Free Warlord of the North by Griff Hosker

would burn. Richard of York raked out the burning wood and coals from the fire and they, too, began to burn.  We had to back out hurriedly as a draft dragged the flames up and we heard the screams from those above as they realised that their place of refuge was, in fact, a trap. There were no windows or openings and, as we watched, we saw them hacking holes in the wall to escape.  Only one succeeded although as he jumped he was enveloped in flames and he writhed in agony on the ground until Gurth put him out of his misery.
    We saw more flames from the water and we ran to join Sir Harold.  There was one cog and ten fishing boats in the harbour.  All were set alight by my men and they burned.  Sir Hugh's men were finishing off the last resistance.  Some men threw themselves into the water in an attempt to escape. Some may have made it but they would have had to shed their armour and survived water which was as cold as ice.
    "Back to the gate!" The fire had spread from the manor house to the adjacent houses.  The only ones which would not be burned were the ones by the gate.  They belonged to the poor and the lowest. I would let them live.  They were not Scots. 
    When we reached the gate I had my men mount.  "Come we go to the aid of Dick."
    Wulfric snorted, "If he needs any help then I am a Welshman!"
    We were half way to Greatham when we met Dick.  He and his archers had been pursuing those who had fled the manor.  He returned with us to the manor of Greatham. When we reached the manor we found that there were two wounded men who had not perished.  One had lost a hand and the other had been hamstrung. Neither would pose a threat to me or my people.
    "Who is your leader?"
    The one who had lost a hand had cauterised himself but he was in pain. "Give me something for the pain and I will speak."
    Dick picked up a jug which still had wine left in it.  He found a discarded goblet and poured some.  The man drank greedily.  I doubted it would do much to ease his pain but we had obliged him.
    "Now speak."
    "It is Robert De Brus who is head of our family now.  It was his nephew Richard whose head you threw over the wall. The Captain of the men at arms sent word to Hartness along with Sir Richard's wife."
    I turned to Sir Harold, "Did you see any women in Hartness?"
    Before he could answer the one armed man said, "They sailed this afternoon for Normanby.  Sir Robert has taken over the castle there.  All the women left.  We thought you were dead. We were bold then. All fear your name. It is said you have never been defeated."
    I said nothing.
    Wulfric said, "Should I end their miserable lives, my lord?"
    "No. There is no need.  Hartness is destroyed and all are dead or fled." I turned to the two men. "If my men see you after the next new moon then you will die. I would head back to Scotland and tell all there that the only piece of England they will claim is that which covers their body."
    "I will lord and thank you for your mercy."
    We mounted and headed home. Dawn was breaking in the east when we spied my walls. We had made a start and now I had the name of one of my enemies but it would be a long war and I had no doubt that there would be many more battles before it was over.
     
     
     
     



Chapter 5
    John, my steward, woke me just before noon, "Sorry to wake you my lord but you said you wanted to be awakened as soon as Aiden arrived." I sat up.  "He is here."
    "Thank you, John. I will need to talk with you later about our finances.  If we are to fund this war against the Scots then I need to know how to pay for it."
    He looked shocked, "Surely the Bishop of Durham will provide funds!"
    "Plan for us to pay and then if we are given any by the Palatinate it will be a pleasant surprise." As I strode downstairs I reflected that money was the least of my troubles.
    Aiden was waiting patiently for me, "I was worried, Aiden.  Did you have trouble?"
    He looked puzzled, "I did as you asked, lord.  I kept out of