The King Is Dead (10 page)

I looked to Henry, "I will speak with you later.  My news is important."

He shook my hand, "Aye I hear you are the bastion in the north.  Good luck, my friend."

I turned. He was alone and I could speak.  "You said, '
message
', my lord. What message?  I received no message."

He frowned.  "I sent it two months since.  My father has need of you. " I gave him a blank look. "You did not receive it?"

I shook my head, "I was on the northern border fighting Frenchmen who attacked the northern valleys."

"Treachery again!" He smacked one fist into the other.  "Then what brings you here?"

"News of treachery at home and the Archbishop of York asked me to escort your father's gold."

"Well that is good news. Come best you tell the King first and save repeating it." He saw William.  "It is good to see your father, William! He is a sight for sore eyes."

We strode towards the keep. I saw that there were fewer standards than I had expected to see.  King Henry's supporters appeared to be diminishing. "Sir Richard said that the King was dealing with rebels, my lord?"

"It is a dangerous game they play my friend.  We heard rumours of rebellion and unrest.  Taxes are not paid and yet, when we visit the afflicted area it is gone; it is a will o' the wisp. We have had to punish some barons who were seen to be questioning the King's right but it is our sister and her husband who cause the King the most grief." He looked at William.  "My father will explain."

I was surprised by how much the King had aged.  The flecks of grey were now white and his body did not seem as strong as it had once been. His eyes, however, still flashed with fire. "Alfraed! You have heeded our summons at last!" He waved a hand, "The rest of you leave us save my son and Richard of Redvers."

I turned to William, "You had best go too.  Find our quarters and help Leofric."

"Aye father."

The doors of the hall slammed ominously shut. Robert of Gloucester said, "The Earl did not receive our summons, my liege! The message went elsewhere."

The fiery eyes flared, "And the messenger?"

"I know not.  He had not returned."

"Then I dare say his body will be in some forest in England being picked over by crows. I am sorry, my lord, I thought ill of you. I wondered if you too had joined this conspiracy against me."

"No, my liege, I swore an oath and I would not break it."

"You are like your father.  You believe an oath is binding.  Some men now believe it is an inconvenience."

"The Earl has worrying news from England."

I handed the King the two letters.  The seal was still unbroken on both.  I saw the King suspiciously examine them closely.  I should have been offended but I was not. If he thought his daughter was about to join the rebels then why not question a knight loyal to her. While he read the documents Robert of Gloucester brought me some wine. We were in wine country and it was good.

When he had read them he asked, "Do you know what the two prelates say?"

"In detail?  No, roughly?  I think so."

"You have done well and uncovered much treachery. Tell me what you know."

I told him all.  I watched Sir Richard and the Earl of Gloucester as I spoke.  I saw the King's old friend become angry. Finally I told of the pirate attack.

The King nodded when I had finished, "At least I cannot blame the pirate attack on my enemies at home. We are indebted to you. And, perhaps, the missing messenger may not have caused us as many problems as it might. Who knows, maybe it was intended that you were not summoned else we might have suffered an incursion in the north and lost our gold.  But I need you here now." He sighed and sat back with his hand to his head.  He closed his eyes and we waited in silence. One did not interrupt a king who was deep in thought.

The Earl refilled my goblet and gave me a wan smile. Sir Richard held his goblet out too.

The King opened his eyes.  "We will take you into our confidence. You deserve that, at the very least.  If you were going to betray us you would have had more than enough opportunities before now. The Count of Anjou is a young man.  I had high hopes for him.  Especially after your last visit, however it seems someone has his ear and is giving him advice which will lead him into conflict with me.  My daughter follows him. That is my fault; I threw her at this young man to gain a County. My son and I had tried to talk to him but he is suspicious of us." He held his goblet for a refill. "They demand that I hand over the royal castles in Normandy to them now! Before I am dead!"

The Earl had refilled his father's goblet and he said, "They asked, my father."

