The Fallen Crown (12 page)

"And I will gladly be there with you!"

The Earl of Gloucester made a loud and noisy entrance when he did return.  He came accompanied not only by his own knights but also Welsh allies including the Lord of Powys, Madog ap Maredudd. He was the brother of the Welsh king. It was a statement of his power and I wondered if he had delayed his arrival so that he could come by so many men.  Perhaps I was becoming cynical.

When he leapt from his horse he greeted me warmly.  The Empress had warned me to curb my tongue and think of the greater good.  She knew how I felt about her brother.  I smiled as he greeted me.  "It is the Wolf of the North! We are all grateful that you keep us safe from the privations of the Scots."

"And it is good to see you too lord.  I have much to tell you."

He waved an airy hand, "Good, good. This is my good friend the Lord of Powys."

The Welsh lord looked just like any other Norman save that he was Welsh. He dressed the same as any Norman knight. However, when he spoke his accent made it difficult to understand all that he said, "I have heard much about you, Earl Alfraed, Warlord of the North.  It is good to finally meet you.  I look forward to the day we fight alongside each other. I have heard that you, alone amongst the English, have archers who are the equal of the Welsh."

"We find that they are useful when fighting the Scots, lord and I have good ones." I gestured for Dick, "This is Sir Richard, he leads my archers and is the finest bowman I know."

Dick bowed and the Welshman said, "A knight who is an archer; interesting."

Dick smiled, "I was an archer long before my lord knighted me. I use a sword but I prefer the bow."

Madog laughed, "Spoken like a true archer.  We must talk."

I think that the Earl was irritated by the lack of attention on him.  "You say you have news, my lord?"

"It would be better spoken of in private.  Perhaps in the Empress' antechamber."

"These are all friends."

Matilda said, "And it is too public, brother.  The Earl is right."

"Very well." He turned to his knights.  "We will enjoy the fruits of our hunt this night!"

Once in the antechamber he said, "Well what is so precious that it has to be heard in secret as though we are conspirators?"

I took a deep breath as I saw the warning in the Empress' eyes.  I spoke calmly, "I visited Lincoln, lord and spoke with your daughter." I could see that I had taken him by surprise.  "She believes that her husband will be stripped of his new titles by the King and that Stephen will invest Lincoln with a royal garrison once more."

"And how does this help us?"

"She will hold Lincoln for us but we need to go to her aid."

"Not her husband?"

Matilda said, "Ranulf is like a straw, brother.  Your daughter is made of sterner stuff it seems."

"Aye it looks like my fate is to be surrounded by strong women."

Matilda gave me the slightest shake of her head. Her brother had insulted her but she wished me to ignore it.

"Lincoln is far from here."

"It is and winter approaches."

He gave me a shrewd look, "Can my daughter hold?"

"She did before and I left her some of my men.  I believe she can."

The Empress leaned forward.  "We cannot act yet.  We must wait until Stephen has broken with the Earl."

"From what Maud told me, lord, that will not be long.  The people of Lincoln grow tired of your son in law."

"Then we need to gather our army. Lincoln is in the heart of the enemy's lands.  It would take many days to reach there."

"Perhaps we could gather at Wallingford lord."

He looked at me, "Wallingford?"

"Fitz  Count holds it still and our enemies might think that we are preparing for an attack on London down the Thames Valley.  It would be more logical than a strike a hundred miles north, to Lincoln."

He laughed, "You are a true Greek! Your mind could unravel the Gordian knot. It is a good plan but we must do this slowly.  Fitz Count will need time to prepare quarters for us and we will need supplies."

The Empress shook her head, "We cannot take them from our people."

"Then we take them from Stephen's.  The harvest will soon be in. We raid along the borderlands.  It will weaken the resolve of our enemy and empty the lands through which we must travel." This was the old Earl.

"Let us keep this plan to ourselves, brother. We can tell our knights that we raid but not the grand strategy.  We must give Maud every chance!"

