by Griff Hosker
We were a hundred paces from them when King Henry shouted, “Charge!” I lowered my spear. Many of the French were using lances. I thought a lance too heavy and unwieldy. Used well it was a knight killer but a knight had to be well trained to use one. The French knight who aimed his lance at me struggled to keep it level. It wavered up and down. I rested my spear on the cantle of my saddle. As we neared each other my horse began to open his legs. The French horses were doing the same. Ridley’s gait made even my spear waver. Rather than thrusting up I changed to an overhand grip. As his lance punched towards my chest I stabbed down at his middle. His lance glanced off the side of my helmet and my spear struck him in the right side. As the spear was torn from my grip it ripped open a hole in his side. Even as he tumbled from his saddle I was drawing my sword.
I had managed to get ahead of King Henry, who had slain his opponent. I saw the second knight pull back his lance ready to impale the King. I pulled my reins to the left and smashed my shield into his. He began to overbalance and King Henry rammed his spear into the mouth of the French knight. Gradually we began to tear a hole in the centre of the French lines and the flanks began to surround us. The archers in the woods began to loose their arrows and our men at arms raced towards the knights and French men at arms who were at the rear of the column of mailed men. The effect was devastating. The French to my left and the King’s left almost disintegrated.
The flaw in my father’s plan now became obvious. As the French right fell away and we turned their line so the pressure on our right mounted and knights broke through. Suddenly Ralph shouted, “Lord, they are heading for the Warlord!”
“Ralph, James, go to his aid!”
I could do nothing for two French knights had closed with me. Sir Leofric had told me that the horse I rode, Ridley, had been trained for the tourney. I used that now to my advantage. Rather than using my shield to block the knight to my left I stood in my stirrups and pulled back on the reins with my left hand as I swept my sword across the head of the knight to my right. Ridley did what he was trained to do he reared and flailed with his mighty hooves. The skull of the other French knight was crushed.
I turned and saw there was a race between six knights and Sir James, Ralph and James’ squire, Henry. I would not reach the knights before they struck my father, his protective squires and servants. I prayed that James and the two squires would be able to hold them. I spurred Ridley. Although we were galloping uphill he was a powerful beast. His legs began to eat up the ground. I saw that James had cleverly decided to try to break up the French attack. He led his two squires at the side of the knights. It meant that at least two would reach my father but the other four would be attacked by James and his two brave squires.
“Come on Ridley!”
I held my sword behind me and almost lay flat against my horse’s mane. Ridley seemed to fly. James and his two squires clattered into the side of the four French knights. James’ spear scored a lucky hit and went under the arm of one knight. He rose from the saddle and fell. The spear was lost and James drew his sword. I pulled back my arm for I was close enough now to swing. Even as I swung at the last of the knights I saw my father, Simon and Thomas hit by the two knights. Simon and Thomas took the force of the strike. Then I could see nothing for my sword had hacked into the side of the French knight. I had hit so hard that I had bitten through to the spine of the knight. His falling body hid the tableau from me. Pushing his body from my sword, I galloped at the knight who was about to skewer Ralph. My squire had protected James’ squire with his horse but it meant he was exposed. I almost launched myself from my saddle as I lunged at the knight whose arm was raised to take my squire’s head. My sword went up through his armpit and emerged on the other side of his body. I discarded his body and spurred my horse towards the Warlord. I left James, his squire and Ralph to deal with the last knight and I rode at the two who were trying to get at my father. Thomas was on the ground but he held a spear before him. My father and Simon lay awkwardly on the earth. I could not tell if they were alive or dead.
I saw Thomas lunge at one of the knights with his spear. The other pulled back on his reins and I knew that he intended to make his horse rear and crush my squire. I threw my sword like a throwing knife. It impaled the knight in the back. His falling body pulled on the reins and his horse crushed whatever life was left in him. I kicked my feet from my stirrups and, with my shield before me threw myself bodily at the last knight. He tumbled from the saddle with me on top of him. He landed first and I had the wind knocked from me as I fell upon him. Even though I could barely breathe I forced myself to my feet. He had been rendered unconscious.
I turned and, throwing my shield to the ground ran to my father and Simon. I saw that Simon had been impaled on a spear. He was dead but my father appeared to have no wound. I took his helmet from his head. I put my ear to his mouth. He was alive.
“Thomas, go and find a healer.” As I looked around I saw that the four servants had fought off the knight’s squires. Four squires lay dead but Osbert and Brian had fought their last fight. I raised my arm, “Whatever is on the dead squires is yours.”
“Thank you, lord. We will see to our dead first.”
James, Ralph of Piercebridge and Henry of Auckland, blood spattered, rode towards me. Beyond them I saw that the French were in flight. We had won but I wondered at the cost. Thomas returned with a healer.
“Priest, see to the Warlord.”
“Aye lord.”
“What happened, Thomas?”
“We saw the knights approaching and Simon said to present spears. The Warlord said that we need not fear, you would reach us. He took out his sword. As they neared us we held our spears before us. One made his horse rear and when Simon flinched he was speared. The horse’s hoof caught the Warlord on the helmet and he fell. I just tried to hold them off lord. I am sorry that I failed Simon.”
