Aside from Heaven
Chapter 4C
I'd rather die
England 1321
The Despensers were over-thrown, banished and packed off to Cardiff, while Edward II was reined in by his barons, most notably, his cousin, the Earl of Leicester.
Edward II fretted.
England's barons tightened the leash.
Queen Isabella birthed her fourth and final child, her second daughter.
The Despensers, both Hugh the Elder and Hugh the Younger, coveted, even in banishment. Plotted behind the walls of their Welsh keep.
William Edward FitzGisborne watched. He silently did Edward's bidding and protected his own.
And England breathed.
Barely.
~~~...~~~
Ripley's
"The boys are growing. Soon, they will be men." Mellisande was experiencing a rare lucid day. Those times were becoming rarer and further apart. "Is it me or is Fulks becoming moodier?" The two were in the gazebo in Ripley's gardens, the sound of the boys playing just outside of the structure, carrying in the wind. Hugh was now eleven, Fulks would soon be nine. William stood in the entrance, one eye on his wife, the other, on his sons. Mellisande's maid servant and nurse stood close to the entrance of the garden, close enough to watch over the boys, and far enough to give William and Mellisande a small bit of privacy.
You've cursed at him the last three times we've visited. Told him he was a demon, a bastard. Hugh could care less, Fulks, you've wounded with your words. Of our two sons, he needed your love the most.
"Growing up." William leaned against the arbor door, trying to ignore the woman speaking to him. One foot was propped against a post, and his arms were crossed. "Feeling the pain of being the second son." This same gazebo held bittersweet memories for William, Genevieve sat in that same spot how long ago, William... Guy... kneeling in front of her...
'Do you still wish to marry me?'
"I wish for my estate to go to him. Tell him so. I pray it will make up for my deficiencies as a mother."
William scoffed. Her estate would go where he chose for it to go. So what if he had already mandated the little estate would go to Fulks? Truth be, it should have been Cecilia's dower house and William would have found something for Fulks. But Cecilia was dead, no thanks to her faithless, murdering mother.
Four years. One would think the pain and anger would fade after four years.
"How is Nottingham? How do we fare?"
William jerked from his musings at her question. "Why would you care?"
"William." Mellisande stood up and made her way around the gazebo. "I know you'd rather not be here; you wish I were dead."
William wasn't looking at her. He did everything to keep from looking at her. "You know why you are not."
The woman sighed. "Yes, I know. Edward threatened to give my estate to my cousin. If it makes you feel any better, I hate days like this."
Now, he looked at her. "Really."
"Yes, really! I remember when we were young, when you looked at me with gentleness, with kindness. I remember... there was one night you looked at me with such... need in your eyes and I wanted you to look at me like that forever. Now, you look at me with such hate. You are so cold."
William rolled his eyes. "You murdered our daughter, Mellisande. What do you expect me to feel?"
"I don't remember doing it!" It was quiet for a moment. "If it makes you feel any better, I wish I were dead."
"Wishing and being so are two different things."
The edges of the woman's vision was beginning to haze, the headache she feared was beginning. She knew what that meant. She reached for the drugged wine. "At times like this, I cannot forgive myself."
William's head jerked, taking in the woman for the first time in years. She was frailer, older, oh how she had aged. For the first time, it dawned on him that what he felt towards her... this was how Robin hated Guy, hated him for killing Marian.
But killing Marian had been an accident. A blood-lust uncontrollable rage...
This is how Robin felt...
And Mellisande was sick, sick in the head. Chances are before the day was out, she would return to cursing him, the land, the children. She would melt down into a screaming banshee that breathed.
Somewhere deep within, William tried hard to find an acorn of compassion for this woman who barely had a grasp on reality.
This is how Robin felt...
And couldn't find it.
This is how Robin felt...
Even if he couldn't find compassion, he could at least pretend or offer a modicum of comfort. "Do you need anything?"
Mellisande shook her head. "Yarn. Wool to spin, when I'm allowed to." She smoothed her skirt. "My dress is getting thin. Winter will be here soon and the home you built for me is a bit drafty."
More yarn, more wool, several sturdy dresses, wood. A small price to pay...
"I'll send a carpenter and plenty of wood and wool."
