King Henry's Champion Read Online Free PDF

for my unannounced visit. He manages to avoid meeting with me when I warn him.”
    Edward laughed, “You are cunning, my lord.  When we arrive he will not have time to excuse himself and be absent.”
    “And we, of course will have to give him all of the news of the Empress and the wedding of Sir Hugh.  What could be more natural? And Wulfric will be able to speak with his warriors who will be drunk.”
    Edward nodded to the two firkin of ale we had brought, “And you have brought strong beer for them to celebrate.”
    “I am a thoughtful lord, am I not?” I knew that I was becoming more devious as I grew older but those changes had been wrought by fate and my enemies.
    “I am pleased that I am on your side, Earl.” We rode in silence along the twisting road to the distant castle. He spoke quietly. “Do you still think of the Empress, my lord?”
    “I hope we both do, Sir Edward, for we are both Knights of the Empress.” I held the medallion up; the symbol she had given us.
    “You know what I mean, my lord.”
    “Aye I do.”
    I left it at that.  Edward would have to work out for himself which question I had answered.
    Barnard Castle always impressed me.  Perched high above the Tees it would be an almost impossible castle to take if it was well supplied for the river wound around it like a coif. Sir Barnard’s father had built a good castle but he had not used much stone.  He had used the natural rocks and tied the wooden walls to the natural outcrop with mason crafted stones.  Even so it would be hard to destroy. It was another reason for my visit. Had the King given me the power to remove the castle from the Balliol family? He had told me to do what I had to but the castle belonged to the Palatinate. If only the King would appoint another bishop then my task would be easier.
    The standard flying from the gatehouse told me that Sir Barnard was at home.  My own standard fluttered behind me so that the guards knew who came. The gates were opened and we were admitted. A frowning Sir Barnard hurried to greet me.
    “My lord, this is an unexpected honour.  Had I know you were coming I would have prepared.”
    I dismounted and clasped his proffered arm, “You were away, were you not and besides my news was of such import that I thought fit to deliver it personally.” I waved a hand to the two sumpters carrying the firkins of ale.  “And I have not come empty handed.  I have brought ale for your warriors.”
    “Thank you, my lord.”
    I noticed the tone of his voice, “You were invited to the wedding of your nearest neighbour, Sir Hugh. He wished to visit with you and we came as his escort.”
    “You stay the night, my lord?” He could not keep the disappointment from his voice.
    “Yes, just the one, I have other Barons to visit.” I had his curiosity aroused.
    “Very well my lord although we will be a little crowded.”
    “Fear not, our men at arms are hardy folk and this is a fine castle.  There are but six knights and our squires to accommodate.”
    To be fair to the Baron his quarters were comfortable and I shared mine with my three squires.  They had to make do with hessian filled straw pallets on the floor.
    Sir Barnard had no wife as yet and so it was an all male gathering around his table.  Sir Hugh and I flanked Sir Barnard. He was pleased that Sir Hugh had taken a wife but he was not surprised by the news of the new heir to the throne. His face was full of joy but not his eyes. The news must have reached our enemies too. “The King must be relieved.”
    “I have not spoken to him but I would imagine so. Tell me Sir Barnard what do you think the Scots will make of all this?”
    My abrupt question confused him.  He had not expected such a direct interrogation. I was using a technique I used on the battlefield.  An unexpected charge sometimes worked better than a carefully planned assault. “The Scots? I would not know, my lord.”
    I feigned surprise.  “But you visit there often!