Medieval II - In Shadows of Kings

by Kevin Ashman

  ‘Fellow journeymen,’ he started, ‘God has seen fit to deliver us safely to dry land, however count not your blessings just yet for this is but the first stage in our journey. According to our predecessors, our destination lies many weeks south at the mouth of a mighty river. It is said that so big is the river that the clear sea is brown for many miles as the river water churns the bottom. However, we need water and fresh food so will be sending hunting parties ashore. We will stay here for three days only before heading south and you will all get a chance to walk on solid ground before we leave.

  ‘Captain,’ said a voice. ‘We notice the holds are opened for the horses. Are they to go ashore?’

  ‘They are. They are weakened from inactivity and need to feed on fresh grass to strengthen their limbs. All will be swum ashore and allowed to graze on the hills. We know not if these lands are inhabited so a guarding force will be required to ensure their security.’

  ‘But how will they get back aboard?’ asked the voice. ‘The hatches are above the waterline and there is no dock.’

  ‘Once ashore they will stay on land and travel south the same time as the fleet. This will enable them to regain the strength in their legs. The ships will shadow them and an armed force has already been selected. Now, those of you picked for the first foray, muster at the boats. You will stay on shore for one day only and are tasked with securing the landing site. Pikes will be issued as you go and there will be a detachment of archers led by Geraint of Brycheniog. Once you are happy there is no threat, send the boats back to bring the rest of the first detachment and move further inland to check the area. If there are indeed any inhabitants, avoid conflict at all costs. We are sea weary and unlikely to put up any organised defence. Our priority is water and food, nothing more. We cannot afford to be distracted from our mission. In three days’ time we sail again and the next time we step on land, will be in the footprints of Madoc.’

  The deck broke into a frenzy of activity as both boats were made ready. Below decks, lancers stripped down to their breeches and stood alongside their horses as they waited to disembark. Each horse was fitted with a simple halter and Spider stood at the large hatch as the first Lancer led his horse forward to face the ten foot drop into the sea.

  ‘He will be frightened,’ said Spider, ‘but you cannot afford to wait. As soon as he is in the door, we will push him straight out with these planks across his haunches. Be careful not to lose grip of his tether or he might swim in the wrong direction.’

  The Lancer nodded.

  ‘I understand.’

  ‘Then let’s get you gone.’

  Spider and Geraint picked up a plank and held it between them at the back of the horse.

  ‘Ready?’ asked Spider.

  ‘Ready.’

  ‘Go.’

  The Lancer pulled the horse forward and as it hesitated at the brink, Geraint and Spider pushed the board against the horse’s rear, forcing it to jump into the sea along with the Lancer. Within moments they were both swimming toward the land and due to the nearness of the shore they soon felt the sand beneath their feet.

  A cheer rang out from the decks above where everyone watched with anticipation. The first feet of their expedition had reached the new world and within moments, splashes could be heard from all four ships as the other horses followed suit.

  ‘Load the boats, Logger,’ shouted Tarian, ‘let’s see what this new world has to offer.’

  ----

  Chapter Nine

  Brycheniog

  1276

  ‘What’s that noise?’ asked Elspeth, sitting up straight in bed.

  ‘It sounds like people outside,’ said Garyn, ‘yet the sun is still not up. Get dressed, it seems we have visitors.’

  Garyn pulled on his breeches and climbed down the ladder from the sleeping loft. He threw a tunic over his head and peered through the shutters on the deep window alcove.

  ‘Who is it?’ asked Elspeth joining him at the window.

  ‘I don’t know,’ said Garyn, ‘but there are several horsemen outside.’ A few seconds later, someone knocked loudly on the door.

  ‘Garyn ap Thomas, open up in the name of the King.’

  ‘It’s the village Constable,’ said Garyn.

  ‘What does he want?’ asked Elspeth. ‘We haven’t done anything wrong.’

  ‘I don’t know, but I had better speak to him.’ He walked to the door and removed the bars before opening it just enough to speak to the man outside.

  ‘Are you Garyn ap Thomas?’ asked the cloaked man.

  ‘I am, what is this about?’

  ‘Let me in,’ said the man, ‘we can discuss it inside.’

