CHAPTER THIRTY

Rolf de Claimont peered through the forest at the small band of horse-riders approaching his camp. He had been aware of their presence some time ago as his organised system of look-out points forestalled any possibility of surprise. There were about twenty people in all, mostly cloaked and booted but representing a wide variety of human kind. The leader was a sparely-built tall individual who sat his horse well, one who seemed to have been almost born in the saddle. This man led more from his ability to guide the party through the difficulties of the forest rather than from any obvious status or breeding. A well-built bluff fellow rode slightly behind him. Here was someone older in years but manifestly able to look after himself although attired in the habit of some religious order. Alongside him was a woman of great beauty, even in the unglamorous setting this divine creature radiated a breath-taking bewitching yet impish charm. The lady nonetheless also had about her a presence that more than hinted of high rank, and steely courage.

Rolf whistled out loud as he recognised two of the leading riders. “My God!” he almost spluttered “My old friend Will the Friar, and surely can it be, is that not the Pearl of Brittany with him?”

The tall horseman halted and as Rolf had suspected was merely there as a guide. He immediately reined-in his mount and bowed his head respectfully in the direction of the royal Princess.

“My dear de Claimont” smiled Eleanor “I have brought you some strong and sure allies. Brother Will here had brought a small detachment of sound fellows with him all the way from Middle England. Corfe Castle was a safe refuge against the baronial excursion and hence a useful starting point. He came hot-foot here to offer his help as word of your deeds my good Rolf, has reached far and wide.

“Are you sure that it is not the work of Willikin of the Weald that has reached my friend’s ears?” smiled de Claimont.

“Nay you young reprobate!” roared Will Scarlett “I know the precise effect of your trusty sword when I hear about it. How glad I am to greet you yet again, just like old times when you took on the Sheriff of Nottingham.”

“Yes a lot has happened since then” mused Rolf. “Not all good mayhap but
still we are on firmer footing now. I feel that the King’s fortunes are changing for the better and, of course, I wear the King’s colours figuratively speaking.”

“These are difficult times for all of us” ventured Will “and anyone with spirit, and a sharply focused mind would wish to take action on the side of right and justice.”

“A fine speech my old friend” grinned Rolf. “Quite the orator as I always knew, but an old rogue like you speaking out on the side of probity, these are sober times are they not?”

“Hey, hey young Rolf” scolded Will Scarlett. “Remember that I wear the habit of a religious order and my office demands thoughtful prayer and devotion.”

“Of course, of course” laughed Rolf “Inspite of your riotous ways and love of a merry jape you always did take the side of the mistreated and maligned. King John would feel a little put-out to be so circumscribed, and also a trifle puzzled considering that he was once your avowed enemy of sorts.”

“The same applies to you my dear de Claimont” responded Will. “Anyway here we are now all together and united in a common bond.”

“I am glad that I have managed to unite such loyal fellows” interrupted the Pearl who looked on with a semi-jocular expression on her face.

“Indeed, my Lady” responded Rolf “But had you not better be getting back to Corfe Castle as quickly as possible. These are dangerous times and the woods are full of scallywags and doers of foul deeds.”

“Nay, good sir” laughed Eleanor “You are twice the rogue of any man in these parts and they would run for their lives if you but raised an eye-brow in their direction. I fear no-one here, with your patronage it is like being in a secure Kingdom.”

“I am flattered by my Lady’s confidence. Nonetheless I take it you will be staying here but a brief time before returning to your base.”

“I do have rather more opportunities than one of my breeding. I am in a curious position, a Princess of the blood and yet excluded from the throne. In theory I am kept under close guard and yet I have performed a number of services for the crown small mayhap but my wit is valued, in short I have my uses. Hence there is
close scruiny and at the same time there is something akin to laxity.”

“And exactly what message are you giving me, my royal Lady?”

“Why surely bold Sir Rolf” pouted Eleanor “you have need here of a woman’s intuition, the feminine qualities are lacking, there is something that I could add here to your band?”

“Ah, Ah, my Lady” interjected Brother Will Scarlett “you have probably been influenced by the stories of the maidenly Marion, the supposed companion of the non-existent Robert the Hood. As outlaws we had our cavorting playmate wenches of spirit and some beauty who enjoyed a frolic but not included within the structure of our organisation even if we ever had a structure.”

