Both Sides the Border by G. A. Henty | Medieval Adventure, Hotspur & Glendower Audiobook Part 2

0:00Both sides the border by Gia Henty. This is the Libravox Recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. This recording by Alex Sandry Adair. Chapter 18. Gondower For the next ten days, the weather was so bad that no operations could be carried out. Every little stream was swollen to a raging torrent. Courses carrying men in full armor could scarce keep their feet on the slippery more. And even the footmen had the greatest difficulty in getting about, and all excursions were given up for the Welsh, bare a footed and unweighted with armor would have been able to follow upon them the great advantage, and could even then evade pursuit with ease. The number of sick increased rapidly, and it became necessary to send another convoy back to planet loas, where the guard would have joined the fours that had gone there ten days before, and escort some wagons of flour and a number of cattle that had been brought there from Welsh pool by a strong lady from Shropshire. Within nights, a hundred mounted men at arms, as many on foot and fifty archers were considered sufficient to escort the sick, who, to the number of two hundred, were closely packed

1:02in the ten wagons that were to return with flour. Three of Lord Talbot's knights were to form part of the escort, and among these Oswald was chosen by the Earl. It was hoped that the convoy would reach the Talith out being attacked, for great pains have been taken to prevent the news of its approaching departure getting about, for there were many Welshmen in the camp, employed in looking after the baggage animals and in other offices. They had all been hired for service on the other side of the border, but it was believed that some of them at least must be in communication with the enemy, who were thereby enabled to gather and force to oppose any parties who sell it out from the camp. The consequence was that, until half an hour before it left, none saved a few of the leaders were aware of the starting of the convoy, then the orders were rapidly issued, the knights and men at arms who had been selected for the service had put a few minutes to prepare themselves. The horses were harnessed to the wagons, and the sick and wounded carried out and placed in them, with the greatest expedition, and the party set out in less than half an hour after the first order had been given. It had gone but a quarter of a mile in the shouts among the woods on either side showed that the wells were vigilant.

2:02Horons were blown in all directions, the sound-growing fainter and fainter in the hills. We shall not get through undisturbed, one of the knights said to Oswald, who was riding next to him. No, I think we shall have fighting. It would have been better if we had the men at arms had been told to leave our horses behind. In this deep soil they'll be a little used in the fight, and we should do better on foot. It would be terrible marching in our heavy armor. It does as it would have been so, but I would not have minded that. The distance is about six miles, and although in the slippery plain the toil would have been great, me thinks that we could have made a better fight than on horseback, and as these wagons travel but slowly we could have kept up with them. We can dis-mode of Mrs. Surrey, the knight said, but for my part I would rather ride the tramp through this deep mud. Their progress was indeed slow. The wagons frequently sank almost up to their axles in the mud, and it needed all the efforts of the dismounted men to get them out. A deep silence had succeeded the outcrying the woods. I don't know what this silence Surrey was called, the knight said, when after an hour's hard work they were still but two miles from the camp. No, do I, Oswald said.

3:04It seems unnatural. Do you not think so, William, that it would be well of all to take the picker ropes from their horses next, and not them two and two, fastening one into a wagon the other to a horse's girth? And that way fifty men atoms might be roped onto the wagons and would aid those drawing them greatly. The knight said, he rode forward to Sir Yustis the Bowen, who was in command in a form to M. Oswald's suggestion which was at once adopted, as soon as it was carried out that his mountain bewer ordered to push behind the wagons, which now proceeded at a much faster rate than before. They were just halfway to the town and beginning to entertain hopes that they should get through without being attacked when a horn sounded, and from the forest on both sides a carotid men rushed out and poured a volley of arrows into the convoy. Casey orders were shouted by Sir Yustis, the ropes thrown off and the troops formed up in a double line on each side of the wagons. The knights and mounted men formed the outside line, the footmen stood a pace of two behind them so as to cover for them from attack to the Welsh breakthrough. Oswald's squire was on one side of him, Roger on the other. The wagons continued to move forward for at this point the rope was better, marching a little gross of bare rock, and the horses were therefore able to draw them along without any assistance.

4:08Sir Yustis therefore gave the order for the escort to continue their way, marching on each side of the train. We must find our way through men, he shouted. Every minute with doubtless aid to their numbers for a short time the arrows flew fast, but the Welsh boats were not to be compared and pointed strength with those used by the English archers and the arrows fell harmlessly upon the armour of the men at arms, while on the other hand the English archers sought so strongly and truly that after a short time the Welsh Bowmen fell back. As they did so however a carotid footmen poured out from the forest and with loud yeesh outs and yells rushed forward. Halt the wagons! Sir Yustis cried, keep good order men and we shall soon draw this rabble off. The archers had time but to send three flights of arrows among their assailants when these threw themselves upon the line. They were armed with short axes heavy clubs and other rough weapons and for a time the horsemen kept their order and beat them back, but as the horns continued to sound the Welsh warmed down as such numbers that they broke in between their mounted foes some trying to tear them from their saddles while others crept beneath the horses and drove their long eyes into their stomachs were trying to hamstring them with their axes. Then the dismounted men at arms joined in the fight and drove the enemy back beyond

5:09the line. Many of the horsemen were however dismounted. These joined their mounted comrades when Sir Yustis gave the word to charge them multitude before they could rally for a fresh attack. The Welsh went down in numbers before their lances but so close was the throng that the horsemen were brought to a stand and slinging their spears behind them but took themselves to sword and mace. Grey was a slaughter of their opponents but these pursued the form of tactics. Horse after horse rolled over and wore to lag in the end as they fell the riders were stabbed before they could recover their feet. Soon they were broken up into knots and their dismounted companions with one accord left the wagons rushed into the fray for a time beating back the Welsh. It was best that dismount Oswald cried as he swung himself from the saddle just as one of the enemy hamstringed his horse. Roger and the squire did the same and joined the ranks of the footmen. Keep together Oswald shouted to those within hearing we could cut ourselves a passage through in that way while we separately he shall perish. Ten or twelve men followed his orders and gathering in a ring for a time beat off every attack. Looking round Oswald saw that scaric and man remained mounted. The shouts of the English and the wild war cries to the Welsh rang through the air and doesn't place his fierce contest for raging. Swords and axes rose and fell and helmet and still capped.

6:12No beatings to the south of Sir Eustace who with three or four men and arms around him was still mounted the English bands tried to join each other and in several cases succeeded. Oswald had been near the rear of the Conway when the fight began and that party with whom he fought were separated by some distance from the others and the prospect became more and more hopeless. His squire had fallen and fully have to mend who had joined him and though the loss of the Welsh had been many times as great. The number of their salons had in no way diminished. He and Roger strove in vain to cut away through and their height and strength enabled them to maintain a forward movement. Their opponents shrinking from the terrible blows of Roger's mace and the no less destructive fall of Oswald's sword but the men at arms behind fared worse, having to retreat with their face of the foe and more than one falling over the bodies of those slain by their leaders were stabbed before they could rise. Several times the two men turned and covered the rear but at last they stood alone. Now make one effort to break through Roger and they flung themselves with such fury upon the Welsh that for some twenty years they cut their way through them. Then Roger exclaimed, I have done full master and fell. Oswald stood over him and for a time clipped to clear circle then he received a tremendous blow on the back of his helmet with a heavy club and fell prostrate over Roger.

7:14When he recovered his senses the dino battle had moved far away. The other groups had gathered together and moving down had joined those who still resisted on the other side of the road and keep me in a closed body were fighting their way steadily along. A number of the Welsh were going over the battlefield stabbing all whom they found to be still living. The sick men and the wagons have been murdered. A Welshman who his appearance denoted a higher rank than the others approached Oswald as soon as he sat up and called the four or five of his countrymen. Oswald with difficulty rose to his feet. He saw war round his wrist the cane that Glendor's daughter had given him and now he pulled this off and held it up loudly calling out the name of Glendor several times. The Welsh leader waved his followers back. Oswald was unarmed and evidently incapable of defending himself. He came up to him. Oswald held out the chain. Glendorah, Glendorah, he repeated. The man took the chain and examined it carefully. Some Welsh words weren't engraved upon the clasp. Oswald was unaware what they were but the words were Jingle and Doer from her father. The Welshman looked surprised and presently called to another some distance away.

8:16The man came up and he spoke to him in Welsh. How did you obtain this? The man asked Oswald in English. It was given and token of service, rendered by me my squire, he had Glendorah's daughter. She told me that it would be a service if at any time I were taken prisoner by her father's followers. This was translated to the Welshman who said, these men must be taken to Glendorah. The story may be true or not. The chain may have been stolen. At any rate, the prince must decide as to their fate. He now bade the man round and to take off Oswald's armor. As soon as this was done, the ladder knelt down by Roger's side and removed his helmet. In an arrow, shot from behind, headstocked Roger just above the back piece, which being short for him did not reach to his helmet, and had gone through the fleshy part of his neck, while at the same moment a blow with an axe had cleft the helmet in thunder and afflicted a deep gash on the back of the head. At a word from their leader, the men at once aided Oswald to drew out the arrow. The wound bled but slightly and one of the Welshman tearing off a portion of his garment banded it up. Water was fetched from the stream below and a pad of wet cloth laid on the wound at the

9:16back of the head and kept in its place by bandages. As this was done, Roger gave a faint groan and a minute later opened his eyes. Do not try to move Roger. Oswald said, you are wounded but not I trust to death. We all prisoners in the hands of the Welsh but that Chamberlain Dewey's daughter gave me his saved all lives. A rough litter was constructed of boughs. On this Roger after his armor had been taken off was laid. At their leader's orders, six Welshmen took it up, while two placed themselves one on each side of Oswald. Then the leader took the head of the party, moved away into the forest. Oswald's head still swam from the effects of the blow but as they went on the feeling gradually ceased and was able to keep up with his captors. The course was ever uphill and after hours walking they arrived at a farmhouse situated just at the upper edge of the forest. The litter was laid down outside the house. The Welshman went in saying something to his men who at once sat down on the ground for the journey with Roger's weight had been a toil someone. He made signs for Oswald to see himself by the side of Roger. The latter was now perfectly sensible. What has happened, Master? he asked. We've been badly beaten Roger, but when I last saw them I met her got together refighting

10:18the way along the road. I fancy more than half have been killed but as far as I could see the field I should say three or four times as many Welsh had fallen. That was a lucky idea of Oswald about the chain. I had always an idea might be found useful and it at once occurred to me as soon as I recovered my senses. Are you wounded too, Roger asked anxiously. No, I was beaten down by heavy club and my head still rings from the blow, otherwise I am an injured. What has happened to me, Master? You have had an arrow through your neck, Roger, but fortunately it was on one side. Injured the right would have struck your spine or perhaps gone through your windpipe. As it does, it has not seemed that way when you were very much harmed. Very little blood blow when I pulled the arrow out. You've got a bad gash in the back of your head. But your head priest broke the force of the blow. It has laid your skull bare but has not so far as I can see penetrated it. Then we need to think no more about it, Roger said. Well, that was a fight. The one we had at night and was as nothing to it. Yes, I think even you cannot want to haunt one, Roger. No, that was quite enough for one day's work. I should like a drink of water if I could get one. Oswald made signs to one of the men who went into the house return with a large jug of

11:18water. A wood rudder took a deep draw and Oswald then finished the contents. For he too was parched with thirst. Half an hour later, tall man and full armor followed by a number of well-sheafed issues from the forest. He was some five and forty years old and of noble presence. The leader of the party who had brought Oswald up advanced to meet him and saluting him most respectfully spoke to him for a moment and then produced a chain. Glendower, for was the prince, examined it and then at once walked up to Oswald who had risen to his feet. How became you possessed of this so night? It was given to me by one of your daughters, sir. I and my squire here were on guard round your house on the night after the ear of Halbert took it. We were at some distance from the other guards when two figures rose up from the bushes near us. We pursued them and coming up to them found that there were two ladies and they are once of other they were your daughters. My instructions were to watch and see that no Welshman approached the house and not have been said to me for resting it and leaving it, seeing that it was not supposed to anywhere there.

