The Dunston Blade

by John Daines

  “Where will you eat, Sam?” The young lad explained that all the Pages went to the room next to the kitchen where there were long tables for all the staff of the Castle.

  “Steward Rowan sits at the top table when he is not required upstairs, or the Senior Page takes his place. He makes fun of me, ‘cause I’m small, but now I am a Page to you he may treat me better.”

  John smiled and made a mental note to speak to the Senior Page. The banquet was lavish, every one ate and drank their fill until the early hours. John tried to catch Tania’s eye when she prepared to leave but she was intent on listening to her father. The morning found John and the other Squires heavy headed and loth to leave their beds. Sam had brought John bread and ale and said he was going to the stables. John arrived in the Bailey as most of the guests were leaving, Sir Cedric and Tania came down the steps but to John’s surprise Tania was not dressed for travelling. A Guard came to John saying that someone wanted him at the Main Gate. Roger was there with a group consisting of the men who had competed in the Tournament, the big wrestler, a young troubadour and Robert Hud the archer, who reminded John he wanted him to come to Lincoln or Nottingham to compete again. They said their goodbyes and the group moved off to join Sir Robert. That evening Sir Cedric sent a message for John to join him at table and when he arrived the Earl signalled him to sit next to him, on his other side sat Tania, they smiled at each other as John took his seat. Sir Cedric congratulated all who taken part in the Tournament and the success that Wymondham had enjoyed, he was proud of his Squires and announced that there would be an extra financial reward for them.

  No mention was made of why Tania was still at home.

  John was practicing swordplay with Gavin in the Bailey, when Steward Rowan came to tell him that the Earl wanted to see him in his room, John followed him into the Castle, a little apprehensively. Sir Cedric was standing by the window, his favourite position, when John entered.

  “Sit down John I have something to discuss with you and it is to go no further than this room.”

  “ I understand sir and you can rely on me.”

  Sir Cedric paced the room and then stopped and turned to John.

  “The King is very ill, and Prince Edward is away on the crusade, it will be up to the Barons to hold the country together until he returns. I have to go to London to meet with them and I want you to accompany me. We shall leave early in the morning, you may take Sam to assist you, but put him on a better horse. We shall probably be gone for a few weeks or maybe longer. I have a small house not far from the palace where we shall be comfortable. Gavin shall make sure my wishes are carried out here and Carac has a task to complete and then join us in London.”

  “May I see Tania before we go?”asked John.

  Sir Cedric walked back to the window and stood in thought. “You may think I am being unfair by keeping you at a distance but I am the only parent she has to protect and guide her. You both have much to learn about life. You will see her when we leave in the morning. Now go and prepare yourself for the journey and remember what I said about Sam’s horse, I wish to reach London as quickly as possible.”

  With that John was dismissed. On the way back to the stables he was filled with anger at the way the Earl had treated him over Tania, what did he think he was going to do to his precious daughter. Reaching the Bailey John called out for Sam and told him to select a suitable horse and also to prepare Anvil while he would deal with the Earl’s mount.

  Early next morning all was made ready for the journey, John kept an eye on the main door to see if Tania appeared. He was occupied adjusting Anvil’s girth when a gentle voice said, “Don't squeeze him too much.” And a smiling Tania stood there. John looked at her.

  “I shall not see you for a while, don’t forget me,” he said.

  Tania smiled. “We will not be parted for long as I have asked father if I can come to London, I would like to meet some of the dressmakers.”

  “But how will you travel, who will guard you?” said a worried John.

  “We have plenty of men at arms and when Carac returns he can escort me,” explained Tania.

  Although John was concerned he was also happy that he would see Tania in London, at that moment Gavin joined them.

  “I will look after her while you are away,” grinned Gavin and John looked at him grimly.

  “Don’t worry I am courting the Mayors daughter in Wymondham,” said Gavin.

  “She never told me,” said Tania.

