“Charles, you have a good command of the Saxon tongue?”

“Certainly, Count Robert.”

“You have sworn allegiance to Duke William of Normandy?”

“Mais oui, Count Robert.”

“And to me?”

“Certainment, Count Robert.”

“Charles, I have a delicate mission for you to attend. You know through your family connections how Edwin of Mercia and Morcar have suffered at the hands of Tostig and the Godwinessons. It is to Normandy’s advantage ,and mine, and yours to assist Edwin and Morcar. You will be an agent provocateur, a rabble-rouser to turn the thanes of the north into a volatile force. First, Edwin has had to put up with Tostig’s interminable raids by drunken forces. Secondly, Morcar deserves elevation to the lords. Thirdly, the Northumbrian thanes have had their fill of Tostig. Earl Seward of Northumbria was a gentle man who collected his wont, called on his thanes for service, and protected the coast from Vikings and the border from Scots, not attack the thanes himself. Alas, his son Waltheof was too young at Seward’s demise. Tostig, whose moods swing between moralist, lover and justice to usurper, thief, and sexual predator has gained control. The thanes’ coins or women are not safe before him. Northumbrian thanes are open for revolt and request assistance of the Witan, their parliament. They are ready to march.We want Edwin and Morcar to know Normandy is behind them. I intend to go to Northumbria myself to assist the thanes in their uprising. Will you do the London job?”

“My Count Robert, De Gournays will always fulfill their oath.”

“C’est bien Charles. We must be apprised of the actions of each camp. We will maintain messengers. You will follow the Edwin/Morcar camp; provide your riders with fine horses and press on them the need for speed and precision.”

“I understand.”

“I will travel in a separate vessel and land on the coast or York or Northumbia. The Godwinessons have no love for me or Duke William.”

Sir William Trivett and Sir Rupert were ushered into Count Robert’s presence.

“Gentlemen, we are off on another adventure.”

“Yes, Count Robert,” they chorused.

“We are for England once again. This time we are agent provocateurs. We are to arouse the north and provoke an upsetting civil uprising.”

“How Count Robert?”

“Tostig Godwinesson is ripe for plucking. He has alienated his thanes. Mercia is envious of his lands and Harold, who banished Tostig to the north to get him out of his hair, has found the louse has returned. King Edward, without love for the Godwines ,somehow has taken Tostig to his heart. Other agents will prod the south and center, particularly Mercia. So, pack and prepare. We leave with the first possible vessel.”

“Yes, Count Robert.”

“I will fill in the details as we travel.”

“C’est bien, My Count.”

Sir Charles de Gournay and two retainers were off with the tide in two days time. He understood his job. His cousin Morcar, untitled, would perceive an opening. With a little prodding of his greed and vanity, Charles expected Morcar to plead the case before Edwin of Mercia, the Witan of England, King Edward and finally the power behind the throne, Harold. It boiled down to, ‘Give me Northumbria and I’ll put it to rights and protect and unite the English north.’ The Mercians had no love for Tostig or any Godwine.

Sir Charles selected a fast Viking ship and with favorable southwest by west wind scudded across the Channel and up the English coast to the Thames estuary in almost record time. The crew of twelve rowers put their backs to it and sculled their way upstream to the English capital.

Sir Charles immediately sought out his cousins and was welcomed into their presence. He found to his surprise that Morcar’s acquisitiveness needed no prodding. He could talk of little else once the subject was broached. Charles fanned an already roaring fire and offered the assistance of Normandy in arms or mercenaries. The flame in Morcar flared and the cousins took their appeal to Earl Edwin of Mercia.

“Brother,” Morcar began, “not only do we see the future of the English north in Leofric’s hands, but so do our Norman friends. Sir Charles reiterates the detest the Normans feel for the Godwines. They are afraid of another attack by Hardrada of Norway from a base in England. The Normans desire a united north and offer arms and mercenaries to forward my—our cause.”

