by Griff Hosker
"No, my son for it dulls my wits and makes me sleepy. I would stay awake. I have a new family to meet." I forced the smile upon my lips. I looked to the small group who awaited us. There looked to be a nurse with a babe in arms and a toddler holding his mother's hand.
"This is my wife, Eliane." He took his son's hand from his wife's so that Eliane could do obeisance.
She was a dark haired beauty and I could see why my son had fallen for her. She had dark eyes and a vivacious smile. She curtsied. "I have waited for this moment since I first married Guillaume." I raised her up and kissed her on both cheeks. "I am sorry you were not at the wedding."
"As am I but that is the past. And is this fine young man my grandson?"
My son led him forward, "It is. Say hello to your grandfather, William."
He had a puzzled look on his face, "I thought he was a wolf!"
We all laughed and I bent to pick him up. It was a mistake for the pain in my side stabbed like a knife but it was worth it for the child threw his arms around my neck. "They call me the wolf for it is the design on my shield."
My son saw my pain and took my grandson from me. "And this babe in arms is your granddaughter, Adele."
I peered into the swaddled baby. She was sleeping. My only daughter had been taken by the plague. I prayed that my granddaughter would escape that terror.
"Come father you have had a long ride and I can see that your wounds are causing you pain."
Eliane face clouded, "You are hurt?" She glared at my son. "And you have kept your father standing outside!" Shaking her head she shouted, "Raymond! Food and wine to the Great Hall."
I smiled for I could see that my son might be a great warrior and leader but here, in his home, there was a mistress who ruled his domestic world. They were right for each other. Adela would have been happy at the match if not the manner in which it came about. I was grateful for the chair into which I almost collapsed. My knee had barely carried me into the hall. Had not Gilles and Richard supported me then I would have fallen. The stairs to the Great Hall on the first floor were almost the straw which broke me.
The wine revived me somewhat. I drank a goblet and held my hand out for another. Gilles and Richard carried my chests to the quarters William had given me. His keep was well appointed. Eliane returned with furs. I smiled, "I am not an invalid. My leg aches. That is all. I am an old warrior and warriors suffer wounds. It is in the nature of what we do. I am fine but I thank you for your consideration and hospitality." I took her hand. "I am pleased that my son has had the good sense to find such a good woman as you."
For some reason my words made her burst into tears and run from the room. I looked up at my son in surprise.
He smiled, "She has been worried about this meeting. She was certain that you would not like her and disapprove. She is not high born."
"You know I am not like that!"
"I know but you know women." Just then a servant appeared. "Yes Henri?"
"Lord, there is a sailor outside. He says he must speak with the Earl." His tone suggested that Henri would rather the sailor waited without.
William looked at me and I nodded, "I need this news."
"Admit him."
It was William of Kingston. His face looked pained. "What is it William? Is there trouble on the Tees?"
"No, my lord, it is worse. There has been a disastrous battle."
All the fears I had suppressed since coming across the sea now burst forth. I knew that I should not have come. "What is it?"
"The Empress and the Earl of Gloucester travelled to Winchester with their army to confront the Bishop of Winchester about his failure to support them. While they were there Queen Matilda and William of Ypres arrived with an army. There was a battle. The Empress' forces were defeated. She and Sir Miles fled to Devizes but the Earl was captured. He is held by Queen Matilda and the Empress' forces are routed."
I looked at my son, "And I was here helping the Count when I could have been helping my Empress."
My son looked at William of Kingston, "When was this?"
"The start of July."
My son turned triumphantly, "You could have done nothing for you had not long arrived in Anjou."
He was right but that did not help. "I need to get back to England." I suddenly remembered the task appointed me by the Empress. "With Henry Fitz Empress."
My son shook his head, "The Count will not allow it!"
I smiled, "I gave my word and I have kept it. Surely the Count will keep his word?"
Nodding he said, "Perhaps."
I looked at my captain, "Tell me, have the Scots taken advantage of this? Is my home safe?"
"It is lord. When I left your knights were aggressively patrolling your borders."
I smiled. I knew what that meant. They had mailed men approaching the enemy strongholds to let them know that they were watching. "What of Mandeville and the Earl of Chester?"
"The Earl of Essex fights still against Queen Matilda in the east." I could see that I had misjudged him. "The Earl of Chester now debates which side of the fence is his. He sits in the castle of Lincoln."
"Then I will have much to do once I reach England. I need to be there as soon as possible. Captain, when can you sail?"
"On the morning tide, lord. But to where?"
"Angers. The ride would take too long and with my wound it would be both difficult and painful. I must speak with the Count and collect Henry. How long will it take us to reach it?"
"It could take a week perhaps longer."
That was too long but the journey by horse would be even longer. "And when we reach there it will be almost September."
My son shook his head, "I know what you are thinking! I just hope that the Count listens to you. I know what you are like. You would be just as likely to kidnap Henry."
"The rules by which I live are simple, William. I give and keep my word. I expect others to do the same. If all men lived that way then life would be easier for all." I turned to William of Kingston. "Take my chests aboard. We have gold and coin which must be secured. It will be even more important now than it was!"
