by John Daines
As they sat at breakfast an urgent knocking came at the door and a servant announced that Tristan was asking to see John who rose and welcomed him. Tristan recounted his uneventful journey through Flanders and across the Channel. They had passed a naval flotilla heading down the Channel towards the French coast and Lowestoft was full of stories relating to battles against the French. John was concerned that the ships carrying his wool would get through but Tristan said the action was further south. He said to Tristan that he was leaving for Dunston within the hour, Tristan replied that he was ready to go now.
They rode hard and reached the village just as light was failing, John could see the lights from the Smithy as they pushed on to the Castle. Approaching home John could see that the drawbridge was up and the Castle secured for the night. Alban blew his horn and heads appeared on the battlements. John cupped his hands around his mouth and called.
“Open the gate to Sir John Ivanson, your Lord.”
One of the heads disappeared and the drawbridge began to lower, when the gates opened a detachment of men arms appeared led by Gavin. John dismounted and waited for them to reach him.
“Welcome home Sir” said Gavin.
“I am glad to see you guard the place well Gavin.”
John smiled and grasped his arm. They walked back into the Castle and reaching the Bailey they saw the main door open and a figure came rushing through, the next moment Tania was in John’s arms. They walked back inside clinging to each other and reached the main Hall where Jack, Matilda, Joan and Stephen were standing with large smiles on their faces. After the welcomes were over John explained briefly the events that had kept him away from home so long. He learnt from Gavin that Sir Cedric had waited before replying to the demands for ransom. He said that if he knew John at all he would be trying to escape so he had sent word to France that he needed proof of John’s capture. Eventually John went to his room to change his travel stained clothes, Tania followed and stood and watched while he divested himself of his dirty clothes and washed himself, she moved towards him and undid her dress and let her clothes fall to the floor. John held her in his arms and felt the desire he had for her pound through his blood. They moved to the bed where their love for each other was expressed in the passionate movements of their bodies and the cries of ecstasy, after which they lay breathless in each others arms.
“Did you really miss me?”
“I did, every night. I missed you and Harold and… what are we naming our second son?” asked John. “Edmond” said Tania, looking up at him. “It means protector.”
“Good, we will need a good protector. Let’s go and see him.”
They dressed and crept into the next room where the two boys lay sleeping. John felt a swelling of pride rise up through his body and he held on to Tania. They joined the others and he continued telling of his adventures while a meal was brought.
“Tomorrow I shall go to Wymondham to see the Earl,” said John.
“Gavin will accompany me while Stephen and Tristan bring our men at arms up to fighting fit. From what I learnt in Yarmouth we may be needed.”
They all went to their quarters and the Castle was quiet apart from the occasional calls of the Guards.
John made an early start to meet Sir Cedric, he noticed that his Tenants along the route were already in the fields and some of them waved a hand. I must visit them soon myself he thought, to keep morale high.
Arriving at Wymondham John was shown up to the Earl’s chambers who greeted him warmly.
“Welcome home John, it is good to see you fit and well. I expect Gavin explained why I delayed the payment of a ransom, and here you are as I hoped.”
“It was a right decision Sir, as the man is now dead.”
He sat and told the Earl all that had happened on his visit to France. Monsieur Trouville had written to Sir Cedric thanking him for giving him the control of the Chateaux and the way that John had rescued him from Thatcher and his crew. Sir Cedric discussed the recent decisions the King had made regarding the increase in taxes and that he was taking control of the wool industry, which did not sit well with the Earl but he now had a voice as he had been chosen to sit on the new Model Parliament. They discussed how they could raise the money for the increase taxes without causing too much distress to their finances. John said that he now had good connections in Flanders for their wool, but if the King was taking control they would have to be very careful if this was to continue. The Earl also warned John that Scotland was now a hotbed of unrest and there would be fighting there before long. John asked if Gavin would stay at Dunston, now that he was married? Sir Cedric said he had been thinking of that and his decision was that he should come back to Wymondham where he needed him. John thought it would be a wrench for Joan to leave the children but it might be good for her to be away from her mother and father. They finished their discussion and the Earl said to John.
“Be prepared to receive a call from the King to join him in a march against Scotland.”
John rode home with many thoughts on his mind, he now wanted a peaceful life with his wife and sons, but the country always seemed to be in turmoil. Maybe he would not be called to go to Scotland, he had heard it was a barbaric place, worse than Wales, he had enough problems at home with the new taxes and the King’s attempt to control the wool trade. He paused at the edge of the woods and looked at his Castle in the afternoon light. So much had happened over the years since he had met Sir Cedric and had become a Knight with the responsibilities that went with that title. He had a duty to his King but he felt a stronger duty to his family, his land and his Tenants. He urged his horse on and continued towards his home, Gavin and his escort had also fallen silent sensing that their Lord was troubled. Tania was waiting for him in the Bailey and Harold stood looking at his father, John could see he was growing up and he would have to spend more time with him to mould him into an heir to the Castle. The evening meal that night was quieter than usual as Gavin and Joan were leaving the next day and John was still concerned about what he had learnt in Wymondham.
