The Agincourt Campaign (Part I)

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction inspired by true events.

After book one of Lancastrian was published I thought about what could fill the gap that I now face before book two is finished. This is when I decided to explore two important events that shape William Bennett's future: the death of his father and the knighting of John Fastolf. Once you read this new short story alongside the novel the connection will become clear. 

Part I

From London to Harfleur

Sir James Bennett paced the floor as he agonized over a letter he was writing to his family. Back and forth before the sultry hearth he went. He had been in London for a year now after returning from his third campaign in France. Presently, his squire came to him and stood respectfully at the doorway, waiting for the knight to take notice. Finally, James stopped and looked at the page.

“What is it, Brice?’ James asked as turned away and peered into the lifeless fireplace. A fire would not be prudent during a hot summer.

“Sir,” Brice began but cleared his throat before continuing. “His majesty, King Henry V, seeks your audience.”

Before James could answer the king marched proudly into the room, taking the knight by surprise. Sir James turned and bowed low, then offered a seat to his ruler.

“It is a fine abode here in my city that you keep,” said the king.

“By what appointment does the king leave his palace?” asked James respectfully, signaling his squire to fetch food and drink.

“My legs needed stretching,” replied King Henry.

James looked curiously at his lord and knew there was something more to it.

“You think I jest, my knight?”                                                                                                

“No, sire,” replied James. “But you, my king, always have purpose for any activity.”

The squire came in, offering refreshments to his king and knight. Before the king took the cup of wine, his nearby servant took it and drank from it. There was an eerie pause. Then the servant handed the cup to Henry, who quaffed the rest of the wine and asked for more. James did not even finish his first cup.

“Ah! Such excellent flavor!” said Henry. “But onto my purpose now! Did you know that French threats against my territories swell every week? It appears that they mock my generous terms rendered through the treaty.”

“Yes, lord,” responded James. “I had heard that Parliament denied your request to go to war after the French denial.”

“Another deal with new terms has been brokered with Parliament. Permission has been given to pursue this endeavor. The council has sanctioned war. Will you go with me to France? I will require as many seasoned knights as possible.”

“With all respect Sire, I had wished to reunite with my family before winter,” answered James. “I have not seen my son, William, for several years and I sorely miss my wife’s embrace! But if my king requests my service, I cannot refuse.”

“Good!” Henry stood up, signaling he was ready to leave. “It will not be long before I set sail. Before then, send word to your home at Colchester and call your knights hither to London. Also, call upon Fastolf at Caister. I know you are discouraged, but rewards will find you after this campaign with a handsome number of coin and a return to Colchester.”

With that, the king left. James sighed heavily as he sat down again, putting his face in the palms of his hands.

“Bring me some more parchment,” James said. “And I would like a more wine. This meager amount here will not suffice anymore. It appears as though the letter to my family is not the only thing that will be penned this evening.”

The content of the letter to his family changed, now it was sad and not optimistic. It would have been a letter to make ready for his return to the estate, now it spoke of a potentially long military campaign in France. Then he wrote a separate letter to the garrison at Colchester, and another to John Fastolf, governor of Caister-on-Sea near Norfolk.

“Send riders to both Colchester and Caister Castle,” ordered the knight handing three letters to his squire. “There are two letters going to Colchester, so do not be perplexed. One goes to the captain of the guard and the other to my wife, Lady Isabel. Return here promptly.”

The page bowed and went out to do as his master commanded. But, it was not long after this that the young lad, whom was nearing the end of his tutorage under Sir James, returned and went to work packing all the essentials that would be needed on the journey to France. The subsequent days saw James’ few men-at-arms and knights in London prepare for departure. The squires of the four knights there were perhaps the busiest, as their masters concerned themselves with courtly affairs. These meetings went on throughout the next week within the king’s throne room, housed within London’s strong fortified walls. By this time, Fastolf had arrived in the capitol with his fighting men and they were soon joined by those from Colchester. The thrall of knights, lords, and nobles stood before the throne and talked amongst each other before the king had even come out to take his seat. Finally, he appeared, and the large gathering quieted their voices to hear the king, who was not a shy man.

