Warlord of the North (13 page)

He was right. So long as the Pope supported him he would live.

Our convoy left the next morning.  My sailors walked for they were not used to horses.  Alice rode. She was young and she was pretty.  She smiled as I passed, "Lord thank you for what you have done.  I heard you paid my dowry."

I nodded, "It was nothing."

"It was, lord, for it took away any guilt I felt and discharged my obligation to my father. I would be honoured if my lord would give me away when I am wed."

My own daughter was dead.  I would never give away another bride.  I nodded,  "It is I who am honoured."

John, my steward, urged his horse next to mine, "You have a mighty treasure my lord. Perhaps we could build a second ship!"

"One ship at a time, John. When this one is built I will leave for La Flèche. Before I do you, Ethelred and Alf need to decide what we trade and what we wish in return. This will be my one voyage I may be away until Yule.  Until that time it will be my knights who protect my land."

"That is a long time lord."

"Aye but with the Scots cowed there is no better time.  Besides the Archbishop will watch our borders and offer aid if the Scots are foolish enough to attack."

We did not stop at Northallerton on the way back. We headed directly north and pushed hard.  Our sailors had to sit in the wagons for they were holding us up.  Once we passed Alan's former home at Osmotherley we made good time. I waved Dick and Wulfric forward and we rode ahead of the convoy.

"I leave for Anjou as soon as my ship is built." I told them of the words I had spoken with the Archbishop.

"He is a good man, my lord, I trust him."

"Good, Dick.  And I believe that Sir Hugh Manningham will do his duty.  Before I go I intend to ride to Barnard Castle . I want Sir Hugh to command there."

"We cannot besiege it, lord.  We would lose too many men."

"We will not do so, Wulfric. You know the garrison.  Do they like the Scots?"

"Most do not, lord."

"Then we use that.  We trick our way in to the castle and we use our new men at arms and archers to do so."  We had taken on five new archers and five men at arms. "Alan of Osmotherley has proved himself a doughty warrior.  We send him and the new men to Barnard. They offer to fight for Barnard de Balliol.  They open the sally port and we enter.  We give those within a choice, serve Sir Hugh of Gainford or leave."

"And if they fight, lord?"

I smiled, "Wulfric you and I will be there and Dick will have his archers on the walls.  Do you honestly believe that having faced us three times and been thrashed three times they will try to fight when the outcome will be their death?"

He laughed, "You are right and with Barnard Castle in our hands we need not worry about an attack from the west."

"Aye for the alternative is to build a new castle at Gainford. This is the better way.  Then, while I am away we can patrol the Tees as far as Barnard Castle .  Your job while I am away is to make my castle impregnable and to make my conroi invincible. We are buying time.  Let us use it wisely."

Our return threw the castle into a frenzy of activity.  Our new sailors needed homes building. The cloth was made into new surcoats for my men at arms.  Any labourers not toiling in the fields were thrown into the maelstrom of shipbuilding. I rode with Sir Hugh and Sir Tristan to Yarm.  Before I left I needed words with Sir Richard.

I took only my knight's squires and Gilles.  I was not going in force. Sir Richard was in his bailey practising. He stopped when we entered. He gave a bow. "Sir Richard we need to talk.  I wish the air between us to be clear.  You are my neighbour and we cannot have bad blood between us. These are your children and I would not drive a wedge between you."

"Aye, lord, come into my hall." I noticed his wife throw her arms around Sir Tristan.  Tears coursed down her cheeks.

Once at the table I spoke. "You know that I have made my position to the... to Stephen, clear?"

"Aye lord."

"What you may not know is that there is a truce between us. I have been charged by the Archbishop to defend the land against the Scots.  I will do so. I would have done so without the request but the support of the Archbishop is important. It allows you to fight under my banner and yet not compromise your loyalty to the man you call king."

He looked relieved, "Lord, that will aid my sleep."

His wife nodded, "It is true, lord.  My husband paces the room at night.  He does not like being torn."

"I am afraid the day will dawn when your husband will have to decide whom he follows: Stephen of Blois or the Empress Matilda.  When the rightful heir comes to England to claim the throne I will support them."

