by John Daines
“Ah my friend” said Hausman stepping forward. “How good to see you again, welcome to our camp, please join us in a mug of ale.”
His men began to move forward with their hands on their weapons.
“Please get down from your horse, we are here peacefully but you are outnumbered and ….” Hausman was interrupted by John. “No you are wrong, it is you who are outnumbered and surrounded.” At a given signal John’s men rose up out of the reeds. Archers with bows drawn and men with spears ready.
“Lay down your weapons, all of you, and then we will discuss what you are doing here,” commanded John. As his men collected their weapons John noticed two men trying to hide themselves in the throng of soldiers. “Bring those two to me, “ John told Stephen.
A tall Flemish man approached John and presenting his sword to him said that he was in charge of the soldiers and in view of the circumstances, he formally surrendered to John, who smiled and thought, ‘you had no alternative’. He said they had been paid by Hausman to accompany him on a private venture and he needed guards to protect the money he was carrying. When the two Englishmen arrived John recognised them as his farmers from the southern tip of his lands, they both had large flocks of sheep.
“What are you doing here with these men?” asked John. The two men looked at each other and did not reply. John faced Hausman.
“Now sir, what are you here for, creeping around the Fens with a foreign armed band and bags full of money? I am sure King Edward will be interested in your answer.”
John thrust his face towards Hausman’s as he said this, and glared at him. John instructed Stephen to take the prisoners back to their ships while he put Hausman and the two Tenants under guard. They were getting very nervous and had been talking to each other, John told the guards to split them up and he would question them one at a time. When Stephen and the prisoners had left John called the guards to bring one of the farmers to him and to cut a switch from one of the trees. John looked hard at his Tenant, a man called Henry Thatcher.
“Why would you get involved with that man?” asked John.
While the guard stood by practicing swipes in the air with the switch. The man stood stubbornly silent. John grabbed him by his shirt and ripped it from his back, he was about to tell the guard to lay it on when the other man cried out.
“We was offered money sir, to sell our sheep to him so that he owned them and could have all the wool.” “Shut up you fool,” said Thatcher.
“It was you who talked me into it,” said the other Tenant. “You said at the meeting we would all be rich.” Thatcher stood defiant.
“Are you going to tell me what is going on or will you feel the strength of my guard’s arm?” warned John.
The guard stepped closer and was raising his arm when Thatcher broke and said that Hausman had bought the sheep, they were to look after them and at shearing the wool would be collected by Hausman’s men and taken to Brugge without Hausman having to pay the market price. John realised that this would seriously diminish his income if Hausman roped many more into his scheme. Thatcher said that Hausman was talking to all the shepherds in the area. John decided to take the three men back to Dunston while he pondered on what he would do. Aelfraed thanked John for his response but as there was no danger to his people immediately, he invited John and his party, including the prisoners, to his village to wait for the men to return from taking the Flemish men back to their ships. The village was very basic and John could see that most were poorly housed. They welcomed the men and the prisoners were secured in the only wooden hut with stout doors. Although poor, the village was clean and generally the people appeared happy. A meal was prepared which they all enjoyed after the excitement of the day. It was late evening when Stephen returned and they set up camp at the edge of the village. Stephen reported they had no trouble persuading the Flemish men to board their ships, in fact they were pleased to do so as they had insisted they were paid before leaving Brugge. The officer who had surrendered his sword had told Stephen the whole story of the subterfuge Hausman had employed to get the men to accompany him. Stephen had returned his sword, as John had suggested, and he soon had all the men on board. John and Aelfraed talked long into the evening and the result was that Aelfraed and his villagers would report to John any movement towards his lands and in return John would purchase reeds from the village and supply arms to Aelfraed’s men, he still felt vulnerable from these Eastern shores but to overcome that he, or Sir Cedric, would have to control the whole Shire.
Riding back to Dunston John and his party detoured to the farms where the two traitors had held Tenancy. He called the farm hands together at each and asked them to put forward a man who they could work for and who would be able to take over the Tenancy. After some deliberation each farm agreed on a man and John said to them both he would confirm their position at the first quarter day when rent was due, if they proved themselves worthy. The day was nearing its close when they reached Dunston, they could see the welcoming lights of the Castle and Stephen blew his horn for the night watch to lower the drawbridge. John was met at the door by Tania who greeted him demurely, whispering in his ear that he would be greeted properly later. The evening meal was full of the talk of what had happened on their trip, John called Boorman and told him to see the prisoners were fed and Hausman was to be imprisoned in the tower. Sleep came to John immediately after their love making and Tania looked at him and smiled. Her man was a strong man but a fair one, and she loved him for it.
John spent the next few days making sure his fighting force were being trained and kept up to scratch, he promoted a selected number to assist Stephen who had taken overall responsibility. The time had come for him to look for at least two more Squires but where from was the question. John decided to visit Sir Cedric and with Tania, Stephen and a small detachment they rode over to Wymondham. On arrival they were greeted warmly and after some refreshment John and the Earl went to his room to discuss what had happened in the Fens.
