Folly at Cravant Part 1

For those who have read Lancastrian: The Knight of Colchester you will recall the instance which took the protagonist to France. Although his intent was to join his allies at Cravant, he and those traveling with him were captured and imprisoned in Paris. For the reader, this meant not knowing what happened at the battle near Cravant or how events relevant to William's escape came to be. With this short story, you now get the chance to see what took place away from the book's narrative during Chapter 3.

Because it is a lengthy story, several posts of this tale will precede the release of the sequel, The Tower of England, on November 27th! 

Now after Sir Benedict and Walter departed Fastolf’s estate the two knights set out immediately to gather their men. On order of the nobles, the army had already begun gathering in the fields south of London. There was a great encampment there in Southwark; fifteen hundred men-at-arms and two thousand archers waited for their commanders. Benedict and Walter brought with the one hundred knights.

“It does my heart good to see so many strong Englishmen assembled here!” Benedict exclaimed as he surveyed the army while they formed orderly lines and began embarking the ships gathered in the Thames.

“And it is good that we do not have to expend our energy marching south before coming to the transports,” said Walter.

“But Fastolf and William will go south and meet with Sir Montacute,” remarked Benedict. “Shame they cannot leave with us!”

“Being an influential Knight of the Garter will see our commander away on businesses of state often,” said Walter. “I do not envy Fastolf of these duties, but it is good that an honourable soul is involved with the nobles while we are yet kingless.”

“Indeed, for I would rather depart and take action through adventures and battles!” said Benedict.

By this time, most of the army had boarded and now the knights took to their ships. The horses, food, armour, and weapons were all safely secure. Then, the fleet began sailing upstream on the Thames out to the estuary and cruised further east beyond the lands of Kent and finally down through the Strait of Dover.

“The White Cliffs of Dover are such a wonderful sight!” exclaimed Walter. “And the prominent Dover Castle protects this place as it stands tall and strong!”

“Dover Castle has deterred many invasions of our soil!” said Benedict. “No French king has ever set foot yet in England for many reasons, and Dover’s strong defenses are among them!”

The English fleet remained close to friendly coasts for as long as possible, until coming away from the Strait and changing course to head more towards France.

“Sir Benedict!” the ship captain called out to the knights. “Where do ye attend to land?”

“Our destination is Fècamp,” replied the night. Then he turned to Walter and the other commanders. “From there the march south to Cravant will take the majority of the day. Pray we will have ample time to rest ere the battle.”

“I will rest now before we come to the docks in Normandy,” said Walter as he began going below deck.

“I envy you, sir,” said a nearby man-at-arms. “For if rest were simple on a tossing ship then there would be no need to hope for recuperation before we meet our enemies.”

Walter laughed, and then retired below decks. Meanwhile, Benedict remained topside, being ever closer to the vessel’s captain as his ship led the fleet south and across the channel.

“Tis not a fleet as impressive as the great armada assembled by King Henry V!” said the captain.

“Nay, but it will have to do!” replied Benedict. “But remember, many fighting men remained home to protect Henry VI and his uncle. I pray the Duke of Bedford safeguards the throne with just intent until the prince is ready to rule.”

“I believe all of England shares your wish,” answered the captain. “But look! Did you not see the shores of dimly through the Channel’s mist? We are close!”

“Yes, but it will be some time yet before we come to Fècamp further down the coast,” said Benedict. “This fog may bring a difficulty to the voyage, but it will cover our arrival. It will be better if the army is able to disembark ere the enemy is upon us.”

“But Charles’ army will not be near Normandy,” said the captain. “Or am I wrong? For I had thought the Franks engaged Cravant by now.”

“You are correct,” Benedict said slowly as he looked on towards the coastline as if attempting to catch glimpses of anyone watching them. “But as a knight, I suspect danger around any corner during a war.”

To be continued...

Buy the Lancastrian: The Knight of Colchester novel here