Vengeance: Passion. Perfidy. Pursuit. (The Breton Horse Warriors Book 5) by S.J. Martin

Author:S.J. Martin [Martin, S.J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Moonstorm Books
Published: 2022-04-23T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nineteen

It was almost a week since the burning of Mantes, and Robert Curthose was back in the fortress of La Roche-Guyan. He fumed with anger and frustration as he walked up and down the chamber. His father had made a fool of him. He had been fully prepared for a battle at the fortress on the River Seine. His father had tricked him into thinking he had a far bigger force, and they were moving north to attack him.

Instead, King William had not ridden into the Norman Vexin at all; he had attacked France and burnt a prosperous trading town to the ground. He burnt not only the town but also six churches and a Benedictine monastery. By the time he had ridden to their aid, even the wooden bridge was alight, and there was nowhere for him to cross to pursue the attackers.

The door opened, and the French Seneschal, Gervais la Ferte, strode in. Robert gave a cynical smile. ‘Bad news travels fast. It has certainly brought you hotfoot from Paris to my side. No doubt you bring the condemnation of King Philip for my abysmal failure to stop my father from burning Mantes.’

Gervais looked at him in surprise. ‘Yes, you’re right. Philip isn’t happy at losing the town of Mantes; the Cardinal of Paris is demanding retribution and reparation for the loss of the monastery and churches. Nonetheless,I’m puzzled to find you here. I expected you to be in Rouen at your father’s side despite your differences.’

Robert gave a sort of disdain. ‘He wouldn’t want me there. He dislikes me as much as I dislike him.’

Gervais frowned. ‘Your brothers are there. Henry is kneeling at his side, trying to persuade him to give him the Duchy instead of you. William Rufus sailed from England when he heard your father was dying.’

Robert looked alarmed at this news. ‘He is injured is all; he will recover. My father, the King, the Conqueror, the Bastard Duke of Normandy, is immortal. I assure you he will recover just to spite me.’

Gervais studied the young man in front of him. Robert was now in his thirty-sixth year, and they had to ensure that he, not his brothers, inherited Normandy. They had to stop them from stealing the Duchy from under his nose. ‘He isn’t just injured Robert; he is dying. They say he’ll not last the week.’

Robert frowned. ‘I do not believe it. I think it’s a ruse to get me there so that he can capture and imprison me. I refuse to go!’

Gervais shrugged. ‘We can’t force you, but I will take command of the forces and order the captains to mass them on the border of Normandy to show the support you have from France. Also, as Seneschal of France, I will ride to Rouen as King Philip’s representative. I will aim to gain the support of your brother, William Rufus, and ensure that Henry does not steal Normandy from you. But you should be there, Robert. What would your

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