by Shel Pais
David followed Bryce as they approached the baron’s table. Henry sat there in a stunning blue tunic laced with gold, and a red cape. Lady Eleanor sat beside him, dressed in the most beautiful gown David had ever seen. It was pure white, decorated with embroidered flowers. When Henry saw David, he stood and immediately called to him.
“Donald! Come here, my boy!”
“Go ahead,” Bryce said. “Our master calls.”
David stood in front of the baron and bowed. “My lord.”
Henry banged his cup on the table and called for silence. “My friends. This is Donald. He saved my life a few days ago. Tonight, we feast in his honor. Make places for him and Bryce in front of me.”
David and Bryce took the places made for them when two guests, both knights who were not happy with the baron’s order, had to find other seats. David looked to his left and saw he was sitting next to a large man. “Donald. I am Sir Michael of Northampton,” the knight said in a heavy French accent as he patted David on the back.
“Hello, Sir Michael,” David replied, somewhat sheepishly. When David heard Northampton, he began to worry. Would this knight recognize him? There was nothing he could do about it now, but it made him even warier.
“So, you saved Henry’s life, did you? Well done, lad. Here, let’s have a drink together.” The knight handed David a mug of ale. David had never tasted ale before. His father had given him wine since he was twelve at each Sabbath meal and at Passover, but this was his first time for ale. He slowly brought the cup to his lips and tasted the warm brew. It was somewhat bitter but not distasteful. “To your health, Sir Knight,” he toasted.
“To yours, my brave friend,” the knight replied. “So, Donald, where are you from?”
David replied with the name of the only small village he knew. “Coby Hollow. I lived with some poor people after my parents died.”
“I’m sorry. Where is Coby Hollow?”
“It’s at the edge of Salcey Forest, several miles from Northampton.”
“I was born in Northampton, but I haven’t been there in years. My father took me to France when I was a child, and I just recently returned to England. I never heard of Coby Hollow.”
“There’s not much to hear of, Sir Michael.”
The knight laughed, and there was no more conversation about what David had done, which greatly relieved him. Servants brought out platters and platters of food. David feasted on duck, mutton, and various vegetables, avoiding the pork. With so much food served, no one cared what he had taken. He had gotten through his first non-kosher meal. He was careful not to drink too much ale, as he knew that could loosen his tongue and he might say something that would expose him. He did feel somewhat guilty about what he had eaten, but he was beginning to feel comfortable around the Gentiles. He continued to worry, however, about when he had to attend Mass.
David spent a considerable amount of time observing during the meal. There were two knights and their ladies seated near Baron Henry. Baroness Eleanor looked radiant, he thought. She wore several pieces of jewelry, all looking to be quite expensive. The knights were also well-dressed, with colorful tunics. He never had seen anything like it.
There was one sight he could not take his eyes off of, however. She looked to be about his age, with radiant blonde hair that fell halfway down her back. She wore a magnificent red dress with silver threads and a lace collar and sat next to Lady Eleanor. Her daughter, David guessed. Sir Michael noticed David staring at her.
“So, my brave friend, I see you have an eye for a pretty face.”
David lowered his eyes, embarrassed.
“Don’t feel ashamed, Donald. She is Alycia, the baron’s youngest daughter. And the prettiest, I may add.”
“I was only looking around, Sir Michael.”
The knight laughed. Bryce overheard Sir Michael and turned to David.
“Donald, don’t even think about it. Not only could you never have a chance with her, you being a commoner, she’s betrothed to Sir Edgar, the son of Earl Tristan.”
David nodded. “I understand. But such beauty, I’ve never seen anyone like her before.”
Sir Michael leaned over to David and whispered in his ear. “We must get you a wench to warm you at night. I’m sure there are many a maiden here who would accommodate you.”
David tried to stifle a look of near-terror. This could never happen since he would be discovered in an instant. He had not thought about how to handle such a situation. He merely smiled at Sir Michael and changed the subject.
“Sir Michael, please tell me about some of your exploits.”
The knight always was willing to talk about himself. David spent the rest of the evening listening to him brag about the battles he had fought in, the men he had killed, and the tournaments he had won. As the evening wore on, guests began to retire, including Baron Henry, the Baroness, and Alycia. Sir Michael, who had continued to empty mug after mug of ale, eventually became so drunk two servants had to help him to his chamber, almost carrying him. David and Bryce left as well.
“So, Donald, what do you think about everything?” Bryce asked.
“It’s overwhelming. I come from a poor village, and to now stay in the castle and to feast like this…I think I ate too much.”
Bryce smiled at his new friend. “We don’t eat like this every night. But when we do, I also think I eat too much. Let’s get some sleep. Tomorrow, you’ll start your new life here.”
Bryce slid under his woolen blanket and was soon fast asleep. David did the same, but did not fall asleep immediately, even as tired as he was. He thought about what he had done, where he was now living, and what the future possibly could hold for him. What would everyone in West End think? That he betrayed his people and religion to try to become a knight? No, he would not do that. Somehow, he must maintain his heritage by pretending to be Donald for a while. When the right time comes, no matter what the danger, I will be David again. I only hope my father is not angry with me, and my brother and sister will be fine, since I will not be around to protect them. Eventually his thoughts faded as he finally drifted off.
