October 18 1216 A.D. – Gloucester – The King’s Demise

At last thought William, as he received the message that a Templar had arrived at the castle and was awaiting him downstairs, news has arrived. Although he had no doubt that the King’s convoy had been destroyed four days ago, he had yet to receive word of Allard. The Marshal was desperate to discover if the knight had escaped with his life and his cargo.

One look at Templar James’ face as he descended the stairs told him the truth. The knight had a calm expression on his face without a trace of distress, which would surely have shown if the plan had gone awry.

“Come Templar. Let us find a quiet corner and you can relay to me your information.”

Ten minutes later, the Marshal allowed himself a brief sigh of contentment. It appeared that Allard and Henry would be well on their way north by now. And no rumour of suspicion had been heard anywhere in the vicinity.

William was certain however that were King John to remain long in the area, awkward questions would be asked eventually. Hence, he had come up with the last part of his plan involving the monk and the cider at Swineshead Abbey. It had been the Templar Master in London, who had located a man who was willing to lay down his life, in order to rid the country of the King. William had not asked for the man’s motivation. He did not want to know any more details than were absolutely necessary.

But William could not allow himself a rest. Later that night the Abbot of Croxton took King John’s dying confession and delivered the Eucharist. In the early hours of the following morning he passed away. As soon as the Marshal was informed, he knew what was required next. A regent would be required for John’s son, the soon to be Henry III. And the forces of Louis of France would need to be rudely despatched from the precious soil of England. The French Prince was about to find his alliance with the Earl of Pembroke was to come to a sudden end.

William knew how to work the political scene. He succeeded in persuading the English nobles that he was the man who could provide King John’s boy with the best advice. And the reissue of Magna Carta in November documented his new title. He was now, rector noster et regni nostri, ‘our keeper and the keeper of our kingdom’.