Baron of the North (12 page)

My daughter was now growing quickly and when she received her poppet she ran to me and hugged me. My children were growing and my daughter knew who I was!

Before we entered the castle I kissed my wife and whispered, "Harold looks happier."

"That was your William's doing, not mine. He pestered him to play and Harold became so involved in our son that he forgot his own troubles." She looked around, "Sir Edward has not returned?"

"He has but he went directly to his manor. I have been charged with more responsibilities and I fear the winter will bring more trouble with it."

She nodded, "Bishop Flambard called in when he headed north and he returned Mark to us.  He was not a well man.  I fear he has not long left on this earth."

"I know.  I shall visit with him in the next few days.  I have messages from the King and the Archbishop."

As it was on my mind I sent a rider to Durham to warn the Bishop that I would visit him in the next two days. I thought I was doing the right thing…

I could not have left any earlier for John insisted that I hold a court of sessions.  There were many cases awaiting my judgement. He was right to chide me so.  A Lord of the Manor had a duty to administer justice. I had two arduous days of listening to complaints, issuing judgements and imposing fines.  It was almost as exhausting as combat.

I left Hugh at my castle.  "You should talk with Harold for when I return I shall knight you. He was knighted recently. I will tell the Bishop of my decision."

"Thank you Baron. I confess I am a little nervous."

"You will make a good lord of the manor." I took my two squires, Wulfric and four men at arms. I was not going to war.

I loved the start of autumn in my valley.  The east, where I had grown up, had been a brown and desiccated place at this time of year. Here it was still green and lush.  In the next few weeks the leaves would begin to turn but in the middle of September it was a green and pleasant land. It put me at peace; for a few miles at least. I knew that something was the matter when we saw the banners at the castle; they were at half mast.

We entered the gate. "Is it the Bishop?"

"He died last night, Baron.  He will be missed for he did much for the poor."

So much for the delay.  Had I ridden immediately then I would have been able to speak with him. I wondered if he had discovered the treachery. The Dean and Hubert came to greet me.  Both appeared as friendly as they had always been but one of them might be a traitor. "How did he die?"

"In his sleep, Baron. When I went to take him his medicine he lay at peace."

"Was he alone then, Dean?"

"He was."

For some reason that made me suspicious. He had known of the danger and I could not see him allowing himself to be placed in such danger. I knew that I would have to tread carefully. "When is he to be buried?"

"Tomorrow Baron.  We have his tomb read at the chapter house."

"Then my men and I will spend the night." I turned to Wulfric.  "Take the men to the warrior hall.  We will stay in the castle." I nodded meaningfully.  Wulfric knew of my suspicions.  I had told him on the journey north.

"You can rely on me, Baron. Shall I take the squires with me or will they be staying with you?"

"I think they can stay with me." They left and turned back to the Dean and Hubert.  "The Archbishop said he sent four priests with the Bishop.  I would like to speak with them."

The two of them looked at each other guiltily. "When the Bishop became ill again we sent them away.  They were not helping."

"They were sent by the Archbishop of York! When did you send them away?"

"Four days ago."

"I did not pass them on the road."

The Dean shrugged, "They seemed capable of looking after themselves. We sent a letter to the King asking him to appoint a new Bishop."

Something did not smell right to me but I needed to investigate more. "Where are the rooms for my squires and me?"

"We have spare rooms in the south tower.  If you would follow me." Hubert led us to two small rooms just below the top of a guard tower. I could have been offended at the poor quality of the accommodation but I was distracted. I left the two squires to arrange the rooms and I descended to the Great Hall where Hubert and the Dean awaited me. "Where is the Bishop?  I would like to pay my respects."

The Dean shook his head, "It is not seemly, Baron. I…"

"Seemly or not, Dean, I will see the body.  Firstly I have a ring to return to him and secondly," I smiled as I took out the two documents from the Archbishop and the King giving me powers in Durham, "I have these."

Hubert looked at the Dean and gave the slightest of shakes of the head, "Very well, Baron, come with us.  We have nothing to hide."

That did not ring true. There were two armed guards outside the Bishop's chamber. They looked at Hubert before moving. The Bishop was lying beneath a white shroud.  I pulled it back.  His face look drawn and he did not have a peaceful expression on his face.  I moved the shroud down so that I could put the ring back on the Bishop's finger. I noticed that there was skin beneath the nails of his right hand and, as I pulled the shroud up I saw marks on his neck. I covered the body and crossed myself.

