Lord of the Abbey

by K. R. Richards

  The bags of bones found in the tunnel near St. Dunstan’s chapel were left in the tunnel chamber until they could be moved to a safer location. Unfortunately, the bones were not marked as to which bones belonged to whom. The relics were brought in their chests to the upstairs parlour at Stonedown to be catalogued. And the small piece of wood stored inside a lead box, at least they assumed, was the original piece of wattle church. The Vetusta Ecclesia. It was a small square of wood. Though it appeared quite weathered and rotted, the energy that emanated from it was incredible.

  After breakfast, Harry and his colleagues brought items which were already catalogued down to the library. They were packed into sturdier boxes and chests for transport to various places of safekeeping.

  The books and manuscripts brought down first were not unique, meaning if there were other known copies in the world, they were to be housed in the Avalon Society’s private library. Those books and manuscripts which were unique were to be dispersed among the members present in Glastonbury to read, and make notes on. At a later date, it would be decided if they should be donated to a library or kept within the Avalon society’s most guarded and secret library. The relics relating to the church and altars of the Abbey itself would be housed in the Avalon Society’s private museum until they were certain it was safe to donate some of them elsewhere.

  In the library, Trevan worked on two scrolls written in ancient Aramaic. Micah worked on three scrolls written in Greek. Rowena was transcribing the Secretum Domini written by William Dulac. Wyldhurst and Elveston went through the relics in the upstairs parlour found with the sacks of bones in the tunnel near St. Dunstan’s Chapel. It was unfortunate that most of the relics were also unmarked. The gentlemen tried to match some of them by the descriptions on the Abbot’s list, but there were unfortunately dozens more relics found than mentioned on said list. There were many that it was impossible to tell exactly what the tiny relic was.

  St. Bridget’s bell, spindle and pouch were recognizable. Rowena asked that they be kept in Glastonbury, along with the crystal cross, and piece of wattle. And of course the sapphire and cruets, or ampullae. The society fellows unanimously voted to allow her to keep them with her and Harry in Glastonbury, unless they became a source of danger to them in future.

  At the end of the day much progress was made. It was decided the Chynoweths and Trevelyans would take some of the larger, bulkier treasure needing research back with them to Cornwall. The other members including Harry and Rowena would keep some to study as well.

  At the end of summer, in September, the senior members of the Avalon Society would meet at Menadue, the Ducal Seat in Cornwall, for a two week period. The invitation of the Duke of Penrose extended to members and their families. They would go over their findings when all arrived at Menadue, near St. Cleer, on Bodmin Moor.

  Still, Trevan, Micah and Rowena wanted to at least uncover the basics of the scrolls and the Secretum Domini. They remained in the library long after the other treasures were divided and loaded up.

  “You and Harry will be glad to be rid of us when we all leave tomorrow, I think,” Trevan said.

  “I will miss you all terribly, I fear it will be far too quiet,” Rowena said sadly. Then she asked, “What will you do when you return to Cornwall?”

  “Oh. I’ll have to make peace with Wen Pen, for she’ll be mighty cross. I did not tell her I was leaving for Glastonbury. And I just returned from London the week before that. She will know by now that I came here to help Harry. But still she’ll be angry with me, there’s no doubt of that.”

  “You mean Wen Pen is still waiting for you, Trevan?” Micah asked. “I thought she’d give up on you by now. After twenty, uh, how many years?”

  “Wen Pen is six and twenty.”

  “Who is Wen Pen?” Rowena inquired.

  “She is a red-haired beauty with a hot-temper and a saucy mouth. We’ve known each other since childhood. Morwenna Penrose. Most know her as Wenna. My brothers and I started calling her Wen Pen when she was about three. It stuck. We are to marry.”

  “When will you? Marry, I mean.” Rowena was curious.

  “Sometime in the very near future,” Trevan informed her.

  “He’s been saying that for ten years,” Micah disclosed with a yawn.

