October 12 1216 A.D. – Swineshead Abbey

The morning mist had receded and the King appeared in good heart as the royal party left the town of Lynn. They crossed the Wellstream at Walsoken, farther inland than the route taken by Allard and made their way to Wisbech. Although the majority of the royal court and their luggage were taking the route agreed the previous evening, the King was nonetheless accompanied by four large carts containing armour and weapons that John needed to get to his forces in the north east.

He had sent word ahead from Lynn and eight boatmen were waiting for them at Wisbech. The contents of the wagons were unloaded and the boatmen engaged to ship the cargo to Grimsby. That business completed, King John was ready to meet with the Marshal’s son before he continued on his way to Swineshead Abbey.

The Marshal was glad of the diversion with the boatmen. Even with his vast experience of plots and intrigue, his nerves were frayed. It required enormous concentration to keep his face relaxed throughout their journey. Still he was glad to see his son at their resting point. William the Younger had arrived with some information regarding the make up of the English forces that were supporting Prince Louis. King John had listened assiduously and appeared grateful to the Marshal’s son for his inside information.

At the Abbey, the situation was tense. Hugh the Abbot, was seated in the refectory. Prayers had been said according to their usual daily rhythm, but the Abbot could take no part. Swineshead was a daughter house of the one at Furness and he had received a visit from his fellow Abbot Ambrose of Furness earlier that summer. He had been shown the instruction from Pope Innocent to provide any and all assistance the Templars might require.

But Hugh had a problem with his part in this plan. He was not required merely to provide a storage facility. But he would also need to ensure that the King of England himself, consume a drink that would be provided by the Order of the Templars. He was quite sure that nothing pleasant would be concealed within. Further than that, he had been informed that the King would be arriving in a state of some excitement.

Abbot Hugh, of Swineshead, had been told to remain indoors throughout the morning. He was to expect visitors in the afternoon. The sun was getting low in the sky and the level of apprehension within him was growing rapidly. The door to the cloisters opened suddenly, breaking the atmosphere of still and quiet. He recognised his Cellerar.

“Brother Abbot we have visitors. Two of the Templar knights. They have a monk accompanying them.”

He hardly needed to have spoken, as the three men had entered the refectory before he had finished. The first of the Templars wasted no time on explanations.

“You were expecting our arrival?”

Hugh indicated that this was indeed the case.

“We have been at the Wellstream. A calamity has occurred. The King’s baggage train has been caught by the tide. All have perished. There are no survivors.”

“You are sure of this?”

“I have seen it with my own eyes.”

“And you will tell King John on his arrival?”

The Templar indicated the monk at his side.

“Brother Simon here will be the bearer of the news.”

The Abbot looked at the monk. At first glance, nothing appeared unusual. He was dressed in the customary white habit of a Cistercian monk. His hair cut in the familiar tonsure pattern. But on a closer examination there was something incongruous in his appearance. He had broad shoulders tapering to his waist and a hard look in his eyes. The Templar observed the Abbot’s searching look.

“There is no need to concern yourself with my companion. He is well capable of doing what is required.”

I’m sure he is, the Abbot thought to himself.