"Farewell Bishop Flambard; your work will continue."

As I left the Dean asked, "His work?"

"Of course; he gave to the poor and he defended the north against the Scots and rebels.  That will continue will it not?"

"Of course, Baron, of course."

"I will see you this evening when we dine.  Until then I think I will explore this castle a little closer." I smiled, "My other visit came when the rebels captured it. I suspect this may be an easier visit."

Leofric and John awaited me in the Great Hall. "John, fetch Wulfric and the others.  Have them meet me in the Cathedral."

We walked across the green.  I wanted to delve into the depths of the castle but I wanted Hubert and the Dean less suspicious. A visit to the Cathedral would seem natural.  "Baron is there aught troubling you?"

"Yes, Leofric.  I like not what I have seen."

We entered the huge doors of the mighty cathedral and I went to the altar rail and dropped to my knees.  I closed my eyes in silent prayer and waited until I heard footsteps behind me. I stood and saw Wulfric and the others. I was suddenly aware that we were being watched from the sides of the church by four or five priests. What struck me as strange was that they had not approached me when I had come in.

Once outside I walked across the Green where we could talk without being overheard."The Bishop was murdered, Wulfric."

"How do you know, Baron?"

"He had marks on his neck and his fingernails had skin beneath them and one of his fingers was blackened as though it had been broken.  When I saw him last his fingers were whole." Wulfric nodded, "And there is something else, there are four priests missing.  The Archbishop sent them here with the Bishop and I am told they returned to York. They neither passed through Stockton nor sought me out.  That, I find suspicious. I had thought that either Hubert or the Dean was a traitor.  It may be that both of them are. We will explore the castle, ostensibly as guests but keep your eyes and ears open."

There was an air of disquiet in the castle.  Servants looked nervous and the guards fingered their weapons.  I felt a little isolated with just six of my men. Wulfric led us to the guard room. "This is where we sleep, Baron, should you need us."

"And we are in the south tower."

We saw nothing on the upper floors or the main chambers. However when we reached the main floor I saw a guard at a staircase leading down. As I approached him he put his spear across the opening. Wulfric growled, "Unless you want me to put that spear somewhere painful move it!"

"The Castellan said no one is allowed down these stairs."

I laid my hand on Wulfric's chest, "And why is that?"

"We have some prisoners who are to be tried for murder and they are dangerous."

"As are we, my friend, still we need not see prisoners eh?  Come Wulfric we will take a turn around the ramparts before we eat. Carry on sentry.  Your sense of duty is commendable; I would not try to stop Wulfric here doing anything! You are  lucky man."

I waited until we were alone on the walls looking south towards the town.  "Baron, that is suspicious.  Why should we not see prisoners awaiting trial?"

"Because those prisoners are four priests from the Archbishop of York and they do not want me to talk with them."

"Why not?"

"I am not certain but we shall visit there this night when everyone is asleep. However, just to make sure no harm comes to them I want the four of you to take it in turns to pass the sentry.  I do not want them spiriting away. If there is no guard there then they have got rid of them too. John and Leofric I want you to watch the sally port yonder," I pointed to the wall.

"How do you know that the sally port is there, Baron?"

"Because it is how we gained entry when we retook this castle.  Tonight I will play the fool and let our hosts think that they have duped me."

That evening I pretended to drink too much and to become drunk.  I was stone cold sober. I kept my wits about me and watched as Hubert and the Dean passed secretive looks between the two of them. I had already warned John and Leofric of my plan and they played their part and helped to carry me to bed.  Once in my chamber we quickly donned our armour. I sent John to find Wulfric and warn him to be ready.  We put pillows beneath the covers to give the appearance that I was asleep within.

John had only been gone a short time when I heard the sound of footsteps on the stairs leading to the tower. I doused the candle.  Drawing our swords we stood on either side of the door. The blanket was already crumpled and my fine tunic lay upon it. The door slowly opened and a chink of light appeared and shone across the bed. Two swords entered. The men who held them hacked and slashed at the bed.  The third man stood at the door. I did not know how many there might be and they would soon realise that it was a pile of bed clothes they had killed. I brought my sword around in a mighty sweep and took one of the assassins in the neck.  I reversed my sword and stabbed the man at the door; he tried to stop my sword with his hand. Leofric slew the last surprised killer. He was busy watching his comrades die when Leofric's sword pieced his side.

"Watch the stairs!"

I lit the candle.  The three men were all guards from the castle.

