by Shel Pais
“Very well, Father. Can we eat soon? I miss our meals together.”
“Certainly. Come, children. Let’s prepare a meal for your brother to welcome him home.”
David was still wearing his man-at-arms clothes and mail. After getting help to remove the mail, he went into his old room and found some of his clothes. However, nothing fit him anymore. He was not the same boy who left West End not so long ago.
After a meal of chicken soup, roast chicken with vegetables, and some sweets for dessert, Mordecai sent Benjamin and Rachel to bed so he could talk more to David.
“David. What do you think you can accomplish? Even if you become a great warrior, you are only one man. It would take an army of other Jews like you to defend and protect our people.”
David sighed and nodded in agreement. “I know, Father. I am not so naïve to think I can change everything. I just want to show them our people can fight and we must be respected and not ridiculed. I also want to avenge mother’s murder, as I’ve told you.”
“David, my David,” Mordecai said, sighing. “Perhaps one man can change the world. Abraham did. Moses did. Solomon did. However, you are not anywhere near them. Even if you complete your training and become a knight, you never could reveal your identity. And what if someone recognizes you? Aren’t the risks too great?”
“Yes, Father. I know the risks, but I don’t care. I want to do this. I’m a good swordsman and an excellent archer. I’ve earned the respect of Baron Henry and many of his men.”
“I imagine you may have made a few enemies as well, am I not correct?”
“None that I know of. Since I saved Baron Henry’s life, he warned all his men I was not to be mistreated in any way or he would punish them. The baron wanted to be sure none of the six men who accompanied him from Northampton on that day would harm me for embarrassing them.”
“David, you are my oldest child, and you know I love you very much. I cannot stop you from this foolish endeavor of yours. Anyway, I believe you are too deep into it already. You probably would have to leave England if you decided not to return to York.”
“I must return, Father. I must. I will complete my training, and someday I will make you proud of me for standing up to the abuse and tyranny our people suffer. Perhaps I can get other Jewish boys and men to join me. Then I can teach them what I’ve learned, and they can teach others, and so forth.”
Mordecai shook his head. “It’s a dream, David. A dream. A dream that will never come true. Your motives are commendable, at least when it comes to defending our people, but unrealistic. I will not speak of this again. I will pray you will stay safe and won’t be discovered. I also will pray you never forget you are a Jew, and one day you will stop masquerading as a Christian and will practice your Judaism again. That is what your mother, may she rest in peace, and I would wish for.”
“I will Father. I promise you. If I could live openly as a Jew now, I would.” He paused for a moment. “Father, are you angry with me for all I have done against our teachings and customs? I know I have committed great sins. I am sure the rabbis would forbid me from practicing Judaism. If they can excommunicate someone like the Christians do, I am sure they would.”
“David, that’s my greatest dilemma about what you have done and are doing. I made it no secret that if you had the opportunity to become a warrior, I would let you. I must admit I said that with the belief it would never, ever happen. I now have learned one always should expect the unexpected. Yes, you have broken some of our most sacred laws. I am sure if they knew, the rabbis and elders would enact herem, our form of excommunication. It shuns one from the community. I certainly hope they never do. I’ll pray for you as I always have.”
David hugged his father. “Thank you. I want to please you, but I need to follow my destiny, and I believe God has given me this opportunity, so I must pursue it.”
David noticed tears in his father’s eyes. “Then make us proud, David. Make us proud.”
Abbot Hubert walked into the refectory, where Bartholomew sat munching on a small piece of bread and sipping on a cup of water. Hubert had not spoken to him very often and had never asked the old prior for advice on anything. Bartholomew and Father Ambrose had not hidden their dislike of him. It was better for everyone if they avoided each other as much as they could.
“Hello, Bartholomew.” Hubert greeted him in an unusually friendly tone.
“Abbot,” Bartholomew answered coldly.
“May I join you?”
Bartholomew nodded, and Hubert sat down across from him.
“I see you are well. I’m glad.”
Bartholomew did not hide his feelings. “Of course I’m well. I could have remained prior, and I believe the priory would have been better off.”
“You’re not pleased with the improvements I have made?”
“They are cosmetic. While I admit that on the surface Hedgestone looks better, the monks are fearful of you. They are trying to make your ventures succeed but are worried of your wrath if they fail. They also know that while you have forbidden us to even speak with the Jews, you do so as you wish.”
“The monks will do as I say, as will you. It is not for you or anyone to question my motives or me. I do not have to explain myself to anyone except the bishop. Don’t forget that.”
“Did you wish to speak to me about something?”
“Yes, I do. I would like your assistance. I need to negotiate a second loan with Baruch, and I would like you to attend the meeting to support me.”
Bartholomew made no effort to hide his surprise. “My support? What possible help could I be?”
“Do you know Baruch?”
“No, I don’t. I met his brother Mordecai, but not him.”
“But you do have a strong relationship with the Jews, do you not?”
Bartholomew wondered if Hubert was trying to bait him. “I used to, as you know, but not since you became prior and stopped all interactions with them.”
Hubert smirked. “So, you’ve never had any contact with them since my edict?”
