The Fate of the Arrow

by Shel Pais

  Mordecai was stunned. “How long have you known this?”

  The wine continued to affect Baruch. “For a few months. I fear Hubert will continue to use this against me.”

  Hannah looked over at her new husband and brother-in-law. She could not hear what Baruch was saying but could hear Mordecai.

  “How did he find out?” Mordecai asked.

  “I don’t know,” Baruch lied, not wanting Benjamin to feel guilty about giving away David’s secret.

  Hannah noticed Mordecai’s expression of joy quickly transformed into what looked like extreme worry. “What’s the matter, my husband? What did Baruch say to you?”

  Baruch understood her, even in his inebriated state. “TellherMordecai. Sheshouldknow,” he said, slurring his words even more.

  “Hannah, please take Rachel home. I need to get Baruch to his. I will tell you everything later. Benjamin, come help me with your uncle.”

  Mordecai and Benjamin got Baruch to his feet and managed to support him as he stumbled with each step toward his house. Mordecai helped him to his bed, and he fell asleep almost immediately.

  “I’m afraid he’ll wake up with a pounding headache,” Mordecai told Baruch’s housekeeper. “Let me know if he needs something for it. I have a mixture that should reduce the pain.”

  Mordecai and Benjamin arrived home. Hannah had put Rachel to bed and was waiting for them. “Benjamin, please go right to bed. I need to speak to Hannah.”

  “Good night, Father,” Benjamin said, kissing him. He then kissed Hannah good night as well.

  Alone, the newlyweds sat next to one another. “I am pleased Benjamin kissed you. I hope in time they both will call you mother.”

  Hannah smiled. “Rachel did tonight. Now, tell me what you were going to.”

  “Are you sure? I don’t want to frighten you, since sometimes it’s better not to know certain things.”

  She took his hand. “Mordecai, I love you and the children, and want to share our joys and sorrows. Do not forget what we both have experienced, and what eventually brought us together. I want to be your partner and will always be by your side.”

  Mordecai leaned over and kissed her. “I am very lucky I found you.”

  He proceeded to tell her about David, concluding with what Baruch told him. She listened intently to every word, asking a few questions to clarify anything she may not have understood completely.

  “Mordecai, there is much here to contemplate. It is late. The children are asleep. Let’s complete our wedding day as newly married couples do. We’ll discuss this further tomorrow.”

  Mordecai smiled and kissed her again. Without saying another word, they quietly entered their bedroom and closed the door. They did not go to sleep for quite a while.

  Abbot Hubert was taking his daily inspection walk around the priory. A light snow had fallen the previous night, and he liked to gently kick the soft flakes aside with his fine leather boots. It had been about three months since he received the money from Baruch, and he had not had any contact with the Jew since. With Christmas and the New Year approaching, it was time for the next step in his plan. How wonderful it is, he thought, when one knows something the other person does not want anyone else to know. It is the easiest way to get what one wants.

  He also thought about Alwyn and was very proud he had been able to keep the thousand pound loan a secret from him so he could not tell Bishop Basil about it. He also had managed to keep Father Ambrose from becoming closer to him, even though Ambrose seemed to be trying over the past several weeks. At first, Hubert was suspicious of Ambrose’s motives, but then he assumed he was just trying to enhance his position at Hedgestone. After all, he had not caused Hubert any problems for quite a while, and actually had been very cooperative.

  Bartholomew had kept to himself, attending prayers regularly, while spending most of his time in the scriptorium. He enjoyed copying books and had a definite talent for doing so. He said leaving books behind after his death would be his legacy, and he hoped future generations would benefit from his labors. Hubert was quite happy Bartholomew had resigned himself to this.

  As Hubert continued his walk around the grounds, he decided he would go to Baruch and demand money without it being a loan. Yes, it was beneath his station as an abbot, but Baruch was a Jew. Hubert felt there was nothing wrong with what he was doing. I am a man of God, he said to himself to justify his ambitions. I have heard of other churchmen who have done far worse things.

