by Griff Hosker
The servants scurried in bearing fine dishes filled with steaming food. It had seemed a long time since I had broken my fast and ridden all the way to Jorvik and my grumbling stomach confirmed this. Politeness dictated that, as guests, we waited until Ealdgyth had begun to eat. One of the servants who had brought in the food saw us waiting and waved their hand at the streaming plates, “My lord, eat for the Queen will be eating food specially prepared for her.”
My uncle’s preoccupation with listening and not speaking began to pay off because there was something about the man I did not like. Perhaps it was his accent for he did not have the northern accent of the other servants. It might have been his nervous look but whatever the reason I kept my wits about me and my attention on the servant. Ridley tucked greedily into the mutton stew and Aethelward picked at his. I tore a piece of bread and dipped it into the rich gravy of the stew, all the while watching and waiting. Other servants brought in more food, including three platters for the Queen and then the sly and furtive servant brought in a single bowl which he placed before the Queen. He did it very carefully avoiding touching the food with his fingers and I noticed, again his nervousness, “Thank you Egbert. This looks delicious.”
He bobbed his head and said unctuously, “I know how your majesty likes fish stew.”
She looked over at me. “I became fond of this when living in Wales for they have some wondrous fish there. In the south it is not so good but here, again, I have the chance to eat my favourite food.”
I felt bold. “I have never tried fish stew. Could I try some your majesty?”
The Queen looked surprised; Aethelward looked intrigued and interested while Egbert looked horrified. “I will get my lord a bowl. There is plenty in the kitchen.”
“I only want a spoonful. Your majesty does not object do you?”
The look I gave her was pleading and I think that she knew me well enough to trust me for she smiled and, glancing at Egbert, said, “Of course Aelfraed.”
As I walked over to the bowl, spoon in hand I caught, in the corner of my eye, the sight of Aethelward slowly and silently rising and Egbert trying to edge backwards. Suddenly he turned to run from the room but my uncle blocked him. Ridley had been watching us and he too leapt to his feet and, with Aethelward, held on to the servant.
“I think nephew that I would like this servant to try the fish, with your majesty’s permission of course. If there is plenty of fish stew in the kitchen then we can always get another bowl. Aelfraed, a spoon of the stew, if you please.”
The man’s face was a picture of terror as I dipped a spoon into the reddish steaming liquid of the stew. The Queen’s appetite was forgotten as she sat fascinated by the scenario being played out before her like a mummer’s play. The closer I came to him the more he tried to escape. It was useless for Ridley could have held him on his own. He turned his head so that it was away from the spoon. Aethelward’s words were cold and dripped with anger. “What is wrong with the stew that you will not eat it?”
“I do not like fish.”
“There is no fish on the spoon; merely liquor. Taste or I will geld you here and now.”
The knife which suddenly appeared in his hand made the colour totally drain from Egbert’s face and he ceased struggling and sagged in Ridley’s arms. “It was Edith Swanneck. She paid me to put the poison in the stew.”
“And the twins?”
He looked in horror at Aethelward who had, it seems, read his mind. Like a cornered deer he looked from the Queen to each of us and then broke down. “I was to slit their throats when the Queen was dead.”
The Queen did not show any emotion but her eyes were dark and hard. She looked at Aethelward and nodded. In one slick motion he drew back his dagger and slit the throat of Egbert, the poisoner. I went to the door and called in the two sentries. Their faces showed their shock but that was their only reaction. The Queen’s voice was cold. “Dispose of this traitor and then send the cook to me.”
After the body had been removed, Aethelward began to question Ealdgyth. “Is he a new servant?”
“He was one of the house servants from our home in London but as he had served Harold I assumed that he was loyal. I was wrong.”
“All of which adds impetus to our need to escape from this web of intrigue and take you somewhere which is safer than this place.”
I was not unhappy about the Queen coming to Topcliffe but something was nagging in my mind. “Uncle if we leave Jorvik with the Queen then everyone will know that she is coming to Topcliffe. Surely we want them to be in the dark about her whereabouts.”
A rare smile passed across my uncle’s face. “They would indeed, chess player. Your majesty, if you and your retinue head north then we can follow a little later and meet you at Topcliffe.”
“What if I am asked where I am going?”
“You are still the Queen. Tell them that you are unhappy with the accommodation and are going to visit your brother in Mercia. You would have to head west for a while anyway. Ridley you can leave now and warn Osbert and Gytha of our arrival.” He smiled wryly, “I dare say I will be in trouble with Gytha and Sarah for not giving them enough warning but…”
Grinning to Aethelward and bowing to the Queen, Ridley said, “I will smooth your passage my lord and I thank the gods that I am not entangled with a women yet.” Suddenly worried about what he had said he mumbled, “No offence your majesty,” and backed out of the room as quickly as he could.
“I like Ridley. He is an honest man.”
“Yes majesty and there are many more like him in the north although many fine men died at Fulford and Stamford Bridge. There are still enough to resist the Normans.”
“Thank you Aelfraed, I know, and I hope that I am not endangering your family by my presence.”
“Since the King died we are all in danger and doing nothing will not save us. I fear the nights will get darker before they lighten.”
