The Dunston Blade

by John Daines

  “Nobody has said what we are preparing for,” grumbled Roland. “Winter will soon be on us and I don’t want to be out on a campaign in the snow.”

  Roger agreed and suggested. “Maybe we are going to join the Crusade,” He wasn’t aware that the sixth crusade had failed and the Muslims were in control of Jerusalem.

  “At least it would be warmer,” said Roland.

  After a long morning of practice the two lads strolled out into the City. “I need a drink,” stated Roland. “All that exercise makes you dry.” They made their way to the nearest Inn, pushed their way to a table and ordered a flagon of ale.

  “I would still like to know what we are preparing for, everything seems quiet in the City.”

  “Maybe the old Earl fancies Nottingham or we could be off to Wales, wherever that is,” responded Roland. “But he will have a fine fighting force at the end of this training.”

  The two friends relaxed in the Inn and it was twilight before they returned to the dormitory, to find the place in a turmoil with all the young men collecting their belongings together. The hubbub of noise prevented Roger from hearing what was going on, he grabbed one of the men and asked what the commotion was about. “We are to go to our homes and return here to the Castle in three days with all our weapons and armour, if you have any,” the man replied. Roger and Roland quickly gathered their belongings and went out into the courtyard where Elric Fletcher was organising them into groups.

  “You there, de Brehalle, if you have armour bring it back and join this group, and ask your father if he would send one of his destriers for you to ride.” Fletcher then dismissed them to go to their homes emphasising they must return in three days.

  II

  Jack called to his son, “John, I need you to go to the Castle and deliver these pieces of armour I have been repairing. They are for Sir Walter, but you had better see the Steward first.”

  John picked up the sack containing the parts and set off. The Steward was in the courtyard and John went to give him the sack of armour but the Steward said to him, “You had better see Sir Walter and see what he says about the repairs. Follow me.” They climbed up the back stairs to Sir Walters quarters where they met a servant who informed them that Sir Walter was in the Great Hall. John’s eyes opened wide when they entered the Hall, the room was the largest John had ever seen. Sir Walter was standing by one of the windows, he turned as they entered.

  “The Smith has sent the repaired parts of armour to you my Lord.”

  “Bring them over,lad,” said Sir Walter, moving to a large table. John placed each part on the table and stood back. “Your father has done magnificent work on these besagues, they were really bent and damaged. I must send a suitable reward,” exclaimed Sir Walter. A door at the far end of the room opened and two women entered. John recognised the women he had met on the common.

  “Ah, Cecily, look what a fine repair the Smith has made on my armour. I must see if Roger’s needs any work.” “Why should you need to prepare our son’s armour, he is not going into battle?” exclaimed Sir Walter’s wife. “You never know what might happen in these unsettled times my dear,” he retorted. “Avice, show the young man out and then call your brother Ralph to me.” With his last comment Sir Walter strode out of the room. The young lady came to John and walked out of the room with him. John attempted conversation but it was clear the girl was shy. When they reached the courtyard John turned and said, “If ever I can be of service to you, my Lady, just send me a message and I will come.” John hurried out of the Castle and did not see Avice’s eyes following him and her cheeks glowing a bright pink. As yet there had been no suiters calling at the Castle. John had plenty of time to think of Avice on his way home and the differences in their situations. As beautiful as she was she was out of his reach, not like Roger and Joan were, Jack and Matilda were honoured by Rogers attention, the only worry was were his intentions honourable.

  II

  Roger eased the reins on his horse and let it come to a stop. He had ridden hard when he left Norwich Castle and the animal was blowing, he looked around and recognised the spot where he had first encountered the poachers. Roger dismounted and led his horse towards the village. He soon saw the Smithy and was tempted to stop to see Joan but he did not have much time to organise himself for the return trip, however it was not going to be so easy as the cottage door opened and John stepped out.

