Knight of the Empress (16 page)

"Then explain how almost five hundred men could have travelled from north of here and raided as far as Carlisle in the west and Piercebridge in the east and every manor in between."

For the first time the mask fell away and he looked discomfited. "I cannot explain but I can swear that none of my father's knights participated in the raid."

I moved towards the earl and said, quietly in his ear, "My lord we have recognised one of the knights we fought and who fled."

The earl kept his face impassive and continued to stare at William of Morpeth. He said equally quietly to me, "And he is here?"

"He is the knight standing behind William of Morpeth.  The one trying to move away even now."

"You have done well." He smiled at the knights who faced him. "So none of you raided the Tees or the Eden?  None of you attacked the castle at Barnard?" They shook their heads, "Do you swear?" This time there were no nods. "I can fetch a Holy Book if your wish or we can do it the old Saxon way."

William stood up and began to bluster, "I give you my word.  There is no need to impugn the honour of these men.  You must be satisfied with our answers, my lord. We will not be made scapegoats because other lords cannot defend their lands.

Robert of Caen, Earl of Gloucester, now stood.  You could see the royal blood of the Conqueror coursed through his veins.  William of Morpeth had underestimated this warlord. "You speak of honour but there is at least one man behind you who I know has no honour." He jabbed his finger, like a sword.  "You there! The knight trying to slink away like a dog in the night! Stand fast!"

The man had no choice and he stood glowering at me. "I did not raid." His voice was flat.  "Who says that I was there?"

The Earl stood aside and I stepped forward. "I, Alfraed, Baron of Norton, say that you were there at Gainford."

He was about to say something when Edward stepped forwards, "And I Edward of Stockton saw you."

"He is your household knight.  He lies as you do."

Before I could say anything Sir Richard, Sir Guy and Sir Geoffrey all said, "And I saw you."

I took off my mail glove and held it in my hand.  "Take back your words or eat them!"

He leaned across the table, "You lie!"

I whipped the mail glove across his face.  The metal links ripped open his cheek and blood was spilled. Before a battle could ensue the Earl said, "There is but one way to settle this.  Trial by combat!"

William of Morpeth had regained his smile, "I should warn you, my lord, that Odo of Hexham has never lost in single combat yet.  Have your headstrong young knight apologise and we will forget this."

It was my turn to smile, "Fear not my lord, I have crossed swords with liars before and in my experience a liar is normally a poor warrior. I expect Odo to live up to his name!"

The knight's face contorted into a snarl as he tried to get at me. William of Morpeth shook his head. "There is a piece of open ground close to where your men have camped.  We meet there in an hour."

As we left the Earl said, quietly, I know you have fought in a tourney but can you best him?"

Wulfstan snorted, "My lord he will beat him before that treacherous knight knows what has hit him.  Alfraed is the fastest blade I have ever seen."

"I know but this is single combat."

Edward chuckled, "That was what the Count of Stuttgart thought and he ended up on his arse, my lord! If anyone is taking wagers, my money is on the Baron."

We had brought our war horses this time and Harold saddled Star for me. As I was waiting I watched as they prepared Odo's arms.  He had a short battle axe hanging from his saddle.  Edward saw it too.  He asked the Earl, "My lord is he allowed a second weapon?"

"If he wishes, You can have one too, Alfraed."

I shook my head. "I will use the one with which I am familiar and besides I am not certain if an axe is an advantage on a horse." As the Earl left us to go to meet with William I said quietly to Edward.  "Have our archers ready in case there is treachery." In answer Edward smiled and pointed behind me. I saw Dick and the others stringing their bows. It was not dark yet for it was still the time of the long days but the knights held torches along both sides.  It gave the arena an eerie feel.  This was not Worms and there was no dais. Nor was this for a pot of gold. This was a fight to the death.  There would be no herald to tap me on my shoulder and tell me that the combat was over; there would just be the angel of death.

Star was keen to be in action again. Since our return from Normandy he had grazed and been groomed.  He was a war horse and he wanted war. He stamped his foreleg and snorted. I checked that my sword slid in and out of its scabbard easily.  Its edge was sharp enough to shave with. The lance was straight and true.  Edward himself had chosen if from the supplies we had brought. It was now up to me.

