Warlord of the North by Griff Hosker Read Free Book Online Page B

Edward said, somewhat testily, "The young fool could have flown his banner at the very least."
    "And if the castle had been held by the Scots?  What then, my friend? He was cautious and I applaud him for that. We have numbers which are too small for us to take unnecessary risks."
    The first boat bumped into the jetty tied to the two ferries. Sir Hugh and his wife clambered out.  I saw that there was a babe in a wet nurse's arms too. "Take your wife into the warmth of the castle Sir Hugh.  The air is too cold for women and babes."
    "Aye, lord but it is good to see you.  Our prayers have been answered."
    That was the second time I had been told that. The first boat contained families and half a dozen men at arms.  The second had another surprise for me as Wilfred, son of Geoffrey of Piercebridge, stepped ashore with his mother, Lady Hilda. "Where is your husband, Lady Hilda?"
    "He perished with most of our men fighting the Scots.  He held them until we could get to Gainford." She began to well up.
    Wilfred, a youth of no more than fifteen years of age said, "He died well as did our men but their bodies were butchered and despoiled. Our enemies have no honour, my lord."
    "Take your mother and your people to my Hall.  I will join you there soon."
    I stood to one side with Sir Edward and my men at arms. "Our army grows."
    Wulfric said, "The numbers will not swell our own overmuch, my lord"
    Sir Edward concurred, "Wulfric is right.  It looks like they have suffered losses as grievous as my own. You have sent the Scots packing but they will return and now, my lord, we have enemies closer to home. The De Brus family control the land to the east. They can close the Tees any time they choose."
    "And that is why we must improve the defences here on the river. I want ramparts erecting. We need total control and access across the river. When I have spoken with my people, Sir Edward, I want you to return with the men at arms and archers you sent over and fortify your castle and the ferry.  I will send a rider to the Archbishop and tell him of our situation."
    "You said he might be forced to side with Stephen."
    "I did, Edward, but I do not think either man wishes us to lose the north and have the Scots control all the land north of the Tees. We must defeat our common enemy before we face each other."
    Sir Hugh and the family of Geoffrey of Piercebridge gathered in the Great Hall.  I told them my news, all of it and my decision. "I go now to speak with my people and when I return we will talk further."
    Father Henry and Alf had gathered everyone in the town square by the water trough. I rode Scout so that all could see me. There was neither cheering nor shouting. This had been a narrow victory and everyone knew the danger still remained. "People of Stockton, King Henry is dead and Stephen of Blois claims the throne. King David has treacherously taken advantage of the death of King Henry to try to take our land. I swear that I will fight the Scots and bloody them until they find other lands to ravage."
    That elicited a cheer.
    "However we are now on a war footing.  Until we are safe I will be as a warlord. I will do all that I can to defeat the Scots and use every means at my disposal. From this time forth every male from the age of seven and up is to carry weapons with him at all times. When you are not working on your land you are practising with slingshot, war bow, with sword. We make arrows until we have enough to slaughter every Scotsman in Scotland!"
    That elicited a second cheer.
    I paused and glanced at Father Henry.  He nodded. "When the Scots are defeated then I will fight for the rights of the rightful heir of England, the Empress Matilda and her son, Henry. I will not swear allegiance to Stephen."
    For the first time I saw doubt on the faces of my people and heard a murmur of conversation.
    "I do not command any to follow my banner. This is a decision each man will make in the future but I was appointed your lord by