The next morning after a light breakfast, Baron Henry told Bryce to bring David to him.
“Good morning, Baron,” David said, bowing.
“Donald, did you sleep well after such a feast last night?”
“I did, my lord. Thank you.” David noticed there was another man standing in the room.
“Donald, I want you to meet James. He’s my champion archer.”
David turned as James stepped forward. He was a short, squat man, with muscular arms.
“Hello, Donald. I hear you are quite skilled with a bow for being such a young lad, and you used your skill to save my master’s life.”
“Thank you. I was lucky to be in the vicinity when Baron Henry was attacked.”
“Lucky, indeed. It took skill to drop three outlaws as quickly as you did.”
“Donald,” Baron Henry said, “I want you to work with James to start your training. He will make you an even better archer. When you are strong enough, he will teach you to use a longbow.”
David was delighted with the news but then realized that no doubt meant he would not be training to be a knight.
“Baron Henry, James, please don’t think me ungrateful or disrespectful, but I wish to train to be a knight, not an archer.”
“I understand, Donald, and as I already explained to you, training for knighthood begins by becoming a squire. I want you to first improve your archery skills, for I may need you to use them someday. Besides, all my knights have squires at this time. When a position opens up, perhaps then. Now, please be satisfied with archery. However, I suppose we can include teaching you how to use a sword as well, don’t you think so, James?”
“My lord, I believe that can be arranged.”
A huge smile appeared on David. “Thank you, my lord. I am grateful for any opportunity you give me.”
“Very well, then. James, you may start today. B
ryce, you may join them. I promised your father I would give you a chance to become a squire or man-at-arms, so you might as well start now.”
The two boys grinned at each other. They would train together.
Mordecai paid little attention to the Torah reading. Many at the synagogue had asked him where David was. His absence in the small Jewish community was quickly noticed. All Mordecai would say is that he had to go away for a while.
Rachel missed her brother but accepted the explanation her father had given. Benjamin, however, did not. “It makes no sense,” he told his father. “Where could he have gone and why? I’m afraid for him. I need to know he’s all right.” Mordecai repeated Avram said he was fine and David would contact them soon. Benjamin decided he would do some investigating on his own and would question Avram directly.
News of the ambush eventually reached Northampton when a traveler found the three dead outlaws’ bodies a few days later and reported it. Baron Geoffrey sent the sheriff and several men into Salcey to investigate. They returned with the bodies, all with arrow wounds and one with a sword wound as well.
“Well, John,” Baron Geoffrey began, “what do you think happened there?”
“My lord, it’s difficult to say. From the tracks that were still present, it looks like someone was ambushed by those outlaws and was saved by an archer.”
“I wonder if it was Baron Henry who was ambushed. I know he often will ride ahead of his men, and if he did, that may explain his being attacked.”
“Yes, but who killed the outlaws?”
“That I don’t know. A forester, perhaps? Doubtful, though, as we probably would have had a report by now. Henry’s men were only carrying swords and crossbows.”
“My lord, it may have been the one who took Ronald’s weapons.” “Yes, I guess that’s possible, but not likely. While we never found out who did take them, I doubt he would have remained around here. Too risky.”
“You’re probably correct, my lord.”
“Well, no matter. If it was Henry, he’s safe. You may go, John.”
John de Oxenden returned home. I believe whoever killed those men was the one who took Ronald’s weapons, he thought. It must be him. It must be.
With winter approaching, Hubert made sure his priory would be well-stocked with firewood and provisions. He had the monks working hard to ensure his preparation orders were completed. The fifty pounds he received from Baruch he used against Bishop Basil’s orders. Alwyn reminded Hubert Basil had said he could only use a small amount. Hubert said that made no sense, and he would have to make substantial improvements to show the Jew the additional loan he required would bring in more revenue. He used most of the funds to enhance the small church with just enough items to improve the altar. A new altar cloth, crucifix, chalice, candleholders, patens, cruets, and purificator were purchased. Hubert wanted the metal items to be of the finest silver and had commissioned the best silversmith in Northampton to perform the work. He also made improvements to the inside of the church to brighten it. He had some wooden benches made so parishioners could sit instead of standing during services. Alwyn thought while it was a good idea, he had never heard of it done before. Hubert believed by not having to stand, people would be less tired and more inclined to attend. He also started to venture into Northampton to talk to townspeople on the street and ask them to attend his services, and use his church for baptisms, weddings, and funerals. Gradually attendance began to increase. People seemed to like to be able to sit, and even though their weekly contributions were relatively small, revenue began to increase. Hubert was pleased, and even Alwyn had to admit Hubert’s ideas appeared to be working.
“So, Alwyn, what do you think of my improvements so far?”
“Hubert, I must admit I’m impressed. I didn’t think you could do so much with fifty pounds, but you have, even though the bishop did not want you to use that much.”