  Hubert informed Alwyn he was going to Northampton and left the priory on horseback. He rode slowly, contemplating what might happen when he presented his latest demand to Baruch. A cold, early-winter wind blew, and he was quite chilled when he arrived.

  “What are you doing here?” Baruch asked gruffly.

  “Now Baruch, is that how one friend greets another?”

  “You know you’re not my friend.” Baruch started to close the door in his face. Hubert quickly slid his leg partially inside, preventing the door from closing.

  “I think you should let me in. What will the West Enders think if they see the Prior of Hedgestone standing at your door?”

  While most probably would assume the abbot was there for a loan, everyone knew Baruch rarely did business at his home. “Come in but make it quick. I don’t want you here.”

  Baruch almost slammed the door as Hubert entered and sat in one of Baruch’s very comfortable chairs. Baruch remained standing. “Are you not going to offer me some wine?” Hubert asked.

  “No, I’m not. What do you want?”

  Hubert’s attitude changed, and he looked sternly at Baruch. “It’s time for us to discuss a payment.”

  “Payment? Your first payment is not due for three more months as we agreed.”

  “I know. The payment is from you to me.”

  Baruch immediately knew what Hubert was implying. “I see. You want to take money from me without me loaning it to you. You are mad, as I told you before.”

  “Let’s say it’s a donation, shall we?”

  “Get out. I won’t give you a penny. I should never have loaned you the thousand pounds in the first place.”

  Hubert stayed calm. “Baruch, I’m not a greedy man. This will be the only time I ask you to do this.”

  “Perhaps you didn’t hear me. I said I won’t give you a penny. Now honor the loan agreement registered at the archa, and don’t return here again.”

  “Have you heard from your nephew? I wonder how he’s doing. I wonder if anyone suspects he’s a Jew. Perhaps I should make a journey to York?”

  Baruch grabbed Hubert’s robe and pulled him to his feet. A look of terror came across Hubert’s face as he saw the anger in Baruch’s eyes. Yet the words Baruch wanted to say never came. After a few moments, he released Hubert and pushed him back into the chair.

  “How much do you want?”

  “Two thousand pounds.”

  “Two thousand? You have lost your mind. I have only to inform the king of what you are doing, taking money that would be his upon my death, and extorting it for yourself.”

  “Now Baruch, I said it would be a one-time donation. You will not tell the king, or David will be exposed, and I will expose him. And remember, if anything happens to me…”

  There would not be any reasoning with this man. Baruch needed time to think. “I will consider your donation request and let you know my answer in a week. Now, get out!”

  Baruch again grabbed Hubert by his robe, pulled him up, and shoved him out the door, slamming it behind him. Several townspeople witnessed the event and scurried away when Hubert ordered them to. He quickly rode off, muttering under his breath. He did not notice there was another witness, who did not scurry away.

  BARUCH SAT BY THE FIRE on a bitterly cold day, a light snow falling. Christmas and New Year’s had come and gone. The week Baruch had told Hubert he would get back to him had passed more than three weeks ago, and surprisingly Hubert had not tried to contact him since his recent visit. Baruch knew this g
race period would not last much longer. Hubert was an ambitious man, and Baruch believed when it came to dealing with Jews, he had no scruples at all. I cannot give him the two thousand pounds, he thought. He only will keep asking for more, and he will end up taking everything I have. I cannot put David at risk either. There must be something that can be done. Just then there was a knock at the door. Baruch slowly opened it. Mordecai stood before him.

  “Shalom, my brother.”

  Baruch showed his obvious relief. “Shalom. I was afraid it was Hubert.”

  “I’m worried about you. We haven’t seen you for quite a while.”

  “I’m sorry. I’ve had a lot on my mind. How are Hannah and the children?”

  “They are fine. It’s you we’re worried about. Tell me what’s wrong.”