William of Morpeth stood in the centre.  There would be no preliminaries and no request to reconsider.  Neither side could afford the loss of face. His hand dropped and I waited a heart beat before spurring Star on.  Odo did not wait. He was keen to close with me and knock me from my horse. I put my spurs to Star.  He took off as though he was leaping a fence. I rested the lance across the cantle of my saddle and watched the approaching knight. This time we would not be able to return and get a new lance.  When our lances broke then it would be hand weapons. I needed to ensure that he had no lance to use.  Star had not yet built up to full speed but Odo had. I pulled back on my lance and stood slightly in my stirrups and leaned forward a little. It meant I could no longer use my spurs but Star was beyond needing them; he was going to war.

Odo was an experienced knight and I saw him adjust his lance and raise it slightly.  He was going for a hit to my body.  As we closed I squatted down as I punched with my weapon.  His lance struck me first but my move had fooled him a little and his spear shattered against my shield.  His blow was so powerful that it almost knocked me from my saddle.  My lance slid along his side.  I felt it grate against the links and then it was broken as his body came across it.  I heard a grunt as the stump hit him in the stomach.

I was drawing my sword as I reined around Star.  It was now down to our skills with hand weapons and horses.  It was not one against one it was two against two. As I turned I looked to see which weapon he favoured. It was the axe. I hoped that was a mistake.  I had only fought men on foot who wielded an axe. I did not know how this would aid him.  I knew it was a heavy weapon and so, as we approached to meet shield to shield as was usual, I flicked Star's head to the left so that we met sword to axe. He had committed to a blow on the other side and his backhand parry was weak. I stabbed forward.  There was a rent in his surcoat where my lance had struck and my blade went along the tear.  I must have severed some links for this time I felt my sword slide along something soft; his gambeson.

I wheeled to my right as he struggled to turn his own horse. His axe was unbalancing him. My quick hands and magnificent horse allowed me to close with his back and I brought my sword sideways across his back. This time he did shout out.  I had hurt him and he veered away from me to gain some composure. I, too, turned to face him.  I had had three hits and only one in return.  This time it would not be so easy.  He approached me more slowly this time, ready to react to any tricks from me. I had no choice but to face him shield to shield.  He brought his axe around with great force and it smashed against my shield as I struck him on his helm.  His had been a powerful blow and my shield and arm both shivered with the shock. Our horses were also experienced and they pushed against each other.  As he pulled his arm around for another blow to my shield I stood in my stirrups and brought my sword over my head to strike across his front. Wulfstan had praised my quick hands and my right hand certainly saved me.  It bit into the haft of the axe as he tried to smash my shield again and it cracked.  He was committed to the blow and the haft broke in two as the axe hit my shield. Pulling the thong from his wrist he threw it at me as he pulled his horse away to allow himself time to draw his sword.

My left arm was numb from his blows. I steadied Star.  He had a sharp sword with which to come at me and an undamaged shield. My blows to his back and his side had not been mortal.  I needed to finish this quickly.  If he began to pound on my shield I would lose. This time I spurred Star on. I needed speed and I needed him to be a warhorse. As we approached I veered towards his shield side. He readied his sword.  As we closed I pulled Star's head up to make him rear as I stood in the stirrups and brought down my sword. Star's mighty hooves made the knight flinch but he stabbed at me anyway as I descended towards him. He could not get his shield up in time and my sword smashed into his helmet. I felt his sword slice into my side. As his head fell back I saw his eyes roll into his head. His arms went out to the side and he fell from the back of his mount.  There was a sickening crunch as he hit the ground.  If he was not dead before he fell, he was when his body hit the ground. As the cheers on our side erupted I felt warm blood trickling down my side. I had been hit. I had to stay upright in the saddle until the verdict was returned.

The Earl came to me and held my right arm up, "God has favoured Baron Alfraed! He spoke true and this dead knight was a base liar." As more cheers resounded he added, quietly, "You did well there Alfraed I thought he had you."

"He did, my lord, I am wounded."

His face showed his concern and, as Edward and my men came towards me he said, to Wulfstan, "Your lord is injured, take him to a tent and see to his wounds and I will continue my discussion with William of Morpeth!"

Once behind the tents I was helped to the ground. Harold held up his hand and it was bloody. I gave a weak smile. "I hope we brought a spare surcoat! I fear this one is spoiled somewhat."

