Warlord's War (The Anarchy Book 11)

by Griff Hosker

  Warlord's War

  Book 11 in the

  Anarchy Series

  By

  Griff Hosker

  Published by Sword Books Ltd 2016

  Copyright © Griff Hosker First Edition

  The author has asserted their moral right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988, to be identified as the author of this work.

  All Rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior written consent of the copyright holder, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

  A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

  Cover by Design for Writers

  Thanks to Simon Walpole for the Artwork.

  Part One

  Anjou and the Winter of Despair

  Prologue

  The English Channel - June 1141

  As the cog headed towards Anjou I stared not ahead but behind. I had been ordered from England by the Empress Maud. I had not wanted to leave England for the work of establishing her on the throne was far from finished. Having secured the support of the church we had been within hours of placing the crown upon her head when the fickle populace of London had risen against her and we had been forced to flee to Oxford Castle. Although we had made it safely and the Empress was secure in one of the strongest castles in England, we had paid a price. Sir Harold and I had both been wounded. A sword had hacked into my side. It had broken ribs and almost killed me. Had not Father Abelard been a good healer then my son would now be Earl of Cleveland. It had taken time for me to heal and, indeed, I was not yet fully healed. I suspect that was one reason why the Empress had sent me to Anjou. She had wanted me healed. That was not the reason she and her half brother, Robert, Earl of Gloucester had given.

  "The war here is almost over, my brave champion. Henry of Blois will summon the prelates and clergy again and we will take an army to London to ensure that I am crowned. Stephen is safe in Bristol Castle. The opposition is broken."

  The Earl had agreed with his sister. "She is right, Alfraed, and we need Henry Fitz Empress back here. If London will not accept my sister as ruler perhaps they will accept her son. Bring him back to England and we can end this war."

  It had been this last argument which had persuaded me. Henry was my son. He was the son I could never acknowledge but he was my son. However, I was not convinced that the opposition was broken. Stephen's wife, Queen Matilda, was a resourceful and ruthless woman. She had an able commander in William of Ypres. He commanded Flemish soldiers who would not change sides. At the battle of Lincoln we had hurt the enemy but we had not ended the anarchy.

  Although the war in Normandy was going well I wondered how I would persuade Count Geoffrey of Anjou to allow me to bring Henry back. To all the world he was Henry's father. I was fortunate that Count Geoffrey held me in high esteem. Indeed William, my son, was so highly thought of that he was one of Geoffrey's key leaders. It was the two of them who had brought most of Normandy to heel. It was just the Cotentin Peninsula and the capital, Rouen, which held out. One hard push might just rid Normandy of opposition to the rightful rule of the Empress. Then she could add Duchess of Normandy to her title of Lady of England. One day, I prayed, she would be crowned Queen and, if that did not happen, then Regent for her son.

  As I turned to look ahead to the coast of France I saw my two squires, Richard and Gilles. Gilles was going home for he had been born in Normandy but this would be Richard's first visit. I had sent the rest of my knight's, archers and men at arms home to my valley. The Tees needed protection and I was loath to allow their lives to be wasted by Robert Earl of Gloucester. He could be a reckless commander. He had also realised, of late, the position of power he held. Perhaps that was why he had encouraged the Empress to send me to Normandy. He could be the centre of attention and control all the armies of the Empress. I was just grateful that the Empress had knights like Sir Miles and Sir Brian with her. In my absence they would give her the sage advice she needed. I had only left because we had destroyed all but the men of Flanders. We had undermined the walls and one more push could bring the whole edifice down. The war was drawing to a close. My journey might be the last act of a brutal civil war.

  Time alone would tell if this voyage was a wise thing which I did but I obeyed Maud. She was not only my Empress she held my heart in her hands. My destiny and that of her and her son were entwined like the Gordian knot.

  Chapter 1

  Although the count was still in Angers I intended to go to my manor at La Flèche first. My castellan, Sir Leofric had fine men at arms and archers. I had too many enemies to risk riding a strange land with just two young squires. Besides I hoped that Leofric might give me more news of my son. He was never a good writer of letters. I knew little of his wife nor his son. He appeared to love Eliane but I had never even met her and I had a two year old grandson on whom I had never laid eyes.

  The cog in which we travelled was commissioned by the Earl of Gloucester. It was a sturdy vessel but I wished that I was aboard my own ship, 'Adela', captained by William of Kingston. I would make sure that when I returned to England with Henry, we would travel on my cog. I would feel safer.

  The Loire was a torture to negotiate. There were many islands and, although wide, the river twisted and turned. In the days of oars it would have been simpler. I now understood why some of William's journeys took far longer than I anticipated. We had to tack so often that the crew were exhausted furling and unfurling the sails. Even when we reached the Maine it was a tortuous journey to La Flèche. We had to travel on the Sarthe river before joining the Loir which looped towards La Flèche. The journey did give me time to speak with William of Kingston. The captain and I had words about my final destination. He had messages for the Count from the Empress. I had told him, in no uncertain terms, that he could deliver them on his way downstream. I did not wish to arrive at the court of Count Geoffrey like a beggar. I would arrive with squires, men at arms and horses furnished by my Angevin estate.