When the cook arrived and was asked to eat the fish stew he looked confused but dipped the spoon into the deadly concoction. Aethelward stopped him from eating it. “I do not understand my lord?”
“I am sorry for the test but the fish stew was poisoned and we hadtoknow if others were involved.”
“Impossible I cooked the stew myself and handed it to Egbert…” he suddenly saw the pool of blood on the floor. “Oh!”
“Did Egbert have any friends amongst the other servants?”
“No my lord he was a loner but I never suspected him of this. Your majesty I am so sorry.”
Her beatific smile lit up the room. “It was just one bad apple. I am sorry we had to test you this way.”
“Well at least we can assume that he was alone and it will take some time for Edith to discover that her plot has failed.”
While the Queen went to organise her departure Aethelward and I went to find the Jew he spoke of. The Jewish quarter was shunned by the Christian element of the city but those who were of Danish origin treated these foreigners well. Christians did, of course, visit the Jews, normally when they needed money. Aethelward had used Reuben of Jorvik before when he had first returned north and Reuben managed my uncle’s money, for a small fee, of course. The Jews kept to themselves and did not advertise their religion but, as we were visiting his home we saw that he was indeed a truly religious man and wore the dress of a Jew. I felt it a shame that he could not do so in the street for then he would have been reviled. He was tolerated as a necessary evil, in many people’s minds, but I found him to be a courteous gentleman with a mind as sharp as any.
“Welcome Lord Aethelward. It has been some time since you graced my establishment.”
He bowed slightly and my uncle held his arm to include me. “This is my nephew Lord Aelfraed of Topcliffe.”
The blue eyes were a little rheumy but they lit up at the mention of my name. “Aelfraed of Topcliffe! I am honoured to meet and serve you for all in Jorvik know that it was you and your bravery which saved our people at Fulford. How may I
be of service?”
Aethelward nodded at me and I began to speak. “Sir, you know that we live in parlous times and when the Normans get around to visiting us in the north then who knows what will become of us.”
“True, true. Wise for one so young.”
“I would have what little monies I have accrued to be safe and my uncle assures me that you have always looked after his money wisely and securely. I would you do the same for me.”
“Even if you were not the nephew of Lord Aethelward I would agree to serve you for I know from your deeds that you are honourable and I am touched that you would honour me so.” He looked at me shrewdly. “Perhaps you would like this money to be available to you in places other than in England?” I smiled. He was a clever man. “I would not need to know where you were thinking of but you would need to inform me before you depart so that I could furnish you with the script which would unlock your money abroad.”
“As soon as I know, Reuben, then so shall you. I will return on the morrow with my money.”
He bowed slightly. “I am pleased to be of service.” He beckoned to Aethelward to close with him. “I would not like to speak disparagingly of the Earls but I have heard rumours from my brethren in London that they are about to submit to Duke William.” He spread his arms and shrugged. “Just a rumour, you understand.”
“Thank you Reuben for trusting us so. I will not forget this and should you or your family require my help then just ask.”
We made our way back to the Queen’s quarters where we were told that she had left for her brother’s home in Coventry. Aethelward feigned annoyance that he had missed her and we headed north out of the city. Once we had left the walls behind us we headed north west and when we reached the river we swam our horses across. Although we were wet we knew that we had shaken off any followers and we could make better time to follow the Queen and her retinue as they headed up the Roman Road to my home. We spotted them ahead and Aethelward reined in his mount. “Now we trail slowly. Remember our task is to make sure that no-one follows her.” We went at what I considered a snail’s pace but as my uncle told me, the Queen and her baggage would move very slowly. Suddenly we heard hooves behind us and Aethelward slipped from his mount quickly and began to examine the bottom of the horse’s shoe.
Four armed warriors rode up with a clergyman at the fore. I recognised him as one of the priests from the cathedral and the warriors, from their livery, were in the pay of the Archbishop. I remembered how close the church had been with Tostig and did not trust them. When they rode up Aethelward made sure they could not pass his horse.
“Hello father. What brings you to this empty place?”
I could see that the churchman was not happy about meeting us nor was he happy with the questioning. “We have business at Ripon.”
“Ah, well as our paths will be the same for a while we will ride with you.” As he mounted he leaned in conspiratorially, “There are many Norse deserters and bandits on this road. I am glad for your warriors.” I almost fell from my horse laughing. The two of us could easily have disposed of these finely dressed but patently inexperienced men. I had to admire Aethelward. He had made the churchman believe that they were helping us while slowing them down so that the Queen could reach Topcliffe unseen. Aethelward was normally a silent man but he chattered away like a village gossip as we headed north. Although many of his questions and comments seemed inane I later found out that he was finding out about the Archbishop and the two Earls. When we came to the fork in the road I cold see that they wished to carry on the Roman road north but they had said Ripon and that was to the west. As Topcliffe was but a couple of miles up the road then I knew that the Queen’s destination would remain a mystery, at least for a short time.
We continued to ride slowly as we watched them disappear west. Uncle laughed, “I would bet your axe against a dagger that they will turn around as soon as they can and head back to Jorvik.”