“Do we all here perceive my reason for this gathering?” asked Henry V.

“My lord wishes to pursue military action against France,” answered a knight. “But, my king, we had believed your request for such a ploy was rejected.”

Every one present, except Sir James, waited for the king’s answer.

“This is true, Sir Alistair,” answered Henry. “However, it is also true that my wish for pursuing a campaign against France has recently been reconsidered, and granted.”

At this, those in the room began murmuring amongst themselves.

“My lord, what conclusion has the council come to that they give you permission to reignite war with our neighbors?” asked Sir Thomas Montacute, a young Knight of the Garter and strong ally of Sir James and Governor Fastolf.

“Since inheriting the throne from my father, I have worked very hard to make England secure here within our borders,” King Henry stated as he stood and paced around the dais upon which the throne of England was raised above the rest of the room. He was already a tall man and towered over most of his strongest knights.

“Now, I can continue that which my predecessors have long sought: the overrule of France!” he continued. “Unfortunately, not all Frenchmen acknowledge me as their rightful monarch. Now, while their country is afflicted with upheaval and weakness, it is a ripe time to conduct my plans. Our idiotic neighbors have brought civil war to their country while still attempting to deny me and my claim to territories in France. I was willing to spurn my claim to the French throne had they accepted the terms of the Treaty of Bretigny. But, they foolishly declined, and so have chosen a continuation of war.”

“Surely we must anticipate some resistance at first,” said Thomas Lancaster, 1^st Duke of Clarence and brother to the king. “Even if the French are busy fighting themselves they will spare anyone to repel our advances. May I suggest a place to stage our invasion?”

Thomas waited for an answer. Even the king’s own brother would not talk over his ruler. Henry nodded as he returned to his seat, signaling his willingness to hear plans from his trusted men.

“There is a port in the estuary of the Seine,” began Thomas. “If we can control the city there, it will be a strong place to proceed from for the invasion. Much like Calais has been for many years now.”

“What city sits there?” asked Henry. “Is it Harfleur?”

“Yes, my lord,” answered Sir James. “But, Calais remains firmly in English control. Why do we not land the army there?”

“If we can take yet a second strong port city it will greatly benefit the king’s intentions,” said Thomas. “The treaty we proposed would have ensured England retained control of our territories in northern France, but since this offer was declined, we will take more than what was originally asked.”

“With respect, my lord,” James stepped forward close to the steps that led up to the throne. “Do we need to pursue more conflict with France? You have secured England and all her borders. We are safe and many of us wish to return home. The French are, as you said, fighting amongst themselves. I do not dispute your claim to France’s throne, but do we need to hound this claim now?”

“But when the French denied the treaty they publicly mocked our king!” Alistair spoke up, defending Henry’s plight. “They must be made to respect the House of Lancaster!”

“Sir James, you are a wise man,” said the king. “But what kind of king would release his grip on the things he is entitled? The kingdom of France is rightfully mine, through my relation to King Edward III.”

There was tension in the air. Sir James would follow his king anywhere, but it was no secret that the knight was critical of England’s occupation of France. Fastolf reached forward and drew his friend back away from the steps.

“Do not fear, Sir James,” said the king. “It is not my goal to conquer the entire French nation, only impose the superior English law within their courts. King Charles VI is of weak mind and not fit to rule. Even his own subjects see that he fights insanity and so they will seek strength elsewhere. They will look to the strong Lion of England! But I ask you, my most trusted men, how do we approach a port city for a siege?”

“The estuary leading towards Harfleur is too narrow for ships of war,” said Fastolf, who was known as a great student of war and a brilliant tactician. “We cannot disembark at the port itself, but rather at the mouth of the Seine. Once we land, our sizeable force and can easily surround the city. This will work to our benefit, as a landing closer to the city would come with heavier resistance. The fleet must remain in the Channel to ensure no French ships come behind us.”