  Gavin explained he had only just asked her father for permission to court her. John seemed satisfied and smiled as Sir Cedric joined them. The cavalcade was soon in motion with the Earl, John, and fifty mounted men. Tania went up onto the battlements to wave and John nearly fell off his horse by twisting round to wave back, Anvil snorted as though to say watch what you are doing. They stayed at various friends of Sir Cedric on the way to London, as they neared the great city the roads became busier and this slowed their large group. Sir Cedric decided to circle round London to reach his property on the banks of the River Thames west of the city centre. When they came to his ‘small’ house. John was confronted by a palatial building standing in extensive grounds that reached down to the river bank. The men at arms retired to a barracks in the grounds. John and Sam stabled their own, and Sir Cedric’s mounts and walked to the main house. They were met at the door by the Steward, a tall well dressed man.

  “Good day sir, may I show you to your room, if you should need anything during your stay please call me, my name is Merek.” With that he turned and led them upstairs to a pleasant room looking out to the river. After John had changed from his travelling clothes and Sam had gone to find other Pages, he went down to the first floor. Looking in at each door John found a great hall, two well furnished drawing rooms, and coming to a closed door he knocked, was bid to enter and found Sir Cedric relaxing in a huge chair.

  “Come in John, what do you think of my house?”

  “It’s very grand sir, I have never seen so many rooms in a house, it’s more like the castle.”

  “Well, here in London we have to show we are important and powerful, it’s all a game really but at the moment I must play it,” replied the Earl. “Tomorrow I go to Westminster and see how the King fares and present myself to the Queen. You will accompany me.”

  John walked in the grounds down to the river and stood watching the fast flowing water rush down to the sea. He was nervous about tomorrow and could not see why, he felt there would be a happening that would not go well for him.

  It was a chilly morning as John, dressed in his best doublet and hose with a new cloak. He walked with Sir Cedric and a tall man, dressed in sombre black, to the jetty at the end of the garden. They boarded a boat and were rowed down the river to Westminster. On the way the Earl introduced his friend as Henri Hausman from Bruges. They landed at Westminster and were escorted to the palace where they were led to an antechamber to the King’s bedroom. The room was crowded with men whispering together in groups and casting their eyes around until they landed on someone, then they stopped and stared. John felt very uncomfortable in this company and longed to be out in the open air away from the obvious intrigue. A servant appeared at the door and called for Sir Cedric.

  “Come on John and stay close to me. Speak only if you are asked a question and answer truthfully.”

  The two of them followed the servant to another room where they were announced.

  “Come Cedric, let me see you. A friendly and trustworthy face, I am glad you have made the journey to London.”

  Sir Cedric bowed low, with John also bending the knee. John looked up to see a regal lady beautifully clothed sitting in a large winged chair attended by several other women.

  “Your Majesty, I came when I received the news of the King’s failing health and am here to do your bidding, should you need me.”

  “This time I fear will be his last illness, his time draws near. Who is this young man with you, I only know of your daughter?” quer
ied the Queen.

  “May I present John of Dunston, my first Squire who has accompanied me to London so he may experience our capital city,” answered the Earl. The Queen extended her arm and John stepped forward, knelt and kissed the ring that adorned the gloved hand. Queen Eleanor smiled briefly and continued talking to Sir Cedric. “Unfortunately Edward is still on his way back from the crusade so I am left to cope as best I can.” The Queen asked Sir Cedric to sit near her and they were soon in deep conversation.

  John gazed around the room taking in the rich tapestries and beautiful furniture, he also noticed the ladies who had also noticed him. Under their stares he felt his face beginning to redden so he stared into the large fireplace and tried to hear what was being said.

