Earl (17 page)

“Thank you Olaf.” I stared ahead to the coast of Flanders, “And where is the King?”

“Rouen.”

“The Empress and her husband?”

“They are at Angers.”

Then it would be unlikely that I would see the Empress. It had been in my mind to visit with her but as her husband was reconciled with her it was hard to see how. My dream had suggested danger.  Perhaps it was danger for the King but the Empress had been there and part of it. Now that I knew she was far away then I could do as I had told Edward.  I would go to the tomb of the Conqueror and then visit with the King.  I could hold my head high for I had not lied.  I felt a sense of relief.

We did not sail all the way down the Orne to Caen.  The water levels in the river were low due to poor rain in the spring.  Instead we offloaded at Ouistreham which lay at its mouth.  It was a short journey to Caen from there. We spent two days camped in the dunes by the sea to allow our horses to recover from the journey. We rode them in the sea for it strengthened their legs.  I sent Dick to the castle at Caen to announce our arrival. Gone were the days when I could be ignored.  I was now an Earl.

The citadel at Caen was magnificent. So long as it was garrisoned then Normandy was safe. I knew the castellan well and he was pleased to see me. “What brings you here so unexpectedly my lord?”

I told him of my loss and he was genuinely affected.  I had spoken to him of my family on my earlier visits. “The tomb of the Conqueror is a good place to pray for the souls of your family.”

“And I have heard of disquiet on the borders.”

“Word has reached England then?”

“No, but it has reached me.”

“The King is aware of the danger and he is gathering an army.  He has summoned his allies from the south to head through Blois to deal with this while it is in its early stages. He will return here within a few days.  It is timely that you have arrived for he often speaks of your skill.  It is a pity that you did not bring your household knights.”

“I came to pray and not to fight but we will give a good account of ourselves.  It will make a change to fight knights and not the Welsh, the Norse and the Irish.”

The castellan shuddered, “They are horse killers all!”

I went with my squires and William to the Cathedral. The tomb was plain and reflected what I knew of Henry’s father. He had carved out a kingdom for himself against all the odds.  I was doing the same.  It was not a kingdom but it was my land. I prayed but the prayers were for my wife and daughter.  I did not thank God for I had nothing to thank him for. I was still angry with him. At that moment I expected to spend eternity burning in hell but I cared not. Despite my angry heart, the peace and the darkness brought me some relief from my turmoil.  The prayers of other penitents were like a heartbeat in the church.  It felt alive.

The King arrived two days later.  He was surprised to see me but I detected pleasure in the surprise.  He put his arm around my shoulder as he led me to his private chambers, “I sense a story here, young Cleveland.  Tell me all.”

I began by telling him of my personal tragedy and then, after he had expressed his sympathy, I told him about the rumours I had heard. My words gave him cause for concern.  I could see that in his face. “Balliol and Comyn eh? That is not a good alliance. I should have taken Gospatric’s English lands from him before now.” He smiled at me, “I am pleased you are here.  Will you fight alongside me?  We have a nest of vipers to remove.”

“I am ever your servant, your majesty.”

“Good.  We just await Geoffrey of Anjou and then we can leave. It will be good to have two young cockerels fighting alongside an old warhorse like me.”

I knew when to play the fawning courtier, “You are coming into the prime of your life, my lord. There is plenty of life left in you yet.”

“Perhaps, but I now feel each stone in the road and every blow I take takes longer to recover. Still it is kind of you to say so.”

Count Geoffrey and the Angevin knights arrived a day later.  They made a colourful display.  It must have been strange for the King’s knights for until a few years ago they had fought against these very knights. When I saw the litters I knew that Matilda had also accompanied her husband. That made sense for the Count would have had to leave many men to guard her in his castle in Angers otherwise. My heart raced and I felt guilty.  My wife had just died and I was full of grief yet when Matilda came near I forgot her.  I was a poor knight and a bad man.

