Aside from Heaven

Chapter 4U

And now I know there's a plan for me

The father arrived the day before the son. He was cowed, in shock, and excited at the mere thought of seeing his son after so many years. He had put on weight, was grey and William had to look closely to recognize him. The man did not complain about his plain clothing, for it seemed Gui had threatened him nine ways to Hell if he did. He was thankful they didn't itch.

They stood all together with the crowd in the back of the cathedral, Old Edward squeezed between William and Gui and their men. It did not go unnoticed by William that the old king teared up and became rather emotional during the ceremony.

William and Gui attended the dinner in honor of Edward II afterwards. It was difficult to get a few minutes alone with the King of England, but William managed to do so, passing along yet another bottle of very fine wine from his cousin's personal vineyard and the address of the place he, along with his cousin, men, and one William le Galeys, were staying.

And then they waited.

Old Ned was nervous as a skittish cat, jumping at everything and everyone. He tried to put on airs with William, but he found himself sandwiched by identical Gisborne stares, a stare people long dead would recognize. It was unknown if Edward would send a message, show up unannounced...

Four days later, Edward showed up unannounced with one retainer, one William knew well, and semi-liked. He wore simple garments, well made, much like a wealthy merchant.

Gui nodded towards the dining room, as did William. The two men found the table quickly loaded with a variety of smoked meats, savory root vegetables, deserts and pies and much wine. The cook was thanked and sent home early, extra coins in her pocket; the maid as well. The Englishers would clean up the festivities as best as men could - meaning they would eat all of it and leave dishes hopefully stacked in a soapy bucket.

Father and son found themselves sitting across from each other, wine poured and then the doors shut.

Both realized immediately there was no window escape, or way out except through the kitchen, where the French deGisbournes congregated, or the hallway door, which led into the front room, in which one retainer stood guard and the rest of the English FitzGisborne's making the king's retainer rather uncomfortable.

No one left to use the privy, no one moved. No one moved close to the door to eavesdrop, even attempt to. No one called for more food, more wine, no water. At times, there was uproarious laughter from both men in the dining room.

After several hours, there was sobbing. A duet of tears and the door opened, the King of England, dressed in common clothes stepped out and shut the door behind him. His eyes were red from weeping and he looked up and waved everyone in the room away, back towards the room he had left. "I wish to speak to Lord William alone."

It took scant seconds for the retainers in the room to comply.

Edward wandered across the room, picking up a clean, crystal goblet and pouring water in it, his back to his knight. "Your French cousin kept my father all these years. I should have known. It was beyond obvious."

"There will be no attempt to free-"

"God, no! He asked!" Edward spat loudly. "He did. He asked to come home, send him to a lesser used, quiet castle." He started shaking his head. "I don't trust a single servant to keep that quiet, even you! I suspect your lady wife would have quite a bit of unkind things to say about that!" With this, William snorted. That much was true. "There is no other safe place for him, save a German monastery or one to the Far East. My mother and people would pay hoodlums behind my back to have him ambushed and killed." He took a long swallow. "God's balls, the priests in the monastery would take bribes to kill him if he were hidden there!"

A long arm with long fingers reached around him and took a goblet and the decanter. "My lord, you are my king, but one would be wise not to use the Lord's name so shallowly."

Edward finished the glass. "True. He could strike me down at anytime!" He set it down gently, crossed himself, and turned to the older man. "I have... wronged you, my friend. I allowed jealous men to bend my ear where you were concerned and yet over and over you have proved your word, your worth, and your loyalty. My deepest apologies. It will never happen again." He rested his hand on William's right shoulder. "You and your lady wife are welcome wherever I reside. I wish you both utter joy and happiness. Both of you will be welcomed in my court. I recognize your marriage and I am overjoyed you have found happiness in Vivienne's arms. Philippa says Vivienne adores the ground you walk on, although I can't begin to understand why!" He laughed at his own joke, forcing William to smile with him. "I will not order you, but I would be pleased if you would visit yearly. It has been a long time since I've walked in the gardens and listened to advice from someone I so very much admire and love. Is there any other boon would you ask of me? If I can, I will grant it!"