When my captain had returned to my ship I sat with William. We had much to talk about. "So, father, the war you thought was over is about to burst into flames again."
"It is worse than that. Lincoln held meant that we had the usurper and his forces trapped in the south and east. That harpy of a wife can now control all but the west. We have Oxford, Wallingford, Gloucester and Bristol. That is a tiny island surrounded by enemies. My men on the Tees cannot go to the Empress' aid. The war could end now. Henry is our only hope."
"But he is but a boy!"
"You were not much older when I first brought you here as my squire. You were left here at the age of sixteen. You did not turn out so bad. Eustace of Boulogne is barely fourteen and yet he can direct a treacherous attack. I had the luxury of growing up before I went to war. You and Henry do not have that opportunity. If Henry wishes to be king then he must go to England."
He nodded, "I can see that. Would you wish me to accompany you?"
Shaking my head I said, "No. The Count will not campaign again this year but next year he will and you are part of his army. Enjoy your family. I know that I regret not having more time with you, your mother and your sister. You know not what the future holds. Make each precious moment count."
The brevity of my visit made the time we had together even more important. I stayed up talking with Eliane and William far longer than I really wished but I did not know when or if I would ever see them again. I wanted them both to know how much I cared for them and my grandchildren. William had made his decision about his life and his future. I was the one who would have to adapt to that.
The next morning I stood at the quayside and hugged my grandson. "I will return, William, son of William, and perhaps, one day, you shall come stay with me in my castle."
"I would like that. But do you have to go so soon? There is so much I wish to show you."<
br />
"I am an Earl and I have duties."
I embraced Eliane. Salt tears coursed down her cheeks. "Like my son I wish that you could stay. I want to know more of you. I hear William's stories and having met you I can see that they are more than stories. You have done enough for this Empress of yours. When is it your turn for life?"
I stepped back and smiled, "I am afraid the answer is never. Until Henry is on the throne I cannot stop in my endeavours. The future may seem black now but I have to believe that God is on our side for we are in the right. Honour will prevail. On that day I shall return here and enjoy your home once more."
William clasped my arm, "I will visit Leofric whenever I can. You will need more men in England. I will help him recruit and train them. Brian and Padraig were good judges of warriors."
"Thank you." Impulsively I hugged him. "I am proud of you, my son. I am sorry I was not a better father to you. I will try to make it up to you. You are right to live your life the way you wish to."
Before he could reply and before I looked foolish I turned and stepped aboard my ship. William of Kingston had been anxious to leave and even as I stepped aboard the ropes were cast and the sail unfurled. We headed down the Orne towards the sea. William and his family huddled together and waved as I left. I stood watching them until they were indistinguishable from the town and it was only when the coast became a thin line that I turned and went to stand by my captain. I waited to regain my composure before I spoke for I was uncertain if I would ever see my son and his family again.
"What was the mood in England then, William?"
"If I am to be honest, lord, despair. I did not speak with the Empress. Her letter is still in my cabin. I remembered your words. I hope I did right."
"You did. My letter was rendered redundant by the disaster at Winchester." I had wanted to know how the battle had been lost but my captain knew the sea and not battles. The problem with the Earl of Gloucester was that he wanted glory and he listened to those who flattered him. I had butted heads with him more times than enough for I did not go along with his plans unless they were sound.
We had a long voyage ahead of us. Gilles fetched me a chair so that I could sit on deck and watch the land slip by. I began to plan how to help the Empress. At the moment there was an impasse but I thought it favoured us. The king was more valuable than a mere earl. The Empress would be safe in Devizes but it was imperative that I get there. The presence of Henry was even more vital. He could become the figurehead. If the clergy would not sanction the Empress as ruler then perhaps they would allow Henry to be king and she the regent. As the ship rolled south my plans began to ferment in my mind. I needed men to protect Henry. I would have to take them from Leofric. I was reluctant to take any from Angers after the defection of Stephen of Azay. Had I not lost all of my men at arms then I would not be in this dilemma. I would take Griff, James and the rest of my archers. Sir Leofric would have to train more.
The ship had hammocks and the rolling motion of the ship actually helped me to sleep each night. I hung my leg from the side and the pain lessened. As we headed south I had a better nights' sleep and, one morning, woke to see the Loire estuary. We had made good time in the night. It was a cold breakfast but a hearty one. Henri the Breton brought me wine, cheese and bread we had brought from my son's baker. Gilles and Richard were both thoughtful squires and it was Gilles who approached me as we passed Nantes.
"Lord, is the war lost? The crew say that we lost a major battle and the Earl of Gloucester is captured."
"It is a setback. When we fought the French last week we lost a skirmish but won the battle. A warrior does not give in when obstacles are put in his way. We have far to travel. It is best we take it one step at a time."
He nodded, satisfied, "Your mail is repaired but the smith said you had best have a spare one made. The blows you took weakened some of the links."