"Asked, demanded! It is the same thing." We all knew it was not. There was little I could say in response to that. We waited for his anger to subside. "Whatever word I use the effect is the same.  I would have no castles in Normandy. It would provoke the nobles to rebellion and civil war would ensue." He drank some of the wine which appeared to cool his temper for he spoke much more quietly thereafter. "Perhaps I should return to England.  I enjoy hunting there and God knows I have spent little enough time there but I wanted to make this land safe for my grandson.  Our future is in young Henry." For the first time he smiled, "He is full of fire is that one. He can barely walk but he waves the wooden sword I gave him like a young Alfraed! He reminds me of you when you fought at the tourney! He fears no one." He smiled at the memory. "That is why you must go to my daughter. Persuade them to change their course.  They are sailing close to dangerous rocks.  Find whoever advises them ill." He slammed his goblet down, "And end their advice!"

"I will do as you command my liege."

Perhaps he heard the hesitation and doubt in my voice for he added, "If you need to then kill this advisor no matter who it is! You have my authority."

"With respect, your majesty, there is a danger that this might alienate your daughter and the Count even more."

He smiled, "You are the brightest and most intelligent of my lords.  You have a Greek mind.  Use it for England and your King.  Leave no trace of what you do.  I have no doubt that there are secrets in your life which are hidden from me.  I have looked in your eyes and see someone who is much like me. You have a ruthless streak hidden within you. Use it for England and for my grandson."

"I swear, my lord, that your grandson will become King of England."

He stood and came over to clasp me about the shoulders, "And an oath from the Earl of Cleveland is one written in blood! It will never be broken." He released me, "Did you bring enough men?"

"I have enough my lord.  So long as you do not wish me to fight the whole of the French army then I have sufficient."

"Good.  Then the sooner you leave the better."

"I will leave on the morrow."

The King handed me a ring. "This is the seal of La Flèche.  It is a small manor on the Maine and Anjou border.  The lord of the manor died. There are four other men who would have it.  Although small in itself its position would give whoever I gave it to too much power.  I give it to you.  It will give you a home here in Normandy and allow you to be close to my daughter."

"But, your majesty, my land in Stockton!"

"And it will still be there when you have finished here.  This is more important than keeping the Scots at bay.  From what you have told me the men who follow you will keep the Scots in check. I need you here.  I need you to make this land safe. La Flèche is on the way to Angers. It is but thirty miles twixt the two."

I nodded.  He might appear old but his mind was as sharp as ever.  "As ever, your majesty, I am your man."

The King summoned his other advisors and I left with Richard of Gloucester. "Is this a poisoned chalice, my lord?"

" La Flèche?" I nodded.  "No. The four lords who want it will be relieved that it has not gone to another.  You are seen as the English knight.  They will hope that you will spend more time in England than you do here."

"And I will."

"Perhaps.  Do not disappoint, my father. He has much faith in you and he has honoured you.  La Flèche will bring a good income.  There is a great deal of trade between Angers and Normandy. La Flèche benefits.  It is another reason he has made you lord of the manor.  It will not upset the Count of Anjou.  He has claimed the manor in the past.  His father and the King fought over it many times. It has a good position on the Loire and the castle is well made.  The King allowed it to be crenulated."

"It has a garrison?"

"There are men at arms there. I will be honest with you, Alfraed, you will need to hire better ones than those you will find.  They were almost as old as the lord."

"And can I appoint a lord of the manor?"

The Earl shook his head, "Politically that would be a disaster.  If you are the lord, as my father wishes, then you will not be a threat to the neighbours but a lord of the manor created by you would suggest that you were building power here."

"But I am not!"

"I know.  Better you appoint a strong castellan.  He should be able to read and write.  He will be responsible for the taxes.  He needs to speak Norman too."

"You are not asking much are you my lord?  This seems more of a burden than a gift."

"Do not say that in my father's hearing."

"Then you tell me, why should I be happy? What do I gain?"

He laughed, "You are unlike any other knight I know.  Other leaders would be delighted to have gained power like this."

"I seek no power beyond my valley of the Tees.  You know that." I sighed, "I am consigning one of my men to a lonely life far from home."

He nodded, "Much as you and your father were given Norton which was, as I recall, far from your home and yet you came to love it."

He was right, "Well I shall wrestle with the problem; on the way to La Flèche."

"I can let you have a few men, if you wish."

"No, I would rather my castellan, whomsoever that is, is the one to appoint his own men."

I sought Wulfric and Dick.  "Come let us go into the town and find somewhere where we can enjoy some wine."

Wulfric nodded and said, "We would prefer ale, my lord, if there is a choice."