William tightened his grip on his glass. He could ask for more wealth, more riches, more land, more titles, but he was already hated in certain high circles and he knew the moment he or the king died or became infirm in his old age, there were those who would take what was given him, if not more. He didn't want anyone darkening his family doorsteps.

He cleared his throat.

"Your mother would be pleased if you gave Roger Mortimer's lands and titles back to his grandson and heir." Edward started to interrupt, but William held up his hand. "Roger was a thorn to your side, I understand and agree with your hatred of him, but his children and widow were innocent in his affair with your mother." He wagged his finger to stop Edward from interjecting. "Roger was necessary to bring the nobles and their knights to your mother's call. Be gracious and give the lands, titles and holdings back to his heir, so he can care for his siblings and mother. If you do, he would be beholden to you and could become a great ally."

Edward nodded. William continued.

"I know your mother loved him well, but so did his wife. Please give her his body to entomb on their family lands. The Mortimers are Marcher Lords. They have long done the crown a great service. They deserve your royal pardon."

"That man serviced my mother, enough!" Edward grimaced. "At least, she feels he did her a great service!" He sighed deeply and dropped his shoulders. "Let the man rest in peace."

William shook his head negatively.

Edward's shoulder's drooped. "I might have to do that in the dark of night or after my mother dies. You are right, she did love the sack of shite!"

William's smile was humorless. "Speaking of sacks of shite, Hugh DeSpencer-"

"Oh please no!"

"His children are not him. Pity his wife, whose hand was given to him because The Crown owed Hugh the Elder money. Your grandfather gave her hand and the lands of the de Clares to the Despencers. Her father is probably rolling in his grave." William refilled his glass. "His body-"

"NO!" With this, Edward was adamant!

"Sire, the man is dead!"

"If I had my way, that man's bones would be scattered to the winds! I'd send his toe bone to a heathen lord in the northern cold wilds of Scotland to tie up in his prick under his kilt!"

William's side glance was almost comical. "Remind me never to die near you if I ever raise your ire again."

"Your wife would hie your body to France to your cousin's and bury you in the vineyard where you would sip this wonderful wine for eternity!" He sighed deeply. "His wife already has his head, a thigh and some of his cowardly back! No more. I'll not have him martyred." He scowled bitterly. "I'll reinstate his heir and children as well," he muttered much like a small child.

William bowed, smiling inwardly. "Thank you, sire." Honestly, he didn't think Edward would give Hugh's widow that much. If he thought deeply, he couldn't understand why Hugh the Younger's widow even wanted the man's body! His banner had been hanging upside down in all the royal halls since his death. He hoped his heirs had the good sense to commission a new herald. A fresh start; a close to a dismal chapter in their family's life. He realized Edward was talking again.

"You are a great man, William Edward FitzGisborne, Lord of Huntington and Earl of Gisborne. You have been a good friend to me and to England!" With that proclamation, William's stomach rolled. "I would remember you fondly in the annals of England."

William's stomach now leaped in terror. That was the last thing he wanted! "My lord, Sire, please no. I would be grateful if you did not remember me in that manner at all." He spread his hands in supplication. "I am the lone Wolf of Nottingham, a simple knight. Long have I lived in the shadows. It is where I have protected England always. I prefer to stay there."

For a moment, he thought Edward would refuse and made note to add another round of missives for Fulks to destroy. After several moments, Edward began to laugh. "As you wish. Who would think my favorite knight and adviser would be shy?"

~~~...~~~

TBC

Somebody gives a damn for me

~~~...~~~

A/N - Just the epilogue for this reincarnation left and then on to Halloween Guy. I expect to upload the epilogue in 7 to 10 days. Just a head's up!