“So you have little use for me, my friend?” enquired Eleanor.

There was no response to this question as a flighted arrow sped through the air and embedded itself deep into Rolf’s left shoulder. The brave paladin rocked backwards, staggered briefly and then with great determination stood up to his full height. With almost contempt he grasped the missile by its shaft and sought to ease it out of his bleeding flesh.

“Steady messire Rolf” begged Eleanor. “Remember what happened to my Uncle Richard the Lion-heart. He was lax and cynical about the dangers of an arrow in the shoulder and that proved his down-fall. With better medical care and a more sensible disposition on his part and he could still be alive today. Here, you men” ordered the Pearl “obtain some blankets or even a cloak so your leader can lie-down while we attempt to carefully withdraw this dratted dart form him.”

“Do as the Princess commands!” instructed Will Scarlett “The health of our leader is paramount. Meanwhile who fired that shot? We have men looking-out for enemies all over the forest. Where did the villain come from and where the hell has he got to?”

“Will” interposed a sturdy looking fellow “I wonder if it was not one of our own company that struck the vile blow.”

“How come Herbert?” enquired Scarlett “What evidence have you got for that?”

“Well I was never one for numbers, or adding or counting or such-like but
knock me down if I don’t sense that not all of us is here.”

“In that case we should make an inventory of who is here and who is not” ordered Will.

“No need, good Captain” a voice echoed from nearby “I have noticed already who is no longer with us. Its that sneaky swine, that sow-faced devil Godric.”

“Godric, by thunder” snorted Rolf from his reclining position “How did he get here, is there no end to the fellow?”

“He joined up with the Kings’ forces when Hal did, but two more different fellows you cold not behold” frowned Will Scarlett.

“I suggest we scour the forest for him then. It is about time that the vicious ne’er do well were taught a lesson for all our good.” Rolf rasped almost between clenched teeth.

“A good idea,” agreed Eleanor. “However you like still I have some medical skill of my own, I’ve not entirely wasted my days at Corfe.”

The Princess preceded to gently yet firmly ease out the arrow from Rolf’s shoulder. Concentrating fiercely she eventually pulled the shaft out without leaving any broken remains in the wounded man’s body.

“Thank God it was not an over ornately-shaped missile” mused Eleanor. “It could have torn the flesh badly otherwise. Now is the crucial time Will can you heat a metal bar and apply it to Rolf’s shoulder. It is essential to cleanse the wound of any infection otherwise fever could set in. I’m sure that was the cause of part of Uncle Richard’s problem. Mind you about four stalwart men on either side of Rolf is absolutely necessary, the pain will be for an instance extremely excruciating and he needs to be held down very firmly.”

Eleanor’s instructions were obeyed to the letter, and Rolf showed great courage in barely shouting out as the hot metal implement was applied to his injury. Nevertheless immediately he gasped audibly and then sank into unconsciousness.

“No matter” commented the Princess “The sleep will do him good. We need to bandage the shoulder and give him plenty of rest. It’s not as bad as it appears and our friend de Claimont here is strong and vigorous. The next few hours will be the difficult ones, after that hopefully it will all be plain sailing.”

“Thank-you for those excellent ministrations, my Lady” added Will “your quick decisive action has probably saved our leader’s life.”

“My pleasure” half-smiled Eleanor “I will stay for awhile until he is more himself and then make my way with a small escort back to Corfe.”

“Much obliged for that kindness, your Highness” acknowledged the Friar. “Now it is our duty to seek out this Godric and pay him for his skull-duggery.”

The sinister, malevolent Godric had, in fact, moved some distance away, dodging and weaving between and amongst thickets as quickly as his evil legs would take him. His attention to his own welfare and escape from Rolf’s men had made him think in very narrow terms. Therefore it was something of a shock to his system when he glanced through the undergrowth to see a helmeted warrior standing by a tethered horse stroking the animal’s Muzzle. The sturdy soldier appeared resplendent in his attire, indicating that he was someone far removed from the common strain of human-kind. Godric moved further forward to espy the gentleman a little closer. His jaw dropped when he beheld the arms and insignia of the Earl of Salisbury. William Longsword, half-brother to the King, and Godric’s former master no less - what a meeting! The surly rogue could not believe his eyes he half, no more than half-gasped attracting the attention of the Earl.