“Then let us go and make ready!” said the king walking down the dais and going out of the throne room. His knights turned and followed.

“The fleet will need time to prepare,” said Montacute. “With all your knights and nobles here we can gather nearly 8,000 men.”

“Ah, good!” said Henry. “I hope most are proficient in archery!”

“If any proper Englander lacks skill with a longbow then he brings shame to our country!” said Thomas.

“But how soon can all these men be ready to leave?” asked Henry, looking to his brother.

“Most of the men are already here in London, lord,” replied the duke. “But we will have to march out of the city to the docks at Southampton . It is less trouble to move an army through friendly land than bring hundreds of ships up into the Thames then back out again the way they came. We can be at the docks in two days.”

“Hundreds of ships? Ha!” Henry laughed haughtily. “The defenders at Harfleur will cower when they hear of my coming fleet!”

“They will indeed, sire,” said James.

“Then let us leave in three days’ time!” said the king. “Spend tomorrow gathering the necessary tools for a siege.”

At this, some of the knights showed hesitation.

“What now?” King Henry exclaimed. “The 13^th of August? Come now! Do not be cowed by superstition! You are king’s men!”

Then the council dispersed amid a few groans and whispered complaints. King Henry went his way with his brother, but Fastolf and Sir Montacute went back to James’ estate within the capitol. When they arrived the hearth was hot, so they called for and received refreshments from the squire, Brice. Fastolf’s young page, Hadrian, was there also.

“Brothers, when will this conflict end?” James sighed, both from the heat of the day and the weight of their coming venture. “I grow weary of strife and conflict. But, such is the life of a knight! We must bleed and die for our king and country.”

“We at least are blessed that our king is not one to cowardly shy from battle,” said Fastolf. “For King Henry’s reputation beyond the court is that of a warrior. I have not yet fought a French or Scottish army where the king led his troops.”

“Does not the king of France deserve leniency?” asked James. “All of Europe knows the man suffers from lunacy. His uncles have added to his stress as a boy by squandering the inheritance of the family. I am sure there is more to his story than that, but when a man goes crazy should we not pity him?”

“I do agree, but still believe France to be our enemy,” said Fastolf. “Their king’s generals are lucid enough to seek war against their fellow countrymen. Perhaps our king is more justified in his claim of France than some think? King Charles’ insanity is extreme to the point of him imagining that he was made of glass! He has even denied ever taking a wife or producing an heir.”

“His knights will not be so easily persuaded to submit to a new king,” said James. “The people of France, however, might prefer our strong monarch!”

“Showing them that we are stronger simply through battle will not be enough,” said Fastolf. “England has enjoyed more victories in combat than France since this conflict began. King Henry needs to do more.”

“Will the people of France see our law as better for them?” asked Montacute. “I am doubtful of this.”

“Even our French allies, the Burgundians, are unreliable,” said James. “John the Fearless of Burgundy acts as regent to his cousin, the king. Though we still hold friendship with his house, I doubt John will betray his own blood.”

“I say we part ways with all Frenchmen!” Sir Benedict, a very tall and strong man, entered the room. “England will be better off leaving that country and letting it burn as they destroy themselves! Things are good here in my beloved England, even without expanding our rule!”

“Ah! Sir Benedict!” James rose to meet his friend. “Glad we are to have you join us! It will be good to have you and your knights with us. But I’m afraid King Henry will not agree with your belief that we should leave France alone. War is inevitable.”

“Then I will meet it with my great axe!” exclaimed Benedict. “As you know, I prefer this weapon. I only carry a sword for impression.”

The knights laughed and continued discussing their disdain for the war. While they openly supported King Henry, they wished to leave France entirely. Henry knew of this disagreement, but would never imprison his men for a difference in policy, unless it led to open disobedience. Wise leaders never surround themselves with fawners and yes-men. Henry V was seen as strong and charismatic, as such, his knights would never go against his expressed will. Another brother of Henry, however, John Lancaster, the Duke of Bedford, shared more differences than the knights did, and had openly disobeyed the king on numerous occasions. While Henry planned to control only part of France, John Lancaster wished to totally conquer their neighboring country and be set up as its ruler.

