All four men had thankfully survived the ordeal with some severe bruising, but no broken bones. There was relief all round with the quick thinking of Richard helping enormously. Several large poles were found in the vicinity and used as levers to ease the heavy timbers upwards; enough to drag their trapped legs free, the pain subsiding eventually.
After the long struggle accompanying Prince Edward, he at last led them into breaching the south wall of Kenilworth Castle. Richard and his entourage were reluctant to help, but it was of necessity to them being pardoned for their part in the rebellion at Evesham, over a year ago. Within each man that needed to swear his allegiance to the King, it was a deeply humiliating experience and it went against their original loyalties to Simon de Montfort. They still mourned his loss.
Nonetheless, they each felt they had proved their worth, one way or another. They had not wanted to assist the Prince or indeed King Henry III, but their futures were at stake. They looked forward to returning to their homes, their duty to the King paid in full, or so they thought.
Edward's men had captured the causeway, then the garrison was forced back. Eventually after moving the siege engines gathering momentum, the inner bailey was under attack. The defenders, led by Henry de Hastings, after holding out for months, finally lost their strength with many falling to disease and running out of food, resulting in loss of power when they came under fire. Ladders were employed and no further resistance came from within, the garrison being forced to surrender. Robert de Vere, Earl of Oxford, being knighted by Simon de Montfort, held out hope Simon's son, also named Simon would return from France to break the siege. But it was not to be. It was almost over.
Harsh terms were applied by the King to the remaining survivors, much to the dismay of Prince Edward. He was not in agreement with his father and they had openly quarreled. Edward was temporarily in disgrace, much to the amusement of Richard and all the men accompanying him. Henry eventually backed down, not wanting a mutiny on his hands.
Finally after the resistance being difficult to crush, the remainder of rebels accepted the Dictum of Kenilworth, they were offered the right to buy back their forfeited estates at a price according to their level of involvement in the rebellion. Terms were accepted and around mid December they surrendered.
Henry eventually granted the castle to his younger son Edmund, Earl of Lancaster, together with the rest of de Montfort's land and titles.
William, John and Simon and one other, had escaped the tragedy of losing a leg or two when dragged out from a carelessly moved siege engine, or worse still - their lives. They were more than grateful for the quick thinking of Richard, who more than owed them for their help, being responsible for the release of his wife after her abduction. It was the least he could do. They had formed a close association while at Kenilworth, and it was now time to head home.
They were all about to mount their horses, when they had a summons from the King. Their presence was requested immediately. The men looked at one another, their faces turning from expectation of returning home, to indignation.
'Now, what could he possibly want with us?' John's penetrating dark eyes looked at Richard, his expression becoming defiant, exasperation rising from the pit of his stomach.
Richard was puzzled, as were the other men, but a summons from the King was not to be ignored. To do so would be foolhardy.'I was aware we had fulfilled our duty,' he muttered almost to himself.
Simon, the youngest at twenty five replied, 'perhaps his mood is still dark after the confrontation he had with Prince Edward, over the matter of the harsh terms he set out originally for the rebels; still barely existing within the Castle, poor devils.'
'Well I'd like to confront him, but it wouldn't be about buying back my land at an exorbitant amount!' William handed his reins to a young squire, his eyebrows almost meeting in a deep frown, mood foreboding.
Richard was about to laugh at the jest, but suddenly turned to face William. 'Perhaps that is exactly what he intends...'
'God's bones, you are not serious I hope Richard?' Simon's outburst reflected what they were all starting to believe.
'I hope not either...'
'Well, we're about to find out,' John intervened, his impatience evident, tolerance fast running out.
The other men were now fully dismounted. With a certain amount of trepidation, they began the long walk to face the King; they hoped for one last time.