“You did not. Today you became a man.” I saw that the priest, with his bag of potions had arrived, “Priest, look to my father’s head!”
James and the others dismounted, “Thank you, James de Puiset. I am grateful.”
“Lord, I am just sorry that I could not reach him in time.” He was looking at Simon.
“He was a brave squire. I am just sad that he was not knighted. He deserved it, and you, Ralph, you shall be knighted when we reach England. Thomas here has proved that he is ready to be my sole squire. And Thomas know this, should I have a grandson then I would want him named him after you. You have a courage beyond your years. You defended the Warlord and Simon despite the fact that you thought you were going to die. That is true courage.”
My father opened his eyes. “I am well.” He saw Simon and took his squire’s hand. “He was the bravest squire I ever had and he died for me. I will have no more squires and I go to war no more. I grow weary of watching those I love, die.”
By the time the King returned we had cleaned up my father and the bodies of our dead. King Henry was ebullient. “A great victory and it was your plan Warlord. What would I do without you?”
My father stood. “You will soon find out for this is my last battle. I have seen my squire die and could nothing about it. I have made you king, Henry FitzEmpress. I have helped you hold onto a kingdom and make it larger. I have fulfilled my oath to your grandfather and your mother. Ask no more for I am done. I have a family and they will now be my sole occupation.” He turned and, leaning on Thomas walked to his horse.
The King looked pale, “He cannot mean it. He is my lucky talisman. He inspired this victory. We have won. The French fly back to Paris.”
“Does not the Warlord deserve a life, lord?” Henry said nothing. “We will return to England for I fear mischief from the Scots. I will ever serve you but I will not leave England again.” I waved my hand at the lords whom we had led to victory. “Here are your new Warlords. Make peace with your sons. Speak with your wife. You have a great empire. I beg you to hold on to it.”
We had Simon’s bo
dy escorted to La Flèche. Sir Leofric had been Simon’s father’s greatest friend. He would tend to the burial and ensure that the grave was tended. We looked after our own.
Chapter 16
By the time we reached Rouen word had reached us that Leicester and Norfolk had ridden north to Flanders. Archers captured some of their men who, after torture, told us that the two lords were intent on starting a rebellion in England. We also heard that King William had been sent a chest of coins to begin war in the north. There had been another time when my father had been delayed on the King’s business and that had cost him Sir Edward and the valley had been ravaged. That could not happen again! We had to reach home as quickly as possible. The King had realised how much he owed us. We took a chest of gold back with us but it meant nothing for we had lost two servants who were as close as family and Simon. His was a life undone. Young men are supposed to sow wild oats. Simon would never have that chance. We were a sombre group who boarded the ship to take us to the Tees.
The journey became even more fraught when my father became unwell. He was a good sailor and we knew it was nothing to do with the voyage. It was something more sinister. He had dizzy spells and then his sight became blurred. With no healer on the ship we had to do the best that we could. I prayed for fast winds but they never came. That was when I doubted God for the first time. I wondered if it was the blow he had taken to the head. There had been little blood. We had thought that was a good sign. Now it appeared to be a bad one.
I insisted that the captain take advantage of the high tide and sail up the Tees at night. He would have argued with me but he heard the steel in my voice. The wind was from the east and aided us. My squires acted as extra lookouts. We made Stockton as the first hint of light was in the east. As soon as we landed I sent for Brother Peter. Since I had taken him as my priest and healer, warrior, he had never let me down. My son must have been told of my ship’s arrival for he had crossed the ferry to see what brought us back so early in the morn. While I spoke with my wife and son the warrior monk examined my father in my father’s room.
“There has been no word of the Scots?”
Samuel shook his head, “Sir Harold and Sir John led our men at arms north to the New Castle as soon as Captain William brought us your message.” Sir John would not know of his son’s death until I met with him. I would break that news to him. It was my duty for my father was not going to leave Stockton until he was well.
“What of the rider I sent from London?”
Samuel look at me blankly, “No messenger came from London.”
“Then there are traitors further south. Send for all of my knights and my men at arms. Did Sir Harold take Aiden and Masood?”
“No, father, just Edward and Edgar.”
“Then I would have them with us too.”
He was about to leave and he asked, “What of grandfather? Is it his chest?”
“No. He received a blow to the head.” He hesitated. “He is the Warlord. He is strong and we must be too. Time is a luxury we do not have. There are English rebels further south. I cannot believe that King William will wait too long before he takes advantage of us. And Simon is dead. He gave his life for his knight.” Samuel’s mouth opened and closed. “Go.” As soon as he had gone I turned to James. “Now I need you to persuade your uncle to release all of his knights for me to command. This will not be a chevauchée by the Scots. This will be an invasion. We cannot have knights languishing at home. We need every warrior to stand with us. King William will lead this army. The traitors will have told him that my father and I were in Normandy. He will strike while he thinks we are disorganized.”
My wife and I waited anxiously for Brother Peter and his verdict. His face was serious as he emerged from my father’s chamber.
