Conquest

‘Yes, sir. The Normans have split their force at Tadcaster. The Duke has sent two of his most senior men to York. They are to re-garrison the city, help the locals rebuild their houses and businesses and erect a new Norman stronghold. William has gone east to the Humber to negotiate with the Danes.’ Uhtred had lowered his voice for the final sentence.

‘He’s done what? My God, he must have passed within a couple of miles of us.’

‘Sir, he moves so quickly, it is impossible to keep pace with him.’

Hereward turned away in fury. ‘Will he never give us breathing space? Will he never make a mistake? He outflanks us, out-thinks us, outpaces us. And now he’s ambushing us by going to parley with our own allies! Damn him! Damn him to Hell!’

He started to pace up and down silently, then barked at Uhtred. ‘How many men?’

‘Arkil thinks two thousand on their way to York and another two thousand with the Duke. All heavy cavalry, in full armour, with plenty of provisions. We counted at least a dozen lords with gonfalons and more than a hundred knights’ pennons.’

‘Thank you, Uhtred, for an excellent report — and well ridden. Go and get some rest.’

‘Thank you, sir. I’m sorry it’s not better news.’

Einar waited for a moment before addressing Hereward, who had his head thrown back in exasperation and was inhaling deeply.

‘There is still a chance to talk to the Danes; they have no love for the Normans.’

‘I know, but then we should take Prince Edgar with us. Osbjorn is brother to a king. If he’s going to ask his men to put their lives at risk on foreign soil, the covenant has to be between Edgar and Osbjorn.’

Prince Edgar spoke without hesitation. ‘Hereward, I am happy to go, whatever the risk.’

‘Thank you, my Lord Prince, but I must insist that you don’t. It’s not safe. William will have set a trap.’

Einar spoke much more forcefully than usual. ‘Then you and I will go, with Edwin. You are Regent in all but name; they will listen to you.’

‘No, we would go to our certain deaths. I don’t trust the Danes. It is obvious now why they returned to their ships and took William Malet and Gilbert of Ghent as hostages. They never had any intention of standing with us against William’s army.’

Einar waited patiently, giving his friend time to think.

Eventually, Hereward spoke. ‘We wait. We wait to hear the outcome of William’s parley with the Danes. Double the sentries and post men all the way to York. At the first hint of any Normans moving towards us, we must know immediately so that we can be ready to move before they snare us like Cospatrick’s men. Keep everyone busy and alert.’

Einar and the others then left Hereward alone to ponder their fate.

No matter how brilliant Hereward’s strategy, William responded in equal measure; no matter how carefully he prepared, misfortune seemed to dog every fleeting success.

Even more disheartening was the ever more evident reality that the great majority of the English simply lacked the will to resist the Norman occupation.

25. The Harrying of the North

The news Hereward feared most arrived just three days after Uhtred’s report of William’s march north and his audacious plan to negotiate with Osbjorn of Denmark.

The young messenger spoke clearly and without emotion. ‘Duke William and the Danes have come to an agreement. A major part of the Danish army will spend the winter on the Humber, on the Isle of Axholme. They will be allowed to hunt and forage within a radius of fifty miles of their camp and the Normans will send them additional supplies from York and Lincoln if needed. William Malet and Gilbert of Ghent and their families have been released. In addition, a Danegeld has been paid and sent to Denmark on this morning’s tide. It is an amount so large that it took three hours to load the chests of silver and gold on to the Danish longships. But the treasure represents only half of the levy; an equal amount will be paid in the spring of next year, when the remaining Danes sail home.’

Hereward questioned the messenger further. ‘What of William and his army, will they return to Winchester?’

‘No, sir. The Duke has sent to Winchester for his crown and regalia. He is to celebrate his Christmas crown-wearing at York in his new motte and bailey.’

‘Yes — and, at the same time, keep an eye on the Danes of course!’ Hereward observed. He was becoming hardened to misfortune and reversals.

This time, Prince Edgar was the first to ask what their new plan would be.