CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT

“Melissa what is this affair involving my cousin Eleanor? Why all the activity at Corfe in recent time? My good brother Henry is now Crowned King but the Kingdom seemingly is still divided and the French roam this land as if it were their birth-right.”

Eleanor’s friend, confidant, and lady in attendance looked away at Jadabal her colleague avoiding the fierce stare of young Richard Plantagenet. This Richard was the slightly younger brother of Henry and whilst there was some superficial resemblance to his elder sibling there were noticeably strong differences as well. A more determined, gutsier little fellow, more broadly built was this Richard, better for England perhaps if he had been the monarch. In time, Melissa surmised, he would grow into a self-assured and capable adult.

“It is all a matter of politics, far too intricate and deep for me” mused Melissa.

“Nonsense woman” growled Richard surprisingly for one so young. “You have one of the finest brains in this castle.”

“Your highness should show a little more manners to your elders” interposed Jadabal.

“Of course” muttered Richard “I really am sorry but I will not learn anything at all unless I ask.”

“The Princess Eleanor is highly regarded in the Kingdom” continued Melissa. “She and her former squire Guy de Buissant, now Sir Guy de Buissant had important business with allies of your late father.”

“You mean the outlaws?” smiled young Richard. “Why did they not take me with them? Will Scarlett, Rolf de Claimont what a merry bunch of rogues .....”

“You impudent young ...” began Jadabal then remembering that she was addressing the new King’s brother toned her comments down to “why you impudent young man. Those brave outlaws as you call them have risked their lives against the French raiders and anyone else not loyal to your late sire King John of blessed memory.”

Both Jadabal and Melissa felt decidedly more uneasy as the conversation developed. Eleanor and Guy had been gone for some time, and other messengers had
been backwards and forwards to Corfe reporting on the coronation of young Henry. The succession seemed to have been accepted without a hitch whilst the death of King John had not left many people exactly devastated surprising though it had been. Where exactly did this leave the Pearl? Was she going to be isolated, fighting a virtually unwinnable war with just a few stout-hearted supporters? The mystery was that there had been no real news, one way or the other. It had been as if she and Guy and the few retainers they had taken with them had disappeared off the face of the Earth.

“A troop of horsemen are approaching I think.”

Both Melissa and Jadabal swung round startled by the sudden announcement from young Richard Plantagenet.

“Can you make out who they are Jadabal” interposed Melissa. “You have very keen eye-sight.”

“My God” retorted Jadabal” It’s Guy and Eleanor between Rolf de Claimont and Sir Simon of Norwich. Besides of course almost half an army to their rear.”

“Is this the start of the ....” Melissa began intending to end the sentence with “rebellion” but remembering that Henry’s younger brother was in their company.

“Start of what?” enquired the precocious Prince Richard.

“Procession” suggested Jadabal.

“Who wants to start a procession at Corfe Castle?” sneered Richard “Damn stupid idea if you ask me.”

“I’ve told you to mind your language before, young man” scolded Melissa. “Your elder brother Prince Henry is much better mannered than you. Try and take a leaf out of his book.”

“Oh him!” moaned Richard pulling a face “In any case its King Henry now. I thought you knew that.”

“Of course, your Highness” muttered Melissa. “You are a bright young man are you not.”

The two women rushed down the stone steps showing scant courtesy to their royal companion. They needed to know exactly how the land was lying, was Eleanor indeed returning to them as the Nation’s undisputed Queen?

“Open in the name of Rolf de Claimont and Sir Simon of Norwich!”

Melissa and Jadabal started somewhat: Why not in the name of Queen Eleanor? Sure some breach of protocol?

The draw-bridge creaked open, finally hitting the ground with some effect. This strategic Castle of Corfe had been the scene of many a momentous event. In the year 978 it had seen the foul murder of England’s anointed King Edward, later styled the martyr. His step-mother had had him stabbed whilst he was being offered a goblet of wine to assuage his thirst. The King’s horse naturally startled had then dragged him mortally wounded some considerable distance. The evil woman had initiated this deed in order that her son, the King’s half-brother Ethelread could succeed to the throne. The murder was not only an offence against God but also against the interest of the Kingdom. The quite learned and sophisticated Ethelread was a disaster, the end of his reign effectively seeing the Danes secure the throne. Admittedly this had brought the Great Canute to rule our England, that wise and valiant man achieving much for all the inhabitants over whom he held sway.

All this was, of course, in the past and Melissa and Jadabal watched anxiously as the visiting party rode into the Castle. Both Eleanor and Guy seemed somewhat expressionless, barely seeming to look more than straight ahead. It seemed almost impious to vouchsafe even a slight indication of recognition towards the two people. Were they indeed part of the visiting party come as conquerors, or, could it be, did they not seem more like prisoners?

“I would emphasise that the Princess is in no way culpable.” This was Guy speaking as he quickly dismounted and placed his hand on the arm of Simon of Norwich.

“You have made that point more than enough, sirah” grunted the burly knight. The matter is not entirely in our hands now. We have had word that your intentions are known by people who may not be exactly favourable to you.”

“I know, I know” snapped de Buissant “That is past history now alas, but the Princess she has rendered much valuable service to this Country of ours.”

“You repeat yourself again young man” almost yawned Sir Simon. “We are all living each hour as it comes. What fate holds for you and indeed the lovely Eleanor
Heaven only knows.”

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