  “Shush, Micah. I’ve been busy this past year and a half with my father’s death and taking over the reins of the Ducal estate, protecting beautiful blonde women in Glastonbury, chasing after Holy treasures.” Trevan winked at Rowena. “I’ll get around to marrying Wen Pen, don’t you worry about that. I love her. She loves me. That is that.”

  “I look forward to meeting her in September.” Rowena smiled at Trevan. She turned to Micah. “What will you do when you get back to Templecombe?”

  “Catch up on my personal research at Cadbury. Delve into these scrolls and some of the manuscripts deeper. Work. I enjoy it.” Micah smiled at Rowena, but he didn’t feel the joy he usually did at the prospect of returning to Horethorne Hall. Alone. He had been a recluse since Lucy and his son’s death. He wasn’t so sure he wanted to go back to being alone now. He grew fond of conversation and friends, and the whole group effort they undertook here in Glastonbury. He realized he was reluctant to leave.

  “You are close at Templecombe. You may come visit us, Micah, whenever you wish.” Rowena thought she heard a hint of loneliness in his tone.

  “You and Harry can come visit me as well, Rowena.”

  “I’d like that. I shall speak to Harry first chance I get.”

  “Let Micah catch up on his sleep first,” Trevan mumbled.

  “What?” Rowena asked curiously, she hadn’t caught what Trevan said.

  “Oh, nothing. I was just mumbling to myself,” he winked at Micah. “This damned Aramaic is causing me to go blind. I need to take a break. I must find Tristan and make certain he is not too near Lady Caroline.”

  “Why? What if he is near Lady Caroline?” Rowena questioned, forcing a nonchalant tone into her voice.

  “My brother has a wandering eye and a short attention span when it comes to the ladies, Rowena. He’s known to keep several at the ready. I don’t want him to hurt Harry’s sister. She’s a sweet thing. And most importantly Harry will kill me and Tristan both if he does.” Trevan rose and left the room.

  “Oh. I need a break as well. I should like a walk up the Tor, but I really need to work at William’s book more, I suppose.” Rowena raised her arms and stretched.

  “I think I can handle a climb up the Tor today. My leg is feeling much stronger. Let’s check with Harry and see if he will join us,” Micah suggested.

  Chapter Twenty One

  Harry, Micah and Rowena walked up the Tor. Micah went into the tower alone while Rowena and Harry stood on the Tor’s summit and pointed out places of interest to one another.

  Micah prayed to Archangel Michael. He felt that Harry and Rowena were just right for one another. They shared similar interests, loved one another deeply and enjoyed one another’s company. He asked for a blessing for his dear friends, but also for help from the Archangel to help him find the woman who was perfect for him, one with similar interests, one whom he was attracted to, and her to him, one who could be his dearest friend and his lover, like Rowena proved to be to Harry. Micah asked for the perfect wife for him. He asked for love.

  He had been alone too long. He no longer desired the life of a recluse.

  Archangel Michael did not appear, but when Micah opened his eyes and looked down, he saw a stark white feather lying at his feet. He picked it up, placed it in his pocket.

  “Micah, are you all right?” Rowena asked, as she entered, followed by Harry.

  “Yes. Just enjoying the energy of the tower and the splendid view.” He was leaning against the door frame, looking out over the miles of scenery below. He pushed himself upright.

  “Rowena says you’ve extended an invitation for us to visit at Templecombe.”

  “Yes. Come anytime. I would love to have you as my guest
s.”

  “We’ll come next month. We need to get Rowena settled into the Grange in the next few days. I’ve a stack of work in my office that needs my attention,” Harry explained. “Lyon and his party will stay until the end of the week.”

  “I’ll write you, Micah. You’ll write back, won’t you? I’ll confirm the dates of our visit with you, say by the first of May.”

  “Yes. That will be fine. And I will write to you, Rowena.” Micah shrugged, “Well, the scrolls and the Secretum Domini await.”

  “It will take weeks to get through William’s book.” Rowena mentioned as they made their way down slowly, for Micah still used the cane.

  “Have you figured out the secrets of the Abbey yet, Rowena?” Harry asked curiously.

