King Henry's Champion by Griff Hosker Page A

exploit the gap and finish off any horsemen who had survived our initial attack. Those on foot turned as we broke through the thin line of horsemen. I leaned to the side and swept my sword horizontally at the axe wielding warrior who stood with his fellows to receive our charge. The speed of my approach made him swing early and my blade bit across his chest. He had no mail and my blade came away bloody. A spear clanged off my shield and jolted my arm. I saw that Sir Richard had killed the spearman. The men on foot were now trying to flee. They were crossing our line as they tried to get back to the river. They were caught between the castle and our horses.  They only had one option; retreat back to the river.
    “Wheel left!”
    I pulled Star’s reins to the left and he responded magnificently.  He brought me around to the rear of a man at arms. I laid his back open to the bone.  Star suddenly reared as another veered into his path. I leaned forward to keep my balance as my war horse trampled the soldier beneath his hooves. Sir Roger and the garrison had emerged from the gates and were butchering those who were still stranded in the ditch. I looked ahead and saw that there were many horsemen leading this headlong flight back to Scotland. Dick and his archers could not miss the targets which ran across their front.  Safe in the eaves of the woods, they released arrow after arrow into the massed men who fled before them.
    My move had brought the whole of my line into one. Knights, men at arms and squires all rode together.  John was now at my side.  He held his reins and banner in his left hand and was hacking and chopping with his sword held in his right.  He had the joy of battle upon his face. We had to slow as we approached the river. No one would risk a war horse by charging into the rock filled river.  Besides we had won. I reined in and allowed Star to step gently into the water to drink.  He tossed his head and whinnied.  Like John he had the joy of battle in him.
    My men reined in next to me and they began to cheer.  I raised my sword and they cheered even louder. I saw Dick and his archers mount up and they trotted across the river. Wulfric and the men at arms followed them.  They would drive the enemy back to Berwick. We did not want them rallying. Star began to drink and I took off my helmet. As always after such a battle I looked for my household knights.  I saw that they all lived.  Then I frowned I could not see William of Warkworth nor could I see Leofric and my son William. I handed my shield and helmet to John. “Wait here, I go to see Leofric and William.”
    “They are not here?”
    “I cannot see them.”
    I turned Star and began to gallop back across the body littered field. Men were already marching across the battlefield and ending the lives of the wounded as well as taking weapons and treasures. Close to where we had struck the enemy horses I saw a knot of men. Their horses were close by.  I galloped towards them. I saw, to my great relief, Leofric and William, standing amongst them. They lived and they looked to be unwounded. I recognised the banner of William of Warkworth. He had been on the extreme left of my line, closest to the river. The men parted as I rode up and dismounted.  I saw William of Warkworth, my newest knight.  He was lying on the ground at an awkward angle.  A tendril of blood ran from his mouth. There were three of his men at arms dead beside him.  The rest stood with my squires.
    I thought the Baron was dead but he opened his eyes and smiled, “Your son and squire are fine warriors, my lord. When I fell from my horse they and my own men at arms fought off the enemy who tried to finish me off.  They fought like lions. They will both be good knights; they have honour, courage and show great nobility.”
    “I will get a priest to see to your wounds.”
    He tried to shake his head but could not, “My back is broken.  I fear I am not long for this world. My