'We had better waste no time. Whatever he wants, I hope it doesn't prevent our planned journey home. I have a young wife waiting and it's almost the Christmas season. But I don't somehow feel like celebrating at the moment.' Richard strode on, grim-faced, the three men closely behind him. They fell silent, each with his own thoughts, a steady cold rain starting to fall. Around them, puddles quickly formed upon the uneven ground. A misty gloom settled over them and it wasn't only the weather.
Eventually they arrived at where the King was to be found, a large entourage around him, making calculations, men busy writing with quills, continually dipping them in dark ink. They were ushered to a small outer area to await his command, taking what seemed like hours before they finally went before King Henry III of England.
To their horror, a special agreement had been drawn up, which at first sounded as if they were still not free men. The king's face was bland, almost tense, difficult to read. The four men were to learn that they had been partially pardoned for one further year and if, after that year they had abided by the full terms of this new agreement, they would be granted a full pardon. If not, they risked losing any land they owned for their entire lifetime.
The four men stood with hands clenched, eyes narrowed and it was as well their swords had been temporarily confiscated, as they might have been tempted to use theme. Before they were free to go, they were required to kneel before the king and swear their allegiance to him a second time; a last humiliation the four men were loathe to do, gritting their teeth, but a necessity nonetheless.
Eventually they were free to return home, each man seething deep down at the further punishment inflicted on them. They had acquitted themselves well they thought, but Henry, in his usual way, had other ideas and would continue making them pay for their part at Evesham, supporting Simon de Montfort and the rebel Barons, resulting in Simon's untimely death.
Rain had eased when they were mounted, ready to travel the long journey home. All the men bar one, who had originally set out with Richard, were thankfully able to join him. A stray arrow had unfortunately embedded itself between the ribs of Thomas, a young man from his estate, piecing his heart. He died instantly not suffering a prolonged agony. Richard was sad for his loss, as would be his family.
He gripped the reins, turning his horse Bedwyr to face the men, and gave the command to head in a southerly direction. His thoughts turned to Katherine, his young pregnant wife; he was anxious to see her again, hoping she had remained well during his absence. Katherine's health was important to him and her ability to give him more children in the future. The first one could be difficult, but he had every faith in his wife to carry the child to its full term and give birth without too much pain. He cared for her a great deal.
In his absence, Katherine tried to remain resolute, often conferring with Martha, their housekeeper about the running of the manor. She was still young and learning fast.
Other matters were left to Henry, Richard's steward, who carried out his duties with impeccable care and attention to detail - until one day without warning, while he rode the perimeter of the estate, a heavy branch suddenly cracked and fell in a strong gust of wind, catching him on the arm, breaking it. He was annoyed at the inconvenience, and somehow managed to return with it tucked into his tunic. The pain was severe, putting him briefly out of action. His muscular arms and body from all the physical work he undertook, thankfully stood him in good stead to cope. Upon return, it was attended to by Martha. She had seen several broken bones in her day, knowing how to splint and bind them.
Richard and company were only one day out from Kenilworth, the air sharp with frost, roads prone to ice. They had to take care over any frozen ground they were likely to encounter. It was hard going for the horses if they increased their pace too suddenly, as legs could be damaged on the ice. Clouds of hot air from their breath wafted momentarily through the air, then disappeared. Long periods of cantering left the horses sweating at the end of it, the air growing even colder as the sun dipped early. They had a good rub down by the grooms and young Hugh was busy with his chores. He had a natural ability with horses and Richard was pleased with him. It was a last minute decision to take him with them, proving to be a good one. Hugh was growing fast and big for his age, with a good head on his young shoulders.
The following day they were passing through a darkened woodland, as threatening low clouds hung overhead. They were strung out along a narrow track, deciding to rest the horses briefly, watering them in a stream. A weak sun briefly cast long shadows around them. Hugh, always alert and keen to please, disappeared into thick undergrowth nearby to relieve himself. While there he thought he heard a sharp crack coming from between some nearby trees, sounding like a twig breaking underfoot. At that moment there was a faint glint of light that flickered from what could be a weapon. He cried out alarming the others, seeing riders emerging from the trees to their right and bounded out from where he stood.