Sir Richard nodded, "I understand lord but that day is some way off."

"It is. I will leave you now so that you may speak with Sir Hugh and your son.  There will be things you need to say."

Lady Anne followed me out. "Lord!" She bowed her head, "You are an honourable man.  Try to understand my husband. He knows that without you he would have nothing and yet now that he has such a fine manor he is afraid to lose it by being a traitor."

I lifted her head, "I know he is a good man but someone who breaks an oath loses their soul.  This world is fleeting but heaven lasts forever. Hopefully it will all turn out for the best."

As I rode back to Stockton I said, "Gilles you have proved your skill with my horses.  They are all happy."

"Thank you lord."

"Would you like to learn skills with weapons too?"

"Aye lord."

"Good for you and I will go alone to Anjou and you may need your sword there.  I will have you a surcoat made and we will see if Alf has some mail which will fit."

Father Henry was happy to marry the young couple and, indeed, it proved a great celebration for the whole town. It was a day away from the hard work which we had engaged in for, what seemed, a lifetime. I was surprised at my emotion when I gave away young Alice.  Perhaps it was the proximity in the church of my dead wife and child. Adela would have approved and that made me fear that I might break down. The fact that it was such a happy day for all gave me the strength I needed.

My ship, to be called
'Adela'
, was almost complete and so we headed for Barnard Castle . We had heard that many men had defected from Barnard de Balliol. Some had joined us and so we had a better idea of the garrison. Our new warriors, led by Alan, were quite happy to take the risk. They would present themselves as a band of mercenaries.  None were known to the men in the castle and the only one who had fought against them was Alan.  I doubted that he would be remembered. We waited in the forests where we had ambushed the Scottish army.  Our eleven men marched off to the castle. They looked the part.

Once it became dark we approached the walls.  We already knew where the sally port was and my forty men waited there. The door creaked open and Simon the Jew stood there. He waved a hand and bowed.  We entered. Dick and his archers scurried up to the walls where the sentries had been trussed and bound. Sir Hugh and I went with Wulfric and my men at arms to the warrior hall. All lay asleep within.  There were just thirty men.  We each went to a bed and held our weapons to the men's chests. I nodded and said, "Awake, the castle is taken!"

The man beneath my sword opened his eyes and they widened in terror when he recognised me. "Lord I pray you do not kill me!"

I spoke loud enough for them to hear but not loud enough to wake the rest of the castle. "None of you will be harmed if you remain silent. Rise and come over here.  Wulfric, watch them."

"Aye lord."

Sir Hugh and his six men at arms followed me and we went to the quarters occupied by Sir Barnard. We opened the door and entered.  There were two women in the bed but the man was not Sir Barnard, it was his castellan, Robert of Bowes. Stephen must have retained Balliol as a 'guest'. Sir Hugh held his sword at the man's throat and one of his men brought in a brand.  One of the women woke and gave a scream.  The other two woke immediately.

"Get dressed and come down to the Great Hall.  Sir Hugh escort these to the hall and then find any other servants, slaves and warriors."

There were a few scuffles and shouts.  One or two of those in the castle had to be cuffed by my men but, by and large, it was painless. The men at arms and sentries were brought to the hall. They were cowed by my men who surrounded them.  I stood on the table so that all could see me.

"You all know me, I am the Earl of Cleveland and now Warlord of the north. My avowed aim is to make this land free from the raids and privations imposed by the Scots.  Your lord, Barnard de Balliol, is a traitor and a coward.  I challenged him to combat and he refused.  He now hides with Stephen of Blois in London. This castle now belongs to me.  I give it to Sir Hugh of Gainford who is now lord of the manor. He is under my protection." I glared around the room but none dared gainsay me. "I intend no harm to any.  Even Robert of Bowes is free to leave.  When dawn breaks all those who do not wish to serve Sir Hugh and myself will leave. You will leave with only that which you can carry.  All horses, sumpters and palfreys will remain within these walls. If you stay then you swear an oath to myself and Sir Hugh, on a bible. I hope I have made myself clear. The sun will rise soon.  You have until its first rays peer through the wind holes to decide."

