English Knight (26 page)

“But what?”

“I saw many fires in the distance.  There may be a camp ahead.”

I expected a camp but I thought that it would be that of the King. It now seemed unlikely that this was the case. The chain across the river suggested a siege. ”You have done well.  Take charge of the three destrier. They will need time to recover from the voyage.” I could forget the destrier if Aiden was watching them.

We crossed the dunes and headed north to find the river. I knew that Caen lay to the east of the coast along the river. The fact that the port was blockaded was worrying.  If we could not join the king in Caen, then what would we do? Once we reached the river we were able to ride close to the trees along its side.  It gave us some protection from observation. We soon began to come across bodies. There had been fighting in this area.  It looked to have been some time ago. The bodies had been stripped of all valuables and weapons but it made me even more cautious.

Scout saved us again. The land rose a little to a small ridge and Scout whinnied. I waved Dick forward.  He was a woodsman and could hide in plain sight.  He slipped from his horse and nocking an arrow he disappeared into the small stand of trees some hundred paces from us. He seemed to be away for a long time and I contemplated sending John after him. He returned just as I was about to wave John forward.

“There were two sentries my lord.  They are both dead. They wore the same livery as those that attacked us. Ahead is the camp of Anjou. They are laying siege to Caen.”

We were trapped on the wrong side of the enemy. Thanks to the deadly accuracy of Dick’s bow we were able to watch the enemy’s dispositions from the top of the ridge. Our small numbers meant that we could hide whilst observing our enemy.

“We need to get inside Caen.”

Richard shook his head, “It is impossible.  We are as likely to be attacked by our own side as the men of Anjou.”

“We cannot know that.  We need more information about the enemy and the defenders. Richard, take charge here and let the men rest.  We may need to move tonight.” I could see that he thought the situation was hopeless.  Now I knew why he had become an impoverished knight. I saw obstacles as something to be overcome.  He saw them as a barrier. Sadly I was stuck with him.  King Henry expected three knights.

There was still plenty of daylight and I went, with Edward, a little closer to the walls and the defences. I had to see what Fulk was up to. Harold and Alan came with us.  Their bows might be the difference between a sudden death and survival. I had thought that there would be more men outside than we actually found. Then I realised that the king had asked for the muster to be a few weeks later.  De Brus had warned Count Fulk and he had attacked while the king had small numbers inside Caen.  That worked in our favour.  We might be able to force a passage. The numbers were not huge.  It would, however, require cunning. This was where I missed Wulfstan and the others.  They had done this sort of thing before.  For me it was my first time. I used the knowledge and skills that they had given me.  ‘
First, gather all the intelligence you can. Second, exploit the enemy’s weakness.’
  I looked again. The main camp was opposite the main gate. There looked to be over two hundred men camped there. There was a smaller one at the east gate. It looked to have a handful of tents only. That would be our best opportunity to get in.

“The problem is, Edward, that Richard is correct.  Unless we can let the king know that we are coming we will be attacked as if we were the enemy.”

“I hate to agree with him but unless we can find a way to fly a message in then we are stuck outside.”

Harold suddenly laughed, “Then we can get a message inside.”

“How?  Witchcraft?”

“No, my lord, archery.” He pointed to the hill to our right.  It was just three hundred paces from the castle wall. “If I released an arrow from there, with a message attached I could drop it into the castle and the king would know we were coming.”

Edward clapped him on the back.  “He is right, my lord and if we used Dick and John too then we would have three times the chances of one of the messages reaching the king.”

I thought about it briefly.  It was our only chance. This might be a glorious failure but I believed it would succeed. “Very well, Edward, fetch the men while Harold and I write the messages and prepare the arrows.”

Although we had some small pieces of sheepskin we had used to protect our weapons on the voyage we had no ink. Harold proved himself to be ever resourceful. He went to the dead fire of the sentries we had killed and brought a piece of charcoal. He selected one with a fine point but which would not break easily. I wrote the same message on each one.  Harold trimmed the sheepskin to make it as small as possible and then he tied each one on a carefully chosen arrow.

“The extra weight will shorten the distance the arrow travels but the hill helps us, my lord.  We can loose the arrow high and it should descend over the wall.”