  “Roger!” exclaimed John in surprise. “What are you doing here have they thrown you out already or have you escaped?”

  “No, I am home to prepare myself for a campaign, or something,” and Roger explained what had happened in Norwich.

  “It sounds as though they are after something, maybe more land. Will your father let you have the destrier?” “ I doubt it,” answered Roger. “I must go as I have lots to do before……,”

  “Not before you’ve spoken to me,” interrupted a small voice and Joan appeared through the doorway.

  “I will meet you on the common at our usual place tomorrow morning,” said Roger. “I cannot linger now as I am dusty and tired from my travel.”

  Joan, a little crestfallen, replied, “I shall be going to the church mid morning.”

  Roger smiled and nodded to her, “I will walk with you.”

  Roger moved off towards the Castle and the two siblings returned to the cottage. As was their custom they went to bed early and John lay awake listening to the sound of the night animals out hunting. A fox barked not far from the Smithy, then came the sound of the hens, but they had been shut securely in their coop. John’s thought turned to Rogers information about the forth coming campaign and wondered if it would affect their family. He knew he was now adequate with a sword but with his father they were too small a group to protect the Smithy. Perhaps Sir Walter would take them into the Castle and perhaps he would see the young lady again, she had heated his blood and caused feelings he had not known before.

  Came the dawn and John was back to his old self and ready to work with his father, he told him of Roger’s information and Jack looked thoughtful.

  “We will practice this morning and I want to show you something new,” Jack said as he went out to the Smithy and picked up a long bundle of cloth as well as his sword.

  “Come now John we have a lot to do.” Father and son walked off to the common where they had found a small glade to practice the sword play.

  “Today, John, we will train to kill our enemy before he gets within the range of our sword.” Jack unravelled the bundle and produced a beautiful longbow, over six feet in length it was taller than Jack. “ The first thing to learn is to string the bow, I think your muscles are strong enough.”

  They practiced stringing the bow and Jack taught John how to hold the string and bend the bow by putting his weight forward into the bow. They shot a few arrows and Jack said they must return to the Smithy, but would come again tomorrow.

  Roger caught up with Joan on her way to the church. They walked along together for a while and stopped just out of sight of the church.

  Roger suddenly drew Joan to him, his embrace was intense and it was not long before his hands began to wander.

  “Stop!” said Joan pushing him off. “I am not one of the girls from your City Inn, when I have a husband I shall go to his bed a virgin, and I think it will not be you. Your father will never allow you to marry a village girl.”

  Roger released her and stood back he looked at Joan and said. “Being friendly to a Knight’s son is better than being married to a poor farmer.” With that repost he mounted his horse and rode away.

  Joan held back tears, she had been fond of Roger but her upbringing had made her strong willed. Father Aldred was waiting for her and seeing she was upset led her into the church where they sat quietly for a few moments. “I have taught you and John most of what I know, you can both read and write and there are only tales and my experiences to pass on now,if you wish.”

  “Yes, Father I would love to hear about your travels.” J
oan sat down and the Priest began a story of his time with the Knights on the Crusade.

  II

  John, walking across the common to meet Joan, saw Roger galloping back to the Castle and he kept looking ahead even when John called out. “I wonder what’s bitten him?” he thought.

  Coming from out of the trees John could see a man approaching riding a huge destrier and leading two other horses one of which was loaded with baggage.

  “Ho there, young man, is there a Smith in that village?”

  “Yes, sir,” replied John. “He is my father, Jack Ivanson, so I can guide you there if you wish.”

  “If you can ride, you may mount my spare horse,” said the man and dropped the lead reign of the saddled horse. John mounted and sat easily in the saddle. “You have ridden before young man,” observed the stranger.

  “I ride horses to and from the Smithy when people want the Smith to look after them,” John explained. “Then tell me what ails the horse you are on?”

  “ I think one of his shoes are loose,” answered John dismounting and lifting the leg of the horse. “Yes, this one will need attention now.”