“Who goes there?” snapped Longsword “Come out if you value your life, I’m not in a mood to trifle with anyone.”

With a quick movement the Earl was alongside Godric who he proceeded to drag by his hair into the clearing. Throwing the former man-servant to the ground he pointed his sword at his throat.

“By all that is strange” snarled William Longsword “What mean you here Godric? Sadly I have heard stories of your villainy and your treatment of the Lady Athelfreda. You have much explaining to do and I await with interest your recounting of these recent happenings.”

“My Lord” blustered Godric “I can be of help to you. I follow the King but am aware of more prudent policies should the occasion demand. Indeed I may have interesting news that would be of value to the baronial faction.”

“So you would sell your soul for your worthless life?”

“But my Lord you have felt it necessary, expedient whatever to ally yourself with the King’s enemies.”

“For awhile much to my regret” mused Longsword.

“What mean you by that?” enquired Godric.

“I have had enough of Prince Louis and his prating followers. As for the English barons, those who have sworn to dethrone my brother they are a worthless bunch of aimless, indeed mindless cut-throats and disaffected failures.”

“What seek you here then my master?” queried the crest-fallen servant.

“Why, man, to reaffirm my loyalty to John. My half-brother is a pragmatist, he and I were always close, closer then his full-brothers for that matter. My sword is now back where it should have stayed, at the disposal of my Liege Lord.”

“What plans have you for me?” groaned Godric paling slightly.

Before the Earl could answer the stalwart figure of Friar Scarlett appeared in front of them, accompanied by a small number of heavily armed comrades. Godric pulled back in some trepidation, staring wild-eyed at both Scarlett and his little band and his former master.

“Well, well caught in a trap, my scurvy knave” barked the Friar placing both hands on his hips and spreading his feet wide.

“I take it that you have some mercenary or other arrangement with the King’s forces” interrupted William Longsword.

“I know you for your quality, sir” responded Scarlett “I feel that I should know you by name, your fierce determined visage speaks of a warrior of some repute.”

“I am the Earl of Salisbury” answered Longsword.

“Ah, once the King’s true follower, but now otherwise.”

“You may not believe me but I have come seeking the forces of my brother. Truth to tell I have had a belly-full of the rebel barons and wish to replight my troth to the King.”

In the midst of this earnest discussion less attention was being paid to the villainous Godric. Moving stealthily along the ground, barely a few feet he sought to draw his dagger. With an athletic spring he seized Longsword’s arm and raised his weapon to strike at the Earl’s throat. With a thrust of his boot the baron sent Godric
sprawling on the ground. Defiant to the last the former servant seized an arrow from his quiver and lunged again at Longsword. He had, however, scarce commenced this onslaught when he felt a searing pain in his chest. Looking down in considerable agony he saw the Earl’s sword buried deep into his flesh. His senses reeled, he gasped for air, saw the whole forest spin round, heard sounds of laughter, or was it contempt, he was in another World, he tried to retain contact with his surroundings, it was all to no avail, he had departed this life for another realm, the undiscovered Country. Godric was no-more, at least not in 13th Century England.

“No-one’s death is to be welcomed” muttered the Earl “But God in Heaven if any man truly betrayed his trust then it was Godric. I can barely speak without appearing a hypocrite on such matters but Godric was a malicious villain, all the more detestable because I placed so much trust in him.”

When Will and his party together with Longsword returned to the outlaw camp they were mindful to avoid pestering Rolf unduly. Following Eleanor’s careful, expert and very tender ministrations he appeared to be making steady progress. When the Pearl was told of Godric’s recent demise she half-smiled to herself albeit somewhat grimly. Guy had given her the background to that man’s inconvenient role in his life, a dangerous character she had surmised. Not a pleasant end for him, but, after all, not the most likeable of human beings.

Fortunately Rolf obeyed Eleanor’s instructions and given his sound physique and overall good health his convalescence was relatively short. In similar vein the Princess did not seek to antagonise the hardy warrior and when she was certain that he was making good progress she elected to return with a suitable body-guard to Corfe Castle. In any case there she was certain to hear how the situation was developing in other parts of the Kingdom. Corfe had its disadvantages but it had its advantages also.

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