The Fate of the Arrow

by Shel Pais

  Geoffrey laughed as he turned and left. “The only freedom you will know is from life.”

  While waiting for the king, David continued to practice his fighting skills. Even in the cold weather, Alycia would wear a warm cloak and watch him. The cold did not seem to bother him. While she was no expert, she could tell his swordsmanship had improved greatly. Sir Michael’s training provided him with an extremely skilled warrior. David also had improved his horsemanship and jousting, and he was comfortable with the axe and mace and chain. Baron Henry had ordered him to continue to practice his archery to maintain his skills. David also began training on the crossbow, although he preferred the bow.

  As much as he tried to avoid Alycia, he found it difficult. She spent some time with Lady Catherine, where most of their conversations were how to prepare for a wedding. Though not trying to replace Lady Eleanor, Catherine began to treat Alycia like the daughter she never had.

  One afternoon as they sat by the fire, Catherine decided to ask Alycia something that had remained in the back of her mind.

  “Alycia, we have become quite close these past few weeks. I’m glad about that.”

  Alycia nodded and smiled. “I am too. It’s definitely easier to talk to you than my own mother.”

  “May I ask you a personal question?”

  “Of course.”

  “You defended Donald when Hubert insisted he is a Jew, but you were not being truthful you two were lovers, am I correct?”

  Alycia blushed. “No, we are not lovers, yet. How did you know?”

  “I didn’t know, but I suspected. Tell me, are you sure Hubert is wrong? What if he’s right?”

  Alycia’s expression changed to one of near-terror. “What are you saying? Do you believe Hubert?”

  Catherine took Alycia’s hand. “No, my child. I’m not saying that. I was just wondering what you would do if in fact Donald is not who he says he is.”

  Tears began to flow down Alycia’s cheeks. “Lady Catherine, I would be devastated. But how could that be possible? Donald has proven himself. How could a Jew do what he has done?”

  “Have you ever met a Jew?”

  “I’ve seen them in York. A Jewish physician cured my father a few years ago and treated Donald when Edgar wounded him, and I briefly spoke with him. I’ve been told all my life they are quite different from us since they never accepted Christ. My Donald has accepted Christ. He attends church. He wears a cross. No Jew would ever do that.”

  Catherine nodded. “I’m sure you are correct. They are so different from us Christians. They could never pose as one of us, especially a warrior. I’m sorry to have brought this up.”

  “I will not let Hubert’s lies affect me anymore. Donald will be mine. It’s only a matter of time, and hopefully not too much longer.”

  Baron Geoffrey was surprised when he heard Earl Tristan had arrived, since the king had not yet informed Geoffrey when he was coming. The earl brought a small entourage consisting of six men-at-arms.

  “My lord,” Geoffrey greeted him, bowing. “I was not expecting you so soon.”

  “I could not wait. First, let me thank you for bringing my son’s body to me for burial. Your man, Sir Walter, told me what happened. My son was a hothead, and he made mistakes. He never got over Henry’s refusal to honor his betrothal to his daughter. I am afraid he got what he deserved. I understand you’re holding my youngest son, Jonathan.”

  “He was captured with the rest of Edgar’s men along with the tax money. The king will decide his fate, and of the others.”

  “Geoffrey, he’s only a boy. He idolized Edgar, and unfortunately was influenced by him. Is there any way you can find it in your heart to release him?”

  “I’m sorry, my lord, but we already have informed the king of his crimes, and we await his pleasure. He may be young, but he must take responsibility for his actions. Abducting Baron Henry’s daughter and stealing tax money are both serious offenses, as you well know.”

  “I understand. But know I will ask the king for mercy. Perhaps his punishment could be to serve the king. If not, he could prove his innocence by trial by combat.”

  “Jonathan is not a knight. He’s not eligible for such a request.”

  “No, but Edgar was, and since he cannot defend him, Jonathan should be allowed to.”

  “I doubt if King Henry will agree.”

  “He may not, but I will try. May I see my son?”

  “Certainly. I’ll take you to him.”

  They went down two levels to a dark corridor with steps that led to the dungeon. Jonathan was kept in the lowest level. The only light was a torch just outside the cell. Jonathan rose when he saw the earl.