While he finished his task I looked at the problem we faced. The drawbridge was raised.  We would have to clear a path to the moat and then shout for the bridge to be lowered and the gate opened. That meant we had to eliminate the camp before us and do so silently so that Fulk’s men did not come from the main camp to stop us. The problem ruled out a headlong charge. We would need to use silence. My archers could help but then it would be down to the speed and skill of our swords. There was still enough light to see the numbers who faced us. There were eight men close by two pavises forty paces from the bridge. They would be our last obstacle. The main camp was two hundred paces from the moat.  There were twenty warriors there and they too had a number of pavises strategically placed for protection. I could see no sign of any knights.  This looked to be a small force of men at arms who were there to stop any messenger escaping through the small side gate. Even as I watched, they carefully changed the guard at the moat. They did so under a wall of shields.  I saw the sentries on the wall looking for an opportunity of sending arrows their way.  They were careful and the defenders wasted no arrows. I took a guess that they would do this every four hours.  It would keep the men alert.  They had a hard task.  Their eyes would have to remain on the gate and the bridge. I began to see the possibility that we might succeed although the odds were still against us. We had to wait until night and then try my risky strategy.

Edward and Richard brought the men up.  While Harold and his two fellow archers adjusted the messages on the arrows to maximise the range I spoke quietly with my two lieutenants. Edward nodded but Richard looked at me in amazement. “You mean you think there are but a handful of men within and you want us to join those who are trapped?  That is foolish. We should seek the king’s forces who are beyond these walls. Perhaps the king is not even here at all. He may have stayed in London. There would be no dishonour in finding our ships and returning to England. To attempt to join a small garrison inside a castle is madness.”

I could not believe this talk. “Our ships are long gone and I gave my word.  So long as you follow my banner then you will obey my decisions and my commands.” He nodded. “I have no doubt that this castle can hold out.  It is the best castle I have seen outside of Constantinople. Fear not Richard, we shall prevail.”

I hoped that I had convinced him but I would not waste any more words upon him.  He served me. Harold nodded, “We are ready my lord.”

“Then God be with you.”

The three of them walked forward a little to gain the maximum advantage of their position.  I knew that Harold would have chosen his best shafts.  The three arrows would be the best that we possessed. It was now in God’s hands. They knew their business and they aimed across the gate between the two towers.  I knew that behind would be the bailey and hopefully the arrows would not strike an unwary defender. They loosed together. Two of them sailed over but perhaps the fletch on one came loose.  Whatever the reason one arrow veered a little and it clattered on the roof of the tower to the left and then slid down to fall on the walkway. The guards at the moat looked up at the tower.  They had only recently come on duty.  The noise would have alarmed and worried them.  I was glad then that we would be waiting until dark before we risked an attack.  I wanted them weary and waiting for relief. The guards on the ramparts ran to the sound of the arrow.  I prayed that they would heed my message.

We ate dry rations as we waited.  “Well the errant arrow did us one favour, my lord, they would have found it.”

They say that hindsight is a wonderful thing and always perfect. I should have asked the defenders to give me a signal to show that they had read the message. I had been too keen to send the message over as quickly as possible.  I did not know if they had understood the message or, more importantly, believed it.

We waited until dark.  I wanted the guards at the moat getting towards the end of their shift so that they would be tired and I wanted those at the main camp eating and resting.  I took my two knights and their squires as well as my ten archers. The rest of my men would be needed to get the horses and equipment to the bridge as soon as possible. We had counted the men in the camp and knew their numbers.  There were six within the tents when we approached and the others were gathered around their fires.  They kept no watch around the camp.  They felt secure. We had to wait until there were just ten men around the fire.  That way my archers could do their job. Harold, Dick and John were masters with the knife but we had to make sure that we were silent.

Two men left the camp to make water. I nodded to Edward and Alan who slipped after them. When another went into the tents I began to feel hope rising. A third man rose and, rubbing his guts came directly towards us.  I whispered to Harold, “Ready your men.”

The man at arms had his head down and he was still rubbing his gut when I plunged my sword into his painful middle and ripped it up to kill him instantly. I caught him before he could fall and make a noise. Edward and Alan appeared next to me with bloodied blades. The arrows soared and I led my men into the camp as the arrows descended. Nine of the men died silently.  One arrow had struck a shoulder and the man turned as Richard sliced down and ended his life. There was no sound and no alarm. I let my archers enter the tents to use their knives.  I watched with Edward and Richard. There seemed to be too much noise coming from within the tents but I knew that the noise would not carry.  The next camp was at least half a mile away. My men emerged without casualty.  We ran back to our horses. 