“But why did they come north?”
“The Archbishop needs to know where the Queen is. She and the two princes are now a bargaining chip. He can offer them to the Duke in return for retaining his power. I daresay he sent men east, south and west to find her. He will be perplexed when he discovers that she has disappeared without a trace.”
Chapter 2
We waited at the road junction until it began to go dark and then headed for home. My back was aching although not as badly as a week ago. I was on the mend. The hall looked as though someone had emptied a box of newly born chicks on to the floor for all the female servants and poor Thomas, flew around the yard trying to organise things. Amidst it all, seated calmly by the fire was Ealdgyth. Sarah and Gytha both threw a pair of dirty looks at me as I smiled my way through them to the Queen. “I appear to have caused something of a stir Aelfraed.”
“Do not worry majesty. I normally manage to upset those two.” She gestured for me to join her. “You were followed.”
“So. Did you see who it was?”
“Better. We spoke with them. It was a priest and four guards sent by the Archbishop.”
Her eyes became angry. “I knew that reptile was up to something. It seems that I have come to the right place but I hope that I am not inconveniencing you too much.”
“Do not worry for soon I will have to begin training my new men for war will come.”
She looked sad and nodded as my uncle joined us. “I know.”
“I am sorry to have to be the one to bring it up but what are your plans?”
She looked suddenly like a lost child and her eyes filled with tears. “I know not. I must protect my children. What if I submit to William? Do you think he would let us live?”
“You would still be a threat and besides there is always Edith and as long as Edgar has a chance at the throne then she will do all in her power to rid the world of your children and Aelfraed and Aelfraed’s unborn child. But Aelfraed is right. We need to build an army to resist any who try to harm you. I will leave in the morning to visit the local Thegns and gather support. I will not say that you are here but that we are raising local forces and then Aelfraed, I think that we need to visit north of the border and speak with Malcolm.”
“Can we trust him?”
“Not to take advantage of the state of England? Of course not but if the question is can we trust him to protect the Queen and her children then the answer is yes.”
The Queen looked intrigued. “Why should he do that?”
“Because it will make you indebted to him and more importantly give him something to bargain with if he helped you regain your throne. The Scots always wish for the land south of the Tweed to be theirs. He would bargain for that.”
I was not certain about Malcolm but I trusted Aethelward and so did the Queen. My problem was I was too used to warriors and the warrior code. Kings and politicians were not bound by such codes and looked after their own interests first. But I was learning. I went outside to speak with Aethelward. There were still worries about leaving my manor at this dangerous time. “Uncle, do I need to go?”
He looked at me strangely. “You do not wish to accompany me?”
“It is not that. Of course I wish to accompany you but I worry about leaving the Queen and my wife alone when their lives are in danger.”
“Aah. I see. Firstly I believe that Osbert and Ridley could easily defend the Queen and your wife as effectively as you or I. Secondly we will be gone but eight days at the most for the King is in the south of his land, close to Berwick but lastly and most importantly.” He suddenly looked old and sad. “I am no longer a young man. I am approaching the age Nanna was when she died. I am the last of the Thingmen and the last of the warriors who fought for England as young men. Only Sweyn was older and he, like Ulf, my oath brother, is dead. I still have much to teach you and, just as necessary, I need to introduce you to others who can help you when I am gone. Malcolm, I know. He will remember me, but you he does not yet know. I wish to show you to him for the dark days are com
ing and a storm is brewing. We need somewhere safe for your chicks and that place is Scotland.”
I was shocked. Aethelward had always been there since I was a small child. I had hoped he would be there for my son but, as I looked at him, I could see that his hair now had more white than black and that he was thinner and gaunter than he had been. I had been so used to him that I had not seen him grow old. “Of course I will come with you and you are right Ridley and Osbert will be the guardians of my Manor.”
Grasping my shoulders he embraced me and, after mounting his horse, he rode to visit the other lords. “Branton!”
My faithful archer came over. “Yes my lord?”
“Send your brother to me and then ride to Lord Ridley and ask him to visit.”
I was now resolved to head north but I knew that Gytha would not be happy at my departure. I was not a common soldier I was a lord, she would have been better off had I been a lowly Housecarl and I wondered at the wisdom of marrying her. As soon as the thought came I laughed it out- wisdom has naught to do with the heart.
Osbert strode over he was, like my old friend Ridley, a rock upon which I could always depend. He had never let me down and had saved me on more than one occasion. I wondered why he did not seek service elsewhere for he could have named his price with a much more powerful lord than me. I was just grateful that he remained. “Osbert, Lord Aethelward and I are leaving in the morning for Scotland.” He looked surprised. “Keep that news to yourself. We are asking Lord Ridley to bring his men here to help you and the Queen’s guards to protect the two ladies.” I lowered my voice. “Their lives are in danger for someone tried to poison the Queen in Jorvik.” A mixture of shock and anger filled his face. “I know that you wonder why we have to go to Scotland but I cannot tell you. Believe me, it is necessary or I would not go. I will just take Branton and four of his archers with me. You will need to keep scouts out to watch the roads. No-one must know that the Queen is here.”
