Free Warlord of the North by Griff Hosker Page B

"I believe we can but even if I thought we were doomed to failure then I would still fight on."
    "Why, my lord?"
    "Because a knight has to fight for that which he believes. He has to do what is right.  It is what makes us different to our men at arms. Let me ask you a question. Are you happy for the Scots to ravage our land as they have done?"
    "Of course not but in fighting the Scots we weaken ourselves and we will be in no position to fight Stephen of Blois."
    I laughed, "One battle at a time, Tristan.  But I take heart from your words.  You fight with my banner still"
    "Always, my lord but I have a family now and I fear for them."
    "And that is why I have your families behind walls.  I am improving my defences and I have told your father to do the same. The worst thing you can do, Tristan, is to give up hope."
    We rode in silence and then Harold said, "Tell him of the Spartans, lord."
    "Harold is right, the Spartans are a good example.  When I studied in Constantinople, I read of three hundred Spartan warriors who defied and held up an army of ten thousand Persians. They did not give up hope."
    "Did they win?"
    "They died and yet they won for Greece remained free because of their sacrifice. That may be true of us.  I believe we will win but I am no fool.  We may all perish but if those who come after us can live under either the Empress or her son Henry then our deaths will have been worthwhile."
    He nodded and reflected.
    "However take heart from Harold."
    "Harold?"
    "Aye, he grew up an outlaw.  He lived in the forest and the men of William the Bastard and William Rufus could not capture or subdue them. They used the forest and they used the land.  That will yet be a most important ally.  The land will help us drive these Scots hence. My father and my namesake took to the forests and fought as outlaws against the Normans when they came. They survived. Do not give up hope just yet."
    The gates of Durham were barred but men still worked their fields. Their shouts of greeting gave me hope for they were pleased to see my banner. It was my standard which gained us entry to the mighty bastion. Our squires took our horses while the three of us hurried to meet with the Bishop. He was in his hall along with his clerk, William Cumin. I did not like that.  He was related to the enemy and a papal spy.  Why did the Bishop tolerate him?
    The Bishop smiled and rose to greet me, "My lord this is the best news I have had in some time.  We had heard that you were dead!"
    I  pointedly looked at the clerk, "The Scots tried to have me killed but as with all things Scottish it was badly managed and I live."
    I saw Cumin colour.
    "This is good news then.  I pray you sit.  We have much to say to each other."
    I drew my sword and put the point to the clerk's throat. "I will not speak while this Scottish spy sits here.  I wonder he is not in the deepest dungeon in Durham!"
    "My lord, sheath your sword in my hall!"
    William Cumin was sweating.  "I am waiting."
    The clerk began to babble, "I have sworn to my lord that I am a loyal servant of Durham and owe no allegiance elsewhere!"
    I looked in disbelief at the Prince Bishop, "And you believe this snake?"
    "There is no need for such language, my lord.  Yes I do believe him.  He swore on a bible."
    I sheathed my sword. "He lies but it is your home. You, get out of my sight.  I would not lose a moment's sleep if I ended your life so think on that.  Do not let me see you again or you will die."
    "My lord! It is my home!"
    "Go! Worm!"
    When he had gone I saw that the Bishop was shaken. "That was not well done."
    I rounded on him, "And was it well done when you allowed the Scots to come to my valley and slaughter my people?  Where are your armies?  Where is the opposition to the Scots?"
    "I was helpless.  Some of my castles defected to the Scots when they came south. What could I do?"
    "You should have been more of a Prince and less of a Bishop.  You have a banner. Lead forth