The Fallen Crown (15 page)

I bit my tongue for this was just the messenger.  He did not deserve my wrath.  "Go find food."

I put the Earl from my mind. I would still do what was needed. We took off our mail.  It would encumber us and we needed to be swift and silent.  We left our helms and shields at the camp.  Each of us took extra weapons. I took a mace we had taken from one of Stephen's dead knights.  Edgar took a flint and Wilfred organised the kindling. Before we left our camp Dick said, "Lord, smear some of the charcoal from the fire on your hands and faces.  You will stand out less in the dark."

It was wise advice from someone who had evaded capture in the woods of Sherwood for many years. We parted at the Roman Road.  Dick headed east and we went south. We went cautiously and when we saw the fires of their sentries on the road we left our horses with Sir William and slipped down to the watery dyke.  My plan was simple. We would wade down the shallow side of the dyke. If we spied sentries we would duck below the water.  It would mean the kindling would be useless but we could improvise. The water was icy as we slipped into its black waters but the bank hid us from view.  We made our way  along it.  We could hear the noise and the conversations from those in the camp but we saw nothing.

Alan son of Alan was leading and I was close behind him. He held up his hand and we halted.  I saw a shadow appear some ten paces from us.  The overhanging grasses and reeds hid us but when I heard the hiss and the splash in the dyke I knew that he was making water.  Alan waited until he had gone before he waved us forward. We went another thirty paces. James had told us that the war machines were between the camp and the castle walls.  They were guarded. When we heard the murmur of the camp fade we halted. I slowly raised my head, acutely aware that the charcoal on the back of my hands had been washed off by the water. I saw that we would not need the flint for there were three fires.  They were there to keep the guards warm.  I counted eight men who were guarding the war machines. Turning, I waved the others to the bank and I started to pull myself out.  After the icy waters the night air actually felt warm! I knew that it was an illusion. We were hidden in the dark and the eight men around the fires had no night vision for they were staring at the fires.

I waved my arms left and right.  My men began to crawl along the ground.  I wondered how we were going to creep up and slay them silently when I heard an alarm.  It was far away from us and I realised what it was, it was Dick and his archers stealing the horses.  The eight men stood and looked in the direction of the horse lines.  To our left, some way off, I heard someone shout, "To arms! They are stealing the horses!"

The commotion was too great an opportunity to miss and I rose, mace in hand and ran towards the eight men.  My men joined me.  The mace is a powerful weapon especially when used against unprotected heads.  I caved in the back of one skull as Gilles stabbed a second man in the back.  As another turned I swung my mace and demolished his face. All eight were dead and no one looked in our direction.

We ran to the machines and Wilfred spread the kindling amongst them.  I helped my men to gather the spare firewood for the fires and used that too.  When all was in place we each grabbed a burning brand and threw them under the machines. I did not wait to see if they caught; instead I led my men back through the camp.  It was a risk but there was so much movement that I doubted any would notice another group of men running. I took my sword in my right hand and held my mace in my left.  We ran.

We were half way through the camp and approaching the sparsely populated northern end when someone took an interest.  A sergeant at arms shouted, "Where the hell are you lot going?"

Edgar rammed his sword into his middle and hurled his body to the side. His companions looked around and we hacked and stabbed at them.  The damage had been done and all eyes, in that part of the camp, turned to us.  "Run! Sir William!"

I swept my sword in an arc and managed to rip it across the arm of a man at arms.  As I ran I sensed someone on my left. I stopped and held up my mace.  It blocked the blow from the sword and I stabbed the man at arms in the thigh.

"Hurry my lord!"

Gilles' voice spurred me and then I heard the sound of hooves on the road ahead.  I ran even faster.  When my feet touched the Roman Road I risked a glance behind.  The enemy were in hot pursuit but behind them I saw the war machines blazing away.  We had succeeded; now could we escape?

Sir William's voice shouted, "To the side, lord!"

