King Henry's Champion (3 page)

Edward nodded to the two firkin of ale we had brought, “And you have brought strong beer for them to celebrate.”

“I am a thoughtful lord, am I not?” I knew that I was becoming more devious as I grew older but those changes had been wrought by fate and my enemies.

“I am pleased that I am on your side, Earl.” We rode in silence along the twisting road to the distant castle. He spoke quietly. “Do you still think of the Empress, my lord?”

“I hope we both do, Sir Edward, for we are both Knights of the Empress.” I held the medallion up; the symbol she had given us.

“You know what I mean, my lord.”

“Aye I do.”

I left it at that.  Edward would have to work out for himself which question I had answered.

Barnard Castle always impressed me.  Perched high above the Tees it would be an almost impossible castle to take if it was well supplied for the river wound around it like a coif. Sir Barnard’s father had built a good castle but he had not used much stone.  He had used the natural rocks and tied the wooden walls to the natural outcrop with mason crafted stones.  Even so it would be hard to destroy. It was another reason for my visit. Had the King given me the power to remove the castle from the Balliol family? He had told me to do what I had to but the castle belonged to the Palatinate. If only the King would appoint another bishop then my task would be easier.

The standard flying from the gatehouse told me that Sir Barnard was at home.  My own standard fluttered behind me so that the guards knew who came. The gates were opened and we were admitted. A frowning Sir Barnard hurried to greet me.

“My lord, this is an unexpected honour.  Had I know you were coming I would have prepared.”

I dismounted and clasped his proffered arm, “You were away, were you not and besides my news was of such import that I thought fit to deliver it personally.” I waved a hand to the two sumpters carrying the firkins of ale.  “And I have not come empty handed.  I have brought ale for your warriors.”

“Thank you, my lord.”

I noticed the tone of his voice, “You were invited to the wedding of your nearest neighbour, Sir Hugh. He wished to visit with you and we came as his escort.”

“You stay the night, my lord?” He could not keep the disappointment from his voice.

“Yes, just the one, I have other Barons to visit.” I had his curiosity aroused.

“Very well my lord although we will be a little crowded.”

“Fear not, our men at arms are hardy folk and this is a fine castle.  There are but six knights and our squires to accommodate.”

To be fair to the Baron his quarters were comfortable and I shared mine with my three squires.  They had to make do with hessian filled straw pallets on the floor.

Sir Barnard had no wife as yet and so it was an all male gathering around his table.  Sir Hugh and I flanked Sir Barnard. He was pleased that Sir Hugh had taken a wife but he was not surprised by the news of the new heir to the throne. His face was full of joy but not his eyes. The news must have reached our enemies too. “The King must be relieved.”

“I have not spoken to him but I would imagine so. Tell me Sir Barnard what do you think the Scots will make of all this?”

My abrupt question confused him.  He had not expected such a direct interrogation. I was using a technique I used on the battlefield.  An unexpected charge sometimes worked better than a carefully planned assault. “The Scots? I would not know, my lord.”

I feigned surprise.  “But you visit there often! I assumed it was to gather intelligence for the King of England.  Why else would you go?”

I had given him a way out and he took the bait like a fish with a juicy worm. “Well I do try to keep abreast of what our neighbours are doing.  We are in a parlous position here.  But, of course, I do have lands north of the border too and family also.”

“Then you will know their feelings.  I assume that as you already knew the news of the male heir the Scots will too.”

“Of course and they are happy for the Empress and the King.  Do not forget that King David and the King are kin.”

I sipped the wine appreciatively, smacking my lips, “A good wine.”

“Thank you, my lord.”

“And yet the Scots continue to press for the return of Cumbria.  Surely now that Henry has been born and is the male heir, it means they have less chance of gaining that prize?” he did not answer.  “Still I can see why you might be worried. Are not your Scottish lands just to the north of Cumbria?”

“And that is why they will be safe my lord for my family will ensure that the border there is not used by any invading army!”

I fought to control my face.  He had slipped up. I had hoped that his tongue would be loosened by my barrage of questions and it was.  I smiled, “Excellent.  When next I write to the King I will tell him of your diligence and loyalty.”

Tight lipped at first I gradually elicited much information from him. It seemed that King David was increasing his power north of the border. He had arranged for the marriage of Matad, Mormaer of Athol to the daughter of Haakon Paulsson, Earl of Orkney.  That marriage, to the earl’s only child, would bring the northern islands and their fighting men into the Kingdom of Scotland.  Already my visit had been beneficial.  King David might have appeared to have accepted peace but in reality he was arming himself for a conflict.

I retired when my host was in his cups and his men took him to bed. I said nothing to my men.  I would wait until we were on the road to discuss what we had all learned.

Before we left I clasped hands with Sir Barnard, “Thank you for your hospitality and I am pleased that I can report to the King of your fidelity however I have to take you to task.”

His face paled, “What have I done wrong? How have I offended you, Earl?”

“There are bandits and outlaws in the forests hereabouts.  They prey on travellers.  Perhaps you should spend more time here in your home making it safe for the King’s subjects. I command you to clear the land of all outlaws and brigands. There are many who fought in rebellions.  These are dangerous men.”

He looked relieved, “I apologise and you are right.  I will make that a priority.”

When we were well clear of the castle and on the road to Hexham I waved Wulfric forward.  “Well my friend, what did you learn?”

“Where did the Baron say he and his men had been, my lord?”

“In his lands to the north west.”

Wulfric shook his head, “He was in Edinburgh where he met with the King and other leaders such as the Red Comyn and the Earl Gospatric.”

“That is interesting.  Now why should he lie?”