“No doubt, My Brother, but what is the Norman cause?”

“Cousin, I cannot answer that for the Duke of Normandy. He is a complex individual and certainly has reasons beyond evening a score with the Godwine family. I have been chosen as his messenger only and cannot speak entirely for him.”

“I see.”

“Brother,” inserted Morcar, “this is our chance to unite the north with Leofric family. The north would be at peace. Country to country raids may persist, but at least county to county raids would cease. A unity against one enemy is certainly better than two enemies.”

“Agreed, Morcar. I will consider it briefly. I will summon you when I have made up my mind. I thank you, Cousin de Gournay for Normandy’s offer of assistance. We may mobilize.”

Within the hour Morcar was summoned alone.

“Brother Morcar, please be assured you will get Northumbria. Understand, however, we are gambling for high stakes. Everyone playing the game expects the markers to fall in his direction. You desire entitlement and its resultant monetary value. I want a safe and peaceful border. Harold expects a united England. King Edward ,in spite of his troubles with Godwinessons, supports Tostig.

. And, what does William the Bastard desire?”

“Revenge?”

“Morcar, don’t be naïve. He needs a foothold in England. He dangles the prize of Northumbria before the Leofrics and gets their oath of allegiance and a path to the English throne. We don’t need his assistance. In fact we will graciously refuse. What he has foolishly offered is a bargaining chip to galvanize the Witan and Harold to action. Do you see?”

“Yes, Brother.”

“Now keep our cousin de Gournay busy while I apply some pressure to the powers.”

Edwin, the wily politician, while shunning William of Normandy, picked up the robe of agent provocateur himself. He canvassed the quintessimal members of the Witan and welded them to his cause by trade or promise. Did every man have his price? Whatever Edwin said or promised, the weight began to fall on Harold’s back. The Edwin-turned lords demanded Harold’s intervention in Northumbria. Harold’s loyal following in turn warned him of the split developing in the country.

Harold was of two minds. It was a conundrum. Expulsion of his brother Tostig was a blow to the Godwine seat of power, but Tostig was an embarrassment to the family to the despair of Harold. Harold

had warned him and Harold believed this was the final straw. All Harold had to do was turn this to his advantage. He had to ally one of the protagonists. He chose the Leofric family and summoned Edwin. After opening pleasantries and a mug of ale, Harold, all business, opened negotiations.

“Earl Edwin, I understand that the Bastard of Normandy has offered you assistance in the north which you have refused. Intelligent of you! You realize he covets the English throne. We must unite against such an incursion.

I agree with you that Tostig must go. He has the north in a constant turmoil. I agree that Morcar would be a favorable alternative in Northumbria [and a tool of Harold]. If I support you with my personal army and Edward’s housecarls the expulsion of Tostig and tribe is a foregone conclusion. If you try to oust him on your own, I may be your enemy. Let’s make a deal to our mutual advantage.”

Edwin smiled to see how his bargaining chip had won the hand.

“Yes, My Lord.”

“It is very simple. I will trade you my support for your support.” A quizzical look overcame Edwin. “I will assist you in deposing Tostig, if, if you swear your allegiance and the North’s support in my ascension to Edward’s throne. He has little time left.”

This meeting had become a meeting of minds. The deal would be made before the ale was drunk.

“Lord Harold, I will need Morcar’s agreement, but I think you may be assured of acceptance. Prepare your oath.”

Harold approached King Edward. “My Lord, Sire, Northumbria has risen in revolt. They are already amassing a formidable army to expel Tostig”

“What!”

“Yes Sire, the thanes are on the march. Their Viking ancestors have roused the blood. The thanes are new beserkers.”

“Harold, those northern bastards have gone too far. Destroy them! Put them down like the dogs they are! I’ll not have thanes rising against their liege lord. Take the army. Annihilate them! Now!

“But Sire, that will be civil war!”

“Do as you are told! Tostig would never defy me! You do it!”