“My first concern is what to do with Hausman?” started John. “Should he go to London or can it be dealt with here?”
“We can hold a trial here as it concerns our farmers and our security,” said Sir Cedric. “I can preside as Judge, I have the King’s and Parliament’s authority, unless you would prefer to take him to London.”
“No, I believe that it would be in our interests to show our farmers and tenants that we can be deal with situations like this,” said John.
They decided to transport the prisoners to Wymondham the following week with the trial set for two days later.
“As far as your Squires are concerned I have a young man here who you might find suitable. He is the son of a friend of mine and is visiting me at the moment,” said the Earl. “We will see him at our meal tonight and you can talk to him then.”
They talked further on the plans for John’s lands and how he saw the farms co-operating more together so that there was less duplication in their efforts, He also wanted to set up his own contacts with the Flemish merchants. Sir Cedric was interested in how John had enrolled the Fen men to help him. Their talking finished John went to find Tania and the two of them walked the battlements arm in arm. The sun was setting and the surrounding countywide was bathed in it’s golden glow, they could hear the sounds of the kitchens preparing the evening meal, and the stamping of the horses in the stables.
“Do you miss living here?” asked John.
“I am very happy at Dunston and I am enjoying making it our home.”
John bent and kissed her neck and she turned so that their lips met and their hearts were intwined in that golden light.
John was introduced to a young man when they went down to the Hall for their meal. His name was Tristan and he bowed to Tania and John who clasped his arm in a firm grip which the young man returned.
“Sit with me and tell me about yourself,” said John. Tristan had been brought up in Nottinghamshire, his father was a minor Knight and had taught his son mos
t of the skills a knight would need, by the end of the meal John thought him suitable to take on as a Squire but decided to leave the decision to later. It was a convivial evening and they were entertained by a wandering band of minstrels who kept them amused with song and rhymes. Sir Cedric was in good voice but John thought he must be a lonely man now with no wife or daughter in the Castle. He remembered the lady in the London house but could not recall her name and he had never seen her at Wymondham. Eventually the festivities of the evening drew to a close and they all retired to bed. They stayed at Wymondham for a further three days giving John and the Earl time to discuss plans that Sir Cedric had for the future. The journey back to Dunston was uneventful and John had the opportunity to speak more with Tristan, whom he had asked to accompany them, the lad sat a horse easily and had a confident air about him. John’s only concern was how he would get on with Stephen. They were welcomed back to the Castle and Stephen reported on the work he had been doing with the men-at-arms, John was impressed and congratulated him and introduced him to Tristan. Later that evening John talked to Stephen and said he was thinking of asking Tristan to be a Squire, Stephen’s reaction was to say that he liked Tristan and welcomed the plan. John asked Tristan to sit with him and invited him to be one of his Squires to which Tristan readily agreed. He brought the two Squires together and explained that he would expect them to discharge their duties as Squires equally between them and he would leave them to arrange that themselves. The two lads smiled and shook hands and walked off together and suddenly stopped and returned to ask John his plans for the next day.
John laughed. “I think you had better take turns in looking after me, and the other one look after the duties in the Castle. Tomorrow I want Stephen to go to Aelfraed and ask him to come to Dunston and then with us to Wymondham for Hausman’s trial. He can bring companions with him if he likes. So Tristan can accompany me when I have decided on what I am doing.”
John walked up to the room that Tania had turned into a sewing room and found her and Joan busy chatting and laughing.
“Not much work going on here then,” said John. “I am to my bed now as I have a busy day tomorrow.”
Tania smiled and with Joan, walked off to their rooms.
“I will be but ten minutes,” said John and went down to the room he used for a place to be able to think and plan, it was comfortable there and Boorman had placed weaponry around the walls and some drapes, he relaxed in a chair and thought of the coming trial. His head began to nod and he jerked himself awake, he stretched himself and went to their bedroom. Tania was sitting up in the big bed, John thought she never looked more beautiful. He quickly stripped off and climbed into bed, Tania opened her arms and John sank into their warm embrace. They fitted together as though they had come from the same mould and even their movements were in unison. John’s feelings soared to the most dizzy heights and afterwards they lay together inside a cocoon of love.
Stephen returned with Aelfraed who had brought his wife and two large well built sons with him as well as four pack horses loaded with reeds. John greeted them and thanked Aelfraed who said it was a small price for the weapons John had sent. He also told him he now had spies established along the coast and in Yarmouth where he could receive advance knowledge of shipping activity. When his guests had settled in, John and Aelfraed walked the battlements talking of the coming trial and the possibility of other people trying the same scheme as Hausman. Aelfraed said he was nervous at standing before a court but John assured him the case was already proven against Hausman and it was just a formality to prove his guilt. That night the evening meal was a jolly affair as Aelfraed had an unending repertoire of tales from the Fens, most of them not repeatable to children! During the meal an unexpected guest arrived, it was Gavin, with a message from Sir Cedric. Joan was obviously well pleased and made room for him to sit at her side as John broke the seal and unrolled the message, but made no comment as to it’s contents. Later, in the privacy of their room, Tania asked what was in the message.