  La Flèche was a beautiful little place. I often wondered if the Empress had given it to me because it was so pretty or perhaps because it was close to her home in Angers. Either way I was grateful. Sir Leofric had not had the chance to be warned of our arrival and I expected no ceremony. However, someone must have spied us as we travelled along the Maine for I saw Leofric and his men at arms as they awaited me on the quay.

  In my mind I still saw Leofric, as I did John, as the two orphans who had come to serve me as squires. I saw John most days but I had not seen Leofric for four years or more. I had appointed a youth and now he was a man. He had aged. Then again we all did. He had filled out and looked comfortable. Brian and Padraig who flanked him had both been my first men at arms and, along with Sir Wulfric and Sir Edward had served me the longest. Both were now grey. Their waistlines showed the good, prosperous and peaceful life they now led.

  The smiles of all three had, however, not diminished. I was gratified that they were so pleased to see me. "An unexpected visit, lord." Sir Leofric grasped my arm firmly.

  I nodded as I stepped from the cog and clasped his arm. "I come on the Empress' business." I turned and pointed to Gilles and Richard. "You know Gilles and the other is Richard. Padraig and Brian help them with our chests. We are here for some time."

  They nodded and Brian said, "Good to see you lord! Perhaps now we can have a little action and I can rid myself of this paunch eh?"

  "It is deserved, Brian, you have given me a li
fe time of service. Enjoy your time of peace now." I walked with Sir Leofric. After being as sea so long I was a little unsteady on my feet. I wondered if people would think me drunk.

  Leofric was anxious to know the events in England. His keep was in the heart of the town. I told him most by the time we reached his enormous gates.

  "So we have the Usurper but the Empress is not yet crowned."

  "That is our dilemma, Leofric. The Earl is convinced that he can bring Stephen's Queen to heel and the Empress that she can persuade the clergy to back her once more."

  "But you are not so sure." Leofric was shrewd and thoughtful.

  "No, but we are in a better position now that we were last year so there is hope." The words I spoke were to reassure myself as much as Leofric. I did not trust the clergy.

  Just then two boys and a girl appeared with his wife. I suddenly felt embarrassed. I could not for the life of me remember Leofric's wife's name. It was at times like this that I missed my own dead wife, Adela, the most. She would have reminded me. I covered my embarrassment by complimenting the children. "What fine children."

  Leofric's wife curtsied. I remembered that she had been the daughter of a local merchant. "Thank you lord. This is our eldest, Henry, my daughter, Marie, and my youngest, Geoffrey."

  "I am pleased to meet you. And will you two boys be serving with your father and me?"

  They both nodded. "Yes my lord. We both have a sword!" Henry drew his short sword. It took two hands to hold it firmly. Leofric was doing the right thing and preparing them early for a life as a knight.

  "And what a fine sword it is." I turned to Marie, Leofric's wife; I had remembered her name and felt relief, "I know not how long I shall be here, my lady. I hope we do not inconvenience you too much."

  She looked shocked, "My lord, this is your castle! We just keep it for you."

  "True but it is your home and that is far more important."

  We turned as our chests were brought in. Leofric said, "Take them to his lordship's quarters. Come my lord, let us enjoy some wine and I shall tell you of events here."

  The castle had a pleasant aspect and the wine was amongst the best I had ever tasted. After the sea voyage it was to be savoured.

  "I know, lord, that the war is not going as well in England as it is here but we have yet to conquer Normandy. The situation is improving. Theobald of Blois finds himself beset by the King of France. It means he cannot raid into Anjou. Flanders still waits like some crouching fox to take any tasty morsels which fall from the table but their Count, William, is fighting the war in England with Queen Matilda. Count Geoffrey is prosecuting the war well. He and your son make forays each year and add a little more to the Empress' domain."

  "Where is my son now?"

  "The Count has yet to set forth on his campaigns. Your son is at his manor of Ouistreham. It is an enclave within the manors which support Stephen of Blois. He has a castellan who holds it for him but, when he can, he likes to return there. He fights any foes foolish enough to face him. When the Count needs his services then he returns to Angers."

  I was proud of my son. He had been a knight for a long time and he had earned the respect of his liege lord. That was a mighty achievement. He had done so without me. It was a reputation he had earned. He had once told me that he did not wish to be known as the cub to my wolf. He was not.

  "I will need men at arms and archers as well as horses. Are we well supplied?"

  "Aye lord. Brian and Griff of Gwent had trained up some to send to you in England on the 'Adela'."

  "When is she due here?"

  "By the beginning of July."

  "Then I want her to stay here until I have spoken with William of Kingston."

  "Aye lord. When do you go to Angers?"

  "On the morrow. The Count may not be happy that I came here first. Besides the sooner I see him then the sooner I can persuade him to allow his son to return with me to England."