“Sire, I may negotiate.” He begged.

Edward smashed his fist on the oaken table. “No bloody way! You hack your way through those treasonist thane turds and support your loving brother and my pseudo son! Negotiate my ass!”

“But Sire.”

“Jesus Christ help me! You have your orders, Subregulus. Why aren’t you gone?”

“Yes, Sire.” And he bowed his way from the Lion of England’s presence. Sometimes the meek Confessor was steely.

One day after Charles de Gournay sailed for London, Count Robert, Sir Rupert and Sir William Trivett boarded a Viking long boat for the English north. They to took advantage of a southwest wind and running before the waves soon cleared the English channel. Will thought his previous sea experience would save him from the green sickness and in the channel he faired relatively well. The North Sea was a different kettle of waves. A squall line with driving rain greeted them on a most treacherous expanse of water. The wind swung north and blew west to east. It was not the rocking of a cradle. The incessant rolling of the craft had reduced him to a green stick. He hung over the gunwale and prepared for death. If only his innards would stop heaving. Fortunately, the wind fell with the sun that evening and his stomach was offered some respite. He fought valiantly with his stomach the second day in the sea and by the time the long boat beached near Newcastle-on-Tyne he was almost used to the motion. The horses were

unloaded and saddled. The agents made their way through the town to the stare of Saxon and Norse. To their disappointment Tostig was absent. He was ensconced at the stronghold Bamburgh Castle thirty miles to the north. With a few supplies and a pack horse they set off for Bamburgh, an easy day’s ride.

At the castle gate they were challenged by a slovenly soldier. “Where do you think you’re going?”

A Toledo Crusader touched his left eyelid. “You ugly turd. I am Count Robert of Mortain with two retainers to meet with Lord Tostig of Northumbria. Now call your captain before my man makes you “One-eyed Jack”.

“Captain of the guard!”

“Yes!” and a body followed the voice through the door.

“Captain, these men would see Lord Tostig.”

“And Captain, if this guard wishes to see with two eyes he had better mend his manners. I am Count Robert of Mortain. I have news and business with your Lord.”

“Very well, My Lord.”

“William you may release that sloven.” and Will cautiously withdrew his blade.

“Enter Friends.” The Normans entered the castle gate and a ostler was summoned to tend to their

Count Robert sought the ear of Tostig. Before his audience a hard-riding messenger approached the gate. He gained admittance and found Count Robert.

“Count Robert de Mortain?”

“Yes.”

“Could I see your signet ring?” Robert complied. “I have a message for you.” The letter was drawn from a leather pouch he wore inside his shift.

“Thank you messenger. Stand by in the castle yard.” The young rider turned on his heel and retired. Sir Charles de Gournay reported on the happenings in London. The deal had been struck between Harold and Edwin. Harold had called his housecarls for the march north. Edwin was raising the ‘fyrd’[the vassals who owed forty days service for their lord}.

‘Mon Dieu! Tostig will be strung up, in exile or saved by Edward before the provocateurs can act. What do we do now?’

“Young Man.”

“Yes, My Lord?’

“I desire an immediate audience with Earl Tostig of Northumbria.”

“Yes, My Lord.”

Robert was left to cool his heels in the great hall. No one came! After an interminable time the same young man stumbled in. “Young man! Did you place my request?”

“Yes, My Lord.”

“And?”

“His clerk says he is with a woman, My Lord.”

“Well, I’m just in front of an army! Tell his clerk that!”

The page scuttled away. Just then Robert heard female screams. It certainly wasn’t a lover’s tryst.

