by Shel Pais
“Bishop Basil is here to see Prior Bartholomew. Let us in.”
The monk looked at the four men. While he did not know the bishop, Prior Bartholomew had advised everyone he was coming.
“Welcome, Your Grace. I am Brother Andrew. Please follow me, and I will get Prior Bartholomew.”
Andrew took Basil’s and Eustace’s horses, and they all followed him into the priory. While several monks were doing chores, the priory courtyard was otherwise deserted.
“Where is everyone?” Basil asked.
“Many are getting over the flux, Your Grace. Almost all have been ill.”
Basil grunted. “Perhaps it’s because Bartholomew has let this place run down or has not properly kept his vows.”
Andrew restrained himself from defending Bartholomew. As they walked towards the main priory building, Basil saw Hubert running out to greet him.
“Your Grace,” he said as he bowed, kissing Basil’s ring. “I’ve been waiting for you. I trust your journey was not difficult.”
“Hello, Hubert. It was uneventful. How long have you been here?”
“Alwyn and I arrived a week ago. It allowed me time to inspect the priory without disclosing the reason for my presence. However, Bartholomew is no fool. He assumed I would be replacing him.”
“I’m not surprised. Have you formulated any plans yet?”
“Nothing specific. There is a question of funds we must discuss for me to fully improve this place.”
Basil glared at Hubert. “We’ll discuss that later. I’ll meet with you in private to give you my recommendations. There are certain changes I want you to make, and we will discuss how to pay for them as well.”
“Of course, Your Grace. As you wish.”
Bartholomew and Ambrose then appeared.
“Welcome to Hedgestone, Your Grace,” Bartholomew said, bowing and kissing Basil’s ring. Ambrose bowed his head but said nothing.
“Thank you, Bartholomew. It has been a long time since we’ve seen each other.”
“Yes, Your Grace. It was when I was in London several years ago. You have not called me there since, nor have you come to visit.”
“I have been very busy with Church affairs.” He looked at Ambrose. “And who might you be?”
“I am Father Ambrose, Prior Bartholomew’s assistant.”
Basil ignored him and studied Bartholomew. “You have aged quite a bit since then. Have you not been well?”
Bartholomew did not like the bishop’s tone. “There has been much sickness here. Most, including me, have had a very bad case of the flux. Some are still ill. Otherwise, I believe I am faring quite well for a man of my age.”
“We will speak later of this. Also, we will not eat with the monks tonight. Please show us to our quarters, as I wish to rest. Hubert, I will see you at supper.”
Bartholomew and Ambrose led them to their rooms. Hubert went to see Alwyn, who was lying down in his chamber. He shook the priest awake.
“Alwyn,” he said, “he’s here.”
Alwyn was still a bit sleepy as he spoke. “Did he say anything significant to you?”
“Only that he has some recommendations for me. When I asked him about funding, he said we would discuss it later.”
“I’m curious to hear what he has in mind.”
In the early evening following Vespers, they all sat down to eat in the refectory after the monks had eaten. Basil led grace, and they ate a meal of bland chicken with asparagus. Afterwards, Basil, Hubert, and Bartholomew met. Basil said there was to be no wine during the meeting.
“Prior Bartholomew, I have decided it is time for you to be replaced. You have spent a great many years serving Hedgestone, but I am afraid the job has gotten too difficult for you. You have let it get too run-down. This priory is an embarrassment to Mother Church. Your monks are lazy due to your lack of leadership. You have not brought in any revenue. In addition, I am very unhappy with your relationship with the Jews.”
Bartholomew looked at the bishop, shaking his head. While he knew this day was coming, he did not feel he should be spoken to in that manner.
“Your Grace. I am not a young man. I have done the best I could under the circumstances. The little money we have been able to raise we used to sustain ourselves in a meager fashion, and to help the poor. We decided not to use any funds for our own comfort. That is why the priory may appear to be run-down. But every one of our monks has dedicated himself to serve God by helping our fellow man.”