  The war in England meant that many things we wanted were in short supply. Here there was no such restriction. Aquitaine, to the south, was both rich and prosperous. Ships plied their trade along its rivers. Count Geoffrey's father was King Fulk of Jerusalem. Trade with the east was brisk and the markets of the Angevin had exotic items for sale. I gave Philippe, the steward of the manor, a list of items I wished. Their cost would be taken from the tithes we collected from the manor. La Flèche was a rich manor and I rarely took money out of it. Leofric and Philippe husbanded my coin well. If I had chosen to live in Anjou then I would have had a life of luxury. My home, however, was in the cold North of England where life would ever be hard.

  As I headed, with my squires and Padraig and Brian, I thought of the circle that was life. I had had a rich and pampered life in Miklagård. My father had chosen to tear us away from that and fate had thrown us into a dangerous melting pot of border raids, intrigue and poverty along the Tees. Now I could, if I chose, complete the circle and return to a life of luxury. My father's blood coursed through my veins and I was an honourable man. I would do my duty in England.

  I knew that I was lucky that Geoffrey was in Angers. Frequently, these days, he lived in the castle at Le Mans. It was closer to the disputed region of Normandy. The journey by horse was but thirty miles to Angers. It was a more direct journey than by river. We made good time. The roads were clear and there were few bandits in this part of the world. Count Geoffrey, like his father before him, ruled with an iron fist. My surcoat and standard were well known in Anjou. I had helped Count Geoffrey on the campaigns against the French, the Flemish and the forces of Stephen of Blois. I had trained many of his knights. When we were seen on the road we were greeted with both warmth and affection. It was in contrast to the reception I received in many places in England where I was the Warlord or the Wolf of the North.

  We crossed the bridge over the Maine and clattered on the cobbled road towards the castle. In the time of the Vikings this town had been raided many times and the well built castle had been made even stronger to withstand them. Now it was attacks from the land which were the danger but the castle still used the river for defence. Although the sentries recognised my surcoat I was still asked my business. Before I could answer a young shrill voice said, "Let him in! That is my Uncle Alfraed!"

  My son had grown. He was still to see ten summers but he looked older. Partly that was his dress. He was dressed as a young noble. I dismounted. He ran up to me and threw his arms around me to embrace me.

  I shook my head. "You will be a king one day! You will be not be able to greet me thus then!"

  He laughed and took my hand, "You will always be my mother's champion and that means you have special treatment! I am pleased you came. Did not my mother come with you?"

  "No, she had business in England but I have messages for you."

  He looked around, "Did you not bring Wulfric?"

  "No, he guards my lands in the north."

  He looked disappointed, "A pity." He laughed. "He frightens my brothers Geoffrey and William. They think he is a bear!"

  "He has that effect on my enemies too. But you are not afraid of him?"

  "No for he is one of your men. They are the most loyal of all my mother's followers. When I am old enough to lead men I will have such warriors around me. Loyalty is all!"

  "You are right, young Henry Fitz Empress."

  We had reached the inner bailey and grooms came to take our horses. Brian said, "Padraig and I have items to buy in the city, my lord. When shall we return?"

  I smiled. I knew them of old. That meant there was a tavern they wished to visit. I had no doubt that there would be women whose company they sought. "I think we shall be staying the night." They smiled and nodded, "Just make sure that you return in a fit state."

  Brian assumed a look of outraged innocence. "My lord, you know us!"

  "Exactly, so heed my words."

  "We will, lord."

  "Gilles and Richard go with the horses and make sure they are cared for. Wait for me
here and I will send to you."

  As Henry led me indoors he asked, "Why do you not just leave the horses to our grooms? They are good grooms."

  "I have no doubt but these are our mounts. I have only ridden this horse today but while here in Anjou he is my mount and a knight always ensures that his horse is cared for. Along with his mail and his weapons they are vital to him. Your great grandfather conquered England using horses with mailed men. Your grandfather has conquered the Holy Land with good horses and mailed men. You should not forget your heritage."

  He nodded, "That is why I like being around you, you do not talk to me as though I am a child. I learn much."

  I smiled at the words from this child. He was serious. My other son, William, had never been as serious. He had always wanted to go off on some adventure with John and Leofric. It was a shame that Henry would not enjoy that sort of rough and tumble life.

  The Count appeared. He was no longer the callow youth I had trained in the tourney. He was now a powerful leader. "Alfraed! How good to see you. The captain of the cog told me you would be coming." He wagged an admonishing finger at me, "You should have stopped on your way to La Flèche!"

  "I am sorry, Count, but I did not wish to appear ill dressed. When I left the Empress I did not have any clothes fit to meet the Count of Anjou. I am now dressed appropriately."

  "You need no fine clothes to impress me. I see beyond the silks." He nodded and put his arm around me. "In her letter Maud tells me that she barely escaped London with her life and you were wounded rescuing her."

  I nodded, "Aye the people of London are treacherous." I noticed that Henry was with us and was taking a keen interest in all that I said. He was learning. He would rule one day as King of England. I would see to that. He had to learn about the land he barely knew. "As for the wound... I live and it will heal."