stupid. As much as I could I treated all of them with respect. It was something Sir Richard could never quite manage.
I learned that King Henry relied heavily upon his illegitimate son, Robert of Gloucester. He was an able general. Ranulf le Meschin was also a fine warrior and well respected by the household knights. We saw little of them while we travelled
as they formed the bodyguard around the king. Some men at arms and knights had been detached to escort the tax collector back to London. Although they would meet us again, closer to Wales we were a small force, certainly by Eastern standards. We had just over a hundred knights and six hundred men at arms. We had a small force of archers; there were only one hundred of them including my two who had impressed the king in the skirmish with the Vikings.
Poor Harold found himself with his hands full. He had his own horse, Star, a rouncy and a sumpter to contend with. He was learning to be a horseman. This was the first time Star had left the Tees since I had captured him. He behaved well enough. I was relieved that he looked as good as any of the other destriers being led by their squires. They were, however, an aggressive breed. The squires had to work hard to stop them biting and kicking each other. The work I had done over the winter had made me confident that I could not only ride him I could control him and make do my bidding. That was no mean feat.
The king pushed hard and we rode almost fifty miles each day. We passed over the high, bleak centre of the country. No-one lived there and all we saw were birds flying high and looking for their next meal.. It was desolate but once we dropped down to the western side it became not only warmer but we could see the fields of ripening wheat. I could see why the king was addressing this issue of the Welsh. This land was too valuable to risk.
I had never campaigned before but it was a similar experience to our journey from the east. Each night we camped and every conroi was expected to fend for itself. The influence of each knight could be measured in their proximity to the king. We were on the periphery. I did not mind. Our position at the end of the column meant I could send Dick and John off hunting as we travelled the road. We ate well. I have no doubt we broke many laws as we hunted on the lands of other lords. However I felt certain that the presence of the king worked in our favour. The desolate high lands only resulted in a few game birds but they made a pleasant change to our diet.
We halted on the banks of the Mearsey. There was an old Roman bridge hard by Wilderspool. There the King sent for each conroi leader. Although I only had one knight serving me that meant I was included amongst the great and the good.
“Since Richard Earl of Chester drowned with my son on the White Ship, Maredudd ap Bleddyn has begun privations against our lands here in Cheshire. He has retreated from Cheshire but as I intend to travel to Normandy in the autumn I will crush this rebellion and extract such a price that the Welsh will hide in the hills with their sheep. I will have these borders safe and secure at least.” He waved his arm around us all. “The Welsh have few knights and none as skilled as we. Our men at arms will secure our bases and we will spread death and destruction throughout this land.”
There was much cheering before Baron Robert De Brus asked. “The land of the Welsh is not good for destriers. Will your majesty compensate us for any losses?”
Henry stared at the knight until he sat down. Sir Richard murmured. “He is right to ask. This is not the country for fine horses.”
“Then we shall ride with care!” I hissed. I did not want to be associated with such carping comments.
Robert of Gloucester stood. “We will divide into three battles. I will lead one, Lord Ranulf a second and King Henry the third. The men at arms will all march with the king and they will guard the animals and supplies but each knight will bring their mounted archers with them.”
We were then allocated a battle. Sir Richard and I were to be with Robert of Gloucester. I smiled when I saw that Robert de Brus was to be with the king. He had made a mistake in asking his question. The king would keep him under close scrutiny. There were just thirty knights with Richard. He gathered us around him. He had a map of the area before him. “We are going down the southern side of the Clwyd valley. The squires will be banded together under my squire Roger Tancerville. Their job will be to find the Welsh and draw them on to our lances. Ranulf will proceed down the northern side of the valley while the king will travel along the coast road. Our aim is to defeat any horsemen they send against us. Hopefully we will catch them in a trap with my father waiting for them with the bulk of the knights and the men at arms. You should regard yourselves as the beaters who will drive the game into the traps.” He stared belligerently around the tent. “Any questions?”
No-one had any and we began to leave. His voice suddenly called, “Sir Alfraed, a moment if you please.”
I waited and the tent emptied. “The king tells me that you fight as well on foot as on a horse.”
“My father and his oathsworn were Varangians. It was their natural way of fighting. I was taught well by the best from an early age.”
“Good, for Sir Robert was correct. This is not good horse country. If we have to go on foot and winkle out these Welshmen I want you to lead a small conroi. Can you do that?”
“Aye my lord.”
He laughed, “Good, he said that nothing would surprise you. You may be young but I can see steel in your eyes.”
