by Griff Hosker
I had no answer and we rode along in an uncomfortable atmosphere until Branton said, in a quiet voice, “Edward loved you my lord and he loved England. Standing with you at Stamford was the proudest moment in his life and when he knew that you were Harold’s son he felt even prouder. He would not wish you to throw away a chance of a free England to avenge him.” He nudged his horse forward and lowered his voice so that only Aethelward and I could hear. “And unless I am wrong we will have a chance to revenge Edward on the field of battle.”
As his horse slipped back my uncle turned to me. “Branton is showing wisdom Aelfraed and he is right. Wait until this Norman faces you with a lance and then Edward will have his revenge and England will have a leader that they can be proud of.”
As we entered the yard at Maiden Bower I decided to do as Aethelward asked but it was because of Branton’s words not my uncle’s and I would train and prepare even harder for the day when I would face Guy of Evreux on the field of battle.
It was a month or so later, not long before Easter when we received word that the Normans, who had been in Jorvik, had left after questioning by Morcar. We heard this from Ridley who had visited Jorvik to deposit monies with Reuben. He rode into the castle with his men at arms one April morning. He embraced me as though he had not seen me for years when it was only months that had elapsed.
“It is good to see you my... Aelfraed. How is Harold? Gytha?”
“They are both well. And have you not taken a wife yet?”
He blushed. “Not yet, but there is still time. I am still a young man and I have not met the right woman as you have.”
“So you have been in Jorvik?”
“Aye and the city was a buzz with the murder of your archer. Morcar showed himself to be cleverer and wiser than we thought for he interviewed the landlord of The Saddle and other drinkers. They confirmed the behaviour of the knights. When he interviewed the knights they were belligerent until the Earl produced the evidence. Apparently William of Perci knew nothing of this. The next day Guy of Evreux and five other knights were sent to London, apparently on a mission for their lord but really they left in disgrace.”
I think that Ridley expected me to be pleased but I was not. I cared not for his disgrace, I wanted his blood but there was little point in showing such poor grace before my old friend. “Thank you for that and the Earl did he say aught about his brother?”
“He said that he had sent a letter to Edwin but that was all. Why?”
I knew that I could trust Ridley and I beckoned him closer. “We have spoken with the Earl and warned him of possible treachery.” I explained about Sweyn and Edgar.”Perhaps Edwin will join with us in resisting these Normans.”
He looked at me long and hard; the thing about Ridley was that you could see the thought processes at work. Suddenly his face broke into a half smile. “With you as the leader?”
“Perhaps but I would only be standing in for Harold’s sons, Ulf and Harold. I have no desire to be king. I am not even sure I wish to be a lord.”
Ridley shook his head. “You do not know yourself. Men would follow you to hell and beyond if you asked them. You are the best leader I know for you are trustworthy. You would be a fine king.”
“Thank you for that thought and I will allow Aethelward, Edwin and Morcar use me as such but I want all to know I would be a regent rather than a ruler.”
Although he did not look convinced he nodded. “How does Edwin feel about this?”
“I know not and I suppose we will have to wait until he travels north to discover that.”
Edwin did not visit Jorvik until after midsummer. Aethelward had picked up a little over the summer and looked healthier than he had in the winter but he now had an urgent air about him as though he wanted things to happen quickly. It was so unlike the calculating strategos we had known. Osbert too wanted action. His men were well trained and prepared and now they wanted more than just practice swords and tourneys. I was happy that nothing had happened swiftly as I wanted as many warriors and men available as I could get. Ralph had worked wonders and we had a fine store of weapons; when my fyrd went to war they would be as well equipped as any man at arms. Their Sunday training was the highlight of Osbert’s week as he saw them gradually change into a reliable force.
Edwin did not ask us to go to Jorvik; instead he and Morcar visited us at Maiden Bower. He and the Thegns with him were dressed for hunting. He and Morcar dismounted while his lords stayed with the horses. Aethelward had seen them coming and had joined me. “Shall we go to my hall, my lord?”
I led the way and noticed that Edwin, like his brother, had the comfortable aspect of someone who dines well. He had no lean and hungry look. When I had seen them both at Fulford it had struck me then that they preferred to watch rather than fight. I was never a watcher.
Edwin came directly to the point. “It seems my sister has information and knowledge which I have not. She believes that Edgar is enlisting the aid of Sweyn, the Dane.”
“We have heard that as well. Have you spoken with the Aetheling?”
Edwin looked troubled. “He is abroad, apparently.”
Aethelward nodded, “I would hazard a guess that he is with Sweyn. Is his mother with him?”
Edwin’s eyes narrowed. “She is but how did you know?”
“I didn’t. It was a guess but if she is then it means she is the one who is working to make him king. Did you know that she tried to kill the Queen?”
“Aye, Morcar told me. What concerns me more is this news from Ealdgyth that William has promised my bride to be to another.”
We both shook our heads. “We had not heard that my lord,” I added, “but Malcolm Canmore appears to have spies everywhere and if the knowledge came from him then there is a chance it may be true.”
I saw Edwin biting his lip. He was worried, that was obvious. “What we need is a spy in William’s court.” He looked at me.