  ‘I don’t think that’s a good idea,’ said Garyn. ‘How do I know you are who you say you are?’

  ‘Look behind me, Garyn. ‘What brigand comes supported by six armed lancers?’

  ‘I suppose so,’ said Garyn and opened the door wide to let him in.

  ‘What do you want?’ asked Elspeth as he entered the room.

  ‘Garyn ap Thomas,’ said the Constable, ‘do you have in your protection a woman of eastern descent?’

  ‘He means Misha,’ said Elspeth.

  ‘I understand she goes by that name,’ said the Constable.

  ‘We do,’ said Garyn, ‘but her presence is well known and she has been accepted by the village. She poses no threat to anyone and is as honest as the day is long.’

  ‘That remains to be seen,’ said the Constable. ‘Where is she?’

  ‘I assume she is asleep. What is it that demands a visit by the King’s constable?’

  ‘Cold blooded murder, Master Thomas, and I am here to see she pays the price.’

  ‘That is an untruth,’ said Elspeth. ‘Misha is a gentle soul and not capable of killing anything, let alone a man.’

  ‘On the contrary, Lady,’ said the Constable, ‘she is more than capable and has actually killed two men.’

  ‘I don’t believe it,’ said Garyn. ‘There must be a mistake.’

  ‘No mistake, Garyn. Not only do we have a witness but also a confession from her accomplice. You may know of him, he is known as Thomas Thatcher.’

  Elspeth’s hand flew to her mouth and stifled a gasp.

  ‘I don’t understand,’ said Garyn. ‘When is this supposed to have happened?’

  ‘A couple of months ago they murdered a man called Guy of Lambourne and his fellow in a village near Caerleon.’

  ‘But why would they do that?’

  ‘That’s why I am here,’ said the Constable, ‘to take her into the crown’s custody and try her for murder. When she is found guilty, as she will be, then she will be hung as the criminal she is.’

  ‘I don’t believe it,’ said Garyn again, ‘she would have told us.’

  ‘Lucky for you she didn’t,’ said the Constable, ‘or you could have been implicated as an accomplice.’

  Elspeth stared at Garyn and he saw the doubt in her eyes.

  ‘Perhaps this is the burden she spoke of,’ she said.

  ‘If it is,’ said Garyn, ‘then she must have had good reason. Perhaps she was attacked?’

  ‘Enough talk,’ said the Constable, ‘where is she?’

  ‘Through here,’ said Geraint and led the way through the forge to the back room where Misha made her bed. They entered the room but immediately saw it was empty. The Constable ran to the open window shutter and peered outside.

  ‘There she is,’ he shouted, seeing a running figure disappearing into the darkness. ‘Alert the guards, get after her.’

  Elspeth stared in disbelief.

  ‘Why is she running, Garyn?’ she cried. ‘Surely it can’t be true?’

  ‘Of course it’s true,’ shouted the Constable, ‘now get out of my way.’ He ran from the forge and mounted his horse before following his men into the forest.

  ‘Oh Garyn,’ said Elspeth, ‘tell me it isn’t true. Surely we haven’t had a murderer in our house all this time.’

  ‘I don
’t know, Elspeth. I hope not, though I worry her flight would suggest otherwise.’ He closed the door again before setting the bars on all the shutters. ‘You go back to bed Elspeth, I will stay up and fire up the forge. Tomorrow I will go into the village and see if I can find out anything more.’

  ----

  The following morning Garyn walked into the village and headed for the market. News travelled fast in Brycheniog and if there were rumours to be heard, the market was the place to hear them. Within minutes he could see by the sidelong glances that the news of the midnight visit had already spread.

  ‘Garyn,’ called a voice and he turned to see Elspeth’s father walking quickly toward him.

  ‘Fletcher,’ said Garyn, ‘good to see you.’

  ‘Not as good as it is to see you,’ said Fletcher. ‘I have just been told you had been arrested for murder. Where’s Elspeth?’

  ‘Worry not, Fletcher. Elspeth is fine. ‘

  ‘So there is no truth in the rumour?’

  ‘There is a grain of truth though the tale changes with the telling.’

  ‘What part is true?’

