The Prince and The Archer by Hosker Griff

Author:Hosker, Griff
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sword Books Ltd
Published: 2024-10-04T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

The king had his way. The Baron’s Parliament agreed to prosecute the war against the de Brus family. Had he left it like that then I believe events might have turned out differently. However, the king was angry. I think it was the fight with his son which caused it, but he took his anger out on the leaders, the earls who had failed. Before the barons, the king castigated the leaders who been unable to bring Robert de Brus to battle. He mentioned both his son and Aymer de Valence in his harsh words. As if that was not enough he then included Robert de Clifford and Henry Percy. I saw the men recoil as though they had been physically struck. It made them angry and angry men do not make wise decisions. The result of the king’s anger would manifest itself later.

I had other matters to contend with and I went with Sir Richard to the chamber occupied by Sir Piers Gaveston where he was guarded by the king’s men.

I entered and he snapped as I did so, “I did not give you permission to enter.”

“And I need no permission, Sir Piers, for I am now your gaolor. I am here to tell you that Sir Richard and I have been charged with escorting you to Dover Castle where you will await passage for a ship to France.”

He laughed. His squire, standing in the corner, smirked. “You think that the two of you can make me do anything? Prince Edward will change his father’s mind. Now get out.”

I went close to the pompous and arrogant Frenchman, “Sir Piers, I know that you have a low opinion of me. I care not. It is true I had a rude and rough upbringing but know this: my king has charged me with the taking of a man he deems to be a threat to England, to Dover Castle. I will do so. Now how you are taken is your choice.”

His eyes narrowed, “My choice?”

I turned to Sir Richard who had brought, on my orders, a Bible, “Sir Richard.” He placed the Bible before the Frenchman. “Now the easy way is that you will swear on this Bible that you will not attempt to escape and you will obey my every command.”

“Or?”

“Or I shall take your sword and have you bound to your horse and led by one of my men.”

He paled, “You would not dare.”

I laughed, “You are speaking now to a man who was commanded by King Edward to ride across a desert and bring forth a Mongol horde. I am one of the men who faced Simon de Montfort and his killers on the battlefield at Evesham. Do you think I am afraid of a pathetic lump of dog turd like you?” I raised my voice and slammed my hand on the table, “Now swear or I will bind you here and now!”

I am not sure if it was my crude language, my voice or the slapped table but he stood and placed his hand on the Bible.

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