Geoffrey of Anjou was introduced to me and I could not help thinking that my squires had more maturity than he did.  He seemed to me an arrogant young man who was full of himself. He barely acknowledged any of us who met him despite the war scars of many of the King’s household knights.  Even the King himself seemed beneath him.  I saw the embarrassed look on the Empress’ face and I knew that the reconciliation had not gone well. I smiled and bowed.  I was actually pleased that he did not even notice me. He strutted around as though he was the most important man in the room.  The slight frown on the King’s face told me that he did not like it. He was in a difficult position.  This was not only his son in law this was the man whose lands protected Normandy’s southern border.

The King regained control of the room by raising his hand. The last to finish speaking was Geoffrey. “Now that we are all here it is time you knew the purpose of this campaign. We ride to our eastern borders to punish the bandits who prey upon our people and to defeat Eustace of Breteuil once and for all.”

Geoffrey laughed, “If they are the only problem then I will quash them with the knights of Anjou alone. I had thought we went to invade France.”

The King waved a hand as though ridding the room of a fly. “Louis the Fat is getting old.  His day will come. My first intent is to safeguard our Eastern border.  We ride before dawn.” Smiling he said, “Tonight we feast.”

The squires were seated at a different table from us and I found myself amongst King Henry’s household knights.  Although I knew them, I had fought alongside them, we had little else in common and I sat and listened to their conversation. I watched the Empress who also appeared to be isolated.  Rolf and the Swabians were the only ones who spoke with her.  I smiled; they were not courtiers and would find small talk difficult. Her father spoke to her but her husband ignored her.  She looked unhappy.  Each time our eyes met we smiled. The night dragged on. I was glad that we would be going to war the next day.

When the Empress retired her husband stayed to carouse with his knights.  Rolf and the other Swabians joined me at my now empty table. Rolf swallowed a whole tankard of ale and stared malevolently at Geoffrey of Anjou. He shook his head and held up his tankard for it to be refilled. I smiled at his obvious distaste. ”I take it the young Count has not grown on you.”

He shook his head. Gottfried snarled, “We have all thought of ending his young life but the Empress forbids it. He is her husband and she is loyal.  She deserves a better man. He is a child and what is worse he acts like one.”

Rolf nodded, “He does not spend time with the Empress; each evening he and his friends spend time with the ladies of the night.  It is no wonder that the Empress is not with child.”

“The King is keen for her to have a child. That way his lineage is assured.”

“It is a shame that Robert of Gloucester is not legitimate.  It would have saved all of this nonsense. The Empress could have married someone other than the youth.”

“It was not meant to be, Alfraed. The world is not the one we wish it to be.  It is the one we have to live with.” He drank a good swallow of ale.  “Enough of such depressing matters.  Tell us about England. How are Edward and your lovely wife?”

I realised that they did not know of my misfortune. I told them and they were even more upset.

“You should have said something. Here we have been rambling on about the Count and you have had your family destroyed. The problems of the Empress and her husband are nothing compared with what you have lost.”

Gottfried asked, nervously, “Were you not affected by the plague?”

I shook my head.  “I had no ill effects.”

Rolf nodded, “You know what they say; that which does not kill you makes you stronger.  You have steel in you, my friend.  This tragedy is like the heat of the forge.  It will toughen and harden the metal within you.” They all stared at me as though looking for a visible sign of the change within.  “How is William taking it?”

“He appears to be coping well.  I am grateful that Leofric and John spend time with him. They are both good squires and just a little older than William.  They understand him.  I do not know how it will be when we return home.  It is another reason I left Stockton.”

“And the pilgrimage.”

I shook my head, “I cannot lie to my oathsworn brothers.  I came to the church but in my heart I now doubt that there is a God.”

Devoutly religious themselves they all made the sign of the cross.  “Do not say that, Alfraed.  You will burn in hell.”

“Unless I confess and recant on my deathbed. Perhaps I die unshriven and then I will burn in hell. The plague did not touch me but the deaths changed me. I wonder how I will fare in battle. Will this make me weaker or stronger?”

