English Knight

by Griff Hosker

  Richard shrugged and finished his beer.

  I began to speak. I did not know where why words would take me as I began but they seemed to take on a life of their own and devise a solution as they were spoke. “Osric and Athelstan can manage Norton for me. I will leave them enough warriors to defend my father’s burgh. You, Wulfstan, will return with us to Stockton. Your wife is there now and it is more comfortable for you. Faren is kind and the closest to all of us. She can be a guardian for the girl. Your new child might help the girl forget the horrors of her past.” I saw Wulfstan nodding his agreement. “We will hire more men at arms and we will take ship for Normandy as soon as we can. You will watch my ward and the castle while I fulfil my obligations to the king. I will take my prisoner to King Henry and there I can present the case of Adele, daughter of Guy of Norton. I will beg leave to pursue De Brus. Perhaps the king will grant my request.”

  Wulfstan banged the table and poor Richard actually jumped. “A good plan my lord but I should be with you.”

  “I know but who else can I leave to watch our lands?” Richard flushed and looked offended. “Richard, you are a fine knight but you seek land and power. You are with me because I bring you both. You would not be content to sit behind Stockton’s walls and grow fat.”

  He laughed, “You are right, my lord.”

  Wulfstan finished his ale. “I am not sure I like the word fat.”

  “I meant no offence, my old friend, perhaps I speak bluntly because you are an old friend and I do not need to make a face to deceive the faces that I meet.”

  Just then we heard a disturbance outside. We left the hall and saw Aiden and his dogs driving the last two cattle into the bailey. He was grinning. “These animals should be used for breeding my lord. They led the Normans a merry dance and took them into the swamps. After I had slain them with my arrows they happily returned with me. They are warriors like Edward.”

  Alan began to laugh, “With just a little more sense than Edward!”

  Chapter 24

  Faren was already feeling maternal with a six month old child within her body but the sight of the emaciated girl made her burst into tears. She took her under her arm and whisked her away. Before she left she snapped. “The child needs her own room, my lord.”

  Wulfstan shook his head, “I will deal with it, my lord.”

  After I had changed from my armour I went into the village. Alf was as close to a headman as we had. I went into his smithy where he looked like Thor himself beating out a plough. “Come, Alf, I need words.” He nodded to his apprentice who took over.

  “We have rescued the daughter of Guy of Norton who was kidnapped.”

  He crossed himself, “That is a good thing my lord. Perhaps it is the hand of God. He took away your father and replaced him with the girl.”

  I had not thought of that but it made some kind of sense. I nodded. “Perhaps. I have discovered a web of lies and treachery which I need to present to the king. I will be seeking passage on a ship to take me and my men to Normandy. I will leave Wulfstan to rule in my stead.”

  “Good. He is a fine man and his wife has won the hearts of all. And what of the girl?”

  “I will leave her here but I know that she will be safe. She has suffered much already and she needs to heal from within.”

  “She will, my lord. You have my word on that.”

  “I hope that I have discouraged all of our enemies but I will be leaving the two manors perilously short of warriors. You and the other men need to practise with your bows each Sunday. If every man in the manors can use a bow then we will be safe.”

  “I will make sure that happens and I have many arrow heads already prepared. Old Tom has many trees which he can use to make arrows. He has begun life as a Fletcher.”

  Old Tom might not be an archer any longer but he used his skill to make the finest arrows in the Tees valley. He soon became not Old Tom but Tom the Fletcher.

  “Good. Can you ask your brother in law, Olaf, if he can take twenty of us to Normandy in the spring?”

  “His ship would not be big enough but I am sure he can hire another captain.” He laughed, “He would be as rich as Ethelred! He envies my big brother who is now the richest man in the village.”

