by Shel Pais
Alycia’s plan was ready. She would disguise herself as a castle servant and walk out of the main gate when no one was paying attention. She would hide in the Forest of Galtres outside of York until Donald came looking for her. He then would have to stay with her to ensure she stayed inside the castle, and this way she would have him all to herself. While she feared the forest and its dangers, she did not think it would be too long until Donald found her. She was not planning to make it hard for him to find her. He always checked on her every morning before his training session. She would leave as soon as the castle began stirring. It was common for servants to fetch fresh water in the early light, so after putting on her disguise, she found a bucket and headed towards the main gate. Keeping her hood pulled as far over her lowered head as she could, she left the castle grounds without anyone saying a word to her. When she was out of sight of the walls, she dropped the bucket and headed for the forest. It took her two hours to reach it. Even in the morning light, it still was somewhat frightening. Every sound was magnified a hundred times. Every rustle of the just starting to bud branches scared her. She walked into the forest for about an hour and found a hiding place. She spotted a small cave a little off the forest road and thought it would be perfect to wait for her rescue. Having ignored the dangers of the forest, even though she knew better, she was not prepared for what happened next.
David awoke, performed his usual morning preparation rituals, ate a quick breakfast, and went to check on Alycia. His normal routine was to go to her chamber, where her servant Helen would be sitting outside her door. He found Helen there, asleep and shook her awake.
“Helen, you were sleeping. Is Alycia all right?”
“I’m sorry, Donald. I’ll check on her.”
She slowly opened the door, and they both saw the room was empty.
“She’s not here. She must have gone out while you were sleeping,” David said, obviously quite perturbed. “We must find her.”
The two of them began searching the castle, asking everyone they met if they had seen her. No one had. David decided to go back to Alycia’s room to see if perhaps she had left a clue as to where she might be. He pulled up the covers of her bed and found a small piece of parchment. On it was drawn a few trees.
That stupid girl, David thought. He quickly gathered his sword, bow, and arrows, and headed to the stable. He saddled a horse and rode out of the castle towards the forest road. Sir Michael saw him and called out to him to stop, but David did not hear him.
He rode hard until he reached the edge of the forest. He slowed to keep his ears open, as he knew danger often was alerted by carefully listening to sounds, or the lack of them. He continued until he heard a faint cry for help. The cries got louder, and he soon realized it was definitely Alycia’s voice he heard, along with the grunts of what sounded to be a wild boar. He dismounted, tied his horse, and proceeded carefully towards the sounds. He saw Alycia, using a tree for protection, as a huge boar kept her from escaping.
“Donald! Help me!”
“Quiet,” David whispered. He did not want the beast to turn on him. The boar was a large male with long tusks. David slowly took his bow, notched an arrow, and aimed. He knew a wounded boar would be even more dangerous. As he released the arrow, the boar turned to face him. The arrow found its mark into the boar’s brain, and it dropped dead. David slowly approached the animal, drew his sword, and to be safe, thrust the blade into it. It was not necessary.
“What have you done? Your father left you in my care for safekeeping. He told you not to leave the castle. You could have been killed.”
Alycia hugged him. “I’m sorry. I was so scared. You saved me. My father will reward you again.”
David did not hide his anger at her as he pushed her away. “He will not reward me. He will punish me for not watching you more carefully. He may punish you as well.”
She looked at him, hoping to soften Donald with her gaze. “We don’t have to tell him. It can be our secret.”
“Absolutely not. I will not hide this from him. If he punishes me, I’ll accept it.”
Alycia knew it was futile to try to change his mind. “Very well. Let me tell him, since it was all my fault.”
David did not trust her to keep her word, but he reluctantly agreed.
“Come, let’s return to the castle. I’ll send servants to fetch the boar.”
Alycia rode behind David, trying to chat with him during the ride back, but David told her he was not in the mood. Here sat behind him a noble’s daughter he knew he could never have. She held him tightly around his waist. Sometimes he thought her hands were intentionally moving down to where they should not, even though he wished he could experience that with her. Again, his frustration with the separation between his people and hers he did not understand. We are all humans. What if we have different beliefs? What if we come from different backgrounds? What if we have different customs? Why is one better than another? David mulled this over as they rode.
“Donald, I’m thirsty. Can we stop at the creek up ahead?”
David guided the horse to the edge of a small creek, dismounted, and helped Alycia down. On their knees, they both scooped up some of the cool, fresh water. When they stood, without warning she placed her lips against his. His passion got the better of him, and he met her sweet tongue with his own. She pressed herself against him, hoping to feel his excitement. Then reality set in, and he quickly pushed her away.
“Alycia. Please don’t.”
“Why? You wanted me to. I know you did. I love you. I want to be with you.”
“Alycia. I’m very flattered and honored you think you love me. But you know very well nothing can change who we are. Your father would never accept me as your husband. I am nothing. You are a baron’s daughter.”
Tears began to stream down her cheeks. He wanted to wipe them away, but hesitated. “Come. Let’s go. It’s chilly, and we need to return to the castle.”