  “Well, done lad, let’s get him to the Smith. What is your name?” John told him and also about his family, how they had originated from Denmark, probably when the Viking farmers settled in the area. He found himself chatting easily to this stranger as they walked the horses to the village. The stranger dismounted as the village came into sight and they led the animals to the Smithy.

  Jack inspected the horses and informed the stranger that all three of the animals needed work on their hooves.

  “As my horses are to be with you for some time I must find lodgings, is there an Inn nearby?” enquired the stranger.

  Jack answered. “There is a small alehouse sir but no accommodation I would recommend, but I am sure you would be welcome at the Castle until the animals are ready.”

  “Who lives there now?” asked the man.

  “It is Sir Walter de Brahalle’s home,” answered Jack.

  “I would not be welcome at all,” replied the stranger.

  John looked at his father and said. “You would be welcome to my bed sir, as I have oft slept in the Smithy. There is plenty of hay and the Smithy is always warm.” Jack agreed and Matilda went off to ready the room. “You are most generous, this is much better than some places I have slept in these past months. I must introduce myself, my name is Cedric of Wymondham and I have lately returned from lands across the sea. I ask that this is between your family and me.”

  “You have our word sir.” Jack said raising his hand to his heart. The name was not new to him as Sir Cedric was the Earl of this part of the Shire and he also knew that he had been on a Crusade and had not been heard of for two years.

  After the evening meal Sir Cedric and Jack sat talking with John eagerly listening to the tales that passed between them. He made his way to the Smithy and made sure all the horses were stabled, as he glanced at the bundles that had been taken from the pack horse he noticed they contained armour and spare weapons, obviously Sir Cedric was a fighting man. He wondered why their visitor did not want to stay at the Castle.

  The following morning Jack was up early to start on the preparation of the horse shoes. As each horse was finished John led it back to the stable. Sir Cedric appeared, watched for a while then he noticed the bow in the corner and asked John if he could shoot. Jack said he had been schooling his son in archery and swordsmanship.

  “You must show me how well you can use these weapons,” said Sir Cedric. Jack urged John to take Sir Cedric to the common while he finished with the horses. John strung the bow and fired three arrows at a nearby tree.

  “Good shooting, a tight group, but now try that oak tree in the glade yonder.”

  John could see the tree stood over 500 yards away, he placed three arrows in the ground and fired, notching a fresh arrow as quick as he could. They strode over to the oak and there were two arrows together and one a small distance to one side.

  “ The first must have been off line,” said a disappointed John.

  “You will improve, and now let’s see how good you are with your sword,” with that Sir Cedric drew his sword and advanced on John the young man quickly drew his own sword and took up a defensive stance. They thrust and parried for several minutes until Sir Cedric stepped inside a late move by John and the young man found himself without his sword and the Knight’s weapon at his throat.

  “You have good potential lad, just need to know a few tricks and strengthen your arm. A new weapon would not go amiss.” They walked back to the Smithy where Jack was nearing completion of his work. All three sat near the fire and ate the bread and cheese provided by Matilda. Sir Cedric complimented Jack on what he had taught his son. Jack recounted a battle he had been in when he had been on crusade, Sir Cedric was quiet and just listened. John looked at the Knight more closely he noticed the clothes were worn but of good quality and his boots had seen hard times, he wore a wedding ring on his left hand and on his right John noticed a heavy gold ring.

  “I must ask if I may impose on your hospitality for one more night Jack?” the Knight announced.

  “That is no problem, stay as long as you need,” replied Jack. That night after supper, John again retired to the Smithy. Sir Cedric and Jack stayed talking for some time and eventually they stood, Sir Cedric handed a leather purse of coins to Jack, they shook hands and went to their beds.

  Jack was in the Smithy early in the morning and sent John to the Charcoal Burners in the forest to ask them to send a load of charcoal to the Smithy and continue on to the Church to ask Father Aldred for a large bag that Jack had left with him many years ago.

