Sir Nigel Read online

  X. HOW THE KING GREETED HIS SENESCHAL OF CALAIS

  It would have fared ill with the good name of Tilford Manor house andwith the housekeeping of the aged Dame Ermyntrude had the King'swhole retinue, with his outer and inner marshal, his justiciar, hischamberlain and his guard, all gathered under the one roof. But bythe foresight and the gentle management of Chandos this calamity wasavoided, so that some were quartered at the great Abbey and otherspassed on to enjoy the hospitality of Sir Roger FitzAlan at FarnhamCastle. Only the King himself, the Prince, Manny, Chandos, Sir Hubert deBurgh, the Bishop and two or three more remained behind as the guests ofthe Lorings.

  But small as was the party and humble the surroundings, the King in noway relaxed that love of ceremony, of elaborate form and of brilliantcoloring which was one of his characteristics. The sumpter-muleswere unpacked, squires ran hither and thither, baths smoked in thebed-chambers, silks and satins were unfolded, gold chains gleamedand clinked, so that when at last, to the long blast of two courttrumpeters, the company took their seats at the board, it was thebrightest, fairest scene which those old black rafters had ever spanned.

  The great influx of foreign knights who had come in their splendor fromall parts of Christendom to take part in the opening of the Round Towerof Windsor six years before, and to try their luck and their skillat the tournament connected with it, had deeply modified the Englishfashions of dress. The old tunic, over-tunic and cyclas were too sad andsimple for the new fashions, so now strange and brilliant cote-hardies,pourpoints, courtepies, paltocks, hanselines and many other wondrousgarments, parti-colored or diapered, with looped, embroidered orescalloped edges, flamed and glittered round the King. He himself, inblack velvet and gold, formed a dark rich center to the finery aroundhim. On his right sat the Prince, on his left the Bishop, while DameErmyntrude marshaled the forces of the household outside, alert andwatchful, pouring in her dishes and her flagons at the right moment,rallying her tired servants, encouraging the van, hurrying the rear,hastening up her reserves, the tapping of her oak stick heard everywherethe pressure was the greatest.

  Behind the King, clad in his best, but looking drab and sorry amid thebrilliant costumes round him, Nigel himself, regardless of an achingbody and a twisted knee, waited upon his royal guests, who threw manya merry jest at him over their shoulders as they still chuckled at theadventure of the bridge.

  "By the rood!" said King Edward, leaning back, with a chicken bone helddaintily between the courtesy fingers of his left hand, "the play istoo good for this country stage. You must to Windsor with me, Nigel, andbring with you this great suit of harness in which you lurk. There youshall hold the lists with your eyes in your midriff, and unless someone cleave you to the waist I see not how any harm can befall you. Neverhave I seen so small a nut in so great a shell."

  The Prince, looking back with laughing eyes, saw by Nigel's flushed andembarrassed face that his poverty hung heavily upon him. "Nay," said hekindly, "such a workman is surely worthy of better tools."

  "And it is for his master to see that he has them," added the King. "Thecourt armorer will look to it that the next time your helmet is carriedaway, Nigel, your head shall be inside it."

  Nigel, red to the roots of his flaxen hair, stammered out some words ofthanks.

  John Chandos, however, had a fresh suggestion, and he cocked a roguisheye as he made it: "Surely, my liege, your bounty is little needed inthis case. It is the ancient law of arms that if two cavaliers startto joust, and one either by maladdress or misadventure fail to meetthe shock, then his arms become the property of him who still holdsthe lists. This being so, methinks, Sir Hubert de Burgh, that the finehauberk of Milan and the helmet of Bordeaux steel in which you rode toTilford should remain with our young host as some small remembrance ofyour visit."

  The suggestion raised a general chorus of approval and laughter, inwhich all joined, save only Sir Hubert himself, who, flushed with anger,fixed his baleful eyes upon Chandos' mischievous and smiling face.

