Free The King Is Dead by Griff Hosker Page A

Sir Roger had managed to hire two men at arms before we left and I gave him two of the horses we had captured. We began our journey south. Sir Hugh Manningham's castle was conveniently placed at the end of our first day's journey and he was eager for news.
    After I had told him he said, "And I have the ransoms. Your shares are ready for you to take south."
    I took him to one side. "I will be heading for Normandy.  I would have you use my share to buy more men at arms.  You will need to be a stronger presence here.  Sir Edward and my valley knights will support you should a major attack occur but a monthly progress will ensure that the Scots and the rebels are wary."
    "Thank you for your share.  I will do as you ask.  Tell me though, why Normandy?"
    "I have evidence now to present to the King. I know whence the unrest has originated and I believe that the Empress may also be in danger."
    "Then you are honour bound to help her.  Do not worry, Earl.  I will put the coin to good use."
    My last call before I reached my home was to the Bishop of Durham.  I sent my two knights, men at arms and archers on ahead and retained just my squires. I spent half a day with the Bishop.  I had much to tell him and much to ask.
    When I had finished he nodded.  "I see now why the King puts so much faith in such a young knight.  I approve of your actions, all of them. I have some young knights whom I could appoint to the northern manors.  Heaven knows we need them.  Poor Sir Roger has a precarious position so close to the border." He leaned forward, "Tell me, do you think the Scots will invade?"
    "So long as there is the threat of King Henry coming north then I think that they will keep the peace. It is the lordlings and rebels who will keep encroaching.  Sir Roger and Sir Hugh are both aware of the danger."
    "Good.  I think you should travel to Normandy.  I have much to report. I will write it myself for it is only for the King to read. There are many spies.  I can trust Ranulf but after that..."
    "I will visit with Archbishop Thurstan too. If I am away then his lords south of the Tees must bear a greater responsibility."
    While we were speaking Brother Michael, who was a great healer examined John and, as we were leaving, declared that Edgar had done well. I was relieved. John needed both legs to be a knight. The Bishop clasped my arm as he bade me farewell.  "See the King but return as soon as you can I beg of you."
    "I will but I fear, Bishop, that England is in for some cold winters.  We should prepare."
    We hurried home for I had much to do before I left for Normandy. Wulfric had lit fires beneath Alice, my housekeeper, and John, my steward, so that all was prepared for me. As I dismounted I said to the three squires.  "I will go and speak with Alf first.  I want each of you to go this afternoon and have new mail made for you. And then, before we leave for Normandy, school your young warhorses.  I fear we shall need them sooner rather than later."
    Wulfric heard my words and he shook his head, "We need another year to make them true destrier, my lord!"
    "We have six months and they can be schooled on the road to Normandy."
    Something in my tone made him pause, "That soon, my lord?"
    "Perhaps."
    I strode to my chambers.  "Come John, today you can be my squire and remove my armour so that I may talk with you."
    "Aye my lord."
    As he pulled my surcoat off I said, "I will be leaving for Normandy soon.  I take seven men at arms and six archers.  The rest I leave here under the command of Erre."
    "Yes my lord," he laid the surcoat on the bed and began to wrestle with my mail.
    "We have brought much gold back from the north."
    "Excellent, my lord!"
    "Do not be so happy yet. Let me tell you of my spending plans. I am having three sets of mail made for my squires."
    "Understandable, lord, Wulfric told me of John's wound."
    "And then we need William the Mason to improve the defences of the castle.  In addition I want another