“I had no choice. Baruch must see progress from the use of his money, or he will never loan the rest.”
“I suppose so, if he will even give you another loan.”
“He will. I know he will.”
“What makes you so sure?”
“He will because I know how to deal with Jews,” he replied angrily. “They’re all alike. He will not turn down an opportunity to increase his wealth, especially after I’ve shown him how trustworthy I am.”
“Hubert, I’m sorry, but you’re a fool. Not all Jews are alike, just as every people have their good and evil. Baruch is smart. He does not need to, nor will he, take on such a risk as you are planning to present to him. I believe you will fail in your attempt, and your plans, as well as Bishop Basil’s, will falter.”
“Oh, so you believe that I will fail? Perhaps you’ve spoken to Baruch and planted that seed in his head? Perhaps Basil has told you he wants me to fail?”
“No, I have not, nor had that thought entered my mind. I don’t know why you would even think that, and frankly, I don’t even care. You are under the impression that the bishop is giving you directions in order to use you for his own gain. Well, that may be. However, since he has not expressed that to me, I can’t agree with your opinion. Watch yourself, Hubert. You continue to make enemies. While they have remained quiet, I don’t believe they will remain so forever.”
Alone in his chamber, Baron Geoffrey stared at the two jars of poison Mordecai had provided. Lady Catherine had gone to London to visit her sister before the weather turned too cold. What shall I do with these, he asked himself. I have the means, but do I have the wherewithal? How can I do it without a finger being pointed at me? He rejected every idea after thinking about it. There always seemed to be a catch even an untrained person might see through. Abbot Hubert must have more enemies than me. No doubt, he has angered most of the monks at Hedgestone Priory. I can only speculate, however, if anyone else would consider harming him besides me. Who might the most ambitious one be? Alwyn comes to mind, but I do not believe he even would consider it. A knock on the door took him out of his thoughts.
“My lord, it is I, Sir Walter, as you requested.”
“Please sit. There’s something I want to discuss with you.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Walter, you have been faithful to me for a long time, have you not?”
“Yes, my lord. And I hope to continue to serve you.”
“I need to talk to you about a very secret matter. Can I trust you to never divulge it to anyone?”
“On my life, my lord.”
“You know what happened to my brother?”
“Yes, my lord.”
“I want revenge on Abbot Hubert. I want you to help me get it.”
“Certainly, my lord. How can I help?”
“I want you to gather some information for me. I can’t do it since Hubert and I are not on the best of terms. Do you know any of the monks at Hedgestone?”
“Not the monks, but I do know Prior Bartholomew, my lord.”
“Can you get word to him? I need to know what’s going on there. It may help me to decide how to proceed. Tell him I want to see him.”
“I will, my lord.”
“Thank you, Walter. I won’t forget this.”
“Baron, I only want to serve you. I will do the best I can.” Walter bowed and left.
Geoffrey poured himself a mug of wine. If I can just learn one good piece of information. One good piece.
Benjamin knocked on Avram’s door. He heard voices inside, and soon Avram’s mother opened it.
“Benjamin. Come in. Did your father send you to borrow something?”
“No. I want to talk to Avram.”
Avram appeared from behind a curtain. “Shalom, Benjamin. You want to talk to me?”
“Yes, can we go outside?”
Avram led Benjamin to the rear of the house and out the door.
“What’s this about?”
“Tell me where my brother is.”
Avram was not surprised at the request. He had expected it.<
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“I can’t tell you any more than I have. He is safe and will be back.”
“Avram, we heard three thieves were killed in the forest. It happened about the time you came to us and said that David had to go away for a while. Did he kill them? Was he arrested? Was he hurt?”
“No, David wasn’t arrested and wasn’t hurt. Don’t you think if he were, your father would know about it? He just told me he had to go away for a while and that’s all. Please believe me.”
“Did he kill the thieves? You avoided the question.”
“How could he? With what weapons? We can’t have weapons, you know that.”
“The dead forester. The missing weapons. There has been much talk about it. Did you and my brother find them?”
“No. I don’t know anything about it. And I suggest you don’t bring it up any more. Nothing good can come of it. It happened over a year ago, and the sheriff could find nothing. Now go home and leave me alone.”
“Very well. I’ll go. But I don’t believe you. You’re hiding something. One day we’ll learn the truth. I only pray that David will be fine, and the secret you’re keeping for him won’t cause him or my family harm.”
Avram felt nervous as he watched Benjamin run toward his home. The secret is still safe with me, he thought. I hope Benjamin does not pursue it further. If I’m questioned by the sheriff, I don’t think I can remain silent. I know they have terrible ways to make people talk. I’m sure they would not hesitate to use them on a Jew, and David would not be there to help me this time. David, why did you do this to me? David, I wonder how you are doing.
MORE SNOW WAS FALLING AS Christmas was getting closer. David had been working on his archery with James. Bryce was starting to learn, but his skills lagged far behind David’s. When James was not around, the boys would practice together. David was becoming a very good teacher himself, correcting Bryce’s mistakes and helping him improve.