  “Father! You’ve come to rescue me!”

  The earl looked at his son. His clothes were filthy and torn, and he had lost weight, even from the relatively short time of his captivity.

  “Jonathan. Are you all right?”

  “As best as can be expected. When can I get out of here?”

  “I’m afraid it’s not so simple. You’re accused of serious crimes.”

  “I had nothing to do with the tax money or the abduction. I met up with Edgar afterwards, and I never touched the baron’s daughter. It was all Edgar.”

  “Perhaps. But you were caught with him. I’ll ask the king to pardon you, or reduce your punishment, but I’m not optimistic he’ll grant it.”

  “You must try, Father. I swear I had nothing to do with any of this. Edgar kept me at the old farmhouse when he went to ambush Baron Henry and abduct Alycia. I even tried to stop him. And I didn’t even know about the tax money until Sir Michael found it. I swear it.”

  “Very well. I’ll plead with the king and do the best I can.”

  The earl and Geoffrey returned to the great hall. “What do you think, Geoffrey?”

  “It is hard to say, Tristan. How old is Jonathan?”

  “Almost eighteen.”

  “King Henry may feel he’s old enough to know better. Is he telling the truth?”

  “Jonathan is a spirited boy, but he has never lied to me. I do believe him. The question is, will the king?”

  KING HENRY FINALLY MADE GOOD his promise to come to Northampton, sending word a fortnight before his arrival. Baron Geoffrey sent a messenger to Baron Henry as soon as the king’s letter arrived.

  Geoffrey and Lady Catherine made certain all arrangements were completed. The king’s special chamber was cleaned and prepared, as well as one for Queen Eleanor, who was accompanying her husband. Fresh meats were delivered to the baron’s kitchen, and the bakers busily prepared breads, cakes, and pies. Geoffrey wanted to ensure the king’s visit would be a memorable one. Theresa, his cook, was hard at work preparing everything.

  Baron Henry arrived several days before the king with Bryce and his usual contingent of six men-at-arms.

  “Henry! At last the time has come.”

  “Yes, my friend, I left as soon as I received your message. Luckily, the weather has not been too bad. The snows were light, and we had no problems.”

  “This is all who you came with?”

  “No. I brought my priest, Father Zachariah. He is staying at Hedgestone with Prior Alwyn.”

  Upon hearing of the baron’s arrival, David and Alycia ran down to greet him.

  “Father! Father!” she cried. “At last you’ve returned. They embraced as he kissed her cheek.

  “You’re looking well. I suspect Donald has been watching over you.”

  “Hello, Baron Henry,” David said, bowing.

  “Donald. Have you been continuing your training here?”

  “Yes, my lord.”

  “And he’s gotten even better,” said Sir Michael, who just joined them.

  “I’m most glad to hear it, but not surprised. Come, Alycia, I want to hear what you’ve been doing.”

  “How is Mother? Why isn’t she here?”

  “Your mother, I’m sorry to say, became ill with a fever the day Geoffrey’s messenger arrived. Nehemiah treate
d her but advised against her traveling in winter. She’ll be fine.”

  David watched as the two of them walked into the castle. Then he saw Bryce, and the two friends embraced. “My friend, it’s good to see you.”

  “It’s good to see you, too. Donald, everyone in York has been talking about you and Alycia.”

  David raised his eyebrows. “Why?”

  “Why? You must be jesting. After you’re knighted, you most certainly will marry her. The men-at-arms are so jealous, I swear they’d kill you if they thought they could have her. No one ever believed you of all people could ever win her.”

  “Not so fast, Bryce. First of all, we don’t know if I’ll be knighted, and if so, I may not be granted lands. I’m still quite young. Besides, we aren’t ready for marriage.”

  Bryce laughed. “You still don’t understand women, or at least Alycia, do you? Baron Henry made it clear you are who she wants, and when you become a knight, he’ll approve of it if the king grants you lands and permits the marriage.”

  David turned away so Bryce could not see the worry on his face.

  “Donald. Are you all right? You seem troubled.”

  David turned back to Bryce. “Yes. I’m fine. Come, you must be hungry and thirsty.”

