What History Doesn't Know

The Construction Site

Several days after the agreement, William had ordered for a large fleet to be assembled. I was not sure how many ships were planned to be built but it needed to fit all of William's and his allies' forces. The workers worked hard on constructing the ships. They were well paid of course, as we had to prepare for whatever Harold wanted to throw at us.

I walked along the construction area, looking at the workers assemble the ships. I found William talking to some of the engineers. William turned to me as soon as he finished talking to the engineers.

"James, having a nice stroll I see."

"The scenery is quite a sight. When would the ships be ready for the voyage?"

"Oh, in about several months or so. According to the engineers, the ships would be resistant to weather and all attacks. In fact, my engineers are planning to build in Viking style."

"Impressive."

We walked along the side of the construction area as we discussed about the boats.

"Impressive does not put it well. Astounding is a word I favor. We should train the men as hard as possible. I have reached a certain conclusion to your duties in the upcoming battles, my friend."

I looked at him with wide eyes. "Which is what? Nothing too challenging, please."

William laughed. Really loud. "Ahh, James. Always avoiding risks. My friend, when you are in this world, you need strategy. Not necessarily in battles, or even duels for that matter. What path you take in life can you to the most amazing places. Take me for example. I'm planning to fight Harold and possibly become a king. However, I could choose not to fight and life would take me elsewhere. I could instead be a traveler or a musician. You see, James, if you don't take risks, you'll never taste the sweet nectar of life. Sure, you might taste rotten fruit once in a while but it's worth it, in life."

Wow. Who knew William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, was such a deep thinker. Usually, people thought he was some big bloke who was the boss of some anonymous Robin Hood who shot some guy right in the eye. Mysteries surround the anonymous archer which gave me quite a headache. Was it accidental or intended?

"What's wrong, James, old friend?"

I looked at William, who was looking at me like I grew a third nostril or something like that.

"Oh, nothing. Nothing at all."

"Mm-hm. Okay then."

"Say, William. I CAN call you William, right?"

"No, no. Quite alright. You're an old friend after all."

"Well, that's what I want to talk to you about. How long have we been friends?"

"Why, since childhood, James. James, are sure everything's alright, there?"

"Yes, a few problems though. Amnesia, I think.

I didn't want to tell him I was some guy from the distant future. He wouldn't buy it all. He might just think I've lost it. So, I decided to play along with the amnesia trick I did earlier on with Knut. Thinking of Knut, why did get the feeling I have read about Knut before? It was a the back of my mind. Ugh. Something about a bridge and a boat. Another thing bothering me was how James came into my dreams. When I was Therus, I planned to head to a place north of Gaul. Why is James back down here, in Gaul?

"Amnesia, huh. Want me to call the finest doctors in the land?"

"Umm...no thanks."

Better not. I doubt they had anesthetic.

"William, may I ask a few questions? You know, just to revive my memory. I think I might have hit or something."

William just crossed his arms and gave me a stern look.

"Yes. Or something. You've been drinking haven't you. Really, would it hurt not to have less than ten goblets of wine a day. Really, I drink too but not as excessive as you."

"Yeah, sorry. Questions now?" I said as I rubbed the back of my head.

Sighing, he unfolded his arms and continued walking, this time towards some villagers' houses.

"Sure. Fire away."

"First question is did I come from here?"

William turned to look at me with wide eyes. "That's some amnesia, James. Anyway, no you didn't come from here. From what you've told me, your ancestors came here during the reign of Alfred the Great. Conditions there were good but here was better. Next question."

"Okay. How do we know Knut?"

"Ah, dear old Knut poor boy. His parents were said to have been killed by some men on a bridge. Knut was kidnapped but some of the soldiers here found him, killed the kidnappers and brought here to raised. He has had a foster family but that hasn't eased his pain. Sometimes I think we might have to chain him for I fear he may be bottling up his emotions and may explode into a rampage one day."

Yikes. I definitely want to stay on Knut's good side. Good thing I was already in his good books.

"Anything else you want to ask?"

"Am I really a heavy drinker?"

William just placed his left palm on his face and sighed. "James, you take in more wine than air. I've told you before to control your drinking habit. It's going to be the death of you."

"Okay." I've never drank liquor before. In fact, I might be a teetotaler. Still, I decided to play along. "I guess I'm done asking about me now."

"You sure?"

"Absolutely. Now, about my duties in the upcoming battles you were talking about.."

"Ah, yes. Thanks for reminding me, James. Your duties, what were they again...oh right. You shall be in charge of the archers. I'm making you captain of the archer section of my army."

'Archery again?!' I thought to myself.

"I was thinking about tactics a few nights ago and I think I may found one that may secure victory."

"Which is what? Shoot your unwashed laundry at the enemy? Heh-heh" I said sarcastically.

"Funny you should talk, James."

I stood there thinking about his sentence. Then, I smelt myself. Yuck! I reek! Just then, a servant came by saying a visitor was here for William. William excused himself and left with the servant. Meanwhile, I went to wash this dirt rag I had for a shirt.