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brother will comein the spring to attempt to wrest England from me. If I have enough men like you to rely upon, I can easily retain what is mine, and I mean to do just that. Then I shall regain Normandy.
    “The late Sieur de Manneville, however, placed Langston in his daughter’s hands for but one purpose. It is her dower portion. I cannot in the name of chivalry send the girl and her widowed mother packing. I therefore instruct you to take the girl as your wife. As a noble English orphan it is my right to arrange her marriage. Her family can neither complain nor forbid me. There are no legal encumbrances to prevent it. You are not pledged to anyone, and neither is this maid. I shall send one of my own priests, Father Bernard, with you to assure the two women that this is my wish, and no ruse to steal Langston or dishonor the lady Isabelle. He will perform the marriage between you and the girl, and bring me word that all is as I have ordered. Should the girl’s brother complain of my actions to his liege lord, my brother Robert, you must hold Langston firmly for me.”
    “How soon do you wish me to leave, my liege?” Hugh Fauconier asked the king. He was not nearly as calm as he appeared to be. His heart was hammering with a mixture of excitement and anticipation; but he would show nothing but respect before his king.
    “You will need a day to have your squire pack up your belongings, Hugh,” the king said. “I will send a messenger to your grandfather, Lord Cedric, informing him of my wishes. I hope that now you are to become a landowner, and a husband, you will not stop raising your wonderful birds. They are the finest I have ever known.”
    “Once I have settled myself, sire, I shall send to my grandfather for breeding stock. Neither my uncles nor my cousins have any interest in the birds, and will not be jealous.”
    “I am happy to know that, Hugh, for I should not like to see the talented line of Merlin-sone disappear. Your family has always bred the best hunting birds. Did you know that my father first met your grandfather when he came to Normandyyears ago to enter a competition with his birds? That was when Lord Cedric was first won over to my father’s cause. His loyalty to my father after King Edward died, and his effort to quiet the Mercian countryside, were greatly appreciated.” The king smiled at his companion. “I am taking up too much of your time, Hugh, and you have much to do before you leave for Langston.”
    “I should like your permission to take Rolf de Briard with me, my liege,” the knight said.
    Henry nodded. “Aye, he is a good man to have guarding one’s back, Hugh. Take him with you.”
    Hugh stood, and then kneeling before the king, placed his folded hands in the monarch’s. “I am your man. I will faithfully hold Langston for you as long as I live, sire,” he promised.
    The king raised Hugh Fauconier up, kissing him on both cheeks. Then he gave him a small carved wooden staff, signifying that Henry had passed Langston formally into his vassal’s possession. Bowing, Hugh departed the chamber.
    Behind him Henry smiled, well pleased with his day’s work. He had knighted Hugh Fauconier himself many years ago. His childhood friend had pledged his loyalty to him. His fealty to William Rufus, of course, took precedence to such an oath; but when Henry had become king last summer, Hugh had renewed his vow, and now once again for Langston. There are few I can trust like this man, the king thought. There are others who consider themselves closer to me; others richer, and certainly more powerful than this knight; but none are more loyal. There is no malice in him. The king drank down the wine remaining in his cup, and went to join his wife.
    “Well?” demanded Rolf de Briard as Hugh rejoined him. “What have you been given, my friend, and is it worth the trip?”
    “I have no idea as to the land involved, but there is a relatively new keep of stone, Rolf, not timber and earth. And I