  “I think so. I think it is about Jesus’ daughter and sons, who appeared to live here, at least one had a family and I think two of them died here in Glastonbury. And of course, that Jesus himself lived here and studied at the Druidic Colleges for a time,” she answered.

  “The scrolls Trevan and I are working on imply the same. However, Trevan’s scroll is proof of that.”

  “How so?” Harry asked enthusiastically.

  “The author is Jesus Justus, or Jesus the Younger. Son of Christ.” Micah grinned.

  “Amazing!” The corners of Harry’s mouth turned upward as he nodded. “Quite the find we’ve made here in Glastonbury! And all because of my brilliant and beautiful wife!” He brought Rowena’s hand to his lips.

  “Don’t tell anyone else what we’ve found. We want to surprise everyone after dinner,” Rowena warned her husband.

  “Or what?” He teased.

  “I can think of a few things to deprive you of, I’m certain.” She shot back with a mischievous grin.

  Harry realized as he watched his lovely wife tease him, that he was indeed a fortunate man. Theirs was a love match. Just as he knew she loved him, she knew he deeply loved her. His life changed drastically in three weeks time. His life was so much fuller and richer since he’d met and married Rowena. He was content, and so very happy.

  “I’ll be leaving at first light tomorrow instead of noon, Harry. Rowena.” Trevan informed them when they returned to the library.

  Rowena noted Trevan’s serious expression. Saw a folded piece of foolscap in front of him. “Not bad news from Cornwall, I hope, Trevan”

  “Well, I hope not. My mother wrote to tell me that Wen Pen is being courted by the new Vicar in St. Mabyn. Her home, Callywith, is in St. Mabyn. I must get home and set things straight with that woman. Wen Pen and I were to marry!” Trevan turned to his cousin Gabriel when he entered the room. “What can you tell me about the no account new Vicar you’ve employed at St. Mabyn, Gabriel?”

  “Umm. You received a letter from your mother as well, I see. Madingly seems like a very decent man, Trevan. He is not Wenna’s type. He’s quiet and reserved. I don’t understand the attraction. Mayhap she’s just angry. Weary of waiting on you?”

  “You’ll let him go! It’s you who pays him his living,” Trevan said quietly but sternly.

  “Trevan, it was very difficult to find a Vicar who wanted to live in a tiny, out of the way village like St. Mabyn. People in the town depend on having a Vicar at the church. I can’t just let him go.” Gabriel took the chair next to his cousin.

  “We’ll see about that.”

  “Did you ever propose to Wen Pen?” Micah asked.

  “We’ve an understanding,” Trevan said through gritted teeth.

  “Was she aware of such?” Gabriel asked.

  “Surely she was. I assumed so.”

  “Meaning you never told her,” Gabriel said pointedly.

  “Well I will, when I return to Cornwall. She’s marrying me and not the damned Vicar! We’ll be stopping in St. Mabyn first, by the way. I’ll send the others on to Menadue, but I’ll be staying until that foolish woman has changed her mind and says she’ll marry me!”

  “You are always welcome at Fairy Cross, cousin.” Gabriel rose. He slapped Trevan on the shoulder and started toward the door. “Everyone is prepared to leave tomorrow. Harry has procured a wagon for our cargo. We’re loading it now. Everything is in order. We’ll be ready to go at first light. Jago will meet us somewhere along the road tomorrow.”

  “Aye.” Trevan carefully rolled up the scroll he was working on and replaced it in the earthenware jar. “I’ve enough notes for the gathering tonight. I’ll finish the scrolls when I return home. I’ll have them ready when everyone comes in September, I promise.”

  “That is fine, Trevan.” Rowena confessed, “It may take me until September to get through the Secretum Domini.”

  “Go for a walk, Trevan.” Micah suggested. “Go see your Angel in the tower.”

  “Good idea, Micah. I’m off to the Tor, then.”

  “Poor Trevan,” Rowena sighed after he left the library.

