An orderly retreat was quickly organized once the treaty had been arranged with Conan. The greatest damage was to the Norman treasury and to the pride of Duke William. He had been unsuccessful in defeating a minor count who had usurped the dukedom of Brittany. Conan’s guerrilla tactics had humbled him, embarrassed him. He wanted to hide from the facts.

Again the army was engaged in a forced march to the Odo/Osbern supply depot. They would collect enough supplies to see them home and for all intents be disbanded. The war council , their retainers and the captive Saxons returned swiftly to Rouen. William remained incommunicado for two whole days while his court milled about the castle awaiting further orders. William never left his personal apartment. Finally his eleven year old daughter gained access to her father.

“Lisa, my daughter, how nice to see you.” He gathered her up in his great arms for a bear hug. It was an invariable for father and daughter. She squeezed him as hard as her tiny arms could and he pretended.

“I’ll give you the biggest hug you ever got! Grrr! Grrr! Oh! Oh! My daughter I give! I give! I love you!” He kissed her on both cheeks and set her down.

“Mon Pere, why are you so sad?”

“ Well Ma Chou, the war in Brittany didn’t go the way I wanted. I am embarrassed, distressed, and worried.”

“Cook told me, ‘No use crying over spilt milk.’ I think that means things already done. Just clean up the mess and pour more milk.”

“Out of the bouche des enfants, and cooks. You are likely right, my Dear. You have cheered your father up. Tonight, I will have my meal with you and your mother. At present I had better set some wheels in motion. You tell that idiot page outside the door I will meet with my council in two hours. He is to summon them all from around the castle. Shoo now!”

“Yes Father!” and she kissed him again and left him with a smile on his face.

Meanwhile, Sir Richard and Sir Thomas Trivett left Squire Jean to the armory books and the great heaps of assorted gear. They promised to be back shortly. Off the two rode, the old knight and the new knight making directly for Sir Richard’s modest estate. Thomas had been released from his duty with Harold on the return to Rouen and with a title and an acceptance by Sir Richard it was difficult to keep a broad smile of satisfaction from engulfing his whole face. At an easy canter they entered the yard. Talk of engulfing—they were surrounded by a large litter of children. There was hardly a place to dismount as Richard and Thomas swung out of the saddle. Richard’s son John, who had attached himself to Thomas months ago was already asking questions as he held Easy Walker. All the others wanted their father’s attention and Richard scooped them up and kissed them all. John and an older sibling were assigned the horses for care and a gaggle of youngsters made off to the stable. Dame Joan and Jo-Anne stood demurely and lady-like by the open door.

“God!” exclaimed Thomas,” What beautiful women!”

Sir Richard with youngsters at both legs made for the welcoming sight at the threshold. He scattered his progeny and clasped his wife. The kiss that followed embarrassed Thomas. He had never seen his parents so amorous. He was a little mystified about his actions, but Jo-Anne was not. Thomas extended his arms and Jo-Anne leapt at the chance. Arms encircled his neck and he nearly smothered in the ensuing kiss until he remembered to breathe through his nose. Sir Richard and Joan finally

separated to find the youngsters still submerged. After three “ahems!” by the seniors the young lovers separated. Thomas was beet red from his collar to his hairline, partly in embarrassment and partly in ardor.

“Well, my Thomas, when shall we marry?”

“Maintenent, une seconde! How do you know I gave my approval?”

“Oh Father! Really! Come we’ll all have a glass of Trivett wine to celebrate our betrothal.”

Sir Richard looked at Sir Thomas. He shrugged his shoulders, palm of his hands out. ‘What are you going to do?’ The little ones were sent off with a young maid and the four retreated to the great room. Joan and Jo-Anne brought some bread and wine and the four began an extended meeting of news and planning. After the wine had been poured, Sir Richard arose. “I must first offer a toast of congratulations to Thomas and introduce him to my family as Sir Thomas Trivett, knight of the court of Duke William of Normandy!”

Thomas didn’t have time to join in the toast as Jo-Anne launched herself at him. He did keep the wine in the goblet and gave himself to the ensuing kiss. Her parents waited patiently and finally were able to consummate the toast. Jo-Anne and Joan were rapt in wonder. Why? How? When? Where? Thomas, proud though embarrassed, made light of the whole affair.

“I was assigned to Harold of England as his squire. He advised Duke William that I had done a good job and the Duke dubbed me on the spot.”

