King Henry's Champion

by Griff Hosker

  We bowed and the King recovered his composure, “Welcome to my castle. I hope your father is well.”

  The Earl stood, “He is your majesty. He apologises for the lack of warning but events recently in Berwick…”

  He got no further. “Come we will discuss this inside where we can be comfortable and away from prying ears.” As we went up the steps two guards put their spears across the door to stop myself and Geoffrey of Mandeville from following. I heard the rasp of swords as our men drew their weapons. They were not afraid.

  Robert of Gloucester said, “Perhaps I should go back with my earls, your majesty? We came here for a peaceful meeting but if there is to be discourtesy…”

  King David waved an irritable hand and we were admitted. I turned and nodded to Wulfric. He would keep my men in order and his ears open.

  We sat at a table. The King was flanked by four advisers. One was the taciturn Earl of Strathclyde. We three sat opposite. The King began the meeting badly by pointing an accusing finger at me and shouting, “I know not how you have the effrontery to bring this killer here into a meeting to discuss peace! He is a war monger and a border raider!”

  Despite the insults I kept a neutral expression on my face as did Sir Geoffrey. My father had always said to keep calm when others were losing their tempers. In the diplomatic battle King David had just lost ground. The Earl of Gloucester spoke reasonably and quietly, “The Earl of Cleveland is here because he was at Berwick when the unwarranted attack on Norham castle took place. He is here to give testimony to you so that you may punish those who transgressed.”

  Already the King was half defeated for he allowed the Earl to use the word punish. He was telling a King what to do. “I had nothing to do with that attack.” He was too hasty with his excuses.

  “And yet you allowed Gospatric and his rebels to use Berwick Castle as their rallying point. There were Scottish nobles and men who attacked Norham.”

  The Earl of Strathclyde shouted, “Your majesty, this is too much! Norham is on the Tweed and that is Scotland!”

  “The Tweed is the border and Norham is most definitely in England.”

  There was a huge contrast between the way the Earl spoke and the way the Scots ranted. I saw now why he had wanted me. I was there to goad and anger the Scots by my very presence. They would not argue calmly so long as I sat there. I had been taught logic by Greeks and I knew that the Earl was also adept at mounting arguments.

  “This is easy enough to settle your majesty. I believe you, you knew nothing about the attack. It did not have your support.”

  “Thank you.”

  “In which case, you will hand over those responsible for the attack.” The Earl glanced in my direction, “Gospatric,” he paused, “Buchan, De Brus and Comyn are the names the Earl here has provided.”

  There was uproar from the Scottish lords. In contrast we sat quietly. Eventually the King restored order. “Gospatric is an English earl but the others are Scottish lords! We cannot hand them over.”

  “They have lands in England and Gospatric, your Earl of Lothian, told the Earl of Cleveland that those three were involved in the rebellion.”

  The King glared at me, hatred in his eyes, “The Earl of Cleveland is no friend of Scotland.”

  I spoke for the first time, “What you say is true but it does not change what I was told by Gospatric, Earl of Lothian, Earl of Northumberland and treacherous traitor.”

  The Earl of Strathclyde snorted, “And we only have your word for that.”

  The room went quiet and I leaned forward, “I am never foresworn. I say it is true. Are you going to gainsay me? Apologise.” He glared at me but I saw doubt in his eyes. “Otherwise we shall have a trial by combat as is my right and God will decide which of us is foresworn.”

  I was not certain if King David wanted him to challenge me. I just stared into the Earl’s eyes. I was not afraid of him. He had fine armour and fine weapons but I knew that I had the fastest hands any knight had ever had and, more importantly, I knew that I was a killer.

  He leaned back, “And if you say that Gospatric spoke those words then I will have to believe you.” He suddenly saw a way to regain some dignity. “In which case Gospatric lies. He is an Englishman and it comes easier to them.”