Karl nodded, “I have heard of warriors who, after such a loss, have the death wish upon them.  Do not go down that road, my friend.”

Rolf smiled, “He cannot do that Karl for there is William.  He needs must care for his son.”

As I made my way to my chamber I knew that they were right.  No matter how much I was in the depths of despair I had my son to care for.  The death of my wife and daughter, the treatment of the Empress by her husband, all were inconsequential next to the needs of William.

I had the only mounted archers in the army.  The other knights had crossbowmen who marched. With the foot who accompanied us it meant it was a slow pace we adopted as we headed east. When we crossed into Blois we were joined by Theobald, Stephen’s brother. He was waiting at the crossroads. That day I was in the van.  His face darkened when he recognised my standard.

“I did not expect to see you here.”

“Nor I you, my lord.  The King asked me to accompany him on this campaign,” I smiled.

His knights watched and he was in a difficult position. “I thank you and your handful of men for coming to the aid of Blois.”

I ignored the insult. I did not need to make excuses for the number of men I had brought.  Each was worth five of his. “We come to make the King’s borders safe.  We are all one people are we not?  We fight under the same banner.”

“We do.” He turned and pointed ahead. “There are forests ahead which are filled with danger.  I have sent my scouts there already.”

“Good.  When we near I will send my archers to hunt out their sentries.  It is time this Eustace learned of the skill of the English archer.”

“Eustace is not there. He squats like a toad across the border in the Île-de-France. He sends money to Coucy and Puset. They do his fighting for him. He has lost enough of his lands already.  He is like a louse which burrows his way under your skin but is hard to eradicate. I will join our cousin and tell him the enemy disposition.” He paused, “I am grateful that you fight for Blois. It is unexpected.”

Wulfric nudged his horse next to mine as the large conroi passed us. “I wonder where his brother is, my lord.”

“My thoughts too, Wulfric.” I waved Dick forward, “Be ready to take the archers into the forest when we near. If these are bandits then they will be dangerous in their lair.”

Dick nodded, “It seems strange to me that the men of the forest should fight as an army.”

“I think that they gained power during the wars between King Louis and the king.  The two lords, Coucy and Puset took advantage of the chaos and anarchy to carve out their own fiefdoms. They attracted men as cruel and evil as they.  I do not think these will be woodsmen such as the men of Sherwood.  These are robbers pure and simple.”

“Will they have a castle, my lord?”

“When I spoke last night to the King’s household knights they told me that both men have well fortified castles.  The two barons use a river for defence but the castles are, I believe, made of wood.  I suspect that they will try to whittle us down in their forests and bleed the King’s army. That style of fighting is quite effective as you well know Dick. I think it will come down to a siege.”

It was three miles later that we saw the huge forest ahead.  We were still in the land of Blois but the last castle we had seen had been that of Theobald. Once again I wondered at the lords of this land.  Why had they not built a castle closer to the forest?  The main road to the Île-de-France passed through the forest. It would have made a good barrier and a strong defence.

Dick and his men did not need orders and they went in two groups. There were only ten of them but they were deadly with the war bow. I saw that Aelric led half and he went to the north of the road. Dick took the others south. They dismounted and disappeared into the eaves of the forest.

We had not brought war horses and I rode Scout. His nose would be invaluable for he had the ability to sniff out danger.  I patted his neck as I turned, “Ready your weapons.” I smiled at William as he slid his blade in and out of his scabbard.  My squires had taught him well.  I had killed many enemies who had tried to draw weapons only to find them sticking.  A good warrior checked that he could draw his weapon before danger struck.

Sir Richard of Redvers and ten of his men at arms rode up to join me.  Sir Richard was a grizzled old warrior and one of King Henry’s closest friends. He grinned, “The King sent me when the Count told him of this forest. He does to wish us to be surprised.”

