by Shel Pais
He had to think quickly. “Sir Michael. I appreciate your concern. The truth, that I did not want the other men to know about, is I am pledged to someone in Coby Hollow, and wish to honor that pledge.”
Sir Michael looked at David in disbelief. “I’ve never heard of such a thing with someone like you. You can’t be serious.”
“I am, Sir Michael. Even in such a small village as Coby Hollow, one can find one’s mate.”
“Why didn’t you mention her before? Did you visit her when we were in Northampton?”
“I wanted to keep her my secret. I didn’t want the men to be jealous of me, and yes, I did see her there.”
David did not think he had convinced Sir Michael. “Donald, I’ve been with many women, most whose names I don’t remember. I’ve never been in love, and never have married. I know I sired a number of children, but I don’t know who any of them are. If what you say is true, I envy you. If you’ve found someone you love and loves you, you are a better man than I, and I wish you well.”
Sir Michael’s confession startled David. Never had he thought this gruff knight who had been in many battles, killed many men, and even had committed rape in his younger years, would lament his never marrying, and approve of David’s story.
“Thank you, Sir Michael. Can we please keep this between us? I still don’t want any of the men to know.”
“Of course, Donald. Your secret is safe with me.”
Father Alwyn arrived in London after a long interval since his last trip. He had delayed his scheduled trips at Hubert’s request. He knew he was treading a fine line between the two churchmen but felt he could control the situation. As he sat waiting for the bishop, Eustace exhibited his usual strange behavior. Alwyn did not trust the old priest and made certain he never said anything in front of him he wanted no one else to know.
“Well, Alwyn,” Basil said, “I expected you to be here quite a while ago. I was going to send old Eustace here after you.”
“I’m sorry, Your Grace, but I wanted to be able to give you a report with a considerable amount of information, and a report that also would please you.”
“And now you will or will not?”
“You will be the judge of that.”
“Obviously. Now tell me everything.”
“Hubert had considerable trouble obtaining the large loan you requested. After he secured a fifty pound loan and more than met its terms, he attempted to secure additional ones in phases. However, the moneylender refused unless he had a guarantor.”
“A guarantor? And did he?”
“No, Your Grace. He knew no one would guarantee the loan for him, and he could never ask you.”
“He was correct. I would never do that. I do not need Hubert if I am the guarantor. So, did he obtain another loan?”
“The surprising thing is all of a sudden, the moneylender changed his mind and agreed to a one thousand pound loan without a guarantor.”
“Do you know why? Has he ever done that before?”
“I tried to find out why and answer that same question but could not. I can only assume he knows a secret about the moneylender. No other possibility makes sense to me.”
Basil was silent for quite a while. “Did anything happen about that time that could be connected to this change of heart?”
“I thought about that as well, Your Grace, but nothing I could think of. There had just been a tournament and archery contest when Baron Henry de Percy of York visited Baron Geoffrey, but nothing else.”
“Did anything unusual happen there?”
“Not to my knowledge. One of Henry’s men won the archery contest, a young man named Donald. I believe he’s a peasant boy who saved the baron’s life last year. Henry has been training him to be a man-at-arms and took him to Northampton.”
“A peasant boy, you say? How did he save Henry’s life?”
“I don’t know. Everyone was very secretive about it. Some speculate that when a forester was found dead some time ago and his weapons were missing, this boy found them and taught himself archery. Since it happened, the sheriff has been trying to find whoever took them.”
“Was the forester killed?”
“It appears he died of natural causes.”
Basil grunted. “I don’t see what that has to do with Hubert obtaining the loan. So, where is the money?”
“This is the part you won’t like. Hubert didn’t tell me about the loan. I learned it from one of the clerks who keeps the archa. To be blunt, he’s kept the money for himself.”
Basil was furious. “Himself? He knew you were coming to give me a report, did he not?”
“Yes, but he doesn’t know I know about the loan. He thinks I will report his unsuccessful efforts.”
“I knew he couldn’t be trusted. Alwyn, I want you to return to Hedgestone immediately. Find out more about this. Do you know who the moneylender is?”
“Yes. His name is Baruch.”
“Do you know anything about him?”
“Not much. He has no immediate family but has a brother who is an apothecary. I believe the brother’s wife was killed in the riots a few years ago.”
“Do either have any children?”
“I know the brother does.”
“Talk to this Baruch, find out everything you can. If you need to talk to the brother, do that as well. I think what you told me may be connected. This moneylender changed his mind awfully quickly. There must be a good reason for it, and I’m certain Hubert’s involved.”
“Very well, Your Grace. I’ll find out what I can.”
“Make certain you do it very discreetly. I don’t want Hubert to know what you’re doing or I know anything about it, understand?”
“Perfectly. You can count on me.”
Alwyn left the bishop’s palace and began the return trip to Hedgestone. Throughout the journey he could think of nothing else except Basil’s orders and various scenarios surrounding the bishop’s speculation. He must be right. Why would Baruch all of a sudden give Hubert what he wanted? It made no sense unless he was forced to. Did the coin clipping threat work, or did Hubert discover another way to threaten this Jew?
Upon arriving back at Hedgestone three days later, Alwyn first reported directly to Hubert.