  “He normally does but in this case I think he spoke the truth but that is just my opinion. We are agreed on one thing Earl, Gospatric is a foresworn renegade and no one would choose to either fight with him or for him.” I smiled as I said it. The Earl of Strathclyde nodded.

  King David looked defeated. “We cannot hand over those men and I know not where Gospatric is. He may have left the country.”

  The Earl of Gloucester said, “He may well have hidden himself but we need recompense for the damage our people suffered. The attack emanated from your castle of Berwick which makes the Earl of Berwick responsible.”

  It was at that moment that I knew we had won. The King’s shoulders slumped. “The Earl of Berwick died in the attack.” The King’s son, Robert, said not a word but continued to look at the King.

  “What recompense will be fair?” The King’s words sounded defeat for the Scots. They had lost the battle of Berwick and now they had lost the verbal battle of Edinburgh.

  “One hundred head of cattle.” The King nodded. “And your promise that there will be no further attacks across the border.”

  “But I cannot guarantee that! What if the rebels decide to attack? Am I to blame?”

  “They are on your land. If you wish the Earl of Cleveland to enter your land and hunt them down for you I am sure he will oblige. He is a good hunter and as tenacious as a terrier.”

  The thought of allowing me free rein worked, “That will not be necessary. You have my word.”

  “Then it is agreed. If you have the document prepared we will sign it and then we shall leave.”

  “I will send it to your ship on the morrow.”

  “Excellent.”

  It was a petty act on behalf of the King to deny us hospitality but we did not mind. He should have offered us food and lodgings but he had not. I did not mind. I would rather sleep peacefully on the ship where there would be no risk of a knife in the night. The Archbishop’s words still rang in my ears.

  We rode back in silence for we were escorted by King David’s guards. We stood on the ship and watched the guards take the horses away. Geoffrey of Mandeville said, “I do not like this, my lord. They agreed too easily.”

  “I agree, my lord. The treaty only suits us not them.” Wulfric coughed. It was a sure sign that he had some news. “Yes, Wulfric, you have some news which might help the Earl and I understand the Scots’ position?”

  “Aye, my lord. When we were waiting Erre and I were talking with one of their men at arms. Sir Edward and I served with him when we were young warriors.”

  “Go on.”

  “It seems that the son of King Alexander is still at large. Máel Coluim mac Alaxadair, I think that was his name, is in Argyll and he has support. From what Harald said the King of Moray, Óengus, supported Máel Coluim. The men of Moray were defeated last year and Moray became part of Scotland. But now another army has been raised and they are along the Clyde causing trouble.”

  The Earl nodded, “Well done Wulfric you serve your lord and King well.” He handed him a coin.

  “Thank you my lord.”

  “Leave us.” The deck was cleared so that we could be alone. “That explains much. I wondered why the Earl of Strathclyde was present. His lands are far to the west. He was obviously here enlisting the support of King David.”

  Geoffrey had been quiet but he was a thinker. “That was why they feared you, Alfraed, in the borderlands. Edinburgh is not far north of Berwick. Had you pursued the rebels you might have reached the gates of the King’s stronghold. He could not risk his castle. He holds on to power by a thread. He has expanded north and west. Most of his warriors are there. When this King Óengus was killed it must have encouraged King David to allow th
e rebels and the men of Lothian to try to take Norham.”

  “Then the border should be safe.” The Earl turned to me. “I know I ask much but before the winter snows arrive I would have you make your presence felt on the border. It matters not where. It could be in the west close to Carlisle or along the Tweed. If they think you are a threat they will behave themselves.”

  “Aye, my lord.” I did not relish the prospect of a month riding the border but I was the guardian of the north. “Then I will ride up the Tees valley and head for Carlisle. It is a closer border and if Máel Coluim mac Alaxadair is along the Clyde then I will be closer to him. It will make my threat more credible.”

  “As you wish but whatever you do stay on our side of the border. I want no provocation. His lords are not happy; it will not take much to provoke them.”

  “Perhaps they will rise in rebellion, my lord. That would end the threat.”

