King Henry's Champion

by Griff Hosker

  “But you need not fear, my young knights. We have Sir Alfraed and Sir Edward. They bested the Count of Stuttgart and his conroi.” He smiled. “The presence of the Count has drawn conroi from Normandy, Anjou, Blois and the Empire.”

  The Earl seemed to think that was a good thing. I was not certain. The Count of Stuttgart had not played by the rules of the contest. I worried that others might take the same approach. Men were hurt, killed even, in these events. It was not supposed to happen but even blunted swords were as heavy as an iron bar and could break limbs. The Earl stayed up late carousing and I had no chance to speak with him. The next morning I rose early, along with Sir Edward and we took our squires to explain what they had to do.

  “There will be a table with our weapons upon it. It is in an area called a refuge. Only our team may enter the refuge but you may not leave it during the mêlée. If a fallen knight refuses to yield we can drag him to the refuge where you the squires will guard him. If our lances break then we will return to you. Your task is to hand us a fresh one as quickly as you can. Speed is of the essence. Make sure it is a true lance with no defect. If we lose a sword then have another one to hand. Others may use axes but Sir Edward and I prefer the sword.”

  William asked innocently, “And what happens if Star is injured? Or if you fall?”

  “Then I fight on foot.”

  John and Leofric understood the implications of that. “But, my lord, there may be many knights on horses. You could be trampled to death.”

  “That is a risk. I shall have to keep my seat eh?”

  That was the moment they realised this was a game but a serious one. This was not the sparring they had done in outer bailey with wooden swords. This was almost war but for the entertainment of an audience. It was like the games they had in ancient Rome. The difference was that there they fought to the death. We fought until injured. We took Star from his stall and walked him around the courtyard. He was moving well.

  “He must look his best. I want him groomed twice a day. He has to look good. Not only the King will be watching this but every noble in London and most of the people.”

  “Aye, my lord.”

  I saw the Earl striding over to speak with me. He smiled when he saw William. “Your son is growing. He is up to my shoulder already.”

  “And the Scots are learning to fear him too.”

  “So you have been blooded eh?”

  “Yes, my lord.”

  “He defended William of Warkworth. It proved in vain but the Baron spoke well of both my son and Leofric.”

  He nodded, “And now I must speak with your father eh? So be about your duties.”

  The three of them returned to the grooming of Star. The Earl put his arm around my shoulder. “Now what was on your mind last night my friend?”

  “Last night, my lord?”

  “Aye I could tell you wished to speak with me. You had that look; a hen sitting on nettles. What is it this time? The brothers Blois causing you to lose sleep?”

  “Surprisingly no but I still do not trust them.”

  I then explained what I had learned from Gospatric, the Bishop of Durham and the Archbishop of York. Finally I recounted the tale of the hawk nosed knight and the bandits. I took out two of the coins we had taken from the dead men.

  “This does not prove anything, Alfraed.”

  “No, but the rebels in the north are being aided by someone. They are getting no taxes from their own lands and yet they are able to hire more warriors.”

  The Earl rolled the coins between his fingers, “The Pope eh? It makes sense. He is a supporter of Fat Louis. And it is clever to make this Cumin clerk to the Bishop. My father can do nothing about such matters and the Palatinate is the key to the north. You have done well.” He smiled, “Perhaps they thought to stop you in the tourney.”

  “I doubt that, my lord. You would have replaced me with our household knights. I think they saw it as a chance to kill me for they knew the route I would take.” We began to head back to the main hall. “The Archbishop suggested we use a code to communicate that which is important.”

  “I like not such devices but you may be right.” He shook his head, “And of course there are two teams who will take a special interest in you, my friend. There is a team from Blois and one from Germany. The cousin of the Count of Stuttgart, Lothar of Passau leads the Imperial team. He does not like you, apparently.”

  “But I have never met him!”

  “You defeated his cousin and family honour needs to be restored.”