“It is just information about the trial, there will be two other noblemen present from court, and he sent Gavin because he could not stand his lovesick face around the Castle. The puzzling part is that he wants me to travel in full armour as a show of strength.”
Tania said she would tease Joan tomorrow about Gavin but she was pleased that Joan had an admirer.
Early the next morning Jack arrived at the Castle with the last part of John’s armour, the shield. When John saw it he smiled broadly and thanked his father for it was a shield to be proud of, the design on the front was as they had discussed, a mailed fist holding a broadsword with a background of green. The Castle came to life with everyone preparing for the journey to Wymondham. John went back to his room where Tristan helped him dress for John was wearing his new armour and all the men with him were dressed in chain mail and helmets, it was to be a show of force. Tania and her ladies left first with Stephen and an escort, an hour later the prisoners were brought to the Bailey and secured on their horses. Tristan brought out Hammer and assisted John to mount, he did not find it easy in his armour and hoped he would get used to it. Tristan had John’s lance and helm the latter now proudly displaying green and golden plumes from the crest. They made a fine show as they left the Castle and there were a few villagers at the roadside who cheered them on, not really knowing what it was all about. Riding through Wymondham was a different story, there were crowds lining the streets and everyone was wanting to know what was going on at the Castle. There were all the Lords up from London and now John’s entourage arriving with prisoners, rumours were rife.
John and his retinue rode into the Castle Bailey and were met by Sir Cedric and a group of men, most of whom were richly dressed apart from one man in black and a cleric. The Earl stepped forward and greeted John who dismounted from Hammer, with Tristan’s assistance.
“You make a fine sight, John, no one would think of attacking you.” And Sir Cedric winked at John. “Come in and change then come to the hall and meet our guests.”
Later when John entered the hall he the group of men he had seen on arrival fell silent. Sir Cedric stood next to him. “I would like you all to meet Sir John of Dunston who captured Hausman and uncovered this plot.” The first to greet him was Alfred of Ely who introduced him to two Barons from London. A short plump man, richly dressed, just nodded to him and the man in black stood back and said nothing, but then turned and spoke to the cleric. Sir Cedric moved to the edge of the room and said to John.
“The man who did not speak to you is Philip of Southwark, he has interests in Flanders and I am not sure why he came. The man dressed in black is a Judge from London as I have a vested interest in the proceedings and could influence the outcome. The cleric is Father Boniface who is always with him.”
The Earl suggested they all sat down and they could discuss the coming day’s programme.
The evening meal was more convivial although John could feel the sharp looks that came from Southwark and wondered why, he had never seen the man before so could not understand the ill feeling. When John eventually retired he was glad of the fact that Tania was there to make him forget the day.
John was up and dressed when Tristan came for him to attend Sir Cedric in the hall. The great room had been turned into a courtroom with a raised platform for the Judge and a section for a jury. People from Wymondham were filling up the seats at the sides and John saw Tania and the ladies coming in to sit at the rear of the room. Sir Cedric called him into a side room where he found Aelfraed already seated. Stephen and Aelfraed’s sons were there too looking a little nervous.
It was their first time in a Castle and they looked as though they were on trial not just witnesses. John could see through the half open door that the hall had filled up and the Judge was taking his place.
John was called to state what had happened in the fens, then it was the turn of Stephen. Aelfraed and his sons to corroborate the facts. The two farmers were called one at a time to
give account of what happened and there were discrepancies and differing facts of what happened. They also blamed each other and Hausman for getting them into this mess. When Hausman took the stand he complained that as a foreign subject he could not be tried by an English court. The judge pointed out he had committed a crime on English soil and he would be tried by this court. Philip of Southwark spoke for Hausman saying it must be a huge mistake and John capturing them had frightened them into saying things that were not true. The last part of the drama was when Sir Cedric produced a letter that John had given him, it had been written by the Flemish officer and given to Stephen before he left with his men. The letter explained how they had been employed by Hausman and had not known the true nature of the expedition until John had captured them. The letter also stated that this officer had been approached by other men to carry out similar raids.
The Judge instructed the Jury to go to the side room and consider their verdict and return to their seats when ready. They had only been gone for twenty minutes when they returned.
“Who speaks for you?” asked the Judge and a man stood up and touched his forelock.
“It’s me sir,” he said.
“Have you reached an unanimous decision from what you have heard here today?”asked the Judge.
“We have sir,” answered the man.
“Do you find the prisoner, Hausman, guilty of the charges or not?” said the Judge, looking down at him.
“Guilty, sir!”
There was an outburst of cheering which was quickly suppressed and the Judge then asked for a decision on the two farmers and the verdict was again ‘Guilty’. The Judge proclaimed that he would set the sentence after a break for half an hour. Half an hour later the Judge returned and called for the prisoners to stand before him, he spoke to them.