  Prior Alwyn and Father Zachariah sat in Hubert’s old room, eating bread, cheese, and drinking wine. Alwyn related what happened with Hubert, telling him only what he wanted the priest to know, leaving out anything that might make him suspicious. However, he felt he had to tell him about Hubert’s accusing Donald of being a Jew, since he would find out anyway.

  “So, Alwyn, what you have told me is very interesting. I’ve never heard of an abbot going mad. It is most unusual.”

  “I’ve been with him for several years, and there is no doubt in my mind of his condition.”

  “Very well. If you say so. But don’t you think it strange he would risk so much to falsely accuse this Donald of being a Jew?”

  “Not for a madman. You said you know Donald.”

  Zachariah nodded, tearing off a piece of bread. “Yes, I met him when he first came to York. He had no crucifix, so I had Baron Henry get him one. He also had never been to confession, so I heard his first one. I didn’t think it strange at the time, but now, I’m not so sure. What if Hubert is right?”

  “Come now, Zachariah. Donald was just a peasant boy with nothing. There are many like him.”

  “I suppose. I’ve observed him regularly at church, and Baron Henry is quite fond of him. Still, he has qualities unlike any other boy I know of.”

  “Does that make him a Jew?”

  “No. It’s true I’ve seen him eat their forbidden foods without hesitation, and he has an exceptional fighting ability. I’ve watched him train, and must admit he’s become quite skilled, and has proven his bravery and cunning several times already.”

  “There. No Jew would ever be able to do that. And no Jew would eat pork. It would be a major sin and abomination.”

  “Perhaps. Or perhaps not. There are exceptions, you know, and maybe this Donald is one of them. I think I’ll watch him more closely than I have been. If he is pretending to be a Christian, he’ll slip up, and then I’ll expose him. But after what you told me, I must be sure. I will not end up like Hubert.”

  There was a knock at the door, and Mordecai answered it.

  “Cyrus, is it not?”

  “Yes, Mordecai. Baron Geoffrey sent me with a message for you.”

  “Well, what is it?”

  “King Henry will be arriving any day to honor one of Baron Henry’s men, and Baron Geoffrey would like you to attend the ceremony. I’ll be back to tell you exactly when as soon as he knows.”

  “He wants me to attend? Why?”

  “I don’t know. I was only told to tell you this so you could prepare.”

  “Very well. Please tell the baron thank you, and I will await further instructions.”

  Cyrus left, and Hannah came out from a back room. “What is it?” she asked.

  “Baron Geoffrey invited me to attend a ceremony when King Henry is here.”

  “Just you?”

  “Yes. I wonder why. I’ve done nothing to warrant such an invitation.”

  “Mordecai, we all have heard the stories that one of Baron Henry’s men saved the king’s tax money and the baron’s daughter from an abduction. Could it be they know he’s your son David?”

  “No, that cannot be. Cyrus said the king was going to honor one of Baron Henry’s men. It must be David from what we have heard. But if they knew who he really is, they would never withhold it from the king.”

  “You are right, my husband. Your invitation must be related somehow. Wait! We heard the outlaws were poisoned. Maybe it was the poison you prepared?”

  “You may be right, my dear. That would be the only connection, the poison. And if that is true, I may have helped my own son to get his wish.”

  King Henry arrived with the usual fanfare one would expect for a king. His seneschal had arrived the day before and was quite pleased with all the arrangements Geoffrey had made.

  Geoffrey, Lady Catherine, Earl Tristan, Baron Henry, Alycia, and David, who was there at Geoffrey’s insistence, waited at the castle gate as the king’s entourage approached. Geoffrey ordered trumpets blown as the king drew near and was pleased with how good they sounded. King Henry rode a magnificent white warhorse, followed by an exquisite carriage containing Queen Eleanor and two of her servants. Several knights and a number of men-at-arms followed. The king wore a blue velvet cape over a cloak made from what appeared to be the finest furs. He dismounted in front of Geoffrey.

  “Welcome, Your Majesty,” Geoffrey said, kneeling. Lady Catherine and the rest knelt as well.

  “Thank you, Baron Geoffrey. Lady Catherine. You may all rise. It is good to see you again. I’ve been away from Northampton too long.”