Mellisande rose, noticing no hand was offered to help her rise. "My mind is slipping. You should take the boys and leave." She looked up at William and for a moment, he saw the woman he met at the altar. "I know you have no love for me, but I do love my sons, when I remember to. Despite all, you've seen to my comfort, best as possible." She was quiet, while William motioned for the maid. "Thank you for loving them, when I've been unable. I do care for you, you know." The maid arrived and much as she would a child, led Mellisande back to the cottage built in the far back of the garden of Ripley's.
Leaving William with much to ponder.
~~~...~~~
"My Lord?"
William looked up from his desk. His mood, look was dark, as it usually was after visiting Mellisande. If were up to him, he wouldn't bother with the bitch. But The Angel insisted, especially if she was in her right mind. She insisted the boys needed it, needed to know her.
But it upset William to see her in her many minds. One moment, she was tolerable, decent. The next she could be wild, blasphemous...
A murderess.
"Margaret. You've brought the wine." He held his hand out. "You need not serve-"
"- your own stupid drunkenness."
William's smile dropped. Not many would dare speak to him thus. Every one, except the king, feared him. This woman, servant she may be, was family to him. "You have something on your mind?"
Margaret's shoulders dropped. Watching her hand caress the back of the chair across from him, he gestured to it. "'Tis late. You are exhausted. Sit and talk with me."
"Sir William-"
"If it will help you say what you wish to say," he spat tersely, "please sit now!"
The woman angrily pulled the chair out and plopped herself in it. She slammed the bottle to the table, making William's teeth shake and for him to fear for the bottom of the jug. "You do not need this!"
He leered at the bottle, before snatching it and inspecting the crude label. "Oh, I believe it is a beautiful year." His eyes rose to meet hers and the darkness in them made her shiver. He set the bottle back down. "What do I need?"
"You need a woman!" Before William could retort, Margaret continued. "To the best of my knowledge, you have not taken another woman to your bed since you married Lady Mellisande!"
"You do not know that," he shrugged. "I have been gone much." He motioned for the wine. "The wenches in London are divine. Even the Queen has thrown herself at me."
At least that wasn't a lie.
"They must not be much pleasure as you come back more frustrated and pent!" She started to hold the wine from him, but he glared at her and she handed it over. "Sir William. There is no shame in taking a mistress."
William grabbed the bottle and poured some into the goblet sitting empty before him. "You know why I do not."
Margaret's voice dropped to a hiss. "Aye, she is your wife!"
Margaret knew him. Knew him well. Her daughter had been his wet nurse and William suspected that Margaret herself had warmed his father's bed after their respected spouses had passed. "I am burdened with enough sin." He began to drink.
"Truly my lord, what is one more sin?" It was quiet while William drank from the cup. "She has not been a true wife to you in many years."
"Who would want to couple with the likes of me?" His voice echoed eerily from the below the brim.
"You would be shocked how many willing servants would warm your bed this very eve if you simply crooked your finger! And a fair amount of virgins, at that!"
William pondered her words before waving her off. "I am in no need of a woman and I am done with virgins. Begone. To your own bed, wench!" He filled the goblet again.
He was quite aware of her slamming the door behind her.
~~~...~~~
Two months later
"My Lord. There is a messenger."
William looked up from his cups. It was late, rainy. "Has my wife finally killed herself?" Word from the Abbess was not good. Mellisande had not had a lucid day since their visit two moons before. She was becoming more difficult and was refusing the drugged wine, which kept her calm. Her knitting needles and spinning wheel had been removed from the cottage as she attempted to stab her maid with them some weeks back.
"No, my lord."
"Pity." William looked blearily up to the speaker. "Simon. You should be home with your daughter."
"My mother moved in. The messenger, my lord?"
The Lord of Locksley returned to the wine in front of him. Edward had him running all over England. William had sunk his dirk between too many ribs the past four moons, eavesdropped on too many conversations he'd repeated back to his king and even more he had not. For years, he'd promised he would take time, go to France with his sons to oversee the vineyards in Aigues-Mortes, strengthen that tie, the link. The next five to six years would be brutal for the English, The Angel told him that much, but not much more. William wanted his sons to have no part of it. Hugh would have no problems moving to the Continent for some time. Fulks, on the other hand, would be difficult. He'd been a difficult baby, he was proving to be a more difficult child. He didn't move well, didn't like change. William could not stay in France indefinitely, however his sons could. Question was, would the current Duke welcome the elongated stay of two rapscallion and active boys?