“But what did you do?”

“He was involved in the only real battle in Brittany alongside the Saxon. Then he anchored a mud swim to save some boys in quicksand. It was quite a rescue.”

Jo-Anne beamed. She knew she had chosen the right man. Then they got around to toasting the upcoming nuptials and initial arrangements were made for a meeting of the families. The Trivetts were to come to Sir Richard’s. The two couples, young and old wished to be alone and the wedding arrangements were left while Richard and Joan retreated to their bedroom. The young couple slipped away to one of their haunts when Thomas was the estate’s director.

Back at Rouen castle the page had been successful in gathering the councilors. They met around Duke William’s great table. Wine was served and all relaxed. On came an enlivened William. The cloud of despair had left his forehead. Without preamble or explanation, he launched his meeting.

“Gentlemen.”

“My Lord,” they chorused.

“I have had two days to ponder the disaster of Brittany. To say the least, I was disappointed in our showing, However, we gained some valuable concessions: taxes, Breton forces, and sea power. Conan, undefeated, is now my vassal. I wanted to crush him. Regardless, that is behind us. We still have two problems with us. What shall we do with Harold and Wulfnoth?”

The council remained quiet expecting the duke to expand on a rhetorical question.

“Roger de Montgomery?”

“Kill them!” It was always black and white for de Montgomery.

“Robert de Mortain?”

“Sue for ransom. They should be worth a few gold pieces.”

“Bishop Odo?”

“Brother, I have already been considering our position. We have never said, ‘Harold ,you are my prisoner.’ We have told him, ‘Harold, you are my guest.’ Unwilling guest, no doubt. It would be no problem to assassinate both Godwinessons. They are at our mercy. But, such action would certainly alienate the English lords where Harold wields great power. It could unite the warring factions of petty lords to repel invasion or even attack Normandy. Secondly, murder even well disguised murder, will out. The present pope is greedy and can be bought for thirty pieces of silver, but not likely in the event of murder. We do need church support.

The same argument applies to ransom. That means Harold has been our prisoner not our guest. Who would pay the ransom? King Edward is likely happy to have him in Rouen. His brother Tostig has free rein in York. He and Harold are not close. Robert and I foresee a brotherly battle. I’m afraid England would say keep them both.

I believe our best plan would be to have them swear an oath of fealty to you My Lord.”

“What’s that exactly?”

“My Lord, it is an acknowledgment of obligation. He is indebted to you for horse, armor, and crusader sword as well as lodging.”

“So?”

“On the surface it appears very simple. ‘Merci bien, I owe you.’ But, on a deeper level we will conclude he has promised to aid you in your ascension to the English crown.”

“Brother Odo, that might work.”

“How would the pope react to such an oath?” wondered Roger.

“We would gather the holy relics from the churches. They all claim a piece of the cross, a nail, or some blood associated with Christ. We’ll have him swear over them.”

“Odo, I like your plan. Do it! I’ll prepare Harold and Wulfnoth later today. Let’s see—‘We have decided you should return to England. Bishop Odo is preparing an oath of fealty so you may properly thank us for your gifts.’ Yes that would do.”

When Lisa reported to Duchess Matilda that the Duke was out of his funk, she decided to reinforce the glow. She sent orders to Cook for a fine family meal: some appetizers, cheese and biscuits, bacon wrapped prunes, bacon wrapped chicken livers, pastry wrapped sausage, some soup-creamy chicken, some fish-sole with spinach, a light entree of pheasant with fresh vegetables, and a dessert left to the chef’s imagination. Matilda selected the wine from the cellar herself.

During the meal the Duke was animated. He enjoyed his family. He was actually effervescent. His pet Lisa looked on shrewdly. When supper was over, and the children were dismissed, Lisa remained briefly. “Did you pour more milk Mon Pere?”

“Yes, Yes! My Dear!’ and he hugged her fiercely and kissed both cheeks.

He explained the interchange to Matilda when their daughter left. They both had a wry laugh at the circumstance. He explained the plan for Harold to his wife and she approved whole heartedly. As they were about to retire to her bed chamber he called the young page. “Inform the Saxons, Harold and Wulfnoth, I’ll see them tomorrow at ten o’clock to discuss their return to England.”

“Yes, My Lord.”

Before William and Matilda could escape, Bishop Odo requested audience with a draft of the oath of fealty.

“My Lord and brother, how good of you to see me.”