  “They’ll work things out.” Harry smiled and pointed a warning finger at his wife. “On their own, Rowena. I worry about this sudden proclivity of matchmaking I have seen in my wife recently, Micah.” Harry rose, brushed his lips against his wife’s temple. “Now, I must go see to a few things. I’ll leave you two to your research.”

  Rowena rolled her eyes. “Whatever was he speaking about?”

  Micah chuckled and said nothing. It was safer for him that way.

  Though Trevan was unusually subdued, the rest of the very large party was happy as they gathered in the gallery for their last meal all together. It seemed the Cornish Contingent, as well as Micah and Charlie, who were also leaving Glastonbury the next day, were sad to leave their friends, yet eager to get back to their homes and lives.

  Rowena would miss them all, but especially Micah. And Charlie. And Trevan. She would miss Lyon too when he left, but Wyldhurst, Elveston and Newt planned to stay until the end of the week and escort Lady Amesbury, Lady Sarah and Lyon back to Shevington Chase in Wiltshire. The doctor proclaimed Lyon should be fit to travel by that time.

  The conversation was lively and entertaining. Rowena noted Lady Caroline looked rather downhearted. Tristan kept looking her way from down at the other end of the long table. Rowena was hoping the two might find a private moment sometime tonight. But she could not interfere with the young couple. Both Trevan and Harry frowned upon Tristan’s interest in Caroline. Harry would throttle her if she did anything to help them. Maybe Harry and Trevan were right about Tristan not being serious enough. After all they both knew him better than she did. Feeling downhearted for Lady Caroline, she sighed and returned her attention to their celebration.

  The ladies were left to their own devices in the drawing room, while the men took their brandy and cigars in the library.

  Rowena liked Harry’s mother and sister a great deal. She also was very fond of Lyons’s mother and sister.

  “When all your guests are gone, we’ll move you in to the Grange, Rowena. We will begin with redecorating your private rooms. They are a bit outdated, I think. I never took the time since we were in residence only during the summer months. I was always happy to spend my time visiting friends and relaxing. The only rooms I did redecorate at the Grange were the main rooms.”

  “Whatever you wish, Lady Glaston.” Rowena agreed, though she was not familiar with the private rooms of Abbey Grange, she was certain Harry’s house was no more outdated than Stonedown. She rather liked antiquities. Oh well. She was thankful she and Harry’s mother did get along so well.

  “Now, Rowena, you must call me, Mother. I insist.”

  Rowena smiled happily and nodded. “Of course, Mother.” She looked to the drawing room door when she heard the men heading their way from the entry hall. They seemed in a fine mood. The rich mingled baritone sounds of their laughter preceded them.

  They were jovial and telling amusing tales and kept the party laughing for awhile. Even Trevan’s spirits seemed raised.

  Then the society members decided to conduct their meeting in the library and retire early since the Cornishmen w
ere leaving at dawn. Of course, Harry insisted his beautiful wife join them.

  Trevan’s relatives already departed Stonedown for the Grange. They were to report back to the Manor at dawn. The rest of the ladies and Sir John retired to their chambers.

  Tristan tried to excuse himself saying he must go check the cargo they were taking back with them to Cornwall. Trevan instructed him to wait, and that he would join him after their meeting and help him. Tristan was left scowling at his brother’s back.

  Rowena suspected that somewhere upstairs, there would be a very disappointed Lady Caroline.

  Trevan was first to give the group his findings. “The first scroll I am transcribing from Aramaic was written by Jesus the Younger, the son of Jesus Christ. It describes the whereabouts and happenings of all Christ’s disciples immediately following the crucifixion, and where the remaining apostles were in A.D. 65 when Jesus II wrote on the linen scroll.” Trevan continued, “I’ve ascertained that the first wattle church was built by Christ and his uncle, St. Joseph of Arimathea during the lost years when Jesus came to attend the Druidic Colleges, here in Glastonbury. Jesus the Younger rebuilt it in A.D. 63. I’ll finish reading the rest of the scroll and the other one and give you the particulars in September when you all come to Menadue.”