by Griff Hosker
“What of the boiling water?”
We still had the hides we had used on the ram. “Make shelters from the cattle hides. They keep water out. They will not stop all wounds but they will save your men from the more serious effects of the water.”
“Thank you, my lord. I will heed your advice.”
The King added, “The gate has been weakened. If we can hit it with the stones then your work may be so much easier.”
That evening it was just the three of us who sat and talked; the King, Sir Richard and I. “This is a thorn which must be removed. I have more important things to do than to bring these brigands to heel.”
I felt hopeful, “The castle will fall tomorrow. We have seen how effective the stone throwers are. If they do the same tomorrow as they did today then we can breach the gates and enter the castle and the town. This time the rats have nowhere to run.”
“You are right.” I could see that he was still distracted. I began to wonder at his motivation in this foray east. It was Blois land for which he fought. Why had he come to lead this army personally? He could have let one of his knights lead his men. Then it came to me; he had wanted to see his son in law in action. He was disappointed. I knew I was right when Sir Richard spoke.
“It is your daughter and her husband who are the real problem.”
“You are right, old friend. They say you choose your friends but can do nothing about your family. My father knew that. Had my brother Robert not rebelled then things might have turned out differently.”
“You cannot change the past, my liege.”
“I know Richard.” The King looked at me. “Look after your son, Alfraed. He is your future. I curse the day my son sailed on the White Ship. I would not be in this situation if he had stayed in England.”
I stretched, “You cannot say that, your majesty. Suppose he had been suborned as your daughter was?”
He cast a briefly, angry look and then smiled, “You are an honest fellow and you are right. At least I have no reason to doubt the loyalty of my daughter.”
Sir Richard mumbled, “Just the competence of her husband.” He paused, “If he could have given the Empress a child then it might be better.”
“You are right. I need a male heir. Perhaps he needs to eat more oysters or lampreys!”
Sir Richard said, with a straight face, “I believe the effects of oysters are over rated your majesty. Last month I ate twelve in one sitting and only ten of them worked!”
He was a dry old knight and I liked him. The King and I laughed until the tears coursed down our cheeks. The joke was not that funny but it relieved the sombre mood.
I was awake before dawn. Even so I was not up before my squires. Although I had not used them for some days the three of them were putting an edge on my sword and oiling my mail. I was grateful to Leofric and John for they were teaching my son good habits. Count Geoffrey was an example of someone who had not been taught good habits. As the catapults were hauled into place and the men of Blois prepared to attack I ate last night’s cold ham and stale bread. Soon we would have to go on short rations for the King had expected a swift victory. We had eaten the supplies we had captured. We would need to take the town and use what lay within its walls. I suspect he was disappointed that the Count of Blois had not provided more. These might be the enemies of the King that we fought but we were in Blois land.
I had just mounted Scout when there was a trumpet sound from the castle. I reached the King and Sir Richard who were also mounted. “What is this? Some trick?”
The gates opened and a knight made his way down the road towards us. He did not ride and he carried neither shield nor sword. It looked to me like an overture to peace. I looked over to Dick who had an arrow knocked. “My captain of archers can end his journey whenever you wish, your majesty.”
The King smiled, “It is one man we will let him approach. The two counts had joined us. “Do you recognise him?”
Theobald of Blois said, “I believe him to be one of the knights of de Coucy I saw him at a tourney.”
“Let him approach.”
The King cleverly made him walk all the way towards us. He had to march between the waiting men at arms. To give him credit he did not seem to worry overmuch about it. I saw him glance to the side as he passed the two catapults. He reached us and gave a slight bow. “I am Guiscard de Dreux, my master, Thomas Lord of Coucy asks for a truce so that he may put a proposal to you.”
“Where?”
The knight waved a hand towards the wall. “Half way between the road and your camp; your leaders only.” He cast a look of derision towards the Count of Anjou.
Geoffrey coloured, “I will not take an insult from this man.”