12:19I wore not with women, being myself from Northumbria I have no enmity with your people. Therefore I let them proceed on their way, a breach of duty, forwarded outless I should have suffered had it been known. Happily numbered my follower here who was then but a men at arms and I a squire knew of it. And to this moment I have spoken of it to no one. As they left us one of the ladies gave me this chain saying that someday maybe used to me should I have a form to the hands of their people. I have carried out my risk ever since and when your follower came up and I saw the necessity had arisen I showed it to him. I have often heard the story from my daughters. Glendora said warmly holding out his hand. They told me how courteously you had treated them and that you had refused to accept the jewels they offered you. They said that you had also declined to tell them no name as it might do you injury should become known and I have often regretted that I did not know the name of the gentleman who had behaved so nobly to them and has saved them from an English prison. Had they been captured it would have been a sore blow to me not only in my affections but to my cause for had he held them in his power and had me could have put a heavy pressure

13:22on me. May I ask now what is your name tonight? Sir Oswald Forster I was at that time a squire said Henry Perseys. Of Hotsper Glendora said and surprised I did not know we had levees from the north fighting against us. You have not sir. I have simply been sent with twenty men at arms by Sir Henry to Sir Henry in Mortimer who either as you are doubtless were of King Sir Henry who had married his sister and was sent by Sir Edmund to join the Earl of Talbot in Lord Gray when they made that foray upon your house. After that I returned to the north but was someone since against and to Ludlow to keep Sir Henry informed that the doings on the border. But I had heard that Mortimer sent no troops to Henry's army. That is so sir I am here by an accident a dispatch came from London to Ludlow for the King and as there was no other way of forwarding it I volunteered to carry it here and succeeded in doing so for which Sir Henry was the King conferred Nighthood upon my arrival ten day since. Ah then it was you that I had heard of. I was told that two great men have been seen in the woods some distance out of the camp

14:26and that they had succeeded in making their escape after slaying five of my followers and that though none knew for certain it was suppose they had reached Henry's camp. You are right Sir the two men were my companion here myself. It was a notable feat I think not that any other messenger has got through my scout since the King left Welsh pool. You must be swift to foot as well as brave and courteous. For I heard that you had outrun the greatest part of those who followed you. We in the north have to be swift to foot as well as that with the smile. For the Scots keep us in practice I then escaping them when they come into greater force to be resizzed or in following them when it is our turn to pursue. I trust sir that you will put myself in my squire to ransom and will take my word for the payment until I go north I will have no means of satisfying it. That I will not. Glandoor said. Or rather I will take a ransom since we are I to release you without one it might cause a surprise in inquiry and it will well that your noble conduct my daughter should not be known for Henry would not be likely to regard it favorably.

15:26Therefore we will put you to ransom at the some of a crown for yourself and a penny for your squire. I thank you indeed sir and shall ever feel beholden to you and I will more forgive you my nightly word that whatever service I may have to perform I will never again war with the Welsh. May I ask if any of our parties succeed in reaching planet loers? Yes some sixty or seventy of them got in they fought very well and indeed in close combat my Welshman cannot have present hold their own against your armour clad men. So though it would have pleaded better had we annihilated the force our success has been envisioned to give Henry no less than that though he may march through Wales he only holds the ground on which he has encamped. Now sir Oswald I pray you to enter my abode to support place indeed after my house in the Vale of the Bards but it suffices for my needs. Before entering he gave orders that Roger should be carried to an upper room and dispatched a messenger to order his own leech as soon as he had done with the wounded to come up and attend to him. Then he led the way into a room where a meal was prepared. In a few words and well she explained to his chiefs who have been much surprised at

16:28the manner in which he had received Oswald that the young knight had at one time rendered a great service to his daughters to Jane and Margaret but without mentioning its precise nature. His experience had taught him that even those most attached to his cause might yet turn against him and were they to relate the story it might do serious injury to Oswald. You must on your way back he said presently to the young knight, call and see my daughters who are present staying with their sister who is married to Adopt Yoroth Dune. They would be aggrieved indeed if they had heard that you had been here and I had not given them the opportunity of thanking you in person. Oswald reigned a fortnight with Glendor while Roger's room was healing. At the end of that time you learned that Henry having marched into Cardigan and ravaged the country there was already retiring. His army having suffered terribly from the effects of the weather the impossibility of obtaining supplies and the constant and harassing attacks by the Welsh. Glendor was often absent but went out the house he converged freely with Oswald who was no longer surprised at the influence he had obtained over his countrymen. His manners were courteous in the extreme and his authority over his followers absolute.

17:29They not only reverend him as their prince, the representative of their ancient kings and their leader in war but his one endowed with supernatural power. The Bards had fanned this feeling to the utmost by their songs of marbles important said his birth and by attributing to him a control even over the elements. This belief was not only of great importance to him as binding his adherence closer to him but an undoubtedly contributed to his success. From the fact of its being fully shared in by the English soldier who assigned it as the cause of the exceptionally bad weather that had been experienced in each of the three expeditions into the country and of the failure to accomplish anything of importance against him. This side of the character of Glendor puzzled Oswald. Several times when talking to him he distinctly claimed supernatural powers and from the tone in which he spoke on the strange expression his face at this time assumed Oswald was convinced he sincerely believed he did possess these powers. Whether he originally did so or whether had arisen from the adulteration of the Bards, the general belief in it and the successes he had gained Oswald could not determine. Later when Glendor solied his fair fame by the most atrocious massacres similar to that

18:31which had already taken place at the storming of new radnor, atrocities that seemed not only purposeless but at utter variance with the courtesy and gentleness of his bearing. Oswald came to believe that his brain had, to some extent, become unhinged by flattery, excitement and superstition. At the end of the fortnight Rogers wound although not completely healed was in such a state that it permitted his sitting on horseback and Oswald became anxious to be off. Glendor, who was about to sit out to harass the rear of the army as he retired from Cardigan's chair, at once offered to send a strong escort with him as it would have been dangerous in the extreme to have attempted to traverse the country without such a protection. Two excellent horses that had been captured in the engagement with the English were handed over to him for his own use in that of Roger. Oswald's own armor was returned to him and he was pleased to find him had been carefully attended to and was as brightly burnished as when it came into his possession. When Glendor abid the magu, he presented each of them with rings similar to those he himself wore. You have promised that you will not fight against me again, but it may be that on some errander other you may ride into Wales, or that you may be staying as you did before

19:32add some castle or town near the border when we attack it. You have but to show these rings to any Welshmen you may come across, and you may be sure of being well treated as one of my friends. I trust that when we meet again, the war will be over, and that my title to the Kingdom of Wales may be recognised by your king and people, as is on the side of the border. Well, Sir Oswald, Roger said as they rode away, accompanied by 20 of Glendor's followers under the orders of an officer, we have got out of that scrape better than could have been expected, when you and I were alone in the midst of that crowd of rosch wind I thought that all was over with us. So did I, Roger. You see that matter of getting Glendor's daughter's away uninged has borne good fruit. It has indeed, Roger agreed, I thought it much more likely to let it would have gone the other way. Be sure you keep a silent tongue as to that, Roger, and remember that our story is I have been put at nightly ransom, and all the condition that I will never serve in Wales again. When we once get across the border, we will ride straight from Northumberland without going near Ludlow. I observed the king much doubted the Mortimer's, and were ways to return there, and news

20:33came to his ears. He might take it as a proof that there was an understanding between Glendor and Mortimer, and that it was to this, that leniency such as Benjöne to no other prisoners was due, whereas if we got straight to Percy, it is not likely the matter will ever come to his hearing. When he raped, if it did so, he would scare us connect multiple with our escape. I understand, Sir Oswald, and will you be sure to keep silent as to ought to be on what you bad may say. Two days journey brought them to the house of Glendor's married daughter. On the officer's stating that the night with him had been sent under his escort by Glendor himself, she requested that he should be shown in. Her husband was away. What is the night's name? She asked. Sir Oswald forced her lady. I have never so far as I know heard it before. Me thought that he might be one whom I may have met. In the houses of my two sisters married to Englishmen, in Hefford, but I have no memory of the name. Show him in, Sir. Roger have removed Aswald's helmet while the officer was away. Come with me, Roger.

21:33He said, since we are both concerned in this affair. He bowed deeply to the lady Isabel, who, as she returned to Salutsa, was surprised that his face was quite strange to her. It seems, Sir Oswald, she said, from the tenor of the message given me by the officer that you have come to me as a visitor, and that, as an escort, only that he has been sent with you. That is so lady, but as a visitor rather she will assist us, the lady's chain of mockered that I am here. I had once the pleasure of meeting them. Glendor's daughter once told a maid, who was working with her when the officer had entered to request her sisters to come to her, and these entered through a minute later. Isabel, seeing that they did not appear to recognize the young knight, said, Our father has sent this gentleman, Sir Oswald forced her whom you know to visit you. The two girls looked with surprise that Oswald, Do you not know this gentleman? Their sister asked, in equal surprise. He is not known to us, General Plythe. I have never seen him before, at least that I can remember. We have met before, and have the less lady, Oswald said with a smile, though it may

22:34well be that you don't remember my face, or that of my squire there, seen that we went together but a few minutes in that in the moonlight. The girls looked upon him, puzzled, and then their eyes fell upon Roger. Now I know, Margaret explained, look at the squires height, surely Jane. These are the two soldiers who allowed us to pass them that night when we fled from Syracuse. That is so, Oswald said, I thought you were more likely to recognize my squire than myself, seen that I have grown civil and to since then, and have but lately assumed this night the almond which you see me. Oh, Sir! Jane said, going swiftly up to him and holding out her hand, which he raised to his lips as he did that of Margaret as she followed her sister. We have thought of you so often, and have prayed that you should both be rewarded for your kindness to us, how glad I am to see you again and have an opportunity of thanking you. You have heard his bell of our invention how he escaped, by the kindness of two Englishmen on God near the edge of the forest, from being carried as prisoners to London where, but for them, we should now be lodged in some dungeon of the Usurper, but till now I have never known the name of our preserver. Thanks also to you, good squire.

23:34She said, turning to Roger. I would carried out the orders of my master, Roger said, coloring like a boy, as she held out her hand to him. There is no credit due to me. But how came you here? Lady Isabel asked of Oswald. Your sisters have, although they know it not, more than repaid their obligations to me, for while they may perhaps owe their liberty to me, I owe my life to them. See ladies, and he turned to Jane. There is the chain you gave me, I want to always on my wrist. I and my squire would be beaten down by their forefathers followers. My squire, a grievously wounded and insensible, when I had been left for dead, though but stunned by a blow. I luckily recovered my senses, just as those employed and dispatching the wounded came up, and happily remembering all praise that I took it off and held it up, calling out to your father's name. Struck I suppose by the action and the words and officer examine the braze it closely, and making out the inscription on the class had my squire myself taken to the house where your father lodged, so that the matter might be in possess of the trinket might be explained. On your father's return, he recognized it, and, having heard from either circumstances of our meeting, treated us with the greatest kindness and hospitality and freed us without

24:35ransom. Savor no more than one and ordered that, on my return, I could say that I may put to ransom. On the recovery of my squire from his wounds, he restored our armor to us, presented us with horses and sent us here under escort, deeming that you might be glad to see us. There, indeed, he was right, Jane said. We have offered credit that you would not accept more valuable jewel than that little chain, which was given to me by my father when I was but a child. But this well indeed that you so was to us, for had it been any other of our jewels, but this it would not have been recognized. That is so lady, since my capture, I often thought it was strange, it so happened. After staying for a day there, Oswell continued his journey to the regret of the ladies, who were glad to hear he would never again fight against the Welsh. His escort accompanied him near the border that was safe for them to go. Next day the road had a chester, and then by easy sages up to Onwik. Oswell went to Hotspur's apartment as soon as he entered the castle. I congratulate you, Hotspur said as he entered. I see you have won your spurs. I said to myself when I received your letter saying you worked so hard to carry letters to the king that your enterprise would either bring you death or a pair of gold spurs.

