by K. M. Ashman
‘So you would not kill him given the chance?’
‘Oh, in a heartbeat,’ said Salisbury, ‘but that is not the same thing.’
‘Are you not worried he may turn his attentions upon you?’
‘Not at all. We are behind solid walls, Kidwelly has a full garrison just a few leagues away and Maurice de Londres has pledged his immediate support should any attack come to pass.’
‘Yes, I saw him earlier. Is that why he was here?’
‘He brought me a message from London,’ said Salisbury, tapping the left side of his cloak indicating the inner pocket, ‘one I had been expecting for many weeks.’
‘So is that the gift you bear?’ asked Nesta.
‘Unfortunately no, but after he delivered the dispatches, he also conveyed an invitation from his wife for you to spend some time with her at Kidwelly Castle. In the circumstances I totally understand if you wish to decline her offer but at least I can say I passed it on.’
‘When is the invitation for?’ asked Nesta.
‘Anytime,’ said Salisbury. ‘I am going there myself tomorrow with Maurice de Londres and you are welcome to join us on the journey. You will, of course, be completely safe and have your own quarters at the castle. You could even stay there for a while when I return if it pleases you.’
Nesta looked thoughtfully at the castellan. This was so out of character and though she wasn’t convinced of his intentions, the thought of spending some time away from Pembroke was very enticing.
‘I’ll give it some thought,’ she said, ‘but I am intrigued, what sort of message is so important that the castellan of Kidwelly has to bring it to Pembroke himself?’
‘It is from the king regarding imminent reinforcements for the garrisons but more than that I cannot say, I’m sure you understand.’
‘Of course,’ said Nesta, ‘my heritage prevents me knowing such things lest I pass them on to my fellow Welshmen, correct?’
‘Something like that,’ said Salisbury. ‘Anyway, let me know when you make up your mind. Go or stay, I care not either way.’ He turned and strode towards the doorway.
‘Master Salisbury,’ said Nesta, ‘I need no time for consideration. The thought of spending time with Marion appeals to me so, if the offer is still open, then yes, I will go with you to Kidwelly.’
Salisbury nodded. ‘Have your maid pack a trunk and I will have it collected in the morning. We will be leaving at noon.’ Without another word he left the room leaving Nesta alone in her room.
She watched him go with interest. She did not trust him but at least in Kidwelly she would be safe from his attentions, if only for a couple of weeks.
The following morning Nesta looked out of the window of her room and saw the two castellans both mounting their horses before riding out of the castle along with a column of well-armed horsemen.
‘I wonder where they are going?’ asked Nesta.
‘Who?’ asked the maid over her shoulder as she packed Nesta’s trunk.
‘Salisbury,’ said Nesta. ‘He has just left with Maurice de Londres.’
‘Oh, him,’ said Emma. ‘I heard the men talking this morning. It seems he is going to extract some overdue taxes from some unfortunate landowner.’
‘That must be why we are not leaving until noon,’ said Nesta. ‘I expect he will be gone some time.’
‘To be honest, my lady, I wouldn’t lose any sleep if both ended up on the wrong end of an assassin’s arrow.’
‘Don’t speak like that, Emma,’ said Nesta quietly. ‘It will get you in trouble.’
‘I don’t care anymore, my lady,’ said Emma. ‘The man is the devil himself.’
Nesta turned suddenly and walked towards the door.
‘Where are you going?’ asked Emma.
‘Down to my old room,’ said Nesta. ‘This may be the only chance I get to see what he is up to.’
‘But why go to his room?’
‘I’m hoping he left something there that I need to see.’
‘It’ll be locked,’ said Emma.
‘I know,’ said Nesta, ‘but I still have a key. Don’t worry, I’ll be back before you know it.’
‘Be careful, my lady,’ said Emma, but Nesta was already out of the door.
Back in the rebel camp, Gwenllian, Tarw and the rest of the leaders sat around the table, discussing the momentous news they had received the previous day.