“I am the last person who could be a spy. The Normans know me and do not like me. Ask your brother.”
He glanced at Morcar. “It is true. There are a number of Normans who would like his head on top of their lance.”
“Then who is there?”
“Surely there must be one of your lords who could do the job.” I had to bite back the end of the sentence for, as Edwin and Morcar’s men had not fought the Normans they would be perfect choices.
“They are not suitable.”
“You do not trust them.” Aethelward did not care for reputations any more and he did not care who he offended.
“Of course I…”
“No, with respect my lord, you do not otherwise you would have planted one at court already.”
His shoulders sagged in a silent acceptance of the truth. “So, there is no-one.”
“I will go.” All of us stared at the oldest man we now knew who was volunteering for a dangerous and risky enterprise with no certainty of success. “But there are conditions.”
“Conditions?” Edwin began chewing his lip again but I could see relief on Morcar’s face.
“Aye. If I discover that the Queen’s intelligence is true then you and your brother will join with us and rebel against the Normans.”
“And?”
“And we will use Aelfraed here as the figurehead. But we do this for the Queen and Harold’s children.”
Edwin sneered. “Make this Housecarl a king?”
“You were not listening Earl Edwin. He would be the figurehead and a council would rule until the boys were of an age.”
Edwin turned to stare at me. “And you Aelfraed. What do you say?”
“I am a reluctant figurehead my lord but if it means we rid this land of the Normans then so be it.”
“I think it is a good idea.” Edwin shot a look of pure disdain at his brother.
“Well, my lord, do you want me as a spy or not?”
“Would William not be suspicious of you? You are related to Aelfraed.”
“I would use my friends
hip with the Queen as a lure. I would go as her envoy. I believe that she would agree to that but Aelfraed can go to visit her to get confirmation.”
“That would delay your departure.”
“Only by a day or two. If Aelfraed left now then he could send a rider south with the news and they could be back here four days from now.” Aethelward was, of course, being highly optimistic. I would have to ride hard to make Fife in two days. Fortunately the days were longer than the last time we had travelled and the roads would be better. I nodded my acceptance.
I could see Edwin mentally persuading himself that this was the best solution. He had deniability. If William found out he could say he knew nothing about it and he would be back in Mercia by the time Aethelward left.
“Under those conditions, then I accept.”
“You swear a binding oath?”
Edwin reddened, “If it is necessary then I do.”
Bluntly Aethelward said, “It is!”
“I swear.” The words were almost spat out.
Aethelward looked at Morcar who quickly said, “I swear.”
“Good.” He turned to me. “You had better prepare Branton and his men again. If you leave now then you could be there the day after tomorrow.”
I bowed my goodbyes and went to get my men. This was all a little sudden but then I brightened. I would be seeing the Queen again. It was only after I had spoken with Branton that I realised I had not even thought of Gytha and my son!
I watched the Earls leave. Aethelward limped over. “Make sure you tell the Queen all that I have told you. If she agrees I will leave immediately.”
“Will you take anyone with you?”
“With your permission I will take a couple of your newer men at arms; ones who did not fight at Stamford Bridge.”
I waved away the request. “You do not have to ask. How safe do you think you will be?”
He shrugged. “I have met William before and he is a cautious man. He will want to know the Queen’s thoughts first but it matters not. So long as I can get the information which Edwin needs then we will have our revolt and, perhaps, the tragedy of Senlac Hill might be forgotten.”
I rode away north, not knowing if I would ever see my uncle again. I took four spare mounts for Branton and the other two riders for we would need to ride hard. We stayed at Berwick on the first night and then, as we struck the estuary we found some good fortune; there was a ferry which we had not seen before, it seemed new. I would not have liked to travel it during rough weather for it seemed to be merely a big raft with a rail around it and a small sail but, as it saved us almost a whole day it was worth it. Branton was unhappy for he felt that the ferry man robbed us but as I told him time was the one commodity you could not buy. We rode into the Thegn of Fife’s castle shortly before sunset; weary but pleased with our progress. “Branton I will see the Queen immediately. You will need to travel south in the morning. You can take two spare mounts each and we will travel back in a more leisurely fashion.” There was no need for me to rush back and I was keen to find out as much as I could from this nest of spies and, if I am being truthful, I wanted to see the Queen again. The guilt I had felt on the journey back had been replaced by a curiosity about the Queen’s attitude towards me.
Calum appeared surprised to see us which, I suppose, explains why he seemed less enthusiastic in his welcome. I suppose it was understandable. I had not told him I was arriving and he would have to make arrangements for my men. I apologised. “I am sorry to drop in unexpectedly but it is important that I speak with the Queen and I have not seen my wife and child for a long time.”
His demeanour changed immediately, “I understand and forgive me for my lack of grace. You are always welcome here in my home.” I will go and prepare your rooms. Take wine.”
He scurried quickly from the room; leaving me alone. When Gytha came into the hall to greet me she looked a little flustered. “Why did you not tell me you were coming? I could have prepared…”
“You look lovely as you always do dear wife and my visit is sudden as I bring a message to the Queen from her brother. She wrote him a letter you see and…”
She hugged me. “You do not need to explain. I am glad to see you but you must let me prepare the chamber, it is a mess.”