  “All is ready for you, Sire. May we escort you and the queen to your chambers?”

  “Yes. We are tired and cold from our journey.”

  The king then recognized David. “Donald, my boy. Come here.”

  David approached the king and bowed.

  “So, you are the one who saved my tax money?”

  “I assisted, Your Majesty. I was one of many.”

  “It was Donald’s plan that rescued Baron Henry’s daughter from Edgar,” Geoffrey said, “and it was after that when the stolen tax money was discovered. Without Donald’s plan, we may never have found it.”

  “I see. I owe you a reward for saving my tax money and eliminating a traitor.”

  “I only wish to serve you and Baron Henry, Sire.”

  “How old are you, Donald?”

  “Seventeen, Sire. I will be eighteen in May.”

  “So young and so brave. I wish we had more like you. I’ll be here for a few days and will announce your reward while I’m here.”

  Alycia heard the king, and her face showed obvious disappointment. “Father,” she whispered. “I hoped he was going to knight Donald. He must so we can be wed.”

  Baron Henry’s eyes told Alycia she should be quiet. Both barons also were surprised, based on what Geoffrey’s messenger had reported.

  Queen Eleanor alighted from the carriage, and after the traditional greetings given to royalty, retired into the castle with Lady Catherine. Alycia stayed outside with her father.

  “Father, you must speak to the king.”

  “Be patient, my dear. We don’t know the king won’t knight Donald.”

  “He said he would announce his reward while he’s here. What does that mean?”

  “We’ll have to wait to find out.”

  Baron Henry noticed Earl Tristan had accompanied Geoffrey with the king into the castle, and the earl was whispering something in the king’s ear.

  That night everyone attended a huge banquet in honor of his Majesty. While there were toasts to Sir Michael and Donald, thanking them for what they had done, nothing was mentioned about any reward. Alycia grew more nerv
ous the king had changed his mind. As much as David wanted to be a knight, he was also apprehensive. He felt at times he had dug himself into a hole from which he could not emerge.

  The next afternoon an announcement was made that the king had commanded everyone to the great hall. Cyrus informed Alycia, who hurried down, wondering what this was all about. When she arrived, she saw the Queen, Baron Geoffrey, Lady Catherine, her father, Earl Tristan, Donald, Sir Michael, Father Zachariah, and to her shock, Jonathan, the earl’s son. There were the knights who arrived with the king, as well as his seneschal. She also noticed several men who she believed were Jews. Two of Geoffrey’s finest chairs had been set up as thrones for the king and queen. Geoffrey told the king everyone was in attendance, and the king addressed his audience.

  “I have asked you all here because I want to honor and reward bravery and loyalty, as well as to show mercy and compassion. I also will be making an announcement.”

  A murmur scattered throughout the room, everyone wondering what the king would say. Mordecai was present, arriving separately from the elders, who were ordered to attend. After his admonishment, there had not been any reconciliation. However, the castle guards made him stand with the elders, separating the Jews from the Christians. They all acknowledged each other’s presence but did not speak.

  Mordecai looked around and could just barely make out David near the front, dressed in a fine tunic. He could not see it had Baron Henry’s coat-of-arms embroidered on the chest. Mordecai worried one of the elders would recognize his son and possibly expose him. So far, David’s back had been turned to them, and since they were at the rear of the great hall, they could not see him with everyone standing in front of them.

  “First, I want to thank Baron Geoffrey for his hospitality,” the king continued. “You have continued to prove your loyalty, and while we expect it, we appreciate it, as traitors may appear at any time.” The king motioned for Jonathan to approach and he knelt before him.

  “This is Jonathan, son of Earl Tristan of Northumberland. His brother, Sir Edgar, became an outlaw who stole Crown taxes, killed my tax collector, and abducted Baron Henry de Percy’s daughter. Jonathan was brought here for trial and execution for his part in these crimes. However, I have heard his testimony and the plea of his father. I believe he joined his brother after Edgar had stolen the tax money, was not present during the abduction, and caused no harm. Therefore, I am pardoning him with the stipulation he must return to York with Baron Henry for one year, where his behavior will be watched closely. If he performs any misdeed, he is to be put in chains and sent to me for punishment.”