The clerk decided to chance a surreptitious peek through the slit opening in the door. He could see the young chambermaid spread-eagled on the stone floor. She was naked, tied hand and foot, legs elevated. Her face was battered and she bled from the nose and mouth. Tostig in hairy nakedness was covering the child. He withdrew his swollen member from the girl and dropped his full body weight behind the thrust into her vagina. He drove the air from her lungs, but when she got a breath she screamed again and again. He raised again and again and again as if he would destroy the girl. She appeared to pass

out as he pounded into her body. Finally, he climaxed and rolled off her in a pool of sweat and blood. God knows what tortures she had suffered before the rape. The clerk quietly closed the door and went to placate Count Robert.

“Count Robert, I am Clerk of Tostig of Northumbria. There was some discipline problems for Lord Tostig to settle. I will introduce you as soon as the matter is rectified.”
“Mais oui.” Robert doubted the story.

In a short time Robert was summoned to meet Tostig. He found the disheveled partially inebriated Tostig still sweating profusely from his sexual exertions in the “discipline” problem. ‘It’s a shame I can’t let Harold take him’. The world would be a better place without the sleezy piece of business that confronted Robert. Robert wasn’t a moralist, but he was a gentleman.

“Well, Norman, what in hell do you want? You certainly interrupted a great piece!”

“Yes, Lord Tostig, I heard.” If Tostig hadn’t been drinking he would have discerned the note of disdain. “ I am an agent for Duke William of Normandy. I was sent to bring an accord between Normandy and Northumbria.”

Tostig laughed with sneer overtones. “Why?”

“You are going to need assistance. Your brother Harold of Wessex is about to depose you.”

“Not bloody likely!”

“Yes, without doubt. Your thanes have made complaints about your rule.”

“So What!”

“Edwin of Mercia detests you and your raids on the border have him aroused.”

“And?”

“I have a report from London that Harold in sibling treachery had sold you out to Edwin and Morcar. Morcar will be the new Northumbria.”

“Bullshit!”

“No Tostig, it is true. Harold has roused his housecarls and is even now on the road north. Edwin and Morcar are in Mercia rousing the fyrd. In five days if not sooner they will be in Newcastle. I’m not certain of the King’s stance.”

“I don’t believe you. Edward loves me.”

“Think Lord Tostig. Did Harold not warn you? King Edward has never been a friend of Godwines. You will be deposed, exiled or hung. Morcar inherits Northumbria and Harold gets the support of the north in his quest for the English throne.”

“I’ll kick his ass back to London. Harold is afraid of me. I’ll have the north for my kingdom.”

“Not without Hardrada of Norway, Cnut of Denmark, or William of Normandy. An alliance with any one may have saved you. Harold’s treachery and speed of action has foreshadowed his success. I was sent to devise a treaty. Now, the best I can do is warn you of your plight.”

Tostig’s sodden brain was starting to clear. The sex induced bravado in the rape of the girl was turning to cowardice as he was already looking for a bolt hole. Tostig would not provide the opposition in the north at present, but Robert was obliged to save him for the future.

“Tostig, you have three choices of security and all are in Europe. Gather what you can and escape.”

“As soon as I have proof of your words Norman. Why should I trust the prison guards of the Godwines?”

“Tostig, no doubt William of Normandy would use you, but he is also saving your life.”

“We’ll see, Robert de Mortain!” Tostig turned on his heel and fled from the room.

Robert galvanized into action. It would not do to be found in Northumbria by Harold. If taken he could expect the same treatment afforded to Harold and Wulfnoth- a long internment in an English gaol. He made straight for his room and repacked what he had unpacked two hours since. “Where in Hell would Rupert and Will be?’ Taking his saddle bags he marched resolutely to the courtyard. There was Will seated on a stone wall chatting up some castle maid.

“Will, we’re leaving!” Will nimbly leapt afoot and without a by-your-leave was on the way to the stables.

“Will!” the girl called after him and he blew her a kiss.

Robert continued on his way to the garrison. Rupert was at his best with the infantry. “ You can’t believe what we can get away with in the Norman army.”

“Listen Norman,” as he slammed his mug of ale on the table. “We have the worst commander, the sloppiest knights and careless sergeants. If we weren’t professionals this army of Northumbria would long ago have oozed into the sea. The upper echelons are slime. Why we could do as we -----------.