“Hold your peace. I will meet with the rebel leaders but I choose whom I bring. If you do not like it then we attack again!”
Sir Guiscard nodded, “I will give my master your demands. “
As he rode off Count Theobald said, “It must be a trap.”
I pointed to the gate. “That could be taken easily with a determined attack and the catapults are both repaired. Did you not see him examine them surreptitiously as he passed them?”
It was obvious they had not. The King nodded, “Sharp eyes! We will meet with them. Cleveland here is right. We can attack again and overwhelm them. I would prefer not to for it would result in many losses. If we can negotiate their surrender then there will be many ransoms and we can end this rebellion quickly.” He turned to Sir Richard, “The five of us will ride to meet them.”
“Doesn’t that give them an easy chance to kill us all?”
“Earl Cleveland, have your archers watch them for treachery.”
“Dick.” When Dick came over I said, “We are to meet with our enemies. Have the archers watch out for treachery.”
“Yes, my lord.”
There were many things to worry about but my archers’ accuracy and loyalty were not amongst them.
The three enemy leaders were the first ones to approach the meeting place. I saw that they did not use horses. The wrecked barbican had given them few options. As we headed to meet them I could see why they had asked for this truce. Our siege engines, crude though they were had been more effective than we had thought. The two counts flanked the King while Sir Richard and I rode slightly behind. I kept my sword and shield ready. One of the three we were to meet was the King’s son in law. With a stroke his wife would have a claim to the throne.
The King waited for them to approach. He must have enjoyed their discomfort for they had to look up at him. I recognised Thomas de Coucy. He had no helm but he still wore the same armour with the rampant lion. It reminded me of the Scottish lion. The King ignored him and addressed himself to Eustace of Breteuil. “This is not the first time you and my daughter have dared to rebel against me. The last time I took from you the lands I gave to my daughter. It seems I must now take your lives.”
Eustace spoke and he seemed almost petulant. “We have not rebelled. We live here in the castle of Hugh de Puset. We are victims. We have to rely on the hospitality of others for you have made us paupers.”
The King laughed, “The castle de Puset stole from Blois.” He stared at them. “Will you surrender or shall we break down your gate and put your people to the sword?” Roger de Puset had the temerity to shrug. The King shouted, ”I know you care not for your people or any people for that matter. I grow tired. You asked for this truce. What are your proposals? Do you surrender?”
Hugh of Puset smiled, “If you attack us you may well win but how many men will you lose? The Count of Anjou suffered badly in his attack yesterday. I know that he was the least experienced and valuable of your leaders but…”
Count Geoffrey’s hand went to his sword, “I will kill you for that insult!”
The King shouted, “This is a truce! Stay your hand!” The voice carried across the field and there was silence. “And you Puset; watch your tongue.”
De Coucy spoke for the first time. He had
a silky voice which I did not trust for an instant. “We have a proposal. Let me fight one of your knights. If you win then we surrender and throw ourselves upon your mercy. If I win then you let the three of us and our household knights leave and then you can sack the town.”
The King shook his head in disbelief. “Is there not an ounce of honour between any of you? You would throw your people on my mercy while you escape with your lives?” He turned his horse’s head around. “I have heard enough…”
“You are afraid then, Norman? I thought better of you.”
“I fear nothing, least of all a robber baron like you.”
“In that case you cannot lose. Unless you fear that I will defeat your champion.”
He had been clever. If we rode back and continued the fight then the belief would be that King Henry did not value his own men. It would demoralise the army. The King turned his horse back and de Coucy knew that he had won. “Whom would you fight? Me?”
“And kill a king? That would be regicide. No, I will fight the knight whose name is known throughout these lands as the best knight in England, Alfraed, Earl of Cleveland.”
I was almost amused by the look given to me by Count Geoffrey. It was almost as though he was seeing me for the first time. I kept my face impassive even though every eye was upon me. I knew that the King had taken the bait when he said, “And you will surrender unreservedly when the Earl of Cleveland defeats you?”
