Warlord of the North (24 page)

"Did we win, lord?" His voice was thin but clear. He lived!

"Praise the lord!"

His wife threw her arms around his neck.  Father Henry poured some wine into his mouth. I nodded to the men at arms from Skipton and gestured for them to leave.

"Yes Tristan, we won and you had a great part in that victory. Father, can his men take him to more comfortable quarters?  I think the lord has done his part."

"Aye Earl and you did yours too.  Sir Tristan owes his life to you and Edgar as well as God."

I went out into the cold night.  Robert of Settle and his men at arms waited for me. "Lord it is a sign from God that we were meant to serve you.  We were penitent and God answered our prayers."

"Aye. Come to my castle and tomorrow we will see about finding you new masters." As I went, wearily, to my quarters the word my father had often used came to mind,
wyrd
. Had their prayers saved Sir Tristan?  We had lost men at arms and yet our enemies had provided us with more than we had lost. This was hard to explain. I would sleep on the matter.

The sleep helped me make up my mind.  I woke early.  No one, save the sentries, stirred. I went down to my hall.  Alice had left a jug of wine and a tray with cheese and cold meats.  They were covered with a cloth.  I ate as I thought.

I would divide the twenty men amongst my knights.  Sir Edward and Sir Tristan would get the largest proportion for they had lost the most. After the previous night I did not doubt their desire to serve but spreading them out would ensure their loyalty. With the problem of Sir Tristan and the men at arms out of the way I finally read my three letters. The Bishop of Durham's was one of complaint.  He did not approve of my men using his roads nor did he approve of his knights communicating with me.  I was ordered to stop. I almost threw the parchment into the fire and then thought better of it.  I could smell his clerk in all of this.  The Scots were using their influence to drive a wedge between us.  I put the letter to one side.  There would come a time for a reckoning.

I read the Archbishop's too. I knew that it would be formal for we used spoken messages through trusted men to talk to each other. In the letter he implored me to heal the rift between me and the King and to look to God for help. He urged me to continue to be a wall against the Scots. I smiled.  There were spies in York too and the Archbishop was telling both the Scots and the King that he was doing his duty. I would ask Philip of Selby to visit his uncle.  Archbishop Thurston needed to know the events in the north.

Finally I read the letter from King Stephen. I read it three times. I took the three letters and locked them in the chest in my chambers. I ascended the stairs to the ramparts. Sven the Rus was the captain of the guard, "Good morrow, lord.  It will be a stormy day I fear.  The wind comes from my homeland.  That brings with is more snow."

As we had travelled the last part of our journey I had noticed that there was less snow.  A slight thaw was always worrying for a rise in temperature always brought more inclement weather.

"It is a good job we are well supplied."

"We are that.  Wulfric said we had a great victory."

"We did.  We had few knights but they all had hearts of a lion!"

He gestured to the standard which fluttered in the stiff, icy wind, "More like the heart of a wolf, lord.  In my land we have many packs of wolves and we respect them for they are wise creatures.  I have often watched, as a boy, a pack moving.  They are led by the old and the weak so that the whole pack moves at their pace.  Then come the strongest wolves.  They are ready to meet any danger.  The main pack follows and at the rear comes the leader who watches for danger so that he can react quickly. I have watched you since I came here.  I can see why you have the sign of the wolf for you are like wolves of the wild. You protect the whole pack and I for one am glad to be part of your pack."

It was the most I had ever heard Sven the Rus say.  "I did not know that, Sven.  I have hunted wolves before but never seen a pack move."

"It is another reason why men fear you, lord for, like the wolf, you never know when you are beaten.  A lion will run and hide when it begins to lose.  I saw that in the east when our Emperor went on lion hunts. A wolf only stops fighting when his heart is torn from his body and even then watch for the teeth."

We both turned as we saw the first faint glow from the east. There was a red glow which echoed Sven's prediction. A storm was coming.

Sir Richard of Yarm and his wife arrived not long after first light.  They must have travelled through the blizzard which whipped in with the dawn.  They were both blue with the cold. Sven admitted them although I could see from his face that he was less than happy about it.  My men  of arms could not understand how Sir Richard's loyalty had shifted to Stephen of Blois.

I was well wrapped in a fur as both dropped to their knees in supplication. "Lord, we beg to see our son.  Does he live?"

"Rise.  Come into my hall.  Aye he lives.  God saved him."

Tristan's mother burst into tears. He was her only son and her daughter lived far away in Barnard Castle. She wished her husband to be my ally still. My servants took them to Sir Tristan's chambers. Sir John and Sir Harold were in my Great Hall.

Sir Harold said, "My wife is anxious to return home, lord.  She feels she has imposed upon your hospitality."

"You know that is not true, Harold.  You can both stay as long as you wish."

"I know lord but you know how women are."

I remembered Adela, she would have been the same, "I would look at the weather before you decide if you will travel.  There is a storm and although Hartburn is not far away it may be better to wait until it has abated.  Sir Richard and his wise wife have only travelled from Yarm and they are blue with the cold."

He nodded, "At least that keeps us safe from our enemies."

