The Dunston Blade

by John Daines

  A horn sounded when the approached the draw bridge, which had been lowered. John could see men on the battlements and the Earl’s standard was flying from one of the turrets. They rode through the main gateway and as they exited the second gate into the bailey a postern gate swung open a figure rushed out towards Sir Cedric who quickly dismounted and held out his arms. John saw that the Knight was clasping a young woman to him. John dismounted and stood holding the horses.

  “Leave those John, the stable hands will take care of them. Come and be introduced to my daughter, Tania.” John was confronted by an excited young woman, dark hair and slightly shorter than him. Introductions over they moved towards the Keep. The family rooms were furnished to a high standard for the period and it was apparent that Sir Cedric was not a poor nobleman like many at that time. His wealth came from wool, sheep from the land he owned provided the raw material and this was prepared by tradesmen in Wymondham then sent to Bruges to be woven into fine cloth, finally returned to Wymondham for the Earl to trade in London. “This is Rowan my Steward, he will show you your room and answer any questions. We will see you tonight at our meal.” With that information imparted Sir Cedric put his arm round his daughter and walked over to the fireplace.

  “Follow me sir.” Rowan guided John to a very comfortable room. He looked around and could not believe that this large and well furnished room was to be his. Reflecting on the past few days John realised his life had changed from a peaceful existence as a Blacksmith to that of a fighting man, serving a powerful Earl, he would have to learn all the duties of a Squire as quickly as he could to repay the Earl.

  II

  Time passed quickly and John’s days at Wymondham were very pleasant, he soon recovered from all the travels and the battle at Lewes. After looking after Sir Cedric’s and his weapons and armour he would practice with his sword and bow joining the rest of the Castle’s men at arms. Sir Cedric retained nearly 500 men at arms and cavalry, some quartered in the Castle and some scattered among the nearby villages, those that lived in the Castle drilled most mornings leaving the afternoon free which John made good use of by riding out to the town and the surrounding countryside. One cold but bright afternoon he was walking across the bailey to the stables when he met Tania going in the same direction. John had seen little of Sir Cedric’s daughter except at meals and he hoped that she might be taking advantage of the pleasant afternoon.

  “A fine afternoon, my lady, is it not?” started John. “One that will make riding that much more pleasurable.”

  “It is lovely and I am taking advantage of it to ride to Wymondham,” replied Tania.

  “If I am not imposing may I accompany you?” suggested John.

  Tania nodded and they called for their horses. They chatted amicably on the way and John found Tania had had a good education as well as being well travelled. Sir Cedric had property in France, as did many of the Knights, the difference was that Sir Cedric was English, from Saxon stock, and had no French background. Tania was visiting a friends house whose father was the Mayor. John decided to walk around the town while the two women gossiped.

  Wymondham was a small market town on the outer edge of the Shire. The inhabitants were mainly connected to farming and raising sheep for the wool trade. The rich soil allowed an abundance of crops which the farmers exported to London and other towns. John resisted the lure of a fine looking Inn and turned to walk back to the Mayor’s house. He stopped suddenly as he glimpsed a tall man hurrying down a side alley, where had he seen him before? Entering the Mayor’s house John was welcomed by a pleasantly plump man.

  “I hope you found your walk interesting, the ladies are in the drawing room.”

  John thanked him and entered through the door indicated. He found the two friends accompanied by an older lady who introduced herself as the Mayor’s wife. Tania, after goodbyes to the ladies, donned her cloak and joined John for the ride back to the Castle. As they rode John felt a sensation in his back as though someone was watching them.

  “Why keep looking back John?” asked Tania. “It is not dark enough for robbers and no one is silly enough to attack us this near to the Castle.”

  “I have a funny feeling someone is watching us,” explained John.

  They reached the Castle without trouble and after handing the horses to the grooms John climbed up to the battlements and looked back the way they had come. No one was in sight, he paced around the walls and could see there was nowhere to hide near to the Castle moat as the land had been cleared for several hundred yards. John searched his mind for where he had seen the tall man before but with no success, he left the battlements and joined the rest of the family in the great hall for the evening meal.

  II

  Roger and Roland had spent an uncomfortable night in the dungeon, where Fletcher had banished them.

  “I thought he would die with all that shouting, I have never seen a face so red.”

  “It is we who are likely to die,” said Roger. “You shouldn’t argue with him when he is in that mood.”

  At that moment the key rattled in the lock and a guard opened the door. They were escorted up to the hall and led before a man seated by the fire. Behind him stood Elric Fletcher.

  “Although there seems to be no proof, you are accused of being partly to blame for the escape of our prisoner. Your record of lateness and tardiness make me believe you are not suited to the life of a soldier.” Sir Henri deGranville looked at them with hooded eyes as he made this pronouncement. “I am sending both of you home and hope not to set eyes on you again.”

  The guards escorted them to the courtyard where their horses were standing complete with their baggage. They mounted and left the Castle and heading east. On the way back to Norfolk Roland turned to Roger. “Why should we go back to our families? We, no doubt, will be scorned and out of favour for some time. We should strike out on our own.”

