English Knight (18 page)

I feigned deliberation.  I lifted the gold pieces and examined them. Some were familiar and I recongised the face of King David but others appeared to show other rulers.  The men of Jedburgh raided far and wide.

Finally I nodded, “The ransom is paid.  Sir William you may take your destrier and return to your family.”

That surprised him. “You are letting me keep my horse?” Such animals were valuable; a good one was worth more than the ransom I had just received.

I smiled, “I would not deprive you of your livelihood but I would choose easier pickings next time if I were you.”

He grinned, “The lesson is learned.” He clasped my arm.  “Thank you for your hospitality.  I have learned much here.”

The goodbyes took some time.  I noticed that he and Sir Richard had a long farewell.  They had become friends. I took the chest into the hall and began to divide the coins. It was mine to divide.  I was the master. I knew, however, that it would be foolish to lose the good will of my men.

I summoned Richard, Wulfstan, Egbert, Osric and Athelstan.  I chose the five largest coins and then five smaller ones. I gave one of each to them. They nodded and smiled.  Only Sir Richard looked slightly disappointed. When my father’s oathsworn had gone I asked, “Disappointed, Richard?”

“Not with my pay but with the size of the ransom.  From what Sir William said I thought his family had more money than this.”

“Then perhaps they are wise for they have not impoverished their manor for one reckless son.”

He nodded and left. I summoned Edward and his men along with Dick and John, the two archers who had come with us.  I gave each of them a gold coin. “You have done well. Dick and John here are the coins for the two Toms.  Take them to them.”

Dick grinned, “They will be both pleased and surprised. This is more gold than I have ever seen in my life.”

“You fight for me now.  There will be more.” Then I summoned Harold and Aiden.

To Harold I gave one gold coin and Aiden, to his surprise, received a smaller one.  “But my lord I did no fighting!”

“You are my man, Aiden, and you will benefit like the others.”

I took some coins from the box and then put it under my bed.  I had more than half left yet. Father Peter was at the church.  It showed the effects of the feast and he was tidying.  I gave him a gold coin. “Here father.  This is for you and the church. Use it as you see fit.” I looked at his vestments which were quite plain.

He saw my look and shook his head, “The last thing I need, my lord, are fine clothes.  I am a priest.  I will use some of this to commission a bell from Alf and I will ask William to build a small vestry for me.”

I knew that he slept in the church.  It was a cold existence in winter.

Finally I found William and gave him five coins.  “What is this for, my lord?”

“For the building of the castle. I pay you now so that when I am not here the work will continue apace.”

“Not here? You are going somewhere?”

I nodded, “I will need to take my men and visit with our neighbours.  It is time that they knew there was a new knight in this land.  I would not have any confusion over it.”

Two weeks later we heard rumours of the imminent arrival of the king’s tax collectors. Some had fled north to avoid paying and Ethelred learned of the unwelcome visit.  They were the merchants who could carry their riches with them surrounded by armed guards.  Ethelred profited. We saw them all as we toiled in my castle. I virtually lived there now.  I lived in what would be the hall with Harold and my men at arms.  The top floor was still under construction and was too dirty but the room we used was adequate.  We had yet to put in internal walls.  The pillars which supported the ceiling were the only encumbrance in the huge space.

It was Wulfric who saw the tax collector. “My lord, there is a mighty host across the river. I think it is the tax collector.”

I leaned over the battlements, “Aiden, ride to my father and warn him that the tax collectors are here.” I turned to William.  “Keep my men working, Harold, and I will take them to my father.”

I cleaned myself up as best I could and donned my tunic and sword.  By the time I reached the river the heavily laden ferry was almost across. I frowned.  The ferry was full and yet there were as many men and horses on the other side. How many tax collectors did King Henry need?

I strode down to meet them.  I noticed that there were knights disembarking. This was my first experience of tax collection in England; did they need knights to enforce the collection? I was twenty paces from them when they stopped and parted. It was not just the tax collector.  It was King Henry himself.  I bowed and stammered, “Your majesty! We were not expecting you!”

He came over and raised me up.  “I know.  Walk with me.” He spoke quietly. “Your father’s letter, along with news I received from elsewhere made me fear for the north.  I thought I would come with my tax collector and see for myself.”

His equerry brought his horse and he mounted. As he did so I saw his glance flick to the castle but he said nothing. “Ride with me to Norton and we can talk.”

Harold had anticipated well and he brought Scout over.

“I will stay only briefly for I wish to reach Durham by this evening.” He turned and looked at the ferry.  “That is a good idea.  Whose was it?  Yours?” I nodded.  “You are an enthusiastic young man I can see that.  Tell me all.”

I told him of the raid by Sir Tancred and our encounter with the De Brus family.  I mentioned the Scots raid but not the ransom. “You have been busy.  And is your father well?”

