Housecarl

by Griff Hosker

  “But my lord the Queen is married and there is the Lady Edith.”

  “Do not lecture me Aethelward of Medelai! What I do, I do for the kingdom. Never forget that or forget who you are.”

  “I speak to you as a friend for I know what it is that drives you. It is not just England it is the fact that she is a beautiful woman and you yearn for such women. I remember…”

  “And that is why I forgive such familiarity but do not press or I may forget old alliances. Advise me on military matters and not on matters of the heart or of politics.”

  When he stormed out I waited, still hidden and watched as my uncle limped out, his face suffused with anger. It was the first time I heard him have cross words with anyone and the first time that I saw rage upon his face. It would be some years before I found the reason. In the end it was a moot point for the next day a rider came in from Gruffydd Ap Cynan. He had a small escort of riders and held in his hands a bag. He waited patiently outside the gates of Rhuddlan and Earl Harold, my uncle, Sweyn and Ulf rode out to meet them. They were all armoured and armed but the meeting was peaceful. After a long discussion the bag was handed over and the two parties split up. Sweyn carried the bag into the fort and called over one of the Housecarls. “Fetch me a spear!”

  The man went to the armoury and found a Welsh spear. When he returned Sweyn took from the bag the head of Gruffyd Ap Llewellyn, the first and the only, King of Wales. He stuck it on the spear head and then climbed the ramparts to place it there for all to see. My uncle exchanged a look with Earl Harold and then he dismounted and led his horse to the stables. I was desperate to know what had happened and I raced after him.

  He removed his saddle and, turning, saw me behind him. ”You think that you know a man when you have fought with him but you do not. I grow weary.”

  “What happened to the king?”

  “The Earl’s decision meant that his men decided that he was too dangerous to be allowed to live and they killed him. The new King of Powys is Gruffydd Ap Cynan, the uncle of Cynan Ap Iago. I think we will be travelling back to Winchester.”

  We did indeed return to Winchester but not before Earl Harold married Ealdgyth and strengthened his claim to the English throne. The Housecarls did not know what to make of it for we were all fond of Lady Edith but Earl Harold was our liege lord and we obeyed him in all things. We all liked Ealdgyth and could understand his lust but this had an unseemly feel to it.

  When we did leave it was without Earl Harold. The army left Rhuddlan after first destroying its defences. We might have agreed peace but we were not leaving the Welsh anything which might harm us in the future. T he Earl and Sweyn and a number of lords left with the fleet. Aethelward told me later that the Earl intended to scout out the French coast and ascertain for himself the feasibility of a Norman invasion. I think he would have wanted my uncle to go with him but since their argument relations between them had been cold. It is interesting however that he chose my uncle to be his wife’s protector.

  For my own part I quite enjoyed the journey south. The towns and villages we passed through feted us as heroes for removing the threat of the Welsh. My uncle also assigned the four of us to guard the wagon containing the Earl’s new wife and I found her a pleasant woman to talk with. She was lonely and Nest was a silent child so she enjoyed talking to us and I must admit flirting with me. I do not think that she found me attractive but of the four of us I was the one with whom she liked to converse. I actually found myself feeling sorry for her. It was obvious that her father had married her to the Welsh king for political reasons and she did appear to be genuinely in love with Harold but she was also a woman who seemed to like the company of men. My main concern was quite selfish, Lady Edith looked after Gytha and I did not want my chances with her being jeopardised.

  When we reached Winchester we expected a storm but Lady Edith was still in London. The whole of England knew that they were married but not in the eyes of the Church, it was called in the Danish manner which meant they had chosen to be a couple. His desertion of her was no crime although many of us felt unhappy about it for we liked Edith Swanneck. The storm we did get was not one we expected for we discovered a few days after our return that Earl Harold had been shipwrecked in Normandy and was now a prisoner of Duke William. To the country it was bad news but to the Housecarls it was devastating as we had not been there to protect our lord and , at the back of our minds, all of us wondered at the oath he had taken at the monastery . Perhaps God was punishing him for his actions with the Queen . The breaking of an oath was the most serious offence a warrior could commit and Harold had violated that by lying with the Queen and making his heirs.