When the gates were opened and those who had chosen to leave left it was a surprisingly small number. The priest and Robert of Bowes were among them. It mattered not; Sir Hugh had his own priest who had fled Gainford with him. After they had been sworn in the new retinue of Sir Hugh of Gainford went about their business.  Sir Hugh said, "I will send my men back for my wife and my things.  We will be out of your hair, lord."

I smiled, "I mind not the company. Are you certain? You are now the western border."

"This is a strong castle and I have learned much from you, lord. My wife is keen to be lady of the manor again.  She will enjoy furnishing this castle."

I nodded, "As would the Lady Adela. You know that while I am away Wulfric and Sir John are just  a day's ride away?"

"I do.  I cannot thank you enough for this honour."

"Aye well when Sir Wilfred has rebuilt Piercebridge then you will be more secure here. In days gone by he would have acknowledge you as overlord and, when the Empress is returned to power that may be true again.  For now I wish my knights all to be equal."

"And we are happy to be so.  A round table has no head save you, Warlord."

His words reassured me and I headed back to my ship which was almost complete and ready for sea.

We sailed a week as soon as my ship was ready.  The Archbishop wrote to tell me that Stephen had held a grand court in London where he had made edicts.  He had reversed Henry's policy on the forests. I smiled at the news.  I had done so already. He had also confirmed all titles and earldoms. He did not say that mine was to be removed.  I found that interesting.  He also spent lavishly.  He was trying to buy the barons. It would work.  Those around London were the ones who rarely had to fight for anything and they took whatever was on offer. Ominously I heard that the Welsh had begun to eat into the lands of the Welsh marches. His knights had been defeated. The Earl of Gloucester's lands were diminishing. Robert de Brus had already ingratiated himself with Stephen and sworn fealty.  In return his titles had been confirmed.  He now held both Hartness and Guisborough. Although disturbing I still had his sacred oath.  The problem would come when I fought Stephen.

The
'Adela'
was a fine ship. Ethelred and John had used their own money to commission a second, smaller version. It was their coin; I did not mind. It would be built while we were in Normandy. We took neither horses nor banner. My standard would flutter from my battlements and I would buy a new horse, if I needed it, in La Flèche. Sir John and Wulfric knew my orders and we had three castles under construction.  William the mason was helping Sir Harold, Sir Tristan and Sir Wilfred to build strongholds against the Scots and any other enemies.

As we headed down the Tees, and thence out to sea I stood at the stern with Gilles and Captain William.  This was a new crew.  The sailors came from my town while the three officers had never worked together before.  I was happy to watch them grow together. Gilles was excited to be travelling back to his homeland. He had grown in the time he had been with me. The helmet and hauberk fitted him, albeit loosely, and, with his new surcoat, he looked like a squire now rather than a stable boy.

Once William realised I was not watching him critically he relaxed and we talked of my hopes for his ship.

"I have two manors, William, and you are the bridge between them. Your men will need to become warriors for these seas are dangerous and I have many enemies." I laughed, "You can count my friends on Harold's fingers!"

"Your men of Stockton are all skilled with weapons and have brought their bows.  We will get better."

"Good. And I am happy for you and your crew to benefit financially from these voyages. John and Ethelred have both become rich through trade."

"Thank you, lord, it is rare to find a master who is sympathetic to such needs."

"I think you will find, William, that I am unlike other lords in many ways."

We docked at Angers rather than St. Nazaire. I did not wish to have to hire a berth on a salt barge.  I needed speed. William knew what we had to buy and he would have enough time to negotiate a good price. I wanted to speak with Philippe, Leofric's steward, before William sailed home.

The Empress was at home with her two sons.  The sentries told me that Geoffrey of Anjou was busy raiding castles in Normandy and that my son rode at his side. When I spied Maud I saw that she was with child again.  She and the Emperor had been unable to have children.  She had proved now that it was not her fault.  She bloomed and I felt my heart race again at the sight of her. At her side were her two boys. I could not help noticing how much young Henry had grown.  As I recalled he was now three.  I was delighted when he saw me and shouted, "Mother! It is the wolf! He has returned! Now we shall have victory!"