He nodded and we were all in agreement.  "Aye, she is the fruit of my loins and no mistake!"

That seemed to set the mood for the next few days.  The Earl seemed both enthusiastic and confident of our enterprise. He took it upon himself to visit Wallingford and prepare the camp there. We wanted all of our men in place before we began the raids.  The Empress also sent spies to London so that she could assess the likelihood of Lincoln reverting to the crown. I took the opportunity of visiting Liedeberge.  Sir Miles came with me.  He knew the area well.  I just took Sir John, my squires and my men at arms. Dick and his archers were scouting the sites we might raid.

Liedeberge was a quiet manor.  It looked to me as though it had been largely a hunting lodge which had expanded into a small manor and village.  There was no castle but the hall had a wall around it. I realised it would never bring in a huge income but it was a gift from the Empress and, as such, should be held in high regard by me. The reeve was an old man, Ralph of Liedeberge. He appeared to be related to everyone in the manor. He was pleased to have a lord and took us around everyone who lived within a mile of the hall to introduce us.  My title impressed him.  He seemed a good sort. His three sons had the three best farms and his four daughters had all brought other farmers to the others.

"What sort of income can I expect Ralph?"

I do not know if he expected me to be a typical knight who used the manor for hunting but he was in for a surprise. "Income, my lord?"

"Yes Ralph. This war against Stephen the Usurper costs money.  I have knights and men at arms to support.  You do want the Empress Matilda to win do you not?"

"Of course, lord." He rubbed his grey beard.  "This year has not been as good a year as we might have expected."

"Why?  Did you have storms when you were gathering in the harvest?  Your barns look full.  Perhaps you were raided?"

Sir Miles said, "Stephen got no closer than Wallingford, lord."

I went close to the old man. "I am a good lord.  Ask my people in Stockton but I expect the truth.  Do not try to deceive me. I will expect you to bring an account of the manor to Gloucester in two days time." I swept a hand around the village.  "It would not please your family if I brought in another reeve would it, Ralph?"

His shoulders sagged, "I am sorry my lord.  No, my family would not like me to be replaced. I swear that I will answer all of your questions honestly."

"Good. My men will use the manor while we are in the area.  Sir John here will act as my constable." I nodded to Sir John. He knew what to do. "Come Sir Miles we have pressing matters in Gloucester."

As we rode back Sir Miles laughed, "Ralph was just seeing what he could get away with, lord, you know that?"

"Of course and that is why I left Sir John there.  Sir John was castellan at Stockton. He worked closely with my Steward.  He will give me an accurate assessment of the worth of Liedeberge.  Let us see how truthful the old man is."

"I can see why you have gained so much power at such a young age.  Nothing gets by you."

"When you live surrounded by enemies it is what you have to do. One mistake can prove disastrous as my friend Sir Hugh Manningham discovered."

"And yet you did not avenge him.  I was surprised by that."

He said it mildly but I whirled to face him, "When I have time I will avenge him.  Had I gone charging up to the New Castle it would have availed me naught save the loss of irreplaceable men.  I will bide my time and Prince Henry will feel my wrath."

"I am sorry, lord, I did not meant to offend you."

"You did not.  The memory is too raw and I berated myself on the journey south.  I am the one who knows when I have done wrong or made a mistake. The death of Sir Hugh haunts my dreams and I will have vengeance but on my terms and in my time!"

As we neared Gloucester he asked, "You are in the Earl and Empress' confidence; tell me what this massing of men and supplies at Wallingford means. Do we attack London or Oxford perhaps?"

"I cannot divulge the Earl's plans but suffice it to say that we will see action soon.  It is why I wanted affairs at Liedeberge putting in order."

As we approached Gloucester I could see more knights and their men heading for Wallingford.  Soon Gloucester would be emptied and the citizens could get their lives back to normal.  The Empress' household knights and the garrison of the town walls would be all that remained.