'Sir, look...!' At the same time, several of the men noticed where he pointed, and to their dismay, were about to be set upon by what looked like bandits. Instantly swords were drawn from scabbards as they prepared to defend themselves. Immediately the sound of steel on steel echoed through the trees, shouts went up as they parried blow for blow. Luckily they were not outnumbered, but these ruffians were fierce. Most of the men with Richard had remained fit and strong, their sword arms constantly exercised so they were always ready for anything unforeseen. The men sliced and cut, breathing hard. Although the bandits were ruthless, they were not able to overwhelm with their sword skills. Richard caught glimpses of William and John close-by dealing their usual efficiency. An arm was severed, blood flowing, soaking the ground as William took charge of the man threatening him. He screamed out, backing away. Simon gritted his teeth, letting out a cry as the hilt of a sword was thrust into his stomach, but he held on, catching his opponent by surprise with steely determination. He rose quickly regaining his balance, the tip of his sword plunging into the throat of his attacker. Blood bubbled up as the man was forced back, Simon finishing him off with one last thrust.
They all fought well, not pausing for breath until all the bandits were dealt harsh blows, the air cold and steaming with their heavy breathing. Several of the attackers were badly maimed and simply gave up, retreating back through the trees, two were missing a hand or limb, unable to continue. Blood seeped into the cold ground beneath their feet. As Richard fought, his sword was momentarily knocked out of his hand, falling at the feet of young Hugh, who immediately retrieved it, handing it hilt first back to Richard. It was just in time as his opponent came at him viciously. Richard was able to fend him off, landing a heavy blow to the man's sword arm, rendering him defenseless.
Soon it was all over and the men were able to breathe more freely. None of them had been badly hurt. A few had torn clothing and bruises to contend with. They had survived the mauling well, until Richard looked down and noticed blood dripping from under his sleeve. Hugh noticed it, 'my lord, you are hurt!'
'I don't expect it's anything to worry about,' replied Richard. 'Only a nick I should think.' But it started to hurt. Simon was immediately on hand and he and John helped remove Richard's torn outer clothing.
'It's more than a nick by the looks of it.' John was not squeamish as he looked at the arm. A flap of skin was hanging down, the flesh wound deep. 'Really should be stitched,' he added.
Richard was a little pale by now with loss of blood, but his resolute strong. 'Well we haven't the resources here and will have to make do. It can be bound up until we reach home. Rather unfortunate to happen now,' he grumbled.
Simon had found some cloth in a saddlebag and tore it into strips. 'Let's hope this will see you safely home. It must be kept clean.'
'What do you know about that?' retorted William.
'I was taught it when young.' Simon felt he had to defend his remark, a little indignant. 'We had a housekeeper who told me when I was constantly getting into scrapes.'
John joined in. 'I can imagine that,' he said with a grin. Simon let it ride and finished bandaging Richard's arm. He looked over to Hugh and smiled at him. 'You were brave to do what you did and probably saved my life. I thank you for that.' Hugh's colour changed, his face becoming flushed. 'It was nothing my lord,' he mumbled, looking down at his feet.
Soon they were on their way home again, after gathering any spare horses in their midst, hoping nothing further would delay them. They were relatively unscathed after all that had happened.
The weather remained cold and bleak, a little snow beginning to fall toward the end of their journey. It wasn't long before it covered their path in front, softly falling through the air in large flakes. They huddled beneath mantles and cloaks, drawing them closer as the weather grew colder. The horses were tiring. Then after weeks away, they were finally home.
Richard eased himself off Bedwyr, who had served him well. He handed the reins to Hugh with a tired smile of satisfaction in the young man. He had proved a loyal asset to them.
The front door opened and his lovely wife Katherine was there to welcome him home, her face aglow when she set eyes on her husband, relieved and delighted he had returned home safely.
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