By Rubrpig
After a week in residence, the executions of the men who refused to swear loyalty to Earl Robert were dragged out of the dungeons of Wessex Castle and taken to the scaffolds and hung. After the last traitor was hanged, the Earl’s men heard approaching horses and they immediately raised the alarm and the castle garrison took their positions on the walls of the castle.
A group of 4 riders rode up to the drawbridge, and demanded entry in the name of King Henry. One of the riders wore the livery of a King’s messenger and the captain of the guard ordered the gates opened so the men could enter the castle. The King’s messenger and his guards rode into the courtyard and dismounted quickly and demanded to be taken to the presence of the Earl. The messenger was escorted to the great hall where the Earl had just finished eating.
The messenger approached and handed over the message which the Earl opened and began reading. The message was from his King and informed him that he could expect the King and his men to arrive at the castle to break their journey for several days prior to resuming their progress to London where the King would be crowned at Westminster Abbey.