‘This is an opportunity too good to miss,’ said Taliesin. ‘The English will be rocked to the core at such a defeat and with a reduced garrison at Pembroke, they are there for the taking throughout Deheubarth.’
‘How?’ asked Robert. ‘Our strength may be growing but we are nowhere near strong enough to capture Pembroke, let alone Kidwelly.’
‘Perhaps not alone,’ said Taliesin, ‘but could we send messengers to Hywel ap Maredudd and seek an alliance?’
‘I don’t think that will work,’ said Tarw. ‘Maredudd suffered heavy casualties at the battle and is headed back to Brycheniog.’
‘What about Gwent or Morgannwg?’ said Taliesin. ‘I heard there are a few groups there that prey on the English lines. Perhaps they could be tempted to join us.’
‘No,’ said Tarw again. ‘There are not enough and too many smaller groups will be disruptive. What we need is a large force, similar to Maredudd’s. That way the tactics will be far easier to command.’
‘Apart from Maredudd,’ said Robert, ‘I know of no other man with such an army.’
‘Not in the south,’ said Bevan, ‘but in the north there is a man who has the biggest army in Wales under his command. Gwenllian’s father.’
The tent fell silent and everyone stared at him before turning their attention to Gwenllian.
‘I don’t think that is an option,’ said Taliesin. ‘We have been refused help in the past.’
‘Let the princess answer,’ said Bevan. ‘What say you, Gwenllian? Your father’s strength is renowned across Wales and even the English fear him. Do you think he would be willing to listen?’
‘Perhaps,’ said Gwenllian. ‘The English Crown is in disarray, there is talk of a civil war between the barons, the occupation across Wales is creaking and Maredudd has just proved it is possible for a well-trained army to defeat them on the field of battle. There has never been an opportunity such as this and I think that if I was to go and ask for his support, he would look on it favourably.’
Again there was silence as all the men in the tent looked between each other.
‘I’m not sure it is such a good idea,’ said Robert. ‘To invite another king to fight your battles is courting trouble. What’s to stop him declaring himself king of Deheubarth if he is successful?’
‘He is my father,’ said Gwenllian, ‘and he would not do that. Besides, he has a son-in-law and four grandsons who have a claim to the throne of Tewdwr; not even he would be so bold as to try to steal their heritage.’
Taliesin looked at Tarw. ‘What do you think? Could it work?’
‘Gwenllian knows her father better than any of us,’ said Tarw with a shrug. ‘He certainly has the numbers and they are a very well-trained army. Even putting aside the blood ties, the chance of defeating the English while they squabble amongst themselves will be very attractive to him. If we are successful, it could take the English a generation to rebuild what they had and, in that time, we can get ourselves organised across Wales. It could be our only chance.’
‘Well that settles it,’ said Taliesin, turning to Gwenllian. ‘You should ride immediately and ask for his support. Go down on your knees and beg if necessary, but we can’t do this without him.’
‘No,’ said Tarw, looking around the tent. ‘My wife has become a loved and valued leader and we can’t afford for her to be lost now. The road to Gwynedd is hard and beset with brigands so it is safer if she stays in the Cantref Mawr.’ He turned to his wife. ‘Gwenllian, if you write a note of explanation, I will carry it on your behalf and explain the situation to your father.’
‘
It makes sense,’ said Bevan. ‘An absence of even a few days may affect the morale of the camp such is your stature. Allow your husband to go in your place and if your father is agreeable, Tarw can be back within a month with an army at his back. We have waited all these years for such an opportunity so another few weeks is going to be as nothing in comparison.’
Everyone looked at each other again and there was a palpable air of excitement in the tent.
‘Are we all agreed?’ asked Taliesin.
‘Aye,’ responded the men and they all turned to Gwenllian, the only person present who had remained silent.
‘Gwenllian?’ asked Taliesin. ‘What say you?’
‘I am agreeable,’ she said, ‘but on one condition. If we are to take the fight to the English, then the boys need to be safe at the palace of Aberffraw.’
‘I am going nowhere,’ said Morgan from his seat at the end of the table.
‘Nor me,’ said Maelgwyn. ‘My place is here at your side.’