25:37I am glad to see that it was the letter. I heard that the king's army is falling back. A messenger brought me news from my kinsmen. He said that it was but a room without a reach to him, but that it seemed likely enough for it was said that they had suffered terribly both from the weather and the attacks of the Welsh. The rumours drew Sir Henry, and also that the army is retiring. And they have done no more than they did before? No more Sir Henry. They have built many villages and stayed many Welshmen, but they have done nothing whatever towards doing gladoa. End of chapter 18 Bullsights the border by G.A. Henty. This is a Libbervox recording. All Libbervox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libbervox.org. This recording by Alex Andrew Adair. The Battle of Hameldon Hill. But how have you made your way back ahead of the army? Hotspur asked after Oswald had given him full information as to the military operations. Roger and I were left for dinner and that fight had told you near the land loads, and

26:39he fell into the hands of the Welsh when taken by Falkland Doa, who treated us well and put me to ransom with the engagements that I was not again to bear arms and whales. That was a strange leniency on his part. Hotspur claimed, for I hear he puts to the sword all the who falls into his hands without any regard for the rules of civilised war. He is a strange man, so Henry and unsubject I fancy to changeable moods. When I was brought before him he was in a happy one over the recesses he gained and it made me he took a liking for me. At any rate he fixed my ransom in a very small sum. Which of course I will pay, Hotspur said, since you were my squire and were loved to were my service. I thank you much, so Henry, but it is so small a sum that I myself discharged it without difficulty. To strange, most strange, that you should have gone to the lion's den and come out on the streets. Strange indeed, that clandower, who as we know is greatly in wars of money, should have fixed your ransom at a low sum. How much was it Sir Oswald? I will tell you the story, Sir Henry, though I would tell no one else for my freedom is due to something that happened nine two years ago, and I was first with Sir Emin Mortimer. I failed in what was my strict duty, although I disobeyed no orders that I had received,

27:43and my conscience is altogether acquitted of wrong. You may be sure, Sir Oswald, that the matter will go no further, and knowing you as I do, I feel sure that, whatever the matter was, it was not your discredit. So I trust myself, my lord, but it might of course be my head, had the king come to know it. I will first tell you that my ransom was fixed at a crown and that of Roger at a penny. Oswald, who had been looking a little grave, laughed. Surely, never before was so much built and sent you a price that so small a sum. It was so put simply that I might withdread the vow that I was put to ransom. However, I paid the crown and the penny, and have so discharged my obligations. This was how the matter came about. And he related the whole circumstance to Sir Henry, and the matter which the little chain given to him by Glendoor's daughter, had been the means of saving his life. I blame you in no way, Sir Oswald. Hospers had cordially, when he had heard the story. Though I say now that the king would have viewed the matter in the same light, so you held to the letter of your orders. You were placed at the give warning of the approach of any host to body, and none was said to you as letting any man, so less any woman, depart from the place.

28:46But indeed, how could I blame you, since heaven itself is a soil-do? But surely, it was not a chance that placed on your arm the little trinket that alone could have saved your life from the Welsh. Now to yourself, Sir Oswald, you will I hope continue my night as you have been my square. Surely, Sir Henry, I have never thought of anything else. Very well then, I will as soon as maybe appoint you to a double's night's few. I say a double few, because I should like to have you as one of the castle nights, and so have much larger service from you. Then that which is night can be called upon to render for an ordinary few. I will bid Father Ernulf look through the world and see what fues are vacant. Of these, I will make a hereditary few to pass down from UTOS. Irvocably, the other will be a service to you to support the expenses caused by your extra services and revocable under the usual conditions. A week later, there was a formal ceremonial of the castle, and in the presence of the Earl, Hotspur and the Knights in general of their service, Oswald took the oath of allegiance, a Sir Henry Percy, and afterwards is required by a lot of the King. And received from Hotspur, deeds appointing him to two night's fues, including the village of Stubin, Roche's son Redstale. There were at the time six nights fues vacant, and has Percy had led him to choose which

29:47he liked he selected these, as they laid by a twelve miles ride over the hills from his father's place in Cockatale. The Ophol collision to the King, as well as the feudal lord was enacted by Henry II, with the intention of curbing to some extent the power of the great Vassals. But although taken by all nights on being presented with a few, it was deemed of no effect, in the case of the immediate lord being at war with the King, and whenever troubles arose the Lord's Vassals always sided with him. It being universally understood that the oath to him, from whom they had received their own land, was paramount, over that to the King. There having been several formalities to be observed and matters to be discussed, Ophol was unable to ride home until after this ceremony had taken place. But upon the following morning he and Roger started early in a ride that evening at Yardope. His welcome was a warm one, and the satisfaction of his father and delight of his mother at seeing him in nightly armor was great, indeed, and an increase when he told them that he had received nighthood to the hands of the King himself, and that Hotspur had granted him the fues of Stubin and Roche's stir. Then we shall have you within a ride of us, his mother, it's claimed, that would be pleasant indeed. The fues have always gone together. John Forkster said, in Stubin's castle all those smalls are strong one, how many tenants

30:48will you have? 23. That at least was number of names sat down in the poachments. Not as bad as the beginning. Of course you will keep some 10 or 12 retainers in the castle, and with such minutes will come in from the village's depressive danger you will be able to master 50 or 16 all for the defense. I shall have chiefly at Unwuk father. Rochester is given to me as a hereditary few, but I shall hold Stubin for an extra service at the castle, and I have little doubt that Percy will. So if I do him good service, also make a hereditary. He has as much as said so. It will make a good portion lad, yod up his innights few, though I have never taken up the nighthood, and the Percy knows that I should fight just as stentily as John Forkster if I wore nightly armor, but though the lands are wide they are poor, while he was a fertile line down by the river. One of our cucket-dails more liable, the scutching incursions and riddestail is a rude discolored runes along it. If needs be we can lend ahead to each other, though both together we cannot hold either in your place or mind against a strong invasion. No, tell us how it was that you owned your spurs, and how it was that the king himself noted you. After I've eaten and drank I will do so father, for indeed Walter and I are one life famishing. After the meal he related the whole story of his adventures.

31:48Well, I'd you a luck, his father said when he had finished. The help he gave those maidens might have brought you head to the block, but it turned out well I was a saving of your life so I was saying not against the deed, especially as you know allegiance either than more to all the tellers, and were the same for the orders that conspired giving you your own master. Two days later having sent over on the morning after his arrival a message that tenders to present themselves at stew to take their oats to him. Oswald, a company by his father, wrote into Redstail. He found the castle a much stronger place than Yardope which was but a fortified house. While this was a moated building with strong walls and flaking towers and a keep that could be helped successfully, even if the walls were captured by a sudden assault. At twelve o'clock the tenders assembled. Oswald read to them the two parchedments and then they took their oats to him. They were well satisfied to have a young knight as their lord for the fuse had been held by a miter who had died two years before and had not been at the castle since he was taken away as the child would be brought up in the town of Owok where he had remained under the eye of the purses. It had been longer to sit however that the fuse would not be granted for he was weakly from his birth and wholly unfitted for the charge of a castle so near the Scottish border. According to feudal usage each shenan expected he would be called upon to pay a heavy sum

32:51under the name of a relief as was customary in the case of a new lord taking possession. And then for greatly relief and Oswald told him that as he already possessed armor and horses he would quit them for a fourth part of the usual amount. Although he should of course require their services to enable him to repair such dilapidations as the castle had suffered during the long term head stood empty. For the next three months he stayed in stubs. Roger had been sent off at once with two men at arms to bring the horses and armor that had been left at Walshpool, bearing a letter to the governor from Oswald, taking him much for having taken care of them and saying briefly they had been left in the field for dead after the fight near Lennon Lowe's but had recovered and been well treated by Glendor who had put him to ransom. He took money with him to pay for the expenses for the keep of the horses and returned with them in the armor after an absence of three weeks. Passing through Wurchester on his way back he had it Oswald's order purchased for himself close suitable for his position as an Asquire. As for armor had been reigned it he should have made for him at all week as it would be difficult to obtain his suits efficiently large for him. At the end of three months the necessary repairs the castle were finished. The gates had been greatly strengthened with thick bands of iron the moat cleared out

33:52and at various points the defenses had been strengthened. The small amount of furniture then deemed necessary remained there and were needful have been repaired and put in good order. Eight men at arms had been taken by Oswald into his service and a trusty man appointed his sonishel. Then after paying another visit to Yardope Oswald rode with Roger and two well mounted men at arms to Unlik. It was now April and bad news had just arrived. Glendor had commenced a campaign with great vigor as the appearance of a comma had been interpreted by the barges that Omen most favorable to him and his force had greatly increased during the winter. He had destroyed the houses in strong places of all Welshmen who had not taken up arms at his orders and had closely blockaded Carnivore. He marched a bangle or levelled the cathedral and that had seen Asaf by the fire burnt the episcopal palaces and cannons houses. So formidable did he become that the king issued rits the lieutenants of no fewer than 34 counties to assemble their forces at Lichfield to crush Glendor. The latter had now taken the offensive and advance towards Herford and carried fire and soared through Mortimer's lands. Sir Edmund gathered his own and his nephews tenants and retainers from Herford and Radnershire and advanced against Glendor.

34:54The army's men on the 22nd of June 1402 at a short distance from Nitan. The battle was absolutely fought but was decided by the desertion of the Welsh tenants and by the Welsh Bowen and Mortimer's service by turning their bow against his men at arms and finally the English were defeated with the loss of 1100 men, Sir Edmund himself being made a prisoner. After the battle the Welsh behaved with the greatest savagery, killing all the wounded, stripping the fallen and hoardly mutilating their bodies. The news created great excitement at Allwick and had not the situation in the North Bank and critical, Percy would have gathered his forces and marched with all speed to event to capture and defeat of his brother-in-law. The Earl of Dunbar, with many the tenants of his former estates and members of the English border, had entered Scotland and carried out considerable raids. In revenge for this, Douglass dispatched Thomas Halberton and Patrick Hepburn, each with a considerable force to invade Northumberland. Halberton ravaged the country as far as Bambro, collected great spoils and returned with them. Hepburn, who had still a larger force penetrated Faradsr into England, carried his ravages to within a few miles of Allwick and then retired North with a enormous amount of booty.

35:57When however he had crossed the border to the country known as the Merse north of Burwick, the Earl of Dunbar fell upon him at West Nesbit and completely defeated him. Hepburn himself with a large number of his men fell in the battle and many important prisoners were captured. This battle was fought on the same Bay-Thickland-Doer defeated Mortimer. The victory caused great exultation on the border, but Allwyn said to his nephew, although this is good, it's as far as it goes, as old as old. You may be sure that Douglas will not broke this disaster of patience, but will gather the Scottish force we may expect him there long at the head of 20,000 men, and we shall have fight as stiff as that of Otterburn. We shall have Northumberland ablaze and you will see that the Earling Hotspur will soon be preparing to meet the storm. These last four years took them by surprise, and as laws in the marches they have suffered serious humiliation for this victory was not theirs but the work of Dunbar, and he has not intercepted the Scots on their own side of the border. They would have returned scathers with the spores of our Northern districts. This disgrace was spurred them on to make great efforts, and these will be needed, or we shall see Northumberland, Cumberland and Durham in flames.

37:00Allwyn was not mistaken. Messengers were sent off to all those holding nights used throughout the country, bidding them to prepare to answer to the Persis call, and to hold themselves in their tenets and readiness to march to any point fixed upon for a general rendezvous. They were to warn all the countryside that, directly news arrived that the Scots were in motion, they were to drive their cattle and horses to the nearest fortified town, or to take them in places of hiding among the hills. Everything of all you was to be taken away or hidden so that the enemy should find but empty houses. As well rode to yard up with a message to his father. I know father, he said, that it needed not to warn you, but as it was but a short distance out of my way to come round here, I thought that I would pay you a day's visit. No learn, directly a hundred of the victory of Dunbar, I said to myself, this will bring the Scots upon us in force. And Douglas will never put up with the defeat and will make every ever to turn the tables. I shall send all there is worth taking away to a shepherd's hut among the fells and chalice, so as I hear that Douglas preparations are well-knight complete, journey with your mother to Unwuk and leave her there. I shall return. And with my men will drive the cattle and horses to places where there's little chance that the Scots find them and move there and after leading through a foreman to look out

38:02for them, come back to Unwuk. What do you propose to do? I should do much the same father. Stoops strong enough to hold out against any ordinary raid but not against an army lit by Douglas. Remove the furnishing, tapestry and shun most of the valuable into Unwuk and have the rest of them hidden in the woods. These are the orders that have been sent all along the border. Any who's places are so strong that they may well defend themselves for some time altogether, although Nape is there. The rest are to repair the Unwuk to join Percy's force. You see there is no knowing where the sword may break, the Scots may cross the chariots anywhere between Bervick and Carlisle. And until their movements are known, the Irn Hothware must keep their forces at Unwuk and radius to much worth, so I've ever required. Hothware has sent messages down to the Midlands to engage as many arges as they can get. Of course we have many here, but the border is our spearmen rather than archers, and it will well destroy us in our force. Still however large a force he may raise be cannot hope to check their first incursion. The whole country is open to them if they enter Nekala, they may be in the heart of Kambalindor Derm before a fairly in motion. We may count however on meeting them as they retire if not before. Hothware then rode to his own place, but all the tenants prepared to ride with him with Unwuk and an hour's notice, and either to send their women and children on there, as

39:06soon as it was known that the Scots are moving to gather strongly on the border, or else together stores the provisions up in the hills, and it sends the women and children there, the moment where it came as the Scots were on the move. The news of Mortimer's defeat and capture had been received by the time Oswald returned to Unwuk. "'Tis bad news indeed,' Percy said to him, and I know that as you have been staying so long at Lothal you'll be deeply grieving them as fortunate as before in Mortimer. However, I don't know how he was so me ransomed. I know the King appointed a commission of knives to treat at once with Kondor for Lord Cray's ransom, and it's given orders for the raising of the Great Sum demanded. It is to be gathered from attacks on church properties, and in other ways, and doubtless, he will do the same for Mortimer, whose lands have been so harried by the Welsh that will be impossible to raise any large sum from the tenants." I fear so, Henry. Oswald said that the King will be lukewarm on the subject, during his free invasions he has never once summoned Sir Edmund to join him, nor has he passed through Lothalos, he might well have done, seen that it is a central position, and the nearest way for an army marching towards Pinneman. I remarked too that when I mentioned Mortimer's name in my discourse within the King's brow clouded, as if ill pleased with the name.