"Perhaps." I turned to a servant, "Ask Wulfric, Dick and the Steward to join me.  I have news."

I could see that they were intrigued but they knew me well enough to keep their counsel. I would tell them my news when all were present. My three men arrived and stood.

"I pray you sit and take wine." When they all had a drink I began. "I have had a letter from Stephen the Usurper.  I am invited to meet with him in York on the first Sunday of Advent. He assures me of my safety and the letter contains a safe conduct for me and my men."

I took my goblet to drink.

Wulfric was the first to speak, "You need not go, lord. We can gain nothing from it. I heard from the captured men at arms that he has lost most of Wales. He cannot attack us for he would lose and he cannot afford another loss."

"Aye Wulfric but that may mean he wishes to broker a peace with us. This could be a good sign." My Steward was astute.  He was not a warrior but he understood trade and negotiation.

"I would still not go, lord.  Let him come here."

I smiled, "I think that my rather high handed treatment of him the last time may well have made that impossible. Like you Wulfric I am not certain what we have to gain from this but I am also aware that I am the only open supporter of the Empress who resides in England. I lived in the East long enough to understand that diplomacy is a complicated business. I wished your views but I intend to travel. I will meet with him. Sir Harold and Sir John, I will take only my men at arms and Philip of Selby's archers.  If this is a lure to draw me away from my castle to allow an attack I will leave it well defended."

Dick said, "Earl, I think the weather is our protector. A man would be a fool if he attacked Stockton in the heart of winter and we know that Stephen of Blois is many things but a fool is not one of them."

"Just so. Wulfric we will take twenty men at arms.  You choose them.  It might be a good idea to use two of the new ones who have just joined us."

"Aye lord." He had stated his objections but he would now do all that he could to ensure the success of the mission.  I knew I had been lucky in my choice of Sergeant At Arms.

There was a knock at my door. My servant opened it. "Lord, Sir Richard of Yarm begs admittance."

"Enter." I smiled for I wished the tone to be set. Wulfric and my knights resented Sir Richard's defection and I did not wish harsh words to be spoken. Once uttered they hung in the air like poisonous mist and we could do without such ill feeling.

Sir Richard looked nervous. "Thank you lord." I nodded, "I now know that it was you who saved my son's life.  I owe you more than I can say and I recant my decision to abandon the cause of the Empress.  I can see now that it was a mistake. Men make mistakes and then they try to rectify them.  I would serve you again."

"Words are easy to say, Sir Richard.  I understand whence your words come.  You thought your son dead and now he lives. Do not join me just because I helped God to save Sir Tristan.  That had nothing to do with you. If your son had died would you have recanted?" He said nothing. "I am happy for you to serve me again for I value Yarm as an ally.  You protect my land; however I would not have you rush into such a decision. If you feel the same way then join us here for our Christmas feast at Yule.  That is time enough."

"I do not need that time, Lord, my mind is set."

"But mine is not.  I have spoken.  This is how I will have it."

"As you wish, Earl." He backed out of the room.

Sir John asked, "Why not take him back now, Lord?  We need his men at arms."

"Were you not listening to Dick? There will be no attack until the spring at the earliest.  We do not need his men, yet. I thought I knew Sir Richard but his defection came as a shock to me.  Sir Hugh Manningham did not defect for his land was far to the north and he has helped us since then.  Without his message we would have been attacked by Baron Skipton. Sir Richard has done nothing. I understand he is grateful for his son's life but I will meet with Stephen the Usurper and see what he has to say."

Sir Harold said, "Surely you do not think that Sir Richard means treachery?"

"I doubt it but I am not certain. I am become a more cautious man since King Henry died."

I decided to arrive before the first Sunday in Advent.  I wished to speak privately with the Archbishop. I visited Sir Hugh at Barnard Castle and Sir Edward at Thornaby.  They needed to be kept informed in case anything happened to me. Before I left  our ships arrived with more men at arms, wine and other invaluable supplies. I briefly considered sailing to York but realised that it would be quicker to ride and I had other plans for the
'Adela
'.

"William I wish you to winter in Anjou. It is safer for your ship.  The Tees, oft times, freezes over.  You can clean the hull on the Loir and sail as soon as Spring arrives." I smiled.  "I suspect it will be more comfortable for you and your men.  I would have you wait until I have returned from York.  I may have a message for Sir Leofric."

He nodded, "He has a son, now, lord.  He has named him Alfraed in your honour. He asks if you will be Godfather."

"I am touched.  When you return I will send a small chest of gold for my Godson. I also have letters and presents for my son.  You can visit him too."

"Aye lord."

The delay gave Alf, my steward and Ethelred time to prepare more trade goods. The voyage was an extra and our profits were growing.  We might be an island surrounded by enemies but we did not have taxes to pay.  We made hay while the sun shone. It may have been winter and snow might have covered the ground but we took care as we headed south.  I took Alan of Osmotherley for he knew the vale as well as any.  He knew whom he could trust.  Philip of Selby also knew the land well.  The return journey might be different for I had not replied to the usurper. I wanted none to know I was travelling.