I was almost speaking to myself but Wulfric knew me well enough to answer me, “Perhaps because there are many camps to the south of Edinburgh.  An army is being prepared.  It is mainly Northumbrians under the hand of the Earl Gospatric but there are also mercenaries from Ireland and the Scottish lords of Lothian.”

“You have done well, Wulfric.  Thank you.” He was about to ride back to the men at arms but I held his reins. “Stay.  I would have you hear my words too for I discovered much last night and when I tell my knights then you should hear too.”

Sir Richard said, “I heard all that you did, my lord and I learned naught.”

Sir Edward laughed, “Nor did I but I saw from the Earl’s face that he did.”

“Sir Barnard said an invading army would not come through his lands north of Cumbria.”

“But he could be lying.”

“He is covering himself in case of failure. He knows that I will report what he says to the King.  The rebels will not come through the back door which is Barnard castle.  It would reveal him once and for all as a traitor.  He plays a dangerous game. The Scots and the rebels will come down the east coast.  This is confirmed by Wulfric’s information.” I saw Wulfric nodding. “We need to find out where and be ready to meet them.”

“Could we not attack them in Scotland?”

“We could, Harold, but that might risk the ire of the King; besides our lines of supply would be stretched. I will use the knights of the north to repel them when they come.”

My words set my knights to speaking animatedly about the possibility of war. I began to plan my strategy. The knights who were loyal to the King were the ones from around the New Castle and Morpeth area.  I could rely on them but, sadly, they had few men at arms. I needed a fast moving force to counter the rebels. They would outnumber us and I could only hope to stop them through speed and manoeuvre. They would come down the east coast.  That would protect the traitors in the west.  I did not doubt that Sir Barnard had confederates. The richer land was just north of the Tyne.  Further north it was slightly less fertile. I would have to stop him before they could harm the rich land of the Palatinate. It was mid afternoon when we arrived, unannounced at Hexham.  This time we were given a warm greeting by Sir Hugh who was an old friend and as loyal a knight as a man could wish for.

There was no apology this time, “We will squeeze you all in, my lord.” He rubbed his hands, “This bodes well.  Your presence means profit for me and my men! Whom do we fight this time?”

I laughed and put my arm around his shoulders. “All in good time, Sir Hugh.  Let us find somewhere away from others before I speak.”

While our squires saw to our horses we knights gathered in his Great Hall and I went through my thoughts and my plans. I had had many miles to devise it. “I think it is a good plan, my lord.”

“Now I need your local knowledge, Sir Hugh. Which lords of the manor should I take and where would you say the Scots would be likely to attack?”

He poured us all some rough wine.  He liked it deep, red and strong. He wiped his beard with the back of his hand as he considered his response. “Morpeth and Rothbury have sound lords. William of Warkworth is new but he has no castle as yet.  I think he is not a particularly rich knight.  Eager young bloods are always good to have in your line. William of Warkworth is one.  He is keen to increase his power and his treasury. Roger of Norham is but recently appointed.  Bishop Flambard built the castle in which he lives.  As the Scots hold Berwick it is the northernmost manor. The river which borders his castle is the line between England and Scotland.  It is disputed by the Scots. We would have to use his men in any case. If there is an attack then the Scots must take Norham first. Phillip of Elsdon I know not.  He was also only but recently appointed.  The rest of the lords of the manor are Either Gospatric’s supporters or have gone with the Earl to Scotland.”

“Thank you for that assessment.  Have you a map?”

He waved one of his men at arms over and he hurried out of the room.  It is not a good map but it shows the roads.” He laughed, “They are all Roman! Those who lived here before we came could not be bothered to either repair the old ones or build new ones.”

When his man returned with the map he spread it on the table.  Sir Hugh placed a dagger at one corner, the jug of wine on a second and his sword across the bottom. He jabbed a finger at each of the places he named, “Norham at the north, Elsdon and Rothbury here on the road to my castle.  As you can see there is Warkworth, closer to the coast and Morpeth at the south. It is Norham which is the barrier to the rebels.  Until there is a castle at Warkworth an enemy could flood south unchecked.”

I peered at the map.  Warkworth was in a loop of the Coquet River. “Why is there no castle here?  It has a perfect defensive site.”

“I agree, my lord, but I know not why.  Perhaps the Bishop feared such a castle would be too hard to take and if its lord rebelled….”

“Then I will have to speak with the King. But this map helps.”

We left the next morning.  Sir Hugh went to Morpeth while I took the road to Rothbury and Elsdon. We agreed to meet at Warkworth. We had passed this way before and the last time had found Elsdon totally destroyed and all their people killed. When we rode up to it we saw that there was a motte and bailey castle which had risen, like a phoenix from the ruins of the old one.  A young knight walked down towards us. He bowed as he saw my banner. “The Earl of Cleveland, this is an honour. I am Phillip d’Amphraville.  Welcome to my castle.”

“I did not know that the Bishop had appointed a new lord.”

He looked to the ground, “He did not.  I am the cousin of Ralph who died defending this land.  We were close.  I am the youngest of my brothers and I came here to try to emulate my cousin. I am sorry, my lord.”

“Do not apologise.  There is no Prince Bishop appointed yet. I will confirm your appointment in lieu of the Bishop. How many men do you have with you?”

He looked shamefaced, “Four and two archers only.”

“Do not be embarrassed. I go north where I will defend the King’s borders.  I would have you serve me.  Would you come and join my men?”

“Aye lord.  I would be honoured.”

“Then follow us for I go to Rothbury.”

John of Rothbury also had a motte and bailey.  He too warmly welcomed us. “I am sorry, my lord, but I have little space for your men.”

“I come not to use your food; I come for your men.  I am going north to do the King’s work.  How many men do you have?”

“Four men at arms and three archers.”

“Good, then, with your permission, we will camp by the river and tomorrow we leave for Warkworth and thence Norham.”