I took Sir William to Liedeberge where I established him as my constable. I rode my new manor and I returned to Gloucester. I fretted and grew fractious. As March drew to a close the Empress sent for me. "My lord, you are like a caged animal. I pray you ride to Wallingford and see how Fitz Count is. The journey may clear your mind." I could tell she was worried, "What worries you, Empress?" "The Archbishop of Canterbury is proving unwilling to attend the conference. He does not support the Bishop of Winchester. They are travelling east to speak with Stephen." "Then send me, instead, to Bristol. I can report what they say." "That might be better but I pray you do not inflame the situation. I need to be crowned." "I will be as ice, my lady." I took all the men I had left with me. I did not want to intimidate the prelate but I wanted Stephen to be honest. He was surprised at my arrival. "I thought I had seen the last of you, Alfraed. Why are you not back in your valley?" "The Empress and her brother asked me to stay. I hunt!" He laughed, "And that sits not well with you.