40:07Then he acts wrongly, asperer said Angoli. Mortimer has given no cause for offense. He has never in any way upheld the cause of the young Earl of March, and knows well enough. It will be madness to set up his claim to the throne, when Henry is given no cause for the complaint, and that the boy's existence seems to be well-knife forgotten by the country. However, as soon as this business is over, I will myself to London, and obey the King to exercise the same benevolence in the case of Mortimer, as he is shown on behalf of Lord Cray. Why, he might as well suspect us, whom he largely owes his kingdom as Mortimer, seen that my wife is aunt of the young Earl. Early in August, it became known that preparations were being made upon a great scale by Douglas for the invasion of England, and that has military governor of Scotland. He had summoned all the great nobles to join with their forces, and it was even said that numbers of French knights were on account of the long friendship between France and Scotland's were crossing the seas to fight under Douglas against their old enemies. Me, thanks. Asperer said to his knights, they could be little doubt that there is an agreement between Scotland and Glandoa, and this would account for the fury the Welsh would have been showing. In the manner which they have destroyed the cathedral's churches and castles alike, and

41:09so forced Henry to march against them with the forces of the greater part of England, just when Douglas is preparing to assail his hear. The forces of West Mullen, Cumberland, Dermond, Northumberland if together might hope to make us stout resistance, even against so large of forces Douglas is collecting. But we cannot so gather. The Earl of West Mullen, who commands the forces of his own country and Cumberland must need to hold them together, let the Scots pour down, besiege Carlisle and Kay Fah and soar through those counties. From here up to Burvek, the county has so been plundered and devastated it is almost a desert, and I can draw no strength from there. As a Durham, they urgent, with some truth that has the Scots have, a full now lay portion to their country waste. They cannot send those forces so far north in this place, and would leave them unprotected should the enemy march through Tyndale into their country. The King has entered Wales with the fighting men of 34 counties, so from him no A can be expected, and it seems to me that we should be quite unable to make head against the invasion. They were sure that when we have gathered our forces, and our join by those dumb by will bring us, we will meet them as they return, spoil it into the border. Well mounted messengers have been placed on every row by which the Scots could cross the

42:10border, and on the 18th of August one came with the news that 12 hours before they had crossed into Cumberland at Kirks of Foot, and they were reported to be 10,000 strong, and that a dozen villages were already in flames. Another portion of their army had crossed near Tyndale, and were pouring into Tyndale. John Forster and his wife had arrived some days before. Oswald had found comfortable lodgings for his mother in the town, which was already crowded with women and children from the border. His father had left again, but at once returned, with 20 spears, 12 hours after the messenger had brought the news. I had two or three of my men out. He said to Oswald, as he rode in and dismounted in the castle yard, muddled soon as I heard that the Scots entered Tyndale. I knew it was time to be off, but they are sure to send over strong parties to ravage Cogatale. The row was well-known, blocked in some places with fugitives. In spite of the warnings, they had been issued, most of the people seemed to have thought the Scots could never come in their direction, and the news had conspired a panic. How, in either border, the Scots were fine but a little plunder. We have had so many invaders that no man is foolish enough to spend money on it. He cannot easily carry away, and the raiders will find there, but empty houses. They may sweep in some of the cattle from the hills, as they supply them with food on the

43:11march, but more than this they will not take as they go south, as it would be but an encumberance. In a few days, a strong force was collected at Onwik, but, though chafing at the news of the terrible devastations that were being made by the Scots in Cumberland in Durham, the Earl and Hotspur could at present do nothing. The invasion was indeed one of the most disastrous that had ever taken place, and after having almost devastated the two countries, Douglas, with the United Forks and a Norma's train of wagons laid with plunder, great quantities of cattle and other spoil turned north again, at the end of the second week of September. In the meanwhile, Percy's force had been steadily growing. He had early resolved that upon the return of the Scots, the battle must be fought, and contingent of civil sending small bodies of well-mounted knights and horsemen to hover in the neighborhood of the Scots Army, and to keep him informed of their intentions and the routes they seemed to pose to take. Douglas had carried his devastations up to the walls of Newcastle, but had not attempted to attack that strongly defended town. He had indeed gathered as much spoils could possibly be taken along, and he moved north in a quiet and leisurely way, being greatly hampered by the enormous train of loaded wagons. As soon as the Earl of Northumberland and his son saw that he intended to march up through

44:15Northumberland, instead of returning by the line he had come through Tyndale, they set their force in motion and marched out, leaving us efficient strength to hold on which should Douglas attack him. Being joined two days later by the Earl of Dunbar, they posted themselves in a position once they could march to intercept the Scots upon any road they might follow on their way north. On the twelfth they learned for a certain that the Scots were following the road that would take him through Wooler. Moving instantly, the Earl with his forces came up to them, posted on a hill, a mile to the northwest of Hamilton. He at once seized a hill facing it and disposed his knights, men and arms and spearmen along the crest. Hotspur was straight way of charge down and attacked the Scots in their position, but Dunbar put his hand on his right on the urchum, strongly to await the assault, and to provoke the Scots into taking the offensive by galling them with his archers, in which he was far superior to them, while on the other hand they were much stronger in spears and horsemen. Hotspur, seeing the goodness of the advice, ascended to it, and ordered the archers to descend at once into the valley between the two hills and to launch their arrows against the Scots. Undescending was found that the Scots' boom and were already in the valley. These they spedily drove up the hill, and then sent their arrows thick and fast among

45:17the Scottish man and arms. Douglass had, like the Earl of Dunbar, perceived at what disadvantage the party who took the offensive would have to fight, and had to turn with the stand of the offensive, especially as if he moved forward the English could detach bodies of horsemen to work around the hill and fall among his men's train of wagons. For a time he refused to have seized the earnest and treaties of his knights to advance, but as man and after man fell onto the English-Aros' air impatient increase until one of his best knights, Sir John Swinton, wrote a few pages out of the ranks in the loud voice said, But brave comrades, what fascinates you today, the two stand like deer and fawns that are parked to be shot, instead of showing your ancient valor and meet in your foothold hand the hand, let those who will descend with me and in the name of God, we will break that hosting conquer, or if not, we will at least die with honor like soldiers. A mighty shout followed his words, and the whole Scottish host dashed down the hill. The English archers fell back a little, still shooting as they did so, but halted a short way up the hill and shot so hotly and strongly that it pierced Helmet and armor with their arrows. Nothing could withstand these missiles shot by the finest and strongest bowmen in the

46:20world. The Scots rolled over in heaps, Douglas, although clad in the most perfect steel armor was wounded in five places, one arrow destroying the sight of one of his eyes. He fell from his horse and utter confusion reigned in the Scottish ranks. Slinging their bows behind them, the archers drew their axes and rushed into the crowd, affecting a terrible slaughter. Douglas was made prisoner, as was the Earl of Fife, a son of the regional bunny, the Earl's of Morbe, and Angus and Orcney. Two barons, eighty knights, among whom were several Frenchmen, and several other persons of rank were also captured by Swinton, Gordon, and many other knights in gentleman Worslain, together with 700, the commonality. With the exception only a flotten, no battle on the border was so fatal to the Scottish nobility, whose defeat was affected by the archers only. The confusion was so terrible that the Earl of Northumberland refused to allow his knights and men at arms to charge, seeing that they must trample down both friend and foe, therefore they stood as passive spectators of the desperate fight, not a lance being couched nor a blow being struck by any of them. When it was all over they took up the pursuit of the fugitives, many of these were overtaken and killed, and the pursuit was continued to the tweed, and where, not knowing the

47:23forwards, many of the fugitives were drowned while endeavoring to swim the river. Roger, what say you to that? Oswald said, as he and his squire drew rain, after pursuing the enemy for some distance. Roger's face expressed the strongest disgust. Well, sir Oswald, I don't call the battle at all, whoever heard of a battle where neither night nor man has drussored, there's all out of reason to fight in that manner. Nevertheless, Roger, you've won a great victory, what matters is whether we are the archers or the chief hand in it. Last battle we fought was a different manner, we had plenty of fighting but no victory. It was more or two I taste nevertheless. Roger crumbled. Even though the Welsh, well I made an end of me and for myself, I could not help hoping that the archers would be beaten and leave it to us to take part in the fighting. They had done more than their show and they had broken the Scottish ranks and slain I know not how many and it would have been fair of them after that had drawn back and leave it to us to finish the business. It is well that it is Roger, and for one I am well satisfied, we have given the Scots a lesson that will keep them quiet for a long time. We have recovered all the spoil they were carrying off, and we could have won nothing

48:24more, how we been in the thick of the melee, and come out of it perhaps solely wounded again. Roger was by no means satisfied, and to the end of his life always fell into a bad temper when the battle of Hamlet was spoken of. All the prisoners of consequence were taken to Elwick where the army fell back much to the disgust of some of the more eager spirits who would faint across the border, made her priceless for the woes the Scots inflicted. Northumberland however was well satisfied with what had been done and did not wish to provoke the Scots to extremities. Feeling that was so many of their leaders in his hands he might be able to arrange terms that would enture peace for a considerable time on the border. The prisoners were all well treated with kindness and consideration. They were lodged in the castle were treated as guests rather than as prisoners. Oswald and his father were both pleased to hear. Two days after the battle that when the Scottish dead were examined, the bodies of William Baird and ten of his kings when were found lying together, they had resisted desperately to the last refusing to surrender themselves, well knowing that there are misdeeds and many depredations in England would bring them to the gallows of taking a life. Well, Father, we shall be able to live in peace for a time now, note out the feds that brought with them every spare they could master.

49:25For none would willingly have stayed at home when there was a promise of gathering so much beauty. Therefore, those strength must be altogether broken and will be long indeed before the baird's ride into a raiding Northumberland. As Father noted. There's a good thing assuredly Oswald though I would rather that we had the attacking of them there on hold. Still at any rate there's an end for the feud for years to come and I shall be able to lie down to sleep without wondering whether they will be knocking at the gate before morning. Chapter 19 Bullseye's the Border by G.A. Henty. This is the Libbervox Recording. All Libbervox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit Libbervox.org. This recording by Alexandria Dare. Chapter 20 The Perseys Discontent During the time that had elapsed between his receiving the news on Mortimer's capture by Glendor and the Battle of Hommaldon Hill, Perseys had written several times the king with reference to his taking the same steps to rant some Mortimer they had taken on behalf

50:27of Lord Gray. The king however answered very coldly and one of his letters more than hinted that he believed Mortimer had voluntarily placed himself in Glendor's hands in an agreement existed between them. Not only was Hotspur furious at such an accusation but the Earl himself was deeply angered. His past all belief Hotspur said that such a charge should be made. Had Mortimer vised to join Glendor he could have gone to him. Not as a prisoner but the head of three thousand good fighting men. Why should he have thrown away the lives of 1200 of his own facils and those of his nephew? Nay more! Had Mortimer intended treachery might have marched and full on the rear of the king's army and tangled the muds in the Welsh mountains and forests while Glendor fell upon him in the front. His ally and bezid's mark on his face. His button excuse for refusing to rant some Mortimer, whom he hoped he'd kept the preserve for years and whose estates he would thus be able to appropriate. He's an insult not only to Mortimer but us, to whom he owes his crown but let him be where those who built up can pull down. The night standing round but their hands on their sword held significantly. The king was, to the followers of great barons, a person of but small consequence comparison

51:31with their lord and they would draw their swords to the latter's orders, adds willingly against the king as against a foreign foe. That it was their duty to do so was fully recognized that. In the troubles between the king and his nobles, while the latter were if defeated executed for treason, their vassals were permitted to return Hona unmalusted and it was not until the battle of Barnett that Edward, in rage at the humiliation that he had suffered when he had been obliged to fly to France, gave orders that no quarter was shown to warwick's vassals and retainers. Northumberland and Hotspur were still smartening under this treatment of Mortimer win. Eight days after the battle, the messenger they had dispatched the king and whales with the report of the great victory in the capture of Douglass and other important nobles returned with an order from the king that these prisoners were not to be ransomed. This order was received with passionate indignation by the Earl and Hotspur. Although not altogether contrary to the usages of the age, since similar orders had more than once been issued by the third, the ransom of prisoners taken in battle was regarded as one of the most important sources of revenue, and as the means of defraining the expenses that nobles and knights were put to in aiding with their vassal of the king and his wars.