My knights and Harold took me into a tent while Wulfric took out his needle and cat gut. I heard Sir Guy say, "I have some eaux-de-vie I shall fetch it."

When the surcoat came off they could see the extent of the damage. Wulfstan tut-tutted me, "It was a clever strike from you, Alfraed, but your armour is designed to stop blows from above and not from below. His sword went between the lamellar plates. Had you not killed him then you would have become weaker. I think we will have Alf make you some new armour when we return to Stockton."

By the time Sir Guy returned they had my armour and gambeson off.  My undergarment had soaked up much of the blood.  I felt woozy. "This will hurt my lord." There was a flash of pain as the fiery liquor was poured over the wound. I was lying face down and waiting for the pain to subside. Wulfric sounded concerned.  The wound is too deep to stitch.  I cannot staunch the bleeding."

"Hold him." It was Wulfstan who took charge.  Wulfstan who had protected me since I had been a child now took charge. I could not see what he was doing but I felt Wulfric wipe away the blood and dry the skin and then I felt heat.  When I smelled burning I knew what he was going to do.  He must have plunged a torch into my side to cauterize the wound.  Mercifully I passed out and all went black.

When I awoke it was light and Harold and Wulfstan's faces were above me. I tried to sit up and it hurt. "I would rest, my lord, or wait, at least until you have some food inside of you.  You leaked a great deal of blood last night. I will fetch some food."

When he had gone Wulfstan said, "You were close to death last night. The priest hovered close by ready to give up the last rites. Our men prayed for you to live and I suspect that Gospatric's men prayed for you to die. God won in the end and you lived."

"And William of Morpeth?  Did he confess?"

"No.  He is a sneaky one.  He blamed it all on Odo. His men fled last night and William said that was sure evidence that he and his father were innocent and it was Odo who had taken the law into their own hands. He said his family could not be held to blame." He laughed, "The Earl is a clever man.  He should be named heir.  He fined the Gospatric family five hundred head of cattle and a thousand gold pieces.  He said it would teach them to manage their men better.  We leave as soon as you are fit and able to ride north after Odo."

"But it could not be just them.  They did not have enough men."

"I know but it cannot be proven.  The loss in cattle and gold will weaken them and teaches them a lesson.  The Earl has perilously few men to do anything else.  I think he has done the right thing and we are all richer because of it. The Earl said that if we did not find the slaves who were taken in the raids at Hexham then we would return and demand more answers."

"What happens now?"

"The Earl has sent your knights, men at arms and archers to follow Odo's men. He and his household knights are waiting here to collect the fine."

I struggled to rise.  "Then let us join my men; I would not have them take risks whilst I lay abed."

Wulfstan pushed me back down. "I will decide that.  Aiden will watch over you while Harold and I ensure that we share in the profits from this fine."

"How will it be shared?"

"The Earl appreciates what our men did and, more importantly what you did.  We get half of the cattle and half of the gold.  Your knights are happy. They are suddenly richer."

I closed my eyes.  Perhaps Wulfstan was right.  I did need my rest. Wulfstan and Harold left.  Aiden fetched me some beer and then asked, "Could I take Wolf and go hunting, my lord?  I hate to be inactive."

"Aye, of course.  I shall sleep now."

When I awoke it was almost dark.  Aiden was seated next to my cot. Wolf slept at my feet.  As I stirred he rose and smiled.  "You have more colour, my lord.  That is a good sign.  I shall fetch you some food. Wulfstan will have me if I do not feed you."

"Are they away still?"

"Aye, my lord.  There are just ten men at arms guarding the camp. The rest are within the castle. They have been counting coins all afternoon." I could hear the lowing of cattle.  "And the animals are being brought here too.  They should all be here by the morrow."

"Then you must ensure that I am ready to ride by the morrow for I will not lie idly by while others risk their lives for me.  Tomorrow we ride to Hexham."

After he had left I managed to struggle to a seated position.  Wolf heard my struggles and came over to lick my hand. He was a faithful hound. The food, which Aiden brought, was hot and nourishing.  I was hungry and I ate two bowls of it and quaffed a jug of ale. I felt much more human after I had eaten.