“If he defeats me then you have our word, all of us.”
“You so swear?”
They nodded and said, together, “We so swear.”
The King turned and looked at me. Although he said not a word I could see his eyes pleading. He could win the war and not lose a man if I accepted the challenge and fought as his champion. I nodded.
“Very well then we meet here at noon.”
He nodded and said, “Between these war machines? And we can bring our household knights?” The King gave Eustace a quizzical look. “So that we may leave if Sir Roger wins.”
“Agreed.”
We turned and went back to our lines. “You can beat him, Alfraed.”
“I hope so, your majesty, but if not then I pray you take my son as a ward.”
“I swear I will honour him as though he were my own, but you shall win.”
I was not certain. Adela was gone and my life was empty. Perhaps it was my fate to die here so close to the place where I had first met the King and my fortunes had changed for the better. I would know in a very short time. I could fight this de Coucy knowing that I had done all that I could for my son. If I fell then it would be an honourable end.
Chapter 17
The King and the other four took themselves off to discuss the events. I walked towards my men. They had no idea what was going on. Wulfric approached. ”Do they surrender, my lord? Are we to return home?”
I gave him a wry smile, “In a manner of speaking, yes. I am to fight de Coucy. If I kill him then they surrender. If he kills me then they leave the castle and we can go home.” I turned to Leofric, “I need my helmet.”
Wulfric shook his head, “It is not right sir. You are taking all the risks and you will not reap the reward.”
“Perhaps. Fetch Dick. I have need of him.”
John and William stood close by. “Should we do anything, my lord?”
“The sword is sharp?” John nodded. “Then I shall need a long dagger.” He went off.
“Will we be allowed to watch you kill him, father?”
“You are so confident?” He nodded. “I expect so. When Dick and Wulfric return I want you to listen to what I say to them. It is important.”
My squires and my men returned at the same time. The rest of the camp was filled with men at arms and knights preparing themselves to witness the combat. I strapped the dagger to my waist. “Wulfric you and the men at arms will guard my squires. I suspect treachery. Dick you and the archers need to position yourselves to the north of the combat but remain hidden. If there is treachery then you know what to do.”
“Can we not be closer to you, my lord? If there is treachery…”
“If there is treachery then I trust you and your bows. You would not be allowed to be closer, for it is household knights only. That is why I suspect treachery. The fight will be between the catapults. The King did not appear to notice the significance of that but I do. You will need to be outlaws once more and approach like wraiths.”
“We have not forgotten that skill.”
I looked at Wulfric, “If I am to die the King has promised to make my son his ward. I do not doubt him but I charge you with protecting Stockton until he becomes old enough to command.”
William’s mouth opened and I saw him take in the words. “You cannot die! Not after mother and…”
“William, you are young in years but you must grow quickly. We have no time for tears or doubts. If I am to die this day then so be it but you will be the next lord of Stockton. Until you are old enough then Wulfric will rule.”
He nodded. I saw him fight to control what he felt within, “When will I be old enough?”
“When Wulfric tells you.”
Sir Richard reached me, “It is time, Earl.” I nodded, “I suspect treachery my friend.”
“As do I.” I pointed to Dick who was organising the archers. “My archers will be close by if there is.”
“Can you defeat him?”
“We will be fighting on foot and he has the advantage. He is a bigger man and he has a great helm. My stroke is normally twixt the helmet and hauberk. I cannot do that with a great helm. I will have to use my feet and my speed.” I rubbed my left arm. My worry is this arm which has still to recover from the blow I received at de Coucy’s castle.”
Wulfric growled, “He fled from us that time, my lord, if you recall. I would expect such a trick again.”
Until his body lies at my feet I will expect all tricks. John, fetch my banner. It will fly above me.” I smiled at William. “Your mother’s hands sewed the stars and the wolf upon it. Perhaps she will watch over me too.”