  Leaving Alf I wandered down to the river, the better to look at my castle. It was not the largest tower I had ever seen and it was not the most imposing but it would do. I knew that an enemy who was determined could assault and capture it but it would take many men to do so. It would cost an attacker more than he might gain. I could leave it in the hands of Wulfstan and ten men at arms knowing that, with the aid of the villagers, they could sit out a siege. I hoped that I had discouraged our enemies. The Jedburgh family would have warned other Scots of the perils of Stockton and the Viking ship we had sent packing would have done the same in the east. With De Mamers and De Brus gone, for the moment, there would be peace and, I hoped, prosperity.

  As I returned I put my mind to the voyage we would make. Once inside I sent for Harold. “Bring our prisoner. It is time I questioned him some more.” As they returned I noticed that the two of them were closer. I would have to warn Harold of over familiarity. Geoffrey was our prisoner and as valuable to us as gold itself.

  I questioned him for an hour and I was not gentle with my words. I saw fear in his eyes. He did not yet know his fate and he told me all that I wished to know. When I mentioned the girl he looked around fearfully, “I never touched her, my lord. You have to believe me. I will swear it on a Bible!”

  He was so adamant that I believed him but his words made me wonder just what she had had to endure. I could never ask her. I now owed her a duty greater than I could have believed a month earlier. I hoped that King Henry would have a solution to my problem.

  Faren wrought huge changes in the girl. She had the slaves make fine clothes for her. She used all sorts of potions and oils to make her hair and her skin gleam but the most important thing she did for the girl was to make her smile and to laugh. We learned, within the first month, to keep Geoffrey from her sight. He was a memory of her past and her enforced captivity. He was a constant reminder of the abuse she had taken from his father. It was ironic that we were treating him far better than she, a young girl, had been treated in Hartness. As Faren neared the birthing time then Adele became a nurse to her mentor. I was happy. She had purpose in her life and had little time to dwell on the past. The problem had been solved, at least for the time being.

  When I had returned from Hartness I had sent messages to Durham, York and to London informing them of the death of my father and the ensuing conflict. The reply from Durham was noncommittal but the letter from Henry’s Regent in London confirmed my title of Baron of Norton and Stockton. Had I not received it then I would have continued in my role but my position would have been parlous.

  Olaf secured me a second, larger ship which would be able to transport our horses. He seemed happy to be the middleman, “I will handle the financial arrangements my lord. If we agree a fee I will pay Captain Selwyn. I have arranged a cargo for us to take. We will all profit.”

  He was so happy that I was certain he was cheating the other captain but the price we agreed was reasonable. The month after Christmas was a busy one as I had to prepare for the voyage and leave the affairs of the two manors in a good state. Alf fitted new shoes to all of the horses and sharpened every sword, axe and pole arm. We would have neither farrier nor smith with us. We would be reliant upon whatever we found in Caen and Normandy.

  Just before Candlemas it was so cold that the Tees had a thin sheen of ice upon it and it was too cold to venture forth. I sat with Wulfstan in my hall with a fire blazing away and some mulled wine in our hands. “There is, however, one dilemma, Wulfstan.”

  We had spent every waking hour going over the logistics of the campaign. We knew exactly what we would be taking with us and what we would need to sustain us over a summer’s campaign.

  He frowned as he answered. “I believe we have covered
every eventuality.”

  “All but one. King Henry is expecting three knights and thirty men at arms. The men at arms are not a problem. We can ride to Durham and hire some but it is the knight. When I promised three knights you would have been the third. I cannot take you now as I need you to watch over my lands. We have not been visited by any travelling knights. I am one short and we have less than three weeks before we set forth.”

  “You are lord of the manor now, my lord. You can knight whomsoever you please. They should be over twenty one but as most men do not know their age that is not a hindrance.”

  “Harold?”

  Wulfstan considered my choice. “He is a fine bowman and his skills on a horse are improving but I do not think he would thank you yet for such an elevation. He has much to learn. King Henry will want experience in his ranks.”

  “Then who is there? Had disaster not struck us then Osric or Athelstan would have been worthy choices.”

  “Edward, my lord. He is well experienced in war. He is a fine swordsman and a fine rider. He can learn the skills of the lance. Alan would make a good squire for him.”

