by John Daines
When John reached his fathers room Matilda told him that the doctor had said it was a malfunction in his heart. Jack could only manage a whisper to greet his son and John could see he was very weak, he looked at the leeches the doctor had recommended and wondered if this was the right treatment. John found Stephen, who was sympathetic, but like most people believed Jack’s fate was in the hand of God.
“I need to speak with you as soon as my father improves, there are many challenges facing us and we need to be prepared.”
At that moment Boorman came to him and said, “Your father is calling for you.”
John went with him and found that the old man was near death. John grasped his hand and Jack opened his eyes, looked directly at John and with a final expulsion of breath life departed from him. John looked down at his father and thought of all that the man had given him, life, tuition and help as he grew, he left the room and walked up to the battlements, a favourite place when he wanted to be alone with his thoughts. Sir Cedric brought Tania and the family home for the funeral and John told him he had decided to put Gavin into Dunston and he would take residence in Wymondham. The Earl was pleased and said he agreed to John’s decision regarding Gavin.
When John had moved into Wymondham and Sir Cedric had moved to London John thought about how he would approach the Barons. He sent a messenger to the Sheriff of Norwich telling him he would visit him and to assemble all the Barons at the Castle. In the message he also asked him to suggest to the Abbot it would be a kind gesture to celebrate High Mass whilst he was there. John wanted Tania to accompany him to which she agreed and the whole family set off with their retainers and two hundred mounted men.
John sent riders ahead who announced what was happening and as the column progressed through the villages crowds came out to see. The streets of Norwich were crowded with onlookers as the information that the new Earl was coming to the City. Arriving at the Castle the Sheriff welcomed them and conducted them to the Great Hall, there he had arranged a chair on a raised platform almost like a throne. John changed his cloak and placed his Earl’s coronet on his head then climbed onto the platform. The Barons and city dignitaries had gathered in front of the platform some had found chairs but most just stood. John walked to the edge of the platform and spoke to them.
“Some of you I know but most of you I do not,” he started. “We are all of the same Shire and have all pledged allegiance to our King. I am now your representative to that King. Sir Cedric has moved to London and will work for us in Parliament and as the King’s advisor, for our part we must live together in harmony and work towards making this a great Shire.”
There was some murmuring from the assembly.
“If you have something to say, say it now,” said John.
A rather overdressed young man stood and said. “We are quite happy looking after our own business, we have no need to be involved with anyone else.”
“It is polite to tell me your name before speaking, young man,” said John.
“William of Holt,” he replied.
“Well, William of Holt, when you are besieged by the French please do not call on us, as we will not know you,” said John.
There was more murmuring and several of the men moved away from Baron Holt and his friends.
“This is all very well,” said a thick set man. “How do you see us benefitting from all this cooperation, I am Hugo of Fakenham.”
“We have the example in the south of the Shire,” replied John. “My Tenants enjoy a standard of living not seen elsewhere, because we work together. I intend to show you how this is achievable. Today I want your allegiance to the King and your Earl, those who freely give it, step forward.”
The Sheriff was the first to move and knelt in front of John, placed his hands between those of the new Earl and swore his allegiance. Gradually more came forward and the Sheriff noted their names. There were some who left and John asked the Sheriff to send their names to him. When the ceremony finished John removed his coronet and he brought Tania and the children into the Hall, they moved about talking to groups. A banquet had been prepared and as they sat down the general mood lightened and there were many laughs at the bawdy jokes that were told. After the festivities the Sheriff told John that the Abbot had arranged a High Mass in the morning. Later in their rooms John asked Tania what she had found out in talking to the people who were there.
“They are ready for a change,” she said. “They think that Cedric was away too much, which I suppose he was, fighting for his King and going on a Crusade. There is a lot of interest in what you said about improving the economy of the Shire.”
The following day they attended the High Mass in the Cathedral and the place was full. Most of the Barons and some families were there. After the Mass several of the Barons returned to the Castle and asked to speak to John. Gathered together in the Great Hall they discussed arrangements to visit Wymondham much to John’s delight as they appeared positive. John spent time with the Sheriff the next day and suggesting ways that the Castle could improve it’s defences and also be a central point for the Shire. After spending a week at the Castle and meeting the City dignitaries and other senior citizens John and his column moved off towards Wymondham. Passing back through the villages John began to realise more fully the responsibility he was undertaking, many Earls and nobility used their position to gain wealth and make the peasants even poorer so they could indulge themselves. He would make every effort not to fall into this trap and he knew Tania would help.
They arrived back in Wymondham and John talked with Gavin at some length, he wanted him to continue the way John had organised it. Gavin pondered on that for a while, but he agreed, there was nothing wrong with what had gone before so why ‘rock the boat’. John was pleased he could leave Dunston in hands he knew were safe. Joan would be a help for her mother who wanted to stay in Dunston. He felt more relaxed now that the future was taking shape, his next challenge would be a journey to Bishops Lynn and talk to the Barons and nobility in the west of the land he had to govern.