Sir Brian Fitz Count was happy that his castle would be used as our home for a month or two.  He confided in me that it would give him the chance to ride his horse to war and see  how his knights fared beyond the safety of his walls. Dick had suggested Banbury for our raid.  It belonged to Alexander, Bishop of Lincoln, but he had fallen out with Stephen and had had his castles confiscated and was imprisoned. I concurred with my knight's decision..

The night before our raid I gathered my men.  "Our aim is not to hurt the people.  We will be taking their livestock and their grain but they should not be harmed." They nodded.  My men did not like making war on those who could not defend themselves. "My plan is quite simple. "Dick and the archers will conceal themselves close to Banbury Castle.  I have no intention of taking the castle.  It will be a waste of men.  I will lead the knights and men at arms to frighten the farmers from their farms and flee to Banbury. Hopefully they will leave their animals and grain.  After all the Wolf and his pack will be abroad!" My men laughed.  "If any try to take animals then Dick and his archers will be able to capture them.  When we approach Banbury I suspect that they will risk trying to capture me.  After all we have few enough men.  Dick, you will spring our trap then."

"And after lord?"

"Then, Sir John, we drive the animals back to our camp and scout out another target."

"I meant after the raid, lord.  We are collecting animals and grain for a purpose.  What is that purpose?"

"That is out of our hands.  Suffice it to say it is a great prize.  This winter we seek a crown!"

Dick and his archers left before dawn.  They had scouted out the town walls and knew where to hide.  Their hiding place was well within bow range.  We had the luxury of just approaching any farm.  We did not need to be silent nor did we need to be cautious.  We just rode. The first farm we spied had just a wooden palisade. It was to keep wild animals out and not men. We were spied when we were a mile away by a cowherd. We saw him run and I guessed that he was shouting. They had two horses and the family crowded on the backs of the two beasts.  The farmer led them as they fled towards Banbury.  We slowed as we approached for I wanted panic.  While John of Norton and Peter Strong Arm began to herd the animals together, Richard and Gilles went to find the grain.  We knew that the farmers in this county had gathered their grain in already and it was conveniently stacked in sacks in their barn.  Leaving the two squires and men at arms to secure our booty we hurried after the farmer and his family.  When we spied Banbury's walls, just half a mile ahead we stopped as though we had been deterred by the walls and I led them along the greenway to the next farm we had selected.

This was a more substantial farm.  The house was partly made of stone.  They must have spied the other family fleeing for, as we neared them, I saw that they were already heading across the fields to Banbury. They had a cart pulled by two horses and it was laden.  There were others driving their animals before them. We began to catch them and the men driving the animals abandoned them and took to their heels.  They fled towards the town and stone keep. The cart kept ahead of us for some time and when they saw the castle just half a mile away they must have thought they were safe.

Sir John and his men spurred on their horses and began to catch the cart. The farmer and his family had lost the race. As we closed with them I saw that the women and children were running for the town and the six men had drawn their weapons.  Two had swords while the rest had daggers and farm implements.  When they saw the rest of us galloping up with drawn weapons they turned and fled.  They were safe.  I had no intention of chasing them.  Even as I reined Lion in Sir John's squire, Robert, had taken the reins of the cart and was heading back to Wallingford. It would be a long ride.  We had over forty miles to cover before dark and we had to avoid Oxford.

I was about to signal Dick when a column of mounted men left the town and galloped towards us.  There were twenty of them and they outnumbered us. "Edgar, take Henry of Langdale and escort the cart back to Wallingford.  We will catch you up."

"Aye lord!"

I now had two knights and ten men at arms.  I felt confident.  "Form line!" We had no spears but we were all mailed.  I did not wait for them to come to us, we charged.  They did not expect that. The knight at their fore tried to form a line.  Sir John and I headed for the knight and sergeant at arms. I left the others for my men at arms.  They could deal with them easily. The knight tried to approach shield to shield.  At the last moment I jerked Lion's head around and jinked to the left. It took him by surprise.  I swung my sword just above his horse's head.  He tried to block it with his own and failed.  My sword bent his and, more importantly, cracked into his chest.  He almost threw himself from his saddle. I reined Lion around and saw that John had slain the sergeant at arms. 

