Earl

by Griff Hosker

  We were sword to sword and I barely had time to block his blow with my own weapon. He was not a tall man but he was incredibly broad and powerful. Our horses spun around each other as they, too, fought. As I was taller I used that to my advantage. I stood in my stirrups and swung my shield before me. It allowed me to bring my sword down towards his head. He could not bring his shield around and he blocked with his sword. I punched at his helmet with my shield. He leaned into me and I felt myself overbalancing. I sat down and Scout continued his turn. He was well trained.

  I was aware of the battles around me as men fought and died in the dark. Now that we were side by side again the knight swung his sword at my neck. I thrust my sword up and they rang together. It would be the strength of our weapons which decided this and when I saw the slight bend in my opponent’s sword then I knew that his was a weaker weapon. I went on to the offensive and swung my own sword down hard. He met it with his own and the bend became more obvious; more than that it became harder for him to wield. It became unbalanced.

  Once more I risked standing and I hit him again with my shield. This time he reeled and I stabbed forward with my sword. His weapon was now a hindrance and its shape, as he blocked, allowed my blade to slip between the sword and his saddle. It slid into his mail. I felt the links as they sheared. The gambeson gave some resistance but when I leaned into the blow it sank into flesh. I heard a grunt and I turned my hand and pushed harder. My tip was stopped by the cantle on his saddle and I withdrew the blade. He tumbled from the side of his horse.

  I turned quickly to see how we fared. John and Leofric guarded my back. I saw a dead Welsh warrior between them. Dick and Wulfric rode up. Wulfric raised his helmet and pushed back his coif. He believed the encounter was at an end. “They are all dead my lord.” He looked at the dead knight. “It looks like he was the only knight with them. Most had no armour. I think they were relying on speed.” He pointed to Dick. “But for Dick here they would have succeeded.”

  Dick shrugged modestly. “They were no woodsmen and we heard them. We kept withdrawing and then releasing arrows. Had it been daylight we would not have needed help but they were like insects in the forest.”

  “You have both done well. Wulfric, keep the men at arms here and I will return to the main camp. The Earl will be worried. I doubt that they will risk a second sortie but it is better to be safe than sorry. Give me the head of the knight. It will be evidence for their prince in case he doubts our word in the morning.”

  Wulfric dismounted. He took off the knight’s helmet and examined it. “Too small!” He threw it to the ground in disgust. Taking his axe he made a swift strike and the head was cleanly severed. The man was already dead and there was little blood. He picked it up by the hair; the Welsh liked to wear it long and he handed it to me. I saw that it was an older warrior; older than me. That explained his skill.

  “I will see you on the morrow. Leofric pick up that helmet and keep it for William. John, come with me too. Aiden, you can stay here.”

  It was a slower ride back for I did not have Aiden’s skills. I knew I was close when I smelled the cooking meat on the wind. It made me hungry too. The Earl was warming himself by the fire when I rode in. “Well?”

  I held up the trophy. “Some tried to escape. I think they were going for help. None will be coming. I left my men at arms to guard the northern gate. This may come as a surprise to the prince when you negotiate tomorrow.”

  “Just so. And you must rest. From what my son in law has told me that the Welsh may well know you. I believe they will remember you from our last visit. What we lack in numbers we will make up for in reputation.”

  I was exhausted and as soon as I lay down I was asleep. When I woke I found that I had been covered with a blanket. My squires were close by. I did not disturb them when I rose. I suspect that they had watched over me during the night. The two Earls were up and eating some of the beef which was still warm from the previous night. I joined them. “We have no bread but this will suffice.” The Earl gestured to the walls. I doubt that they will have eaten well. We will visit with them at noon.” He laughed. I have sent one of Ranulf’s men as though he rides to Chester for aid. It will set the Welsh to thinking.”

  In the end we did not have to initiate a truce. The gates opened and three riders emerged. One bore the flag of Gwynedd. The Earl said, “Ranulf, ride and see what they want. If they want to speak, then agree to it.”