"Someone coming, Baron!"

I had my bloodied sword ready to face the new foe when John  ran up the stairs. Leofric pointed with his sword.  "They tried to kill the Baron."

"Did you see Wulfric?"

He nodded, "He said no one had left from the guarded door."

"Follow me." We began to descend the stairs.  We had just reached the bottom when I saw Hubert and four of his guards.  They were heading for the warrior hall. 

He almost snarled when he saw me and my bloody sword. "Kill them! Alarm! Treachery!"

Guards erupted from the warrior hall. I heard the clash of metal from within. "Put down your swords I represent King Henry!"

"He lies! He is here to kill me!"

The guards were confused.  One of them made a half hearted attempt to stab me.  I used one of my mail mittens to deflect the blow and then punched him on the nose with the crosspiece of my sword.  He fell to the ground. Wulfric and my other men stood at the doorway. The sentries were not warriors; the men they faced were. The half a dozen guards looked at us surrounding them and then dropped their weapons.  Hubert pushed two of them towards me and fled.

"Wulfric get down to the stairs and find out who is down there.  Make sure the Dean is secured! John and Leofric, come with me."

We raced out of the gate.  I heard the sound of hooves as Hubert galloped towards the gate over the bridge.  "Open the gate!"

"Stop the Castellan.  He is a killer!"

Leofric ran towards the stables as John and I followed the Castellan.  He reached the gate and I saw him speak with the guards.  They closed the gate and the four of them stood before it with weapons drawn. "Open the gate!"

"I am sorry, Baron, but the Castellan said you have gone mad! You are trying to kill him."

"I have no time for this. I do not want to kill you but believe me I will unless you open the gate. I am the Baron of the North and I answer to the King alone! Now open this gate or so help me your wives will be widows in a heartbeat!"

Leofric appeared with three horses.  None had a saddle but that did not matter. The guards looked at each other as we mounted. "Well?"  The gate opened. "And let no one else leave.  Wulfric, my sergeant at arms commands until I return."

We had flushed out the traitors but I did not have them in my grasp. Unless I caught Hubert then I would have no proof of this conspiracy.

I slapped Scout with the flat of my sword and gripped with my knees.  It was many years since I had ridden bareback.  If I was to catch the traitor then I would have to remember how and quickly. I turned north as soon as we crossed the bridge.  Hubert would not be foolish enough to head south.  There lay only danger.  He was Gospatric's man.  I knew that now.  He would head for the border. Scout was a fast horse as were those of my squires. It was dark and the Castellan would have to use the road.  Anything else would invite disaster. We kept a steady pace. Once we had travelled four or five miles the road straightened out and I saw him as a moving shadow just ahead. I saw a flash of white as he turned his head to spy us and then the shadow disappeared. I did not panic.  He had spurred his horse and that was a mistake.

We maintained our pace, "Be ready to go left and right on my command.  If we can I want him alive.  He has names in his head and I want them."

The road dipped and I saw the shadow at the bottom of the hill.  We were gaining once more.  He turned again and made the same error.  He spurred his horse on.  Scout was using the ground eating stride which gradually pulled him back to us. When we next saw him his horse was spent.  He laboured up the hill as he headed north.  His face turned as he spied the three of us and heard the thundering of our hooves on the cobbles. He panicked as we closed with him and tried to head off the road and through the trees. It was a mistake. His tired horse missed its footing and the Castellan was thrown from the weary beast.  I heard a cry and a crack and he lay still.

I dismounted and walked into the trees.  I did not want to risk the same fate as the traitor. He was not moving but he was alive.  He opened his eyes. I could see him struggling to breathe.

I could see from the way he was laying the injury he had suffered. "Your back is broken Hubert of Durham.  You are going to die.  I can make your passing easier or I can leave you here for the wolves and the fell beasts of the night.  It is your choice."

Leofric had the Castellan's terrified horse and was calming him.

"Who is your master?"  I saw him wince as pain wracked his body. "Blink once for no and twice for yes. Do you understand?"

Two blinks.

"Is it Gospatric?"

One blink.

That surprised me.  Was he lying? I tried another name, at random, "The Fitzwaller family?"

Two blinks.

"Who else was involved?  Stephen of Blois?"

There was a slight pause and then two blinks.

I wondered why the Castellan was heading north. "Does he have allies in the north?"

Two blinks.

I was about to give more names when he opened his mouth and then fell still.  He was dead. I turned to the squires.  "You heard and saw his responses?"