Reluctantly, she let him lift her back onto the horse. “Donald. Even though what you say is true, I will never stop loving you, and will try everything I can to make you my husband.”
David turned around. “Alycia, please remove those thoughts from your head. I will never be able to marry you. Never.”
Yes, you will, Donald my love, Alycia thought. Yes, you will.
Upon his return from London, Baron Henry de Percy sent a servant to find David and Alycia. After her escapade, Alycia was more than a little apprehensive about telling her father what she had done. They both arrived at the same time.
“Donald, are we still going to tell my father what I did?”
“Of course. He must know. I won’t hide anything from him.”
Alycia nodded as they both entered the room.
“Ah, there you both are. Did things go well while I was away? After you tell me, I’ll tell you about my discussions with the king.”
David started to speak, but Alycia interrupted. “I ran away, Father, and Donald found me and killed a boar that had cornered me. It was all my fault. Donald took good care of me.”
The baron nodded as he listened. Before he could answer his daughter, David spoke, bowing his head. “My lord, you entrusted me with Alycia’s care, and even though she did leave the castle without my knowledge or permission, I must in good faith still take responsibility for her actions. You may punish me as you see fit.”
“Donald, my daughter certainly has a mind of her own. I assume she ran away because she wanted you to find her and then, not trusting her, you would have to be by her side until my return.”
“Father, that’s exactly correct. Upon our return, Donald assigned two men-at-arms to guard me so he could continue training. Please don’t punish him.”
Henry laughed. “Donald, you continue to amaze me. Tell me about the boar.”
David related the entire episode, how he found Alycia’s note, and then, after hearing her cries in the forest, slew the boar.
“Donald, I spoke to the king about y
ou. While I couldn’t convince him to grant you knighthood at this time, he said if you have proven yourself in battle during the next year, he might knight you then. Based on what I heard today and know about you already, you may not have to wait even that long. Alycia, the king agreed you should go to London to be a lady-in-waiting. I was planning to send you later in the spring. Since you disobeyed me and almost got yourself killed, I want you to leave by the end of this week. I should change my mind about letting Donald lead your escort, but I won’t, since I trust him more than I do you.”
Alycia was upset by her father sending her away so soon, but with Donald still leading her escort, she smiled. “Very well, Father. I’ll need a few days to prepare.”
“You have four. Donald, I want you to take eight men with you, and Sir Michael. I will instruct him you are in command, and he will be your advisor. I want you to present Alycia to the king so he can meet you. You may stay in London for a few days. If you wish, you may also stop in Northampton if Baron Geoffrey has returned from France. You may also visit your old village again.”
“Thank you, my lord. I won’t let you down.”
“I know you won’t. Alycia, you may go. Donald, please stay a moment.”
“Donald, again I’m grateful to you for a great deed you have done. Not only did you save me, but now you’ve saved my daughter. She did a very foolish thing, hiding in the forest. She knew the dangers, and she certainly could have been killed. Your skills and courage again have been proven to me. If I could, I would knight you right now. However, I must obey the king.”
“I understand, my lord. Thank you again for your belief in me.”
David returned to his quarters and laid down to rest. Baron Henry was not only entrusting the safety of his daughter to him but was allowing him to present her to King Henry. He smiled as he thought about it. A Jew from West End was going to go before the King of England as a warrior, not a moneylender or anything else. As he continued to think about it, he looked up to see Sir Michael standing over him.
“So, my new warrior not only saves the baron’s daughter, but now gets to go before King Henry. I’m proud of you.”
“Sir Michael, I’m glad you’ll be going with me. The baron has given me a great responsibility, and I don’t know if I’m experienced enough.”
Michael patted David on the shoulder. “You are. You know how to lead men, and your fighting skills have improved. With me along, all will go well.”
“Thank you. I hope so.”
They discussed which men-at-arms should go, what they should bring, and other logistical considerations. Alycia would ride in a carriage with storage in the rear for her personal items. David requested to Sir Michael Bryce be allowed to go. Michael agreed, since Bryce’s skills had improved, and the experience would be good for him. David told Michael he wanted to tell Bryce himself.
After they had finished their planning, David went to find Bryce. He found him resting in the castle courtyard. As always, Bryce was happy to see his friend.
“Donald. Where have you been?”
“Baron Henry summoned me. He wants me to lead Lady Alycia’s trip to London in a few days. Sir Michael is going as well, and we were making our plans. Tell me, can you get away from here for a few weeks?”
Bryce could not contain his excitement. “You mean you want me to go along?”
David nodded. Bryce hugged his friend. “Thank you. I was going to ask you if I could go.”
“You’d better go tell your parents.”
Nehemiah had tried to see David three times without success. He felt he would arouse suspicion if he came to the castle too often without being summoned. Since meeting Baruch, no one there required his services, so he did not have a legitimate reason for being there. Twice was when David had left the castle, once because of the bandits and the other when Alycia ran away. The other time David had gone to confession. Nehemiah had met with Aaron and Baruch several times, and they decided he had to try again. He entered the castle grounds, where he happened to see Baron Henry supervising a training session. The baron recognized him immediately.
“Nehemiah. What brings you here? Were you summoned?”
