Medieval II - In Shadows of Kings Read online

  Tom Thatcher stared at Fletcher, trying to understand the reason for the man’s intervention but though Fletcher held his silence, the look in his eyes was clear. He was urging Tom to back up his choice.

  ‘Fire,’ said Tom quietly without taking his eyes off Fletcher, ‘I choose trial by fire.

  ----

  Chapter Ten

  The New World

  1276

  Geraint stood on a hill looking down into a small yet lush valley. The horses grazed quietly while all around the hills, men sat in groups enjoying the sunshine and relaxing after their arduous journey. Two small wagons had also been brought ashore and while one contained weapons, chain mail armour and gambesons, the other contained the day to day items needed for basic living, waterproof capes, cooking utensils and basic rations. Water was provided by two barrels on each wagon and though they were small, the men knew the lushness of the landscape meant water would be in good supply.

  They had been on land for ten days and followed the shoreline south, taking their time to allow the horses to feed on the sweet green grass as they went. Slowly the animals regained their strength and while they grazed, the men took the opportunity to venture inland to see what game could be found to supplement their dried rations. At first they had limited success but some had come from hunting backgrounds and soon the air was alive with laughter as a hunting party returned with a dead animal suspended from a pole carried between two men.

  ‘Fresh meat for the first time in three months,’ shouted one and the party gathered around to see what sort of animals lived in this strange place.

  Spider came from behind the wagon and peered at the carcass. Now the horses had been handed back to their owners, his job aboard the Coronet was done and he had been allocated cooking duties to those on shore.

  ‘It looks a deer,’ he said.

  ‘Of course it’s a deer,’ laughed one of the hunting party, ‘what did you expect?’

  ‘I don’t know what to expect,’ said Spider, ‘beasts change in every place. Have you ever seen a camel?’

  ‘Can’t say I have.’ said the man, ‘but have heard enough about them to say I wouldn’t want to eat one.’

  ‘Never a truer word,’ said Geraint quietly.

  The hunting party handed the deer to Spider and as he contemplated the best way to butcher the animal, those still on duty returned to their stations. They still hadn’t seen any evidence of human occupation but didn’t want to take any risks with the horses. They were by far the most important asset they had.

  ‘Any news from the ship?’ asked a hunter as he took off his pack.

  ‘A messenger came ashore yesterday,’ said Geraint, ‘Sir Robert is taking the fleet five days south and will wait for us at the first bay he comes across. Tarian has also come ashore and will take command of the land force.’

  ‘Where is he?’

  ‘He’s taken a scouting party to check the lie of the land.’

  ‘Have you talked to him?’

  ‘Only briefly. He seems to be a sound man with uncommon sense.’

  ‘Good,’ said the hunter and left to see to his needs.

  Geraint climbed the hill again and joined Marcus, the archer he had befriended on board the Coronet. For the next few hours they watched over the plains for any sign of danger until finally the smell of hot food made their heads turn in anticipation.

  ‘That deer meat smells wonderful,’ said Marcus, ‘I can’t remember the last time I had roast venison.’

  ‘And it will be a while yet,’ said Geraint. ‘I fear the deer is too small to allow us the tiniest of tastes so have no doubt it is headed for the pot, at least that way we will all benefit.’

  ‘More broth,’ moaned Marcus, ‘my stomach aches for a slab of burnt meat on a grease covered trencher.’

  ‘Once our hunting parties know the ways of this place, I’m sure there will be meat aplenty. The signs show there is plenty of wildlife but their ways are strange to us.’

  ‘A deer is a deer,’ said Marcus, ‘and an arrow is an arrow. What is so difficult?’

  Geraint laughed.

  ‘Shall I convey your criticism to those who seek our food or should I keep your comments between us?’

  ‘For your ears only,’ said Marcus, ‘there are some surly looking men amongst that lot.’

  The men continued to watch until another two climbed the hill to relieve them.

  ‘Go and get some food,’ said one, ‘while it is yet hot.’

  ‘Have you left any for us?’ asked Marcus.