  As the Earl and two men at arms rode off, Robert of Gloucester said, “An interesting development.”

  “Perhaps the rider you sent to the north frightened him.”

  “This Prince Owain does not seem like a man easily frightened. Come we will take that big fellow of yours, Wulfric. He would put the fear of God into anyone.”

  He waved his squire over and asked for his horse. I went to Wulfric. “Get yourself ready. We are to ride to meet the Welsh.”

  “Should I take my axe?”

  I laughed, “I think the Earl will be disappointed if you do not. If you could stroke its edge whilst we talk then that might help.” He laughed and nodded.

  Ranulf rode back after a brief discussion. “The Prince Owain wishes to speak with you, my lord. We have agreed that the meeting shall take place a bowshot from each of our camps.”

  Just then an arrow sailed from the walls and stuck the earth. The Earl nodded to Sir Edward who had some of his archers close by. Thomas of Whitby pulled back and released his arrow. I mounted Scout which had been brought by John. I noticed the sack which hung from the saddle. My orders had been obeyed. Wulfric and I followed Robert Earl of Gloucester to the area between the two arrows. When we reached it the gates opened and three men rode forth. Parity of numbers minimised the opportunity for treachery.

  The two Princes were of my age. The one who looked to be slightly younger had an angry look upon his face. The elder spoke. “I am Prince Owain ap Gruffudd and this is my younger brother Prince Cadwaladr.”

  The Earl said, “I am the Earl of Gloucester and this is the Earl of Cleveland.”

  “What is it that you wish?” We remained silent. I could see that the Earl had confused him. The Prince frowned. “Why are you here?”

  “You asked for this truce. We assumed you came to give us the terms of your surrender.”

  The younger prince became angry, “Surrender! To a rag tag army like yours?”

  “Peace brother.” Prince Owain gave an apologetic shrug. “My brother is outspoken but he is quite correct. Your army is too small to take our town. In fact it is smaller than when it followed us.” He leaned forward. “You should know that I have sent to my father for more warriors. If I were you I would leave now before they return.”

  The Earl looked at me and nodded. I turned around and took the sack. Opening it I grabbed the hair of the dead knight and held it before me. There was a gasp of horror from the young prince. “Would this be the knight who led the warriors seeking help? If so they all lie dead.”

  Prince Owain’s shoulders sagged. “And your rider has already gone to Chester.” The Earl nodded. “We have supplies enough to sit out a siege.”

  The Earl waved a hand at the land around. “And we enjoy eating Welsh cattle. When you are encircled by a ring of steel then we shall see if you have enough supplies. When you have to resort to eating dogs, cats and rats we shall see if you have enough supplies. When my men have ravaged the country hereabouts then we shall see, eh Prince Owain ap Gruffudd?”

  I saw resignation in his face. “What are your terms?”

  “Surrender Wrexham to us and pay an indemnity of a thousand head of cattle.”

  Prince Cadwaladr shouted, “Never!”

  Prince Owain turned to his sibling and said, “Brother this is negotiation. The Earl begins with a ridiculously high figure.” He looked at the Earl. “The animals you have already eaten and a hundred more besides.”

  “My men have healthy appetites; we would wish at least five hundred head of cattle… and Wrexham.”


  “You may have the five hundred head of cattle but Wrexham is not to be bargained. If you demand Wrexham then we shall sit behind its walls and decide this matter by feat of arms.”

  The Earl nodded, “Then you vacate the town and take your army back to Anglesey.”

  This was the crucial moment when it would be decided if we fought or left. “I have your word that you will not occupy it when we have left?”

  “You have my word.”

  “Then I agree to your terms.” He nudged his horse forward and the two men clasped arms. “This is not over, Robert, Earl of Gloucester.”

  “I know.”

  Then the Prince turned his attention to me, “And you, Alfraed Earl of Cleveland should know that my brother here has sworn to kill you for the death of my brother.”

