Blood on the Crown by Griff Hosker

Author:Griff Hosker
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historical fiction, mercenaries, war, medieval, knights, black prince
Publisher: Griff Hosker

Chapter 11

Our news brought us the pay day which Red Ralph had hoped. As much as he might want to return to England he would not do so while we were needed. We sold our horses and spare equipment. More men had arrived. The promise of plunder was attractive and we were paid well. Sir John went on the defensive. We would wait for the Prince and his men to arrive. The weather turned even colder and the tents proved remarkably thin. Alone, out of the companies, the Blue Company was prepared for winter. The French and Gascon rebels grew bolder. They attacked Saint-Savin and drove out Sir Robert who fell back to Poitiers. With more French and Gascons heading for our position, Sir John had no choice. We had to join the retreat to Poitiers.

Prince Edward was still ill but he was heading north on a litter. None of us expected him any time soon. When Sir Hugh and the captains were summoned just before the New Year we wondered if this was the end of the campaign. Our gains had been wiped out and the Prince was still ill. None of us expected to fight. We thought that the message would come back that we were suing for peace. We did not know Sir John.

Captain Tom said, “We are to ride south. The Viscount is going to cross the bridge at Lussac-les-Châteaux and attack the French and the rebels from the south. Sir Robert will attack from the north. We will surprise them and regain that which we have lost. When the Prince arrives in a week or so we will begin the campaign to recapture that which we have lost.”

I was not certain. I was inexperienced but even I knew that attacking a defended bridge was never a good idea. As we left the camp to march south we found we were riding on icy ground. It did not bode well as horses slipped and slid. We had less than eighteen miles to travel yet it took us until what passed for noon. Although the skies were cloudy the ground was still slippery. Mindful of his last charge across a defended bridge Sir John decided that he and his household knights, along with the Blue Company would force the defenders at the bridge. The attack would be on foot. It seemed a good idea for although the bridge was packed our knights were all mailed. If they could force the bridge then the Blue Company could move quickly and secure the crossing for the rest of the army.

Although it was freezing cold Red Ralph and Peter advised me not to wear my cloak. “It will encumber you. You will be hot enough once you swing your sword. I have seen men catch their cloak when they meant to thrust at an enemy. Better a little cold than a cold life below ground!”

They knew best and I obeyed them. We dismounted in the woods to the west of the bridge.

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