The last part of my plan was the hardest.  Each man at arms led two horses while my archers filtered down the track to the moat. There was no fire there and their victims would not be highlighted by the fire. They would need to close as closely as they could and be incredibly accurate. We waited out of sight while my archers loosed death.

Harold suddenly appeared.  “It is done, my lord.”

“Lead the men down. Richard, watch the rear.” The bodies lay behind their shields.  All had died silently. As I stood there I knew that I had to break the silence but, as soon as I did the noise would carry to the other camp.

I took off my helmet so that my voice would not be masked. I prayed there was someone inside who recognised both me and my voice. “This is Baron Alfraed of Stockton.  I am here at the orders of King Henry.  Open the sally gate and grant us entry.”

There was an ominous silence.  Suddenly a flaming arrow soared high in the sky.  As it came down we all looked up and I glimpsed faces on the walls. I heard a voice shout, “Open the gate and get inside. Be quick about it.”  I recognised the voice.  It was Robert of Gloucester.

Unfortunately the arrow would have alerted the other camp. I knew that Robert of Gloucester had had to make sure we were who we said we were but we now had to get our horses across a narrow drawbridge and through a tiny gate. I turned and went to Richard at the rear. There was no sign of him. “Edward, Harold, come here.  Wulfric get the men inside.” I watched as he used the flat of his sword to push our hostage into Caen. There would be no flight for him.

I heard the bridge slam down and the gate creak open.  Light from the castle illuminated the bridge behind me.

Of Richard there was no sign. “Dammit, where is the man?”

“Perhaps he needed a pee my lord.”

I almost laughed at Harold’s words.  “Then he picked the wrong time to go.”

I heard Robert of Gloucester shout, “Hurry! We cannot leave the gate open too long.”

“Inside, I will follow!” I peered in the dark.  What could have happened to him?  I suddenly worried that we had not killed all of the guards.  Perhaps he had been taken.  I owed it to him to help. I began to turn and caught sight of the broadsword which sliced down at me.  It was Richard!

I managed to deflect the blade. “What are you doing Richard?  It is me.”

“I know, my lord, and I am sorry for this.” He swung the sword at my unguarded head and I barely blocked it in time. I saw sparks in the dark as the swords met. “I think you have picked the wrong side in this war.  Count Fulk will pay me for your head and the land here looks better than that in England.  I will take my chances here. King Henry is finished.” He swung his sword again and stepped forward. “There is too much treachery at home.  He cannot hold on to his kingdom.” I was being pushed back. I did not have my shield with me and my only defence was the helmet I held.

I heard the sound of hooves as reinforcements galloped towards the camp.

“Hurry Baron Alfraed or you will be left outside!”

I heard the urgency in Edward’s voice.  As my feet felt the wooden bridge, Carl, Richard’s squire thrust his spear at me. I blocked it with my sword and Richard swung his sword at my head. I whirled my helmet at the sword and managed to block it. If I wanted to escape I had to buy some space. I whipped my blade around and slashed at the spear.  I heard it crack and split in two. I put down my shoulder and ran at Richard.  He was not expecting that attack. I hit him under his arm and he fell to the floor. An arrow thudded into the ground next to me as Count Fulk’s men arrived. I swung my sword at Richard lying on the ground. He blocked it but my sword managed to slice across his face. He rolled away as his bare cheek began to bleed.  I now had a chance and I took it.  I turned and ran towards the bridge.  I saw my men in the doorway with shields ready to protect me. It felt as though I had been thumped in the back and I pitched forward on to the bridge.  Helping hands dragged me inside as the gate and then the draw bridge were showered by arrows. We were safe. When the gate slammed shut I dropped to my knees.

Robert of Gloucester was grinning at me, “You are not content to fight my father’s enemies alone. You bring your own enemies with you.” His face became serious and he pointed beyond the door, “What happened?”

“He decided that your father was on the losing side and he switched allegiance.”

Edward’s face clouded, “Treacherous bastard.  I never liked him, my lord.”