We needed no urging and we threw ourselves into the ditch.  Sir William and his men at arms were all mailed and they hit the lightly armed and sleepy soldiers like an avalanche hitting a stand of young trees.  They swept them before them.  We regained the road and ran to our horses. Sir William had left horse holders.  As we mounted I shouted, "Fall back!"

We held our swords and waited. Sir William and his men galloped up but one horse was riderless.  These were true warriors and I was grateful that they fought at my side!

When we reached our camp Dick apologised.  "I am sorry, my lord.  We were seen as we got into position and the alarm was given."

I shook my head, "It was meant to be, Dick, and besides it aided our escape.  When the alarm was given we were able to break through their lines. We captured their horses.  Some are war horses."

"I think that the usurper will regret his decision not to keep his war horses secure. They will be a grievous loss."

Sir John asked, "And now, what, my lord?"

"We have done all that we can do.  His war machines are damaged and he will have to begin building them again.  His ability to range far and wide with his horses has been diminished.  We will wait here and prevent any reinforcements from the north arriving and await the Earl."

"Derby is not far away, my lord."

"Sir William it is a lifetime away for some of our men. I pray that the Earl hurries and applies some of the determination I have seen from our heroes."

The Earl did not reach us until February.  However the valiant efforts of my men had delayed the real assault on the castle. Stephen had to make new siege engines and that took time. The Earl was wise enough to realise that our position was the best one from which to assault the castle.  If we attacked from the other side then we would have the town to negotiate first.  This way Maud, the Countess of Chester, could use her archers to harass the rear of the enemy.  Of course it might be that Stephen would decide to abandon the siege and withdraw.  If he did so then it would be a victory for us; we would have Lincoln. From what I knew of him I did not think he would.  Even though we had not attacked since destroying his siege engines we had scouted.  I had gone with Dick and his archers to spy out the enemy.  I knew who some of his commanders were. We had spied their banners

William of Ypres was from Flanders and was a favourite of Queen Matilda, Stephen's wife. He had been involved in every battle they had fought and was not to be underestimated. Alan of Brittany I had met whilst campaigning in Normandy and William of Aumale was another close confidante of Stephen. I had fought alongside him at Northallerton.  He was solid but cautious. I did not see the banner of de Mandeville.  Perhaps the Empress' strategy had worked and by giving up his cousin she had bought his friendship or his neutrality at least.

It took some time for the bulk of the army to reach us.  They were stretched out for many miles along the road.  The majority of the Welsh were foot soldiers and they made up almost two thirds of the army.  I wondered at Prince Madog's motives.  I did not know him but neither did I trust him.  What was a Welsh prince doing in England fighting for the Earl who controlled the richest part of Wales? Could we rely on the soldiers who made up almost two thirds of our force?

I was greeted warmly enough by Robert of Gloucester although Ranulf, Earl of Chester, and his half brother were lukewarm in their praise of our actions. "Thank you Alfraed.  Once again you have valiantly held the line until we could reach you.  The roads were treacherous and the weather vile. I am disappointed it took so long for us to reach you but we are here now.  I take it you have their dispositions?"

"We have scouted them, lord." I told him whom I had seen.  "He has almost fifteen hundred men although we captured or drove off a large number of his horses.  His siege machines are destroyed."

The Earl nodded, "We have, with your men, a thousand.  We will be outnumbered but that should not bother you, my lord.  You seem to do even better when the odds are against you."

I said nothing but one day it might be interesting to fight when we outnumbered the enemy.

Prince Madog, who was a squat, powerful looking warrior said, "Fear not, Earl.  My Welshmen are as solid as the mountains of our homeland.  We will not falter and we will hew these enemies of yours."

I noted his use of
'enemies of yours'
.  What did that imply?  It confirmed my suspicions.  This prince had ulterior motives.

I was anxious to begin the battle.  The army was here and we could begin to prepare. "How will we fight on the morrow, lord?"