Laying beside Tania that night John felt a familiar urge and turned towards her.
“Are you sure you can manage, old man,” she said with a twinkle in her eye.
“I could take on three of you, wench,” he replied as they shed their night shirts and he crushed her in his arms. Snuggled up together afterwards John wondered if there would be more children, he was very happy with the family size at it is. Finally they drifted off to sleep.
The next few days John made sure he got to know all the Wymondham staff, Rowan had always been friendly but now seemed to have a new lease of life and made sure that everything that John wanted was produced in double quick time. John smiled as young Edmond began to follow Rowan about, the Steward did not seem to mind as he answered all Edmonds numerous questions. Harold spent most of his time in the stables or at the practice field, honing his skills with the sword and bow. John coached him when he could but did not let him use his sword although he wondered what would happen when his son eventually had it in his hands. There had been no word from Sir Cedric or the King’s Marshall regarding what was happening in Scotland, John secretly hoped he would not be called upon. He decided to circle south and visit many of the small villages that were in this area which was mostly left to itself. They departed with a large force of men and carts that were laden with cloths and seeds. The earth around the edge of the fens was rich and John calculated that it would produce enough food to feed the Shire if he could persuade the farmers to join with him. Many of the villages were deserted when they arrived, the inhabitants having fled when they heard of this ‘large army’ approaching so John sent out riders to tell the villages who he was and not to be afraid. Gradually the word spread and they were welcomed by the headman of each village and most farmers were eager to accept John’s plan. The cloths and seeds were the ‘icing on the cake’. John’s small army were enjoying the journey too as the pace was easy and they were feeding well. He had to make s
ure they were watched in the villages as there were many pretty girls who were fascinated by the tough looking soldiers.
On of the scouts came back to report to John that a large number of armed men were approaching from the West. John rode out with the scouts to see for himself and sure enough they spotted them camped in a valley.
From the pennants flying they could see there were two Knights from Lincolnshire in the centre, Sir William de Falchionet and Sir Hugh Calderez, John recognised their colours from Tournaments he had been to. Riding back to his own men he called Tristan to him.
“Tristan, go as a Herald, to Sir William and enquire why has he entered my Shire with armed men?”
Tristan called two men to accompany him and rode to the encampment. Sir William himself came out to meet him and gave a reply stating that he was defending his own lands against an invasion by John as his armed excursion to the west of Norwich could only mean that John was after more territory. Tristan said this was not the case they were visiting their own villages to assist them. Sir William laughed and told Tristan to “go back to your blacksmith and tell him not to interfere with Norman Nobles.” Receiving this affront John’s temper rose and he called his men together.
“I want bowmen on the high ground on this side of the valley, keep out of sight until the signal. Mounted men with lance to go in on next signal, the rest will go on foot and clean up. You have all been well trained and many of you have fought with me before. This time we fight for our own homes so keep discipline and show them their mistake for challenging us.”
The men responded with a cheer and captains prepared the men as John had said. John, dressed now in armour and riding Mace, rode out with Tristan and a guard. From the top of a hill he surveyed the enemy, They had assembled in battle order and were approaching the high ground. John could make out Falchionet from his colours and plumes and a little behind him came Calderez. John signalled the bowmen who stood and moved to the top of the rise, John again signalled and the bowmen loosed in one accurate volley. The front ranks of the oncoming men were decimated as the arrows struck home, the others faltered but were pushed on by those behind. Again the bowmen released their deadly rain of death and more of the front line died. Falchionet could be seen urging the men on but the line faltered again. The third volley again struck home and this time the march came to a stop. John signalled for the mounted men and led the charge down to the enemy with Tristan at his side. They rode into the mass of men like a tornado and flattened all before them until they came across the centre of the advancing army. Now it was man against man and deadly hand to hand fighting. John saw that the charge had been slowed so sounded his horn for the foot soldiers to join the melee. He forced Mace towards Falchion, the great horse even more powerful than Hammer. John dropped his spear and drew his sword and then the killing began. The glittering blade dealt death to all within its reach, Falchionet saw him coming and turned to meet him, at that moment his horse went down with a spear sticking out from it’s belly Falchion was quickly on his feet and John pulled up. Two of John’s guard dismounted and seized Falchionet and withdrew as John pushed on through the remainder of the fighting, he could see Calderez and went after him. Most of the men they were against were now running away but Calderez and three other Knights were still fighting. John pushed in to the fight and came face to face with Calderez.
“Yield and stop fighting,” called John.
The Knights around Calderez stopped and threw down their swords but their leader just sat his horse and glared at John.
“I see no reason that I should yield. Fight me in single combat and it will be you who yields.”
They both dismounted and all the rest stood back and watched. John stood ready with his sword and Calderez sprang at him with a flurry of strikes which John parried, John attacked and drove his opponent back to the men who were watching but eased as Calderez stumbled.
“You have lost the battle,” said John. “Get on your horse and be gone from here.”
