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now that we are in a parlous position. We must forget the machinations of Stephen of Blois. He will either be or not be the next King of England. I am powerless to stop him. We can, however, carry out the last orders the King gave to me.  We can defend this land against the Scots." My glare left no one around that table in any doubt that I would fight on despite the apparently insurmountable odds.
    Gille, Edward's squire, returned with the map.  It was a piece of calfskin marked with the river and the manors of the valley. I jabbed a finger at Stockton. "All to the north, west and east is lost. I do not doubt that there will be pockets of resistance. Sir Hugh at Hexham will fight and I pray he will rouse his neighbours.  Like me he has the power to do so. I hope that the Bishop of Durham will fight but we have heard naught. Here we hold the southern bank of the river.  Our fight begins here. Tomorrow we build a second ferry. We take over as many archers and men at arms as we can and leave the rest here at Thornaby. We have lost enough of our valley.  Tomorrow we take it back.  Inch by inch if we have to but we lose no more!"
    I was exhausted by the time we had finished planning.  Before I retired I sought out Gilles and Alan. "Tomorrow I go to war.  Gilles, I will not be needing my horses but I want them cared for.  You will remain here and watch over them for me."
    "Aye my lord but I will fight by your side if you need."
    I ruffled his hair, "That day will come but it is not tomorrow. Alan, you now have mail, sword and a helm.  Get yourself a shield and tomorrow you watch my back until we regain my home."
    "My father taught me, my lord and I will guard you until your enemies prise the sword from my dead hand."
    "I would prefer you to live so that you can join my men at arms."
    I knelt next to my bed that night and held my sword before me, "Lord, I pray you guide my arm and my mind.  I know that you have set me a task and I hope that I am up to it.  Protect my people from the ravages of these barbarians and protect my Empress and my son! I am ever your servant. Amen."
    I kissed the pommel stone of Harold Godwinson.  Tomorrow was a momentous day.  Until either the Empress or her son was on the throne then I bowed my knee to no man.  I was my own man and I would be Warlord of the North. I would carve out an enclave protected from all enemies or I would die trying.



Chapter 3
    We rose before dawn and went down to the river. It was a misty morning and we could not see the northern bank.  Some of Sir Edward's men were in the woods close by the river felling trees for the second ferry.  I had all of the archers from Thornaby and Yarm as well as the remaining men at arms and Sir Richard. There were just forty of us. "Harold, take us across and drop us."
    "My lord! The Scots!"
    I smiled, "The Scots will believe the rumour that I am dead and that Sir Edward is no threat for he was ambushed and wounded.  From what I have been told they are an arrow flight from the walls.  Land us as close to the walls as you can manage. If we see heavy forces then we will return to Thornaby but if we have the chance then I will rejoin my men and Sir Edward will wait for news. You will need to watch for my signal."
    "Aye my lord."
    As we made our way across the Tees, hidden from view by the thick fog which blanketed us Sir Richard said, quietly, "Is this wise, my lord?"
    "I know not Sir Richard but it is the right military decision.  Up until now everyone has danced to Gospatric's tune.  All have done as he expected.  He will not expect this." I turned to the others.  I guessed we were half way across.  "Silence until I speak."
    They nodded and drew their weapons. I saw the grey shape of Stockton castle appear before us. I began to hear voices to our right.  It was the Scottish camp coming to life. I had four of the best archers we had at the bow of the ferry and they had arrows knocked.  We peered into the gloom for targets.