"We did."

"Then put his body on the horse and we will head back to the castle. I wish he was not dead for I would like to have had him write out a confession.  I fear the King will not believe me."

By the time we reached Durham the first faint light of dawn was in the east. Roger of Lincoln was waiting at the gate. "Wulfric was about to send out a party to search for you, Baron."

I smiled, "I take it he has control of the castle?"

"He does. We found four priests in the donjon beneath the castle.  They had been badly treated.  William of Deal is caring for them."

I handed the reins of the horse which carried Hubert to one of the guards.  "Take your Castellan and bury him.  He confessed his sins to me before he died.  He can be buried."

I dismounted and walked towards the Great Hall.

"Where is the Dean?"

"He has barred himself in the cathedral and claims sanctuary."

"Then he can stay there until I am ready for him." I was weary but I found new energy for I had found at least three of the traitors. The four priests had been beaten and whipped.  They looked terrified. "I am sorry that you had to suffer, I was too slow in coming here."

One of them, I later found that his name was Michael, spoke. "No, Baron.  Our fate was sealed the moment we stepped through the gate. The Dean and the Castellan had us bound and thrown into the donjon. When we had travelled north with the Bishop we spoke of many things. We knew the Bishop's mind. He did not trust the Dean. The Archbishop selected us for we knew Durham. All of us had served here as novices.  We knew the Bishop well.  He was a good man. We heard the Bishop remonstrating with them both as we were taken off.  We were told it was to be taken to our rooms but were struck and then thrown into the cell."

I turned to Wulfric. "Are there any here whom we can trust?" they hesitated. "You must have formed an opinion."

"The ones you slew appeared to have been the ringleaders.  When you left we questioned those who laid down their swords.  They were as surprised as any. Perhaps they can be trusted."

"Fetch me one to question." As he left I said, "John, ride to Stockton.  I want ten men at arms here as soon as possible and Tristan of Yarm."

He knew better than to question me, "Aye my lord.  It may take some time to bring Sir Tristan."

"It matters not."

Wulfric brought in the man who had been first to lay down his sword. I decided to be blunt, "When did you know of your master's treachery?"

"We did not…"

I leapt at him and grabbed a handful of tunic.  "You lie! You knew that the Bishop was murdered did you not?"

"The Dean said he was a heretic and would poison our minds. We…"

"So you knew! There is the lie and for that I could have your life! Would you like to be hanged, drawn and quartered?"

"No Baron!" He dropped to his knees. "We obeyed orders that was all."

I decided to use deception, "It was Gospatric who commanded the Castellan?" He looked blankly at me.  "Stephen of Blois then?" Once again it was as though I was speaking a foreign language. I nodded, "Rise, I believe you.  Now tell me whom I can trust from the garrison. Speak truly and you shall live."

"Old Cedric has been here the longest.  He was the Sergeant at Arms but Sir Hubert demoted him and put him in charge of the stables."

I vaguely remembered the man. He had always commented kindly on Scout. I turned to Wulfric, "Have someone find him and fetch him hither." The man I had questioned was shaking. "Sit.  I keep my word.  If you have spoken true then you shall live but it is treason not to mention the murder of one of God's servants."

"I know, Baron, and many of us were unhappy.  Sir Hubert had men who inflicted beatings and worse on those who questioned what we did."

It all made sense now. No wonder Fitzwaller had passed through the land unseen.  Sir Hubert had chosen to turn a blind eye. He had lied to me and I had believed him.  I was angry.  I would that he had suffered more at the end. It all served his master's plans.  He was not working for Fitzwaller but with him and they were both serving the same leader.  I dare say that Gospatric was part of the plan too. Old Cedric was brought in.  To my mind he was not that old. He had a few grey hairs but that was all.

"You are Cedric and you were Sergeant at Arms?"

"Aye, Baron."

"Then why do you work in the stables now?" he hesitated, "Come man, I tire of this prevarication.  Know you that Sir Hubert is dead along with his three henchmen and I am here on the King's business. Speak."

"I was Sergeant at Arms and a good one, Baron, but I questioned Sir Hubert and the Dean o'er much for their liking. I spoke my mind."

"You were lucky not to have paid with your life."

"I know."

"Did you know that the Bishop was murdered?"

"I heard a rumour that he had been killed to silence him but I was kept in the stables. I was shunned." He flashed an angry look at the man who had spoken to me. "And the Dean; what of him?"