  Somewhat reluctantly, Baruch told Mordecai about Hubert’s demand, and he had not yet responded to him.

  “He must be stopped,” Mordecai said. “I agree he will not honor his pledge that this is a one-time demand. He’ll do it over and over.”

  “What can we do? Have him killed?”

  “No, we cannot. For one, I don’t know how we could complete the task without suffering for it. We must discredit him somehow.”

  “Discredit him? How? As long as he’s alive he’ll threaten to expose David.”

  “There are potions that will make a man appear to be insane and can also affect one’s memory. Perhaps if we can administer one to him, no one will ever believe anything he says, and he will have forgotten about David.”

  Baruch raised his eyebrows. “Could that work? How could we do it? He probably would be leery of eating or drinking anything I give him.”

  “I believe I may know a way. Do you know who Prior Bartholomew is?”

  “You mean the old prior who Hubert replaced?”

  “Exactly. He hates him. I don’t think he would be part of a plot to murder him, but I am certain he would help to discredit him.”

  “Can you make such a potion?”

  “I never have before, but I believe I can. In the meantime, we need to get word to Bartholomew.”

  “Leave that to me.”

  “What will you do now? I don’t know how much time we’ll need.”

  “I’ll try to stall him. Perhaps I can give him a small amount just to placate him, say two hundred pounds, promising the rest later. That should buy us some time.”

  “Very well. I’ll try to get what I need as soon as I can.”

  If this works, Baruch thought, it might solve our problem. If not, I do not know what I will do.

  David continued his training despite the cold temperatures and snowy conditions. His horsemanship was steadily improving, even though the snow made the animal more difficult to maneuver. Sir Michael offered to help train him, and his knowledge and experience proved invaluable. David again showed he was a quick learner. He mastered the quintain after only two weeks and was getting better at holding a lance while charging. He started with a light training lance and was working his way up to the heavier jousting weapons.

  Bryce continued to train with him but grew frustrated at not being able to match David’s skills. While still a student himself, David was able to tutor Bryce. Baron Henry, Sir Michael, James, and Oliver all commented he was an excellent teacher. Bryce appreciated David’s help, recognizing that his own skills were improving under his tutelage.

  David’s greatest improvement involved his skills with the blade. He was defeating not only the other trainees and Oliver, but also Sir Michael on a regular basis.

  “Donald, come here,” Michael commanded after a rather long training session.

  “Yes, Sir Michael?”

  “Baron Henry has ordered me to take a group of men to find and eliminate some bandits who’ve been robbing travelers on the road to Sheffield. Would you like to join me?”

  “Yes, of course. Thank you.”

  “We’ll all be on horseback, and it won’t be easy. These are desperate men, and they will stop at nothing.”

  “I understand.”

  “Good. Bring your bow. It may be useful.”

  The next morning Sir Michael, David, and ten men-at-arms, all riding palfreys, assembled ready to leave. Two of them were dressed as merchants to serve as bait to draw out the thieves. David saw Baron Henry and Alycia approaching.

  “Men,” Henry said, “find these brigands and bring them to justice. I wish you all Godspeed.” Henry then walked up to David.

  “Are you ready, my boy?”

  “Yes, my lord. I’m ready.”

  “Good. Be careful. Michael, look out for our young friend.”

  “I will, Baron Henry.”

  Alycia walked up to David as her father started to return to the castle. “I wish you a safe and speedy return, Donald.”

  “Thank you, my lady.”

  Sir Michael led them out of the castle. David turned to see Alycia was still looking at him. He quickly looked forward, and soon they were out of sight.

  Mordecai looked through his list of herbs, trying to figure out the best way to help his brother. There were several substances that could produce the desired effect if they could be administered properly. He decided to try a combination of henbane and mandrake. He had a little of each, so he checked his code parchment and found them. He carefully poured small amounts of each onto a small plank, being extra careful not to touch them. He ground them together and placed the residue into another small jar, labeling it with the Hebrew letter “hey” for Hubert. I believe this should do it, he thought. Now to have it administered.

