King in Waiting by Griff Hosker

King in Waiting by Griff Hosker

Author:Griff Hosker [Hosker, Griff]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Historical Fiction
Publisher: Endeavour Quill
Published: 2019-12-04T16:00:00+00:00


Chapter 10

The Welsh struck in the first week of January. They raided the farms that lay to the south and west of us. Refugees reached us late one day. I was not on duty but was summoned along with Walter. Baron Mortimer looked angry and Lady Maud, murderous.

An older man with a bandage around his head was the spokesman for those who sought refuge in the castle. “The Welsh have taken animals from our farms. We ride tomorrow. I wish to be on the road before dawn. Every man rides!”

Walter said, “Who will protect the castle, my lord?”

Lady Maud snorted. “You are an old fool, Walter, do you think we cannot defend our castle against the Welsh? We have Gerald War Bow’s boy, Peter, we have the servants and Alan the horse master. You just recapture the animals and kill all the Welsh that you can!”

Walter recoiled under her torrent, and I saw Sir Roger and his sons smile. “Yes, my lady, I will go to the men.”

I turned to leave but Lady Maud said, “Stay a moment, Gerald.” I stopped. “You should know that Builth Castle, whence the raiders rode, belonged to my family. One day, we shall own it again. I believe that you were sent to us for a purpose. You lead our archers, and tomorrow you will show the Welsh that we can now match their archers!”

The baron said, “They will have left clear tracks in the snow, and they will move slowly. It will take them all day to reach Builth. You and your archers should catch them and hold them until we can reach them with our men at arms.”

“Are your archers mounted, too, my lord?”

“Aye, but their horses are not the equal of yours. They will keep up with you or I will know the reason why.”

I was dismissed. It was interesting that my main orders had come from her, and not her husband.

I told my archers what was needed. Peter was both upset at being left behind and excited at the prospect of guarding the ladies. Jack of Lincoln laughed, “It would take a brave Welshman to beard the formidable Lady Maud.”

He was right. “Tom, you will be the scout tomorrow. Take William of Matlac with you.” I remembered the fate of Stephen Green Feather. It was always better to have two scouts. I also needed to improve the skills of my new men, and this would be a start. The archers of Wigmore castle were bowmen, rather than archers. They did not use the war bow and none had a sword. They had helmets and they had leather, metal studded jerkins. That might help them to survive. I told John of Nottingham the four of them would ride at the rear.

I did not get much sleep, for I had much to plan. I rose before dawn and, waking the others, headed for the stable. The horse master was there already, feeding oats to the horses. “There is no grazing out there, Captain, and this cold saps energy.



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