  “What would we do, are you a Smith or a Carpenter, do you have any skills apart from soldiering, I don’t think we would last very long?”

  “That is what I mean,” countered Roland. “We know how to fight, you are skilled with a blade. We could become mercenaries or robbers, but I don’t suppose you would rob people.”

  “If there was a good reason, I could rob,” said Roger. “There is a fellow up around Lincoln who is quite successful, it is said he robs the rich to give to the poor.”

  “We would be poor,” reasoned Roland. The two friends rode on their way discussing the possibilities. After several days journey they came to the town of Stamford. They sat on their horses and viewed the high walls and the guarded gate.

  “It might be possible to join their guard for a time, while we decide on what we are going to do,” said Roger. Luck was at last on their side, they asked the guards at the gate where to enquire and made their way to the barracks to meet the Captain of the Guard.

  “ Yes, I am looking for men who have had some experience as most of the men from the town were recruited for Lewes. You can start tonight so don’t disappear, find yourselves an empty bed and be back here at sunset.”

  “That was easy,” said Roger. “It means we can’t get out tonight.”

  “Do you good,” replied Roland as he found a bed in a corner. “Let’s get settled before we make ourselves known to the town wenches.”

  II

  John strolled down to the stables after his meal and found his horse, he had become very fond of the animal and it was reciprocated. John had named him Anvil because he was strong and steady and it reminded him of his father. ‘I wonder how they are?’ thought John as Anvil nuzzled his neck ‘ I must ask if I can visit them now things are quiet.’ Patting Anvil’s black coat and stroking his nose John said goodnight to his horse and returned to the Keep. On his way to his room he saw a light under one of the smaller doors and stopped to listen. Suddenly the door opened and John was startled to see Tania standing there.

  “Spying on me, John?” she said with a twinkle in her eye.


  “I saw the light and there’s not usually anyone along here,” answered John.

  “ I’m only teasing, John, this is my work room, come in and see.”

  John entered the room which was well lit and warm. On a large table there lay bolts of cloth of all colours, silks and ribbons and several hides.

  “I love making my own cloths, as well as for some of my friends, what do you think of this?” Tania picked up a gown of brilliant blue, held it against her and twirled around.

  “It is beautiful.”stammered John with his eyes on this bewitching woman.

  “I may wear it tomorrow night as we are having a special dinner, but I expect you know all about it.” “Not really,” said John, a little bewildered. Tania put the gown back on the table and stood before John as though appraising him. John feeling uncomfortable, started for the door.

  “Stay and keep me company for a while. I just have to finish this sleeve and it’s done.” Tania entreated. John sat down on a chair and watched while Tania’s hands busied themselves with needle and thread, it gave him a chance to study Tania. Not a great beauty but very comely and with her long black tresses she had a friendly and warm aura around her. Tania’s eyes looked up and she blushed at John’s gaze. John stood up. “It is time I went to my room so that I am fit for tomorrow.”

  Tania went back to her sewing and bid John goodnight. John closed the door of the workroom quietly and walked to his room feeling his blood warm and a tingle through his body. ‘I must be careful not to become too friendly as she is Sir Cedric’s daughter and no doubt promised to a fellow Knight,’ thought John. ‘But she does affect me in a way I have not known.’

  As the sky brightened on the next day John had just finished dressing when there was a knock on his door and Rowan entered to tell him that Sir Cedric wanted to see him as soon as he was ready. John descended the broad staircase and went to the Earl’s chambers. Entering his sitting room he was startled to see another man seated with Sir Cedric.

  “Sit down John, you will know our guest.” said Sir Cedric

  “I don’t think I …….Your Highness forgive me I had not seen you out of armour in daylight.”

  Prince Edward smiled and gestured to John to carry on and sit. “I thought you had seen me in Wymondham.” declared the Prince.“In any case you have NOT seen me now,” he continued winking at John.

  “The Prince has escaped and is on his way back to his father, he will stay here for a couple of days to rest,” explained Sir Cedric. “There will be other visitors today and I want you to check them off a list I will give you, and beware of any other persons who are not invited.”

  “I understand Sir, you can trust me,”

  “I know that John, don’t let anyone else in the Castle know what is taking place, or who is here.”

  With that Sir Cedric gave John a parchment containing the names of six Knights. John withdrew and after grabbing something to eat from the Kitchen he went down to the Bailey. John called the Captain of the Guard and informed him that Sir Cedric was expecting guests and they would need stabling for their horses. He casually strolled round the walls making sure all the guards were in position without alarming them. John stood looking out on the road from Wymondham and could just make out, in the gathering gloom, a small group of horsemen approaching, he hurried down to the Bailey to receive the first of the guests.

  Henry of Almain and John de Warenne entered the Castle with a couple of retainers, John surreptitiously checked his list and welcomed the Knights who were then led into the Keep by Rowan. John started a conversation with the Squires but they were close mouthed and went off with their horses, so he wandered down to the main gate and stood looking out over the countryside. It was not long before most of the Knights had arrived, Gilbert de Clare, Alfred of Ely and Robert of Lincoln, the only one missing from John’s list was Godfrey Maddison. John found the Captain and as night had now fallen suggested they raise the drawbridge, if anyone else arrived they would check carefully who it was before letting them enter.

