Conquest

‘No thank you, sire. I will spend my remaining time here in my home. I have been here for many years; I’ve grown very fond of it.’

‘How can we make you more comfortable?’

‘I am fine; the morning sun will refresh me.’

John Comnenus realized that Godwin would not be persuaded to move. Although he looked feeble, he seemed content.

‘Then, if you will permit me, I have one final question for you. How did my father come to wear the Talisman?’

Godwin took a deep breath, as if summoning the last of his strength and resolve. ‘After a long period of recovery and reflection, Hereward of Bourne became reconciled to never seeing his country or his family again. He found modest contentment in knowing that he had made some impact on the brutality of William’s rule. He was sure that the King would keep his word about his daughters, who had a good chance of a happy life, and that the survivors of his loyal family would live out their days in safety at St Cirq Lapopie.

‘As for England, he was relieved to hear that, as the years passed, the cruelty diminished and Norman rule became more bearable. He travelled to Constantinople and joined the Varangian Guard of the Byzantine Emperor, and served with distinction for many years. When your father became Emperor in 1081, Hereward, who had by then created a new name for himself, rose through the ranks to become Captain of the Guard, of what we now call the Old Order. They campaigned together until Hereward was well over fifty years of age, when he retired with Alexius’ blessing. Despite repeated pleadings, Hereward would take no title nor accept a gratuity of estates or wealth, asking only for anonymity, which your father gladly gave him.

‘Hereward asked your father if he would accept the Talisman, which, knowing its significance for Hereward, Alexius agreed to. So Hereward withdrew to a remote part of the Empire, the whereabouts of which were known only to the Emperor and a few men he trusted. He has been there for over twenty years and is now a very old man.’

‘That is quite a story, Godwin of Ely. I am grateful to you for sharing it with me. Now that my father has entrusted me with the Talisman, I wonder if you would return it to Hereward of Bourne for me?’

‘But I am sure he would want you to wear it, my Prince.’

‘I am flattered, but I don’t think it is necessary. Your story has taught me all I need to know about kingship. I think I understand the Talisman’s message.’ Prince John Comnenus placed his hand on Godwin of Ely’s shoulder. ‘I hope I can live my life as bravely and nobly as Hereward of Bourne did.’

‘You have made a good beginning, my Prince. Your father is a great Emperor and an even better man. You seem to have many of his qualities. Follow his advice, live by his example, and you will become a worthy successor. Byzantium will flourish under your reign and you will leave a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come. But remember, you are only a man; even emperors are mortal. Lives, even great ones, soon become memories. Learn from the past, but live your life in the present and hope that the future will benefit from what you do on earth.’ The old man leaned over and grabbed the Prince’s arm. ‘Remember, once your time is over, it has gone for ever.’

As the Old Man of the Wildwood had become wise beyond the grasp of ordinary men, so the Old Man of the Mountain had acquired extraordinary intuition and insight. Now he was able to guide the young prince, as his mentor had once guided him.

Prince John Comnenus, deep in thought, looked to the east towards his home in Constantinople. He realized that the story of Hereward, Thegn of Bourne, would always be with him. He hoped that when his reign as Emperor came to be judged by history, his deeds would stand comparison with those of Hereward, England’s last and finest warrior.

Leo of Methone abruptly interrupted his contemplation.‘My Lord Prince!’

John Comnenus turned back towards Godwin of Ely. His eyes were closed and he seemed very still.

The three men rushed to his side to rouse him, but the drama of his long life was finally over.

Godwin was facing north-west, towards England, and looked content. As he died, he would have been remembering those he loved. The faithful Edwin, the young envoy; Ingigerd and Maria, the family’s heart and soul, and their lovely daughters, Gwyneth and Wulfhild; Edmund of Kent, who finally committed Abbot Thurstan to the fate that he deserved; mighty Einar, his loyal second-in-command; Alphonso of Granada, the finest soldier he had ever known; Martin Lightfoot, a mercurial companion who could sing as well as he could fight, and whose stories filled their lives with humour; and his delightful daughters, Gunnhild and Estrith, whose love and understanding nursed him through the terrible ending of the Siege of Ely.