  Garyn repeated the events of the previous night, finishing with the assurance that even if the girl was guilty, they were innocent of any involvement.

  ‘Innocence is not a guarantee of freedom, Garyn. It depends on who hears the accusation.’

  ‘Fletcher, I don’t know what is happening to be honest but by the look on the faces of those around us, we are already complicit.’

  ‘Then it is important they hear the truth as soon as possible,’ said Fletcher. ‘They will be the first to lynch any murderer but if justice is seen to fall short then the view of the people can sway judgement. Leave that to me, I will put them right. You just make sure my daughter is safe, the rest is out of our hands, at least for the moment.’

  ‘What do you think will happen?’

  ‘Well first of all they will try Tom Fletcher. If he is found guilty he will be hanged, no question about it. With regards to the girl, they will send out search parties. If they fail to find her she will be outlawed and word passed to all villages. With the colour of her skin, it is only a matter of time before she turns up.’

  ‘I still don’t believe it is true,’ said Garyn, ‘but if it is, then there must be a reason. Where is Tom Thatcher being held?’

  ‘Normally it would be in the gaol of the courthouse but last months’ fire damage still hasn’t been repaired so the Constable has asked the abbey to provide a cell until a jury can be assembled.’

  ‘I must go and speak to him,’ said Garyn. ‘He will be able to explain what happened.’

  ‘Garyn, wait, there is something you must know,’ said Fletcher. ‘I meant to tell you a few days ago but the opportunity did not arise.’

  ‘You looked concerned,’ said Garyn. ‘What worries you so?’

  ‘Garyn, what I am about to say needs to be heard with a calm mood.’

  ‘What is it?’ asked Garyn quietly. ‘Tell me for my mind is running in circles.’

  ‘Father Williams has returned from Rome. He has resumed his place as Abbot of the order.’

  Garyn stared at Fletcher for an age as the news sunk in.

  ‘When?’ he asked quietly.

  ‘Last month. I only found out a few days ago and didn’t know how to tell you.’

  Garyn turned and stared up at the hill where the abbey was located.

  ‘Garyn,’ said Fletcher, ‘what are your thoughts?’

  ‘I must go and confront him,’ said Garyn, ‘and lay before him the accusation of Brother Martin.’

  ‘Why, Garyn?’ asked Fletcher. ‘There is no evidence that the monk’s words were true. All that will happen is you will make an enemy of the Abbot and trust me, he is not an enemy you want.’

  Garyn turned to face Fletcher.

  ‘That man arranged for my family to be killed,’ said Garyn quietly, ‘he burned down the forge and used his influence to have my brother jailed in Acre. He almost cost me everything, all in the name of obtaining some shiny trinket for his own treasury.’

  ‘Garyn, you have no evidence,’ said Fletcher. ‘He is freshly returned from his pilgrimage and will not be going anywhere for a long time. Bury your anger within, even if only until this business with Misha is concluded. Without solid proof, no person can accuse a man of the cloth without fear of retribution. The Abbot answers to God and the King alone and it will take an event of enormous proportion to deliver justice to his door.’

  Garyn stared at Fletcher as his words sunk in

  ‘You are right,’ he said eventually. ‘I have enough worries without making an enemy of the church but my time will come. I swear on the memory of my father that one day I will have retribution.’

  ‘I understand,’ said Fletcher. ‘But for the moment, leave that day in the mists of the future and concentrate on today.’

  Garyn nodded.

  ‘So,’ he said, ‘I cannot go up to question Thomas Thatcher or the Abbot may find out and rekindle his campaign against me. Where does that leave us?’

  ‘It leaves you exactly where you were before,’ said Fletcher, ‘an innocent bystander in a situation not of your making. I suggest you go back to the forge and continue as normal. I will ensure any rumour of your involvement is corrected and share the truth amongst all who will listen.’

  ‘Thank you, Fletcher,’ said Garyn, ‘I’ll do that.’ He turned and left the village to return to the forge. On the way he passed three horse drawn carts laden with stone being pulled along the road.

  ‘Good day to you, Master Wendsworth,’ he said, recognising one of the cart masters as it passed.

  ‘Good day to you, Master Garyn,’ came the reply.