  ‘Alas very little,’ taunted the second man, ‘and what is left is but gristle but that is good enough for men of Builth.’

  ‘It is a shame your humour is not as big as your girth, Sir for I would surely be pained with laughter as you speak.’

  ‘I am only this big because I have just eaten your share,’ he answered, ‘now be gone quickly lest you are left with nought but bones.’

  Geraint and Marcus descended to the valley floor and approached the pot hanging over the fire. Surprisingly there was healthy amount left and they filled their wooden tankards with rich broth before sitting amongst the other men. They made another two visits to the pot before sitting back and joining in the conversation.

  ‘At least we have learned one thing,’ said a voice.

  ‘And what is that?’

  ‘Deer tastes the same the world over.’

  Murmurs of approval came from the men.

  ‘So what’s next?’ asked Marcus, ‘when do we strike inland?’

  ‘I think this man may be able to tell us,’ said Geraint and indicated a group of men descending the far hill.

  ‘Is that Tarian?’

  ‘It is.’

  The resting men watched as the scouting party returned and helped themselves to the contents of the pot. Finally they too were sated and talk once more returned to the business of the day.

  ‘Sire,’ said Geraint, ‘how lies the land?’

  ‘Fair ground,’ said Tarian, ‘with two small rivers to cross but nothing we can’t handle.’

  ‘Any sign of life?’

  ‘None,’ said Tarian, ‘these lands seem un-trodden by men but that is to be expected. Our destination is still many days south.’

  ‘How do you know where we are headed?’ asked Marcus.

  ‘We have the journals of Madoc,’ said Tarian, ‘and they tell of a great river that turns the sea brown. Our ships seek the mouth of that river and once there, will row ten days upstream as did our predecessors. After that it is a case of sending out search parties for any sign of civilisation.’

  ‘What if there is no sign?’

  ‘There must be,’ said Tarian, ‘Madoc led two expeditions and carried hundreds of people seeking a new start. The landing place is clearly documented and though a hundred years have passed, that amount of people will have left a trail. We may even be lucky and find they have set up a town near to where they landed.’

  ‘Let us hope so,’ said Marcus.

  ‘Do you tire already from the quest?’ asked Tarian.

  ‘Not at all, Sire but a town means taverns and ladies. What more can a man want?’

  Tarian laughed along with the other men.

  ‘You may be right, soldier though I fear we must tread carefully. A hundred years have passed since they conversed with outsiders and they may find our ways strange to them. We are here to seek Madoc’s heirs only and hopefully persuade at least one to return to unite our country.’

  ‘There was talk of bounty,’ said Marcus.

  ‘And there will be,’ said Tarian,’ though not obtained by conflict. It is hoped this bountiful land has been able to give up its treasures to the settlers and we will trade what we can but even if there is little of value, you will be rewarded from the treasuries of men like me when we return. Now, I suggest we get some rest. Tomorrow we strike south until we meet the fleet once more. Once there, I will talk with Robert of Shrewsbury and discuss the next stage.’ He stood up and wa
lked to the shelter of a small copse as the other men dispersed.

  Geraint got two waterproof capes from the wagon and he and Marcus found themselves a sheltered place to try and sleep.

  ----

  For five days the column headed south, always keeping the coast in sight. Day by day the horses grew stronger and the hunters became more successful. Foraging parties were sent out and often returned with baskets of fish or strange fruits the likes of which they had never seen before but by far, the most popular was the large bird that looked like a giant guinea fowl. Its plumage was black and it had a long red crop hanging from its neck but most importantly, it was easily caught and heavy with meat.

  For the first time in weeks, the men enjoyed the taste of cooked meat and by the time they set eyes on the anchored fleet, their morale was high. They set up camp near the shore and watched as boats were despatched from the ships.

  ‘Do you think we’ll all be sent back aboard for the next leg?’ asked Marcus.

  ‘I can’t see how,’ said Geraint, ‘the horses cannot board unless the ship is alongside a dock. No doubt some men will rotate but let’s just hope we are not of them. All this walking is tiring but it beats the darkness of those shitty holds.’