"Whatever you wish.  It is your minds I wish to use."

Dick laughed, "Then we must be in trouble if you seek enlightenment from Wulfric." Wulfric snorted his derision.

We found a pleasant hostelry by the river.  It was quieter than most of the others which were occupied by warriors from the castle.  I wanted quiet. The ale was not to their liking but the wine was good. "I have been given the manor of La Flèche."

"Well done, my lord."

"I need someone to be castellan for me.  Someone I can trust." They both looked at me as though I was discussing the wine. "Would either of you wish to be my castellan?"

They looked at each other and Wulfric said, "Thank you for the honour, my lord.  I think I can speak for both of us when I say that not many knights would treat their men as you treat us. But it is not the life that we would choose. We will continue with the men at arms and the archers."

They both finished their ale and began to rise. "Thank you for your honesty but I have yet to finish." I waved over the owner.

"With respect, my lord, if we are to have another we will have a wine rather than this gnat's piss they pass as beer."

"You are both ruthlessly honest.  Well if you will not be my castellan which of your men should we leave for whoever I appoint as castellan?" The landlord brought wine.

"The obvious choice would have been Roger of Lincoln although I suspect he, too, would have turned down the opportunity. Brian or Padraig work well together and they are friends.  Brian would make a better Captain.  He is used to command."

"You agree, Dick?"

"Aye. Brian was to be wed two years since.  His woman died of the winter coughing. Stockton holds sad memories for him.  I would choose him."

"Then that is settled.  What about archers?" I saw his face fall.  "I know you are loath to lose any but archers here will make all the difference.  Are there two, like Brian and Padraig who might enjoy the opportunity?"

I saw him take a swallow of the wine and grimace, "Griff of Gwent is the only one who has the stomach for this.  And he seeks adventure. He would make a good Captain of archers. If you would need someone to train new archers then he is your man.  He also has languages as does Brian."

"And with him?"

"James the Short and Robert of Derby."

"They are both new.  You are not trying to rid yourself of a problem are you?"

"I would not do that to Griff.  No they get on well with each other and with Griff.  They would work well."

"Thank you. I appreciate the advice.  I will let you ask them. Like you I would not force any man to do something they did not choose to do. If they say no then I will not think any worse of them."

"And the castellan?"

"I will wrestle with that alone."

The King and the Earl both came to see me off.  I was handed the parchment which gave me authority over my new manor. I saw the curiosity written all over the faces of my men and squires as I took the parchment and the seal of office. Dick and Wulfric had told the five men that they were being offered the chance to stay in Normandy.  They had come to me to thank me.  For Brian and Griff it meant more pay.  More than that it was a new start.

We had over twenty miles to travel but the roads would be safer. It would take no more than a couple of hours.  I rode with my squires. I had made my decision.  It was the only one I could make. I spoke with them as I rode. It seemed appropriate that this decision would be made on the back of a horse.

"You know I have been given the manor at La Flèche?"

"We heard, my lord. Will you move here from Stockton?"

"No William, but I will need a castellan."

"Wulfric? He would be a good leader."

"He was my choice, Leofric, but he wished to serve me still as Sergeant at Arms."

"I do not envy you your choice, my lord, it is a hard one. The man you choose must be loyal as well as someone who can give orders and run an estate."

"Could you do it, Leofric?"

His mouth dropped open and then closed.  I smiled for he looked like a fish. "Are you asking me about the idea of it or do you mean me to be your castellan, my lord?"

"I am asking you to be my castellan.  Of course I would need to knight you."

I saw the mixture of joy and jealousy on the faces of my other two squires.

"Do you think I could do it?"

"I would not offer it otherwise.  And I have given you five of my best men. I will not be abandoning you.  We will spend the rest of the year in Anjou and Maine.  I will be here to advise."

I saw him debating with himself. We rode for some time before he said, "I will do it, lord, for if you believe that I can do it then so do I."

I had been aware of the silence behind us.  As soon as he gave his assent there was a  cheer.  He was a popular squire.

John gave him the heartiest of congratulations. William nudged his horse closer to mine.  He said, very quietly, "But I thought I would be knighted first."

"Are you ready for it?  You are almost a man grown so answer honestly."