  We all turned to the two leaders who remained amongst us, Aethelward and Ulf. “What do we do? Take ship and rescue our lord?”

  Aethelward shook his head. “No , for he will not be harmed. It will cost the Earl something, some land, gold, I know not what and then he will be retuned to us , until that day we protect his lady and his land .”

  As we dispersed to the warrior hall we discussed my uncle’s words. We had not thought that Ealdgyth was in danger but Aethelward was wise and the Lady Edith was known not to be pleased. Killers were cheap and there were many potions and poisons to be had from strange women who lived in the forests. There were many enemies of Earl Harold who would use his absence to their advantage . It was not the work to which we aspired but if protecting the lady was our only task t hen we would perform it to the best of our ability.

  When King Edward arrived we all breathed a collective sigh of relief that the Lady Edith was not with them. For myself, I was disappointed as Gytha remained in London with the Lady. The King brought with him the Norman Archbishop of Canterbury Robert of Jumièges. The Archbishop was the most martial looking churchman I had ever seen. Were it not for the fact that he was introduced as such I would have taken him for a knight. Instead of a sword he carried a mace. He was a cru el looking man and his arrogant face showed the low esteem in which he held us. King Edward was looking frail for he was not a well man and I wondered then at the capture of Harold. Had he been betrayed to keep him from England ? None of us could work out how he had come to be shipwrecked in Normandy. I was in no doubt that if the King died whilst Harold was in Normandy then this Archbishop would do all in his power to secure the throne for his sponsor, Duke William.

  King Edward had obviously come to find out about the Welsh campaign and Harold’s marriage. Ridley and I were chosen to be the guards as Aethelward, Ulf, the King and the Archbishop held conference. It meant that we could overhear most of what was said. I took it to be an honour for us to be chosen, it meant that my uncle trusted us to keep the confidences we shared.

  “Firstly Lord Aethelward is Wales secure? That is the most pressing matter.”

  “It is your majesty. With the death of Gruffyd , the kingdom has split into smaller factions. The Earl of Mercia is a good leader and he can keep them in check.”

  We could not see the faces of the men inside and heard only the words. When Robert of Jumièges spoke we could recognise his voice because of his accent. “It is a pity that the Earl’s brother Tostig has not had the same success with the Scots for we hear that Northumbria is an unhappy place.”

  I knew that to be true and wondered if my brothers had yet been reconciled with the Earl. I still wondered about the visit my father had made to Scotland but that puzzle was too difficult to solve.

  “The Scots we will deal with later. Now Lord Aethelward what of the marriage the Earl made. Was it well done?”

  There was a silence and I could almost picture my uncle trying to speak the truth without harming his friend’s reputation. “They were married sire, at the monastery of Saint Asaph and the marriage was consummated before the Earl left on his ill fated voyage.”

  The heavily accented voice of the churchman broke in, “Not ill fated , my lord , for Duke William is protecting your Earl and he will return to England, eventually.”

  The word ‘ e
ventually ’ had a chilling ring to it and I wondered how much Robert of Jumièges knew about the whole incident.

  “We will remain in Winchester for a while I intend to give a feast in honour of the victory over the Welsh.”

  The feast was a double edged sword for whilst it would honour us it was my uncle and Ulf who would have to do the work and prepare for the feast. Once again Ridley and myself found ourselves at the forefront of the work and we did not see much of Osgar and Wolf over the next few days. Many lords began to arrive at the city for the feast which was becoming grander by the day. Every house and hall was occupied by armed and armoured men. On the day of the feast I had been sent to Lady Ealdgyth to escort her to the hall. I took Ridley, Osgar and Wolf with me . I had learned in the battles we had fought that life is easier with men around you whom you trust. The walk was not far but the streets were thronged with people. Many chancers , charlatans and ne’er do wells had descended upon the town to make money from the visit of the king. The four of us formed a solid phalanx around Ealdgyth who clung on to my arm. I felt my body swell with pride that my Earl’s lady trusted me so. As we crossed the main road my eye was suddenly drawn to two men , on horses , who were just entering the gate. They were the men who I had last seen with my father. I said quietly to Osgar, “Aren’t those the men we met the day we returned from hunting?”

