The Fallen Crown

by Griff Hosker

  This was a more substantial farm. The house was partly made of stone. They must have spied the other family fleeing for, as we neared them, I saw that they were already heading across the fields to Banbury. They had a cart pulled by two horses and it was laden. There were others driving their animals before them. We began to catch them and the men driving the animals abandoned them and took to their heels. They fled towards the town and stone keep. The cart kept ahead of us for some time and when they saw the castle just half a mile away they must have thought they were safe.

  Sir John and his men spurred on their horses and began to catch the cart. The farmer and his family had lost the race. As we closed with them I saw that the women and children were running for the town and the six men had drawn their weapons. Two had swords while the rest had daggers and farm implements. When they saw the rest of us galloping up with drawn weapons they turned and fled. They were safe. I had no intention of chasing them. Even as I reined Lion in Sir John's squire, Robert, had taken the reins of the cart and was heading back to Wallingford. It would be a long ride. We had over forty miles to cover before dark and we had to avoid Oxford.

  I was about to signal Dick when a column of mounted men left the town and galloped towards us. There were twenty of them and they outnumbered us. "Edgar, take Henry of Langdale and escort the cart back to Wallingford. We will catch you up."

  "Aye lord!"

  I now had two knights and ten men at arms. I felt confident. "Form line!" We had no spears but we were all mailed. I did not wait for them to come to us, we charged. They did not expect that. The knight at their fore tried to form a line. Sir John and I headed for the knight and sergeant at arms. I left the others for my men at arms. They could deal with them easily. The knight tried to approach shield to shield. At the last moment I jerked Lion's head around and jinked to the left. It took him by surprise. I swung my sword just above his horse's head. He tried to block it with his own and failed. My sword bent his and, more importantly, cracked into his chest. He almost threw himself from his saddle. I reined Lion around and saw that John had slain the sergeant at arms.

  The knight's squire halted before us and drew his sword. "Sheath your weapon boy and see to your master. Tell him the Warlord of the North has spared his life!" There were just ten of his men still mounted and the squire looked at them. They began to back their horses away from us and the squire sheathed his sword and dismounted.

  Sir John said, "A wise decision. One day you will make a good knight!"

  We wheeled our horses around. I looked to my left and saw my archers galloping towards us. I turned and saw the relief on the faces of those who had survived our encounter. They were wise enough to know what the outcome would have been had they fought.

  We caught up with the others by the village of Bloxham. I saw that my squires had loaded the grain we had found on the cart. It made for a better journey. We now more men to help drive the animals and we made better time. Aetheling and Grant rode ahead of us as scouts. We were deep within enemy territory. I had chosen Banbury for that reason. It was so far behind the enemy's line that they would think themselves safe. I had also chosen it because it was on the road to Lincoln and when we did travel thence I wanted to know the lie of the land.

  We were close to Cumnor, a small inconsequential village not far from Oxford when danger arrived. Grant rode in. "Lord, riders approach from Oxford. Aetheling has stayed to slow them down."

  Dick nodded, "Archers, follow me!"

  The narrow greenways and sunken roads which were bordered by hedges suited my archers. Dick would slow them down from ambush. "Keep moving and keep the animals close to the cart. We have come this far. Let us not lose them. Squires your job is to protect the cart and the animals. The cart is the priority."

  "Aye lord."

  We hurried down the lane. Dick and his archers appeared. "There are thirty of them, lord. Four knights, five squires and the rest men at arms. There were some light horsemen but they fell to our arrows. We kept ambushing them. They will be cautious for they think we wait for them again. They are persistent. Would you have us delay them longer?"

  "No, Dick, we keep driving the animals. If they catch us then we will fight." I pointed to the standard held by Gilles. "I hope that discourages them."

  A small village lay ahead. I heard the hooves as our pursuers hurried after us. "Stop the cart in the village and put the animals on the other side. It is time we faced them. Besides the horses need a rest."

