The Fallen Crown Read Free Page A

likely archers. There were many good men at arms and Brian and Padraig made sure that any they sent were good warriors.
    "Aye lord.  And I have a list of things which we need. We will need to build a larger bread oven.  The one we have cannot keep up with the demand."
    I pointed to the outer bailey. "There is room aplenty by the river wall.  It is safer there too."
    "I will get the men to building it immediately. And there is something else, lord. The mill is not producing as much flour as we need."
    The mill was by the manor of Norton.  It was inconvenient having to transport it by cart along the greenway. "Any suggestions?"
    "Father Henry said he had seen a mill at an abbey he visited. They had dug a leat from the river so that they could divert the river to power the mill.  It saved them having a mill pond." He pointed upstream. "There would seem to be a good place."
    "Ask for the Father's advice.  I think it is a good idea.  If we are besieged again it will save us  being cut off from our mill. And we have goods aplenty to send and sell in Anjou?"
    "We have.  The tanners have produced much leather and the women are adept at making many things from it. The wool we produce too is much sought after. The potters are getting better and one day we can sell our own pots and tiles made from the clay of Stockton."
    "Good. I shall visit my manors this week. I will hold sessions the week after.  Have all the cases I need to hear ready for then and be ready to collect the taxes." He nodded. Those tasks brought in an income.  He liked them. "Next month I expect to take a conroi south.  I wish everything to be ready.  Servants, tents, horses, weapons and food. I rely on you John."
    "I know sir and I will not let you down."
    "On the morrow I will take a tour of my land."
    He already knew that I was leaving a healthy garrison.  He had no fears there. My chores were done and I retired to my solar.  I had had a busy morning.  Alice would have placed my jug of wine, bread, cheese and ham there already.  She knew my habits. I enjoyed looking south and west from my window.  I felt I could see all the way to Gloucester and Matilda.  My lady and I knew we were fated never to be together but it did not stop me dreaming. As with all such fantasies it led me to try to come up with a strategy to defeat Stephen once and for all. Had the Earl of Gloucester not been so arrogant we might have joined forces after we captured Lincoln and defeated Stephen of Blois.  He had been weak then.  The moment had slipped away and now we were having to claw back land lost in his campaign. The defection of the Earl of Chester had changed everything.
    I left my castle before either Philip of Selby or Dick returned.  I was not worried.  Both were clever men and would not be caught.  Better that they take their time and gain valuable intelligence than come back too soon with ill founded news. I took just my squires and ten men at arms.  I was not travelling far but with the bandits and brigands who abounded once I left my valley it was as well to be prepared.
    I would travel to Gainford and thence to Barnard Castle.  Sir Hugh had a castellan at his manor.  He held Barnard Castle for the Empress and one day he would return to Gainford.  He had had William my mason build him a fine gatehouse and barbican. He still had a castle with wooden palisades but little by little he was improving it.
    Spring in England, especially the north, was unpredictable.  When we set out it was as though winter had returned. A chill wind hurtled in from the north and was in our faces for the first few miles.  It was only when we turned, just before Yarm, that we managed to get a little respite. The wind made conversation impossible.  That was probably just as well for I had much on my mind. Sir Hugh was a fine knight but I had given him a task which was almost impossible. His nearest aid, should he be attacked, would come from his small garrison at Gainford. It