Basil frowned. “I do not agree with you. Why would anyone want to come here in this condition? Why would any of the poor you speak about want to pray in your church in its condition? We serve God best by showing beauty and strength.”
Hubert just listened. He knew his turn would come soon enough.
Basil continued. “Abbot Hubert is to take your place, effective immediately. I expect everyone to give him their full cooperation.”
“But Your Grace, monks are supposed to elect their own prior,” Bartholomew said.
“Not this time. When Hubert has finished his work here, perhaps they may elect his successor. However, I make no promises at this time.”
“Replacing me is within your power, Your Grace. But it is not right. The monks would elect Father Ambrose, if you would let them. He is well qualified.”
“That may be, but it is not my desire. I want an outsider in charge here. Ambrose just would continue your ways.”
Bartholomew realized Basil’s mind was made up.
“Very well, Your Grace. We will honor your wishes and give Hubert our full cooperation. Just one question, however. Why are you unhappy with my relationship, as you describe it, with the Jews?”
“I will be blunt. I have heard you often invite the chief rabbi here as well as other Jews, and you have actually attended some Jewish services! Blasphemy! You’re lucky I don’t have you whipped, but I believe you are too old and would not survive.”
Bartholomew rose and pointed at Basil. Hubert could see the old prior was angry. “I have done nothing wrong. How can we expect Jews to follow Our Lord if we treat them cruelly? We do have some things in common. All we have done is try to learn about them and to teach them about us and our faith. What is wrong with that? I have heard the Holy Father does the same thing.”
Now Basil was becoming angry. “You know nothing about the Holy Father. And you are not the Holy Father. There is nothing more to discuss. Hubert takes over, and other than providing counsel to him as he wishes, your duties are completed.”
“Very well. I am too old to argue with you. However, I am afraid Hubert very quickly will undo all the work we have done here, especially with respect to the Jews.”
“Enough, Bartholomew. Do not speak about the Jews again.”
“What about Father Ambrose? He’s been my very capable assistant and counsel. He can help Hubert in many ways.”
“He may stay, but Father Alwyn will be Hubert’s assistant. Ambrose agrees with you on all matters, I suppose?”
“Not all, but most.”
“He still may stay, but if he poses a problem for Hubert or Alwyn, I will transfer him, understand? You may relay that to him yourself.”
Bartholomew bowed and left the room. Basil looked at Hubert.
“I think that went about as well as it could have,” Basil said.
“I’m not so sure. I don’t trust him. And I especially don’t trust Ambrose. He’s younger than Bartholomew and could incite dissension amongst the monks. I will have to watch him.”
Basil nodded. “That’s why I didn’t include him during our meeting. I want you and especially Alwyn to watch him closely. I’m sure he will resent you as the new prior since he did not have the opportunity to be elected. The other monks as well will be resentful. I want you to be firm with them. They need discipline. Things here have been lax way too long. No doubt Ambrose will also resent your new methods, shall we say?”
“I’m sure he will, Your Grace. I can handle Ambrose, as well as all th
e monks.”
“Tell Alwyn to gather all the monks in the refectory. I want to address them now. But not Bartholomew. He is not to attend.”
Hubert left to do the bishop’s bidding. He felt excited as well as a bit apprehensive about this assignment. Again, he told himself, this was an opportunity to please the bishop and rise in the future. However, he must be sure he completes his mission such that the bishop is entirely pleased with the results. Otherwise all may be for naught. Basil was a hard man to understand. Hubert was still suspicious of why Basil spoke to Alwyn in private. Hubert reminded himself he would have to keep an extra eye on Alwyn. Perhaps he even could use Ambrose to spy on Alwyn. The more he thought about it, the more he liked it. He would speak to Ambrose after Basil had left.