  The cart stopped and I shouted, "Dismount! Dick, archers behind the cart. Today we fight on foot."

  I stood before the cart as the horsemen appeared. I glanced to my right and saw Günter the Swabian. He held his sword in two hands with his shield around his back. He was grinning. "Now you will see if I am like my uncle!"

  The horsemen charged us. They had lances. The knight who led them had a blue and yellow surcoat and a full face helmet. He was not a clever leader. He had his men in a column of twos. The lane would have allowed him four men abreast. Had I been the one chasing I would have sent half of my men around the village. They came on. I knew that their horses could not jump over us and they would baulk at riding over us. That meant the only thing they could do was to pull back on their reins and make their horses rear.

  I prepared my sword and, like Günter held it in two hands. Wulfric would have had his mighty war axe but our swords would have to do. As I expected the two knights made their horses rear as they stabbed down with the lances. Their blows were weak for their horses were rising and they had not practised this move. We swung our swords across the animals. Günter's long sword hacked through the legs of one horse while Sir John and I hacked our swords into the necks of the second horse. Dick and his archers rose and loosed arrows. It proved too much for the men at arms who fled along with one of the knights. The two whose horses we had killed lay stunned while the third knight lay dead.

  "Alain, grab that horse." I stepped closer to the knights and placed my sword at the neck of the leader. "Yield or die!"

  He took off his helmet, "We yield." As he tried to pull his leg from under his dead horse he said, "I think my leg is broken."

  I nodded, "Alain, put this knight on the back of the horse." I pointed to the other. "You can lead his horse."

  "But I am a knight!"

  I laughed, "Until you get another horse you are not. The walk will do you good!"

  It was dark by the time we entered the camp. The Earl had ensured that we were well protected with ditches and stakes. It took some time to negotiate them safely. The grain was sent into the castle. Half of the animals would be slaughtered immediately while the others kept for winter which would be upon us soon enough.

  The next morning my men rested while I went to see the Earl. He looked pleased, "That was a good haul and you captured Ralph D'Aubigny and his brother. They will fetch a tidy ransom. The other conroi did not fare as well but it is a start."

  We walked the camp acknowledging the compliments from the men. "My lord you know this land better than I do. What are the winters like? Are they as bad as in the north?"

  "Occasionally they are worse but normally any snow which falls lasts but a few days. Why do you ask?"

  "It is at least a two day ride to Lincoln. If it is in winter and there is snow then it will be hard going."

  "Then let us pray for a mild winter. When we do leave I want you and your men in the vanguard. Your warriors have a nose for trouble."

  "How many men do you think we shall take?"

  "Madog will be bringing many Welsh knights, archers and men at arms. If we leave a garrison here and at Gloucester then we should have over a thousand men."

  "I pray that will be enough."

  "If my daughter can hold the castle then it will be."

  "And Ranulf, what of him?"

  "He is not the son in law I would have chosen Alfraed, that is for sure. Had you not been married at the time I would have suggested she marry you!"

  "I am flatte
red, sir but I will not marry again. I had but one love and she is dead."

  He looked at me curiously, "Just the one love eh? Then you are unusual, Alfraed. My father had women all over this land and I have had my fair share."

  "Stockton is remote, my lord."

  "Aye it is that!"

  We did not raid again for the Earl was anxious that we be fresh to lead the attack on Lincoln. Others foraged far and wide. That autumn was a hard time in Oxfordshire. When November arrived it came in like a lion with icy blasts of wind which chilled to the bone. Winter had arrived and we still waited.

  Every couple of days I met with the Earl, Madog and the other leaders. There was increasing dissension in our camp. The early success of the raids seemed a distant memory, The Earl was now older and liked his comforts. He yearned for a castle's walls. After one such meeting I headed back to my camp with Sir Miles and Sir Pain.

  "It is a pity that Sir Robert D'Oyly did not side with the Empress. I know he favours her."