  “True Geoffrey but you know the old saying, ‘better the enemy you know’. We have the measure of King David but Máel Coluim mac Alaxadair? I am not certain. I know him not.”

  The document did not arrive until noon. This time it was two priests escorted by knights of the King’s household who came. They had two copies. The leader of the priests had a head like a skull but he smiled all the time. It was alarming. We descended and entered the hall which the lord of Leith used. The priests placed the two parchments on the table. The smiling priest said, “King David thought it advisable to have two copies made so that he could retain one. If you would read them and then sign them both, my lord, we can return one to the King. The cattle are being gathered and will be in Norham by the end of the month.”

  His face impassive the Earl said, “Very well. “ He read it and nodded. Taking the quill he signed them both. The second priest melted some wax next to the Earl’s name and the Earl used his seal.

  Smiling still, the skull like priest handed the parchment to the Earl and made the sign of the cross. “Go with God.”

  As we headed along the Forth I looked back towards Edinburgh. Perhaps it was my imagination but I thought I saw two knights with white surcoats riding towards Leith. Wulfric was next to me. I turned to him, “Wulfric, can you see the crusaders leaving the castle?”

  I turned back and could no longer see them.

  “No my lord, but it is strange that you say that for I was certain that, yesterday, when we reached the castle I saw a white surcoat disappear into the keep. Until you spoke I thought I was dreaming it.”

  “It seems my enemy stalks me still.”

  The Earl of Gloucester joined us, “You have left something behind, Alfraed?”

  “An enemy perhaps.”

  He laughed, “The whole of Scotland hates you Alfraed. You have to be more specific.”

  I told him of the red griffin on the white surcoat. His face became serious and he nodded, “I remember you spoke of him before. And he was there?”

  “We are not certain but we think so.”

  “I will try to discover his identity for you.” We both stared at the receding coastline for a while and then he said, “Will you visit with the Count of Anjou as you promised?”

  “I gave my word.”

  “And you are never foresworn; I know. However do not leave if there is the slightest threat from the north. Your main task is to guard the border. Training the Count to become a better knight is not important; at least not to England.”

  “And yet his son will be the King of England.”

  “True but the child is barely half a year old. Many die before their first year.”

  The thought went like a knife to my heart. I could not lose another child. I did not know for certain that Henry was the fruit of my loins but I believed him to be and that was enough to cause me pain at the thought of his death.

  The captain did not wish to stay too long in Stockton. The tide was on the turn and the light was fading when we reached my jetty. He wanted to be out to sea before dark. Our farewells were perfunctory. For my part I had much to do. The Earl was keen to get to his own home.

  We watched the ship turn and depart. “Wulfric go and prepare the men. Tell Dick I need ten archers to go with us.”

  “Aye my lord.”

  As we walked through my gates I said to Leofric, “Find Aiden. We will take him with us this time. John, take your horse and ride to Hartburn, tell Sir Harold that I need his conroi for a month. William ride to Elton and tell Sir Tristan the same.”

  Eager to please they hurried off. Erre was supervising the unloading of our weapons, “Erre when that is done take the ferry to Thornaby. You were at the meeting. Tell Sir Edward what we do.”

  “Aye my lord.” He grinned, “I thought it was going to be interesting there for a while. They do hate you, don’t they, my lord?”

  “I should take that as a compliment I suppose.”

  “Aye but you need to watch yourself, my lord. I saw some of the young knights in King David’s court. If they want to make a reputation for themselves then they would try to kill you. If one of them got lucky…”

  “I know, Erre.” I put my hand to the wolf I wore with my medallion from the Empress. “That is why I thank those that bore me for making me lucky.”

  “Long may that continue, my lord.”

  Poor John and Alice were unhappy at the shortness of my stay. “But my lord there is much to do in the manor.”

  “And look at you sir, you are like a wraith. You need feeding up not living from the land.”