“Rupert stow your gear! Now!”

“Yes Sir. Sorry Boys.”

Robert made for the stable. In less than an hour they were on the road to Newcastle post haste. Along the way they stopped at a ramshackle public house of sorts for a ploughman’s lunch-bread ,cheese and ale.

“Count Robert, I was just about to get something of interest from that young lady.”

“Yes, but it wasn’t information. Will, I believe you only have one thing on your mind-getting under a woman’s skirts.”

“No My Lord. I was just pumping her.”

“Well, you weren’t when I caught you, but you would have been in fifteen minutes!”

“No, no, My Lord. I was pumping her for information.:”

“Well, Rupert?”

“Northumbria is ill-prepared for a battle, much less a war. The common soldiers are dispirited; the sergeants are thieves; the knights are wastrels and Tostig is a son of a bitch.”

“William?”

“That was my opinion too. The girl said the people everywhere, though I suspect she had never left Bamburgh, were generally in low spirits. Tostig had taken what he wanted, money, castles, land and fulfilled his sexual fantasies. They are primed for revolt.”

“Very well. Harold, Edwin of Mercia and Morcar his brother are rushing north with housecarls and the fryd to depose Tostig or support him. Tostig will run. I think he’ll head for a Norse court. And, we had not better be found in England.”

They paid their bill and left the inn. With two more hours at the canter they entered the town of Newcastle. Without delay they headed for the Norse long ship. The horses were tired enough that they offered little resistance to the loading.

“Sir Rupert, what’s that cloud south of the town?”

“That’s no cloud, Will. That’s an army on the move. My Lord, the army is afoot!”

“Captain, can we get underway? If we don’t we may be here for a long stay.”

“Aye Count Robert.”

Sailors made ready. Gear and blindfolded horses were made secure. Sweeps were unshipped. Not an arrow shot off shore, they were further enlivened by the clatter of a knightly patrol on the gravely beach.

“Heave to!” roared a mighty voice. The Normans recognized the individual. Will grabbed a shroud and leapt to the gunwale.

“Will Trivett, you little bastard!”

Will waved gaily to Wulfnoth. The Saxon fumed, but Will’s antics soon turned him to laughter.

“I’ll have your ass, Trivett!” he yelled. Will was tempted to bare it for him.

As Count Robert, Rupert and Will merrily waved good-bye to Wulfnoth in Newcastle, Count Alan of Brittany and Odo’s special agent Father Francis were completing their dealings with Denmark’s king Swegn Erithson. The ship building was well advanced. A number of completed long boats sat chocked on the ways. Others were in various stages of production from ribbed skeletons to partially planked. Count Alan, the naval expert, surveyed the vessels. He meticulously checked the ships from keel to gunwale and stem to stern. Nothing escaped his eye and he gave his approval after the corrections were

made. Father Francis and count Alan ready to finalize on the completed ships were invited to Swegn’s court for a meeting with his clerk and inner cabinet.

“Gentlemen!” began the King as he drew his meeting to order. “How do you find our ships?”

“My Lord,” replied Count Alan, “all the completed ships are excellent. I found some deficiencies, but they have been corrected to my satisfaction.”

“Thank you, Count Alan. And will you now give recompense as to our original agreement?”

“My Lord, I am commissioned by Duke William to pay the second third of the cost of the completed boats on Count Alan’s approval. The final payment will be made on delivery to the Norman coast.” and Francis bowed lowly.

“Thank you, Father. You may see my clerk later. I do not wish to be involved in mercantile things, but my business-minded shipwrights will be ecstatic.” The council laughed without great enthusiasm. “Does that conclude your affairs in this court?”

“No, My Lord.”

“I thought not!”

“My Lord, I am certain you are aware of the raison d’ etre behind these ships. My Lord, should I talk in front of your whole council? Perhaps, we two should have a tete a tete first.”