"Help me up, Aiden, I need to make water." He looked dubious.  "Would you that I soiled myself instead?"

He helped me to my feet and, leaning on him we left the tent and went to the stone wall which lined the field.  After I had made water I felt a little weak.  "Perhaps Wulfstan is right and I do need time to recover."

When we reached the tent Aiden examined me. "I think Wulfstan healed you well. There is no sign of bleeding.  Wulfric was worried that exertion might induce bleeding but the wound appears to be sound."

"Fetch me my armour."

"Why, my lord?"

"I am not going to wear it if that is what you mean."

He brought over the armour I had brought from Constantinople.  I examined it and saw where the sword had struck up through the scales.  I favoured a strike from above and it would happen again. Until that day it had served me well.  It was lighter than mail and gave good protection.  I knew that if I had had mail armour then the sword thrust would not have penetrated.  Perhaps it was time for new armour. I would just have to learn to wear the heavier mail.

Wulfstan and Harold joined us later that evening."We have done well from this, Alfraed.  They are good cattle.  They are smaller than ours but they look to be tougher. I thought to give your three knights one hundred each which leaves us with two hundred."

I nodded, "And the same for the gold?"

"Aye for I have spoken with them and they are good lords.  They will use the gold wisely and become stronger. That makes your strength more too."

"I just serve King Henry."

"And when we have a new monarch?  What then?"

"I will serve him."

"Suppose that it is William Clito, the puppet of the French king?"

"He is landless. How can it be him?"

"Because he has a claim and if the King dies without a male heir then he will be considered.  He will have support." I wondered who had been talking for the Earl's secret was safe with me. Wulfstan gave a sly smile.  "There is much gossip amongst the men of the Earl.  In London it is the sole topic of conversation and already people are choosing sides."

"How can they choose sides?  No one knows yet whom the King will decide upon."

"The King may decided but others can make decisions too.  King Henry chose to be king and the man who should have been king now languishes in the tower. "He rose.  "You have much to think on while you rest. Our tent is the next one down.  If you need aught then send Aiden for me."

The food had made me sleepy and I lay down.  Aiden covered me with a fur. "Wolf will be at the bottom of the cot, my lord, and I will be here by your side. If you call out then I will wake."

I was soon asleep but my sleep was filled with dreams which seemed so real that I feared for my sanity.  Suddenly I heard barking and I opened my eyes. In the half gloom of the tent there were four armed men.  I saw that Wolf had fastened his teeth around the arm of one while Aiden had his knife out and was struggling with another.  I reached down and drew my sword from the side of the bed.  I managed to hold it up and block the sword which arced towards me. I saw a second blade coming for me and I rolled off the cot.  The sword smashed into it breaking it in two with the force of the blow.

The man whose sword I had parried ran around the end of the cot.  I kicked out and took his legs from him. As he fell to the ground I rose to my knees and pushed the sword up into his rib cage.  I kept pushing as he shouted. There was a yelp as Wolf was thrown to the ground and an axe came towards me. My sword was stuck inside the man and I could do nothing. Then a blade erupted from his middle as Wulfstan's sword ended his treacherous life. Harold swung his sword diagonally and hacked into the neck of the third of the murderers and then the two of them slew the man who was trying to kill Aiden.

Lights appeared from outside and Robert, Earl of Gloucester stood there.  One of his knights held a lighted torch and viewed the bloody scene. "Are you safe, Alfraed?"

I nodded, "Aiden are you hurt?  Wolf?"

Aiden shook his head.  "I am unhurt thanks to Harold and Wulfstan but Wolf…" He ran over to his dog. He knelt over the animal and stroked it behind the ear.  He smiled, "He was winded that is all. Good boy." He took a morsel from his pouch and fed the dog.

Wulfstan rolled them over.  "Anyone recognise them?" No one did. He looked at me and then glared at the household knights.  "Whether you are fit or not we ride tomorrow.  You will be safer amongst your own men!"

One of the household knights of the Earl moved forward but Robert of Gloucester snapped, "He is right! How four assassins got through our sentries speaks either of incompetence or treachery! Perhaps my knights are only fit for herding cattle or collecting gold!" His men had the good grace to look shamefaced.  "I am sorry, Baron, this should not have happened.  You and your men will be safe now."