Before Bartholomew could answer, Hubert continued. “No matter. I believe your presence could help me.”
“Why should I help you? Since you arrived, you have done everything you could to reverse the good work we were doing. You have consistently intimidated the monks and sabotaged the inroads we were making with the Jews. You forced me from my duties of serving God that gave me deep inspirational comfort. You made me feel like a prisoner in my own priory.”
“My dear Bartholomew. Please believe me that was never my intention. You know Bishop Basil gave me an assignment, and I must complete it in my own way from his directions. If you do not want to help for my sake, you should for the bishop’s.”
“Humph,” Bartholomew grunted. “And why should I do that? Basil isn’t even my bishop. All our work is supposed to be for God and the Church, not for any individual. I have always practiced that. I’m afraid you and he are more interested in your personal gains.”
Bartholomew stood and put his face directly in front of Hubert’s. “I may be old, and I may have been relieved of my duties, but I will not compromise what I believe in for you, the bishop, or anyone.” He stormed out of the refectory.
Hubert laughed quietly to himself. The old fool, he thought. No wonder he spent so many years here in this hole. Anyway, I don’t need him. I don’t need anyone, not even Alwyn.
David arose well rested, happy to have slept in his own bed for the first time in quite a while. He figured he would have to stay in the house until he returned to Baron Henry later in the day. The baron was willing to let him visit his family, but only for a short while. David wanted to be cautious as well, fearful he could be discovered. He spent the day visiting with his father, Benjamin, and Rachel. They made David tell the same stories about his experiences several times, never seeming to tire of them. As the day wore on and it was late in the afternoon, David dressed in his man-at-arms clothes, mail, and helmet. He hugged all of the
m several times. “Be healthy and safe,” he said. “I hope to see you again soon.”
“You do the same,” they all said, as he walked into the street. He hurried back to the castle, keeping his head down until he was past West End. He arrived at the castle gate, where the guards greeted him. He made his way to the quarters of Geoffrey’s men-at-arms, where Michael and the others sat drinking mugs of ale. “Donald. You’ve returned. Come, have a mug with us.”
“Gladly, my friends.” He sat next to Michael while one of the men filled a mug for him.
“How was your visit?” Michael asked.
David did not want to talk too much about it, since they believed he was seeing the fictitious people in Coby Hollow he had told them about.
“It was fine. They are well and were happy to see me.”
The conversation then changed to the women in the castle and Northampton the men had seen. While ordered to remain in the castle during the day, Henry permitted them to go to a tavern in town the previous night, with an upstairs brothel they all took advantage of.
“Donald, you should have been with us. There’s a redhead who is perfect for you. I hope we can return there before we must leave,” Michael said.
“Sorry I missed it,” David lied. He had not thought about the possibility of the men going to a brothel. How could he not join the other men if they did return there? He would have to pretend to be sick. There was no other way. Luckily, it was raining fairly hard, so they all stayed in the castle that night.
The next day Baron Henry summoned David to the great hall with his bow and arrows. David entered, bowing to Henry and Baron Geoffrey, noticing an archery target had been set up at the end of the hall.
“So, here again is your savior,” Geoffrey said. “He’s a fine young lad. He will make a good man-at-arms.”
“He wants to be a knight. I think he has the talent to become one,” Henry said. “Donald, I want you to show Geoffrey your archery skill.”
“Yes, my lord.” David took an arrow from his quiver, notched it, took his position, pulled back on the bowstring and shot. The target was about thirty paces away, and the arrow landed dead center.
“Very nice,” Geoffrey commented. “Try again from ten more paces back.”
David did as the baron instructed. The second arrow did not hit dead center but was still in the center circle. David shot three more arrows, and they all landed in the center circle.
“I’m quite impressed, Henry. Donald, how did you become such a fine archer?”
“The baron’s man James taught me.”
“Donald,” Geoffrey began, “I’ve thought about what you told me, how you found my cousin Ronald, the forester, dead in Salcey. However, there is one thing that puzzles me.”
David became nervous. He thought this matter had been closed. “What is that, my lord?”
“It was reported to me near where his body was discovered were two sets of footprints that appeared to have been made by boys probably about your age. I think you told me you had been alone when you found him and took the weapons.”
“That’s correct, my lord.”
“Do you swear by Our Lord Jesus you’re telling the truth?”
“I swear, my lord, in Jesus’ name, I was alone. I cannot explain what was reported to you.”
“Very well. I trust you would not commit a sacrilege using Our Lord’s name. You may go.”
“Well, Geoffrey,” Henry said, “are you convinced? I hope you’ll stop doubting Donald. For me, at least, because the matter should be closed.”
“Henry, I believe him, but there were still two distinct sets of footprints, one larger than the other, in a remote place. No one goes there, I understand. Could Donald be protecting someone? I would just like to know the truth is all.”
“You have been told the truth. I’m sure of it. Now, let’s talk of tomorrow’s hunt. I’d love some fresh meat.”
Baruch sat across from Abbot Hubert in the same small room where they previously had met. He speculated Hubert was going to press hard for the second loan, and to ask for much more than he had originally said. Hubert initiated the usual small talk, and then got right to the point.