  “Thank you for your concern, Alice, but I serve the King as you serve me. It will be for but a month at the most. As soon as the weather makes the road impassable I will return home. I will hold a session and you can feed me up.” They nodded, “And this year I wish to celebrate Christmas well. John, ensure that Alice has all that she needs to provide a good feast. We have much to thank God for and much to celebrate. I would not stint on such celebrations.”

  That pleased Alice more than the parsimonious John. After they had left me I went into Stockton. Alf had finished for the day but I went to his home which was a fine house close to his smithy. Not as grand as Ethelred’s it was comfortable and accommodated his burgeoning family. His wife almost touched the floor with her curtsy, “My lord you should have warned us! My home is a mess!” She began to sweep the dust with her apron.

  I raised her up, “Mistress Anne, your home is perfect and I am intruding. I need but a word with Alf.”

  A smiling Alf manoeuvred his wife towards the cooking fire. “Go and see to supper.” She curtsied and left. “Wives my lord.”

  “I know Alf, Lady Adela would have been the same. I am sorry for the intrusion but I need to go to the west on the morrow.” He nodded. “My son is growing. I think it is Alice’s food but he will need new armour. I would have some made.”

  “My lord he is growing so quickly that he will soon outgrow the new armour I make.”

  “I know but he needs good armour.”

  “Then why not reuse John’s old hauberk? He and William are the same build.”

  “You still have his old hauberk?”

  “It was too good to destroy and there was little damage. I repaired it. I was going to sell it but sentiment got the better of me. That was one of the first hauberk’s I made for your squires.”

  “Good, then put plates on the shoulders as I wear on mine.”

  “I will do so.”

  I was about to leave and then I turned, “I have a mind to make Christmas special this year. Last year I was too much in a black humour. I would have you and your family join me in the castle for our feast this year.”

  “I would be honoured, my lord.”

  Chapter 12

  We left as soon as Sir Harold and Sir Tristan arrived. I did not take Star with me. The hilly country around the border did not suit him. Scout would make just as big a statement to the Scots. It also meant we could travel without servants. I intended to stay with Sir Hugh before travelling across to Barnard and thence to the wal
l. I would send a rider to Baron Hugh of Hexham to ask him to join me. The two movements would make the Scots believe that we were active along the border. In truth I would just have three knights and twenty men at arms in one column and one knight and ten men at arms in the other.

  Sir Hugh of Gainford was pleased and surprised to see me. I saw that his wife, Anne, was with child. I was pleased. Tristan was even more excited: he would be an uncle!

  Sir Hugh looked a little worried. It was his first child and he would not wish to leave his wife alone; I had been the same. “My lord, am I to join you on this campaign?”

  “No, Sir Hugh. I need you here to guard the back door to my manor. I have enough warriors with me. With twenty archers and my men at arms it will be a show of force. The Scots will heed it.” I lowered my voice. “And have you seen aught of Sir Barnard?”

  He nodded, “He has visited a couple of times and I have seen him.”

  “How did he seem to you?”

  “He seemed quite concerned about our safety. He had scoured the forests and hanged many outlaws. “

  “Good and have you seen any strangers?”

  “Strangers?”

  “Knights you did not recognise; more particularly Crusaders.”

  “No, my lord, but I will keep a close watch.” I was pleased that the mysterious knight had not been seen. I would hate for anything untoward to happen to my young knight and his bride.

  Sir Harold and Sir Tristan now had experienced men at arms. They had campaigned and fought for a number of years. No longer did I need to worry about their youth. Soon Leofric and John might be ready to become knights. That was how we became stronger. We left Sir Hugh’s at dawn. My visit to Barnard Castle would be brief.

  I was distracted as I headed north west; I was thinking of a red griffin. I heard William and Leofric regaling my two knights with stories of the tourney. They would learn, soon enough, that it was a dangerous entertainment. One of the Norman knights who had fought Lothar of Passau had had his arm amputated after the tourney. There had been nothing malicious intended but fighting from horseback brought all sorts of dangers; the knight’s fall from his war horse had meant his arm had to be taken.