52:34Occasionally however, in the case of prisoners of importance, Montenegro seemed it necessary for political reason to forbid the ransom of prisoners. The Scottish nobles were as indignant as the Persis. They had regarded it as a matter of course if they would shortly be liberated. Their ransom, however, heavy would soon be forthcoming, for it was one of the conditions on which land was held that, in case the Lord being taken prisoner, each of his ten s must contribute largely in proportion to his holding towards the payment of his ransom. The order of the king clearly meant that they were to be taken too long and then held there as hostages, perhaps for years, and so not only insure England against another invasion, but to further any designs of conquest that came by entertain. With three of the great Earl's of Scotland, one of them the son of the regent, and Douglas, a military leader of the Scots in his hands, and with the Earl of Dunbaris as ally, Scotland would be practically at his mercy. An important meeting was held at Almeik, it was the Scottish nobles, the Earl of North umberland and Hotspur were alone present, and here battles of vital interests of the Kingdom were arranged. For six months, things remained in the same state. The King's fourth expedition, the Wales had affected no more than the proceeding. Although a whistle virtually master of Wales, Cardiff had been burned by him with his numerous

53:37priories and convents with the exception of the other French skins. The castle penmarked and the town can castle of Abergveni had been burned, and other strong places captured. The Persis remained during this time's soul and inactive, although somewhat mollified by the thanks voted them by Parliament. The King is a reward for their services but so upon them the estates of Douglas. This however they treated with scorn, for as well might he had presented to them in the city of Naples or Paris. Since unless all Scotland was conquered they cannot come into the peaceful massageship of the Douglas estates. Nor indeed, because the King of Intenidate and Irtisd, for he was far too politic to think of adding so great an increase of territory to these states of the Persis, who had already shown their power by placing him on the throne, and you might someday take back with the Ae given him by declaring in favour of the Earl of March. One day in February 1403 Oswald was summoned from Stoon's Alwic, and when on his arrival there, he was requested to go to the Earl's Chamber. Such as someone's was extremely unusual, Hotspur had his own estates, and his own retinue in following, and was jointly with his father Warden of the Marshes, and though he dwelled generally with him at all make he had his own portion of the castle.

54:39Does it what seldom the Earl had any communication with Hotspur's knights? Hacing to obey, Oswald found Hotspur with his father. I have a mission for you so Oswald, Hotspur said. On the part of the Earl and myself, you know that for a long time there has been a disputation between my father and the Earl of Westmoreland respecting this courtish prisoners. The Earl sent a small force to fight unto me at home on them, but it wasn't me of handful and on the strength of this he advanced acclaim to a considerable share of the Bransons of the prisoners, all since they cannot be Bransom to the castle of the persons of the Earl's of Muren Angus. The King has now contrary to all reason afflicted upon us the indignity of appointing four commissioners, two of whom are but knights, and the other two men of no consequence to enquire under the question between my father and my uncle the Earl of Westmoreland. Does he think that two of his Earl's are going to submit themselves to so gross an indignity? We, who are as much masters in the north of England as he is in the south, and even that he owes us? I have written over in scene Westmoreland, who is as indignant as we are, and we are once arranged in little matten with three other fairies, and agreed upon common measures.

55:41But that is not all. Seeing that the King absolutely refused to do more to him as the same service that he did to Lord Gray, who is Bransom he has now paid, and who by the way has married Glendor as daughter of Jane. Mortimer's vassals, were some aid from ourselves, half raised the money required a few more to him. Now the King has interfered, and has given orders that such Bransom shall not be paid. This evident that he had determined to drive us to extremities. I tell you these things, as order that you may see, how intolerable a condition of affairs has become. My father, myself believe it is the chargement of heaven upon us, for having helped to the throne King Richard, the lawful sovereign of this country, and places you serve on the throne. Even had Richard's conduct rendered his deposition necessary, we did wrong in passing over the lawful heir, the young Earl of March. This is true, he is but a child at that time, but he is older now, and we feel shame that he should be kept as a prisoner by Henry. But not the King purged himself, we should not have been led into this era. For before we assisted him, he swore great oath he had no intention of gaining the throne, but only to regain his own duptum of Lancaster. It was on that ground that we lent him our aid, and now for soothed this purgered usoper

56:42treats us, who made him as dirt under his feet. We are resolved to suffer no longer, and as we may not run some Mortimer, we will secure his freedom in other ways, and for this you may give us your aid. Assuredly, so hand me in my Lord Earl. Uswalt, who is deeply indignant at the unworthy treatment of his Lord, replied hotly, my life is at your service. I expect another else, Hotsper said warmly. The matter stands thus. Owen Glendo was a warm partison of King Richard, and was one of the few who remained faithful to the end, thereby incurring the deporstility of Henry in a visit here in Low Gray. It was for this his lands were unjustly seized. For this said Henry's parlant refused to see do his complaints, and so drove him to take up arms. Thus, in an enterprise against Henry, Glendo is our natural ally, and we intend to propose to him that allegiance, undertaking that if you will give us aid, his claim to the crown of Wales shall be acknowledged, and that he shall govern his country without interference from England. There is none who could carry out this negotiation so well as yourself, since you can by virtue that Rinky Gavey pass on arm to him, while in near the night would assuredly be slain.

57:42You will bear a letter signed by the Earl myself, offering him off friendship and alliance on those terms, and explain to him more fully the manner in which we have been driven to throw off Henry's authority. You can tell and we shall proclaim the Earl of March Lawful King, and if you agree to join in our project, which would clearly be both his liking and advantage, it would be as well as that he should, as soon as we may move, which may not be for some time yet, release Sir Eman Mortimer, who as the boy's uncle will assuredly raise his vassals on his behalf, now that Henry has shown such an amosity against him. I will gladly undertake the mission, my lord, and all the more gladly since it may lead to the liberation of Sir Eman Mortimer, who treated me with the greatest kindness and condescension during my said lad low. The penitent is not tomorrow then, the Earl said. The letter shall be ready for you tonight, and beyond what my son is told you, you can tell Glendow we have good hopes of launch help from Scotland, with whom he is said he is already in alliance. The next morning Oswald started, taking no one but Roger with him. He had the evening before told us fire only that he was starting on a journey, promising to tell him more as they rode. Accordingly, when well away from Alma, he'd be back in Roger to bring up his horse alongside

58:43him. Where do you think we are going, Roger? I will give you fifty guesses and would warrant that you would not come at the truth. It matters nothing to me, Master, so that I ride with you I am content. You know Roger, how grudelessly the king has treated the Persis, how he's prevented their taking ransom for their prisoners, and has refused to ransom Sir Eman Mortimer, how he in bitter jest offered the earliest states of Douglas, and how he has put upon them the indignity of sending four men of no import to decide upon their differences with Mesmerland. I, I saw Oswald, everyone knows this and not a few have wondered that the Persis have suffered these things in quietness. A fresh thing has happened, Roger. The tenies of Mortimer, with aid from the Irland Hotspur, have raised the son that Glendo had demanded as ransom, and now the king is laid on them this order that this money is not to be paid. By our Lady, Roger explained wrathfully, this is too much, so Eman is a noble gentleman and that the king should refuse to allow his friends to rest of him passes all bounds. So the Irland Hotspur consider Oswald said, and they are long, you will see that they will hoist the banner of the young Earl of March proclaim him King of England.

59:47"'Tis good,' Roger exclaimed, stopping his hand on his leg. To me it matters not who is King of England, but I always held that it was hard that King Richard should be deposed and murdered by one who was not even his lawful successor. I am not one to question the conduct of my lord, but I always thought the Persis were wrong in bringing this use to upper over. They feel that themselves, Roger, and consider the ingratitude of the king to be a punishment upon them for having aided him to the throne. But what has this to do with your journey, Master? And I as much to do with the Roger, seeing that I am on my way to Glendoa to offer my lines with the Persis. Oh, good step, Roger, it's claimed, we know these Welsh can fight. More over, Roger, it may bring about the freeing of Mortimer, for the evil feeling the king is shown against him will surely drive him to raise all his vassals, and those of the young Earl and her for chair and elsewhere, and thus the Persis will gain too powerful allies, Glendoa and Mortimer. As they advance from the north, the Welsh and Mortimer will join them for the west. And victories gain that will be peace on the Welsh marches. It will be recognised for what he is, the King of Wales, and that will see what then suffer English to live quietly there, just as the Welsh have lived quietly in England. Then two of the western counties will see it is their interest aside with Mortimer and

1:00:50Glendoa. Four times during the last three years had they been called out and forced to leave their homes to follow the king in the Wales, and as often had the return leaving behind them many of their number. They will see that if Glendoa is acknowledged King of Wales, this hard and grievous service will no longer be required of them. This is so Oswald and it's really like the project well, it matters not a straw to me who is King, but if a King treats my lords scurvelly, I'm ready to show down with him and do my best to put up another in his place. Though indeed, this is a sell to my conscience that I know the man I am fighting against. As a usurper, and one who is set himself up in the place of the lawful King. My conscience and no way breaks me Roger, I fight him in lords order against his foes. That is the duty I have sworn. This is between him and the King, which is a matter of him alone. At the same time, I'm glad the business is likely to end in the risk you've been very kind to me. Between Henry and the young Earl of March, I have no opinion, but it seems to me that Henry is seated through the throne by might and by the popular voice he has no calls to complain if he is put out of it by the same means. But how should the war go against the Percy's master? That again is a matter of the Earl and Holtzper.

1:01:51They know at four stay in the Earl of Westmore, like I put in the field. They know that Glendoa can aid with ten thousand Welsh men and that Mortimer can raise three or four thousand men from his vassals. They should know what help they can count off from Scotland and doubtless, during the last six months, have made themselves acquainted with the general feeling respecting the King. It is upon them that the chief risk falls. We knights and men at Hobbes may fall in the field of battle, but that is a risk we know we have to face when we take to the calling of arms. If our calls is lost and we escape from the battle, we are butto the part to our Holtz and Villages, we shall hear not more of the affair, while our lords have taken them and lose their heads. It would be a grief to us to lose masters we love and have to pay our quitting with money or service to a new Lord. But beyond that we risk not save our lives and battle. Therefore I trouble myself in no way, as in the matter between the purses of the King, which I take it in no way concerns me and I am content to do my duty and to render my service as I have sworn to do. It is as well Sir Oswald Rogers said after a long pause, that Glendoa gave us those rings from all accounts he and his Welshmen are more furious at ever, and there will be small times of our ever reaching him without them. The change in its work last time, it is not every Welshman who would stop to examine

1:02:53it before striking and a few who could read the inscription if they did so well, to it like that most of them are well acquainted with Glendoa's sin. That is so, but nevertheless Roger would be better. We have crossed the border that you should ride behind me with white flag displayed. It is a token that we come not for war would on a peaceful mission. It is probable at any rate that any band of Welshmen who may meet us will in that case before attacking the Soptuin Quar and what ever we come. They rode fast, for the Earl had said that he needed to have the news of Glendoa's decision before proceeding further in the matter, and in four days arrived on the border. At Trusebury, Oswell inquired carelessly of the host at the inn where he put up, where Glendoa was now thought to be as he intended to journey south to Herford, and would fate know whether there was any risk of falling in with bands of the Marauders. We think so night that you may travel without an easiness seeing as the country between this and Herford has been so aroused by then there is not to tend to the cross the border, save it so larger forces that can win Gleyshire's or Worsher's. Then say more over that Glendoa is a present in Cardiature. There are so few Welsh have a tense there. They declare they allore to the King and love not their wild countrymen, whether it is so or not I cannot say, but they certainly manage to keep up communications with the Welsh.