On second thought, maybe that was not a good idea. What did running teach his heir and the child who would be Hugh's right hand? Doing the king's dirty work would fall on Fulk's shoulders in years to come. Truth be, he was suited to it. Even William could see that at this young age.
"My lord?" Simon interrupted his thoughts. "The messenger."
"Give him food and a bed. I'll deal with him in the morning."
Simon reached around and took the bottle from the table. "My lord, I do not think that is wise."
Seeing how his knight was taking wine from him...
"That important?"
"Yes, my lord."
"That dire?"
William turned on the man, who, believe it or not, did not flinch. That was something William liked about him. His home was furthest from the castle and despite his daughter being of an age with Fulks, he'd never laid eyes on the chit. Sometimes, in passing joke, he made half-hearted comments at marrying her off to Hugh or Fulks, when the time became right. Simon would gently side-step, reminding William that the FitzGisborne's were members of the nobility, while he and his daughter Vivienne, were commoners.
"Yer a knight," William would drunkenly remind him. "That kin be fixed."
"And you're drunk."
William was drunk now, but not so drunk that he couldn't stand or greet a late messenger that was 'dire'. He motioned for the man was ushered in with as much importance as could be garnered at such a late hour. "That dire?" he repeated.
"'Tis Thomas, sir. Thomas de Glasson."
Thomas was Richard de Glasson's youngest brother. The family was loyal to William to a fault. He was also William's personal and private ears and eyes at the king's residence. He was a servant in the dark, the slithering shadow no one saw, he heard much. When there was dirty work to be done, Thomas was the one who came with him.
And he was here, late at night... aye. Dire, indeed.
"Send him in."
Simon stood outside the door, waiting for William to call him back.
There was a roar. "Damn that idiot!" Simon stood aside just in time to miss the large doors being thrown open and hitting him. William spied the knight standing to the side. "Rouse my knights! Rouse the sheriff! We leave for Aigues-Mortes at first light!"
"My lord?"
William showed no signs of drunkenness or being incapacitated by the wine. He grabbed Simon by the collar. "Edward has captured and executed his cousin, the Earl of Leicester and recalled the Despensers." He slung the knight from him in fury. "England's barons are in disarray." His final growl was not missed by his knight. "All hell is breaking loose."
~~~...~~~
England, 1322
William returned from France to an England in disarray, steeped in chaos, nobles scrambling for their lives and livelihood.
Once Edward executed his cousin, the Earl of Lancaster, the Despensers returned with a vengeance. Anything they desired, especially Hugh, the Younger, they got. William wondered how many more Despencer spies he'd have to kill. Two bodies were hidden in Ripley's crypt. There was a hidden entry William knew well and both now slept with nuns who had been dead for so long, the two were unlikely to be visited by the breathing occupants of the convent. Another was buried in the woods of Sherwood. William had a feeling the bastard was laid close to Robin's final resting place.
Edward was becoming more and more vengeful. Barons who stood against him, against Piers, and instrumental in banishing the Despensers the first time, found their lands, estates, confiscated and given to both Hughs. Hugh, the Younger, was unchecked and his cruelty was boundless. Theft, torture, male or female, there was no depravity the younger Despenser was not a stranger to. Roger Mortimer, the Earl of March, a powerful Marcher Lord who stood against the Despensers, had his lands confiscated and given to Hugh the Younger, causing undue hardship to his wife and twelve children. He was jailed, stewing in The Tower. Edward thought him out of his hair.
Edward was wrong.
~~~...~~~
"We did not give you leave to go to France."
To the king, it appeared that William had his back to him, but he could see the knight's face in the mirror.
Meaning William could see him as well.
William, schooling his face,pulled a plain, earthen jug from one of the satchels he carried. He set it on the sidebar and took two goblets from another. "It has been some time since I paid my cousin a visit."
"England is in chaos and you chose to visit a relative you have little ties too!"
William smiled grimly. Breaking the seal at the mouth of the bottle, he poured two glasses of a deep burgundy liquid. He made sure he stayed to the side, so the king could watch his hands. "There are strong ties to the French de Gisbournes, sire." Turning, he handed a glass to his liege. "As the current Duke only has one daughter and she seems to be inclined to the cloister, it is prudent to keep and maintain them. Keep them fresh. Try the wine." William changed the subject swiftly, in order to keep other man off guard. "I think you'll find it bold and full-flavored." It occurred to him to tell the man not to waste it in one gulp, but thought better of it. First, Edward was his king, no matter how pitiful and wretched a ruler the man may be. Second, if William could get him drunk, this interview would be over soon, with William still attached to his head and Edward no wiser.