  I nodded. “He is welcome to try. Would you like to test my mettle now Prince Cadwaladr?”

  For a moment I thought he would accept and then he thought better of it. “I can wait. Vengeance is best served cold and I am too angry now.”

  “I killed your brother fairly in combat.”

  Prince Owain said, “I know but my brother here feels that family honour has been impugned.”

  The Earl of Gloucester pointed to Prince Cadwaladr, “Let me give you some advice young man. Become a great warrior if you wish to fight the Earl. He has defeated many men in single combat including those close to the Holy Roman Emperor. He is not a man to be beaten by an untried boy.”

  I know that the Earl did not mean it cruelly but I saw the young prince colour. He now hated both of us.

  Prince Owain said, “I will send men for the cattle and we will head home.”

  “We will leave this land when the cattle are delivered.”

  As we rode back to our lines the Earl said, “They must have had even less supplies than we thought.”

  “They did not expect us to react as swiftly as we did. I think that Prince Owain should have reduced Chester first then he would have had something with which to bargain but I think he is a dangerous foe, my lord.”

  “I agree.” He reined in. “Wulfric go and bring the rest of your lord’s men from north of the town. Their work is done.” When Wulfric had gone he turned to me. “Come with me back to Gloucester. I would hunt with you and I am certain that my sister and her Swabians will be pleased to see you.”

  My spirits rose. “But what of the Tees, my lord?”

  “Sir Edward can take your cattle hence and he and your other knights can watch over your land. Besides you only need a few of your men with you. The rest can return to your castle.”

  I did not need much persuasion and I nodded my agreement.

  Chapter 7

  Half of the cattle were given to the Earl of Gloucester whilst the rest were divided between my knights and the Earl of Chester. As soon as two hundred and fifty cattle arrived Sir Edward and my men took our share and drove them north. I retained my squires, Aiden, Griff of Gwent, Ralph of Wales and Roger of Lincoln. If I was not safe in the land of the son of the King of England then the country was, indeed, in a parlous state. I took only Scout for I would not be going to war. Leofric led the sumpter with our supplies.

  I took Sir Edward to one side. “Watch over the valley for me.”

  He nodded and then, speaking quietly said, “My lord, I am your loyal servant, as you know but I beg you not to do anything you may regret.”

  I think Edward saw, in that instant, into my heart. I smiled, “I will heed your advice. I would not risk the honour of the Empress nor would I betray my wife.”

  He looked relieved and swept a hand at the cattle. “The knights you did not bring will be more than a little unhappy that they do not share in this bounty. Our young knights are rich men already.” It was not just the cattle which had made them richer. We had slain many men and all of my knights had shared in the bounty. Soon they would all buy better metal, helmets and weapons. Each would hire a couple more men at arms. It was a slow process but soon we would have the best equipped nights in the land.

  As they left I could not resist a chuckle. Edward had been a working man at arms for many years and his one aim had been to acquire money and land. He could not rid himself of that avaricious trait. I had never wanted for aught and I needed no extra cattle to make me happy. As I walked back to the Earl I wondered what I did need.

  It took over ten days to gather in all of the cattle. The Earl of Chester had left with his just four days after my men. Eventually we had them and we headed south. The Earl of Gloucester left his cattle with his men and we rode ahead. I was pleased. The thought of riding at the pace of two hundred and fifty head of cattle did not appeal to either of us.

  We rode swiftly and did the journey in three days. The Earl had built himself a strong castle which, like mine, utilised the river. Despite the lands to the west which his father had conquered this was, to all intents and purposes, the border. Here the sentries on the walls wore mail and scrutinised every visitor.

  His Steward greeted us. “We have guests, John. The Earl will be in my quarters. Put his squires and men in the warrior hall.”

  “Yes my lord.”

  “Is my sister within?”

  “No, my lord. She and her guards went for a ride this morning.”

  The Earl frowned. “I hope they steered clear of the river. The Welsh would love to have a hostage of her high status.”

