Knight of the Empress Read Online Free PDF Page B

who is behind these Germans."
    Matilda put her hand on mine, "I think, Alfraed, that it is the same man who is causing this land so much trouble."
    The Count du Bar nodded, "It is Charles Count of Flanders. His land is poor and prone to flooding.  He has been casting his covetous eyes south, to King Henry's domain and east to the lands of the Emperor." Hs shook his head.  "I am afraid, my dear, that the Pope has much to answer for.  He has weakened the position of your husband and thereby encouraged those who seek to take lands from the Empire."
    "But surely the Emperor is Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire!"
    The Count laughed, "You are naïve, young man.  The Pope is as political an animal as any. Come let me show you something."
    He led us to a cupboard in the corner.  He opened it and took out a map. It was beautifully decorated and looked expensive. He pointed with his dagger which was adorned with well cut jewels. "Here we are. My lands are on the borders of the Empire.  Here is the County of Champagne and Blois. And here are the lands of the County of Flanders.  We are like the nut which can be cracked from two sides.  It is only the strength of my arm which holds them back."
    Matilda said, "My cousin Stephen is from Blois."
    "And your father's mother was from Flanders.  The Count Charles fears that your father will claim Flanders and Stephen's family, well they just want more land."  He smiled.  "It is lucky you came this route to return home.  I can provide an additional escort.  It will not be many for I needs must protect the borders of my lands but it will be enough to discourage any attempts to take you captive." There was a knock on the door. "Come!"
    A servant appeared, "The food is almost ready my lord, can we prepare the table for the food?"
    He waved them in, "Come we will go and see these Germans.  It would be useful to find out what they know."
    We descended by a spiral staircase into what must have been a stable at one time.  It reminded me of the lower level of my castle in Stockton. This one now had a door and I could see that it was being used as a cell of some sort. The Count's sons, Edward and the squires were there and, manacled to the walls, were the two German knights.
    "I am sorry, I was rude not to introduce you, this is my elder son Geoffrey, my younger son Raymond and my nephew Guy of Dijon." They nodded. "Did you find anything when you searched them?"
    Geoffrey held out his hand and there were a number of gold coins in his palm.  "We found much gold and it all bears the mark of Charles of Flanders. It was hidden beneath their saddles and was cunningly concealed."
    I could see from their bloodied faces that the two Germans had been struck. Konrad spat out a tooth and snarled, "We came by that money honestly!"
    The Count put his face close to the Teuton and asked, "How?" The hesitation proved it was a lie and this was confirmed by the downcast looks of Lothar. The Count turned to me, "This knight thwarted your attempt to harm the Empress and I have been told that you did not try to defend the Empress against her attackers.  Your animals, weapons and gold are forfeit.  I will send a ransom demand to your families.  Until then you shall enjoy my hospitality." He smiled, "I could of course make your stay more comfortable were you to tell me who hired you and what the Empress can expect on her way home." The two remained sullenly silent. "Bread and water only!"
    On that sobering note we returned to the hall and the feast. I discovered that the Count's sons and nephew not only looked like him but they took after him too. They were most interested in life in England and found my story of our journey from Constantinople to England fascinating.
    "I will take a crusade one day. When this land is settled and quiet then I shall visit the Holy Land and make a pilgrimage."
    The Count shook his head, "Raymond, my son, it is unlikely that this land will ever enjoy peace and as for the Holy