  The Queen finished conversing with Sir Cedric and he and John took their leave and returned to the anteroom. Henri was waiting for them and after a few words with some of the men there they left and returned to the riverside. On the voyage back to the Earl’s house he and Henri were deep in conversation, John picked up the occasional word,’cargo weight’ ‘interest rates’ ‘delivery difficulties’ which he assumed related to the wool trade. They arrived back at the house and John found Sam exercising the horses, John watched him for a moment and recalled Sir Cedric calling him John of Dunston and his ‘first’ Squire, he wondered what ‘first’ meant. On the second day of their visit John and Sam rode into London to see the sights, they found the streets filthy and crowded compared with their home in the countryside. Anvil did not like the crowds, he snorted and shied, stamped his feet which resulted in him being pushed and shouted at, this did not improve matters and John guided him into a side alley to calm down. Pushing on through the smaller streets they came to a short hill atop which was a grand cathedral. John dismounted and told Sam to guard the horses while he visited the cathedral. The building, he found, was dedicated to St Paul and the inside was gloomy but at the altar end it was lavishly decorated, John knelt in prayer for a moment then returned to Sam. The two of them continued through the streets and joined a main thoroughfare heading south, soon they could see the tops of the Tower Palace. The Tower of London Palace was an imposing Castle, workmen were still busy carrying out improvements that the King had ordered. As well as being a Palace the Tower was also a prison and the gallows outside bore witness to this. John decided not to try and visit the Palace so they turned and rode off keeping to the shoreline. London was a major port and there were ships from all countries, moored and unloading, or vice versa. They could hear many different languages being spoken and the whole area was a hive of activity. Soon they left the port and approached Westminster, they heard the boom of a large bell being tolled.

  “That sounds like it’s coming from the Abbey,” said John. Then they heard the cries coming from people who were hurrying towards the Palace.

  “The King is dead!”

  John spurred Anvil and followed by Sam they cantered off towards Sir Cedric’s house. When they arrived they found the Earl had left for the Palace. Merek informed John that Henri Hauseman was waiting in a side room. While Sam looked after the horses John joined Henri and asked Merek to bring wine.

  “I am sorry your King is dead,” said Henri. “It will cause some difficulties with trade, I think.”

  “I am not sure what you mean,” said John. “Prince Edward will soon be home when he gets the news.”

  Henri did not answer but carried on the conversation talking about the weather, the price of wool and the forthcoming visit of Tania. “How is the young lady, it is some time since I saw her?” queried Henri.

  “She was well enough when we left and we, also, are looking forward to seeing her here soon,” replied John. “A very attractive lady don’t you think, I expect she has many suiters.”

  John was starting to get irritated by Henri’s manner and was pleased of the interruption when Merek came with the wine.

  “I see you wear a broadsword,” continued Henri.

  “I apologise for not disarming but I came here before going to my room so as not to delay you, if you were wanting just to leave a message for the Earl,” explained John.

  “That is not a problem,” replied Henri. “It looks a fine weapon, may I see the blade?”

  John hesitated and then drew the sword from its sheath.

  “It is a fine weapon, crafted by an expert, is it from Toledo?” asked Henri.

  John was not sure where Toledo was but answered the question by telling Henri that his father had made the sword for him.

  “The weapon is beautiful, will you sell to me? I will offer you a very good price.”

  “No,” asserted John “it would never be for sale.”

  When Henri said he would be leaving to visit contacts in the city John was relieved.

  A few hours later Sir Cedric came back from the Palace, he called John to his room and told him that the King had died and was going to be buried in Westminster Abbey. After the funeral he and Sam were to return to Wymondham and wait for him. John sat in the Garden thinking of Tania, would she still come to London, he knew the Earl had sent messengers off to Wymondham but had said nothing to John. Sir Cedric went to Westminster early every day and Henri had disappeared so John and Sam amused themselves by boating further up river.

  II

  Roger journeyed most of the way back to Stamford in the company of Robert Hud and his friends, they proved to be excellent company and were in good spirits when the time came to leave them. Arriving back in the town Roger and Laila opened the door to their little house and Laila soon had a meal prepared and on the table. In the morning Roger reported to the Mayor and was informed there had been no major incidents whilst he had been away, and he had informed the guards that Roger was now their Captain. Roger met up with his men and life returned to normal. During the next months Roger began to think of Dunston and his home, he thought of Avice and the dream he used to have of he and Joan, John and Avice settled in the village, but it was just a dream as Ralf would be ruling the roost and John was leading a completely different life now. He felt a pang of jealousy when he thought of how their circumstances had changed. Laila tried to rouse him out of his black moods with not much success.

  “Why don’t you go back to Dunston and see your father, he must be wondering what has happened to you?” suggested Laila. Roger pondered the suggestion and then forgot it as there was an increase of outlaw activity in the area and he and his men were on full alert to spot any undesirables operating in the town. After the King’s death Roger started to think of Dunston again, would the new King make changes to the nobles who had fought for de Montfort? Would he look for more devoted subjects in his Shires. Fighting for de Montfort had been a mistake, in hindsight. Roger asked the Mayor for time to visit his father where he would hope to find out the latest news. He planned to go at the beginning of the next month.

