Earl Read Online Free PDF Page A

Sir Hugh. The death of Sir Guy might have ramifications for the young knight. "What did you make of Sir Barnard?"
    "I think, my lord, that he is good company.  He has made me feel more than welcome." They were considered words.  Hugh was telling me that he had been courted by Sir Barnard.
    "Had you seen much of him before his father's death?"
    He shook his head.  "He returned towards the end of his father's life.  I think his father's steward sent for him."
    “Where had he been then?”
    “He travelled my lord.  Is there a problem?  Should I be wary of Sir Barnard?”
    It would not do to build barriers between Sir Hugh and his nearest neighbour. Perhaps I was making more of the presence of Stephen of Blois. Shaking my head I changed the subject. "And how does you manor fare?  Did you suffer much in the winter? It was mild in the east."
    "No, my lord. We were not bothered by wolves and we only lost one or two of the old people to the winter sickness."
    "You were lucky.  Sir Richard lost a whole family to that vile contagion and many of my knights had similar problems."
    "Perhaps I was due for a change in fortune." He had lost all of his family.  His only relative now was Sir Edward's squire, Gille. "And will we be campaigning this year?"
    "Eager for war, young Hugh?"
    He laughed, "No, my lord but eager for the profits of war."
    "At the moment there are no enemies for us to vanquish but I believe that will change.  The whole valley prospers and that normally induces jealousy in others. The Scots are still our closest enemies."
    We reached my castle at dusk after bidding farewell to Sir Hugh. As we dismounted I said, "Wulfric I wish you and my squires to dine with me this evening.  I am keen to learn what news you gathered."
    "Aye my lord." I smiled for Wulfric preferred the rough company of his men at arms to that of my wife. He was a rough and ready soldier but Adela would not mind his manners. John and Leofric often dined with me.  Adela was keen to turn them both into gentlemen. Their backgrounds were lowly. I knew many such squires who never became knights.  Adela was adamant that the two squires would, one day, both become lords of their own manors. She had an unwavering belief in my ability to improve my fortunes and therefore the fortunes of those who served me. I was lucky to have her.
    After bathing and changing I sat at the head of the table while I waited for the others to arrive.  Sir Hugh's question had been a good one. If neither the King nor the Bishop required me to go to war what should I do?  I knew that I could not raid the lands of the King of Scotland.  King Henry had forbidden that.  What else could my men do? Idle hands oft turned to mischief.
    My reverie was ended when William burst in dragging his mother.  Adela shook her head, "He has been full of the journey my husband and is determined to tell me all!"
    I laughed, "He was quite the centre of attention but he was a good boy my wife.  You can be proud of him as I was."
    William then gave his mother a blow by blow account of all the places we had visited.  Wulfric and my squires entered whilst he was in the midst of it. They listened with amusement.  It made it easier for Wulfric as he was able to relax as William was the centre of attention.
    Adela was the cleverest woman I had met, outside of the Empress and, as the meal drew to its close she knew I wished to speak with my men.  "Come William.  It is time for your bed."
    "But I want to stay with the other men!"
    That made them all laugh. I affected a stern expression, "Then you should know, young William of Stockton, that my men all obey me without question! It is time for bed!"
    He hung his head, "Yes, my lord."
    I grabbed him and hugged him.  "You did well, my son, and I am proud of you.  In a few years you, too, might be part of these discussions but for now go with your mother."
    He brightened, "Yes father!"
    Once he had gone I stood and poured my men some of the red wine