"He wished to be Bishop. I heard that he was promised the Palatinate when the King died."

This was treason indeed. "I would make you Sergeant at Arms again, Cedric.  Will you accept?"

His eyes brightened, "Aye my lord. Readily."

I pointed to the fellow before me.  "You know your men better than I.  Go with Wulfric here.  Any who you do not trust will be disarmed and sent hence."

Cedric nodded and hauled the shaking sentry to his feet, "You, come with us!"

I was tired but I still had much to do.  This nest of vipers had to be cleansed.  Then I remembered the Bishop.  He was to have been buried this very day. "Leofric, fetch me Father Michael."

When I was alone I heard the sounds of the castle coming to life as Cedric and Wulfric scoured the castle for Hubert's men. I would need to send a message to the Archbishop. I suspected that Michael would be the new Dean but I still did not know how to deal with the old one.  He had claimed sanctuary.  He could stay in the cathedral untouched.  I did not like that idea. Father Michael had cleaned himself up and had his injuries tended to. "The Bishop was due to be buried today in the chapter house.  Can you perform the funeral rites?"

"It would be my honour."

"Let me know when you are ready.  Those in the castle will do him honour." He turned to go. "And the Dean has claimed sanctuary.  What can we do about that?"

"I fear nothing.  It is sacrilege to forcibly take someone from a church if they have claimed that right," he paused and shook his head, "no matter how heinous the crime."

"Who will be in the church?"

"There may be a priest in there but if there is then he will be a confederate of the Dean."

"And he would have heard the Dean's confession."

"He would.  In the eyes of God and the Church then the Dean has been absolved of his sins."

"I thought so.  Let me know when all is ready," I rose, "Come Leofric, let us find some food."

As we went he asked, "If Durham is not safe then the whole of the valley and the south are in danger."

"And that is why Stephen of Blois used Hubert and the Dean. It explains why there were never any men from Durham who could fight with us. He sent one knight and four men at arms the last time. All of this makes sense.  Durham's lands were never touched.  It was always my valley and the land on the borders.  I was a fool. I have no doubt that the priests who were sent to aid us were the ones that the Dean wanted out of Durham.  They may even have hoped that they might die, along with us.  It must have caused them more than a little annoyance that we returned successfully each time we travelled north to fight. Do not worry, Leofric.  I am here now and I can put in place measures to prevent this happening again. I will need to find time to write to the Archbishop and the King."

"Will you tell the King about his nephew?"

"Without proof I dare not.  It would anger the King. He already thinks that I have become so jealous of him that I make things up. I will find proof, fear not."

We went down to the kitchens where the servants scurried fearfully into the corners.  "Fear not, you will be safe from my anger but we need food!"

I felt better after the bread and soup we ate.  I was not concerned with the taste but I knew that I was more likely to be bad tempered if I was hungry and I needed a cool head.

"Thank you.  There will be extra men arriving this afternoon.  You had better prepare better food for them!"

"Yes Baron."

I emerged into the light of the green before the Cathedral.  The Dean was safe in there and I could not lay a finger on him nor ask him a question.  He could give me the proof the King might believe.  One of the York priests hurried over to me.  "We are ready to inter the Bishop."

I held up my hand. "I will join you in a very short time.  I have one more thing to do first."

I went to the warrior hall.  Cedric and Wulfric had two groups of men.  One was smaller than the other. "Well?"

Cedric pointed to the smaller group of eight men.  They looked sulky. "These are the ones I do not trust."

One stepped forward, "I protest, Baron! This man was reduced to the stables by Sir Hubert. Why do you listen to him?"

Wulfric fetched him a clout about the head. "Watch your tongue else you lose it!"

"This man is loyal and is returned to Sergeant at Arms.  You will lay down your weapons and leave this castle. My men have your faces etched in their memory.  If we see you again then you will die.  I am giving you the benefit of the doubt in honour of Bishop Flambard's funeral.  Thank him for your lives but make no mistake you are now marked men!" I nodded to Wulfric.  "See them out and then join me at the chapter house.  It is time to bury a great man."

Leofric walked next to me as the eight were followed to the gate by Wulfric and the others. "Should you not have put them to the sword?"

"Possibly but sometimes you have to give people a second chance.  They may serve another lord.  If they have any sense they will head south and make a new start. It is what I would do."

We had buried the Bishop and were walking the walls to check the security when my men returned.  "Wulfric, these men will form part of the garrison until the new Castellan appoints his own men."

"Aye Baron."