“Well, what did you tell him?” Hubert asked sternly.
“Exactly what you told me, that the moneylenders will not lend large sums without a guarantor, even with all your efforts.”
“And how did our friend respond?”
“He wasn’t happy, but said I was to thank you for your efforts, and you were to continue to try. He also said he was pleased you continue to keep the brothers away from the Jews.”
Hubert nodded. So far, his plan was working. Basil does not know I have the money. I have Baruch whenever I need him, although I must remain cautious. He is a very smart, shrewd man, and I must stay one-step ahead of him at all times. I also do not trust Alwyn. I am certain he is more loyal to Basil than to me, but that is no matter. I can keep him under my control.
BARON GEOFFREY THOUGHT ABOUT THIS talented young archer named Donald, as well as what to do about Abbot Hubert. Now that he had answered the question about Ronald and the missing weapons, he was quite happy it had turned out that way. Henry was his friend, and if something had happened to him, Geoffrey would have been very distraught. This Donald, however, should have reported finding Ronald and taking the weapons. No doubt, I would have let him keep them anyway. Geoffrey felt he understood why a peasant would think that way, however. Most of the common people were fearful of him, the sheriff, and most of the king’s men, and he could not blame them. With only the slightest suspicion, anyone could be arrested, and it was very difficult to prove one’s innocence. Geoffrey laughed to himself, thinking that under those circumstances, he probably would have done the same thing Donald did. He would try to find out more about this Donald if he could, to satisfy his own curiosity if nothing else.
Hubert, of course, was another matter. Now that Ge
offrey knew the truth about why Hubert excommunicated his brother, he meant to do something about it. Still, he could not decide how, where, or when. The more he thought about it, the more he wanted to learn more about Hubert. Who else hated him? Bartholomew, of course. The Jews? Father Alwyn? The monks? He either had to send someone to spy on him, to inquire discreetly about what was really going on at Hedgestone or get the information from someone inside. But who? Then it dawned on him—Father Ambrose. He hated both Hubert and Alwyn, and no doubt would tell me everything he could. But how can he get word to Ambrose? Almost instantly, he knew. He would send for Ambrose to hear Geoffrey’s confession. He never would let Hubert or Alwyn hear it. Then he could question Ambrose and perhaps get him to keep me informed about what is going on at Hedgestone.
“Cyrus, go to Hedgestone Priory and tell Father Ambrose, not Father Alwyn, I want him to hear my confession here at the castle.”
“Yes, my lord. Will he or anyone else not think it strange you won’t go to the church for your confession?”
“You’re right, Cyrus. Tell them I’m ill and cannot travel now. That should be sufficient. And remember, only Father Ambrose is to come. No one else, understand? Take a horse. Tell the stable master I order it.”
Cyrus nodded. “Yes, my lord, only Father Ambrose.”
Cyrus ran down the stairs to the stables. The stable master gave him a smaller brown mare, saddled it, and Cyrus proceeded out over the drawbridge. He rode as fast as he could through Northampton and West End, where he paid no attention to anyone on the streets. He pulled up at Hedgestone, dismounted, and pulled the bell cord. After a few minutes a monk appeared.
“Yes, lad. What do you want?”
“I come from Baron Geoffrey. He requests Father Ambrose come to the castle immediately to hear his confession.”
“Immediately? Is he dying?”
“No,” Cyrus responded. “He’s not dying, but too ill to travel here.”
“Wait here. I’ll return shortly.”
Cyrus waited for what seemed to be an eternity until finally the door opened.
“I’m Father Ambrose. What’s happening that I need to rush to the castle?”
“I’m sorry,” Cyrus answered. “I don’t know. I’m only obeying the baron.”
Ambrose looked at the boy, who appeared nervous that if Ambrose did not come with him, he would be punished. “Very well. I’ll go with you.”
They both rode on Cyrus’ horse, Ambrose seated behind Cyrus. It was not a comfortable journey, but since it was not long, it was tolerable. They reached the castle and Cyrus led Ambrose to the baron, who was sitting in his private chamber. Geoffrey rose to greet him.
“Ah, Father Ambrose, is it? I’m glad you could come. I’m sorry it was on such short notice. I hope I didn’t take you away from anything important. Cyrus, you may go.”
Cyrus left, and Geoffrey closed the door behind him. “Please sit down, Father. Can I get you anything?”
“No, thank you, my lord. I wish to hear your confession and return to Hedgestone. Tell me, the boy said you were ill. You don’t look ill to me.”
“Ambrose, may I call you that?” Ambrose nodded. “I confess not only am I not ill, but I wanted you to come here so I could speak to you in private. I regret having to deceive you, but it was necessary. Please, have some wine.”
Geoffrey poured two cups from a pitcher on the table in front of them and handed one to Ambrose.
“Very well. To your health, my lord.”
“And yours as well,” Geoffrey said. “Tell me, Ambrose, what do you think of Abbot Hubert and Father Alwyn?”
Ambrose spit out the wine in his mouth as Geoffrey mentioned both names. “I’m sorry, my lord, for my reaction. I think you now understand.”