“Thank you.” I pointed ahead, “My archers are entering even as we speak.” I saw that the horses of my archers were being held just outside the forest.  I could not see them but I knew that Dick and Aelric would be silently moving through the trees.  It was their element.  With war bows strung any brigand or bandit who crossed their path would be dead before they knew they were in danger.

I saw that Sir Redvers and his men had their lances ready.  Ours were with the baggage train.  I did not see the need for them.  Until battle lines were drawn they would be an encumbrance. He turned in his saddle, “Column of twos.”

I did not need to order my men to do the same for they were already riding in such a column.  Behind me rode John with my banner. He was next to Wulfric. William and Leofric were behind Edgar and Brian at the rear of my column.  Sir Richard rode next to me. As we neared the trees I saw that they were not as thick as they had looked from a distance. However it was difficult to see more than forty or fifty paces inside them as there was no order to their growth. This had been an old Roman Road and was straight.  However the bushes and weeds had encroached as it was not maintained.  The ditch which ran alongside could not be seen. It was a hidden danger. I only knew of its presence when I saw the body of one of Theobald’s scouts lying face down with a savage wound across his back. I drew my sword and there was a soft hiss as my men did the same.

Sir Richard did as I did and we both scanned the trees to the side. He may have been even more wary that I was for he did not know my archers.  I did not fear an ambush.  We would have a warning from Dick. I turned to my right as I heard a cry. Sir Richard said, “Your men?”

“I would think so. Our flanks will be safe; for a while at least.” I pulled my shield up a little tighter as we headed deeper through the forest. I knew, from the King’s household knights, that de Coucy had a castle just on the other side of the forest.  The ground was already climbing slightly for the castle was built on a natural hill. The forest seemed to go on forever.

There were one or two more shouts and then I heard a roar as though a dam had burst.  Dick and his archers raced towards me. “My lord, you are under attack!”

“Get to your horses and tell the King.” The van was half a mile ahead of the main battle. We would have to hold until then.

Sir Redvers said, “Back to back?”

“That would seem the best.”

“Face the forest!”

The column split into two.  We were now a long thin line two men deep. We prepared to face the attack. At first we saw nothing but we could hear the enemy as they charged towards us through the trees.  Then I caught the flash of flesh and saw them. I turned to my line of men.  Half of them, Sir Richard’s men, had spears.  “On my command, we charge.” I saw the nods along the line. It would not be much of a charge; just the twenty or thirty paces to the trees but it would enable us to use our horses. The horde which poured from the forest was a mixture of men at arms wearing helmets and leather byrnies and unarmoured brigands. There were an overwhelming number of them.  If the King did not hurry then things would go ill with us.

Luckily for us they had few missiles save their javelins and spears.  They would have to be held until the last minute. Normally I would be in the middle of the line but due to our formation I was on the end.  I had the advantage that my shield was facing the empty road. I was happy that William was safely tucked in the centre of my men. I saw the enemy just fifty paces away and racing hard towards us. “Watch for the ditch! Charge!”

I spurred Scout who leapt forward.  I leaned as far beyond his head as I could safely manage and the first brigand ran straight into my sword. It tore through his throat and came out of the side.  He fell in a bloody heap. I turned Scout’s head so that he faced the empty road and it gave me the opportunity to sweep my sword in a wide arc.  The height of my horse, the length of my arm and longer sword meant that I was able to strike the two warriors who were armed with short axes and ran towards me. Even as they were falling to the ground I saw a man at arms run to me.  He had a spear and a shield.  I whipped Scout’s head around and took the blow from the spear on my shield.  I stood in the stirrups and brought down my sword.  I aimed for his head but the helmet deflected the blade and it bit deeply into his shoulder.  He fell screaming into the ditch.

“Back to the road!”

I backed up Scout and was relieved to see my men obey.  One of Sir Redvers’ men was surrounded by some of the brigands and they pulled him from the saddle and hacked him to death.  I heard a trumpet and saw the line of knights galloping to our aid.  The brigands fell back and disappeared into the forest.  Their ambush had failed.