  “Can I do that?”

  He laughed, “You are lord of the manor and as the king has given you the title so you have the power. You will need to equip him as a knight.”

  I wondered about that. Did I have the resources?

  Wulfstan answered, “He can have my destrier or the one belonging to Geoffrey de Mamers. He has a suit of mail already. I can see no objection, save from him.”

  It was a good solution to a difficult problem. I sent for him, Alan, Harold and Richard. Richard arrived first and I explained what I intended. He shrugged. It would not affect his rewards as King Henry wanted three knights. Richard was a good soldier but he was difficult to like. While I knew that Wulfstan would be happy for Edward Richard cared only for himself. He and Carl, his squire, kept very much to themselves. They did not mix with my other men.

  When the others arrived I said, “Edward, I have a mind to knight you and make you a household knight. What say you?”

  He was speechless. Alan grinned as did Harold. Edward was a popular sergeant at arms. Their reaction was in direct contrast to the indifference of Richard.

  “Come, answer the Baron!” Wulfstan was smiling as he commanded.

  “I would be honoured my lord. But I do not deserve it.”

  “That is for me to decide. Kneel and you too, Wulfstan.”

  “Me, my lord?”

  “Aye my father always intended to knight you but events conspired against him. This way I have two household knights.”

  They knelt and I dubbed them. “Alan will you be Edward’s squire?” He nodded and beamed a huge grin. “Good. Sir Wulfstan says you can have his destrier or that of Geoffrey de Mamers. It is your choice.” For the first time I saw a hint of displeasure on the face of Richard. Both animals were better than his. Then his face became a mask again.

  As they all left I said, “Harold, a word.”

  When we were alone he said, “Yes my lord?”

  “I had thought to knight you too but Wulfstan said that he thought you were not ready. I do not like to take another man’s word for such things. What say you?”

  “He is right, my lord. One day I may be ready but I am young and I am learning all the time. I still prefer the bow to the lance and my manners need improvement. When I am ready I shall tell you, my lord.” He hesitated, “I hope I have not disappointed you my lord?”

  “Truth and honesty never disappoint me and besides I would have missed you had I made you a knight. We have many adventures ahead of us yet.”

  He smiled, “I am honoured that you explained this to me. You did not need to do so.” I suspect that I had made Harold even more loyal to me but I had not said what I had for that reason. I had spoken from the heart.

  I sent Edward and Alan to hire more men at arms. Since De Brus had departed there were many such men seeking a master. Edward was the perfect choice to hire them. He knew how to discriminate between those who had bad luck and those who were bad luck. By the time he returned we had enough men for both castles and for the campaign. The gold from the ransoms came in handy and we were so prosperous that I knew we would have enough taxes when the tax collector returned.

  The day before we were due to leave I had one of the cattle butchered to make a feast for my men. We had the prime cut in the hall. I would have invited Geoffrey but Adele seemed different when she saw him and I was keen to be able to speak with her. Geoffrey feasted with the men at arms. They would watch him. Edward, Richard, Wulfstan, Harold and Faren made up the numbers. Faren ran the kitchen and the cooks ensured that the beef was perfectly cooked and everything was as it should be.

  It was one of the happiest times we had had in the castle. Faren was close to giving birth and had that comfortable and content look. I knew that it would be good for both Adele and Faren to share in this experience. I also saw the relief on Wulfstan’s face that he would not have to leave his wife at this time.

  Richard left the table as soon as the beef was finished. He was hard to get close to and kept himself very much to himself. He did not engage in small talk and women seemed to bore him. In the event, that helped us all. Adele seemed to relax more once he had gone.

  “Baron Alfraed I have not thanked you properly for coming to my aid. I know that you risked much.”

  “Had I known of your plight sooner then I would have come earlier.”

  She hesitated, “De Brus hates you, you know.”

  “Hates me? But I barely knew him.”