  ‘I agree,’ said Marcus.

  Down on the shore, a table had been set up and Geraint could see the four captains as well as Tarian and Shrewsbury deep in conversation around a set of journals. Though he couldn’t hear them talk, their manner suggested there was disagreement between them with much gesturing and pointing inland. A chart lay before them and Geraint guessed it was the cause of the problem. Finally the meeting broke up and after the boats had been filled with barrels of fresh water, the Captains returned to the ships.

  ‘It seems we stay on dry land,’ said Geraint.

  An hour later, Tarian called the men together for a briefing.

  ‘Gentlemen, the situation has changed,’ he announced. ‘Our destination is still far to the south in a sea that is said to be blessed with constant sunshine. To get there we need to sail around a headland bigger than our home land before heading west to search for the mouth of the great river. As you know, we have been shadowing the fleet along the coast. This was to allow the horses to regain their strength and the ships have been travelling slowly to offer support if so needed. However, the Captains have expressed concern about the speed of progress. It would seem that if we continue like this, the journey to the river will take many months and could extend this quest far beyond that which had been envisaged.’

  ‘We are travelling as fast as we dare,’ said Geraint.

  ‘Indeed we are,’ said Tarian, ‘but with fair winds, the ships can travel ten times as fast and can be at the river within weeks.’

  ‘Why don’t we just re-board?’ asked Marcus.

  ‘The horses need level platform to safely board and the chances of finding a natural dock alongside deep water are very small. We have searched for such a place since arrival but lose valuable time.’

  ‘So what is the answer?’ asked a voice in the ranks.

  ‘I have met with Shrewsbury and have made a plan. Over the next few hours we will spread our forces between the land and the ships with equal strength. More stores will be landed and we will be equipped to be as self-sufficient as possible. Once done, the ships will head at full speed down the coast and sail around the headland into the warmer sea. Once there they will locate the river and travel upstream as originally planned. We estimate this journey will take no more than three weeks.’

  ‘But if they do that,’ said Marcus,’ they will leave us far behind and it will take many months to catch them up.’

  ‘If we stay within sight of the coastline, we will indeed fall too far behind. That is why we will head inland and head directly for the river.’ The men gasped in astonishment at the news and many voices of concern were raised.

  ‘Sire,’ asked a man. ‘If I understand this correctly, you intend marching the column due west across an unknown land to an unknown destination, not knowing what terrain or enemy forces lie between us.’

  ‘That is exactly what I intend,’ said Tarian. ‘With regard to enemy forces, I have seen nothing that suggests these lands are inhabited. The terrain I can do nothing about except trust in God and the dedication of you men.’

  ‘We know not the way, Sire,’ said a voice, ‘how will we know the route if the clouds are in and cover the sky.’

  ‘We will use an instrument from one of the ships,’ said Shrewsbury. ‘It has the ability to point north at all times and in any weather. By doing so, our direction will be clear.

  ‘How long will it take?’ asked Geraint.

  ‘Though the distance will be far shorter, our speed will be slower and we estimate we will reach the river about the same time as the ships.’

  ‘How will we find the ship?’

  ‘We will aim to reach the river upstream of the meeting place. Once there, we just have to follow it south until we meet the ships coming the other way.’

  ‘How will we know it is the right river?’ asked Geraint.

  ‘Because Madoc has recorded it is the biggest river he had ever seen. We have calculated that at normal marching speed it will take three weeks, though not allowing for mountain ranges. By keeping careful records and with Madoc’s descriptions we are confident the river will reveal itself to us as described in the journals.’ When the questions died out, Tarian outlined the order of march.

  ‘There will be outriders to the fore and to either flank, each staying within sight of the main column. Their role will be to guard our flanks from any surprise attack. Similarly an armed guard will bring up the rear.’

  ‘Did you not say there was no sign of other people?’