I smiled and the Empress blushed a little, "You must forgive him, Earl Alfraed. He loves the tales your son tells of you and he remembered the wolf on your livery." She pointed to it.  "I see it has sported a red tongue and eyes."

I nodded, "I have much to tell you."

She turned, "Margaret, take the boys to the bailey where they can play.  Judith take the Earl's squire and his belongings to his quarters."

They both curtsied and gave me a knowing look.  They were the ones who knew our secret.  They were the guardians of the tryst and the secret of the child.

"Come, my lord, we will walk by the river, it is pleasant at this time of year and it is quiet.  We may talk there."

I told her, as we walked, of all that had happened in England.  I was careful not to criticise the strategy which had allowed Stephen to steal a throne.  I needed to speak with William and Rolf first. We stopped by the bank.  She seemed distracted. "You are ever the Knight of the Empress.  I cannot thank you enough for your efforts on my behalf."

I looked at her.  This sounded very formal. "I swore an oath to your father.  I do not break oaths."

She took my right hand in hers, "Alfraed there should only be truth between us.  We have shared a bed, our hearts and a son. You and I have something between us that was ordained by higher powers than we.  I know from your face and your words that you are disappointed in me."

I shook my head, "Never. Stephen took advantage of a situation and, perhaps, you were slow to react but I am convinced, in my heart, that your son will become King of England."

"Our son."

"Yes, my love, our son."

"But I shall not be Queen?"

I shook my head, "I shall be honest with you. It is the only strategy which will work.  There is too much bad feeling about what the Angevin have done in Normandy. You are seen as the wife of Count Geoffrey. Those with estates here and in England are bitter for they fought Count Fulk for years.  It has increased support for Stephen.  He will lose that support when he has to tax them for he is spending your father's treasury far quicker than he ought."

"What else could we have done, Alfraed?"

"Had I been here I would have pursued the war ruthlessly and conquered the dukedom quickly.  From what I heard the Count has conquered, pillaged and withdrawn. The best way is to keep an army in the field until you have defeated all.  There are too many enemies out there for hit and run."

I was aware that she still held my hand.  It was hard not to envelop her in my embrace.

"Will you stay?  I know the Count will heed your advice.  Teach him how to conquer Normandy.  If we control that then we can look to England."

"I will stay until summer is gone but then I must return home.  The Scots fear me but if I am not there..."

"I know.  We need you in your valley."

"What of your brother?"

"Robert was distraught at our father's death.  He blamed himself."

"He could have done naught about it. Where is he now?"

"He is in Caen.  He holds it for me."

"He is a mighty leader who should be drawing men to your banner."

"You are here now.  Things will improve." She let go of my hand and we looked into each other's eyes.  "Life is not fair, my love.  We can look, we can remember and we can dream but we cannot be as we would be."

"I know. We had best go within before tongues wag." As we made our way in I said, "And what of Rolf? Is he well?"

"He is healed now, my lord, and he acts as mentor to your son William. Young Cleveland has proved himself to be a fearless lord.  My husband thinks highly of him.  He now has men at arms of his own."

"And where is he now?"

"He is with my husband on the Norman border."

"I shall join them after I have visited La Flèche."

"Your castellan has made a difference there.  The people think well of him.  His marriage was a fruitful one.  His wife is with child and the act has made the castle and the town much closer.  You have made a wise choice, my lord."

I gave a rueful smile, "Sometimes I do."

We were still outside the castle, "We could never have been as one.  I was the daughter of a King.  I was used as a pawn in a game of chess.  I was married to an Emperor and then a Count.  My father saw me not as a daughter but as a prize heifer."

"You sound bitter."

"I am. All I wished was to run away with you as you asked and to begin a new life somewhere but we were both too honourable for that.  Duty came first. On my grave it should say,
'she did her duty'
."

We heard a squeal from the bailey and then Henry hurtled out brandishing a wooden sword.  Gilles followed him waving another one.  "Protect me Uncle Alfraed, the Scots are after me!"

"Always remember young knight, that you never run from the Scots; you face them and roar even louder. They will run." I winked at Gilles.  Henry turned and roared.  Gilles obliged by running away.  Judith, Margaret and the Empress all laughed.