  Sir Michael sent the two men-at-arms dressed as merchants ahead of the group, instructing them to keep their eyes and ears open. They had swords hidden under their cloaks. Michael, David, and the rest stayed back, just out of sight. They walked their horses slowly for more than two hours, when they approached a section with snow-covered bushes on either side that extended for several hundred feet. It was an ideal spot for an ambush, even in winter. The two front men noticed how quiet it had become and suspected their quarry was hidden in the brush. Even though a cold wind blew, David’s excitement kept him warm. Sir Michael suspected something might happen soon and told his men to slow down and keep quiet.

  Suddenly, six men jumped from behind the bushes, three on each side, and surrounded the two apparent merchants. Both men yelled for Sir Michael and drew their swords. Sir Michael heard them. “There they are! Get them!”

  The bandits saw ten men now galloping towards them and retreated into the bushes.

  “Sir Michael, three are hiding on each side,” one of the front men reported.

  “Donald, take five men and search the left side. The rest of you come with me and search the right.”

  The group separated and began searching. With the tracks in the snow, it did not take long for each group to find their quarry. David readied his bow as they searched. Suddenly three men jumped out, each pulling a man-at-arms off his horse. David notched an arrow and shot one in the chest before he could attack the man on the ground. As he notched his second arrow, one of the bandits ran a man-at-arms through with his sword before another man-at-arms dismounted and with a slashing stroke cut off his head. The third man started to run, but David’s shot landed in his back.

  “Nice work, Donald,” one of the men-at-arms said. “Too bad about Kendrick,” he added, looking at his dead companion.

  “We need to see if Sir Michael needs help,” David said. “Follow me.”

  David led the four men to the other side of the bushes. The remaining bandits had tried to flee without attacking and were easily chased down and slain.

  “Sir Michael, I see you didn’t need our help.”

  Michael noticed David was leading only four men. “What happened?” he asked.

  David described how they were attacked, how Kendrick was killed, and the three were dispatched.

  “I knew your skill with the bow would be useful.”

  They retrieved their comrade’s body an
d returned to the castle. As they approached, David saw Alycia looking out from one of the crenels. He was too far away to see the huge smile on her face when she saw he was all right. They reached the stables, where Sir Michael ordered the horses to be taken care of, Kendrick’s body to be taken to the priest, and David to accompany him to Baron Henry. They found him in the great hall, and Alycia was with him.

  “My lord,” Sir Michael said as he bowed. “We were successful. The bandits have been permanently removed.”

  “Any losses?”

  Michael told the baron what happened, highlighting David taking care of two of the bandits himself.

  “Nicely done. Make sure Kendrick has a proper burial. I believe he was married with children. See they’re taken care of, and order extra ale for the men. Michael, you may go. Donald, please stay. How was your first real action?”

  “It happened so quickly I had no time to think about it.”

  “I understand. That’s how it is sometimes. You did well. I am also impressed you were given leadership responsibilities and again proved yourself. That is good. Many men do not know how to lead. I believe you were born to.”

  “Thank you, my lord. I’m grateful for your kind words.”

  “Father, I think you should reward Donald for his bravery and his leadership.”

  “And what do you propose?”

  “In the spring I’ll be making my journey to London. Let Donald lead my escort.”

  Baron Henry thought for a moment. “The road to London can be dangerous. Donald, do you think you’ll be up to the task?”

  “Yes, my lord,” he answered. “I would be honored to lead Lady Alycia to London. I’m sure I will prove myself worthy.”

  “Very well. If you are far enough along in your training, and I give my final approval, you may lead her escort.”

  David could not help but notice the huge smile on Alycia’s face. He bowed and left.

  “Alycia, I know you’re attracted to Donald. He’s a fine, young man, and you know I am quite fond of him. I almost think of him as a son. Remember, though, you can never marry him.”