The Fallen Crown Read Free

whom I had slain.  They had both proved to me that they would make fine knights but that day was some way off. They were still learning.  Both had killed men but they were not yet ready to be in the line which charged. They needed more muscle to carry the armour that they would need.  However they both needed a better sword. I took them to see Alf.  He was the smith in the town and along with Ethelred, the merchant, was one of the most important men in the manor. He was also the most loyal.  A fierce warrior with an axe he would fight alongside my Frisians to defend my town if enemies came.
    The clang of his hammer told me that he was working.  His smithy was close to the river.  He needed water to temper the steel and it needed to be away from other buildings.  The danger of fire was too great. One of his many sons ran to fetch him as we approached.  He stepped from his smithy red and sweating. Even though the days were still cool his furnace was, as ever, red hot.
    "Yes my lord?"
    "I would have you make a good sword for my two squires.  They both have one but they need one made by Alf of Stockton."
    He bowed at the compliment. He pointed at some shafts of iron which were laid on a table just outside the smithy.  "They are sword blanks. I pray you each lift them.  When you find one that is just a little too heavy to lift over your head with your right hand then fetch it to me."
    As they went I said, "Too heavy?"
    "Yes lord.  They will become stronger for they are young men.  They will grow into their swords. If they were fully grown then I would not use this method. When I have fitted the guard and the pommel each weapon will be better balanced."
    They both came back with their pieces of iron.  Alf nodded and took a piece of rag.  He tore it in three.  He tied one piece to Richard's blank and two pieces to Gilles. "You young masters should come here at the end of each day to see the progress of your blades."
    Richard, who was the youngest asked, "How long will they take?"
    "As long as they need.  You do not hurry a sword. His lordship's sword has never let him down.  Each smith puts part of himself in every sword he makes. For those who serve the Earl of Cleveland it must be the best.  You will have to be patient." He pointed to swords in various stages of manufacture. "The blade has to be hammered and tempered.  It must be balanced. See those, they are almost ready for their point and these for sharpening.  Finally they have the pommel and the guard fitted.  You young masters will help in that process.  These swords are for sale in the markets of Anjou and Normandy."
    As we headed back to my castle Gilles asked, "Did your former lord not have a sword made for you, Richard?"
    Richard shook his head, "I was the one who fetched and carried for the others. The sword I offered to the Earl was one I took from the field."
    I remembered that day.  I had made a good decision to spare his life and accept his offer of his sword. "And when you are full grown then we shall visit with Alf again and have your mail made. For the present that which you wear will have to do.  Now go and see to Rolf and your horses. We ride at the end of the week.  I would see how my people fare.  Make sure that all is well.  Check every piece of leather and groom all the horses well."
    "Aye lord."
    I sought John, my Steward. He was less parsimonious since the last attack by the Scots.  He had realised that my expenditure on weapons, mail and the castle were well spent.  Some men built fine castles to make a statement.  They told the world that they were important.  My castle was not like that.  It served one purpose: to protect the Tees valley and my people.
    "When the 'Adela' docks I want her turned around as quickly as we can, John.  We need more men from Anjou." The Normans and the French were not as good natural bowmen as those we had in Wales and in England.  Griff of Gwent attempted to reverse that by training any