Roger wondered at that misinterpretation of the past, which got loud approval from most present: certainly Richard’s uncle, Rainulf, had cheated his brothers, but Gisulf’s own father had not treated William and Drogo well at all; indeed, if this inelegant prince was a schemer, then it was a parental inheritance. Guaimar, who had sired this fellow, had done his best to play off Rainulf against the de Hautevilles. That he had not succeeded in getting them to kill each other came from an over-reliance on conspiracy rather than a lack of the desire to indulge in such a thing.
While listening with seeming intent to the prince, Roger was taken with one of his advisors, a tall sallow-complexioned fellow in a skullcap, very much older than the rest of the courtiers present, not given, either, to reacting with enthusiasm to their lord’s more outlandish suggestions. Indeed, the slight smile that played around his lips hinted at a more realistic grasp of where Gisulf stood in relation to the main enemy, for there were others. Roger’s brother, Mauger, from his castle of Scalea, preyed on Gisulf’s territories from the south, as much as Richard of Aversa did from the north and west.
‘You will dine with me this night, Roger de Hauteville, and we will speak. Plans must be laid, messages sent to Naples and Amalfi to seek alliance — I will not deal with that pile of ordure they call the Duke of Gaeta.’ Gisulf stopped both his pacing and fidgeting and fixed Roger with his beady eyes. ‘Would a force of Saracen mercenaries be an advantageous idea?’
He spun then to face the tall fellow in the skullcap.
‘Ephraim, do we have the funds to pay for such aid?’
‘If you sell your plate, sire, yes.’
‘Sell my plate? Am I so reduced that I cannot dine off my gold?’
‘The man whose head you wish to see on your city gates is an avaricious neighbour.’
Gisulf spun to look at Roger again. ‘You see what a robber your Richard is, you see how much I have to give him to have peace? He demands bezants and I must pay.’ The cunning look came on now in full force. ‘But you will also see what wealth you could gain if he were no longer my bane.’
Having been given an apartment, Roger retired, wondering how long he should stay in this land of fairies and their dreams. Quite apart from any ties to his sister, he was disinclined to do battle with his powerful brother-in-law to advance the cause of a Lombard, especially one who would seek to swindle him, even if he had a chance to succeed, which he most certainly did not. In contemplation of this, he was distracted by the knock at the door of his chamber, opening it to find the man called Ephraim outside.
‘I wonder if we may have a private word?’ Roger stood back and indicated he should enter, quite naturally looking to ensure he was not armed. Once inside and the door shut, the fellow looked at him and smiled in a friendly way. ‘You remind me of your brothers, William and Drogo. It is striking how you all resemble each other.’
‘If you had seen my father you would know why.’
‘Ah yes, Tancred. He and I did much business, even if we never met.’
‘Business?’
‘I served as a conduit by which your brothers could send money back to Normandy.’
‘You are a Jew?’
‘With a name such as mine, could I be otherwise?’
If Ephraim was a Jew he had none of the physical traits associated with his race, barring the sallow complexion: he was tall, well proportioned and the facial features were even and handsome.
‘I used to accompany my father to the home of a Jew in Rouen.’
‘To whom I remitted your brothers’ gifts. I recall some mention of the building of a stone tower as being his heart’s desire.’
‘He always left that house in Rouen with a smile.’
‘Did he get his donjon?’
‘He did, but only after William had begged the Duke of Normandy for permission.’ Roger, recalling that such a thing had angered his father, was suddenly aware of his lack of manners. ‘Please sit, sir. Can I get you some wine?’
‘That would be most pleasant. I recall sharing many goblets with William.’
‘Not Drogo?’
‘Less so Drogo,’ Ephraim replied with a wistful look. ‘He was, how should I say, more impetuous than William, and although we transacted business it did not extend to conversations regarding his well-being.’
‘Why have you come here?’ Roger asked, handing over one goblet and sitting down with his own.
The Jew did not reply at once: it was as if he were searching for the right words. ‘I must tell you that I am in the service of the Prince of Salerno, as I was in the service of his father. I hold the office of collector of the revenues of the port.’ When Roger did not respond Ephraim added, ‘You do not see it as strange that a man of my race is entrusted with so valuable an office?’
‘I would not see it as likely in Normandy, but this is Italy. Things happen here that are strange to us northerners.’
‘Nothing more strange, I wager, than a Lombard prince seeking to engage you in mercenary service against one of your own race? It is, I suggest, a task you should decline.’
‘Strange advice for one who serves the prince.’
Ephraim acknowledged that with a nod. ‘Good service, as opposed to mere sycophancy, often requires an advisor to impart to his lord unpleasant truths, things he would rather not hear.’
‘Yours being?’
‘That any attempt to confront Richard of Aversa would result in the complete destruction of his house. Rainulf once turfed his grandfather out of this very Castello di Arechi. Should he persist with his illusions, the same will happen to him. It is advice I have given him often and too many times it has fallen on deaf ears.’
‘So you choose to tell me?’
‘If you share William’s good sense, you will heed what I say. I fear that there is another strain in your bloodline, which I could best describe as that of Drogo.’
Roger grinned: he had grown up hearing of the latter’s exploits, the number of fights he had got into with his mercurial temper, added to riotous escapades which did not point to much in the way of good sense. He had also met several of Drogo’s bastards and some of the fathers who still cursed his name for debauching their daughters, as well as men who recalled him fondly as a good man with whom to drink and carouse.
‘Meaning Drogo would accept?’
‘He was, as I said, impetuous, yet maybe I do him a disservice for he was not stupid.’ The Jew stood up. ‘I have said what I came to say, now it is up to you to decide.’
‘Would it surprise you to learn I already have?’
That got no more than a nod, though he was clearly pleased. ‘I esteemed William and I am proud to think I was of some use to him while he was alive. Should you have need of my services I would be more than happy to provide what I can.’
‘What services would they be?’
‘To answer that would require me to be immodest, but if you ask you will find many people able to tell you, though some I am sure will curse me. Let us just say, that if I thought Saracen mercenaries would be advantageous, I have the means to fund such a thing from my own resources.’
‘And you would aid me likewise?’
‘I sense something in you, so yes.’
‘Why?’
‘You are right to ask, which shows you share William’s sagacity. I saw in your brother a sense of honour not much in evidence in the world I inhabit, and he never gave me cause to doubt it. Humour my poor deluded prince, then seek employment elsewhere, perhaps by repairing your bond with Robert.’
Roger was surprised. ‘You know we have parted company?’
‘It is my business to know what goes on in my world. Not to do so for one of my race makes life too dangerous.’
Roger did as he was bid: he listened to Gisulf as excessive drink detached him even more from the actuality of his true situation, which was that if Richard of Capua decided one day to take Salerno he might well have the means to do so. It would not be easy, it would require allies and a siege of long duration, for the walls were strong and in good repair, while the sea was open for the supply of food and men.