Theobald makes a request

“Good evening, Theobald,” Sigefrith said as he rushed into the hall. “I am sorry for keeping you waiting, and sorry I haven’t much time to spare you.”

“I thank Your Majesty for seeing me, then,” Theobald said in his deep voice. “I shall be quick about it. I would like to come with you.”

“Come with us?” Sigefrith repeated, rocking back onto his heels thoughtfully. “You’re no warrior, Theobald. Couldn’t you better serve me here?”

“I learned how to use a sword as a young man, just as my lord Earl did. Besides, Egelric Wodehead is no warrior, and I have heard that he is going.”

“That’s a little different. He’s the Duke’s squire. In any case, you’re not any ordinary farmer. You realize that your relationship with our neighbor in the hills makes you a valuable friend to me.”

“Githa will still be here – she’s his niece as well as his daughter-​​in-​​law. My children are his grandchildren. He will not lay waste to the valley in my absence, if that is what Your Majesty believes.”

“I don’t believe that at all, Theobald. I simply know that your father is our best source of news from the Norman court.”

“He needn’t be told that I am gone. Githa can’t read, but she can take his letters to my lord Earl.”

Sigefrith considered. “Why are you doing this, Theobald? Perhaps it’s wrong of me to say this, but I have never thought of this as being your battle. I didn’t think it mattered to you who was king in London. Your family has ruled here for generations, through it all.”

“My family does not rule in this valley,” he said grimly. “Your Majesty does.”

“And if I command you to stay behind?”

“Then I will stay.”

“And if I do not?”

“Then I will follow.”

“Very well, Theobald. I shall make you my squire, and Alred can rest more easily knowing that I shall not steal his man away from him. Damn, I haven’t had a squire since my last was killed at Hastings. Well, well. Let’s hope you have better luck than he,” he grinned, clapping Theobald on the shoulder.

Theobald bowed.

“Egelric and Alred are taking care of getting the men together. It’s getting late tonight, so go see Alred tomorrow morning. And come see me tomorrow afternoon. And bring your sword,” he smiled. “I want to see just what you can do with it.”