Medieval IV - Ring of Steel

by Kevin Ashman

  ‘I don’t think so,’ said Edward, ‘for this time I will not repeat the mistakes of old. You are indeed honoured, Cynan for I have travelled many leagues to meet you face to face. To see the man responsible for so much death and suffering.’

  ‘The blood is on your hands, Englishman, not mine.’

  ‘I think not,’ said the king, ‘but it amuses me that you think so. Still, you have been a distraction for me these past few months but isn’t it interesting how the natural order of things always returns and men such as you are placed back down amongst the filth?’

  ‘Go to hell,’ whispered Cynan and spat on the king’s boots.

  The castellan drew his knife but Edward reached out to restrain him.

  ‘No,’ he said, ‘stay your arm. Let him have his last moment of glory for I have something special lined up for him.’ He turned back to Cynan. ‘Enjoy the rest of your life, Welshman, though I suspect it will be a very short one.’

  He turned and left the dungeon, glad to be out in the fresh air but as he crossed the courtyard, a horse came galloping through the gate.

  ‘Fermbaud,’ said Longshanks, ‘I hope your urgency is merited for you almost knocked me off my feet.’

  ‘Sire forgive me,’ gasped Fermbaud, ‘but I have momentous news. Our forces cornered Madog in the Welsh Marches. He and his men put up a fight but he was outnumbered and soon surrendered to John De-Havering. We have him, Sire. Madog Ap Llewellyn is in custody.’

  ----

  Further south, The Earl of Hereford sat at a trestle table before the gates of Brecon Castle. Inside the fortress hundreds of armed men peered down from the castellations, waiting for the attack they hoped would never come. Down in the courtyard hundreds more stood behind barricades of piled furniture, each bearing whatever weapons they could muster from pikes to pitchforks. These were the citizens of Brycheniog, the men and women who had finally had enough of the English tyranny and had risen up against the cruelty of the local lords. Together with the forces of Morgan they had conspired to seize the castle from the English and had done so with remarkable ease. Since then they had waited until the inevitable arrival of Edward’s forces.

  Eventually that day had come in the form of the Earl of Hereford and his army. At first, the Earl had considered besieging the castle but knowing the uprising was coming to an end, offered the rebels terms for surrender. Morgan Ap Maredudd himself was in the castle and upon receiving the communication had agreed to talk.

  Slowly one of the gates opened and four men walked across to stand before the table.

  ‘Are you the warlord known as Morgan Ap Maredudd?’ asked the Earl.

  ‘I am.’

  ‘Then please be seated for there is business to discuss.’

  ----

  Two weeks later, Brecon Castle was back in the hands of the English. Morgan Ap Maredudd had agreed terms and all those occupying the fortress were granted amnesty. Farmers and labourers returned to their fields while any soldiers were enlisted into Edward’s army, destined for the battlefields of Gascony. Morgan himself submitted to the custody of the Earl of Hereford though enjoyed far greater comfort than Cynan, still languishing in a filthy dungeon in Builth. Subsequently an uneasy truce had descended over Brycheniog and life in the town gradually returned to normal.

  Eventually the uprising was all but over and by September, the English could once more ride the ways and tracks of Wales with impunity.

  Longshanks rode the length of the country, visiting every castle to convey favours and rewards to those who had remained loyal while dispensing brutal justice on those guilty of supporting the rebels. Eventually he headed toward Brecon knowing full well that the final act in the war was about to play out.

  ----

  Elspeth and her family had returned to their home, knowing full well that Gerald of Essex was dead. Geraint had joined them and though there was still an air of nervousness in the town, they set to repairing the damage to their former home caused by the fire. At first they slept in the church and Geraint spent many hours telling Thomas about his father. The boy listened carefully, drinking in the tales of adventure from the holy land but in particular, questioned Geraint about the manner of the family’s downfall. At first Geraint was forbidden by Elspeth to share the tale of Garyn’s feud with Father Williams but finally she agreed that it was important he knew everything about his father, including those things that still hurt.

  ‘So what happened to the Abbot?’ asked Thomas one evening.