Geoffrey knew he had made the right decision. “Ambrose, do you know why I hate Hubert and have no love for Alwyn either?”
“I believe Hubert had your brother excommunicated, after which he killed himself?”
“That’s correct. I found out why Hubert did it and want to get my revenge. However, I have no way of learning about what is going on at Hedgestone. I cannot formulate any plan without knowing.”
Ambrose sipped his wine. “I see. You want me to inform on them for you?”
“Inform is such a harsh word. Shall we say, educate me?”
“Baron, as a priest I don’t want anything to do with your request. As a man, though, I will be happy to, as you say, educate you. Actually, your timing is excellent. I have just learned something about Hubert that I believe you will find most useful.”
Geoffrey leaned forward. Ambrose, however, remained silent.
“Well,” Geoffrey said. “Tell me.”
“And what is in it for me if I become your educator?”
“What do you want?”
“Baron, while it may not be directly in your power, should something happen to Hubert, I want to be prior, and I may need help from outside the Church, as well as a donation. Can you give me that?”
“I would be happy to see you prior and make a donation. Anyone other than Hubert or Alwyn.”
Ambrose told Geoffrey as much as he could about what had happened at Hedgestone since Hubert arrived. While he was not privy to everything, it was difficult to keep secrets, as the monks always tried to hear what they were not supposed to. Finally, Ambrose divulged the latest and most important piece of information. “Baron, Hubert just obtained a loan of one thousand pounds from Baruch, the Jewish moneylender, with no security or guarantor. The money was supposed to go to Bishop Basil, but Hubert decided to keep it a secret from him and Alwyn, although I know Alwyn found out. Alwyn has been spying on Hubert for the bishop, and no doubt told him the truth during his latest visit to London.”
“Is that true? Is Hubert mad? Why on earth would he deceive the bishop?”
“I don’t know. Frankly, I’m afraid Hubert will initiate another round of violence against the Jews in order to harm Baruch.”
“But that doesn’t make sense,” Geoffrey said. “Even if something were to happen to Baruch, the loan is registered in the archa. Hubert wouldn’t dare to tamper with that. The king would have his head.”
“You don’t know him. I fear he’d do anything for his plan to succeed.”
“One thousand pounds is not a huge fortune. Why risk one’s life or position in the Church for that?”
“Again, Baron, I don’t know. There’s speculation Hubert may know something about Baruch that Baruch does not want anyone to know. Hubert had been trying to obtain a large loan from him, and Baruch refused to loan him more than fifty pounds without a guarantor. All of a sudden, he changed his mind. To answer your question about why he would risk so much for one thousand pounds, I wouldn’t be surprised if Hubert either demands another larger loan, or even the money outright if he does indeed hold something over him.”
Geoffrey began pacing. “Interesting. I think the speculation actually may be the truth. Father Ambrose, thank you for sharing your information with me. I promise I will hold it in the strictest confidence. If you hear anything else, you will tell me?”
“Of course, my lord. I hope somehow Hubert will be removed, and Alwyn with him. If I can be of any assistance to you in this regard, you can count on me.”
Geoffrey laughed. “It seems our friend Hubert has many enemies. Perhaps we can even identify a few more. Goodbye, Ambrose, and thank you again.”
Geoffrey again thought if there was any way he could destroy Hubert without killing him. That would be an even better revenge. He poured himself a cup of wine. Soon he fell asleep in his chair, without coming up with a definitive solution.
Henry recently had ordered David to begin training in horsemanship to further increase his skills. David was thrilled, as this would put him even closer to becoming a knight.
One late afternoon as David was about to put his practice weapons away, he turned and saw Alycia. She looked more radiant than ever. She wore a low-cut dress that exposed the top of her
ample breasts. Her skin looked to be as soft as a butterfly’s wings. He tried not to stare at her cleavage but found it difficult.
“Donald, you’ve been avoiding me,” she said teasingly.
“Lady Alycia, hello.”
She smiled and giggled softly. “I’ve missed you. It seems if you aren’t training, I don’t know where to find you.”
David felt embarrassed. Why does she need to find me? He was afraid he might say something that would anger her or, even worse, Baron Henry. “I’ve been quite busy, and I’m also quite tired after each day’s training.”
“You don’t like me.”
“I know my place, Alycia, and you are betrothed. I am not permitted to,” he paused, “like you.”
David did not know Sir Edgar had just arrived. Alycia looked up and saw him walking towards her. David’s back was to him, so he could not see the knight approaching. Suddenly Alycia started crying. David, still oblivious to Edgar, was surprised by her tears. He did not think he had said anything to upset her. Then he heard a brusque male voice behind him.
“What’s going on here?” Edgar shouted.
David turned to see Edgar with his sword drawn.
“Edgar, my love, Donald said you are not worthy of me and will never make me happy, and it upset me.”
David stared at Alycia, shocked she would lie like that. Should he deny it, thereby accusing Alycia of lying? Edgar never gave him a chance to respond. David was still holding a steel practice sword with a blunted edge. Edgar thrust his sword at David’s stomach without saying a word. David blocked the blow, and the two of them began fighting. Alycia realized what she had started. “Stop this. Edgar, you’ll kill him.”