Maud said quietly, "You do not just bring hope, you bring joy and, to me, peace." We went indoors.  The moment had gone.  We would now be Empress and loyal knight once more. As I bowed to go to my quarters she added, "Go to my husband,.  Advise him.  Make him fight the way you and my father fight.  He has changed and that is thanks to you. I wish it."

"I will do as you command."

Later, as I changed for the feast I said, "Thank you Gilles, that was well done."

"I had a little brother just like the young lord. I used to play like that with him."

"Where is he now?"

"He died of the plague along with my sister and mother when my father served on campaign with you.  He was but four when he died."

There was little else to say. Everyone had their secrets and some were sadder than others. The meal was pleasant for it was us, the Empress, her ladies and her boys. I forgot, albeit briefly, that I was Warlord. I smiled and joked with Henry and Geoffrey and we regaled them with tales of knightly deeds.

We borrowed two horses from the Empress and rode the next day to my manor on the Loir. The castle still looked small but it was solid.  My standard still flew from the gate.  We had brought a new one as well as new surcoats for my men at arms. It was Brian who was at the gate and his beaming smile told me that he was pleased to see me.

"My lord! An unexpected pleasure!"

I dismounted, "And how is your new home?  All that you hoped?"

"Aye lord.  We had some trouble when the King was killed but we drove the raiders hence and we have had peace since then."

"And Leofric is to be a father I hear?"

"Aye, lord, at harvest time." He looked at Gilles, "And who is this, my lord?"

"This is Gilles son of Guy of Tours.  He was my groom but I am training him to be a squire.  In the absence of Wulfric perhaps you can give him some lessons."

"Aye, I will.  And you will be here for a while, lord?"

"I will go back after summer. The Scots need keeping in check."

Leofric came from the keep, "My lord! You should have warned me!"

"I have much to tell you and I know that you have much to relate to me!"

It was good to have an unending supply of wine and I relaxed as I had not done for many months.  Here I was safe. There were no intrigues and no enemies trying to harm me. This was a sanctuary. I wondered if King Henry had second sight when he gave it to me. I idly wondered if I should stay here and leave Stockton to Stephen. The thought flitted from my head almost as soon as it had entered. Like the Empress I knew my duty.

When I finished relating events to Leofric he asked, "Do you want our men to return to England?"

"No for if things go ill this will be our home.  I will, however, be using our new ship to trade twixt my manors.  It will be mutually beneficial. I have some spare weapons Alf made.  The bulk of his output we used but English arrow heads and English fletched arrows are the best. We also have new surcoats for you and your men as well as a new standard."

"I have hired more men at arms.  The civil war has left many without their lords.  Brian here chooses the best."

"I will need four to escort us to the Count. I have offered my services as adviser to him.  The Empress thinks it will help."

"Of course."

"My ship will be ready to sail at the end of the week.  I would have her filled with some of the produce from this manor: wine, cheeses, oil and spices.  Have it sent down with the Empress' horses and bring back the timber, iron and arrows from the ship. Make a list of all that you need from England.  I intend to have Captain William make this a monthly voyage; at least until the weather worsens."

Three days later I headed north with Padraig and three of the new men at arms. "How do you find it here on the Loir, Padraig?"

"I am happy.  My life has changed. I have a woman now, lord. I only understand half of what she says but that may be an advantage eh? I miss English ale and I miss the lads.  I even miss Wulfric although that is rare but I am happy here. I am grateful for the opportunities you have given to me."  We rode in silence for a while then he said, "What will happen in England, lord?  Will the Empress become queen?  She should.  She is a good woman."

"I am afraid that many in England and Normandy feel differently.  Know this, Padraig, I will never cease to fight for that which King Henry wished.  The King of France may have had our King poisoned but it is Englishmen who will decide who rules us."

"Amen to that, Earl."

We headed to the border where fighting was going on. Count Geoffrey was laying siege to the castle of Falaise. Even before I reached there I knew that it was a mistake. The castle was well made and would easily withstand a siege. It was better to strike where damage could be done rather than lose men in fruitless attacks on thick stone walls.