The Dunston Blade by John Daines

Roland said as he squeezed the girl sitting on his lap After seeing the girls ‘settled’
    upstairs they walked back to the barracks.
    “I wonder how Joan is, and what that brother of hers is doing?” said Roger wistfully.
    “You didn’t get anywhere there you said, so I wouldn’t bother with them.”
    “He was a good friend in spite of his haughty sister,” countered Roger. The two men went to their bunks and started to clean their weapons as they had
    practice in the morning and they now had the reputation of being the two best swordsmen in Stamford.
    More and more men started to pass through Stamford most saying they were on their way to Leicester.
    Roland was becoming more restless each day.
    “Something big happening and we ought to be part of it, when there is fighting you can ‘find’ lots of things, if you know what I mean.”
    “Yes, you can find your death,” replied Roger.
    “Anyway I feel like another fight,” continued Roland.
    Roger sat and thought whether another battle is what he wanted, he was enjoying the relative calm of being a guard at Stamford and there was a chance for
    promotion here especially if more men went to join de Montfort from the town. There was no prospects at home as Ralf would inherit the title and Castle
    when his father died, which could be any day.
    Walking through the town one morning Roger met the Mayor who stopped him and suggested a glass of ale together. Sitting in the warmth of the Inn Roger
    relaxed and listened to the Mayor.
    “Are you going to Leicester with your friend?” he asked. “He approached me this morning to say he felt a loyalty to de Montfort, so would go and join his
    army. I don’t think that was the only reason.”
    “No, I shall not go with him, I am not eager to look for a fight, I hope soon that peace will come and we can lead a normal life.”
    “Good, then I have an idea to improve the safety of the citizens and keep the ruffians out of Stamford. I want you to lead a roving group of guards to go
    to trouble spots and generally keep order, would you do that?”
    “It certainly sounds a good idea,” replied Roger. “ I would like to do that it will be better than staying in one spot.”
    “That’s settled then, we will meet in the morning and I will tell you what I want and pick the men for your group. There will be an increase in your money
    but now I must get back and sort out with the Captain how we are to organise these changes.” The Mayor shook Roger’s hand and left.
    Roger smiled to himself as he thought about his new position, and the increase in his income, without Roland he might be able to keep more of it too. As
    Roger made his way back to the barracks he saw a group of horsemen riding through the town. He quickly ducked into an alleyway as he spotted his father and
    Henri de Granville in the group, no doubt off to join de Montfort. Roger thought about his new position and how it would fit with the Captain, he liked
    Stamford and would like to stay here.
    II
    The sun was up when John raised his head from the pillow, he could hear people moving about and hammering coming from the forge. He quickly dressed and
    went down to the kitchen where his mother was busy baking.
    “I thought you were going to sleep all day,” said Matilda. John grabbed a hunk of bread and went out to the Forge. All three were working hard, sparks were
    flying and young William was busy with the bellows as Thomas heated up long pieces of iron while Jack beat them into shape.
    “I’m off to see Father Aldred. “ said John.
    “You had better take some cider with you,” called Jack.
    “Will do,” replied John as he went over to the stables and saddled Anvil. John whistled as he rode and took in the beauty of the countryside, there is
    nowhere like home, and then he thought of his other home in Wymondham and the woman who waited there. As the two men sat and enjoyed the cider John told
    Father Aldred about his adventures.
    “What is the