The time had come to leave London. The army gathered in the fields of Southwark, south of London Bridge. King Henry was not afraid of leading his troops, whether it was for a simple march or while charging into battle. The simplest man-at-arms knew that his king would not shy away from battle. This emboldened their fighting spirits with confidence in their king. The priests, who traveled with the army, gave a blessing and benediction before they set off. Their path did not stray too far from the Thames River at first, which took the slow-moving march east a little. London’s strong walls and towers were visible for some time. But soon they were heading south, then southeast. This path took them through many open fields and farmlands. Only a quarter of the day had gone by when they reached a heavily forested area with a large clearing towards the center, which still had patches of trees scattered throughout. Here there were ancient mines and a small encampment of miners, who starred and gawked at the bright array of the king’s parade. On through more forests they passed and some of the men began to groan and complain.

“A mere 17 leagues sit between us and Southampton,” said James. “I hope the men’s spirits rise before we come to France. Marching through hostile lands will be more difficult than this!”

Eventually they went through Chelsfield, a town in the northwestern part of Kent County. Not long after this, the town of Otford was reached and here, the king ordered a short rest. Henry took advantage of this time and gathered his top knights and captains.

“Now, tell me how we should approach Harfleur,” he asked after looking over a map.

“Sire, the first goal we must pursue is landing safely on the French shores,” said Fastolf pointing to the estuary near their target city. “You see here there are smaller waterways that lead up to and passed the city. We can dock there but then we must use our ships to set a blockade at the mouth of the Seine River.”

“What is it your fear from the river?” asked Sir Benedict. “Surely any reinforcements from Paris by river will be slow in arriving.”

“True that is, sir,” replied Fastolf. “But there are docks all along the great river’s length. It is larger than the Thames we are all used to, and so the French have wisely placed military docks all along this river’s shores. Were it not for this, Benedict, then we would have nothing to fear from the water. We do not want to lose access to our ships, and hence risk the only way home.”

“Could we not also use a few ships to bombard the city?” asked Alistair. “If we can do this it could make our siege more fluid, once the army comes closer to the walls.”

“Nay, we must do this slowly,” replied King Henry. “I wish to leave as much of the town untouched as possible. Even if this means a long and rigorous siege awaits us.”

They did not linger here long, and soon the king gave the order for the continuation of their march. The trek southward continued in much of the same fashion as it started; no trouble befell the army, save the usual fatigue and slow pace a great host endures while traveling to their destination. Sussex County was easy to pass through, and the soldiers indeed had little more to complain about. Eventually, word spread that the ships bound for France would not leave until the next day. At this, their spirits rose. A night of rest, food and wine awaited them at Southampton! King Henry and his servants would bunk at the castle there, which provided a beautiful view of the Channel. The lord of Southampton was expecting them, and although he found great honor is housing the king, he grumbled when the men from the army caused disturbances in town.

“My king!” said the lord bowing as Henry entered the stone walls. “I am glad to see you here before you depart! I know it is simple, but may my contribution here be of some help to the war effort.”

“Indeed, lord Adrian,” said the king as his entourage came into the great hall. “This town it still important to the safety of England, as the castle watch could easily spot any incoming ships from France. But I am glad for your hospitality!”

“You may sleep in my quarters,” said Adrian. “It is more humble than your stately accommodations in London, but it is homely.”

While the king and his servants went up to prepare the chambers James also sought rest. Since there were few adequate rooms to lay a head in the castle itself, and the town possessed several comfortable inns and taverns, James found one to his liking and prepared to rest his road weary bones.  He was not one to indulge in many drinks before a battle, but his close friends, Fastolf and Benedict, however, drank more than their fill and sang the night away.

“Most of those who drink now might regret doing so when we board the ships tomorrow,” James said to himself. “There will not be much time to sober up between the beginning of our voyage and the commencement of the siege.”

After this he prayed for his king and country, then placed his sword aside the bed and drifted to sleep.

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