Hubert found Alwyn in his chamber and repeated the bishop’s orders. Alwyn ordered all the monks into the refectory. There were twenty brothers, plus Father Ambrose. Basil kept them waiting for about fifteen minutes. He finally walked in with Hubert, and the monks immediately became quiet. They all noticed Bartholomew’s absence.
“Gentlemen,” he began. “Most of you do not know me. I am Bishop Basil from London. I have come to thank Prior Bartholomew for his long and loyal service to the priory and to introduce you to your new prior, Abbot Hubert. Abbot Hubert is to assume the prior’s duties effective immediately. Father Alwyn will be his assistant. I expect all of you to obey Hubert. This priory has become an eyesore, and I want it turned around. You will all work to make this effort a success. Hubert has my complete confidence, and he is not to be questioned in anything he does by anyone except by me. He will be assigning each one of you your duties.” Basil paused to observe the monk’s reactions. Most just nodded without saying anything. He then continued.
“One more thing. Jews are not allowed at Hedgestone anymore without Abbot Hubert’s permission. In addition, none of you are to have any outside contact with them.”
This brought a reaction from one.
“Your Grace. I am Brother Xavier. May I ask some questions?”
“Certainly, Brother Xavier. What do you wish to know?”
“I think I can speak for all the brothers when I say we believe Prior Bartholomew has done a very good job maintaining Hedgestone as we all believe God would wish it. While, yes, there needs to be some repairs done, most are cosmetic and the priory is functioning effectively.”
Basil interrupted him. “I do not agree. There is much work to be done here. Hedgestone is a disgrace.” Some of the monks began murmuring, but what they were saying could not be heard. “What questions do you have?”
“For one, Your Grace, why can we not elect our own prior, as is custom?”
Basil stared at Xavier, unfazed. “I’ve decided it is best to have Hubert make Hedgestone as I want it to be. Once his work is completed, I may permit you to elect the next prior. That decision will be based on how cooperative all of you are with Hubert. If there are no problems, we will all get along just fine. However, I will be receiving reports from him regularly, and if there are problems, they will not be tolerated. Hubert has my mandate to do whatever he feels is necessary to complete his mission.”
Xavier was not pleased with the answer, but felt he had no recourse to argue. “My last question is about the Jews. As you may know, we have established a very good relationship with them, and both sides have benefited from it. Why can it not continue?”
At this, Basil became angry. “Brother Xavier and all of you. Listen to me. Prior Bartholomew, Father Ambrose and most, if not all of you, may have believed becoming friendly with the Jews will bring them to Our Lord and Mother Church. I strongly disagree. Under Abbot Hubert, and as long as I am bishop, this will stop. If there is to be any contact with the Jews, Hubert or Alwyn are the only ones who will make it. There is to be no more socializing or religious discussions with them. Anyone who disobeys this will be subject to expulsion and excommunication.”
At this tirade, the monks merely nodded in silence. Brother Xavier also was speechless. It was futile, he thought, to argue with the bishop.
“Any more questions?” Basil asked. No one spoke. “Very well. Return to your work. Hubert and Alwyn will meet with each one of you soon to explain any new assignments.” Remaining silent, they all filed out. Father Ambrose glared at Basil and left as well.
“Hubert. Watch that Xavier. I feel he also may be a problem.”
“Yes, Your Grace. I will. Don’t worry. I can handle all of them.”
Basil’s eyes narrowed. “We shall see. I want regular reports sent to me without fail. Have Alwyn deliver them.”
Hubert was surprised at this. “Alwyn, Your Grace? But he’s my assistant. What shall I do when he’s gone?”
“Use Father Ambrose. He is experienced, and you need to get him to change his way of thinking.” Basil could see Hubert was not happy.
“Your Grace. I do not understand. Why Alwyn?”
“Because he is the only one I trust. Not only will he deliver your reports, but I can query him, and I know he will be truthful. I do not trust any of these Hedgestone monks. I am sure they all hope you will fail and may do everything they can to make that happen. Now do you understand?”