I shrugged, “He was a good knight. He was never pleasant but he did his job.” I looked at Robert, “Where is the king?  Our ships could not get beyond the chains.”

“He went to visit the Holy Roman Emperor, his father in law. He seeks his support against Count Fulk.  He will be back ere long.”

“Then he had better hurry.  De Brus has joined Count Fulk and he has a powerful army. It will only get larger.”

Suddenly Harold said, “Hold still my lord.” He pulled at my back and held two arrows for me to see.  “You were lucky again, my lord! You can thank your armourer.”

I had been lucky. I turned to Richard, ”How many men do we have to defend the castle, my lord?”

He led me into the castle, “Your men have made a big difference.  We now have fifty men!” I laughed at the absurdity of it. We had just a handful of knights and a few men at arms to hold off a whole army. “I am pleased you have not lost your sense of humour.  We may need it before too long.”

He had food sent for and we ate, in his hall, a hot meal. It made all the difference. We told him of our journey.  He seemed impressed.  “Then with the men you killed on the ships and in the camp you have whittled his numbers down at no loss to yourselves.”

“Most were just men at arms.”

“They are the ones who will assault us.  Get some rest for I fear that your traitorous knight will have given him your numbers. We had Count Fulk believing that the King was within.  It will be hard to maintain that illusion now.  Count Fulk may decide to risk all before reinforcements arrive.”

“I have a hostage who may be able to supply information about the Count’s intentions. Harold, bring Geoffrey.” My squire hurried off.

“I think we knew the Count’s intentions, Alfraed, capture Caen and defeat my father.”

“I think it is more complicated than that, my lord. The plots at home involved a whole host of people.  When your father took De Brus with him and chastised the Seneschal of Durham he thought he had ended the problem.  I do not think he has.”

Geoffrey arrived looking quite worried.  Robert of Gloucester stood and took out his dagger. “You are the prisoner of Baron Stockton. He is one of my knights.  If I chose I could end your life here and now. I could blind you.  I could emasculate you.” He smiled.  “I tell you this so that you are under no illusions. Tell me all that you know of the plot of Count Fulk.”

His voice rose in fear, “I only know a little.”

“Then tell me a little and I will decide your fate.”

“My father and the Baron of Hartness were to capture Stockton and then close the road to Durham. King David of Scotland would then advance south to join them. With Durham captured and the road south opened they were to invade England.  My father said that either King Henry would have to abandon England to the Scots or return home and abandon Normandy to Count Fulk.” He shook his head, “Either way we would be on the winning side.”

Richard looked at me, “You were right. This is more serious than we thought.  When my father arrives he will have much to ponder.” He sheathed his dagger.  “You have bought yourself some more time young de Mamers.” He turned to me. “I will take over as his gaoler now. But you shall share in any reward.”

I saw the disappointment on Harold’s face.  He would learn that we were at the bottom of this food chain. We took the scraps the great and the good left for us.

The castle smith repaired my helmet and my armour which had been damaged in the fight. As we manned the walls, the next day, my men were incensed at the treachery more than anything else. Carl, it appeared, had been as unpopular as his master.  My men wanted to get their hands on the two of them rather than Count Fulk whom they did not know.

The enemy host appeared at noon.  Their numbers were greater than we had seen the day before.  I noticed the banners of De Brus amongst the host and I saw Richard’s banner with them too. At least we knew where he was. Count Fulk had been reinforced. These events were preceded by negotiation.  It was in the Count’s interest to try to achieve the surrender of the castle without loss of men.  He sent a knight forward to begin the discussion.

“Count Fulk does not wish an unnecessary loss of life.  He demands the surrender of the castle.  He will allow all within the castle to leave with their arms as a gesture of goodwill. We know that the king is not within and the castle is in the hands of Robert the Bastard.”

I glanced at Robert.  He did not seem at all put out by the insult. He saw my look of surprise and shrugged, “What can I say? I am a bastard and grandson of one too.  It is not a mark of dishonour. These petty insults show that they are not confident of taking us. Well I suppose I had better give answer to this blowhard.”

He leaned forward and cupped his hands around his mouth. “I defend my father’s castle against all.  Tell your master he may try his best but he will leave even more of his knights and men at arms dead if he does. We will not surrender to a usurper and his band of traitors.”