"We will fight on the day after.  Tomorrow we will frighten my cousin.  We will array our men so that he may see the full force we can bring to bear."

I heard his words but I knew the true meaning. His men were too tired to fight the next day.  They needed time to recover.

"My lord, that is a good plan but should we not just show him our strength but also meet with him tomorrow and try to put fear in his heart."

"How mean you, Earl?"

I spoke slowly for I wanted no misunderstanding.  "My lord they see an army which is largely Welsh. If we hint that we have more men coming from the north and the west it may change the way he disposes his army."

I saw the Earl as he took in my words.  It made sense. Everyone knew that the best warriors were from the Tees.  The small contingent I had brought would suggest that the bulk were still waiting to attack or to join us.

"The idea has merit.  The three of us will speak with Stephen on the morrow.  Perhaps you are right and we can frighten him into surrender."

I did not think for one moment that would happen but it suited my plans to go along with his.

The next day, the three of us, with squires and banners, rode in peace towards Lincoln Castle. I had a different motive. I wanted Countess Matilda to see that we had come. Stephen was too wily an enemy to believe that I had more men heading south.  He knew I would not leave my land undefended. I wanted to look him in the eyes so that he knew my purpose. We headed towards the castle and I saw that Stephen had already arrayed his men in case we made a surprise attack.

He approached and was flanked by William of Ypres and Alan of Brittany.  Although he spoke to Robert, Earl of Gloucester, he looked at me all the time he spoke.

"Robert.  I see you have brought Welsh mercenaries to terrify us!"

"I bring allies, Stephen. Will you surrender now or when we have slaughtered your men?"

He ignored the Earl and I could tell that Robert of Gloucester was not pleased.  He huffed and snorted as Stephen said,  "I see, Alfraed, that you are up to your usual tricks." He waved a hand at the charred remains of his war machines standing like the skeletons of some blackened primeval beast.

I nodded, "Until the rest of my men arrive that is all that I could do. It stopped them being bored. To be truthful it was all that I could do to stop them attacking you. Soon you will feel the full weight of the men of the Tees.  Then you will know fear!"

He laughed, "God but I wished you had chosen my cause.  This land would be at peace now!"

"But I chose the honourable course.  I remained true to the oath I took.  You did not!"

I knew that would anger him because it was true.  He had sworn at Westminster with the rest of us.

He turned to the Earl of Gloucester.  "Do what you will Gloucester but by the end of the week Lincoln will be mine! I have more men than you do.  The fact that you had to bring these Welshman shows me that you lack numbers."

The Earl had regained his composure for we had made the threat of reinforcements. "That, cousin, is in the hands of God and the men I lead.  You can surrender now or when we have defeated you."

"We will fight you!"

"And you will lose.  We will see on the field of battle. We will decide there who rules England and Normandy; you or my sister."

We rode back to our lines and the Earl said, "You frighten him, Alfraed.  More than any of us he fears you.  We will use that threat on the morrow."

"How mean you lord?"

"You and your men will be the reserve.  I want Stephen to see you and wonder when you will attack.  I want him to fear the men you might bring. He will have his own reserves and he will not commit them until you have joined the battle. He will be distracted and my Welsh allies will use the distraction to break his lines."

I was not sure about the strategy but I was happy to go along with it for it meant I could choose when I attacked Stephen.  This battle would be decided by combat between the two of us.  He knew that as did I.  I was  fighting for a promise given to King Henry; more than that I was fighting for the Empress and my son. If I let them down then I did not deserve to live.

The Earl of Gloucester knew how to prepared for a battle.  The leaders were gathered together and he explained his plan. "We fight in three formations tomorrow. The largest will be led by me in the centre. Our Welsh allies will form two further battles on our flanks.  The Earl of Cleveland will have his men and those of Sir William as a reserve. He will draw Stephen on and, should we suffer a reverse on the field, then he will attend to that."

