Enemy at the Gate Read Online Free PDF Page B

and entered his left shoulder.  It was a flesh wound only. "Henry Warbow, find me a priest or a monk.  I want this man looked at."
    "Aye lord."
    My men began to drive the thralls and servants from the hall. They carried the valuables from within and were watched by my men at arms.  Behind them I saw flames licking the roof of the hall. "And burn the ramparts. Tear them down in the ditches.  I want nothing to remain of this nest of dishonourable knights!"
    The servants and slaves stopped close by me at the gate.  I was aware that I had an angry look and they would fear for their lives. I pointed to the best dressed of them.  "You, what is your name and what is your job?"
    "I am Philip of Clitheroe and I am the Steward of the Baron of Guisborough."
    He stood erect but I could see the fear on his face. "And who surrendered and then fled?"
    "Sir Henry de Brus, my lord."
    "You and the rest of the servants and slaves are now my property." He nodded.  "Do not try to escape and serve me well and you may be returned to your master." I swept a hand around them all.  "The same goes for all of you."
    Philip of Clitheroe said, "You are known to be a man of your word, lord."
    "Which is more than can be said for you former master."
    "He was young, lord..."
    "If I meet him again he will not age!"
    Wulfric and Sir Edward joined me.  "We have the burghers.  They fear that they will be killed."
    "Good for I am angry enough." I saw that Stephen was being tended to.  "When the monk has finished with Stephen burn the rest of this castle. I want the walls burned and the ditches filled."
    As I passed the monk said, calmly, "The Prior hopes that you will leave the Priory alone, lord. He had nothing to do with this."
    "Save that he is the Prior appointed by Robert De Brus.  I will speak with him when I have time."
    I went to the villagers who were awaiting my judgement.  The representative of their lord and master had fled. He had not stayed to protect them and now they were at the mercy of the Warlord of the North.
    I did not waste time; that was not my way. "Your lord has deserted you.  He saved his own skin. I am the Earl of Cleveland and, until the rightful heir to the throne of England is crowned then I intend to rule this land. If you pay your taxes to me then I will give you protection."
    The leader of the village rose, a little fearfully, "We will live, lord? You will not enslave us?"
    "That is what I said. I will go further.  If you feel that you cannot stay here and pay taxes to a warlord then leave.  I will not hinder you but, " I raised my voice and pointed my finger, "if you are disloyal to me or treacherous in your actions then I will hang you."
    "What of the Prior, lord?"
    "What of him?"
    "We give him a tithe."
    "You give him a tenth of all that you produce?"
    "Aye lord."
    I shrugged, "That is up to you but as far as I am concerned you need not.  I will speak with the prior before I leave." I looked at the sky.  Evening was approaching.  "We will stay here this night.  You will feed us." I pointed to the two dead horses.  "We will eat the horses." I would not begin my rule by taking food from their mouths.
    The headman looked relieved, "Of course lord. And where will you sleep?" He looked pointedly at the burning hall.
    "I will see the Prior."
    I heard hooves and turned to see Ralph of Wales leading his men and Aiden, his. "No one passed us lord."
    "The tower is destroyed."
    "Aiden, return to Ayeton.  Stay there this night. Tell them De Brus is fled and they will pay their taxes to me."
    "Aye lord."
    "Wulfric arrange for sentries.  Sir Edward and I will visit the Prior. Gilles, his squire, will bring you news."
    "Aye lord."
    We mounted our horses and rode around to the priory. We dismounted at the gate where novice monks awaited us.  "The Prior is inside. He asks that you leave your weapons outside."
    Sir Edward laughed, "I cannot see anyone making us do that so out of the way, boy."
    We strode towards the hall.