  ‘You have a heavy load there,’ said Garyn, ‘is there a house being built?’

  ‘I know not,’ said Wendsworth, ‘only that this is part of a much bigger load ordered by the manor.’

  ‘Perhaps they are returning to normal after the death of Cadwallader. I hear there will soon be a new Lord moved in.’

  ‘Apparently so. Rumour has it that the Lady Suzette is betrothed to a Knight from England, Gerald of Essex.’

  ‘The name is new to me,’ said Garyn, ‘do you know of him?’

  ‘Only that he is from a landed family and struts with the arrogance of youth.’

  ‘A dangerous mix methinks,’ said Garyn. ‘I wish you a good day, Sir,’ and with that he turned off the road to head home. Within ten minutes he was nearing the forge but a noise from the bracken made him stop and peer warily into the undergrowth.

  ‘Who’s there?’ he asked, show yourself.

  ‘Master Garyn,’ said a voice it is me.

  ‘Misha,’ gasped Garyn looking around in fear. ‘What are you doing here?’

  ‘I fled the horsemen all night,’ said Misha, ‘and doubled back as soon as I could.’

  ‘There are people searching everywhere, Misha. They say you killed two men. Tell me it isn’t true.’

  ‘They speak the truth, Garyn but I swear it was unavoidable. They lay in wait for Master Thatcher and would have killed him if it was not for my blade.’

  Garyn stared at her in shock as the information sunk in.

  ‘Master Garyn, surely you don’t believe them. I was defending a comrade, is not that an honourable deed in your culture?’

  ‘Of course I believe you, Misha, but I fear the peoples’ court will not see it that way.’

  ‘I had no choice, Garyn. If I had stayed my hand, Master Thatcher would now lie dead.’

  ‘What’s done is done,’ said Garyn, ‘what matters now is what we do next.’

  ‘Can you not speak to your lawmakers and explain? Surely they will see the justice in my actions and free me from condemnation.’

  ‘I fear it is too late for that, Misha. If you had reported it straight away there may have been leniency but by hiding the fact for so long, you suggest guilt on your part and an intention to avoid justice. And besides, the fact that you are differ
ent to us makes it easier for the ignorant to condemn. You are already seen by many as an infidel and this will only fuel the fires of their hatred.’

  ‘So what can I do, Garyn?’

  ‘I don’t know, Misha. I need time to think.’

  ‘Shall I hide in the roof space and wait for your guidance?’

  ‘No,’ said Garyn quickly. ‘It’s the first place they will search. We have to hide you away from the forge. I will think of something, Misha but for now, you have to find somewhere in the forest.’

  ‘There is a woodsman’s hut deep in the woods. I have seen it when walking with Geraint.’

  ‘I know the one,’ said Garyn. ‘Again, it is an obvious choice but it will have to do for now. I can’t risk being seen with you but promise I won’t leave you alone in this dilemma. Go back amongst the bracken until the sun sets. When it is dark, come to the forge and search within the wood pile. I will place some things there to get you through a few nights. Until this is sorted, I will support you in this way, however, stay away unless your need is great and then only come at night and after you check the area is clear of watchers. In the meantime, I will make enquiries as to what can be done.’ He looked into her large eyes. ‘Worry not Misha, we will think of something. We just need to gather our thoughts.’

  ‘I do not worry for myself, Master Garyn for such things are bedfellows in the life of Hashashin. I only worry that you and Mistress Elspeth may suffer my fate.’

  ‘If we are careful, that won’t happen,’ said Garyn. ‘Now, disappear into the woods before you are seen. The provisions will be ready for you tonight.’

  ‘Thank you, Master Garyn,’ said Misha and retreated into the undergrowth.

  Garyn swallowed heavily before continuing to the forge. His life had taken a dangerous turn and for the moment, he could see no way out.

  ----

  For several nights Misha collected her food as instructed. She had found a deep cleft in a nearby crag and made a cramped but dry hideaway. The approach was through dense undergrowth and she covered up the entrance with a fallen tree. It was adequate for her purposes but both she and Garyn knew it was not sustainable. Finally Garyn came up with a plan and waited for her to turn up at the wood pile. For an age he waited and was about to give up when he heard her say his name.