Edward swirled the liquid in the goblet. "She is young?"
"Marriageable. Intelligent and fair of features."
Edward snorted and took a tentative sip, before smiling and taking a mouthful. "She is still young and her father should force his will upon her."
William sank his nose in his goblet, seeming to concentrate on it, rather than the man he called 'king'. "She is biddable. If she were younger, I would consider her for Hugh or Fulks."
"Or yourself," Edward mumbled. "You have ever been the opportunist."
William shook his head, not rising to the bait. "I am married."
"Still?"
"Still."
Edward drained his goblet and motioned for a refill. "You are correct. This wine is glorious. It is from your cousin's vineyard?" William nodded. "Then aye, you should keep those family ties fresh! Speaking of wife, how fares Mellisande?"
The question irritated William. "She breathes. Still."
"Pity for you."
It took all William's self-control to keep from throttling the man. "I stay busy."
"Aye, that you do." Edward set the goblet down carefully. "There is reason to believe you will continue to be quite busy." There was a pause, William waiting for the king to continue. "Many of my barons have been judged unworthy."
William scoffed inwardly. Judged and found lacking by whom? Certainly not by any legal court or the Parliament.
"I fear they may be plotting against us."
You can best be assured they are.
"You will rout them out, kill them, won't you?"
"Of course, sire." William nodded. "My desire is to do your bidding."
"I hope it is." Edward waved, dismissing him. "I hope it is."
~~~...~~~
William made his way down darkened halls, raking his brain. He had a spy in practically every major household in England, including every residence the king had, as well as several in Wales. To the best of his knowledge, both Hughs were completely infiltrated. Monks, servants, horse masters...Much, the Miller's son would roll in his grave if he knew how many of his off-spring pledged their lives and livelihood to Guy of Gisborne. They were loyal. Very loyal.
Not to mention, Edward seem preoccupied, upset. He had been too easy to maneuver. His mind was elsewhere. So deep in thought, he rounded the corner and almost ran over Hugh the Younger.
"Lord William." Even the man's voice made William's hackles rise. "You've been out of the country."
William shrugged. The less this pompous arse knew, the better. Hugh had a way of digging for things. Guessing and making you think he wasn't.
He was fond of torture.
"His Majesty was very upset one of his favorites disappeared for some months without giving him notice."
"He and I have already discussed it. It is none of your concern." He made to go around the man. "It is late, I have had little rest."
Not to mention I suffer from seasickness and I am still trying to find my land legs.
Hugh grabbed him by the arm. "Not so fast. I have a concern to put to you."
William raised a brow and stared at his arm where Hugh had grabbed him.
If anything, Hugh tightened his grip. "I have had several messengers disappear as of late."
"You should take better care of your servants. They are not my concern."
Hugh smiled and it was an evil thing. "It concerns you."
William smiled back, equally unpleasant. "I repeat. Your servants do not concern me."
"They should concern you. They all disappeared in Nottinghamshire."
William pretended to ponder. "Sherwood is not safe. Rumor has it the ghost of Robin Hood roams the woods. Personally, I think it is a very industrious thief." He clapped Hugh firmly on the shoulder. "I will notify the Sheriff when I return home. Now, if you do not mind." He pulled Hugh's hand from his arm and made his way around the man.
"Four servants. That is more than a mere coincidence!"
William continued on, the corner of the corridor getting closer.
"FitzRoy was killed in battle while you were gone." William stopped in his tracks. "The king is most aggrieved."
Adam FitzRoy was Edward's illegitimate son. No one knew who the boy's mother was and Edward was very fond of him.
"I imagine he is." William's voice was a strained whisper.
Suddenly, Hugh was at his ear. William stood several inches over the man, so he had to rise on his toes. "Do not for a moment think you are above the rest of us. I can have you brought down," he snapped his fingers, "this quickly."
William slowly turned to look him in the eye. "You continue to think that, if it makes you feel better." And with that, he stalked down the corridor and headed to his assigned room.
~~~...~~~
Locksley 1323
"My lord, there is a messenger."