  "I said that I did not play that foolish game, and I know nothing of itslaws," said he; "but you know well, John, that if you would have a boutwith sharpened spear or sword, where two ride to the ground, and onlyone away from it, you have not far to go to find it."

  "Nay, nay, would you ride to the ground? Surely you had best walk,Hubert," said Chandos. "On your feet I know well that I should not seeyour back as we have seen it to-day. Say what you will, your horse hasplayed you false, and I claim your suit of harness for Nigel Loring."

  "Your tongue is overlong, John, and I am weary of its endless clack!"said Sir Hubert, his yellow mustache bristling from a scarlet face. "Ifyou claim my harness, do you yourself come and take it. If there is amoon in the sky you may try this very night when the board is cleared."

  "Nay, fair sirs," cried the King, smiling from one to the other, "thismatter must be followed no further. Do you fill a bumper of Gascony,John, and you also, Hubert. Now pledge each other, I pray you, as goodand loyal comrades who would scorn to fight save in your King's quarrel.We can spare neither of you while there is so much work for brave heartsover the sea. As to this matter of the harness, John Chandos speakstruly where it concerns a joust in the lists, but we hold that such alaw is scarce binding in this, which was but a wayside passage and agentle trial of arms. On the other hand, in the case of your Squire,Master Manny, there can be no doubt that his suit is forfeit."

  "It is a grievous hearing for him, my liege," said Walter Manny; "for heis a poor man and hath been at sore pains to fit himself for the wars.Yet what you say shall be done, fair sire. So, if you will come to me inthe morning, Squire Loring, John Widdicombe's suit will be handed overto you."

  "Then with the King's leave, I will hand it back to him," said Nigel,troubled and stammering; "for indeed I had rather never ride to the warsthan take from a brave man his only suit of plate."

  "There spoke your father's spirit!" cried the King. "By the rood! Nigel,I like you full well. Let the matter bide in my hands. But I marvel muchthat Sir Aymery the Lombard hath not come to us yet from Windsor."

  From the moment of his arrival at Tilford, again and again King Edwardhad asked most eagerly whether Sir Aymery had come, and whether therewas any news of him, so that the courtiers glanced at each other inwonder. For Aymery was known to all of them as a famous mercenary ofItaly, lately appointed Governor of Calais, and this sudden and urgentsummons from the King might well mean some renewal of the war withFrance, which was the dearest wish of every soldier. Twice the King hadstopped his meal and sat with sidelong head; his wine-cup in his hand,listening attentively when some sound like the clatter of hoofs washeard from outside; but the third time there could be no mistake. Thetramp and jingle of the horses broke loud upon the ear, and ended inhoarse voices calling out of the darkness, which were answered by thearchers posted as sentries without the door.

  "Some traveler has indeed arrived, my liege," said Nigel. "What is yourroyal will?"

  "It can be but Aymery," the King answered, "for it was only to him thatI left the message that he should follow me hither. Bid him come in, Ipray you, and make him very welcome at your board."

  Nigel cast open the door, plucking a torch from its bracket as he didso. Half a dozen men-at-arms sat on their horses outside, but one haddismounted, a short, squat, swarthy man with a rat face and quick,restless brown eyes which peered eagerly past Nigel into the red glareof the well-lit hall.

  "I am Sir Aymery of Pavia," he whispered. "For God's sake, tell me! isthe King within?"

  "He is at table, fair sir, and he bids you to enter."

  "One moment, young man, one moment, and a secret word in your ear. Wotyou why it is that the King has sent for me?"

  Nigel read terror in the dark cunning eyes which glanced in sidelongfashion into his. "Nay, I know not."

  "I would I knew--I would I was sure ere I sought his presence."

  "You have but to cross the threshold, fair sir, and doubtless you willlearn from the King's own lips."
r />   Sir Aymery seemed to gather himself as one who braces for a spring intoice-cold water. Then he crossed with a quick stride from the darknessinto the light. The King stood up and held out his hand with a smileupon his long handsome face, and yet it seemed to the Italian that itwas the lips which smiled but not the eyes.