  As John returned to the Keep a soft voice called to him from the shadows. Tania’s maid approached and gave a message that her mistress was waiting in the workroom and would like to see him. John’s thoughts whirled around in his head, what did this woman want?

  “Come in.” Tania invited when John knocked on the workroom door. “Thank you for coming John, father has asked us to join them for dinner and I thought it would be nice for you to escort me.” There was that merry twinkle in her eyes as she faced an awkward John, shifting from one foot to the other.

  “I would be pleased to Tania, but I must go to Sir Cedric now as one guest has not arrived. I will meet you at the top of the stairs.” He turned and hurried out down to the Earl’s room.

  John was standing by the stairs that evening when he heard footsteps approaching, turning he was confronted by a vision in gold.

  Tania stood before him smiling. “I changed my mind from the blue,” she explained. “It is the only one with our crest.” John’s eyes were drawn to the Red Spread Eagle across her left breast.

  “You’re beautiful,” stammered John.

  “You mean the dress, John?” she answered still smiling.

  “I know what I mean,” said “John.

  Tania’s maid arrived and they descended the stairs. Entering the hall they saw that all the Knights were there including Godfrey Maddison. As Tania moved into the room towards a seat by her father the Knights banged on the table to show their appreciation for their host’s daughter. John found himself a seat lower down the table just as Sir Cedric stood and proposed a toast to the Prince.

  The Knights relaxed and the evening became a jolly affair until the Knights began to feel the effect of good wine and mead. Tania excused herself and left accompanied by her maid.

  On the following morning, as John roused himself from a heavy sleep, he remembered that they had arranged to meet in the hall, had Sir Cedric included him? He decided he would go anyway. As John entered Sir Cedric beckoned him and told him to assemble the other Squires and men in the Bailey ready to move off at noon. The Knights left early afternoon and John noticed that they placed Prince Edward in the middle of them.

  “We shall see them again soon enough,” said Sir Cedric. “Perhaps you would like to see your father before we join them. Give him my greetings but make sure you are back in eight days.”

  Excitedly John ran to his room and started to pack his bag.

  John heard a tapping at his door, when he opened it there stood Tania

  “I’ve just heard you are going home,” she said as she walked over to him.

  “I am, but only for a few days and then I think we are going off to rejoin the Prince.”

  “So you were not going to say goodbye to me?” said Tania looking at John who moved towards her saying. “It all happened so fast and I will not have much time with my family, I am not sure you would miss me anyway.” Tania lifted her head and looked at John who could see tears in her eyes, he reached for her and she clung to him as their lips met.

  John pushed her away and said, “Oh forgive me, I should not be so presumptuous.” Tania looked at him and walked into his arms again.

  “Silly man,” she said. “I have wanted you to kiss me ever since last night.” They both stood back and John explained he was going to visit his father and when he returned he guessed that they would be off to fight again. Tania looked down and said. “Will you miss me?”

  “I will be thinking of you every moment until I return,” John replied. “I am not sure your father will be pleased as I am only a Squire.”

  “Then we will keep it to ourselves until the right moment,” said Tania with a merry twinkle in her eyes.

  John felt as though he was walking on air as he made for the stables, saddled his horse and rode out on to the Bailey, looking up he could see Tania waving from her window. He would have a lot to tell his family when he arrived home.

  John approached Dunston savouring the sights
and sounds of his home countryside. Arriving at the edge of the village he could see the smoke spiralling up from the Smithy fire, urging his horse on he heard the sound of hammering ring out and knew his father would be hard at work. Dismounting he hurried to the entrance and stopped short as he saw, not his father, but a young man swinging the hammer.

  “Where is the Smith?” demanded John.

  “He is in the house sir, William go and fetch the Master quickly.” Said the young man as a small boy got up from where he had been sitting cleaning knives and daggers.

  “Who are you?” queried John.

  “Thomas, sir, I am Jack Ivanson’s apprentice and he will be here as soon as William tells him he has a caller.”

  John turned as he heard the Cottage door and saw his father hurrying over. The two of them met halfway and embraced “I am so glad to see you John, we have heard so much about the fighting and there have been many visitors to the Castle, your mother will be relieved.”

  “I have a lot to tell you father but let’s go in and see mother and Joan.” Over the evening meal John related most of what had happened to him since leaving home, leaving out his part in the battle. Joan wanted to know if he had encountered Roger during this time.

  “I haven’t seen him or heard of him or his family.”

  Jack told him that Sir Walter had left to fight with the Barons leaving Ralf in charge, which had not gone well with the retainers. The Smithy was very busy that is why Jack had taken the two lads on. “We are getting work from all around,” said Jack. “Even as far as Stoke and Newton.”

  “They know they can trust you and your work is second to none,” said John. When the women had gone to bed John told his father of the battle at Lewes and how he felt afterwards.

  “You are now a fighting man John and this will not be the last time you use your sword, keep up your practice so that when you strike it will be fast and sure.” John also mentioned Tania and that he was not sure what to do, considering her position.