  I sighed. It would be a blood feud. “Who are the other teams?”

  “William, Count of Ponthieu leads a team from Normandy.”

  “Well that is something. For a moment I had a vision of the other three teams joining together against us.”

  The next day we began to practise. Edward, the Earl and myself had fought together before. Sir Geoffrey, Sir Phillip and Sir Gervaise had never fought in the same conroi. We spent a morning moving our horses together. Sir Edward and I explained how a tourney was different to a battle.

  “In a battle you know who fights alongside you and who is against you. Here an ally can be an enemy. You need eyes in the back of your head.”

  As we gave them more information their cockiness evaporated. We also gave them tips on using a lance. “You need to unhorse your opponent. In a battle you try to kill them. Charge from the side and hit their shield. They are quite likely to fall from their horse. It they fall then they may well yield if you are quick enough. So make sure you do not present your side to your enemy. It is where a good war horse is worth his weight in gold. Use your knees to guide him as much as possible.” We spent a long time giving them tips.

  Two days before the festival the King arrived at the tower with the Count of Anjou, his wife and Henry, his grandson. A feast was to be laid on at the Tower for the team from Normandy and the English team, our team. I could only take one squire. I had to be fair. Leofric was the senior squire and I took him. William took the blow well. He nodded and congratulated Leofric.

  “I do not mind staying here with William, my lord.”

  “I know you do not mind but there are rules about this sort of thing. William is the most junior of my squires. He understands.”

  “Yes Leofric. I shall stay here and beat John at chess again.”

  John groaned, “You always beat me!”

  I laughed, “Then learn to improve!”

  I made sure I wore my finest clothes from the east. I was grateful to Alice for she had packed them well. Leofric, too, wore his finest clothes. I had Leofric wash, cut and then oil my hair and beard. He was not as good as my servant but he was still in the castle at Stockton. The Earl left his hall with Sir Edward and myself. “I will speak to my father, Alfraed and get you an audience before the tourney. I know he will be concerned.”

  We arrived before the Norman knights. The King greeted me as warmly as he did his son. “Sir Roger of Salisbury has told me of your valiant efforts against Gospatric and the rebels. You continue to justify my choice of you as my northern champion.”

  The Empress smiled, “Sir Alfraed has the ability to succeed where others fail. There is a real power in him.”

  Her husband now, at least looked like a man but he still pouted too much for my liking. One change was that he now seemed to accept me. He smiled and seemed genuinely interested in my wars to the north. That showed that he was maturing. “You have done well Cleveland. I should be interested in your opinion on my latest mail. I had it made in Toledo. It cost a fortune I can tell you.”

  “I would love to, my lord.”

  “Then come tomorrow at noon. I go hunting in the morning.” He smiled, “You can see my new son, Henry!”

  “It would be good to see the child which will grow up to be my king.”

  I saw King Henry nodding his approval. I had said the right thing. It was not done for flattery. I would make sure that young Henry had all the help and support which I could give him. />
  We met some of the other teams. I did not know the Count of Ponthieu. I did not care for him. He was both standoffish and arrogant. He looked at our team as though he had something unpleasant in his nostrils.

  The meal was filled with all the dishes the King loved. There were more lampreys than I had ever seen before. The King could never get enough of them. I was not enamoured of them; I found the taste too strong. I picked at my food. During the meal I forced myself not to look at the Empress. I talked to the Earl and to Edward about the tourney coming up. Had I looked over to her I fear my face would have shown my feelings. I had told my son he needed discipline; perhaps I should have given the advice to myself.

  The King stood when the sweetmeats had been devoured, “Welcome to the knights who will all contest for the prize of becoming my champion. I know that one of the teams in this hall will achieve that honour. The prize is a rich one. There will be a chest of gold for the winning team and the knight I deem to be the best will be given a golden laurel!”