  Roger and Laila’s journey to Dunston was uneventful and as they came in sight of the village the sun was just beginning to set behind the trees. Roger could see there had been little change since he had left, but it did seem more deserted than he remembered. They passed throughout the centre of the village and moved on towards the Castle, the people that were out soon scuttled into their homes and slammed doors. Arriving at the Castle Roger was challenged by a man at arms who told him to wait while he fetched someone. Roger demanded immediate entrance but the guard said he did not know him and there were many robbers abroad. Eventually Boorman the Steward arrived, recognising Roger he bowed and led the way into the Castle. “Where is my father, I would visit him first?”

  “Your father is not here, I will take you to your brother who will explain,” said the Steward.

  They entered the Great Hall and found Ralf sitting in front of the fireplace with the dogs laying before him. As soon as the dogs saw Roger they bounded over and made a fuss of him and Laila. Ralf stood up and stared at Roger.

  “So you have come home at last, where have you been?”

  “Where is father?” R
oger asked.

  “He was killed at Evesham, did you not know, were you not fighting there too, or did you turn tail like the rest of the cowards?” growled Ralf.

  Roger stepped back and looked at his brother. “I fought the first time but I had enough of killing and I heard nothing from father to suggest he was raising troops again.”

  Ralf explained a messenger had come from Norwich to tell him of his father’s death and that as next in line the title and lands passed to him and to go to Norwich to be officially instated.

  “Who is this you’ve brought with you. I suppose you’ll want bed and board ‘till you leave,” Ralf’s tone implied he was not welcome.

  “This is my wife, Laila, we shall only stay long enough to get my possessions and then we will be gone.” Ralf told Boorman to have a room prepared and bring food and wine to the small anteroom.

  “I’m sure you will not mind if I don’t join you as I have estate matters to deal with which won't concern you as you have no claim on it. Take your personal possessions and you are gifted two horses, not destriers.” said Ralf. “I will not be here in the morning so I bid you and your wife farewell.” With that Ralf turned back to the fire and sat down.

  Roger and Laila followed Boorman up to a small room at the back of the Castle.

  “Boorman, what has happened to my brother, he was always a little aggressive but not down right rude to me?”asked Roger.

  “My lord has had a hard time adjusting to being without your father. Taking over the estate has not been easy and he has upset many of the tenants. I expect it will settle down in time,” he said as he left them.

  “So I am your wife am I” said Laila. “Is this a proposal?”

  Roger took her in his arms and kissed her and said, “Yes it is a proposal, will you marry me, and I should have said it months ago.”

  They smiled at each other, kissed again but a knock on the door interrupted their embrace. Laughing they opened the door to a woman bearing bed linen. As the woman made the bed Roger asked if his sister was at home, he was informed that she was in her room. Roger left Laila and walked to Avice’s room, he knocked and a small voice asked who was there. As soon as Avice heard her brothers voice she opened the door and flew into his arms before he had even entered the room. Once seated they both had lots of news to impart, Roger told of his adventures and Avice told a grim tale of the decline of the estate. Ralf did not know how to look after the estates and the rents were not coming in so there was little money. He put up the rents and sold some land but it was not enough. Some of the farmers had done reasonably well at the wool markets and the forge was very busy and she had heard Ralf discussing with one of his friends how they could force more money out of the successful businesses. Roger knew this was a problem countrywide and with the death of the King there was a kind of limbo. Roger fetched Laila and introduced her to Avice and together they discussed their future. Avice would go to her uncle in Norwich with her mother, who was in poor health, they would ride there with her maid and two men at arms who were close to her father. Roger decided to collect his personal effects ready to load in the morning, he also wanted to visit the forge on the way home and see what Jack had to say, he knew he could rely on his knowledge and find out what they would do if Ralf made a move against them. He could also give Jack news of John and see Joan, if she would see him. The next morning Roger went down to the stables to claim his horses, the stable hand was the same as when he left and was pleased to see him.