Rising early John felt clearer in his mind on the course he should take. Rousing Stephen and Tristan he told them to assemble all of the Castle troops and then proceed with intensive training after he had inspected them. There were at least three hundred armed men in the Castle, with the family and servants this grew to a further fifty, all supported by the income from the land and the wool. When required John could call in extra men from his fiefdom and field an army of at least one thousand men, all these needed training and if they were to be effective they needed weapons and armour. John called Roderick to meet him in his room. “How did the shearing go, were we up on last year?”
“Yes, Sir, very much so and the quality was improved, our Flemish buyers were impressed and we have new enquiries from Flanders,” answered Roderick.
“Well done there will be extra money for the best Tenants and an increase for yourself. I think the time is right to employ someone to take charge of our finances, I believe Sir Cedric has a spare abacus,” said John thoughtfully.
“I know of a man Sir, he is the son of our biggest farmer and he has been at the learned school in Cambridge,” said Roderick.
“Send him to me and we will discuss this again.”
With that parting shot John went hunting for Tania, he found her in the kitchens talking to the cook with a young girl holding Edmond’s hand. Harold saw John and immediately walked to him, John put his arm round his shoulders and Harold lent into him and John felt his heart swell.
“I am going to the fens and I shall be away overnight,” said John.
Tania pouted and twinkled her eyes at him saying.
“I shall have to have a stable lad come to me then.”
John slapped her rear end and laughing went of to prepare for his journey with Harold walking beside him.
John, Stephen and their guard arrived at Aelfraed’s village just as the sun was setting. They were greeted warmly and were soon seated in fron
t of a roaring fire in Aelfraed’s cottage supping from large pots of ale.
John was brought up to date with what was happening in the Fens and also a report from Aelfraed’s men in Yarmouth and Lowestoft. The main topic was the state of the wool trade now that the King was interfering, Aelfraed suggested it might be a good idea for John to visit Flanders and set up his own contacts. John agreed and asked if Aelfraed would be willing to allow the wool to travel through his fens to the coast. If there was a suitable agreement he said he would protect the shipments until they were on board.
Arriving home John called Tristan and Stephen to him and explained to them what he was intending and he wanted their support, they both agreed they would follow him whatever he decided.
A young man arrived at the Castle and Roderick introduced him as Edgar of Loddon, son of one of the largest free farmers that owed loyalty to John. He told John he had finished his studies at Cambridge and would like to work for him as a bookkeeper and secretary. John welcomed him into the Castle family and Boorman accompanied him to his room. As Boorman left John could see age beginning to tell on the man but he still valued his service. Stephen reported that the men at arms were now well drilled and he had increased the number of patrols through the fiefdom, they would have plenty of warning if unwanted strangers came into their area. John realised it was time to go to Flanders and put in place the next part of his plan. Stephen would accompany him and two other men, he said his goodbyes to Tania and the boys, Harold wanted to go with him and John had to reason with him to stay and guard his mother, they then departed for Yarmouth. They spent the night with Aelfraed and in the morning Aelfraed took them down to a small quay outside Yarmouth where a sailing barge was moored. The Captain was a jolly man named Robin Fisher and he welcomed them aboard. There was a small cabin where they were to take cover if the weather turned inclement. They set sail and the Captain said he was making for a secret cove on the Flanders shore, when they arrived they were to meet their contact in a tavern. On entering the establishment they were greeted like long lost friends by Peter the Count of Kortrijt. When introductions were over John and Peter got down to business, Peter was the agent for several cloth makers who wanted to buy John’s wool direct at obviously advantageous prices, he had large buildings near this village to store the wool and it would become the distribution point. John thought there could be a reciprocal trade in cloth eventually, both men mentally rubbed their hands.
“The biggest problem will be the French ships if they know what we are doing so secrecy is important,” said John. “The fact is that we are going against the King.”
“That gives the venture the spice I like,” answered Peter.
John thought to himself that he was taking the most risk. They spent the night at one of Peter’s chateaux not far from the coast and after a very good meal they fell into bed. The next morning John said that they would journey to Nieuwpoort to find berths for their passage home as the Barge had returned after dropping them off. Peter gave them a note for a friend of his who would be able to help Arriving in Nieuwpoort they made for the house of Peter’s friend who went with them to the docks and spoke to a ship’s Captain. He said he had room on his ship and he would be leaving within the hour. They thanked Peter’s friend and went on board. The ship took them back into Yarmouth and they had to walk back to where they had left their horses with one of Aelfraed’s men on guard. John remarked that his feet were sore and he hadn’t walked so much since he had left France. Spending that night with Aelfraed they finalised their plans for shipping the wool to Flanders.
It was a fine morning as they set off for home, John was pleased that everything had gone well and then thought perhaps it had gone too well, was trouble coming! He was deep in thought as they neared a small wood when suddenly an arrow thudded into the ground in front of him. He kicked his horse into a run and made for the trees. More arrows were coming at them and one struck one of their guards. As they reached the wood John stopped and quickly dismounted.
“Quickly, get into some cover,” he said as he caught the guard who was about to fall from his horse.