  “He will know what I want,” said Jack. When John returned his father was working on the fire, he sent John into the house to talk to the Earl. Sir Cedric was sitting at the table with Matilda and Joan he signalled John to join them.

  “I have to journey to Norwich tomorrow but I will return and when I do I wish you to join me as my Squire. I have spoken with your father and he is willing to release you if you wish to follow this path. You are ready for adventures and I need a man who can use the bow and sword. You will be trained and I will explain your duties. Give me your answer when I return and if it yes then be ready to depart the next day.” With that announcement the tall Knight rose and went out to the Smithy. John strode after him.

  “I shall leave the destrier here with my pack horse, see that they are exercised and ready for me.”

  “I thank you very much for your offer sir and I will give my answer on your return,” said John.

  Sir Cedric turned and saw the light in John’s eyes and smiled to himself. Early next morning Sir Cedric left the Smithy and rode off towards Norwich. John watched him go, climbing the hill out of Dunston towards the City. Jack came and stood next to him. “ Well son, do you now want your adventure, you did say you would stay here but I will not hold you to that.”

  “Thank you father, Sir Cedric seems an honest man but to serve him as a Squire will not be easy as I have no knowledge of what I will be required to do.”

  “Now don’t worry son, Sir Cedric and I had a long talk about it and he questioned me a lot. He knows you can read and write and that you can fight,” said his father. “He has the means to train you and the rest is up to you.” He knew his wife and Joan would be sad to see John go but this was too good an opportunity to miss. Who knows where John could end up, dead on a battlefield or maybe a Knight. Jack returned to the Smithy and carried on hammering and shaping his work, he stopped for a moment and wiped his brow looking at what he had made. “Needs a lot more work yet.” That evening Jack was late coming in to supper and was very tired.

  “You mustn’t work so hard Jack, what is so important out there?” asked Matilda. There was no comment from Jack so the table became quiet. Joan thought about her last meeting with Roger and argued with herself that she had made the right decision. There was no future with the Knight’s son
who would never be the heir. Soon she would be on her own but while they lived she had loving parents who would protect her. With those thoughts she drifted off to sleep.

  II

  Roger rode into the Castle yard where Elric Fletcher stood issuing orders. “So you could not persuade your father to release his destrier to you, well that paltry animal you are riding will not last long in battle so you may as well stable it and join the foot soldiers.” After saying this Elric strode off to the group of horsemen assembling at one end of the yard. Roger’s heart dropped, if he was to be on foot his full suit of armour could not be worn and he was sure it would soon disappear. Well, he was not going to have that so he rode over to the wall, dismounted and tried to look as inconspicuous as possible. Soon Roland found him and the two friends talked about where they thought they would be going. The small army settled down with the foot soldiers camped in the castle grounds and the mounted men sleeping in the stables or what shelter they could find with their horses. Roger kept out of Elric’s way and mingled with some men and horses in a small building near to the gate.

  “It’s a bit hot in here,” complained Roland. “My mare is damp and smelly.”

  “Just be grateful we are not out in the field, and stop complaining Rolly, we’ll need all the rest we can get I feel we have a long march tomorrow.” At that moment there was a loud noise from the rear of Roland’s horse and everyone put their heads under the blankets.

  “When you said it was smelly, you weren’t wrong,” said Roger pulling his cloak tighter.

  Early next morning before the sun had risen over the Castle walls, they were awakened by shouts, and the general activity of an army preparing for a march. Elric Fletcher was standing on the Keep steps shouting out orders and the Knights and mounted men filed out onto the field to join the foot soldiers. Roger squeezed himself into the middle of a mounted group and prayed he would not be spotted. When the army had assembled Henri de Granville rode out with his two friends, they were fully armoured as were their horses. John of Lancaster held de Granville’s great helm while de Granville addressed the assembled men.