  "Welcome!" cried Edward. "Welcome to our worthy and faithful Seneschalof Calais! Come, sit here before me at the board, for I have sent foryou that I may hear your news from over the sea, and thank you forthe care that you have taken of that which is as dear to me as wife orchild. Set a place for Sir Aymery there, and give him food and drink,for he has ridden fast and far in our service to-day."

  Throughout the long feast which the skill of the Lady Ermyntrude hadarranged, Edward chatted lightly with the Italian as well as withthe barons near him. Finally, when the last dish was removed and thegravy-soaked rounds of coarse bread which served as plates had been castto the dogs, the wine-flagons were passed round; and old Weathercotethe minstrel entered timidly with his harp in the hope that he might beallowed to play before the King's majesty. But Edward had other sportafoot.

  "I pray you, Nigel, to send out the servants, so that we may be alone.I would have two men-at-arms at every door lest we be disturbed in ourdebate, for it is a matter of privacy. And now, Sir Aymery, these noblelords as well as I, your master, would fain hear from your own lips howall goes forward in France."

  The Italian's face was calm; but he looked restlessly from one toanother along the line of his listeners.

  "So far as I know, my liege, all is quiet on the French marches," saidhe.

  "You have not heard then that they have mustered or gathered to a headwith the intention of breaking the truce and making some attempt uponour dominions?"

  "Nay, sire, I have heard nothing of it."

  "You set my mind much at ease, Aymery," said the King; "for if nothinghas come to your ears, then surely it cannot be. It was said that thewild Knight de Chargny had come down to St. Omer with his eyes upon myprecious jewel and his mailed hands ready to grasp it."

  "Nay, sire, let him come. He will find the jewel safe in its strong box,with a goodly guard over it."

  "You are the guard over my jewel, Aymery."

  "Yes, sire, I am the guard."

  "And you are a faithful guard and one whom I can trust, are you not? Youwould not barter away that which is so dear to me when I have chosen youout of all my army to hold it for me?"

  "Nay, sire, what reasons can there be for such questions? They touch myhonor very nearly. You know that I would part with Calais only when Iparted with my soul."

  "Then you know nothing of de Chargny's attempt?"

  "Nothing sire."

  "Liar and villain!" yelled the King, springing to his feet and dashinghis fist upon the table until the glasses rattled again. "Seize him,archers! Seize him this instant! Stand close by either elbow, lest he dohimself a mischief! Now do you dare to tell me to my face, you perjuredLombard, that you know nothing of de Chargny and his plans?"

  "As God is my witness I know nothing of him!" The man's lips were white,and he spoke in a thin, sighing, reedy voice, his eyes wincing away fromthe fell gaze of the angry King.

  Edward laughed bitterly, and drew a paper from his breast. "You are thejudges in this case, you, my fair son, and you, Chandos, and you, Manny,and you, Sir Hubert, and you also, my Lord Bishop. By my sovereign powerI make you a court that you may deal justice upon this man, for by God'seyes I will not stir from this room until I have sifted the matter tothe bottom. And first I would read you this letter. It is superscribedto Sir Aymery of Pavia, nomme Le Lombard, Chateau de Calais. Is not thatyour name and style, you rogue?"

  "It is my name, sire; but no such letter has come to me."

  "Else had your villainy never been disclosed. It is signed 'Isidore deChargny'. What says my enemy de Chargny to my trusted servant? Listen!'We could not come with the last moon, for we have not gatheredsufficient strength, nor have we been able to collect the twentythousand crowns which are your price. But with the next turn of the moonin the darkest hour we will come and you will be paid your money at thesmall postern gate with the rowan-bush beside it.' Well, rogue, what sayyou now?"

  "It is a forgery!" gasped the Italian.