The knight's squire halted before us and drew his sword.  "Sheath your weapon boy and see to your master. Tell him the Warlord of the North has spared his life!" There were just ten of his men still mounted and the squire looked at them. They began to back their horses away from us and the squire sheathed his sword and dismounted.

Sir John said, "A wise decision.  One day you will make a good knight!"

We wheeled our horses around. I looked to my left and saw my archers galloping towards us.  I turned and saw the relief on the faces of those who had survived our encounter. They were wise enough to know what the outcome would have been had they fought.

We caught up with the others by the village of Bloxham. I saw that my squires had loaded the grain we had found on the cart. It made for a better journey. We now more men to help drive the animals and we made better time. Aetheling and Grant rode ahead of us as scouts.  We were deep within enemy territory.  I had chosen Banbury for that reason.  It was so far behind the enemy's line that they would think themselves safe. I had also chosen it because it was on the road to Lincoln and when we did travel thence I wanted to know the lie of the land.

We were close to Cumnor, a small inconsequential village not far from Oxford when danger arrived. Grant rode in.  "Lord, riders approach from Oxford.  Aetheling has stayed to slow them down."

Dick nodded, "Archers, follow me!"

The narrow greenways and sunken roads which were bordered by hedges suited my archers.  Dick would slow them down from ambush. "Keep moving and keep the animals close to the cart.  We have come this far.  Let us not lose them. Squires your job is to protect the cart and the animals.  The cart is the priority."

"Aye lord."

We hurried down the lane.  Dick and his archers appeared.  "There are thirty of them, lord.  Four knights, five squires and the rest men at arms.  There were some light horsemen but they fell to our arrows.  We kept ambushing them.  They will be cautious for they think we wait for them again. They are persistent.  Would you have us delay them longer?"

"No, Dick, we keep driving the animals.  If they catch us then we will fight." I pointed to the standard held by Gilles.  "I hope that discourages them."

A small village lay ahead.  I heard the hooves as our pursuers hurried after us. "Stop the cart in the village and put the animals on the other side.  It is time we faced them.  Besides the horses need a rest."

The cart stopped and I shouted, "Dismount! Dick, archers behind the cart.  Today we fight on foot."

I stood before the cart as the horsemen appeared.  I glanced to my right and saw Günter the Swabian. He held his sword in two hands with  his shield around his back.  He was grinning.  "Now you will see if I am like my uncle!"

The horsemen charged us.  They had lances. The knight who led them had a blue and yellow surcoat and a full face helmet.  He was not a clever leader. He had his men in a column of twos.  The lane would have allowed him four men abreast. Had I been the one chasing I would have sent half of my men around the village.  They came on.  I knew that their horses could not jump over us and they would baulk at riding over us.  That meant the only thing they could do was to pull back on their reins and make their horses rear.

I prepared my sword and, like Günter held it in two hands. Wulfric would have had his mighty war axe but our swords would have to do. As I expected the two knights made their horses rear as they stabbed down with the lances. Their blows were weak for their horses were rising and they had not practised this move.  We swung our swords across the animals.  Günter's long sword hacked through the legs of one horse while Sir John and I hacked our swords into the necks of the second horse. Dick and his archers rose and loosed arrows. It proved too much for the men at arms who fled along with one of the knights.  The two whose horses we had killed lay stunned while the third knight lay dead.

"Alain, grab that horse." I stepped closer to the knights and placed my sword at the neck of the leader.  "Yield or die!"

He took off his helmet, "We yield." As he tried to pull his leg from under his dead horse he said, "I think my leg is broken."

I nodded, "Alain, put this knight on the back of the horse." I pointed to the other.  "You can lead his horse."