Nehemiah bowed slightly. “No, my lord. It has been some time since I was here, and I wanted to make sure my former patients had healed correctly.”
“I believe they are fine.”
“Even Donald? He did have a deep wound. I don’t see him training.”
“He’s not here. He’s taking my daughter to London to the king. She’s to be a lady-in-waiting. Donald is leading her escort along with Sir Michael. You need not worry. He is as strong as ever.”
Nehemiah tried to hide his disappointment. “I’m glad he healed completely. Please call on me should the situation arise.”
He left the castle and went straight to Aaron’s house.
“I’m sorry, Baruch, but I missed him. He’s on his way to London.”
Baruch’s face showed his concern. “If he stops in or near Northampton, he may see Hubert. He is unaware Hubert knows his secret, which could be a problem. Now there is nothing we can do about it. He’s in God’s hands.”
THE RAIN PICKED UP, AND the wind blew harder. The road, already muddy from the melting snow and earlier rains, was growing more difficult to traverse. Riding in the covered carriage driven by Bryce, Alycia poked her head out the window.
“Donald, can we stop somewhere? I don’t like this weather, and I’m cold and hungry.”
David turned to Sir Michael. They both were leading Alycia’s escort. “What do you think, Michael?”
Michael wiped the rain from his eyes. “Hedgestone Priory is up ahead. Perhaps we can find shelter there.”
David turned towards Alycia. “We’ll stop at the priory until the storm is over.”
“Thank you, Donald. Will they let a woman in?”
David could not answer that question. He knew little of priories and monks. “I hope so. If not, we’ll stop at the castle.”
The rain fell even harder as they reached the priory. David pulled the bell rope and banged on the door. After a few minutes, a monk appeared, opening the small viewing window.
“What do you want?” he asked.
“My men and I are taking Lady Alycia to the king. May we please have shelter from the rain?”
The monk shook his head. “Abbot Hubert is not here. We cannot allow a woman to enter the priory without his permission.”
David heard the name Hubert and tried not to wince. “Did you say Hubert?”
“Yes, Abbot Hubert.”
Sir Michael was standing next to David. “Let us in, you dog.”
The insult did not sway the monk. “Go away. We can’t let you in.”
The monk tried to close the viewing door, but Michael jammed his sword in it. “Get your master. I must speak to him.”
David saw the monk turn and run back into the priory. “Sir Michael, let’s seek shelter at the castle. It’s not far. It seems we’re not wanted here.”
“These monks lead an easy life. There’s no reason why they shouldn’t help us.”
After a few minutes, another man ran out of a building and to the door, his cloak protecting him from the rain.
“I’m Father Alwyn. Who are you?”
David decided not to give his name, suspecting this Alwyn might know his identity as well. Michael answered before David had a chance. “I’m Sir Michael. We come from Baron Henry of York. We’re escorting his daughter to be presented to the king. We ask only for shelter from the rain.”
David listened to those words with mixed emotions. Since he suspected that Abbot Hubert of Hedgestone Priory is the Hubert he was warned about, he did not want to stay there.
Alwyn looked closely at the young warrior standing in the pouring rain, water dripping from his helmet and cloak. He thought he looked familiar but could not place him. “I’m sorry, Sir Michael, but the abbot has given strict orders—no women or Jews are permitted entry for any reason. I cannot d
isobey the abbot.”
Michael was about to curse Alwyn, but David stopped him. “Michael, let’s go to the castle. It will be a better place anyway to stop.”
Michael spat at Alwyn as he closed the viewing window, just missing him.
“I’m sure you’re right, Donald. I just hate these lazy monks who always seem to ask for help but never want to give it.”
Alycia again leaned out of the carriage. “Aren’t we staying here?”
“No, my lady. They will not permit a woman to stay here. We’ll seek shelter with Baron Geoffrey.” She grunted and pouted her unhappiness with the situation. “Very well. Let’s get there quickly.”
They mounted their horses and proceeded towards the castle. The rain had let up slightly, but the road was becoming almost impassable. David thought about what Alwyn had said—no women or Jews were allowed in. He could not have been referring to him, could he? No, he must have been speaking in general. He could not know who he really is.
As the castle came into sight, everyone in the entourage felt better. Soon they arrived at the gate, and one of the guards recognized David.
“Donald, isn’t it? The lad who won the archery contest? That was fine shooting.”
“Thank you. We’re taking Lady Alycia, Baron Henry’s daughter, to the king and seek shelter.”
“Of course. I’ll tell Lady Catherine you’re here. Baron Geoffrey is in France.”
The group crossed the drawbridge and proceeded into the courtyard. By then the rain had stopped, although the cold wind continued to chill everyone.
“Donald! Donald!”
David looked up to see Cyrus running towards him.
“Donald! Is Bryce with you?”
“Hello, Cyrus. Yes. Bryce, come here.”
Bryce ran up to Cyrus, and they embraced.
“Bryce, go spend time with your friend. We’ll call for you later.”
David then saw Lady Catherine and Sir Walter. He helped Alycia out of the carriage, and she stepped onto the muddy courtyard. David bowed.