I was puzzled. “You tidy a room for me dear wife? You know I am the messiest man in England. I care not if the room is a pigsty so long as you are there.”
She reddened. “Well I care!”
I kissed her. “Well I have to see the Queen first and then I can spend as much time with you and my son as you like.”
It actually suited me for I did not know how I could face my wife. The guilt I thought had disappeared rushed back into my head. Damn the Queen and damn my lust! A servant had obviously gone to the Queen to warn her of my arrival for her maid entered the hall just as Gytha left. Calum returned and nodded to me. His red face showed that he was flustered and had rushed around to organise our stay, “I will arrange for your men and horses to be accommodated while you converse with her majesty.”
The maid escorted me to the Queen who was in her ante chamber; he closed the door behind him once I had entered. We were suddenly alone and I bowed. She held out her hand and I kissed the back of it. When I looked up she was staring at me with hooded eyes, her lips dancing in a half smile. “I do not know whether or not to be angry that you have taken so long to return my lord. Did I so disappoint you upon our last encounter?”
I quickly looked around in case anyone had overheard; so much for her being inebriated and not remembering. I stammered my reply with a pathetic grin on my face. “I did not know your majesty. What I mean is I worried that I had, in some way offended you and…” My voice tailed of and she looked at me in a sultry manner, or what I imagined was a sultry manner but my limited experience with women had not prepared me for this.
She too looked around and spoke quietly. “You are right we cannot talk here.” She took my arm and began to walk with me across the hall, “You say that you have a private message from my brother?”
“Yes Edwin.”
Her voice suddenly became unnaturally loud, “Then we must speak in private.”
She led me to her chamber. As soon as we were in she slammed the door shut and then throwing her arms around me, began to kiss me passionately. Her hands started to pull at the ties which held my tunic. I found myself propelled towards the bed. We tumbled upon it and she was lying on top of me. Despite my self discipline, I found that I was becoming aroused. In spite of my determination not to pleasure myself again I began to respond to her kisses. My hands pulled her dress over her head and she was suddenly naked, as was I. There was a certain vicarious pleasure knowing that, but a few paces away, my wife was tidying our room and I was here with the Queen making love. Gytha was gentle and shy in the bedroom but Ealdgyth was like a wild untamed animal. Gytha was gentle, barely touching me but Ealdgyth tore at me with her hands and teeth. We lay, after the first time, in a sweaty heap gathering our breath. I was about to speak when she began to devour me, her lips and mouth exploring my body. The tender touch of her tongue aroused me again and once more we became one.
Finally she stood and looked down at me. “So my lord, the first time was not a happy accident.”
“This is wrong your majesty. I am married and you are the Queen.”
“And a Queen cannot love? And as for being married! Tell me my lord who makes your blood race is it Gytha or is it me. Who do you want to wake up next to in the morning, Gytha or me?”
“But I have a son.”
“I have two. Is this a bragging contest?” She took me in her hands. “Tell me truthfully Aelfraed; do you wish this to end? Do you wish never to make love to me again? If you say yes then it ends now.”
The silence was eloquent and she laughed as she lay back on the bed. “But this is impossible. How can I wake next to you? Gytha…”
“I did not say we could wake together, at least not yet but… Now we have been
alone long enough. What is the message from my brother?”
“It is a message from Aethelward.” I told her the plan which Aethelward had concocted.
“I knew that my brothers would not be able to handle the information I gave them. I hope that Aethelward is not being foolish for William is a dangerous man. He has had some men visit Malcolm and I fear that he aims to ally with him. That would place me in an impossible position.”
“And his proposal?”
She waved a hand dismissively, “Of course. That goes without saying.” She rolled her naked body across mine and, looking down into my eyes said, “But you Aelfraed, you are putting yourself in a dangerous position. You would guarantee the throne for others and yet you would be the target for not only William’s enmity but also Edith and Edgar. It would make my life safer but I am not sure that I want you in so much danger.”
“But what is the alternative? If we do nothing then you lose and I lose. This is our one and only chance to free England. We have one throw of the dice.”
“But if we fail?”
I shrugged. “Then we fail but we will be no worse off than now.”
“I can see much of your father in you.” She looked down at me and giggled. “In fact some parts are identical.”
I laughed. God but she was an easy woman to love. “You are incorrigible and now we had better go down in a presentable fashion, having delivered my message and received a reply then Branton can ride in the morning.”
“And tonight…..?”
Chapter 6
When we returned to the main hall it was still empty. My wife’s room must have been an absolute mess for it to have taken this amount of time to clean. “I will go and give Branton the message. He will need to leave before dawn.”
“You do not leave with him?” The smile in her eyes spoke volumes.
“No your majesty, I will remain a few more days for Branton will need to be quick.”
“Good then I will ask the Thegn to hold a feast for you; a midsummer festival.” She squeezed my hand as she parted, her nails leaving tiny indentations in my skin. All my resolve had gone and now I was a deceitful, unfaithful husband once more.