“Well?”
“He is a tough warrior. His hurts would have felled a younger man but he has heart. The blow broke his skull. The priest who tended him should have dealt with it there and then. Perhaps he was not experienced enough.”
“Can you do anything?”
“I can shave his head and then try to repair the broken skull.”
“Can that be done?”
“There were doctors in the east who did such things. I will ride to Durham. There is a library in the Bishop’s palace. Perhaps there is something there that I can read which might help me. For the present, my lady, keep the Warlord in his room. I doubt that you will get much argument from him. He said that he is often unsteady on his feet.”
“We ride to Durham tomorrow, Brother Peter, come with us.” Aiden and Masood came to speak with me and I sent them north to scout. “This time they will not cross the Tweed at Norham, it will be further south. If you find Sir Harold then tell him that I come north and he should keep his patrol north of the wall.”
“Aye lord.”
Our early arrival meant that men began to arrive at the castle by noon. Once again, I left Sir Hugh at Barnard but I sent for his son. He was the last to arrive and my daughter, Ruth, came with him. She looked sadder than she had when last I had seen her. I wondered if it was because my father was unwell but Rebekah told me that Ruth had been with child and had lost it. Her sadness was exacerbated by the news that Eleanor, Samuel’s wife, was with child. Once again, I cursed King Henry. He had taken my father and I away needlessly. My father had been grievously wounded and for what? Had we not brought Eleanor to him then the outcome of the battle would have been no different. I vowed to stay closer to home from now on.
My knights were all equally concerned about my father. They took it in turns to visit with him. When I went in he was scowling. “They think I am dying! I am not! Tell them to smile when they see me or do not come and visit. Their sour faces make me think that I am ill. I have had a blow to my head. Your monk will treat me and I will be well.”
“They care for you father. You trained most of them. You should know that they cannot ignore your hurts.”
He forced a smile. I could see that he was bothered by a pain in his head, “You are right. You ride tomorrow to fight the Scots?”
“I do.”
“The Tyne valley is where he will strike. You need to stop him taking the crossings and keep him north of the Tyne. The Romans had good reason to build their wall where they did. Use it.”
He was ill but the Warlord still had a mind which I could only envy.
“One more thing, use the men of Stockton. They are better than any other that you will command. Ralph of Bowness and the old will be enough to defend Stockton. Ruth and Eleanor are both within these walls. They will be safe. End this threat once and for all. If you capture the King then it will be over. War is often like chess and none more so than when you fight a King. Without King William the Scots will crumble and fight amongst themselves.”
I heeded those words as I headed north. We had not yet reached Durham when a rider came south to tell us that the Scots had crossed the border and they came in great numbers. It was not one of my scouts who brought the news but a messenger from Durham. Leaving Samuel to bring the rest of the men to Durham I spurred Goldie and, with Thomas, Ralph and Brother Peter by my side galloped to Durham.
I was gratified, when I arrived, to see that James had succeeded in impressing on his uncle the need for decisive action. The town and the surrounding area were filled with knights and their men. Brother Peter left me to head to the library. He would do his work and I would do mine. Both were equally important. Fitzwaller, Howden, the Bishop and James were gathered around a table when I entered.
“Thank God you have arrived, Earl. The Scottish King has crossed the Tweed. There are six armies which have crossed into our land.”
“Six! They are small armies then?”
James had grown in confidence since he had first joined me, “No lord. The smallest has three thousand men. There are at least five hundred Flemish mercenaries with the Scottish King. Sir Harold is shadowing the one which is the furthest south. They have laid siege to Prudhoe and are marching to
wards the New Castle. The Sheriff has called out the fyrd and every castle is preparing for a siege. We just await you to lead us.”
My father had been prescient. The only way to end this was to kill or capture the King. Obligingly he had placed himself within my grasp. He was with the southern army. “How many men with the King?”
“He has over five hundred knights with him and the whole army is more than five thousand men.”
The Bishop shook his head. “We cannot match his numbers. I have sent for every knight and that will still give you only three hundred knights. With the rest of the knights north of the Tyne in their castles then how can we defeat such a large army?”
“We have God on our side, Bishop and we have better knights.” I turned to James who was poring over the map. “Where are they now?”
The King is still with his army at Prudhoe. The vanguard is approaching the New Castle.”
“And we hold the southern end of the bridge?”
“We do, lord.”
I stared at the map. Prudhoe castle guarded the nearest crossing of the river. We would have to cross the bridge close to the New Castle. “And where is Sir Harold?”
“Your scouts reported him and Sir John to be south of Prudhoe.”
I had my plans. “Begin the knights marching north to the New Castle. I will await my men.”
For the first time since I had known him Bishop de Puiset looked worried. Hitherto he had had an ally: the King of France, the Pope, for a time the King of Scotland, but this time he had to rely on me. My father and I had been his enemies for so many years and yet now I was his only hope. It was truly ironical. “You can defeat so many men, Earl?”
“It is not the size of an army which determines a battle. It is the quality of men. Your knights have become stronger in the last few years. I truly believe that we will win.”