  Osgar glanced across quickly and nodded, “Aye it looks like them.”

  I could not leave the lady but I determined to seek out my uncle as soon as I could and give him the information. By the time we had reached the hall and safely delivered the lady some time had elapsed. It took me some time to find Aethelward but when I did he took my words seriously.

  “You are sure that the men were the same ones who were with your father?”

  “Yes uncle and Osgar and the others confirmed it for they saw them too.”

  “It may be harmless but I believe you when you say that they acted furtively. It is to much of a coincidence that the king is here and the Earl is not and these men choose this moment to visit. Where are the others?”

  “They guard the lady still.”

  “I will see them relieved then you take them and scour the town for these men. When you find them bring them to me for questioning.”

  “And if they will not come?”

  “Then that will confirm that they are here for nefarious purposes. Be on your guard! ”

  We searched every part of the town of Winchester from the lowliest and flea ridden ale house to the houses of the rich and well to do. The only clue we had to their whereabouts was their two horses which we found tied to a rail outside a notorious whorehouse. Osgar went in as a potential customer but when he returned half and hour later he returned empty handed. “There are four whores in there and they were all occupied but not with the two men we saw.” He grinned, “They were Housecarls so I left them to it.”

  Aethelward and Ulf were disturbed by our news. Ulf scratched his beard thoughtfully. “You lads are the only ones who know them so we need you to walk the hall this night. I will warn our men that there may be two Scots in our midst and to keep watch.”

  When he left to pass on his instructions Aethelward had a troubled look upon his face. “I had hoped, Aelfraed, that you were wrong and these men were innocent visitors but all you have told me leads me to believe that they are here on a mission. Describe them to me.” He looked at the others, “And if he omits anything then speak up and add it.”

  “Well they were both red headed and had beards.” That in itself was not unique amongst the Scots. “They are both big men.”

  Aethelward leaned forward, “How big? Ridley or you?”

  “As big as Ridley.”

  “Well one of them was but the other was a little shorter and thinner.”

  When you saw them today did they have weapons with them?”

  I thought about it and then looked at Osgar for help. He looked into the distance and then said. “ I saw swords on their horses when they rode in the streets but there were none on the mounts when we found them.”

  “No shields?”

  We shook our heads. “Not that we saw.”

  “This could be for a meeting with someone who wishes ill to England or it could be someone who intends to harm someone.”

  I looked up in alarm. “The King?”

  “It could be . He no longer has bodyguards and relies upon his hosts and his Norman friends. Or it could be that Ealdgyth is the target.” I looked at my uncle with a shocked expression and he shrugged. “Just because we treat women well does not mean that others do so. She is the Earl’s lady and to strike at her here in the heart of his land would be a blow.” He peered at each of us in turn. “Arm yourselves well tonight. If they are killers then it will be knife work. Use swords and daggers. You will need to work out how you will watch over the king and Lady Ealdgyth. Fortunately they are now in the same building and our task will be easier. ”

  I suddenly had a thought, “And what of you uncle? Everyone knows that you are the Earl’s adviser, perhaps you are the target.”