“Odo, I expected you to be prepared.”

“Yes My Lord, here is the second draft of the oath for Harold.

“In thanks to Normandy, I, Harold Godwinesson, by the grace of God, lord of Wessex, and advisor to Edward, King of England from this hour forth will be faithful to William, Duke of Normandy and Maine and his successors. I shall support him by deed, word, and counsel, except in deference to the wishes of Edward of England. I will support William, Duke of Normandy and Maine in peace or in war. I will keep him safe from harm or capture. I will speak or be silent in his support. His counsel is safe with me. I will remain true to William Duke of Normandy and Maine henceforth until My Lord releases me.

I bear witness in Rouen Cathedral before these holy relics and on this Holy Bible in the presence of Bishop Odo of Caen, William, Duke of Normandy and Maine, Wulfnoth, Lord of England, Count Roger de Montgomery, Count Robert de Mortain, Count William fitz Osbern, Count Roald of Bonnetable, and Count Reginald de Le Mans on the fourteenth day of May in the year of our Lord 1064, so help me God.”

“I don’t like the reference to Edward’s wishes. The old fool may say anything to obtain his wishes. Harold can use that as a loophole if he decides to ascend the throne. No, I don’t like that at all. I want to tie him up!”

“I understand my Lord. However, think of this as a thank you that we are purporting. If he refused the oath, because of fealty to his king we would have to slay him. Better to show him the loophole and secure the mousetrap beyond. He may wiggle through the hole, but the church will condemn him beyond.”

“Well, I don’t like it. Have the council meet tomorrow at nine. I’ll take their advice.”

“Yes, My Lord.” Odo bowed his way from the room and William retire to Matilda’s bed.

“I tell you, Mother, Jo-Anne is a beauty. Her mother Dame Joan has prepared her as not only a well-trained wife, but also as an apt partner in marriage. She is a beauty, Mother.”

“Thomas, I believe your assessment. I love Sir Richard, but what makes you think you can rise above your station in life?”

“Oh, Mother, Father, I forgot to tell you. I am now Sir Thomas Trivett and my brother is Sir William Trivett.”

“What?”

“It’s true, Father.”

“My Son!” and Mary threw her arms about Thomas and hugged and kissed him. Thomas Senior waited to shake his son’s hand, hug and pat him on the back.

“How?” they asked.

“It was because of Harold, the Saxon. William and I were assigned to Harold and his brother Wulfnoth and we got involved in a skirmish with twenty Breton marauders. I guess we did all right. Then when some of our troops got trapped in quicksand, Harold had his brother, Will and me form a swimming chain. I was the anchor. We swam in the mud out to the men and dragged them to safety. Harold badgered the Duke to knight us , and he did, right there. I suppose as his vassal he’ll likely provide a little land for us as he did with Sir Richard.”

“Marvellous, we are proud of you and Will, My Son!’

“Now, Mother, Father, can you come to Sir Richard’s Sunday to discuss the wedding?”

“Oh my! What news! Yes, we will be there, if I don’t have an attack from shock.” They retired to the kitchen and sat about the table to discuss the future.

The council met at nine. Montgomery and Mortain sided with the Duke and the others backed Odo. The oath would stand as written. It was not without precedence that fealty oaths could be made to two people. The Duke swore an oath to the king. The count swore and oath to the king and duke. The knight swore and oath to the king, duke and count. Therefore Harold and Wulfnoth would not find an oath to William amiss. Harold would immediately notice the escape clause. Saintly Edward, the Confessor would confess to anything under pressure. Any edict by Duke William could be countermanded by Edward’s orders. Besides, saintly Edward was devious. He’d play both ends against the middle. On one end was William Duke of Normandy and on the other Harold, Lord of Wessex. The prize in the middle was the English crown.

Harold and Wulfnoth arrived at ten. They were apprised of the oath. Harold agreed forthwith. When their life or freedom was at stake they may agree to most anything. They questioned about the relics and Odo explained that the cathedral had a vial of dried blood. With little discussion the hour was set for the following day May fourteenth at the nones.

The same group met May 14 at nine o’clock at Rouen Cathedral. The men were obliged to remove their weapons and leave them with their aides. Odo was before the altar performing preceremony ablutions. He was dressed in his finest brocade robe woven with patterns of red and gold lame. He wore his mitre, ornately decorated in the same material. The delegation knelt and crossed themselves , and Odo, Bishop of Caen urged them forward. They strode through the nave. The Bishop arranged them in a semi-circle about the altar and called Harold and Wulfnoth before him. The communion table was draped with a purple and gold robe that touched the floor.