Hubert nodded. While he still believed Alwyn might be spying on him for Basil, the bishop’s answer made sense. “All right. I will send Alwyn.”
“Good. Now let us have something to drink. I am quite thirsty.”
The next day, Basil, Hubert, and Alwyn met in the scriptorium.
“Hubert, I’ll be leaving soon, but before I go I want to discuss a few items with you.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“First, I want you to make a list of all the improvements you believe should be made, in order of importance. Then I want you to find out how much each one will cost. I also want you to make a list of ways Hedgestone can obtain revenue. I suspect that in order for you to make at least some of the necessary improvements, you will have to borrow money from the Jews. Bartholomew will know who the best moneylender is. Borrow as much as you can for the longest term you can, and, of course, at the lowest rate.”
“I will. But will we be able to repay the loan on time?”
“Leave that to me. Make sure the payments are not to be made more than quarterly. And I must have a full accounting of every penny. Do you understand? If there are any discrepancies you will answer to me, is that clear?” Basil said.
“Of course, Your Grace. Every penny. You can trust me.”
“One more thing. Do not spend even a penny of the loan without my permission.”
At this Hubert and Alwyn were a bit puzzled. Why would Basil say that if he wants the priory restored? “I will not, Your Grace. I will obey,” Hubert responded, somewhat sheepishly.
“I expect nothing less. Are there any questions?”
Both men shook their heads. “Very good. Then I will return to London tomorrow.” He looked at Alwyn. “I will expect your first report in the next few weeks. Do not wait too long as I don’t want any surprises.” He then looked at Hubert. “Remember, I want to approve everything before you do it.”
Hubert frowned. “But, Your Grace. You said I have your complete confidence to do what is necessary here. I do not understand.”
“You do not have to. I said that for your benefit in front of the monks. I have plans I want to complete, and it is very important to me that you do as I ask.”
“Very well,” Hubert said, obvious reluctance in his voice. “I understand.”
Basil retired to his chamber to rest. Hubert and Alwyn stayed in the scriptorium.
“Well,” Hubert said to Alwyn, “what do you think he’s up to?”
Alwyn did not answer.
“Well? Speak up!”
“I’m not sure. I’m as surprised as you he wants to approve everything. It sounds to me he does not want to spend much. Perhaps he wants the money from the loan for something else?”
“You may be right. I always thought he was using me for another purpose, b
ut I had no idea what it could be. I will have to be vigilant, and I want you to be as well. If you learn anything, you must tell me at once. Remember what I know.”
“You never let me forget it.”
“Then I will not have to worry about you.”
DAVID WAS GETTING STRONGER. HE had found some heavy rocks near the river and used them to strengthen the muscles in his right arm. He would have to greatly improve his strength to be able to fully pull the bowstring. Until he had tried it, he had no idea how difficult it was. He knew the king’s archers used longbows, and they were even harder to pull.
It was easy to go down to the river after being dismissed from cheder. It was not far, and there was enough vegetation so he could do this without being observed. Sometimes Avram would go with him. He said he was acting as a lookout, although David had told him it was not necessary.
After strengthening himself with the rocks for a few weeks, David decided it was time to try the bow again. On a hot Saturday afternoon after services, he told his father he was going for a walk. As usual, he saw no one else on the road. It took him more than an hour to reach his hiding place. He looked around one more time, and there was no one. David carefully unconcealed the opening of the cave. There they were, undisturbed. While he thought this was a very safe hiding place, he did worry a little someone would stumble upon it or, even worse, follow him. Not today, though. All was fine.
David removed the bow from the cloth he had wrapped it in, took a bowstring, and carefully set it. It was taut and ready. He gripped the center of the bow with his left hand, and with two fingers and the thumb of his right began to pull back the string. He smiled. He was doing it. His strength had improved. He pulled back the string to almost its full draw. He did not release it since he knew doing so could break a bow if there was no arrow. He pulled back the bowstring several more times, and each time it was easier.