“Baruch, tell me, have I not performed exactly, even better than what we had agreed upon?”
“Yes, you have, surprisingly. To be honest, I thought you wouldn’t be able to honor our agreement.”
“I should be insulted at that remark, but I understand. I hope I have alleviated all your fears and we may negotiate the next loan.”
“I’m listening,” Baruch said, his voice low and unemotional.
“After doing a great deal of thought and considering all aspects, I have decided the three-step plan will take too much time, and a two-step plan will be better for both of us.”
“Better for both of us? I don’t think so. Nothing has changed in my mind.”
Hubert began pacing. “I want one thousand pounds as the final loan. I will not ask for any more.”
“With no guarantor, I assume?”
“That is correct. I have upheld my part of our agreement in good faith. I expect you to do the same.”
Baruch stood. “Apparently, you have a very short memory. I thought I made myself quite clear that without a guarantor, I will not loan you anywhere near that amount. In fact, we’re done. I expect you to continue to repay the balance of the fifty pounds of our agreement. Good day, Hubert.”
Hubert moved to block Baruch. “Not so fast. I think you will loan me the rest, and at very attractive rates.”
“You are mad. Goodbye, Abbot.”
“Am I, coin clipper?”
Baruch stared at Hubert. “What did you say?”
“You heard me.”
Baruch knew what this could mean. If Hubert was willing to falsely accuse him of coin clipping, he was capable of almost anything.
“I have never clipped a coin in my life, and you know it. How dare you try to use a false accusation to force me to give you what you want.”
“I have not accused you of anything, yet. Though it would be easy to do and give the sheriff some, shall we say, evidence to support the claim.”
“You’re a fool, Hubert. I should report you to the sheriff.”
Hubert laughed. “Report me? Who do you think he’ll believe—an abbot or a Jew?”
“I know the sheriff, and I believe he’s an honest man.”
Hubert looked slyly at Baruch. “Perhaps. While he may believe you, I am sure the townspeople will not.”
“Now you threaten to stir up the townspeople against me? Goodbye, Hubert. We’re done here. I want no further dealings with you. I expect the remainder of the payments under your obligation to be made on time.”
Baruch stormed out and left the priory. Alwyn had been standing outside and watched as Baruch hurried out. He could not help but notice the angry look on the moneylender’s face. Alwyn found Hubert still in the room.
“What happened, Hubert? Baruch ran out of here looking quite upset.”
“Close the door and I will tell you. However, you must swear never to repeat anything to anyone about this. And that includes Bishop Basil.”
Alwyn felt he had no choice. “I swear I will never repeat this.”
“Very well. But remember, I still hold your secret, and will divulge it if you renege.”
Alwyn nodded.
“I realized Baruch was never going to give me a loan as large as I asked for, and large enough to please the bishop. So, I threatened to expose him as a coin clipper if he did not give it to me.”
“I cannot believe you did that. Baruch is respected by Baron Geoffrey, the sheriff, and, as I understand it, all who have done business with him. Why should anyone believe you?”
“Alwyn, I am not a fool. I have evidence. Clipped coins Baruch gave me from the loan.”
“That’s not evidence. Anyone could have clipped them. In fact, you probably did it yourself.”
“Perhaps you clipped them for me.” Hubert suddenly s
topped, real-izing he had gone way too far. “Alwyn, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you angry or involve you. I must be successful, and I thought I could intimidate Baruch. Instead I made him angry and fearful of me.”
“No, he’s not fearful. He lost all faith and trust in you. No man wants to be threatened, especially of being wrongfully accused of committing a serious crime.”
“You’re right. Do you think if I apologize he will forgive me?”
“Hubert, humility is not one of your strong points, I’m afraid.”
Hubert laughed. “For once I agree with you. Alwyn. I must find another way.”
Mordecai had received a message that his presence was required at the castle. One of the men-at-arms had fallen ill, and his condition was worsening. As he walked down Green Street, he saw Avram. “Shalom, Mordecai. Have you heard from David?”
“Shalom, Avram. I hope you and your family are well.”
“Mordecai, you didn’t answer my question. Have you heard from David?”
“Yes, I have, and he is well.”
“I’m glad to hear it. Did he write you? How did you hear from him?”
Mordecai hesitated, as he did not know how to avoid telling him. He motioned for Avram to follow him to an alcove so they could speak more privately.
“Avram, David is here in Northampton.”
“Here?” Avram exclaimed.
“Keep your voice down. He came to see us, and wanted to see you, but I was afraid it was too dangerous and risky for him. Can you understand that?”
Mordecai told Avram what he knew about David’s life at York, intentionally leaving out the details of his pretending to be a Christian. The fewer who knew about the sins David had committed to hide his identity, the better.
“So, he is here with Baron Henry as a man-at-arms? Will you see him again?”
“No, I’m afraid not. The baron gave him a little time to see what he was told was David’s adopted family in Coby Hollow, but he must remain with the other men-at-arms. I believe they will be returning to York soon.”