“He seems to get younger the longer he lives in this land.  He is grateful that you gave him this manor.”

He flashed me a look and examined my face for a lie.  He had given us this manor because he knew it was dangerous. I had grown up in Constantinople and I could keep a stoic look upon my face easily.  He seemed satisfied and grunted, “Aye well, I could have done worse with my gift.”

We rode into the castle and the king turned to the leader of his retinue. “Keep the men out here.  I shall be safe within these walls.  Water the beasts for we leave within the hour.”

We were followed by the tax collector and his clerks.  Ominously they carried large books with them.  King Henry strode up to the hall as though he owned it; which, of course, he did. He saw my father bob and bow, “Baron Ridley, have your steward give the details of your farmers and your holdings to my tax collector.”

“Yes my liege, Garth.”

Garth nodded and took the tax collector and clerks off. Faren appeared with some ale and we all sat at the large table. King Henry toasted us. “A fine castle.  You have done well to survive here.”

It was as we had suspected King Henry had had his suspicions and we had been the sacrificial goat.  Had we been consumed we would have proved to him beyond any doubt that there was treachery.  As it was he still had the manor and we had given evidence of treachery.

“I have spoken with the Bishop of Durham.  He is still indisposed and wishes to stay in London for a while longer.  However I have persuaded him that the manor of Norton should no longer form part of his holdings.  You just pay tax to me.” He smiled but there was no warmth in the smile, “My tax collector will tell you how much you owe me.” I think this was a double punishment.  He was taking money from his Bishop while building better defences south of the Bishop’s holdings.  This was complicated politics.

He finished his beer. “This is good ale but do you not have any wine?  Beer is for peasants and wine is for nobles.”

“I am sorry my liege, we held a midsummer festival and we have yet to replenish our stocks.”

He grunted, “Aye well I can see that. Now what about this castle you have built upon the river?  Did you ask permission for that?”

He darted the question at my father like a strike with a sword. My father began to speak but I interrupted.  I would not allow my father to take the blame for my decision. “I thought, my liege, that you had given permission for a castle to be built.  When we reached here we found a castle already in place and just built a new one to guard the river crossing you used today.”

He stared at me and I saw my father shake his head then the king roared with laughter.  “My God, sir but you know how to defend an impossible position! Deftly done.” He shook his head, “I could order your to pull it down stone by stone, you know that?”

I raised my head resolutely, “Aye my lord.”

He considered. “What is the name of that settlement?”

Before I could speak my father said, “It is Stockton, sire.  I gave it to my son to hold.” He went on hurriedly, “It is part of the manor of Norton.”

“So now you make lords of the manor too? Should I worry about your search for power Baron Ridley of Norton?”

My father did not rise to the bait, “I am an old man, my liege and if you fear an old man like me then I fear for England. When I met you I told you that I came here to die and I am not a man who is foresworn.”

King Henry’s face softened.  “I can see that and all that I have heard confirms that you are a good lord of the manor.” His words told me that he had spies but who were they? “I am happy to confirm your son as baron of Stockton and to allow the erection of the castle however,” he paused and I discovered the real reason for his visit, “in return I require the services of two knights and ten men at arms for a campaign in Wales. The Welsh have attacked Chester and are causing no end of trouble rampaging through Cheshire.” His reptilian smile told us both that he wanted me to serve him and fight his battles with him.

I had little choice in the matter and I nodded. “I would be honoured, sire.”

“Excellent then we will see how much tax you owe and I will return from Durham in a few days.” An ashen faced Garth came in with the tax collector. “Ah Master Jocelyn, how much does Baron Ridley owe us for the year?”

The cleric was a hatchet faced man and his words sounded like blows as he said, “Twenty gold pieces, your majesty!”

My father showed his shock.  “My liege, we are a poor manor! Where would my people get such gold from?”

The king shrugged, “I have been told, Baron Ridley that you are a rich man and brought much gold from the east. My men can collect the gold in the form of animals from your farmers if you wish.”

I stood.  “That will not be necessary your majesty.” I went to my bed and brought out the small chest.  I handed it to the tax collector.  “I believe the amount you require is in here.”

I saw the look of relief and gratitude on the face of Garth and a frown appear on my father’s face. The tax collector counted out the coin and nodded to the king. “You are a resourceful fellow, Alfraed of Stockton.  I look forward to learning more about you as we travel south.” He stood. “I will take my leave.” With that he strode from the hall. 

The tax collector picked up the chest.  I laid my dagger across it. “A receipt is in order, I believe.”

I am a big man and I had learned the intimidating stare.  The tax collector, Jocelyn, actually shook as he waved his clerks over and began to write out the receipt.