  "I pray you that you will let me see it, sire," said Chandos. "DeChargny was my prisoner, and so many letters passed ere his ransom waspaid that his script is well-known to me. Yes, yes, I will swear thatthis is indeed his. If my salvation were at stake I could swear it."

  "If it were indeed written by de Chargny it was to dishonor me," criedSir Aymery.

  "Nay, nay!" said the young Prince. "We all know de Chargny and havefought against him. Many faults he has, a boaster and a brawler, but abraver man and one of greater heart and higher of enterprise does notride beneath the lilies of France. Such a man would never stoop to writea letter for the sake of putting dishonor upon one of knightly rank. I,for one, will never believe it."

  A gruff murmur from the others showed that they were of one mind withthe Prince. The light of the torches from the walls beat upon the lineof stern faces at the high table. They had sat like flint, and theItalian shrank from their inexorable eyes. He looked swiftly round, butarmed men choked every entrance. The shadow of death had fallen athwarthis soul.

  "This letter," said the King, "was given by de Chargny to one DomBeauvais, a priest of St. Omer, to carry into Calais. The said priest,smelling a reward, brought it to one who is my faithful servant, and soit came to me. Straightway I sent for this man that he should come tome. Meanwhile the priest has returned so that de Chargny may think thathis message is indeed delivered."

  "I know nothing of it," said the Italian doggedly, licking his dry lips.

  A dark flush mounted to the King's forehead, and his eyes were gorgedwith his wrath. "No more of this, for God's dignity!" he cried. "Hadwe this fellow at the Tower, a few turns of the rack would tear aconfession from his craven soul. But why should we need his word for hisown guilt? You have seen, my lords, you have heard! How say you, fairson? Is the man guilty?"

  "Sire, he is guilty."

  "And you, John? And you, Walter? And you, Hubert? And you, my LordBishop? You are all of one mind, then. He is guilty of the betrayal ofhis trust. And the punishment?"

  "It can only be death," said the Prince, and each in turn the othersnodded their agreement.

  "Aymery of Pavia, you have heard your doom," said Edward, leaning hischin upon his hand and glooming at the cowering Italian. "Step forward,you archer at the door, you with the black beard. Draw your sword!Nay, you white-faced rogue, I would not dishonor this roof-tree by yourblood. It is your heels, not your head, that we want. Hack off thesegolden spurs of knighthood with your sword, archer! 'Twas I who gavethem, and I who take them back. Ha! they fly across the hall, and withthem every bond betwixt you and the worshipful order whose sign andbadge they are! Now lead him out on the heath afar from the house wherehis carrion can best lie, and hew his scheming head from his body as awarning to all such traitors!"

  The Italian, who had slipped from his chair to his knees, uttered a cryof despair, as an archer seized him by either shoulder. Writhing out oftheir grip, he threw himself upon the floor and clutched at the King'sfeet.

  "Spare me, my most dread lord, spare me, I beseech you! In the name ofChrist's passion, I implore your grace and pardon! Bethink you, my goodand dear lord, how many years I have served under your banners and howmany services I have rendered. Was it not I who found the ford upon theSeine two days before the great battle? Was it not I also who marshaledthe attack at the intaking of Calais? I have a wife and four children inItaly, great King; and it was the thought of them which led me to fallfrom my duty, for this money would have allowed me to leave the wars andto see them once again. Mercy, my liege, mercy, I implore!"

  The English are a rough race, but not a cruel one. The King sat with aface of doom; but the others looked askance and fidgeted in their seats.

  "Indeed, my fa
ir liege," said Chandos, "I pray you that you will abatesomewhat of your anger."

  Edward shook his head curtly. "Be silent, John. It shall be as I havesaid."

  "I pray you, my dear and honored liege, not to act with overmuch hastein the matter," said Manny. "Bind him and hold him until the morning,for other counsels may prevail."

  "Nay, I have spoken. Lead him out!"

  But the trembling man clung to the King's knees in such a fashion thatthe archers could not disengage his convulsive grip. "Listen to me amoment, I implore you! Give me but one minute to plead with you, andthen do what you will."

