The Fallen Crown by Griff Hosker Read Free Book Online Page A

Sir Harold and Philip of Selby next to me as we rode the short way back to Piercebridge. "What thought you of my words?"
    Sir Harold knew me well.  He had been my first squire all those long years ago. "You are right, lord.  We need a lord of the manor here. This is as important a place as Yarm."
    He stopped and I smiled, "There is a but in your unspoken words Harold."
    He smiled. "You can read minds now, lord. I see no lord you can put here.  We are stretched thinly enough as it is. Do you wish Tristan or me to come?"
    "Would you?"
    "I would obey my lord for I owe all that I have to you."
    "But you would not be happy."
    "No lord. I like Hartburn.  It is a fine manor and I like the safety your castle affords my family but I am your oathsworn and I obey you in all things."
    I nodded, "And you also know that I would not order a man to do that.  I could ask but I will not ask you Harold. You took on Wulfstan's Hartburn and have made the people love you as they did my mentor.  Philip, would you be lord of the manor at Piercebridge?"
    I knew I had taken him by surprise for his mouth opened and close.  I smiled and said not a word.  He regained some composure, "Lord I am just an archer."
    "As is Dick and yet he is now a knight."
    "But he is not lord of a manor.  Make him lord of the manor of Piercebridge, lord.  He deserves the honour far more than I."
    "Your words do you credit.  Know you that I offered Sir Richard a manor and he refused.  You may refuse and I will think none the worse of you. I will still knight you and I will seek another for Piercebridge." He rode in silence.  "When your uncle offered me your service he confided in me that he hoped you would fulfil his expectations.  I believe you have met them.  If you accept my offer and become a knight then I know you will have exceeded them."
    He shook his head, "Do not misunderstand me lord.  I wish to be lord of the manor but I know you well enough to realise that you expect honesty and I am not sure that I could be as good a lord of the manor as Sir Hugh or Sir Harold."
    I glanced over to Sir Harold.  He nodded and smiled, "If that is your only worry, my friend, then I can tell you that all of us felt the same burden. When you ride around your manor and men knuckle their heads and say 'lord' to you then you feel a fraud.  At least I did. Eventually you will earn that respect.  I warn you this though; it will change you. You will find that your feet sink into your manor and become rooted there."
    "What of my archers lord?  Would you keep them with you?"
    "They are your men, Philip and they are vital to my plans.  You need men at arms to guard your walls but you need men who can ride as  far as Durham, Gainford and Barnard to keep watch for our enemies. Your men are fine archers.  With training they can become archers who are also men at arms."
    "Is there such a thing?"
    "Under your hand I believe so!"
    He smiled, "Then I accept."
    "Good.  I will leave you at your new manor.  Before I leave for the Empress I will ennoble you. William the Mason will come to help you build your walls. Tell the people that this year will be free from tax but this time next year they will become part of England once more.  They will pay for that privilege."
    Philip spent the last two miles picking Harold's brain.  I had deprived myself of half of my archers and Dick would not be happy but it was the right thing to do.  I knew that.
    When I reached Stockton I saw that Dick had returned. He waited until we had taken off our armour and washed before he approached Harold and me.  That in itself told me that the news was not urgent. Sir John and Sir Tristan joined us as we sat around the table. Gilles and Richard made to leave but I waved them back.  "One day, God willing, you two shall be knights.  It is right that you hear how knights plan. Stay."
    Clearly awed by my knights they made themselves as inconspicuous as they could.
    "The Empress sent you her warmest