  Sir Miles shook his head, "But, Sir Pain, he sided with Stephen instead and that is why he is within Oxford."

  "I know but I believe he would change sides; for the Empress."

  Their words set my mind to speculating. I often did this. Usually it was in my solar in Stockton. Here the process took a little longer.

  Our raids continued into Oxfordshire. I led my men north towards Oxford and its castle. I did so not because we needed food but I did not want my men to become stale. The camp was becoming a little quarrelsome. The Earl's Welsh allies frequently clashed with the Earl's Englishmen and dice and gambling were rife. Both resulted in violence. Our raids had meant that there was little left to be taken in the countryside close by our castle. What little we had left had been taken within Oxford and its secure walls. I also had another reason. I had come up with a plan to gain us another castle.

  Sir John asked, as we headed north. "Where do we go, lord?"

  "Oxford."

  Sir Dick said, "Surely you do not intend to attack that mighty city, lord!"

  I smiled, "There are many ways of attacking without scaling walls. We will go and speak with those within Oxford. Perhaps our privations have persuaded them that it may be in their interest to change sides."

  I had found out as much as I could about Sir Robert. He was the son of Sir Robert D'Oyly who had married one of King Henry's mistresses. That gave me an insight into his mind. He would be closer to Matilda than to Stephen. It was the position of his castle which dictated his allegiances. Until we had begun raiding Oxfordshire had been secure and close to London. Now it was isolated. I gambled. I did not risk much. I doubted that they would make a foray to try to take me and all I risked was the humiliation of being rejected and sent hence. It was why I just took my men.

  The days in December were short and it took us some time to reach the castle. The ground was frozen hard and our breath formed a fog as we spoke.

  When we reached the castle we headed for the west gate. I said, "I will go forth and speak with those within. Dick take charge."

  "Be careful, lord."

  "I will, Dick. I have no death wish upon me. I serve the Empress and I see a way of doing so here."

  I took off my helmet and rode with Gilles and my standard towards the castle gates. I reined in close enough to shout, "I would speak with Sir Robert D'Oyly. Tell him that the Earl of Cleveland wishes conference with him."

  A grizzled man at arms shouted, "Try no tricks, my lord. I have six crossbows aimed at you and the boy!"

  I nodded and turned to Gilles, "Are you afraid, Gilles?"

  He smiled, "No lord. You would not have brought us here if you thought that this would end in bloodshed."

  "How do you know?"

  "I have served but a short time yet Sir Richard and Sir John have told me how you always weigh up battle with talk and always choose wisely. I am content besides my shield is close and my mail is strong."

  A short while later a knight somewhat younger than I appeared, "I am Sir Richard D'Oyly. What is it you wish?"

  "To speak."

  The man next to him pointed a finger at me and shouted, "That is the Wolf ! He is not to be trusted."

  "Peace D'Elbeuf." I had met a knight with such a name before, Sir Hugo and he had been a black hearted villain. I wondered if my suit might be a waste of time. Sir Richard turned to me again. "He is right, my lord, you do have a reputation for cunning. Why should I speak with you?"

  "Because there are just two of us. You have counted my men behind me and seen that there are not enough to worry you. It will not cost you much to listen."

  I saw him nod, "They say you are cunning but they also say that you are a man of your word." He shouted down, "Open the gates and admit the Earl and his squire but no one else!"

  The gates were opened and we rode through. I saw that the guards were wary and it made me smile. They feared the two of us. We passed over the River Isis and through the barbican. We crossed another bridge over the Isis again and then we were in the bailey. This was a well made castle. I admired the design. This would take a long siege to reduce it. I dismounted and handed my reins to Gilles once we were in the bailey. I also gave him my helmet. "This will not take long."

  Sir Robert and the knight called D'Elbeuf headed towards me along with two other older knights. Sir Robert said, "I have heard of your deeds against the Scots. It affords you a conversation, no more. Come we will go inside. It is too cold to stand out here."