William was beginning to hate messengers and servants who told him there were messengers. They interrupted beautiful, intimate evenings with full-flavored wine. They seemed to come in the night, when everyone else was abed, save he, who was attempting to enjoy beautiful, intimate evenings with the full-flavored wine. He was now naming the bottles. This one was Beatrice, named after the girl who took his virginity and had such a delightful mouth. He had been fifteen and she, seventeen. Last he heard, she was past plump, married and had birthed nine children. As the first one came a year after the last time he'd lain with her, he had no reason to believe the child was his.
"And of course this messenger cannot wait until morning, at a decent hour, like most normal, well-bred persons."
"Of course not, my lord."
William nodded and took another drink from his goblet. He propped his feet up on the table. There was whispering, mumbling...
"Do not talk behind my back! Come around so I can see you!"
The messenger, no more than a teenager, came around and stood between William and the fireplace, giving the young man an eerie glow. William squinted in the bright light. "You have the look of a de Glasson."
"Aye," he whispered, obviously in awe. "My father is Thomas. I'm his second son, m'lord." He was wringing his hat. "Adam. I'm called Adam. My... my mother was a Miller."
Just the way the boy stood in front of him, rambled, the earl could tell he was obviously upset. William put his feet on the floor. "Your father serves in King Edward's household."
"Aye, m'lord."
"And?" William twirled his finger.
The young man went down on one knee. "First, he told me to pledge loyalty to you, my lord. To you first and swear to die before betraying you."
William nodded. "Your father is a good man. I accept your loyalty and oath. I will do my damnedest to keep you alive, lest your formidable grandmother kill me or your very noble ancestor haunt me to my days end. Now, why has he sent you?"
Adam swallowed before looking around to make sure no one else was in the room. "The king tried to force the queen to swear loyalty to the Despensers. She refused. Hugh the Younger has been following her, harassing her. She went to the king and rather than reprimand Hugh, he tried to force her to swear loyalty to them."
William slid back in his seat, his finger stroking the philtrum of his upper lip. "Did she swear loyalty to Hugh?"
"No." William waited a moment before spinning his finger again. "Rather, the king removed her from making any government decisions. She no longer holds any sway or hold at the court."
William exhaled heavily. This was bad news indeed, when one's queen no longer has a voice in any of the decisions in ruling a country. A woman brought compassion to a court, a much needed softness, as well as a level head.
"There is more, Sir William."
Showing no emotion, he leaned forward. "Tell me."
Again, Adam looked about the room, making sure he and William were alone. "My father was in the bathing chamber, filling the king's bath and he overheard them. The King and Hugh. Hugh wants the queen demoralized, pay for insulting him in public. He thinks she should be stripped of her castles, her lands here in England. That would force her to rely on whoever the king puts in charge of her. He thinks if her children were taken from her, she would be more amenable."
"Amenable to what?"
Adam was shaking his head. "I don't know. Father doesn't know. But whatever it is, Hugh wants it."
If Edward listens to that pompous arse, he will court more than war with France. The French King won't sit for this insult to his sister.
"It's never enough, is it?"
Adam was shaking his head. "No. The servants hide from Hugh. He's cruel. Rumor has it he wanted a baron's jewels and his widow wouldn't give them to him, so he broke her arms and legs."
And probably enjoyed it. William had heard that rumor as well. For the not the first time, he was thankful his two sons were in Aigues-Mortes. He missed them, missed them sorely, but they were safer where they were. He leaned forward and patted Adam on the shoulder. "You've done well. Have you eaten?" Adam shook his head. "Go to the kitchen and stuff yourself. We had a fine hog roasted on a spit for dinner. There is plenty left. When you've finished, there is an empty messenger's quarters down the hall from the kitchen. You may rest there. When you awake in the morning, I'll have instructions for you for your return tomorrow."
"My lord, there is more."
Somehow, I feel you've saved the best for last. William poured himself yet another drink. "And that would be?"
"Hugh has his eye on Harridston. He wants Fulks."
William's blood froze. "And the king said?"
Again, Adam swallowed hard. "The king said you are to be left alone. You would kill him and there was nothing the king could do to stop it."
He waited for the boy to bow and leave.
William stared into the fire for the better part of two hours, his untouched cup, dangling from his fingers, before rising from his chair. There would be much to do on the morning and many messages to be sent. Best to get a few hours sleep. It was time to remove the Despensers from power, and time to dethrone Edward. It would take time, time to gather the barons, time to do what needed to be done. The barons were terrified, had no one to unify them. They wouldn't trust Edward's Wolf. It was going to be a long, dismal two years.
tbc