1:03:57This may be for a treacherous purpose, or it may be as they say, that knowing they and all belonging to the Moodby Slay, Glendoa capture the town, they, for their own safety, tridolaires and tensions and movements in order to warn us should the surprise be intended. Starting early the next morning, Oswell crossed in among Germyshire, by a world through walk-tree forest, so as to avoid both Ludlow and Welshpool, and kept along by a country track near the border of Radnor, so passing south of Flannadlose. As soon as they had left Radnorshire, Roger fastened his spear to a white cloth they brought from Schruzbury, then they continued their journey west. It was not till they crossed the Y, here an insignificant stream, that they came upon a native of the country. They were following a track, between two rough hills covered with brushwood when a man, evidently of the better class stepped up before them. Sun eyes, he said in English, this is strange sight to see an Englishman with one squad, travelling alone by so wild and lonely road as this, and so, in a strange indeed, he should bear a flag of truce, for where you hear and all kings' business, you would surely be attended with a braver show. I had noticed two hours ago, brought by one wood-seeing across the Y, and in the bushes

1:04:58round lie fifty men, who, to thy raise my hand, was at their arrows fly against you. But if you have reason for your coming this way, surely we shall not hinder you. Oswell told that as hand. The sign-out ring, sir, was given to me by Glendur, who said that any Welshman to whom I might show would act as my guide and escort to him. I come on an important mission, not from the king, but from one whom Glendur may be Glendur air, therefore I pray you take me to him, or at least send a party of your men, for I might put venture-fallen with some wood-shoot before they questioned. As a surely the prince has sign-out, the man said, after carefully examining it, on right well he will as courty to him, he is at present at Aber's Sewith. Thank for your good, as he said, to my speaking. My name is Owel Abroudin, you pass my abode, which can't be seen from the road, and I would, will you not press for time gladly entertain you. But if he pushed forward, we may reach Aber's Sewith before nightfall, and I make no question that would suit better your wishes. Thanks, sir. My business is somewhat urgent, and I shall be glad to meet the prince as soon as possible. Indeed I should not be sorry to reach his boat where he could stop and sleep, seen that I have slept twice in the woods since we left Struzbury.

1:06:00The man called out in order in Welsh, for a man at once issued from the bushes, and another guide in the horsemen sewed reached Aber's Sewith. I had scarce expected this pleasure, so all's world. Glandoor said warmly, as the young knight entered. To what fortune do I owe your visit? But no, it is what poor hospitality questioning thus, when it will be time enough to talk of such things later. And it is a matter that is best discussed in private, as well repaid in an undertone. And how have you fared since we parted? This I saw you over a year ago, the time has passed quietly, so you may say, for the battle with the Scots. Where although we beat them, there was no critic, by the nights and men at arm, seen that the altars are loaned in the fighting. So I heard, on our side we've been busy ever since. And successful too, as I have heard. Yes, fortune has been in our favour. Lord Grey's ransom has been a much used to us, and having married my doctor Jane, you can be no longer considered a foe. Yet to do him justice, he would not promise to even descend neutral, though, unless under special orders from the king he will not draw his sword again. I love a sunch-bare, and though Grey has taken his eye considered the wrong side, he stands to it faithfully. I offered him freedom without ransom, if he had promised neutrality, and that, when I had

1:07:02put down all of the opposition, he would hold his Welsh lines from me. Once he refused, and said he would rather remain in chains all his life, and be forced to his fows to Henry. That was good, and I with it all Welshman were as faithful. They take the oath to me when we can make their peace with Henry the next. Nay, some de pleasin' my ghost off, asked to try and assassinate me. To such plot had there been this year, it was only that I wore good coat of mail under my shirt, that my life was safe and my bow short. And from one who professed me how warm friend, and who had taken bread with me half an hour before. This destiny so else would, the powers watch over me and keep me from harm, and these will I know protect me to the end, against the stroke of English foes or of Welsh traitors. After supper was over, Glendor led Oswald to his private chamber. Now so Oswald, you can speak freely, I place a guard outside the door and there is no fear of interruption. Do you come on your own account or from another? I come from the Earl of North Cumberland and his son, Sir Henry Percy, and I'm charging the first place to deliver this letter to you, and then to give you further intelligence as to the matter, as it may be needfully for you to know. From the Percy's? Glendor said in surprise as he cut the silk that held the roll together.

1:08:04His countenance expressed great surprises he read the contents. There is no snow in this. He said suddenly, after reading it through two or three times and looking sharply as Oswald, to his not from the Percy's, who, more than any other, assisted you supper to the throne, that I should have looked for such an offer. I should be the last to bring such a letter to you, Glendor, with their alternate behind what is written. The Earl and Hotsworth spoke of the matter at length to me. They were great now, the part they took in the Throne Henry and whose hands they have now received such indignities they are resolved if it may be. To undo their work and to place the Loful King, the young Earl of March on the Throne. He then related the various complaints he Percy's had against the King, and told Glendor that the matter had been brought to a head by Henry's refusal to allow them to pay the ransom that had been collected for Sir Evan Mortimer. Whom have they with them? Glendor asked after listening in silence. They are the Earl of Westmoreland, who liked themselves greatly offended at the appointment of four commissioners, men of no standing opposition to judge between two of the great barons of England, blood relations too, whose differences are on the matter but small importance. No other neighbours mentioned before me but they are stated he looked for much assistance from Scotland.

1:09:04I.I. As they hold in their hands Douglas and the Regent's son Maureen Angus, he may well make terms with Scotland. Yes, it is a very great plot, and since I can get no ransom from Mortimer and he can raise some three or four thousand men, he would be a much more value to us free than as a prisoner. It is not only that, Aswalt said, the fact that he as young marches uncle should head his following and raise his banner will show that the Persis and you are not using young marches name as a mere pretext for taking our bombs. With Mortimer at the head of the House during his minority and guardian of his states were with him, men would see that his really is struggle to place the lawful king on the throne, and many would join who did they think it was but an affair between the Persis, of whom they know but little in the south and you, whom they have been taught to consider Rebel would send a loof. It is worth all to have in that project pleases me. Even without such allies I may hold my mountains and continue my warfare, but there could be neither peace nor prosperity for years. But with the overthrow of the Usurper, my engagement as king of Wales, and of the entire independence of the country from the deedent seven, the freedom of my country was not a country might be permanently secured. But I will give no certain answer tonight, as a matter to be turned over my mind, and it seems to me that I may gain much good by the alliance, and that even if the Persis

1:10:07fail in their enterprise I can be no worse off than I am at present. It was not till following evening that Glendora gave a decided answer. I accept Persis offer, he said. I have thought it over in every way, and even putting aside the benefits to my country myself I would enter upon it, where but for the satisfaction of seeing the Usurper and murder my dear master King Richard, had the same measure meted out to him that he gave his sovereign. Tonight I will write an answer to the Persis, for you to bear to them. Tomorrow morning I will ride with you to the stronghold where Mortimer is at present held endurance, and if he concerns to join us I will give him his freedom without ransom. They started the next morning early, and at noon arrived at a strong house lying in the heart of the hills. It were best you should see him first, so I will explain the matter to him. After that I will meet him with you. Great was the astonishment of Sir Edmund, when Oswald was ushered into the little room where he was confined. It was some ten feet square fringe with a pallet, a chair and a small table. The window was very strongly barred, and Oswald observed with pain that his ten months imprisonment had all very heavily upon Mortimer. Why, Oswald? I should say sir, Oswald, what brings you here? Some good news I trashed has my rats and been collected.

1:11:08It has been collected Sir Edmund. Oswald said it is the shakans but the king, who is refused altogether to pay your ransom as he did little graces for bid in the money, raised partly by your tenons and partly by the tenons of your nephew to be handed over. Physically I have used you as an enemy, and how indeed ventured it to Clez's belief that dual capture by Glendo was a thing arranged beforehand. He lies, Sir Edmund explained angrily before stately, and how it all bees from the treachery of the Welsh Bowenjero of one day. The narrow stent and metalists are all the one howers that they do not hear. Oswald then related the purport of his mission, and gave Mortimer some messages with Hotsper had cherished him on the evening before he started. Surely I will join, Sir Edmund explained when Oswald brought his story to a conclusion, oh why not several enough by keeping up all time foot by having my hands hurried in my vassals slayed in order to support Henry's claims the king of Wales only be suspected of treachery? Had I ended in a drangland door I should have done so a year ago, and with my force in here we could have kept Henry a bay. Why should I have kept it the pretext of mercy when there was not to prevent in my joining lenda? Why should I have fought him at the cost of lives of twelve hundred of my men when I could have marched them into his campers' friends?

1:12:10Why should I have suffered nine months of close imprisonment at the hands of an ally? Henry lied and he knew that he lied when he brought such a hodrigous mate, he wished to be able to work his will in the young Earl and maybe murder him as he murdered Richard without there being one powerful naturalist's voice to condemn the murder. All that in between us and his worth I am his open enemy as he is mine and would be heartened so with the parties in the overthrow of Henry even with my nephew were not concerned and as the burrow purpose himself to grasp the crown. Glando is below Sir Edmund, and will himself speak to you but he thought it best that I should first open the matter to you. A court of an hour later the keeper of the whole came out and said that the prince bads are eminent to send his speak with him. As they entered the room where Glando was waiting the latter glanced at Oswald inquiringly. The matter settled the latter said Sir Edmund will join us with hot in hand. I am glad to hear it Sir Oswald. Sir Edmund Mortimer, he went on courteously. Hiddertoo, we have regarded each other's enemies henceforth we are friends and you are my guests and not my prisoner. I have thought it over and me things you must carry here till we have certain news on the day which the parties will set foot on their enterprise. It would not be safe for you to return to your states until you are in a position to

1:13:12call your vassals for arms at once for the king. Way to hear that you were at Ludlow might call on the lieutenants of the western counties and the owners of all the castles to attack you at once. Therefore until this time distract you or best situation remain with me. I do not propose you should accompany me on my expeditions. For to do so might do harm across the border. I will therefore assign you a suitable house to Abbas with, with such attendance and furnishings as I do to your guests of your quality. The prospect seems a fair one the noble lords aided by the scotch should by themselves be a met for any gathering Henry could collect a short notice. And you are by my forces and you should surely be able to overthrow your position. So it appears to me sir Edmund said to his indeed a powerful consideration if all goes well not to leave no option to the use of it but to die in battle or fly to France. We will return with us to Abbas with, to Oswald. Glendor presently ask the young mind. I will write straight for England with your permission. Oswald said, I am already thirty miles on my way and the person is urging me to return as soon as possible. So be it. We have died and officer and four horsemen will be in readiness to ride with you as escort. A week later Oswald reached Ommick. He was the bearer of letters from Glendor and Mortimer.

1:14:13I was able to report the complete success of his mission as a mart of his satisfaction in the early order to deed of gift to me made to him of a large trooper of land extending over the hills between stubs and yard-obs. Someday he said as he handed the document to him. You will be master of yard-obs and thus by joining that few to that of stums you will have an estate that will make you impound the upper glades of Reddazale and Cockadale and will support the dignity of a knight Benaret which I know is still upon you and also appoint you a deputy ruler that matches with power of life and death upon all more rotors, revision outlaws. I have long felt that it would be well there should be one who encased in necessity could raise a hundred spears and so prevent bodies of more rotors from the other side of the border making sudden interruptions in the dales. Evermore than I have heard of you from Sir Henry, I am sure that you will carry out the charge most wearily. The new acquisition would not very largely increase Oswald's revenues for the greater portion of the grant was Hill and Moore. Nevertheless there were good many houses and small villages scattered in the dales, and it was these that raised attractive land to the value of a knight's view. In point of position however was a large addition, as a knight Benaret with a castle of stubs at one end of its holding and the hold of Yardup at the other he would occupy an important position on the border and curates at least a hundred spears among his sedans, in addition

1:15:17to the men at harms of the two strongholds. Three days later Hotspur released the whole of his Scottish prisoners and sent them under escort to the border. The purses now began in earnest their preparations for war, for greater convenience Hotspur went down to Morpeth while the Earl but took himself to Baruch on Tweed where he can confer more easily with his Scottish allies, who on their part were carrying out the condition, of which they had been released without ransom, needing that they would join their forces at that of the purses. Oswell made another journey into Wales this time by ship from Carlaw to Aberstoweth, and their acquainted Glendor and Mortemort with the preparations that have been made, assuring them that the rising would take place at the end of May. He also asked Glendor to raise his large and army as possible without delay, and threw Edmund Mortemort to be taken so that it once did herfurt. They were to raise his banner and summon his vassals and those of the Earl of March and join him. The king having on his return from the last expedition entered Ludlow, seized Mortemort's palat and other country, and appointed to the governorship of Ludlow a night on whose devotion he could rely. End of Chapter 20 Bowls sags the border by G.A. Henty. This is a Libbervox recording.