Calderez sprang at him again and again John parried the blows and returned the attack with his sword now alive in his hands. There was a blur of shining steel and then the air around the pair was sprinkled with red, red blood from the neck of Calderez as John pressed home his advantage and Calderez fell. John pulled off the man’s helm but there was no life in the Knight’s body, his neck was almost severed through. Tristan had caught up with them and John said.
“Round up any prisoners Tristan and we will see if there are worthy ransoms among them.”
The men who had been watching the final fight looked at one another and wondered at the display of swordsmanship they had just witnessed. One of the young Knights remarked.
“It’s true his sword has some magic about it, I have never seen speed like that before.”
There was a general nodding of heads and the vanquished trudged off to where the prisoners were being assembled. John stood, with some of his men quietly waiting, he wiped his blade and returned it to the scabbard.
“There is no magic here, just the result of much practice, “ he said.
The men said nothing and followed him up the hill. There were six junior Knights but non were from rich families, only Falchionet was worth a ransom so John had him swear to not escape and they set off back towards Wymondham. That evening around a camp fire John questioned Falchionet as to why they had attacked them.
“You must have known you were on my land, and if your spies are worth their salt you would have known that we were on a peaceful mission.”
Falchionet gave no answer and kept silent for the rest of their journey home. John despatched a messenger to Falchionet’s home for the ransom giving them forty days to raise it.
Arriving back at Wymondham, Falchionet was imprisoned in the upper room of the tower. He grumbled about the sparseness of the room and John told him he was lucky to be alive to enjoy what he had. John learned that King Edward had left for Scotland with his army and requested that John should join him at Carlisle. Tania wanted him to rest first after the last expedition and the men needed rest too, so John lingered for a few days until his men had regained their strength and he had recruited to fill the gaps made by the men he had lost. Finally he decided to start for Carlisle and on that same day the ransom for Falchionet arrived. John told him he would journey with them to Lincolnshire where he would be released. The small army moved on, the number somewhat reduced as he had left more men to guard his land since the last attack. They had reached the outskirts of Chesterfield when a messenger found them to inform them that the King had died in Carlisle on his way to Scotland. As John made camp another messenger found them with news from Sir Cedric telling him to continue on to Carlisle. When they arrived at the King’s camp John looked for Sir Cedric and found him near the Royal Pavilion.
“Good to see you John,” said Sir Cedric. “I came with his Majesty after all but will now go with him back to London. The Prince of Wales should be here soon and you will take your orders from him. Stay with me at the house when you come to the Capital.”
John said he would. The King’s body was taken south and in due course the Prince of Wales arrived and the army moved on over the boarder. After meeting supporters of the Prince in Scotland and a peace being declared, John approached the Prince and informed him that he was needed urgently in his Shire. The Prince was too busy with appeasing the Scots that he just nodded and John took that as a signal to depart. He was not pleased that the venture had been a waste of time, he wanted to get back to his home as quickly as possible so he moved his men on at a brisk pace.
After resting at home for a while John made plans to visit Peter Kortrijt and Philip de Bleese to make sure his wool trade was progressing well, he would take Harold and Tristan accompanied by just four guards. Tania was not pleased that he should be going away again so soon, Edmond pleaded to be included but John told him he was needed to protect the Castle, which he didn’t believe. They went down to Yarmouth and stayed with Aelfraed until a pass
age was procured to take them to Flanders. It was a cold crossing and winter winds swept the decks keeping them crouched behind the small cabin where John and Harold chatted to the Captain. They reached Dunkirk and found lodgings for a while waiting to make contact with de Bleese. It was a cold wintery evening when Philip arrived to meet them in front of a roaring fire in the Inn where they were staying. After the welcomes and when they were sitting drinking warm spiced wine, Philip brought them up to date on his business. Sadly his father had died two months ago and he was still getting used to the fact he was now in sole charge. He said he was pleased with the arrangements with Peter, Count of Kortrijt, they had arranged between themselves that Philip would take a larger share as the transportation cost less. Overall everyone was happy with the arrangements and they looked forward to a profitable few years. Harold said he would like some fresh air as the heavy wine and the long trip had made him tired. “Take a guard with you,” said John “and a cloak as it is a miserable night.”
The young man agreed and a guard got up to accompany him. They sat discussing the various happenings within the two countries and how it could affect their trade. Suddenly the Inn door burst open, Harold and his guard walked in both with blood on their clothes and hands. John quickly got to his feet and reached for his sword.
“Are you hurt, what happened, where do you feel pain?”
“It’s all right father we are not hurt, Jeffry has a small cut but nothing else. We were set upon by three men who shouted ‘this is revenge’ and then they attacked us.”
“The young master fought very well, sir, and downed one straight away. We fought off the other two and they dragged their companion away,” said the guard.
John looked at Philip, who was standing looking aghast.
“This is the work of the Hausman’s,” said John. “I shall have to visit them and stop this once and for all.” “Do you know what language they were speaking?” asked Philip.