We did not take warhorses but we went well armed. Gilles had a new suit of mail made especially for him by Alf. The hauberk he had had was one we had taken from a dead Scot.  It was too large. The new one fitted him closely. His chausses were new and they took some getting used to. His helmet was also new.  It was round and had a nasal.  The pointed helmets were found to be more fragile than the newer round ones and any benefit from the angle was offset by the fact that they had a tendency to split.

As we approached York I saw that they now flew Stephen of Blois' standard. I guessed it was in anticipation of his visit. It did not sit well with me. Our normal warm greeting from the sentries was noticeably absent.  We were rebels. Our reputation meant that we would be afforded respect but that was all. The Captain of the Archbishop's guard, Ralph, met us. "Earl, you and your squire are to be housed in the Archbishop's palace.  Your men will be housed in the warrior hall."

I saw Wulfric begin to glower, "We will be safe Wulfric.  The Archbishop has given his word and besides the people of York would not like the wrath of my men at arms visited upon them, would they Captain?"

Ralph shook his head, "Your master will be safe, Wulfric.  You have my word."

"Good for if not then I will have your head."

For many men that would be an idle boast but not Wulfric.

Once in the palace I shed my mail. I knew I would be safe, however I still kept my sword and dagger close by. When I slept that night then Gilles would sleep across the door of the chamber. He would be woken by the opening door if any tried to enter.

Archbishop Thurston greeted us, "I have sent for my nephew.  I am anxious to speak with him; and you Earl.  It will be a small supper.  Just the four of us." He looked pointedly at Gilles.  "Your squire can be discreet?"

I nodded, "I trust him with my life and I would trust him with yours, your grace."

"Good then we can speak freely.  These are parlous times, Earl. Now you must excuse me; we have a royal visit and that necessitates a great deal of work. The King brings with him a large number of barons and courtiers."

I was desperate to know why the usurper had summoned me but I did not wish to appear concerned. I spent the time with Gilles.  With visited the church which had been destroyed by Danes and then rebuilt.  It dwarfed my own church for this one was over a hundred paces long. It was a fine church and I felt peace when we emerged to wash before we ate.

The first part of the meal was spent in my account of the putative attack by the Baron of Skipton.  Even the Archbishop raised his eyes when his nephew recounted the miracle of Tristan. "Your people are lucky in you as a leader Earl.  It is one thing to destroy, kill and maim but to heal too... it is nothing short of unique."

I shrugged, "Thank my father who made sure I attended schools and read widely."

"This problem with Skipton is a worrying turn of events. I fear that there are rebels in the north who will see the chaos as a means of gaining land."

"Have you not enough lords of the manor to control the land?  I cannot see myself able to keep the land south of mine safe." He nodded.  "So why does Stephen wish to speak with me? I have not changed my position and he knows me well enough to know I never shall."

He looked at Gilles and Philip and then leaned forward, "I think he wishes to make peace with Matilda and Geoffrey."

That took me aback and then I remembered our summer campaign.  Stephen no longer had allies in Normandy.  He clung on to Blois but  that was far from England. This began to make sense.

"I see.  I cannot see why the Empress Matilda would agree to a truce."

"Perhaps he can explain better than I for I am not sure myself. Those were the reasons he gave when he sent me his letter." He paused, "And I have to tell you that Robert de Brus will be with him.  I spoke with Philip earlier and heard of the conflict. I pray there will be none here, inside my land."

"I cannot guarantee anything, your grace.  I will keep my temper but my people have suffered too much from someone who must a crooked back for nothing about him is straight."

Two days later the advance riders arrived to warn that King Stephen was just hours away.  I took myself and my warriors to the market, for it was market day, and I wanted to be away from the main gate and the accolades which would be thrown the usurper's way. We had coins in our purses and there were goods we could not purchase at home. While my men bought things which could be used for war I remembered the things Adela had sought and bought.  There were some fine pots I purchased.  Alice would like them. The seller packed them in straw and we took them back to the palace. On the way we found a pair of drivers who were willing to carry them north in their wagon. As with many such meetings it hearkened back to the past. Both had fought alongside me in the border wars.  Both had been archers who had been wounded; neither could pull a bow.  One had been in the service of Geoffrey of Piercebridge and the other came from Normanby. They were reliable. I chose those who served me carefully these days.

The trumpets and accolades told me that Stephen had arrived.  Those who were close to him strutted around as though this was their own palace. I smiled when they stepped back at the appearance of my men and I. They had helped to carry the pots back to the palace. It amused my men too for we were viewed as barbarians. We ignored the courtiers and hangers on as we stacked the pots close by our horses in the stable.  I intended to leave as soon as the meeting was over. If I could avoid it I did not want to spend a night under the same roof as this man I hated.

One of the Archbishop's deacons found me. "Earl, his grace is in the Great Hall.  You are summoned."

I sent Gilles for Wulfric.  It often helped to have such an intimidating figure behind me.  I trusted the Archbishop but that did not mean I trusted all who might be at the meeting. When I entered we were the last.  I saw Stephen seated on the Archbishop's own throne. Such things were important to him.  He had with him a number of knights amongst whom was Robert de Brus.