The hall seemed almost silent when they had gone.  My father said, “I had the gold, my son.”

“I know but you may need it. Besides those weird sisters you go on about meant I was given the ransom for a purpose.  I will get more. I am just worried that with Sir Richard and I gone as well as ten men at arms we leave you vulnerable to attack.”

“We can get more men but tell me why Sir Richard and not Wulfstan?”

“Wulfstan will be more use here and besides he has just married.  He and Faren need time together.”

He shook his head, “It is but two years since we left our home in the east and I now see the man grown from the boy.”

The good news was that I had had my title and my castle confirmed. I would have to leave it in the hands of the villagers of Stockton but that was a small price to pay. We had two days of frenetic activity as we had horses shoed and clothes prepared. I had to pick ten men at arms to accompany us.  I picked Edward and his men first. I chose Dick and John as my archers and finally Wilfred and Edgar from my new men.  Wulfric was upset.  “Why not me my lord?  Have I displeased you?”

“No Wulfric.  Until I return I want you as constable of my castle. I would like that and my village kept safe while I am away. Can you hold it for me and keep my people safe?”

He seemed to grow taller.  “Aye my lord.”

I was determined to spend my last night in my castle and I took leave of my father as I led my men to Stockton. It was not only my father but his oathsworn, Aiden and Faren who were all tearful as we parted.

“My son, take care.  You are a mighty knight but do not allow the king to throw the lives of you and your men away lightly.”

“I will not and I know that Wulfstan will look after you.”

“I can come with you, my lord”

“I know you could, Wulfstan, but this is a journey I must make as a leader.  This is a quest to see the world and to find out what kind of knight I am.  I will return and I will be a better knight for it. I know that when I return my manor and its people will have prospered and I will bring back riches, father.”

As he embraced me he said, “The only riches I need are you, returned to me healthy. God speed.”

The joy of a night alone in my castle was spoiled by the late arrival in the night of the king and his retinue. My men had to sleep on the top floor which had no roof although Sir Richard and I were not ejected from our own hall. It proved a propitious happenstance.

We were awoken before dawn by Alf who banged on the door of the castle.  “Vikings, my lord! Vikings!”

I grabbed my armour and began to dress.  King Henry was already awake. “What is it, Sir Alfraed?”

“One of my people has seen a Viking ship in the river.” He looked at me as though I had spoken a foreign language.  “They still raid apparently.”

His squire began to dress him and he laughed, “Then I am more than happy that you chose to build a stone castle.”

We clambered the stairs to the top of the tower.  We could see, peering above the mist the mast of the dragon ship as it rowed towards the ferry and the village. I saw no lookout on the mast and so I assumed that they did not know we now had a tower.

“Edward, bring the men.  Sir Richard!”

Leaving a bemused king to dress and follow with his household knights we raced down to the river. My people were being shepherded by Ethelred and Alf towards the sanctuary of the castle. Alf had told me that there could be more than sixty Vikings on a single raider.  We would need the help of the king.  However we had enough men to slow them down.

Sir Richard and I had drawn swords and Carl and Harold watched our backs.  Dick and John had arrows already nocked and ready to loose. The last stragglers from the village were screaming their way along the river bank fearful of the depredations of the Norsemen.  And suddenly the mist cleared and we saw the Vikings.  Half had mail but most were almost naked with a large round shield and either a sword or an axe. They saw us and raced towards us. There was no order to their attack. They saw a handful of warriors and assumed they could kill us and have their way with the villagers. They would learn to their cost that we were not to be knocked aside like wheat. The bank was narrow and we had the advantage that the river was to our left.

The first reckless warrior almost hurled himself at me.  He swung his axe from far behind his head.  I stepped back and swung backhand. My sword sliced into his back as his swing took him beyond me and threw him into the river.  Sir Richard had despatched a second and their leader must have realised that we knew our business. He halted his men and they formed a small shield wall.  That suited me for we had reinforcements coming. 

The leader led from the front.  He had mail armour and a spear.  He stabbed at my shield with his spear.  He punched, as much as I might have done from a horse. It deflected along the boss of my shield.  I did not hack, I jabbed quickly and sharply. He barely had time to bring his shield up.  I felt a blow hit my helmet as one of his men stabbed at me with a spear. Edgar’s pole axe came swooping down from behind me and I heard a gurgled scream as the spearman was killed. The warrior on the other side of the leader fell. The pressure from the front diminished and I took the opportunity of punching with my shield into the face of the mailed warrior.  He grunted as blood spattered from his broken nose. I stabbed forward into the press of warriors and felt my sword sink into flesh.  Sir Richard hacked sideways at the chief of the Vikings and he lurched across my front. I stabbed blindly a second time and this time the sword went into his side.  He was a big brave man and he stepped backwards into the protection of a wall of shields.