  ‘We are not sure,’ said Geraint. ‘We know that when the people of Brycheniog first entered the castle, they found him hiding in a secret room and though he was a hated man, nobody had the nerve to kill a man of god so he was sent back to the Abbey.’

  ‘Is he there now?’

  ‘We don’t know. He was a very ill man and I suspect he died many weeks ago but that is no longer our concern. The war is over, Thomas and we have to focus on rebuilding our lives. I suspect there will be reprisals from the English but if we can rebuild the business your father once ran so successfully, I suspect we may just get through this alive.’

  ----

  Chapter Twenty Four

  Brecon Castle

  September 1215

  ‘My Lords,’ announced Fermbaud in the great hall, ‘be upstanding for our monarch, King Edward.’

  The many knights in the hall rose as Edward entered to stand before the top table. He was adorned in the finery of the court and wore a gleaming tabard over his ceremonial armour. Every knight, lord or constable who had plaid a major part in putting down the rebellion, were there for one thing, the trial of the rebel leaders.

  Longshanks sat as did the rest of the gathering. When the noise died down, Fermbaud stood and turned to the captain of the guard.

  ‘Bring them in.’

  Minutes later, three men were brought in chains and led to the centre of the floor before being forced to their knees. Two were bedraggled and wore the ragged clothes of the most destitute of peasants while the third was clean and in relative good health. All around them the court jeered and mocked them but all three just stared at the king in defiance.

  Fermbaud stood again and unfurled a scroll.

  ‘Knights of England,’ he announced,’ Lords of the Marches and Wales. Hear the account of the rebellion led by these men before you, known as Madog Ap Llewellyn, Cynan Ap Maredudd and Morgan Ap Maredudd. The fourth man, Maelgwyn Ap Rhys fell at Kidwelly at the hands of Henry De-Lacey.’

  A cheer went around the room and all eyes turned to see the smiling Earl of Lincoln sat near the king. Fermbaud continued.

  ‘These past few months these men waged war and rebellion against the king. During this time they slaughtered many loyal servants including the Sheriff of Caernarfon, hanged before the walls of his own castle. Uncountable numbers of citizens were slaughtered in their cause, mainly of English descent. Many castles fell at their hands including Caernarfon, Denbigh, De-Bere, Howarden and Criccieth. In the south, Llantrisant, Ogmore, Morlais and Brecon were amongst dozens taken and ransacked whilst across the country, many more were besieged and damaged to a great extent, including Harlech, Caerphilly and Pembroke. The men before you are stained with the blood of thousands, both English and Welsh and stand here today charged with treason and murder most foul. What say you to their fate?’

  The room broke into uproar as the knights and others roared their hate toward the three men in the centre and though the reaction was one unbefitting the court of a king, Longshanks allowed them to vent their anger, after all, it had been a long and hard campaign. Finally he stood and held up his hand. Slowly the noise died down and the knights regained their seats as the king walked toward the prisoners.

  ‘Which of you is Madog?’ he asked quietly.

  ‘I am,’ said one of the bedraggled men.

  ‘Stand up.’

  Madog staggered to his feet and stared into the king’s eyes.

  ‘So you are the one who covets my crown.’

&nb
sp; ‘I desired no crown of yours,’ said Madog, ‘my aim was always the freedom of the Welsh people.’

  ‘Ah, freedom, that oft misunderstood word.’

  ‘There is no misunderstanding.’ said Madog, ‘people are free or they are not. Under your rule, that privilege was denied them.’

  ‘But surely freedom is relative to the times,’ said Longshanks. ‘Since William landed on these shores over a hundred years ago, the concept of freedom has changed, such is the way of the world. To the victor falls the definition of freedom. The Welsh are allowed to farm, marry, drink, live and die in the place of their choosing as long as they pay the tithe. Why is that thought so abhorrent to you?’

