The Bastard King by Jean Plaidy

discovering of it.’
    So he sat at his books under the supercilious eye of Mauger.
    But change was in the air.
    He was summoned to the great hall and there he sat on the throne while Raoul de Vacé addressed him on behalf of the assembly.
    In view of the troubled state of the Duchy it was thought advisable that the Duke should show himself to his people. He must therefore prepare for a tour through the important towns of Normandy.
    William was excited. It would be a change from poring over Latin books with old Mauger. Moreover, they would pass through Conteville and he would be able to see his mother.
    It was left to Osbern – who was closer to him than anyone else now that he had lost his father and could not see his mother – to tell him.
    Osbern came into his chamber and sat on the stool there.
    â€˜There are many things you must understand, my lord,’ said Osbern. ‘And the first is that there is trouble within your dominion. Trouble from outside is a terrible threat to any land but when it comes from within that is more to be dreaded.’
    â€˜From within, Osbern? What means this?’
    â€˜Some of the barons are of the opinion that Normandy needs a strong Duke. You are but ten years old.’
    â€˜I will be a strong Duke and not always ten years old.’
    â€˜They are concerned with now, my lord, not eight years’ time. I regret to tell you that Alain of Brittany was not what your father believed him to be.’
    â€˜A traitor!’
    â€˜Scarcely that – but ineffectual. There is murmuring throughout the Duchy. One cannot be absolutely sure whom one can trust.’
    â€˜I shall always trust you, Osbern.’
    â€˜Oh, there are a few of us. You can rely on Thorold.’
    â€˜I would to the death. Thorold and all the lords who swore fealty to me . . .’
    â€˜You must learn not to be too trusting.’
    â€˜Osbern, I will not be kept in the dark.’
    â€˜I thought not, my young lord. Nor shall you. Many of those who owe you their fealty are restive. They are saying that you are too young and that . . . others come before in the succession. They are saying . . .’
    William stood up, his fists clenched and his eyes flashed. ‘They are saying that I am a bastard. Is that it, Osbern?’
    Osbern lowered his eyes. ‘They are saying that, my lord.’
    â€˜And if I am a bastard. Was not William Longsword a bastard? Was not Richard the Fearless one? And was not Richard’s father murdered when Richard was but my age?’
    â€˜â€™Tis true indeed and dangerous times had to be lived through. Thus it is with you, my lord. We must be wary. We will show you to your people and they will see that young in years though you may be, you are still their Duke.’
    â€˜I wish to meet the people. To tell them this. I want to find the traitors among them. I will kill them with my own hands . . .’
    â€˜Calm your temper, my lord. Let us not waste time in wild dreams of what we would do to our enemies. Let us first find them. We shall be on guard at all times. I shall sleep across your door and, if the need should arise, in your room. Thorold will be close at hand. You understand the danger?’
    â€˜I understand,’ said William.
    â€˜Then we will prepare for your journey and during it we must take extra care. Thorold and I will be at your side throughout.’
    â€˜When do we leave?’
    â€˜In a few days. First we shall go to Caen; and after that to Lisieux and Falaise.’
    â€˜Shall I see my mother?’
    â€˜We will visit her at Conteville.’
    â€˜There we need not fear traitors.’
    â€˜Nay, your mother and her husband will always be your true friends.’
    â€˜I should like to visit my Atheling cousins. I never forget them. I used to think of them often when I was in France because then I felt I was exiled from my country as they were from theirs . . . Why, Osbern, what is