  I could feel the hostility from D'Elbeuf but I ignored it. I had many enemies. They did not worry me. It was those who feigned friendship that I feared. We did not go into the hall but a guard room in the west tower.

  "Well, Earl, you have your audience, speak."

  "My lord I will speak plainly you are fighting for a usurper. I know not if you were in Westminster when we swore the oath to King Henry to support the claim of his daughter for the crown but I know that your father was." I waited.

  "I was not there but you are right. My father swore an oath to King Henry. What of it."

  "I ask you this; would King Henry wish Stephen of Blois upon the throne? Would he want this chaotic civil war?"

  "King Stephen was anointed." I sensed that he was spouting what he had been told and that his heart was not behind his words.

  "His brother, Henry, managed to manipulate that event while the Empress and the Earl of Gloucester buried their father, the King. It was not England who crowned Stephen it was London."

  D'Elbeuf snorted, "He is trying to trick you, my lord!"

  "Sir Roger keep silent or leave. It is I who speaks with the Earl and this is still my castle."

  In answer he said, "I cannot stay here in the presence of this traitor. I will leave!" He stormed out.

  Sir Robert gave an apologetic shrug, "He likes you not, my lord."

  "He has reasons and it offends me not. I serve the Empress Matilda."

  "I know. You were her champion and the King's Champion. It granted you admittance to my castle. Now tell me, plainly, what do you want?"

  "I will speak as one knight to another for I believe you to be a man of honour. I wish you to support the claim of Empress Matilda and her son Henry Fitz Empress." I expected rejection but there was none. The other knights looked to Sir Robert. I sensed that he was vacillating. "You know that the Earl of Gloucester has an army not far away at Wallingford." I saw his eyes flash and I held up my hand. "I threaten not. You know I speak the truth and I tell you that there are no plans to take this castle." I smiled, "To speak clearly this is such a well made castle that we would lose too many good men if we tried to do so. If you reject my offer of peace and friendship then I will return to Wallingford. This is not a threat. There is no sword hanging over you."

  "I like your honesty lord and I can see from your eyes that you speak the truth. My people are hungry." He smiled, "That is the result of you and your army but I take comfort that you hurt none of my people in your raids. Was that deliberate?"

  "W
hen this war is over, and it will be one day, we will all have to live here. I would not wish to be remembered as an English knight who slew ordinary English folk. My fight is with the enemies of England both within and without. I fight for the Empress and England for they are the only things worth fighting for."

  "I would not have my people suffer more."

  "I give you my word that they will not."

  "I need to speak with my counsellors." He waved a servant over, "Fetch the Earl some mulled ale."

  I nodded, "And some for my squire too."

  Sir Robert looked surprised. "It is what I have heard of you. Despite your elevated position you care for all who serve you."

  I shrugged, "The day I do not is the day I have lost the right to rule. The title has a responsibility as well as rights. I am well aware of both."

  It took until afternoon for him to reach a decision. "I have decided I will join the Empress' cause but I would speak with her personally. I trust your word but I would look into her eyes as I have looked into yours."

  I nodded, "As would I. My men and I will escort you to Gloucester if you will allow us."

  "If we leave now we could reach there by tonight."

  "Aye, Sir Robert. The roads are clear and my men are well mounted. I will send my squire to fetch my men to the gate."

  Sir Robert showed his confidence in me by only bringing two knights, their squires and six men at arms. I sent Alain of Auxerre back to Wallingford to tell the Earl of Gloucester that I would be returning to the hall. He would wonder the reason but I could not worry about hurt feelings. If we could regain Oxford then it was a blow as great as the capture of Lincoln. I sent Gurth and Alan son of Alan ahead to warn the Empress of our arrival. I did not need to send an elaborate message; the Empress was one of the cleverest women I had ever met. She would be ready to entertain Sir Robert.