“Very well, Father. Count Alan, I leave you in the hand of these good Danes. Otto, my clerk, we three will retire for this tryst.” The three left quietly to the bows of the assembly and took up residence in a tiny anteroom.

“Yes, Francis?”

“ My Lord, Duke William is aware that through your blood ties with former king Cnut you have some claim to Edward of England’s crown. King Hardrada of Norway makes a similar claim. Harold Godwinesson is the power behind sickly Edward. However, Duke William of Normandy was promised the succession in England. He has registered his claim with the pope who agrees with him.”

“Get to the point, Francis. We know this.”

“My Lord, the ships are an invasion fleet bound for England if Godwine usurps the throne. The Duke of Normandy would appreciate to be apprised of Denmark’s intentions.”

“Ah, Yes, I can believe that! Hmmm!”

A quiet settled on the room. Even breathing was subdued.

“Norman gold is floating our economy. We have assumed a defensive position in light of business. Therefore we are not in a position of invasion in the face of Godwine’s army and generalship.”

“My Lord, would you be willing to sign a nonagression pact with Duke William?”

“That is all very well for Normandy. What is in it for Denmark?”

“My Lord, there are certain spoils to be won in an invasion of England. My Duke is willing to share those with his allies. Secondly, he has need of mercenaries in his invasion fore. I can think of no better men than Danish Vikings as soldiers and sailors for such an incursion. They would be paid a fitting wage, partake of the spoils and Normandy would make recompense to their liege lord.”

“Yes, Father, but what if Normandy is repulsed?”

“The fortunes of war My Lord. War and life are a gamble.”

“Draw up your pact ,Father. I will confer with my council.”

With Tostig’s escape by sea or Harold’s ouster, Harold was faced with the hostile thanes of the north. King Edward demanded the thanes demise. “Cut them to pieces.” Harold the man in the field, had no desire to touch off a civil war The roots of democracy had their beginnings in the fertile soil of England. In the unwritten civil law not even the king was above the law. The king, the earls, the thanes, the villeins all had obligations and not even the rage of the king could change the order. Harold mediated. If the thanes lay down their arms, the king would hear their complaints. The thanes countered. If the king did not remove Tostig, they would attack the king himself. Harold had no choice, but to disobey the king. Englishmen did not fight Englishmen. Tostig , of two personalities, had to go.

Francis and Count Alan took passage on a merchant vessel across the Skagerrak to Oslo and a meeting with King Harold Hardrada. The agent provocateurs had spent five days too many in Denmark. Tostig, in self imposed exile before his brother got him, had sought out Hardrada. The Saxon could not trust the Norman Duke and turned to his one time enemy, Hardrada.

Hardrada was the Norse king, but first and foremost he was a Viking. He saw Tostig as the entry to the west coast of England and the formation of a Viking settlement. Vikings had created Yarvik the predecessor of the city of York, and this was a chance to once again spread Norse influence over the island. He welcomed Tostig and commiserated with him. They had already begun to plan their invasion of England.

Francis and Alan of Brittany were defeated before they started. They didn’t have to provoke war though. Harold Hardrada and Tostig were already planning. Would Norway build ships for Normandy? Rejected! Would Norway contemplate an alliance with Normandy? Rejected! Would Norway send mercenaries for a Norman army? Rejected! Hardrada might as well have been Hardhead. The two agents got one audience with him only. The only thing the Normans gained was information. They discovered the presence of Tostig through one of Father Francis’s brothers in the church. Alan of Brittany found through one of his sea captain friends that the Norse sailors were being alerted to prepare for invasion. After the success in Denmark the only good omen was a multicolored display of Northern Lights which surely must have been indicative of Norman success [or Norse success.] Before he was detained in the court, Father Francis slipped aboard a second merchant ship bound for the coast of Normandy leaving Count Alan to the ice of the north.