Like Leofric he stayed silent and then he shook his head, "No.  I am not but Leofric is.  As is John."

"Then John must become as complete a knight as Leofric."

"But he is a better warrior."

"There is more to being a knight than being a warrior who can handle a sword.  Think of Leofric's qualities.  When you have them, you shall be a knight."

La Flèche had a defensive position almost as good as Stockton.  It stood right next to the river.  The difference was that here there was a bridge and not a ferry.  The castle itself, however, was smaller than mine.  It looked the way mine had done ten years earlier.  It had stone towers and a keep but it was not as big. There were two ancient sentries who placed their spears across the bridge into the castle.  They said nothing which told me that they had not been told of the new lord of the manor.  I smiled and held my hand out with the signet ring.  "I am Alfraed, Earl of Cleveland and the new lord of the manor of La Flèche."

They looked at each other.  Behind me I heard Wulfric growl; they bowed and then parted their spears. A grey hunched man was in the inner bailey speaking with two other men at arms.  Whilst not as ancient as the two on the gate they were nonetheless far older than one would wish.  The hunched man turned

I dismounted and handed my reins to William.  I took out the royal warrant.  "Do you read?" The man shook his head.  "I am Alfraed, Earl of Cleveland and the new lord of the manor of La Flèche." To their credit these three bowed.

The old man said, "I am Raymond, my lord, I am the steward here.  I served Baron Henry for forty years."

"And I hope you will serve me."

"Aye, lord, but not, I think, for forty years."

I smiled.  He had a keen sense of humour.  We would get on.  "Leofric, Brian, Griff."

The three stood to my side.  "This is Sir Leofric, he will be my castellan here.  Brian will be the sergeant at arms and command the garrison and Griff of Gwent will be captain of archers." They all nodded and I was pleased that the two men at arms appeared to show no resentment at my appointments. "My men and I will stay here for a week or so to enable me to get to know the manor and then I will visit with the Count of Anjou. If you would show Sir Leofric and me around the castle then your men can show my men at arms the quarters and the stables."

"Aye, my lord."

He set a painfully slow pace and I forced myself to be patient. "What happened to Sir Henry?"

"What happens to all old men, my lord, God decided he had lived long enough and took him."

"And he had no family?"

"His sons died in the wars with Count Fulk and Lady Margaret, well, she died of a broken heart when her sons fell. Baron Henry was loyal to the end, my lord."

"I believe it."

"And I doubt not that I shall soon follow him." He was the most perfect of retainers. Loyal beyond death.

It was a comfortable castle.  There were good sized chambers and the Great Hall, whilst not as large as mine, would accommodate a good number.  Raymond had a son and his wife who helped him. Philippe son of Raymond  looked to have emulated his father and dedicated his life to the manor.  His wife was the cook and housekeeper.  There were few servants. Philippe's four children appeared to be unpaid servants. Raymond explained that the old baron had not replaced men at arms and servants when they had left or died.  It was not a matter of penury just indolence.

We went to the Great Hall. "I have seen enough to make a change already.  Raymond you served Baron Henry well.  Now it is time to take it easier. You will live on here and I will pay you a pension. Philippe I would have you as steward.  What say you both?"

I could see that I had read the situation well for they both nodded eagerly. "As for your children, if they wish to be servants then that is well and good but they will be paid and dressed in appropriate livery; my livery.  I will find a seamstress in the town."  I took a gold piece from my purse.  "Go into town and buy provisions to feed us.  I dare say you have not enough supplies to feed my hungry band. When I have time we will discuss payment in detail."

They both bowed.  Philippe said, "Thank you, my lord. There was a rumour that the King had appointed a new lord and we feared the worst. I hope that we can serve you as well as you deserve. We have heard your name and we are honoured." They left and I thought that old Raymond moved a little sprightlier.

William and John found us. "The men and horses are accommodated, my lord."

"Good then fetch them all here."

Leofric said, "You addressed me as Sir Leofric, my lord."

"I know.  It was easier that way but we shall remedy that soon enough. Wait here.  I will return." I went to the chamber of the old Baron. His clothes and mail were still there.  I picked up his spurs. From what I had learned already about the old knight I did not think that he would mind. My men had gathered in the Great Hall.  "Come there is something which is overdue."