  ‘Because our people once lived across the whole of Britannia. We are the true rulers of this country and as far back as we can remember, our language was the one spoken by any man of these isles. However, over the generations those with covetous eyes came to our lands and forced us back into these mountains and valleys but even that was not enough and people like you always wanted more. You pushed and squeezed until there was no room to breathe. You took our farms, forced us into the hills, and took our young men to fight in wars not of their making yet those who came back were taxed unto starvation. That is why we fight, Longshanks and that is why you will never truly control this country.’

  ‘A pretty speech, Madog, but one of empty words. These lands are mine. They were my father’s before me and will belong to my son when I am gone. That is the way it is, Madog and that is the way it will always be.’

  ‘If that is the case,’ said Madog, ‘then prepare your sons and their sons for a struggle unending for never will we lay down our birth right.’

  ‘So be it,’ said Longshanks and turned away as Madog was forced back to his knees.

  ‘Enough discourse,’ announced Edward as he walked back to take his place behind the table. ‘The charge is treason and murder, how find the nobles?’

  ‘Guilty,’ roared the men in the hall and again Edward had to raise his hand to still the noise.

  ‘Despite your crimes you have been granted trial by fellow man and they have passed judgement. Each of you will now have the chance to plead leniency. Morgan Ap Maredudd, state your case.’

  Morgan got to his feet.

  ‘Sire, my case is simple. Yes I took the sword against the English but not against your rule.’

  ‘Explain,’ said Edward.

  ‘Years ago Gilbert De-Claire was given lands by your father in return for gallant service. Many of these lands belonged to my family but we accepted the decision. Since then, the Earl has pushed the borders of his lands further into ours, forcing our hand against him. Hands that have always been loyal to the crown and are willing to be so again.’

  ‘But you wreaked havoc amongst our southern allies.’ said Edward.

  ‘Indeed we did and I stand proud of my record but have your staff check the records for the only properties that drew our attention are those who fell under the control of Gilbert De-Claire.’

  The king looked around and saw Fermbaud frantically checking the list of properties destroyed or attacked by Morgan. Eventually he looked up.

  ‘It is true, Sire’, said Fermbaud with surprise, ‘everything he attacked is run by the De-Claire estate.’

  ‘This is appalling,’ said a man standing up, ‘and all the more reason to hang him. It is certainly no defence for he has cost me a fortune in coin and the lives of many good men.’

  ‘Sit down, De-Clair,’ said Edward, ‘the point is made but there have been many others who have suffered just as much, if not more than you. I will hear this man out.’ He turned back to Morgan. ‘Continue.’

  ‘Sire, my case is done except to say that now this war is over, allow me the chance and I will once more prove to you my allegiance’

  Cynan looked over to Morgan with anger on his face.

  ‘You speak cowardly words, Morgan and I am shamed to witness them.’

  ‘I am no rebel, Cynan, I am a wronged man who sought justice in the only way left open to me.’

  ‘As did we,’ growled Cynan, ‘for we are a wronged nation and also sought justice in the only way open to us. What is the difference?’

  A soldier kicked Cynan across the face and sent him sprawling to the floor.

  ‘Enough,’ shouted Edward and turned to Morgan.

  ‘I have heard your plea,’ he said, ‘but will hear from all before making judgement. Madog Ap Llewellyn, state your case.’

  ‘My case is clear,’ said Madog, ‘I am a direct descendant of Llewellyn Ap Iorwerth and as such am a true heir to his dynasty. I answered a call and led my fellow countrymen in a struggle for freedom. If that is a crime then I am guilty as charged.’

  ‘Is that it?’ asked Edward.

  ‘There is nothing more to say,’ said Madog and allowed himself to be forced back down to his knees.

  ‘And finally,’ said Edward, ‘Cynan Ap Maredudd, what say you?’

  ‘I say this,’ said Cynan glowering up from the floor. ‘I curse the day your whore of a mother spawned you and hope she rots in hell for the damage she has caused.’

  The room erupted in anger and two men ran forward to attack the Welshman but were pulled back by the guards at the behest of the king.

  ‘You disappoint me, Cynan,’ sighed Edward, ‘for one whose military genius caused me the most harm, you do yourself no justice in resorting to insults. However, the opportunity has gone and it falls on me to pass sentence.’