  Everyone cheered. These were valuable prizes. In addition it was possible, if you had a knight yield to you, to win his horse, his armour and his weapons. They could be ransomed back to the defeated knight. This was an opportunity to become rich. Edward would seize the opportunity with both hands! He now had a growing family to support.

  The Empress retired early. We rose to bid her goodnight and I saw her smile was aimed at me when she left the room. I could not wait to leave and, luckily, the Earl was so intoxicated that Edward and I were forced to help him back to his hall. His condition meant that we did not practise the next morning and I cooled my heels while I waited to visit with Geoffrey of Anjou. I left as early as I could for the meeting. I was told, at the Tower, that the King and the Count had not yet returned from their hunting at Hampstead. I was about to return to the inner bailey to wait when the Steward said, “The Countess has said you should be brought to the Count’s quarters.”

  I was led up the stairs to the rooms the Count of Anjou had been given. The room was filled with his servants and the Empress’ ladies. I recognised Judith and Margaret but not the others. What I did see however were the three Swabian knights. I braced myself for the bear like hugs I knew were coming my way. “Here he is, Alfraed the man the Scots fear the most. Good to see you, my friend!” I was bodily picked up.

  “And you too, Rolf. Where is the Empress?”

  He shook his head, “Like all women she prepares a face to meet her guests.”

  Margaret came over and curtsied, “Would the Earl like to see the young Count, Henry?”

  No words were necessary for Margaret had been complicit in my most dangerous of liaisons. “Of course. I have been waiting since spring for a sight of the young heir.”

  He was sleeping. I found myself wondering if he looked like William at all. Then I remembered that all babies looked the same. Margaret waited for me to say something, “He is beautiful.”

  She nodded, “Rolf and the Swabians are not fathers. They called him a roll of pink fat. You are a father and you know better.” Perhaps it was my imagination but I thought she emphasised the word ‘father’.

  There was a whiff of perfume behind me which told me that the Empress had arrived.” Earl Cleveland, tell me what you think of the future King of England.”

  “I think he looks fine and healthy. I would be honoured if you allowed me to help to train him as a knight when he is older.”

  She clapped her hands together with delight, “I think an English knight in addition to my fine Swabians would make him a perfect knight.”

  “Then I look forward to watching him grow up. Will you reside in Anjou?”

  “We will do so until such time as my husband deems it right for us to move. He loves his County.”

  Rolf said quietly, “But he loves hunting in England too.”

  Then I heard a commotion as Count Geoffrey entered, “Ah, Earl Cleveland, you have come. I am pleased. I slew three wild boars this morning. You have fine hunting in England.”

  Rolf gave me a look which said, ‘I told you so’.

  “We do, my lord, and where is this fine armour you told me about?”

  “Come to my chamber and I will show you.”

  He took me alone to the room which contained his armour. It was indeed well made. “There Cleveland, what do you think?”

  I went to examine the links. They were all smooth. None had the toughness of cheaply made mail but more than that they looked to be made of steel. “This mail looks to be as strong as my sword.”

  “It is! I knew you would appreciate it. I am sorry that we got off to such a bad start when we drove Puset and Coucy back to Fat Louis. It was only later I realised that you were largely responsible for our success. I think I have much to learn from you.” He leaned towards me, “I confess I have made large wager on your success with the Count of Aachen.”

  “He is here?”

  “He is supporting the Count of Stuttgart’s cousin. When I win I will have a fortune from that arrogant German.”

  “There is no guarantee that I will win, my lord.”

  He put his arm in the middle of my back and led me from the room, “Nonsense. Even the King says you are the finest knight in England and you have beaten the best of the Empire already. The gold is as good as mine already.”

  I felt my heart sink to my boots. If I did not win then the Count would become my enemy once more. My life grew more complicated moment by moment.

  It was when I was leaving that I was taken to one side by Sir Roger, “The King would speak with you.”