  His Steward smiled. “Sir Rolf was adamant, my lord. He led the Empress east.”

  The Earl laughed and, as we went indoors said, “Those Swabians are damned reliable fellows. I can see why she keeps them around.”

  “They are the best men to have behind you. They never fail and they never run.”

  I was led to a guest chamber. I saw Judith and Margaret the Empress’ ladies. They were in the chamber opposite. They curtsied. “Congratulations, my lord, on your new title. Is Sir Edward with you?” Both of them enjoyed flirting with Sir Edward. After the men they met at court it was good to meet a real man.

  “No, he is heading back to my castle. This is just a visit so that I may hunt with the Earl.”

  I noticed a sly look on Margaret’s face. “I am sure my lady will enjoy the time you spend here.”

  I felt myself colouring and so I bowed and went into the chamber. There was a knock on the door and, as I opened it, I was ready to speak harshly to them when I saw Leofric with my bags. He smiled innocently, “I thought you might wish to change, my lord.”

  “A good idea.” I allowed him in.

  “Should I see if I can get water for a bath, my lord?”

  “Aye, even if it is only a bowl. I would rid myself of the smell of blood. It might offend the ladies.”

  “Your lady sent down some of the perfume we brought back from Miklagård. She thought you might need it.”

  I was reminded, at that moment, of just how thoughtful my wife was.

  I stripped when Leofric returned with hot water in a jug and a large bowl. He helped me to wash. He took my soiled surcoat and undershirt. “I will get these washed. The Steward has been told to do all he can to make your stay a pleasant one.”

  My wife had packed my fine silk surcoat and under shirt which I had bought in Miklagård. The surcoat still needed a wolf upon it to match my new seal but it would do. When my hair was brushed and oiled I felt ready to meet the world. Leofric stood back. “The Earl said to take you to his Great Hall. He will join you there.”

  As we went down I asked. Are you and the men comfortable?”

  “Aye, my lord. John and I share a corner of the hall.”

  “And the horses?”

  “It is a fine stable. They are content.” He hesitated. “I still prefer our castle, my lord.”

  I laughed, “Between you and me so do I.”

  The Great Hall was empty save for a servant who hurried over to me. “Wine sir? Or beer?”

  “Wine.”

  He gave me a goblet. “I will tell the Earl that you are here.”

  I kn
ew that the Earl would have a good cellar. I sipped the wine and found it heady and strong. It was perfect for me. Others might add water but not me. I sat by the window to look west to Wales.

  Without looking around I knew that someone had entered. I sensed a perfume I had not enjoyed for a long time. When she spoke then I knew who had entered.

  “My lord. This is a pleasant surprise.”

  I turned and saw Matilda, Empress of the Holy Roman Empire although her title was now Countess of Anjou. To me she would always be the Empress. She had grown even more beautiful.

  “My lady.” I took her proffered hand and kissed it. I felt the slight squeeze from her fingers as I did so.

  The servant reappeared, “Countess, would you like some chilled white wine?”

  “I would, Cedric.”

  He scurried away. She came close to me and held my hand in hers. “I have not long to speak with you.”

  “I am your knight, as ever. How can I help you?”

  “My marriage is a sham. My father has sold me into bondage for a piece of land. I cannot be married to the child.”

  “What would you have of me, my lady?”

  “Take me somewhere; anywhere where I do not have to endure my husband’s loathsome presence.”

  “There is nowhere.”

  “Constantinople! You know the land and the Greeks like you do they not? I hear you impressed the Emperor. We could live safely there and you could be one of his generals.”

  “They do but the Emperor is now an ally of your father. I think that taking the heir to the English throne would not make me welcome there.”

  She released my hand and turned her back on me. “Heir to the throne? That is a nonsense. The Barons may have sworn allegiance but they will never allow my husband to have aught to do with England. They will choose someone else.” She turned again. “I beg of you. Take me away from this living hell to which I have been sent”