  The King leaned back in his chair. "Speak and have done," said he.

  "You must spare me, my noble liege. For your own sake I say that youmust spare me, for I can set you in the way of such a knightly adventureas will gladden your heart. Bethink you, sire, that this de Chargny andhis comrades know nothing of their plans having gone awry. If I do butsend them a message they will surely come to the postern gate. Then, ifwe have placed our bushment with skill we shall have such a capture andsuch a ransom as will fill your coffers. He and his comrades should beworth a good hundred thousand crowns."

  Edward spurned the Italian away from him with his foot until he sprawledamong the rushes, but even as he lay there like a wounded snake his darkeyes never left the King's face.

  "You double traitor! You would sell Calais to de Chargny, and then inturn you would sell de Chargny to me. How dare you suppose that I orany noble knight had such a huckster's soul as to think only of ransomswhere honor is to be won? Could I or any true man be so caitiff and sothrall? You have sealed your own doom. Lead him out!"

  "One instant, I pray you, my fair and most sweet lord," cried thePrince. "Assuage your wrath yet a little while, for this man's rededeserves perhaps more thought than we have given it. He has turned yournoble soul sick with his talk of ransoms; but look at it, I prayyou, from the side of honor, and where could we find such hope ofworshipfully winning worship? I pray you to let me put my body inthis adventure, for it is one from which, if rightly handled, muchadvancement is to be gained."

  Edward looked with sparkling eyes at the noble youth at his side. "Neverwas hound more keen on the track of a stricken hart than you on the hopeof honor, fair son," said he. "How do you conceive the matter in yourmind?"

  "De Chargny and his men will be such as are worth going far to meet, forhe will have the pick of France under his banner that night. If we didas this man says and awaited him with the same number of lances, thenI cannot think that there is any spot in Christendom where one wouldrather be than in Calais that night."

  "By the rood, fair son, you are right!" cried the King, his face shiningwith the thought. "Now which of you, John Chandos or Walter Manny, willtake the thing in charge?" He looked mischievously from one to the otherlike a master who dangles a bone betwixt two fierce old hounds. All theyhad to say was in their burning, longing eyes. "Nay, John, you must nottake it amiss; but it is Walter's turn, and he shall have it."

  "Shall we not all go under your banner, sire, or that of the Prince?"

  "Nay, it is not fitting that the royal banners of England should beadvanced in so small an adventure. And yet, if you have space in yourranks for two more cavaliers, both the Prince and I would ride with youthat night."

  The young man stooped and kissed his father's hand.

  "Take this man in your charge, Walter, and do with him as you will.Guard well lest he betray us once again. Take him from my sight, forhis breath poisons the room. And now, Nigel, if that worthy graybeardof thine would fain twang his harp or sing to us--but what in God's namewould you have?"

  He had turned, to find his young host upon his knee and his flaxen headbent in entreaty.

  "What is it, man? What do you crave?"

  "A boon, fair liege!"

  "Well, well, am I to have no peace to-night, with a traitor kneelingto me in front, and a true man on his knees behind? Out with it, Nigel.What would you have?"

  "To come with you to Calais."

  "By the rood! your request is fair enough, seeing that our plot ishatched beneath your very roof. How say you, Walter? Will you take him,armor and all?" asked King Edward.

  "Say rather will you take me?" said Chandos. "We two are rivals inhonor, Walter, but I am very sure that you would not hold me back."

  "Nay, John, I will be proud to have the best lance in Christendombeneath my banner."

  "And I to follow so knightly a leader. But Nigel Loring is my Squire,and so he comes with us also."

  "Then that is settled," said the King, "and now there is no need forhurry, since there can be no move until the moon has changed. So I prayyou to pass the flagon once again, and to drink with me to the goodknights of France. May they be of great heart and high of enterprisewhen we all meet once more within the castle wall of Calais!"