  ‘With regards to Maelgwyn Ap Rhys, his grave is to be dug up and the corpse dismembered before the people of his own town. The head will be paraded around Wales before being placed upon a spike on the walls of Worcester.’

  The room fell quiet as he turned his attention to Morgan.

  ‘Morgan Ap Maredudd, you were eloquent in your defence and there was sense in your argument. Your crimes were costly yet I see merit in your justification. Your punishment is this. All those lands contested between you and the Earl of Gloucester will be formally ceded to the crown to be disposed of as I see fit, never to be contested again. These same lands I subsequently hand over to the Gilbert De Claire to manage on my behalf in compensation for the damage done and costs incurred in resisting your aggression. In addition, you will attend me in London at my convenience and there you will vow allegiance before my full court, and serve me on the battlefields of France.’

  The men in the room murmured amongst themselves at the unexpected leniency.

  ‘Cynan Ap Maredudd, your crimes were heinous and deserve the maximum sentence. You will be taken from this place and hanged by the neck. Before you die you will be cut down and your belly opened before your eyes and your innards burned upon a hot plate. Finally you will be torn apart by four strong horses with each quarter being dragged to the corners of Britannia so all men know the fate of men such as you.’

  The room gasped at the sentence for nobody had been hung drawn and quartered for many years.

  ‘Finally,’ said Edward, turning to Madog, ‘you were the figurehead that sparked the fire and as such deserve the same fate. You too will…’ but before he could continue, Cynan let out a shout.

  ‘Wait!’

  All heads turned to see the man struggling to his feet.

  ‘Before you pass sentence there is something you should know. I have something of great value in my possession that may temper your mood.’

  ‘What could you possibly have that interests me?’ asked the king.

  ‘The bones of Macsen Ap Wledig as well as his sword. These are the symbols of freedom throughout these lands and if they were in your possession, many men would think twice before raising arms against you.’

  Edward stared in silence. He knew about the sword of Macsen and had long desired it in his possession but now he had passed sentence, he couldn’t go back on his decision.

  ‘And you actually think that such a bauble would make me spare your life?’

  ‘No,’ said Cynan, ‘not mine for I woul
d gladly die before serving under you but the man alongside me did nothing wrong except become a champion for his people.’

  Madog spun his head to face Cynan.

  ‘No, my friend,’ he said, ‘don’t do this. The Macsen sword is worth more than the life of one man. Leave it buried for someone to find it and one day, when the time is right it can be held aloft as our people take the field again.’

  ‘No,’ said Cynan, ‘I will not see you killed, Madog. All this time I challenged your right to be called prince but now I see your claim was honourable and I bow to your lineage. Accept the gift of life as my final homage.’

  ‘No,’ said Madog, ‘I cannot.’

  ‘Enough,’ shouted Edward and the room fell silent again. He turned to face Cynan.

  ‘Your proposal interests me,’ he said, ‘and is acceptable. When today is done you will tell my officers where lies this sword and if it is placed in my hands before nightfall then you have the word of a king that Madog will be allowed to live. Should your words be false then he will join you on the gallows to suffer the same fate. Thus is my judgement.’

  ‘So be it,’ said Cynan and as the room erupted into raucous jeering, the two men were dragged away while Morgan Ap Maredudd was released from his chains.

  ‘So it ends,’ said Edward and stood up to leave.

  ‘Sire,’ said Fermbaud, ‘can I ask one question.’

  ‘You may.’

  ‘Even if this sword is delivered, surely you don’t mean to release Madog? He could become a threat again within weeks given his freedom.’

  ‘Freedom?’ said Edward, ‘who said anything about freedom?’ My promise was for life only and if that is within the deepest dungeon in the Tower of London, then my word will be kept. This day is done, Fermbaud, this war is over.’

  ----

  Chapter Twenty Five

  Caernarfon Castle

  October - 1215

  Longshanks stood in a room at the bottom of a tower in Caernarvon Castle. Before him was an open casket containing the remains of Macsen Wledig, now draped with a flag embroidered with the image of an eagle. Alongside Longshanks stood Fermbaud and Orland.