‘I understand that you are now men and choose your own path,’ said Gwenllian, ‘but your brothers are still children and do not have that choice. If we do this, and we all die, then it is possible they could be made orphans with no family left to protect them. At least in the north they will be protected by my father.’
‘A fair point,’ said Tarw. ‘I will take them with me and leave them at Aberffraw when I return.’
‘Then it is agreed,’ said Taliesin standing up. ‘If God is with us and with the support of Gruffydd ap Cynan and his army, before this month is out we will fall upon the invaders like a storm tide.’
Back in the castle, Nesta turned the key and entered the room where she had lived for so many years. It looked much the same except for some extra tables and chests along with a rack containing an assortment of different swords.
Quickly she looked around, moving some discarded clothes from the bed and checking amongst the many dispatches on the table. The chests were locked and there was nothing of interest on the shelves. Disappointed, she turned to leave but stopped suddenly as she saw Salisbury’s cloak hanging on the back of the door, the same one he had been wearing the previous night.
‘No,’ she said to herself, ‘surely he wouldn’t be that stupid.’ She walked across and reached into the inner chest pocket, her heart missing a beat as she felt something within. Quickly she withdrew the parchment and unfolded it to read the contents, her face dropping as the implications of the message became clear.
‘Oh, sweet Jesus,’ she murmured, reading the message again before folding the parchment back up and replacing it in the pocket. She looked around to make sure the room was exactly as she’d found it before leaving and locking the door behind her. Quickly she ran up the stairs and into her own quarters.
‘My lady,’ said Emma, ‘what’s the matter? You look like you have seen a ghost.’
‘Not yet, Emma,’ she said, her voice shaking, ‘but if what I have just read comes to pass, there will be a lot of new ghosts in Deheubarth before this month is out, mostly Welsh.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘There is an army en route to Deheubarth, Emma, sponsored by the king himself. It seems that during his trip to Westminster, Salisbury begged Stephen for help to put down the rebellion and now the king has seen fit to honour that commitment. If the letter is accurate, there are two forces en route to help stamp out the rebellion – one via horseback from Bristol and the other by sea. My brother needs to know as soon as possible, Emma,’ said Nesta, ‘but I cannot entrust this information to a letter. I need to speak to him myself.’
‘You could meet him again in the postern tower,’ replied the maid. ‘Do you want me to send him a message?’
‘There is no point, I will be on my way to Kidwelly before nightfall. To change my mind now will raise suspicion.’
‘What are you going to do?’ asked Emma.
‘I don’t know,’ said Nesta, pacing the floor, ‘but I have to do something. If this army arrives before Tarw and Gwenllian have time to prepare, they will stand no chance.’
‘Let me take the message,’ said Emma.
‘What do you mean?’ asked Nesta.
‘I said let me take the message to Tarw,’ replied Emma. ‘I am allowed outside the castle walls unescorted so just tell me what he needs to hear and I will go myself.’
‘But how?’ asked Nesta. ‘Can you even ride?’
‘I was brought up on a farm, my lady, and though it has been many years, it will soon come back to me. All you need to do is tell me what to say and arrange a horse. The rest I can do myself.’
‘Do you even know where the Cantref Mawr is?’
‘You know I do,’ replied Emma, ‘but you should make your mind up quickly for the master will be back soon and it will be too late.’
‘You are right,’ said Nesta, and she ran over to her bed to retrieve a small box.
‘These are worth a fortune,’ said Nesta, handing over a necklace of precious stones. ‘First thing tomorrow morning, go into town, buy a good horse and hire someone you trust to protect you. Head north to the Cantref Mawr but stay on the main tracks. Eventually someone will challenge you. All you have to do is request an audience with Tarw and pass on my message.’
Emma nodded.
‘You do know,’ said Nesta, ‘that if you do this, you can never return here, it will be too unsafe. Stay with Tarw until all this is over and when it is, with God’s blessing, I will send for you again.’
‘Worry not for me, my lady,’ said Emma. ‘You just take care of yourself. Now, what is the message you want me to take?’