"When William returns to Stockton I will have Alf begin one. He knows my size well enough by now. And you two are growing. When we return home it will be time for you to have new mail. If Henry comes back with us Alf can make him a hauberk too."
"Will his father allow it, lord?"
"That will be a test of my skills of persuasion." I watched every bend and island in the mighty Loire as we headed slowly east. We tacked and we turned. We never had the wind completely in our favour and twice we had to get the crew to haul us for we were trying to navigate a loop where the wind was against us. Coming downstream was easier. It took more than three days to reach the confluence of the Maine and the Loire. There the Count kept a watch tower and when we were spied as we approached. I saw a rider heading to warn the Count of our arrival.
In a week it would be September. I hoped that the Count would allow us to leave early. I began to have my doubts for while I always kept my word others appeared to be more flexible.
As we approached the quay I said to Gilles, "I want you and Richard to go to my manor. I will give you a letter. I need Griff of Gwent and all my archers and as many trustworthy men at arms Sir Leofric can spare."
He looked at me, "Trustworthy?"
"You will need to tell him about Sir Stephen. He may have heard stories. You were there and you know the truth."
"Thank you for entrusting me with this task, lord."
"You are ready. You showed that at Mortain."
When we reached the castle I could tell that the news from England, although six weeks old, had not reached Angers. I wondered why. I did not wait for a summons from Count Geoffrey but took it upon myself to find him. He was in his Great Hall and was listening to cases brought to him by his landowners. He looked bored. His face brightened when he spied me. "I will hear the rest of the cases tomorrow. Clear the hall!"
I waited while the crowds which had been there grumbled their way out.
"I had not expected to see you so soon. Is your wound healed?"
"Count I bring grave news. In July the Empress and her brother were defeated at the battle of Winchester. The Earl of Gloucester was taken prisoner and the Empress is holed up in Devizes." I told him all.
There were just guards and Raymond of Chinon in the hall. "All of you, leave us. Raymond, guard the doors!" Alone he said, "You know England better than I. Should we fetch the Empress home?"
"No, Count. This is a setback but that is all. I will return to England with your son as arranged and..."
"Are you mad! That is out of the question! He would be a hostage to fortune! I will not allow it."
"You gave your word, my lord."
"That was a different set of circumstances. The Empress was free then."
I took a deep breath. As usual the Count could not see further than the end of his nose. "The Empress sent me for Henry in June. If I had travelled back then who knows what the outcome of the battle would have been? Who knows what effect the presence of King Henry's grandson would have meant? But I gave you my word that I would help you at Mortain, which I did, even though it cost me dear. I lost men I cannot replace. I kept my word. I ask you to honour your promise and keep your word."
"But my son!"
"Do you honestly think I would allow any harm to befall him?"
"But how do you know that you can protect him?"
"I have been protecting the Empress for twenty years. Even though there have been attempts on her life none has got even close. If I say your son will be safe then he will be. You have my word."
"But what good can he do?"
"More now than before. If the clergy will not crown the Empress and Stephen of Blois is in Bristol castle then Henry may be the only alternative." I could see him thinking over my words. "When we reach the Empress if she does not agree with my suggestion then we will return, forthwith, and your wife and son will be returned to you."
He sat in silence for a while. Then he nodded, "Nothing that you do is for yourself. If this was anyone else then I would suspect ulterior motives. I will give you guards to..."
I shook my head, "Count, remem
ber Stephen of Azay? Are these guards cut from the same cloth as he? We have no Swabians now. I have sent my squires to fetch men from my manor. Your son will be safe."
"When will you sail?"
"It could take three or four days for my squires to return. Let us say five days from now."
He smiled, "And that will be September."
I nodded, "Aye, it will be. I only hope I am in time."
He rose, "Give me your word that my son and my wife will be safe."
I clasped his arm, "I swear that they will be safe."
"Then let us go find him. I daresay he will be delighted to be on an adventure with his Uncle Alfraed!"
Chapter 6
We left on the last day of August. I had ten archers and six men at arms. They were all Angevin soldiers but the fact that they were there to protect Henry seemed to make them even keener to serve me. Henry was, as his father had said, ecstatic. He had not stopped talking of the battle of Mortain. He and his brothers had refought it with wooden swords each day since his return. As we sailed down the Loire I had Richard and Gilles work with the new guards and Henry. Their English needed improvement. I spent the voyage writing letters and studying maps.
We would have to sail to Bristol and take horses from there. The journey down the Loire might only take two days for the current was with us but we had to cross the Channel and that could take another week or so. We had Cornwall to round and those waters were treacherous. I hoped that the situation would still be the same and not have worsened when I eventually reached the Empress.
The weather was against us. We struck a storm as we reached Ushant. At the back of my mind was the thought that this whole civil war had been started when the heir to the throne had drowned in the White Ship when it had sunk in these very waters. How ironical it would be if Henry suffered the same fate. I could protect him from human danger but Nature was a different matter. Our ship was so badly damaged that we had to put back into Ouistreham. Both my son and his wife were surprised to see us but delighted that we had this extra and unexpected time together. It took three days to make the repairs and we had our farewells once more.