1:16:18All Libbervox recordings are on the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libbervox.org. This recording by Alexandria Adair. Chapter 21. Shrewsbury The Percy's preparations could not be carried on without exciting attention, and in March the king, seeing that the open to finds of his authority by the release of the Scottish prisoners would assuredly be followed by armed rebellion which Douglas would probably have pledged himself to aid as the condition of his release, began on his side to make similar preparations. Levies were called out and the Prince of Wales was appointed to the command of the Welsh marches in the governorship of Wales. Towards the end of June Douglas, faithful to his agreement crossed the frontier and was at once joined by Hotspur with the force he had gathered. His father was lying sick at Berwick, but was to follow as speedily as possible with the army collected in the north of the country and from Dumbar to states. It had been arranged that Glendor should meet the allies at Lyckfield, and on being joined by his uncle the Earl of West Merlin with his following, Hotspur March South. His intention was, after affecting a junction with Glendor, to march and give battle to the army which entering the Prince of Wales were advancing against him.

1:17:20At Lyckfield, however, he learned that Glendor had not completed his preparations in his vision time to join him. He therefore changed his direction made for Shrewsbury. Towards which place Glendor was marching. Percy's array had swollen as he went south. He had been joined by a number of archers from Chishol and by other adherents of the late king. These regarding the war as an attempt not to place the Earl of March upon the throne, but to overthrow the Usurper who had to throne their king. Oswald rode with 60 spearmen from his own estate while his father was 30 men from Yard-Up rode in his company. Both regarded the failure of Glendor to come to the place appointed as a serious misfortune. Of course, Oswald said, if he joins us at Shrewsbury before the king comes up, we will not matter much. Indeed, we've been one respect for the better. Mortimer with his force will be coming on, and though he is scarce likely to arrive at Shrewsbury in time for the battle, where he cannot leave Wales as someone has levies to the field, until the Prince of Wales are drawn off his force and marched to join his father, who is being forced afterwards to fill up the gaps in our ranks and be of great assistance. Should Henry be able to rally another army in the Midlands? He cannot hope to do so before we reach London.

1:18:20That sounds fairly Oswald, but he is always better to carry out the plans you have made in this absence of Glendor, the point arranged to my mind, Ogre-Zil. Henry was in able general, believing that the Persis would make for the Welsh border. He had posted himself a burnch on Trent, but as soon as he heard that they had changed their course, he started for Shrewsbury, and marched so quickly he arrived there before Hotsbury, thus throwing himself between the Persis and the Welsh. Hotsbury, on arriving near the town, was enraged at hearing that Glendor had not arrived according to his promise. The King's army was encamped on the eastern side of the town, and the northern forces took a post to short distance away. That night Hotsbury sent a document into the Royal Camp, declaring Henry to be forced worn and perjured, in the first place because he had sworn under a holy gospel they would claim nothing but his own proper inheritance, and that Richard should reign to the end of his life. Secondly, because he had raised, taxes in other oppositions, contriteaus, oath, and by his own arbitrary power, thirdly because he had caused King Richard to be kept in the castle of Pontrefect, without meat, drink, or fire, wherever he perished of hunger, thirst, and cold. There were other clauses, some of them regarding his conduct to Sir Evan Mortimer, the claims

1:19:23of the young Earl of March that the throne were also set forward and the document ended with a defiance. Henry simply sent his reply that he had no time to lose in writing, but he would in the morning prove in battle whose claims were false and feigned. Nevertheless in the morning when the two armies were arrayed on the order of battle, the King sent the avid of Shrews' brave-proposan emicable agreement. Hotsbury and Douglas, however, rejected the offer. The trumpets and blue on either side in the armies joined battle. Other numbers were about equal. Each consisted of some fourteen thousand men. Douglas and Hotsbury had taken their place in the center of their line, having behind them a party of their best knights. These charged with fury down upon the King's standard, which stood in the center of his army. Hotsbury and Douglas, his former rival, were accounted to of the best knights in Christendom, and the fury of their charge was irresistible. The center of the royal em is cleft and sundered, the King's guards were at once dispersed and had not Henry taken the precaution of arraying himself in plain armor, while two of his knights had put on royal sirtclothes. And battle would have at once been decided. As it was, the two knights were both killed, as were the Earl of Stafford and his Walter

1:20:24Blunt. The royal santa was overthrown, and the young prince of Wales sorely wounded in the face. He had already shown signs of great military talent, and, in spite of his wound, now showed a courage and presence of mine that justified the confidence his father had shown, in giving him important commands. He rode hither and thither among the disorganized troops, saw that the gap in the center was again closed up, and was ever to be met with the fight was hottest. The impetuous charge of Hotspur and Douglas was the ruin of themselves and their army. Had they paused until their troops and advanced close to the enemy in the mountain metadarms were all ranged closely behind them and in a position to support them, the fight would have surely have speedily terminated in their favor. But before these arrived the royal army had closed its ranks, and the rebel leaders with all their principal knights were cut off from the main body. Invained the men of the north tried to cut their way through the southern ranks, and come to the assistance of their chiefs. Who, surrounded now by the English knights and metadarms were fighting desperately against overwhelming numbers. In our after the battle began, many parties of Welshmen came up and joined in the conflict, but the absence of leaders in the loss of their respective captains, Hotspur and Douglas paralyzed the efforts of the Northgumbrians in the Scottish contingent.

1:21:27Yet both fought stately and suffered very heavy losses. For upwards of two hours Hotspur maintained the unequal fight, but at length an arrow pierced Hotspur's visor, and he fell dead from his horse. For the resistance was useless, and the survivors of the group which had been reduced to a mere handful surrendered. For another half hour the main battle raged and came the news that Hotspur was killed and Douglas and Westman and prisoners, the English horsemen dashed down on the flanks of the northern line, the spearmen pressed forward and the Scotch and Northgumbrians broken fled. When the knights first charged, Oswald had been with his own falling, and a hundred other horsemen on the left flank. As soon as he saw what had happened, he endeavored to ride around the right flank of the royal army, but was met by a much larger force in men and arms, and after hard fighting driven back. Oswald himself, with Roger on one hand and his father on the other, had several times viewed his way deep into the enemy's squadrant, and would have been cut off, and not the yard up Mausstrip was spurred furiously into the rescue and brought them all off again. Several times the charge was renewed but ineffectually. Half the rebel army had been killed, and when, at last, the infantry broke and it was clear there was no more to be done.

1:22:28Oswald, who was wounded in half a dozen places, called the survivors of his troop to follow him, and with his party rode off in good order. A mile from the field they halted for a few minutes. Not one of them, but had been more or less severely wounded in the desperate melee. They now took off their armor and bandage each of those wounds, and then mounting again they rode off. But do you say, Father, Oswald asked, shall we circle around and join Glendoa? We know his army is close at hand, and were they to attack tonight that she went in an easy victory, the king's men of Suffolk, Belnai, and Solis, we have. No Oswald, we have done enough. We have not been fighting for the Earl of March, we have simply been following our feudal lord as we were bound to do. He is dead, and we have not to do with this quarrel. What is it to us with a mantra and reuse king? They were not pursued. The greater part of the English cavalry were exhausted by their exertions against hot spurn Douglas. Their loss was extremely heavy, and those in a condition to pursue took up the comparatively easy work of cutting down the flying footmen. The battle had been a disastrous one on both sides. Their losses were about even. The number who fell altogether being put at ten thousand men.

1:23:31With Douglas, the Earl of West Merland, Baron of Kinderton, Sir Richard Vernon and other knights were captured. West Merlin, Kinderton, and Vernon were at once executed on the field of battle as rebels, but Douglas, as a foreign knight, was simply viewed as a prisoner of war and was kindly treated. Glendor took no advantage of the opportunity for striking a blow at the Royal Army, and instead of attacking it when spent by Fatigue and encumbered with Boonders hired at once to Wales. Had he, instead of doing this, March meets Sir Edmund Mortimer, who was hurrying forward with a powerful array, the United Force would have been fully double the strength of the English Army and a great commander would at once have fought a battle that probably would have altered the whole course of events in England. Glendor was conduct here showed that, although an able partisan leader in an irregular warfare, he had no claim whatever to be considered a great general. Traveling rapidly, Oswald and his party crossed the time, and hearing that the Earl, never covered from his illness, was marching down with his army to join his son, they wrote to meet him. It was a painful duty that Oswald had to discharge, and the old Earl, when he heard the defeat of the army and the death of the son to whom he was deeply attached and captured of his

1:24:31brother, the Earl of West Merland, gave way to despair, dismissed his army to their homes at once and retired, completely broken down in body and spirit, to his castle at work worth. So depressed, was he that when royal messengers arrived summoning him in the king's name to surrender and journeyed with him to London, he instantly obeyed. When questioned by the king why he had displayed the banner of revolt against him, he said he had done so on the urging of Hotspur, and the king, who was always inclined to lean in sea when lean in sea was safe, part of him, and permitted him to retain his dignity in his states. Oswald speedily recovered from his wounds, but his father suffered much. I have fought my last fine Oswald, he said, when his son wrote over to see him a few days after the return from the south. I have seen out that I am about to die, but only let me think so shall never be able to build sword menfully again. I have talked them matter over with your mother, and she agrees with me, that it were well I handed over yard up to you. I do not mean I should leave the old place, for generations my fathers have lived in doubt here, and I would feign do the same, but that I should hand over to you the few, and you should take oath for it to Northumberland, and lead its retainers in the field.

1:25:31Were it that there was a chance of another raid by the bear, as I would still maintain my hold myself, but their power was altogether broken and humbled and moreover the border scots and we are at peace now, as we have not been so long as memories run seen that we are fought signed by side against the king of England, and have suffered the same misfortune and defeat, and therefore I can hang up my sword. But for you there may be more fighting, from what I know of the older I am sure that you will never forgive Hotspur's death, and although at present he has reinstated his innocent estates, there can be no doubt the king will strike further blows against the power of the perses. Northumberland is a valiant soldier, tenacious in his purposes, and the lasting in his hatreds, had it not been that he was unonly broken by the news that we brought him, he would assuredly have marched out with his army and tried to join Glendon Mortemore, and at least have died fighting the end that he would best like. I do not that we shall see his raids banner again earlong. I hope not father, the end of taking me desperate, having that made me else mold, as I can no longer render service for the few I wish to hand it over to you. Just a bit of nominal charge, but I should like to see these state yours. I and my father have held our own work, intent to do so, ending so much who I mean by such

1:26:33plunders be can carry out from Scotland, which you have greatly advanced the family, and it's deputy board of the marches it is as well as your hope should be added to your holding. I should be glad to have you known as Sir Oswald Forstor of Yardop, and that says Sir Oswald Forstor of Stubes end in time. If things go well with you, I charge you to build a castle here in place of this hold, which has been good enough for plain men like myself and my father, but which is no fit for the state you now hold. I don't mean to say that I wish you'd always live here for maybe stuves and more pleasant to bodes, standing in a fair country, with the climate somewhat less hot than this, but I should like you to come up here at times and be known as Forstor of Yardop. I will carry out your wishes father, but will please me more for things to remain as they have been. My plan is best that I shall be a senator I'll hear for you, and things will be little changed to say that you will ride at the head of the retainers instead of myself. To not meet the nation hold a few and I can no longer render to service. Your mother's holy opinion and I've done enough of fighting for my life and to trouble myself no longer with ratings and wars. Your mother has shown the sound judgment and her advice has generally been good, though I never fully recognize this till I saw what great good it come up for wishing you

1:27:37to learn to read and write. For it is to that to no small extent you owe your repud rise in prison dignity. Accordingly, a few days later Oswald broke with his father to work worth, to which Castle the Earl had returned after his visit to England. At the request of John Forstor he received back the few from him in a point of dissent to it. As he was done Oswald rode to pay a visit to his cousins while his father returned to Yardope with two retainers he had brought with him. Oswald had not seen Adam Armstrong since the latter had come to Yardope after the rescue of his daughters and he was received by him with the greatest warmth and also by Alan, who although now nearly recovered from his wounds had fortunately for himself not gained sufficient strength to be able to accompany Douglas, either to Hamilton or on his march into England to join Percy. The girls were out when he rode up, but upon the return both showed the greatest pleasure, Jesse being the most demonstrative in her welcome. He's always been a sore subject with me Oswald. Alan said, that you should have ridden away in that gallant enterprise to rescue my sisters while I was lying here helpless and you indeed not of it until you'd taken them safely the Earl. Ah Roger, I'm glad to see you again and to thank you too for the share you took in