As a plan it had simplicity.  Our weak flank was the Welsh infantry who were close to the Fosse. The left flank had the Welsh cavalry with the infantry and they were led by their prince. The centre was a solid phalanx of knights, squires and men at arms.  They were all mounted.

The Earl of Chester flashed me a triumphant look, "I shall be in the fore with you, my lord! I will have a place of honour! Tomorrow will be a great and glorious day!" I ignored the glare.  The battle would not be decided in the first attacks. We were not fighting half naked Scotsmen but an army almost identical to ours. It would be a bloody slog.

Sir William followed me to my men so that we could prepare. "This is a great honour my lord.  I shall be with you on this most momentous of days."

I had seen the glares from the Earl of Chester and his brother, "I fear you have incurred the wrath of your liege lord. Perhaps the Earl sees this as a punishment for having followed my banner."

"That may be so, lord, but if a knight has no honour then what is he?  He is little better than a hired sword or a brigand with a title. I am content that tomorrow we ride with you."

Richard was still too weak to ride to war.  That upset him.  "But I can still wait with the reserve my lord.  I can keep your spare horse there."

I smiled, "That you can, squire." I would be riding Rolf but if it was a long battle then I would need Lion too. Gilles and Richard put edges on my weapons.  I chose my own spear rather than a lance. I would have my newly acquired mace too.  When you fought another man in mail and your weapon was blunted then a mace or a club could smash bones protected by mail. With my hauberk cleaned and oiled then I was ready. Each man is alone with himself before a battle. A formal battle meant that you knew what you would be doing.  There would be few surprises. This field had nowhere for one of us to outflank the other.  We would have to destroy one flank first. Men would have to die to do that. You contemplated death and your own mortality. I prayed alone and silently by the Fosse.  I knew that I might die but I asked God to make my death worthwhile.  I ask him to ensure that my son would be king. Then I rose and returned to my tent. Passing the tents of the Earl of Chester I heard them carousing and boasting of the men they would kill.

As I approached my quieter and more contemplative camp Sir William asked, "Lord I have not fought in a battle such as this.  How will it go?"

I waved a hand at the darkness lit by so many flickering fires that the frost seemed to sparkle. "The site means that there is little opportunity for a flanking move. The dyke protects one flank and we know that Stephen now has fewer horses than he did. We will advance upon each other and slog it out. When they fight it will be knight against knight and they will be pressed close.  There will be little opportunity for skill.  It will be strength of your arm, your weapon and your armour which decides the day. Our task is to watch in case the enemy breaks through or to see a weakness in their lines.  If they do then we attack."

"We have less than forty horsemen, lord. What difference can we make?"

"You forget Dick and his archers. When we advance then they will too and when we charge their arrows will range ahead of us and make our attack more effective. Dick and his men double our strength. Besides we do not attack a whole line we either plug a dyke or exploit a hole.  We will be enough."

He nodded, "I hope that I may prove to be worthy."

"You have proved it already, Sir William.  My men and I would now lie dead had you and your men not held the road for us as you did."

After he had retired I went to the horse lines.  Rolf looked content. I had not owned him long but already I felt the connection which would make us a single fighting machine. He understood my slightest move. He would respond to a nudge of my knee or the flick of a spur. In battle that could make all the difference. I stroked his mane and whispered, "Tomorrow we shall see your true heart.  Tomorrow  we go to war." He nodded his head as though in agreement.  I patted his neck and I retired.  I had done all that I could.  It was now in the hands of God.

We woke and prepared for the battle in darkness. Edgar made sure that all my men ate.  Wulfric had drilled that into him. Who knew how long the battle would be? The horses were fed with grain and watered.  We walked them to our position. Dawn brought a cold and grey day. I hung the mace I had captured from my cantle. I had my sword, a dagger and a short sword .  Along with my spear I was as well armed as I could be.  I allowed Rolf to nuzzle me as I gave him the gnarled apple I had found in one of the deserted huts. He swallowed it in one.  Then he raised his head up and down.  "Today, we must be as one!"