I turned Scout’s head so that I could speak with Sir Richard.  I saw that he had been hit in the cheek by a spear.  Blood flowed. He shook his head. “A lucky blow!” Laughing he added, “Another scar, eh Earl?  If I was younger it might attract some young wench!”

The knights were led by the King and he headed into the forest to catch those who were slow to run.  I dismounted and handed my reins to John. “Did you suffer any hurt?”

I knew that holding the standard meant John had no shield to defend himself. He grinned and shook his head. “I have learned to use the standard like a second sword.” He pointed to the two dead men who lay before him. “I hope they have coin about them!” He dismounted to claim whatever treasure lay on the men we had killed.

I walked down my line of men who had all dismounted and were doing as John was.  I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw that William and Leofric were unhurt.  William was animatedly telling Leofric something.  I dare say it was how he had fought for there was blood on his sword. He saw me, “Father, I killed one! Him!” He pointed to a warrior who had been slashed in the neck and bled to death.

“Then you had better search him for treasure before the others do!” He leapt from his horse and began to search for a purse. “How did he do, Leofric?”

“He has courage, my lord, but I fear he needs more skills.  The man he slew was slow.  A faster man would have gutted him.  I had two men to fight else I would have intervened.”

“William will have to learn but I would appreciate it if you and John could spend as much time as you can to make him a better swordsman. I fear he has come to this too early. He is young and inexperienced yet. He needs more time to become skilful.”

“We learned this way, my lord and we survived.  Your son will too.  He has your blood.”

I had just returned to Scout when the King reappeared at the head of his men.  “Well done Cleveland! And you too Sir Richard. I hope you did not lose too many men?”

Sir Richard said, “Just one.  I will make the bastards pay next time.”

The King nodded, “You have done well.  When we leave the forest we will camp. Are you both happy to be the van yet?”

I looked at Sir Richard and he nodded, “Aye my lord.”

“Good. I hope we have made them think twice about ambush.”

I shouted “Dick!” as the King returned to his place at the head of the main battle.

He rode up with Aelric and the rest of my archers. “My lord?”

“Ride ahead of us on the road and keep a good watch.  We camp when we leave this forest.”

It was an uneventful five miles we travelled.  When we emerged from the gloom of the forest we saw, in the distance, a castle rising above the land. It was a mixture of stone and wood.  It was well sited. The gate was stone and there were three courses of stone beneath the wooden palisade. The towers at the corners were all made of wood.  I saw a large wooden keep within the castle. “Dick, ride to the castle and see how it is defended.” We rode a little further away from the forest to allow the carts and horses room to spread out.  A small stream to our left would give us water and this would be a good place to camp.

Dick and the archers returned when the first tents were being erected.  The King was speaking with Sir Richard and me.  Theobald of Blois was approaching from the forest road. Dick dropped to his knee and bowed, “Your majesty, I have ridden to the castle.  They have a dry moat and a drawbridge. They are well fortified.”

“Is the gate made of stone, archer?”

“It is my lord and they have two wooden towers filled with crossbowmen.”  He spat.  “They have one less now for he tried to kill my horse.”

The King laughed and threw a coin to Dick.  “Well done.” He turned, “Have men at arms cut down trees from the forest.  We will make a ram. Count, take your men and stop them from escaping.”

Theobald was not happy about that I could see but he had to obey.  After all we were still in Blois. We would be relatively safe in this camp while he would have to watch for sudden assaults from the castle. “Yes, my liege.”

Count Geoffrey of Anjou rode noisily into the camp long after we had finished erecting the tents. The King frowned and walked with Sir Redvers and me towards the stream, “My son in law decided to spend some time hunting.  It is a sport he enjoys.”

“Perhaps it will make him fresher for the fight.”

“You are too kind.  He is young. I try to give him advice but it does not work.”

As we walked around the perimeter we heard the sound of axes in the forest as the men at arms cut down the trees.  It would take the whole of the next day to make the siege engine and we would need to make it close to the castle. It would be both slow and ponderous to move.