Sir Richard led us to the two siege machines. The King and our household knights stood on one side. He was flanked by the two counts. Ahead of me I saw de Coucy and Hugh of Puset leading their knights. Of Eustace and the King’s daughter there was no sign. I frowned as I looked to the gate. The rubble had been cleared in the night. What did that portend? Had they deliberately come on foot to lull our suspicions?
I stood next to the King. I was his champion. Sir Richard took Wulfric and my squires to stand in the middle of the knights. He was protecting my son as best he could. I said quietly to the King, “There will be treachery. We do not fight honourable men, my liege.”
“You think I should not have accepted his terms?”
“I think you did the right thing, your majesty, but let us just say that I am suspicious.”
“As am I. Fear not we will watch out for tricks.”
As the enemy approached I said, “He has played his first trick already. We are evenly matched in terms of numbers. Look at the men he brings. They are hardened warriors all.” Lowering my voice to a whisper I added, “We have two thirds of our army who are inexperienced. Most of them stand behind us.”
He had not thought of that and now it was too late. De Coucy and Puset were no fools. They knew that Geoffrey of Anjou was little more than a boy and Theobald of Blois had allowed the bandits to take his land. He was obviously no threat. No matter what happened if they chose to they could begin a battle which we would lose.
De Coucy left his confederates and stood confidently in the middle of the open space. His armour was good armour. I saw that he had his shoulders protected by metal plates. Each bore a rampant lion upon them. Another of my blows would be useless. His knees were similarly protected. He had put his ill gotten gains to good use. I saw the sword in his hand. At least our swords were the same length. There would be no advantage there.
I walked towards him with my sword dra
wn. I was looking for danger the whole way. I saw that he stood on a flat piece of dry ground. That suited me. His voice seemed disembodied as it came from deep within the helmet. We were far enough away from the others so that no one else could hear our words. “You will die today. I think you know that. I looked in your eyes before and I saw a man dead within. This day marks the end of King Henry’s expansion. Soon Blois will be ours and then Normandy. And when the King dies then England will be ours too. I promise you this, Earl of Cleveland, I will make your end swift. I saw you fight and you are a brave man but your life ends here on this field.”
I did not respond. Instead I pondered his words. I had suspected the brothers Blois as being behind the plots in England and the borders. Perhaps I was wrong. If Blois was to be captured then the brothers would lose out too. It looked like it was Juliana who was plotting against her father. He was a clever man and he had distracted me with his words.
The blow when it came towards me was quicker than I had expected. Athelstan’s training took over and my body reacted before my mind. I spun away from the blow which struck air only. There would be no more words now. Words wasted breath and distracted the mind. This was now a deadly game between the two of us. The difference would be that one mistake would result in death.
I feinted towards his shoulder. He did not react but swung his sword sideways at my middle. It was a swift strike. I barely had time to deflect his blade and the two swords rang off each other. He was not afraid of a blow to the shoulder. He knew that his metal plate would stop it. I looked for a weakness. I could see none. I would have to create a weakness. I stabbed forward as quickly as I could and found a gap between his sword and his shield. It tore through his surcoat and along the mail links. He brought his shield across to try to trap my sword but I pulled it away swiftly before it was lost. I danced away from the counter strike which, again, hit air. Those blows tired a man.
I could not see behind the helmet but I knew that he, too, was trying to work out a way to fight a man with hands as quick as mine. He suddenly launched himself at me. He was quick but my feet were even quicker. Athelstan had taught me to spin on one foot. It was a dangerous move as it exposed your back to an enemy but I spun so that it was his shield close to my back rather than his sword. As he lurched past me I swung my sword hard across his back. I used the edge of the blade and the momentum of my spin to add power to the blow. The grunt from the helmet told me I had hurt him. More importantly I saw, through his ripped surcoat, that I had damaged the links of his hauberk.