Return of the Knight by Griff Hosker

Author:Griff Hosker
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: epic, king arthur, battles, saga, hero, knights, english history, chivalry, king john, jousts
Publisher: Griff Hosker

The Treaty of Le Goulet

Chapter 10

We packed our horses and made our way to the river bank early so that we could hear all that was said. Edward, David and Philippe waited for us at the road with the horses. They were ready to leave as soon as we arrived back. Fótr and I found a good place to listen. The tent was closed. Suddenly the flap was opened as a panoply of horns sounded. There were bishops and priests in great number and they stepped out first. Then the two kings and Prince Arthur appeared. Behind them came the leading counts and earls. I recognised William de Roches and the Comte de Senonche. They stood as far away from each other as it was possible to get.

Two priests held the document. As soon as King Philip stepped forward to read it then I feared the worst. “I Philip of France recognise John son of King Henry as King of England, heir of his brother Richard. I formally abandon my misguided support for Arthur I, Duke of Brittany, the son of King John's late brother, Geoffrey of Brittany.”

I saw Arthur’s face. He was crestfallen. King John smiled and stepped forward, “I John, King of England and Ireland, Count of Anjou, Duke of Normandy and Maine, formally recognise the new status of the lost Norman territories. I acknowledge the Counts of Boulogne and Flanders as vassals of the kings of France. They no longer owe a duty to England. Furthermore, I recognise King Philip as the suzerain of the continental lands in the Angevin Empire. I also promise not to support any rebellions on the part of the counts of Boulogne and Flanders. I concede the Vexin to France with the exception of Chateau Galliard. Prince Arthur, my nephew, will remain as Duke of Brittany and he has my full support.”

If the two kings thought that their announcement would be greeted with cheers they were mistaken. It was obvious they had carved up the Empire of Henry II and both had abandoned Flanders, Boulogne and Brittany. They all returned back into the tent. I felt as though all hope had been sucked from me. Would Prince Arthur need me? We made our way back to the horses. I could see that Edward was agitated and that David had strung his bow. There was danger.

I trusted my archer and I turned to Fótr, “We get to the horses and we ride! We may have to fight our way out of this place.”

At that moment my three men mounted and I saw Geoffrey of Carentan point towards us and shout, “There is the traitor! There is Thomas of La Flèche.” We had been betrayed. Geoffrey of Carentan was leading twenty men at arms in the livery of the King of France. They were led by a knight. As the knight raised his sword David’s arrow struck him in the chest. Even as we ran and mounted our horses two more men at arms fell to his deadly missiles.

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