  I could see that the thought had occurred to him too. He shrugged. “ That may be the case but I can protect myself and besides I am expecting it. The king and the lady are not. Their protection is in your hands. God be with you. You will need all your wits about you tonight and tomorrow we will scour the town thoroughly for these two visitors. ”

  Chapter 9

  The watches we had kept on campaign felt like child’s play compared with the stress and the tension of watching for the two strangers. We worked as pairs with Osgar and Wolf walking the outside of the hall whilst Ridley and I watched the inside. The kitchens were a nightmare with cauldrons of boiling steaming liquids and servants taking in platters of food. We began to see shadows where none existed and sudden movements acquired sinister overtones. By the time the food ha d all been served and the guests were all drinking we were exhausted. I watched my uncle and saw that he barely touched his ale but his eyes flicked constantly around the room, diligently scrutinising the guests for signs of the red haired warriors.

  As the evening came to an end and the guests left I felt as tired as though I had fought in the shield wall for a day. The main guests were staying in the hall which meant that we did not have to follow them. Aethelward joined us. “Osgar and Wolf can come indoors now for the guards outside have been told to stop anyone from entering.”

  Wolf and Osgar had had the same experience we had and I could see from their eyes that they too w ere tired. It seemed that we had made a mistake and there would be no threat to anyone’s life . Aethelward was not certain. “This would be the best time to strike in the small hours when the birds of the night rule, and the owl is king.”

  All of us shuddered involuntarily for the owl was a frightening bird and was a symbol of ill omen . I hoped that I was wrong but part of me wanted to see the warriors again so that I could ask them about my father. Aethelward retired to his room for we thought he might still be a target. The four of us prowled the dark hall without a light for we did not want to give anything away.

  Ridley and I stood in an alcove close to the King’s chambers whilst the other two guarded Ealdgyth. “They say that the spirits of the dead walk at night.” Ridley looked up to the rafters in fear, “and they say that the dead men who died unnaturally here come back at night to haunt the living. What do you think master?”

  In truth I believed that the dead walked at night but not in a sinister way. “Do you remember Nanna?” In the darkness I felt him nod. “Well I believe that h er spirit is here and watches over me. I believe that she protects me in death as she did in life.”

  “And will she protect me master?”

  “Aye , for she loved you as my friend. I fear not the spirits of the night , but I do fear the blade of an unknown killer.”

  I found my eyes droop in with the tiredness and the tension. I kept jerking my head up and staring around in panic. I felt that if I just closed my ey
es for a moment then I would be fresher. Suddenly I snapped awake again and this time my nose could smell something that had not been there before. I nudged Ridley and he too was awake swiftly and instantly alert. He said nothing but we both stood in the shadows and let our eyes seek out that which was unnatural. We could see the drapes which covered the door to the King’s quarters, in the ante chamber was Robert of Jumièges. I saw the faintest movement from the shadows but it was enough for me and I drew my sword and slipped silently down the side of the rough lath wall which was in deep shadows and would hide me . Ridley, faithful and loyal Ridley, emulated me and I caught the faintest shining glimmer from his sword. Ahead of me I detected an arm and I moved forward quickly. The floorboards were old and one squeaked beneath my feet. I saw the killer’s eyes as he turned to face me. He was fast and his blade leapt towards my throat, I barely had time to fend off the blow with my gauntlet but I grabbed his arm as the blade sliced along my cheek, spraying me with my own blood. It was then that I smelled him and knew what had awakened me for he smelled not of men but of perfume. He grabbed my sword hand and we wrestled around. He was strong, of that there was no doubt , but I was younger and I pushed back with my right hand. If the edge could get close to his throat its sharp blade would slice through his skin and end his life. He shifted his body so that I lost my balance and I felt myself going back wards. Once he had me on the floor then I would die. I saw his face close to mine and I threw my head back and butted him on the nose. I heard the cartilage crack as his nose broke and he could not help but fall backwards. We both lost our grip and, as I fell to the floor , I slashed out with my sword and felt it slice through the hamstring of his right leg. He crumpled in a heap. I stepped on his sword hand and held my blade to his throat. I glanced behind me and saw Ridley withdrawing his sword from his dead opponent’s neck. Wolf, Osgar and Aethelward had heard the commotion and joined us.