  ‘Just because there is no sign doesn’t mean they don’t exist. I can show you shoreline in Wales as unpopulated as this coast yet within half a day’s ride of a cathedral. To the fore,’ he continued, ‘a party of riders will scout the easiest route and leave signs for us to follow. The foot soldiers and archers will flank the carts and be ready to support any resistance we may find.’ He paused before continuing. ‘You have just come from a great sea journey and your sword arms will be fatigued from little use. However, every one of you has had experience in the armies of Henry, Llewellyn or even just your local Lords. Take what opportunity you can to become battle ready for though I do not expect any trouble, if something happens, we will not be found wanting. Spider, double the meat portion in tonight’s’ broth and thicken it with dried fruit. You will ensure every man gets at least one hot meal a day on pain of flogging. The rest of you, See to your kit and get a night’s sleep. We set out at dawn and while the pace will be achievable, it will also be relentless. Our aim is to do ten miles a day for twenty days. If we can meet that pace then we will hit the river with time to spare. Gentlemen, the real adventure starts here. I have spoken, disperse to your duties.’

  ----

  The following morning saw the column formed up ready for the march inland. The ships had already sailed but not before furnishing those on shore with extra men and provisions. Another four carts had been floated on to the beach and attached to the pairs of donkeys, brought especially for the purpose. Outriders sat upon their horses in the morning mist, and the animals pawed at the ground as if impatient to get started. Many archers wore their gambesons as extra protection from the cold but the quilted jackets meant to provide protection from arrows or knives were cumbersome and many would be back in the carts before a mile had passed.

  Tarian looked over the column of almost two hundred men, satisfied that they had done all they could to prepare. He looked inland to the far blue mountains, using his vast experience to estimate the distance. Nightfall should see them at least half way to the slopes and if it did, he would be a happy man.

  ‘Scouts,’ shouted Tarian, ‘lead out. The rest of the column, upon my command, step out with heads high and hearts full. We march for the unity of our country. Men of Wales, advance.’<
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  The column lurched forward toward the distant hills and as Tarian looked back toward the sea, he couldn’t help but wonder if he would see his home again.

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  Chapter Eleven

  Brycheniog

  1276

  The morning of the trial arrived and Garyn joined the rest of the townsfolk in the village square, Thomas was already there and sat chained in a cart as the preparations were made. One of the constable’s men stoked a brazier while another laid out two pieces of rope on the ground, ten paces apart. The Constable called for order and the crowd fell silent as Tom Thatcher was dragged from the cart and his chains removed. Tom looked over at Garyn who stared back, emotionless.

  ‘Good citizens of Brycheniog,’ shouted the Constable, ‘the will of the people has decreed that Thomas ap Iestyn is subject to trial of ordeal and having chosen fire, presents himself here for judgement.’

  ‘Where’s the Abbot?’ whispered Elspeth to Garyn.

  ‘The actual trial is beneath the likes of him,’ said Garyn, ‘and the constable stands in his place. I suspect he will reappear in three days to announce the outcome.’

  ‘Thomas ap Iestyn,’ announced the constable, upon my mark you will grasp an iron heated in this brazier and walk between the markers before you. At the far end there is a barrel of water and you may plunge your hand therein. Know ye well that should you fail to reach the far marker, or drop the bar at any time, you will be found guilty as charged and will hang before the sun sets on this day. Do you understand?’

  ‘I do,’ said Tom.

  ‘However, complete the trial and you will be granted three days in which you can beseech God to heal your wounds. If they still fester at that time, you will be guilty as charged but if God grants a miracle and you are healed then you will be freed as an innocent man. Do you understand?’

  ‘I do,’ said Tom again.

  ‘Then let the trial begin’.

  Tom was dragged to the first rope and stared at the water barrel at the far end. Though it was only ten paces away he knew it may as well be a mile for the chances of him reaching the barrel without collapsing was virtually nil. The crowd was silent as one of the Constable’s men reached into the brazier with a tongs and withdrew a twelve inch bar, glowing red through heat. He approached Tom and held up the tongs so the bar was in front of him.