  She shook her head. “This goes back before you were given the manor. He killed my family to win the manor. He bribed Richard Fitzherbert to put in a good word with the king but then you were awarded the manor and his plans were ruined. He wanted more land across the river.”

  It all made sense now. The king must have had an idea of the problem when he tried to appoint one of his Norman knights. It must have been a godsend when we arrived. “His plans?”

  “Hartness is a poor manor. The harbour is the main source of income. He has lands at Guisborough. With the manor of Norton and the river under his control he would have been able to rule the whole of the Tees valley and most of the coast.”

  “How did you know all this?”

  “I was used as a slave, a pretty slave and when he was in his cups he would boast to de Mamers and other visitors of his plans.”

  “I see. Thank you for the warning.”

  “There is more.”

  “More?”

  “He is also one of Count Fulk’s men. He has been promised much by the Count in Normandy.”

  “Then he is not in the Holy Land?”

  “No, my lord. He sailed to Anjou to help the Count. His people were told to tell you that he went to the Holy Land. I think he hoped you would try to follow him there and suffer an accident along the way. You will be expected.”

  I had no doubt that De Brus spies who would have kept him informed about the date of our departure and even our route. It was too late to change it now. At least we had warning. I put my hand on hers, “Thank you, Adele, you have repaid my rescue now and more. I am eternally grateful to you.”

  She withdrew her hand, “You will still go? But it is a trap.” I saw the shock on her face. I was walking, nay running, willingly into a trap. To her it must have seemed foolish. It probably was.

  “I gave my word to my king that I would go to Normandy. I cannot be foresworn.”

  “But surely the king would understand.”

  I shook my head. “He is king and would not worry about the danger to one knight. Besides a trap is only a trap if it is a surprise. This is not a trap. We know we will be attacked. It may be at sea or it may be in Normandy. We will just have to be ready.” I looked at Edward who had taken in every word. “What say you? Do you regret becoming my household knight?”

  He laughed, “My lord I will never regret that. It is an honour that I could have only dreamed
of. No, you are right, we can prepare. We have the finest archers I have ever seen in our company. Harold here could hit the eye on a Mayfly if he so chose. We divide the archers between the two ships and make sure that they sail closely together. As for the land and an attack there… with the men we lead I fear no-one.” He smiled at Adele. “You have never seen Baron Alfraed fight, my dear. I have never seen his equal. We will return from this campaign as rich men. Do you agree Wulfstan?”

  “I do indeed. I am not afraid, Adele. Alfraed is like his father and a more honest and noble knight I have yet to meet. The difference is that Alfraed here has a ruthless streak which terrifies me and if I were de Brus I would hide rather than seek him out.”

  “Nevertheless I would that you take care.” She reached behind her neck and undid a locket. “My mother gave me this and I kept it hidden during my captivity. I would give it to you to keep you safe.” She put it in my hand and closed the fist around it.

  “I cannot accept this. It would be base.”

  “It would be base to refuse a gift from a maiden my lord. Besides I will sleep easier knowing that you wear it. Please… for my sake.”

  And so I took the charm. It was a beautifully carved piece of jet in the shape of a deer. Perhaps it was Adele’s charm which kept me safe.

  With extra arrows and other preparations for ambushes made we sailed from Stockton a week later. Wulfstan still awaited his child but Father Peter, who blessed us we left, said that perhaps God was waiting until the castle was empty. Perhaps he was right. We heard, much later, that Wulfstan’s son, Ridley, was born three days after we had sailed.

  Chapter 25

  Edward, Richard, Aiden and the horses all travelled with half of the men in the larger ship, the ‘Mary’. We sailed with Olaf on his ship, the ‘Serpent’. We carried the armour and the gold on Olaf’s ship. We told both captains of the dangers we might face but they seemed philosophical about the whole thing. Olaf was actually looking forward to someone trying it on with his crew. “Half of them are the sons of Vikings. They are hard lads who enjoy nothing better than a good fight and besides,” he had said looking at the weapons we brought aboard, “your men look like they can handle themselves.”