I led them to the small chapel we had found.  It was small and we all barely managed to crowd in.  That somehow made it more intimate.  It made us closer. I had not done the ceremony since Harold had been knighted.  There was no set words but there were rituals which were vital. Leofric's oath came first. I saw the realisation of the responsibility as he spoke each word. Then William and John fitted the spurs.  Finally I dubbed him with my sword. 

When I said the words, "Rise Sir Leofric of Stockton."

My men all intoned 'Amen'.

By the time we returned to the Great Hall it was too late to visit the town and so we celebrated the ceremony with a fine feast. Elise, Philippe's wife, proved to be a fine cook. Leofric and I sat at the head of the table so that I could speak with him. "You have been lucky in those within the castle, Leofric. They will serve you well.  You need to use the money that the manor brings in wisely.  You need a smith and you need more servants. From what I have seen the defences need improvement.  Until I see how much income the manor has we will not begin any major work but the most important thing we must do is find another six men at arms. You have six only.  Only Brian and Padraig can be relied upon."

"And archers, my lord?"

"They are as rare as hen's teeth.  Griff will need to find likely lads and train them. He and Dick will come with me on the morrow and we will see what raw material is out there."

William had been listening, "Father, Leofric will require a squire."

"Are you volunteering William?  Do you wish to leave my service?"

He smiled, "Never."

"Good.  I will give this some thought Leofric. Perhaps Rolf and the Swabians know of some suitable candidate.  There must be many lords who have too many sons.  However I think that you will have enough to do without worrying about training a squire."

"Amen to that, my lord."

After a day travelling the manor I realised that this was not quite the poisoned chalice I imagined.  The townsfolk had heard of me and were pleased.  We found three young men who were happy to be paid and trained as archers.  Sadly we found no men at arms but that would have been nothing short of a miracle. The days after that were spent travelling to the neighbouring manors with my two squires and Wulfric to introduce myself to my neighbours. To my great relief I found that they were all small manors and the lords had retinues as small as that at La Flèche.  The wars had taken their toll. All were loyal men of Maine and supported King Henry.  There was no treachery in this enclave on the Loire. I explained that Leofric was my castellan and I promised them an invite when time allowed.

By the end of the week I was satisfied.  There would be enough taxes from the manor to allow Leofric to spend well and there would still be a profit for me.  However I would be happier when there was a clerk and a squire to help my new knight. It was a wrench to leave. The five we left there were a vital part of my retinue. The thirty miles to Angers were ridden in silence as we reflected on the changes the King had made. However the closer we came to Angers the more my mind turned to the main reason for my visit.  I had to discover the poison and remove it. I would need my Swabian brothers to give me as much help as possible.

I noticed a definite air as we passed through Anjou.  It was an air of unrest. I had expected the Loire region to be a hotbed of intrigue but it was calm.  Anjou, in contrast had few smiles as we passed through and the gates of castles were closed and guarded.  Angers itself was on a war footing.  This did not bode well.

We were, however, greeted with great joy.  I had helped the Count to train his knights and men at arms. King Henry and the Count might be in conflict but I was not.  The King and the Earl of Gloucester were using me. It was fortunate that my father and Athelstan had trained me well.  I would be my own man.  I had my own code.  I would do what was right.

I could not help smiling as we passed over the bridge into the castle.  The Count had heeded all of my words and his ditch was scrupulously clear of all save the traps I advised him to use. All his sentries now had a helmet and mail shirt. This was now a bastion.

He strode over, "Earl! I heard that you were close by."

I nodded, "The King appointed me lord of the manor of La Flèche."

There was the slightest of frowns and then he nodded, "He is a cunning old bird! He has vacillated for a year since the old lord died.  Many sought the manor for it guards the road to Angers.  I pleaded with him to allow me to appoint the lord of the manor.  He has chosen the only knight I would accept as its lord!" He clasped my arm.  "It will be good to have you as a neighbour."

"I fear I will be absent for much of the time.  I still have the Tees valley to protect."

"Then you will leave the castle undefended?"

"No, my lord, Sir Leofric is the castellan and I have my own men at arms and archers as the garrison."

"Your squire?" I nodded, "He fought well in the tourney and when we fought the rebels.  You do not make foolish decisions.  I am happy. Good. Come let us see my wife.  She will be pleased to see you."