"But I am a knight!"

I laughed, "Until you get another horse you are not.  The walk will do you good!"

It was dark by the time we entered the camp.  The Earl had ensured that we were well protected with ditches and stakes. It took some time to negotiate them safely.  The grain was sent into the castle.  Half of the animals would be slaughtered immediately while the others kept for winter which would be upon us soon enough.

The next morning my men rested while I went to see the Earl.  He looked pleased, "That was a good haul and you captured Ralph D'Aubigny and his brother.  They will fetch a tidy ransom. The other conroi did not fare as well but it is a start."

We walked the camp acknowledging the compliments from the men. "My lord you know this land better than I do.  What are the winters like? Are they as bad as in  the north?"

"Occasionally they are worse but normally any snow which falls lasts but a few days.  Why do you ask?"

"It is at least a two day ride to Lincoln.  If it is in winter and there is snow then it will be hard going."

"Then let us pray for a mild winter. When we do leave I want you and your men in the vanguard.  Your warriors have a nose for trouble."

"How many men do you think we shall take?"

"Madog will be bringing many Welsh knights, archers and men at arms.  If we leave a garrison here and at Gloucester then we should have over a thousand men."

"I pray that will be enough."

"If my daughter can hold the castle then it will be."

"And Ranulf, what of him?"

"He is not the son in law I would have chosen Alfraed, that is for sure. Had you not been married at the time I would have suggested she marry you!"

"I am flattered, sir but I will not marry again.  I had but one love and she is dead."

He looked at me curiously, "Just the one love eh? Then you are unusual, Alfraed. My father had women all over this land and I have had my fair share."

"Stockton is remote, my lord."

"Aye it is that!"

We did not raid again for the Earl was anxious that we be fresh to lead the attack on Lincoln. Others foraged far and wide.  That autumn was a hard time in Oxfordshire. When November arrived it came in like a lion with icy blasts of wind which chilled to the bone.  Winter had arrived and we still waited.

Every couple of days I met with the Earl, Madog and the other leaders. There was increasing dissension in our camp. The early success of the raids seemed a distant memory,  The Earl was now older and liked his comforts. He yearned for a castle's walls. After one such meeting I headed back to my camp with Sir Miles and Sir Pain.

"It is a pity that Sir
Robert D'Oyly did not side with the Empress.  I know he favours her."

Sir Miles shook his head, "But, Sir Pain, he sided with Stephen instead and that is why he is within Oxford."

"I know but I believe he would change sides; for the Empress."

Their words set my mind to speculating.  I often did this.  Usually it was in my solar in Stockton.  Here the process took a little longer.

Our raids continued into Oxfordshire.  I led my men north towards Oxford and its castle.  I did so not because we needed food but I did not want my men to become stale.  The camp was becoming a little quarrelsome.  The Earl's Welsh allies frequently clashed with the Earl's Englishmen and dice and gambling were rife.  Both resulted in violence. Our raids had meant that there was little left to be taken in the countryside close by our castle.  What little we had left had been taken within Oxford and its secure walls. I also had another reason.  I had come up with a plan to gain us another castle.

Sir John asked, as we headed north. "Where do we go, lord?"

"Oxford."

Sir Dick said, "Surely you do not intend to attack that mighty city, lord!"

I smiled, "There are many ways of attacking without scaling walls. We will go and speak with those within Oxford.  Perhaps our privations have persuaded them that it may be in their interest to change sides."

I had found out as much as I could about Sir Robert.  He was the son of Sir Robert D'Oyly who had married one of King Henry's mistresses. That gave me an insight into his mind. He would be closer to Matilda than to Stephen.  It was the position of his castle which dictated his allegiances. Until we had begun raiding Oxfordshire had been secure and close to London.  Now it was isolated.  I gambled.  I did not risk much.  I doubted that they would make a foray to try to take me and all I risked was the humiliation of being rejected and sent hence.  It was why I just took my men.