The Cantref Mawr
February 12th, AD 1136
Gwenllian walked around the clearing with Taliesin, watching the men practise their sword drills. Some struck stakes driven into the ground to increase their power while others fought each other with wooden weapons.
‘They improve quickly,’ said Gwenllian. ‘I am impressed.’
‘It is amazing what a few victories and a full belly can do for a man’s confidence,’ replied Taliesin. ‘We have come a long way in a short time.’
‘Perhaps,’ said Gwenllian. ‘Though drills are poor substitutes for the real thing.’
‘It is the best we can do at the moment,’ said Taliesin, ‘but hopefully by the time your father’s army arrives we will be more than ready.’
Gwenllian nodded her approval and turned to head back towards the camp. As she walked along the track, she saw Maelgwyn coming towards her.
‘There you are,’ he said. ‘I have been looking everywhere for you.’
‘I’ve been at the training fields,’ said Gwenllian. ‘Is there something wrong?’
‘I don’t know,’ said Maelgwyn. ‘We picked up a woman on the road through the forests and she said she has an important message.’
‘From who?’
‘I don’t know – she refuses to talk to anyone apart from Father or you.’
‘Then let’s go and see what she has to say,’ said Gwenllian with a sigh.
They walked back to the camp and up to the campaign tent where an older woman was waiting with one of the camp guards.
‘Hello,’ said Gwenllian as she entered and removed her cloak. ‘I am Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd. I understand you have a message for me.’
‘Not for you, my lady, for your husband.’
‘Well my husband is not here,’ said Gwenllian, ‘so unless your message will wait, I suggest you share it with me.’
The woman looked agitated and glanced between Robert and the princess.
‘You look uncomfortable,’ said Gwenllian. ‘Is there a problem?’
‘My lady,’ came the reply, ‘the message is of vital importance to you here in the Cantref Mawr and will not wait, yet I was instructed it was for Tarw’s ears alone.’
‘What is your name?’ asked Gwenllian, seeing the woman’s distress.
‘Emma, my lady,’ she replied with a bow, ‘and I am here on behalf of my mistress.’
‘Your mistress being?’
‘The lady Nesta ferch Rhys,’ said Emma to everyone’s surprise. ‘I am her personal maid.’
‘If you are,’ said Gwenllian eventually, ‘that means you must have come from Pembroke castle. That’s quite a ride through dangerous territory. Why would the lady Nesta risk your life on such a task?’
‘Because she would entrust this message to nobody else lest it fell into the wrong hands. The two men currently being guarded by your soldiers were employed for my safety and are loyal to Nesta.’
‘I’m sorry, Emma,’ said Gwenllian, ‘but that is quite a claim. How do I know you are who you say you are?’
‘I can vouch for her,’ said Robert, walking into the clearing. ‘She is the one who passes the messages from Nesta to the pie woman for me to collect.’
‘Is this true?’ asked Gwenllian, turning to Emma.
‘It is, my lady. My mistress was not allowed to leave the castle without an escort so I became the go-between.’
‘Then I must give you our thanks,’ said Gwenllian. ‘You undertake a dangerous task on behalf of Welshmen everywhere.’
‘That matters not, my lady,’ said Emma. ‘The important thing is that you are now all in peril and my mistress sent me here to warn you.’
‘Even so, your journey will be in vain if we do not know the nature of the threat.’ She paused before continuing. ‘Emma, your loyalty to your mistress is admirable but if we are in danger, we need to know. Where is the message?’
‘Up here,’ said Emma, tapping the side of her head, ‘and in the circumstances I think she will be content that I share it with you.’ She glanced briefly at Robert and Maelgwyn before continuing. ‘She said to tell you that five days from today, a column of three hundred well-trained men-at-arms under the command of ten English knights will arrive at Kidwelly castle on the road from Carmarthen. At the same time, another two hundred men will meet two cargo ships at the dock in Burry. Their task is to supply a caravan of empty carts to take the ships’ cargo and bring it to Kidwelly with all haste.’