John lowered him to the ground as he could hear movement of men through the trees. Stephen and the remaining guard stood in front of John but the man was dead with the arrow in his heart. John stood and drew his sword, the three of them faced the outlaws as they came out of the trees.
“I am Sir John Ivanson, and this is my land,” shouted John. “Yield now or face death.”
The leader of the outlaws stopped and laughed. “Perhaps he has a purse as big as his mouth lads,” he said. As the rest came together John counted eight men but not all had swords and only two held bows. John stepped up to the leader and said.
“I have work for men who want it and cold steel for those who rob.”
The man laughed again and lunged at John who side stepped and thrust his sword straight through the man’s chest. It was though time stood still, everyone froze as John withdrew his sword and looked at the remaining outlaws.
“Who is next?”
One of the bowmen lifted his bow and was immediately felled by a dagger thrown by Stephen. The remainder turned and fled back into the trees.
“Good throw, Stephen,” said John. “We must clean out these woods and send word we will not tolerate outlaws here.”
They hoisted the dead guard onto his horse and set off for Dunston. With the higher taxes and pressure being put on land owners, John could see more of this type of incident appearing. He was fortunate that his fief yielded good profit so he must use it to protect all his tenants and friends. Arriving home Tristan informed John that several groups of men had been seen making their way to the coast, possibly to escape the call to arms from the King. John met the two young Knights together with Roderick and worked out a plan to take a reasonable sized force around the farms and see that the farmers and shepherds realised the dangers and were prepared. That evening John sat in the hall in front of a blazing fire and looked at the growing family, Jack was now slowing down and relied more on the lad who had been taken on in the Smithy, Matilda still helped Tania and was a good companion. Harold and Edmond were growing fast and Tania had employed two girls from the Village to help her. The two young Knights would need rooms of their own at sometime, but where? With the moat surrounding the Castle the only way to expand was up, he would have to talk to the builder and see what could be done.
Coming in from a morning ride John found he had visitors, Sir Cedric was sitting in the Hall with Tania and the children. The Earl suggested that they talk in John’s chamber and when they were seated he said.
“I am here to tell you that I have to raise a force to assist the King in his ventures in Scotland and this is to include you and as many men as you have.”
John sat in thought for a moment and then replied to his friend and mentor.
“I will not lie to you and I will tell you I am not in agreement with this Scottish venture. I know we must protect our boarders but I think there is more to this than we know.”
“You are right,” said Sir Cedric. “The King wants to subdue the Scots once and for all They have come too far south and his intention is to vanquish them and drive them back behind the border. To do this he will need a good sized army.”
John sat and deliberated and decided to tell the Earl of his plans to export to Flanders himself, and to do this he would need all his men to protect the farms and the shipments. Sir Cedric smiled and said.
“If you support him now you will find that the taxes will be ended and you will have control over your own wool trade without going behind our backs.”
John said he would give his answer in a few days. After Sir Cedric had gone back to Wymondham John thought hard about the implications of taking his men to Scotland. He would loose some to death and some to desertion and he could not afford to have that happen. However if what Sir Cedric had said about the taxes and wool trade were true then he must support the King. A compromise would be to take
a smaller force using the excuse of lambing and the increase of outlaws. With these thoughts in mind he went to find Tania and talk to her. His two sons were growing fast and the years were slipping by and any time away meant time lost with his family but as Tania pointed out supporting the King would be better than going against him. John sent a messenger to the Earl asking when would he depart for the North and saying his force would join him.
II
The departure day came and John and Tristan with five hundred men set off for Wymondham to meet Sir Cedric and his contingent. The combined force with baggage train and support staff numbered close to one thousand five hundred men. They joined the Kings army and marched towards the Scottish boarders, chasing the remnants of the last Scottish invasion back to their homeland. They were approaching Berwick on Tweed when the scouts reported they had seen a number of armed men in the woods on the South side of the River Tweed. The Scots were going to try to delay them reaching the bridge into the town. John rode up to Sir Cedric.
“I’ll take my men and circle behind them.”
The Earl agreed and as the main army moved on to the town, John’s force set off to the right of the wood. They circled behind where they thought the Scots would be and started to move into the trees. It was not long before they were spotted and a blood curdling yell warned the rest that they were being attacked from the rear. John’s bowmen quickly took a stand and loosed arrow after arrow into the yelling horde, Tristan blew his horn and John led the charge of horsemen into the melee. The bowmen drew their swords and followed them, John drove his new destrier forward and the horse barged his way into the fighting men, stamping and biting while John laid about him with his sword. A huge brute of a man came at them screaming and shouting, Mace, his new horse, responded to John’s knee pressure and side-stepped, the man was swinging an axe and as he missed, John took off his head. The fighting was ferocious and the wood seemed full of yelling Scots, then John caught sight of Sir Cedric’s foot soldiers coming in from the other side, suddenly the yelling subsided and men could be seen trying to make their escape back to the town, with their bits of cloth skirts flying in the wind. There is always an eerie silence when a battle finishes and the dead are counted, those near death are helped along their way and wounded put on carts. John had lost eleven of his men, six dead and five who would not fight again. He met the Earl who was also dismounted and talking to the wounded.