  The Tower was a large building with many nooks and crannies. The King and his son were in a small room on the south eastern side of the keep. “My son has given me your disturbing news. I knew of the Pope’s meddling. The man hates me. Gospatric was another thorn of which I was aware but De Brus came as a surprise. Are you sure?”

  “As you know, my liege, I have had problems with the de Brus family before but I have fought alongside the Baron of Hartness and he was a de Brus. It is a large clan and therein lies the danger. Some may be loyal to you but there are others who are treacherous.”

  “Then it is even more important that you are vigilant. Now that Rufus is Bishop we may have more order in the Palatinate.”

  “It is strong lords of the manor that we need, your majesty.”

  “It is poor land up there. It is fit for oats, rye and barley. It is only young landless knights who wish to go and they, perforce, are poor.” He put his hand on my shoulder. “I will come to the border but if Louis is behind this unrest then I must return to Normandy and make sure that my border there is secure and use my own pressure on the French.”

  I was dismissed. The Earl stayed with the King and I went back to my quarters as unhappy as I had entered. The King was vacillating. King Louis might be behind the unrest but the danger was in the borderlands and not France. The sooner I returned home the better.

  Chapter 9

  My men were in high spirits as we prepared for the tourney. They had nothing to do but watch. It was my squires who had to work. Wulfric and the rest of my men would watch from the stands. They could buy the ale which was on sale and the food hawked by the vendors. For them this was as close to pleasure as life became. We were with the King and my life would not be in danger- save from those in the mêlée. They came to our refuge and cheerfully advised my squires. My horse, Star, was groomed such as he had never experienced before. They also wagered huge sums on my success. I did not like that. I was not as confident in my ability as they were.

  There was high excitement on the day of the tourney. We had tents set up for us to change and my squires, and the other knights’ squires were in the refuge arranging the equipment we might need. We wore our own livery. That was a double edged sword for I knew I had enemies out there. They would know who I was. My blue surcoat with the yellow stars and red wolf were well known. The men from Blois did not like me and most of those in the team led by Lothar of Passau
dearly wanted me dead. I knew that the Earl and Sir Edward were competent but I did not like the idea of three unblooded knights being the ones to protect me.

  We gathered at our refuge. The four refuges were like the points of the compass. We had the Normans to our left and the men of Blois to our right. We faced the Empire. The Earl addressed us, “We fight as a team. I would prefer the men of the Empire to be weakened before we defeat them.” I smiled at his confidence. “Therefore we will attack the men of Blois. As we can charge them from their left we should make quick victories. When they are vanquished then we will take on the men of the Empire.”

  Sir Gervaise asked, “What if the men from Normandy win?”

  “They will not but if they do then we will take them on. I hope you are right, Sir Gervaise, for I have jousted against these Normans before and always won. The men of the Empire are an unknown quantity. Only the Earl of Cleveland and Edward has fought them.”

  Sir Edward warned, “And they do not always play by the rules.”

  A fanfare announced the start of the tourney. The King and his wife had arrived. We mounted and rode to form up before the stand. I saw that the Empress was to the King’s right while Queen Adeliza was to his left. The King stood and raised his hands for silence. “The celebration this day is for the birth of a grandson who will one day rule this land. Henry!” There was a huge cheer from the populace of London who had gathered for this opportunity to see a joust of epic proportions. He held the crown, the golden laurel: the prize. “To the best knight this day goes this golden crown.” He turned to his wife, “My dear would you give your favour to your chosen team.”

  The Queen came from Brabant and I wondered if she would favour the Empire. I should have known better for, with the briefest of glances at her husband she gave it to the Count of Ponthieu. The King was ensuring the loyalty of his Norman barons. There was a muted cheer from the patriotic London crowd. As the Queen sat down Matilda stood, “And I will give my favour to the knights who are sworn to me, the Knights of the Empress.” She leaned forward and placed her favour on my lance. This time there was a huge cheer. The crowd wanted English knights to win.