“I hope so, my lord.”
I saw that Harold was nervous as he and the other squires followed Robert of Gloucester’s man. “Fear nothing Harold. You are as worthy as any of them and remember that you have Dick and John with you too.”
Edward took Scout with the other horses and all of the equipment. “Fear not my lord; not a hair of your steed will be harmed. You have my word.”
I smiled, “Ride him, Edward, he has a good nose and ears. He will smell out the Welsh.”
I had my Gonfanon on my lance as did Richard. It marked for who we were. I had never ridden with so many knights. We were not at the rear this time. Robert of Gloucester had us four knights lead from the front. I took that as a compliment. We headed south towards the head of the Clwyd. The ground was not as rough as it might have been; there was an ancient stone road, but I was wary riding Star to war for the first time. Aiden had given me a few tips and I had slipped an apple or two into my saddlebags. Star liked them, apparently. I decided to keep on his good side. It might save my life.
It took us half a day to reach the southern side of the valley. We knew that our thirty odd squires and twenty or so archers were ahead, tormenting and teasing the Welsh. We were the hammer waiting to strike. I was aware that this was excellent ambush country. Arrows could fly from cover. I was confident in my armour but I remembered that my archers used knight killers. I hoped and prayed that the Welsh did not possess them.
I was not worried about either my men or my horses. They were both well trained. However I did close my eyes and offer a silent prayer that they might survive the day. I had too few to risk loss. We rested at the head of the valley. Richard and I checked our stirrups and our girths. I worried that many of the young knights did not and seemed happy and jovial. War was not something to be taken lightly.
When we were ready we remounted. We were about to continue our westward march when we heard the thunder of hooves. We saw, less than half a mile away, the squires and mounted archers. They were falling back up the centre of the valley pursued by an untidy mob of Welsh. There appeared to be no order in the pursuit. There were horsemen and knights but there were also many soldiers on foot.
Robert of Gloucester turned to us, “We will charge on my command. There will be two lines. God be with you!”
I found myself and my companion four knights from Robert of Gloucester. We were knee to knee. Our shields hung from our shoulders which allowed us to use our left hand to guide the reins although once we were in action I would use my knees to direct my horse. Star stamped his hoof impatiently. “Steady boy! We will go soon enough!”
The squires were cleverly leading the enemy up the valley. We rode obliquely down the gentle side of the upper Clwyd. We trotted to keep the line. I saw Robert of Gloucester as he kept glancing to his left and right to watch for any errant knight. There were none. We kept a perfect formation. The first of the Welsh spotted us and a wail went up as some of them tried to halt. Robert of Gloucester increased t
he speed of our charge. Star was coping magnificently. It seemed effortless for the huge war horse. We were now cantering down the slope and we were like two walls of steel. I did not risk turning but I knew that there was an identical line of knights behind me. Roger of Tames, who led the second line, would choose his target once we had struck their line.
The Welsh were attempting to face us with their own knights. They had the disadvantage that they had halted and were charging uphill. Arrows showered down upon us. They had been released hurriedly and did little damage. I heard Robert of Gloucester shout, “Charge for King Henry!” and we spurred our horses. I pulled my right hand back in preparation for the blow. I had trained to do this many times but this would be the first charge against knights for me. I had speared men at arms on foot not knights who were armed as I was. The handful of knights who had managed to turn tried to charge uphill. They had no speed and they were not in a line. I punched with my lance at the knight who tried to wheel to face me. The head of my lance powered into his chest forcing the mail into his flesh. He was thrown from his horse with an ugly tear in the centre of his chest. His dying hand dragged his horse to crash amongst the archers who were trying to hit us at close range.
As Star galloped down I heard a crack and a crunch as his hooves crushed skulls and shattered bones. My lance was intact although there was now a gap between my right side and the next knight. I saw a warrior rallying the men around him. He saw my approach and hefted his shield for protection. I pulled my arm back again and this time I aimed at the top of his shield. I punched hard. As I had expected he pulled his shield up but he merely succeeded in guiding the lance into his throat. It came out of the rear but the weight of his body pulled the lance from my hand and broke the head.
I risked a glance along the line. It was no longer straight and many lances were missing. Sir Richard still rode next to me and his lance was intact. I drew my sword and in one motion swung it sideways across the head of the spearman who tried to stab Star. I felt the spearhead slide off my armour and strike the girth then my arm jarred as my blade bit across the top of his skull.