“Let us pray.” Intoned Odo as his voice resonated in the confines of the cathedral. All knelt. Odo launched into a five minute prayer and ended with the Lord’s Prayer. The Normans rose, but the Saxons maintained their kneeling before the altar. Odo explained the significance of the oath. Basically, it was a promise of support and loyalty in peace and war. It was a double edged sword as the vassal and the lord had obligations to each other militarily and financially. The Church and therefore the Pope held sanction against the breaking of these oaths and the full might of Christendom may be brought to bear on the miscreant who broke his oath.

“Gentlemen, you may kiss the cross.” He proffered his golden cross first to Harold and them to Wulfnoth.

“Repeat after me, Harold.”

“In thanks to Normandy, I, Harold Godwinesson, by the grace of God, lord of Wessex and advisor to Edward the Confessor, King of England.” Harold complied.

“Now Wulfnoth.”

“In thanks to Normandy, I, Wulfnoth, lord of Wessex, and advisor to Edward the Confessor, King of England.” In a muted voice Wulfnoth repeated the words.

“Both of you.”

“from this hour forth will be faithful to William, Duke of Normandy and Maine, and his successors.” Harold’s voice rang out, but Wulfnoth was most subdued. Odo went on

“I shall support him by deed, word, and counsel except in deference to the wishes of Edward of England.” The Saxons chorused Odo’s words. Odo continued

“I will support William, Duke of Normandy and Maine in peace or in war.” They swore. “I will keep him safe from harm or capture.” Their oath continued. “I will speak or be silent in his support. His counsel is safe with me.”

The Saxons’ words echoed in the transept.

“I will remain true to William, Duke of Normandy and Maine henceforth until My Lord releases me.” Wulfnoth nearly choked on that one.

“I bear witness in Rouen Cathedral before these holy relics[none were visible] and on this Holy Bible in the presence of Bishop Odo of Caen, William, Duke of Normandy and Maine, Count Roger de Montgomery, Count Robert de Mortain, Count William fitz Osbern, Count Roald de Bonnetable, Count Reginald de Le Mans and my brother Lord of England.”

“On the fourteenth day of May in the year of Our Lord 1064 so help me God.”

Harold and Wulfnoth complied and swore “so help me God!’

Odo proffered his golden cross to each and then the Bible for them to kiss. While the altar was basically empty two altar boys folded and removed the purple golden cloth. Odo stepped aside.

“Gentlemen, before you rise I draw your attention to the Holy Relics on which you have sworn your oath.” Wulfnoth swung on his brother. “There is a portion of wood taken from the true Cross. There is a vial of blood retrieved from the body of God on Earth. The cloth was retrieved from Jesus’ death robe so callously bargained for by the Romans. And lastly, the flagon is the chalice used by Christ, Our Saviour at the Last Supper. This ceremony will be written and attested by the witnesses and forwarded to the pope. You may rise.”

Dark looks emanated from the English brothers. They had been tricked by the Normans. The relics were the clincher to the oath. They left the cathedral quietly without outburst while they wished to get even with William. Wulfnoth, the more religious of the brothers was more rigorously shaken. Harold warned him with knitted eyebrows to hold his tongue.

Duke William spoke on the steps of the cathedral. “Gentlemen, this armed patrol has brought your belongings and your palfreys. They will accompany you to the coast to protect you from harm. There you will board a Norman vessel and be taken to your homeland. I hope you have enjoyed your visit.”

There was some grumbling from Wulfnoth which sounded like another kind of oath, but Harold replied lightly. “My Lord, our stay has been joyous. We had perfect accommodations especially Wulfnoth. We had fine food, considering Norman tastes. We enjoyed your little tete a pied with Count Conan and now as your vassals we would be pleased to help you again. One day you must visit our fair island. We’ll be certain to offer you the same hospitality.”

Fitz Osbern caught William’s arm. William fumed and the Saxons mounted and left Rouen.

“Now, what in hell are we going to do?” queried Wulfnoth in sotto voice.

“Why, go home.”

“I mean about the oath.”

“Wulfnoth do you mean to tell me you gave that oath without your fingers crossed.” A burst of laughter escaped Harold to the fury of William and Wulfnoth.