All five of us slept in Wulfstan's tent.  I had no intention of sleeping in a bloodbath and I was not about to have my men clear away the bodies. We rose before dawn and Aiden and Harold helped me to dress and to arm. I rode Scout and we headed for Hexham.  The Earl and eight of his household knights rode with us as well as half of his men at arms.  The rest guarded the cattle and the gold until our return.

After an uncomfortable silence Robert said, "Why did they want you dead? It makes little sense to me."

"I think that I spoiled William of Morpeth's plans, my lord. I think there is a conspiracy here which reaches all the way to Hartness and beyond.  The De Brus family also has lands in Scotland and England.  They must think that I am a danger and should be eliminated.  After all they did kill the previous lord of the manor and we have been attacked on at least three occasions now.  It is the only answer which makes sense."

"Perhaps I should have taken hostages."

Wulfstan shook his head.  "That would have played into their hands, my lord, and made your father's position even more precarious. It would be seen to be vindictive. I, for one, would be happier if the King was in England."

"As would I.  But he is not and we must make the best of the situation."

Hexham was half a day away and when we drew close we could see that my men had made a camp and surrounded the motte and bailey castle. It was under siege. Edward smiled when he saw me on my horse. "My lord, the last time I saw you I thought you had bled away completely.  It is good to see you up and mounted."

I waved towards Robert of Gloucester. "Tell the Earl the situation."

"There are fifty or so men inside. The ditch is well made and we have not, as yet, tried to breach the walls.  They are surrounded and there is but one gate. If they come out it needs must be this way."

"Good you have done well." The Earl studied the walls looking for a way in. There was a gate in the outer bailey and then another at the keep. It would mean two assaults. "Any suggestions?"

Wulfstan took off his helmet and rubbed his beard. "I can see no smoke which suggests that they are not heating oil or water.  All of our men at arms and knights have mail and have good shields.  With Dick and his archers to keep their heads down I think we can take the first gate. If we achieve that then they may be willing to surrender."

The Earl asked, "Surrender?  Surely we kill them all."

"I would say yes, my lord, but they may have slaves they took from the valley.  If they think they are going to die then they might kill them.  Surrender may be a way out for them." Wulfstan shrugged, "But you command my lord."

Robert Earl of Gloucester was a pragmatic man and he saw the sense in the plan and the thinking behind it. "Very well," he turned to his lieutenant.  "Have half of our knights and ten men at arms make a Roman tortoise.  We will try to gain some honour this day."

I knew that I would be an observer that day but I determined to be as close to the action as I could and I went with Harold and Wulfstan to within a hundred and fifty paces of the walls.  We had our shields but it seemed those within were not confident about their archery. Dick arrayed the archers in a line before us.  The men behind the walls were using cover to avoid being struck by missiles.  Dick was too canny a bowman to waste arrows. Until the knights and men at arms were attacked then they could wait. 

The sixteen men began to move forward towards the ditch.  Above them they held their shields and they also protected their sides.  The ones in the middle all carried faggots to place in the ditch.  When they were fifty paces from the ditch the defenders began loosing stones and arrows at them.  They had little of either. As soon as their heads appeared Dick and his men began to release their arrows. It was an uneven contest and, after losing eight or nine men, the defenders had to hide.  As soon as the knights reached the ditch they flung in their faggots and then stepped across.  This was the most dangerous time for the cohesion of their shields was lost.  As soon as a spearman stood to throw a spear he was struck by an archer. Once at the gate those men at arms with axes began to hack through the gates.

In a short space of time the axe men did their work and the gates were shattered.  Edward led my knights and men at arms and they charged through the open gates.  The defenders had already fled to the safety of the keep. This had a bigger gate and higher walls.  The ditch was deeper but I knew that those inside would have seen the ease with which we had broken through and would already be worried. All that we had done was breach the outer wall and we just held the bailey.  The keep would be harder to take.

We all moved closer.  Two of the Earl's men at arms were down.  They had been struck by spears through the gate as it was broken. The survivors formed up inside the bailey and waited for Edward and our men to form the second attack on the inner agate.  This time we had many more faggots and while my men attacked the gate the rest of the Earl's men would cross the ditch and scale the walls.  With our superiority in archers I hoped that we would have few casualties.