1:28:37it. In faith, Master Alan, there are no great things to do in Oswald of Porfe and I had but one opportunity and that not worth naming of striking a heavy blow. It seems to me that these things are never fairly divided, both in that avenger end of Hamilton I scarce struck a blow, while that of Fet and Wales and at Shrewsbury there was even more fighting than I cared for. I had to be no such a charred of the first and I am still stiff in the wounds I got in the second. There should be reason in such matters, it infects me sorely that we had to ride away from the bed without striking a few good blows in part payment of their raid here. I'm very glad you did not have to do so, Janet said. I think there was quite enough excitement in it and especially to him in done that rope, though indeed you are so strong I felt that I was quite safe with you. Roger left. I could have carried two of you and soothed you did not show your confidence at the time for you held on so tightly to the rope I be and a thing we should never get to the bottom. You told me to hold tight, Janet said indignantly. Yes, yes, that was natural enough. The difficulty was that you would not let go and at each knot it was as much as I could

1:29:40do to get you to let it slide through your fingers. Very well, Master Roger, in I shall take care not to let you lower me down a rope again. I trust that there will never be the need. Roger left. But indeed, although your weight was as nothing, I felt uneasy myself as we went down, but I feared I might grip you too tightly seeing that I am altogether unaccustomed to the handling of girls. Well, I suppose Roger, Jesse said, now that the wars are over you'll be marrying and settling down. I don't know how that might be. Roger replied slowly. I do not say that the matter has never ended my mind, seeing that I am now 7 and 30. It is one that should not be much longer delayed. I mean not, I have ever thought as to who should be the woman, but I have thought whether when the time comes that so else will take my wife, it would not be well that I should do the same. But I know not how I stand. The abode of Onwick, so far has allowed me to go into the world to unfrock myself and to become a man at arms instead of a peaceful monk. But I have not been dispensed from my vows of solbacy and where I to marry the matter might

1:30:44be taken up by the church and I might be put to many and soul penances and punishments for the breach of them. The others all laughed at the seriousness with which Roger had answered the girl's jessing remark. It is a matter that I have never thought of before Roger, as Walt said. But assuredly it would as you say be fitting and right that when I take a mistress you should do also, like master like man you know. Since the old thoughts have been turned that way I will see the abode next time I go to Onwick and lay the case before him. Of a truth you have made the most excellent man at arms and his equally certain you are an extremely bad monk. It would doubtless be well that you should obtain a complete absolution from your vows. For although I am sure that the good abode regards you now as altogether beyond this control would take no steps against you where he to hear of your marriage, it might not be so in the case of his successor. He is an old man the next abode may be of a very different character and looking through the books of the Convert he might say what has become of brother Roger, I see no record of his death. Then bridging my life's further he might discover your backsliding, might someone you before him, there is no saying what pains and penalties might inflict upon you.

1:31:45Roger moved, uneasily in his seat. Do not speak of such a thing I pray you master in prison and in his cell, flagellation nay, even worse might before me the hands of a rigorous abode, for in truth not could be well more serious than the offences I have already committed and he might hold that even though the present abode have been backward and taking notice of the matter this in no way would absolve him from doing his duty. And indeed as it is it was too hot spread that he gave permission for me to go out into the world, hot spread is dead and there is no per my own word in the matter. That at any rate I can put right Roger by myself going to the abode and letting him his lips that he did give that permission to Hotspur. Moreover I received different words from his own lips, still a useful for me to obtain from the abode letter giving full absolution for all offences committed up to the present time. That would be a great thing Roger said eagerly. This a matter I have often turned over my mind when on a long days ride and I have thought of what might happen when a new man to become abode of Onlook but such an absolution would surely go for much. No one can doubt more especially in abode that absolution by an abode is most effectual

1:32:47and as the offences committed before it are wholly wiped out and cannot be revived. It would be best to obtain total absolution from your vows, can the abode grant that Roger? To his mood question Roger replied many affirm he can do so and assuredly many abode have exercised that power. Others hold that although abode cannot lawfully do so bishops can. Well a few maintain that even these are uncapable and that nothing short of absolution by the holy father himself is of a fail. Soon whatever be the true state of things I should be well satisfied with an abode's absolution and still more so by abyships though were a great prince concerned someone interested might contest in matter. None will be likely to do so in the case of a man at arms or an asquire. Very well Roger. Then I will endeavour to obtain a full absolution from your vows by the abode and surely declined to give them my will when I see the ill pray him in consideration of the good services you have rendered to obtain it for you from the bishop. And have you doubt yourself thought of marrying Oswald? At a marmstrong asked. Nay uncle I can evade but a few days since and it will be time to think of taking me a wife for five years hence.

1:33:48So until these troubles have wholly ceased to a better me thanks for a night remain unwind there to take a wife with the risk of leaving her young widow. And that case old's will be things that will be little married in Northumberland for saving short truces in these but ill deserve this ever trouble on the border. I speak none of that Oswald replied. That was we should always be subject to border raid on both sides and even the serious wars between the two countries but I speak none of that would have troubles in England. It is natural to fight when Englishmen and Scottishmen meet, raid and battle but when Englishmen meet Englishmen it is terrible indeed. Another slaughter of Shrewsbury was create beyond measure who can say after the fires extinguished. As long as one may be called to arms again by the ill it is in good sooth better to remain single and have to write the wars leaving the young wife behind. Spoke in a very wazy and well Oswald at a marmstrong laughed. He is well to argue as to policy but such arguments go for not. Soon as a man's heart is fixed on any particular woman. And maybe so uncle but as I have never thought of marriage I am able to look at the matter dispassionately. Ah, we will have time to come Oswald. And you will then speedily come to consider that there are other things and the reason of this is of waiting to be considered.

1:34:50By the way I chose to act shootingly to base caught undergain by the valley of the Esk you will not forget our debt to the Beards. Though I lamented the disaster at home and done more many of my friends and acquaintances fell I could not put fear of death of William Beard and someone who was a relief indeed to me. I strengthened my whole DC but should have been ever obliged to remain in guard. The Beards never forgave or forget in the matter which they were tricked out of their captives must have discombined them sorely and wrinkled in their minds and so it would have tried to wipe out the memory and blood. I wonder they not done it before Hamilton but doubtless they had other matters in hand. Now I can live in peace but I too have not forgotten the injuries I suffered at their hands and should rejoice greatly did I hear that their stronghold been lifted to the ground. I hope that will be a long time before all kings march against Scotland again. The success of all our efforts should have told them that to what they will they were never conquered Scotland and Henry is not likely to quote another failure such as he met with two years since. It is not like walls with a wellish they are different people speaking in a different language or we in the lowland scotter of one blood and one language. Yes, on nobleman Scotland there is not a no in descent and a core between us seems to

1:35:51me almost as bad as a civil war. I hope that all will come to think so someday I was ruled but as long as the two kingdom center part was very interested in different alliance it will hardly be likely that there will be a permanent peace between them. That is so, I was well to great, just apart the scotland plays by her alliance with France and the aid that she gives her always by choosing the time we are fighting that are full upon us that keeps the trouble afoot. If Scotland were to hold herself a loof from France I see no reason why we should interfere with her in any way. No good is ever come to us from such alliance. No friend to her I am used ever going to Scotland to aid her in a press by Englishman fancy to Scotland but as a cat's port with which she will know in weakened England. There may be so but you must remember that France does aid Scotland when she keeps the main army of England busy the occupied. Yes but she does not fight England with that intent. She simply fights to give back the pro against the years lost and it is ready to make peace when it suits all the reggaardless of the interests of Scotland. France is never to be trusted. As well said, Gunt do I made a treaty with her a few years ago and what could as it done to him. Why when he needed her aid the most she made a treaty with England? Tis was when she made a treaty with the Persis and what could have came of it.

1:36:52She is ever ready to make treaty but never observed them unless it is to complain interest to do so. A suppose it is with nations with individuals as well. Self is just as a large share in the management of affairs. France made a powerful country to glide enough when pressed by the English to have made diversions for her whether in Scotland or Ireland but she has no idea but herself out for the sake of her allies when she desires peace with England. France had indeed been quick to take advantage of the trouble caused a Henry by the rising of the North. While it was gathering as army although there was a truce with England a French expedition in which many of the royal princes took part hadn't been again. Several castles held by the English adherents made frequent descents on our coast, plundered every ship they had met with, captured a fleet of merchant men, taken the islands of Gersony and Jersey and while Henry was fighting a truce breelain near Plymouth I'm plundered the whole country around. All the news reaching them of the result of the battle of truce braid they once burned Plymouth to the ground and then reimbarking sailed for France. All Roman struts in the part of Henry were met by declarations that these lateds were carried on without the knowledge of the French king and were greatly against his inclinations which were holy for the stictus observance of the truth.

1:37:55Nevertheless a few months later the count of St. Paul landed a force in the alibi white with the people at once rose in arms and defeated the invasors who sailed away hastily. Although having other matters in hand Henry professed to believe the French king's assurances the sailors and shipmasters were in no way content to suffer unresistingly and the men of the seaports of the east coast and of Plymouth and Fowley banded themselves together and carried on war on their own account capturing several fleets of ships loaded with wine and other valuable commodities burning the coast towns and making several raids into the interior of France and carrying off much plunder. It raised at this the French inciting the Fleming's Dutch and Hollander's decruons against the English and the sailing and great ships executed so many atrocities upon English crews and ships that Henry himself sent out a fleet under his second son who executed his commission, affectionately destroying ships burning towns and putting the people to the sword without mercy. Thus the breaches of the peace by the French, required terribly upon themselves and they suffered vastly greater loss than they had inflicted on the English. On the time when he let slip the opportunities both of Joining Hotspur and a following on the royal army after their victory, Glendor was power declined.

1:38:57For a time he continued to capture castles and carry out raids across the border but gradually he was driven back to his mountain strongholds, his followers lost heart. He became a fugitive and died on the 20th of September, 1415 in the 61st year of his age at the house of one of his married daughters, whether it's got a more mourning to his unknown. Mortimer died in Harlett Castle during the time it was besieged by the English. Then he said that his death was caused by depression and grief and the misfortunes that had fallen him. The Earl of Northumberland, John Forster, had anticipated a raise of Santa, revolted in 1405 in concert with the Archbishop of York and some other nobles, but before he could join these with his forces they had been forced to surrender to the king who had marched forward with the great army. The Archbishop and some of his associates were executed and the Earl, finding himself unable to oppose so great a force fled into Scotland. Onlook suffered without resistance and work worth after a siege of eight days. Her work was captured and his governor and several nights executed. Escaping from Scotland, where he feared he might be seized and serrated to England, the Earl sailed the Wales and for some little time stayed with Glendor. Then he crossed to the continent and in 1408 landed in Yorkshire and again raised his

1:39:59standard. The sheriff of the country called out the levees and attacked him at Bran and Moore, where the old Earl was killed and his followers defeated. In 1415 the king, being on the eve of war with France and anxious to obtain the goodwill and support of the Northumberlands, restored Hotspur's son, who had for years been a fugitive in Scotland to the states and honors of his father and grandfather. Fortunately it was for Oswald that the capture of his fellow conspirators caused the Earl to retreat in 1405 without giving battle. The young knight had it as someone's called out his tenets and with them and his retainers to join Percy. As soon as the latter decided to fly to Scotland his force scattered and Oswald returned home with his following. He took no part in the final rising before this took place he had married his cousin Janet. His father lived to be present at the wedding but died the following year and in accordance with his wishes Oswald took up his abode at Yardope which he largely added to and strongly fortify. Here his mother lived with him until her death ten years later. Oswald offered to Roger the command of his castle stubs with the burly square preferred staying at Yardope with his master. He himself had taken the wife, the daughter of one of the principal tenets on the estate, on the same day that Oswald married Janet.

1:41:01His uncle, after the surrender of Onlook lived at Yardope until at the return of Hotspur's son as Earl of Northumberland, he presumed his old position as captain of the garrison and maintained it till his death. End of chapter 21. End of, both sides of the border by G.A. Henty.