The Fate of the Arrow

by Shel Pais

  Alycia immediately turned to her father. “Why does he have to come to York? I don’t want anything to do with him or his family. Did you know about this?”

  Henry shook his head. “I did not.”

  “Secondly, my messengers will be riding throughout the realm to announce further tallages against the Jews. By Easter, each town with an archa must pay ten thousand marks to the Crown.”

  Everyone turned towards the Jews, who murmured amongst themselves. David turned around and could just barely make out his father standing in the back. He also saw the elders and became nervous he might be recognized, but there was nothing he could do about it now.

  “Donald, please come here,” the king instructed.

  David’s heart raced as he approached the king, who stood. “Your Majesty.”

  “This young man is the pride of England. He is only seventeen, and yet he saved Baron Henry, his daughter Alycia, and Crown tax money. He very cunningly used poison Baron Geoffrey had given Baron Henry to defeat our enemies. Donald, please accept this reward of fifty pounds.”

  Baron Henry and Alycia stared at each other. Henry was surprised no mention of knighthood was made, and Alycia only wanted one reward. “No!” she cried. “He should be knighted!”

  Before he could stop her, Alycia ran up to the king. “Your Majesty, please. Donald deserves more. He should be knighted.”

  Baron Henry quickly followed her. “Your Majesty, I apologize for my daughter’s behavior.”

  King Henry waved him away and smiled, looking at Alycia. “So, you not only ran away from us in London, now you question your king?”

  “I’m sorry, Sire. Donald and I cannot be wed unless he is a knight.”

  “Oh, I see,” Henry said, turning to Queen Eleanor. “What do you think, my dear?”

  “Come here, my child.” Alycia obeyed.

  “Do you love him that much?” She nodded. Then the queen looked at David.

  “Donald, do you love Alycia?”

  David was not prepared to answer this question in public. He realized he had never actually expressed that to Alycia, even though he felt it. He could not say no. It would devastate Alycia and cause a scene. But what would his father think if he admitted his love like this? “Your Majesty, who could not be in love with Alycia?”

  Even though David did not answer the question directly, it seemed to satisfy everyone, including Alycia, her smile as big as he had ever seen it.

  “Baron Henry,” the king said. “If Donald is knighted, will you approve of their marriage?”

  “Sire, Donald is one of the finest men I have ever met, despite his youth. While he holds no title or lands, I would bless their marriage once he is a knight.”

  The king sat. He leaned over to the queen and whispered something to her, which she acknowledged with a nod.

  “Jonathan, come here.” Jonathan came forward and stood next to David.

  “Have either of you jousted before? Jonathan?”

  “Only in training, Sire.”

  “Donald?”

  “The same with me, Sire.”

  “Very well. This is what we have decided. You two will joust against each other. Jonathan, if you win, I will relieve you of my order to go to York. Donald, if you win, you will be knighted. I will give you both two days to train before the match. Geoffrey, do you have armor for our young opponents?”

  “Yes, Your Majesty. I’m sure we can equip both of them.”

  The crowd murmured, most people pleased with the king’s declaration. Jonathan immediately said he agreed with the king and welcomed this chance, as did Earl Tristan. David said, “As you wish, Sire.” Alycia was about to protest again, but her father stopped her. The king then dismissed everyone.

  “Alycia. The king has decreed. You cannot question him. Anyway, I’m sure Donald will win.”

  “What if he doesn’t? He’s earned his knighthood. He shouldn’t have to prove himself again.”

  “I’m sorry. The king feels differently, and we must follow his command. Donald.”

  “Yes, Baron Henry.”

  “I’ve watched Sir Michael train you in the joust. We’ll get the armor Geoffrey has so you can practice while wearing it. I don’t know anything about Jonathan’s skills, but I’m sure you can defeat him. Sir Michael will help you train. You must also observe Jonathan. Watch what he does. If his brother trained him, he may try to cheat, and if it isn’t noticed he may get away with it.”

  “I will, my lord.”

  “Donald,” Alycia said, taking his hand. “I know you’ll win. For us.”

  “Yes, Alycia. For us,” David said without thinking.

  As everyone filed out of the hall, David saw Mordecai had not left with the elders. His father signaled to follow him outside, but David noticed Father Zachariah was nearby and he had to ignore him.

  “Donald,” Zachariah called. David turned around.

  “Father Zachariah. Will you bless me before the joust?”

  “Of course, and I will pray for your victory. I am sure you will as well.”

  “I certainly will, Father. You can rest assured.”

  David and Jonathan spent the next two days training at the lists just outside the city. Baron Geoffrey and Baron Henry both watched them practice with great interest. Alycia said she could not, and stayed in the castle with Catherine, or spent considerable time in the chapel praying.

  Geoffrey had supplied older, experienced jousting horses that had been retired from active service for over a year. Training lances, made of soft wood and equipped with a blunt tip, would be used in the competition. David did not believe Jonathan exhibited any more skills than he had. His horsemanship and technique with lance and shield were average, according to Sir Michael. A quintain and practice targets were set up, and each boy took turns. Jonathan trained with his father, and it appeared to everyone watching that Jonathan’s skills were far below David’s.

  They both wore the borrowed armor Geoffrey provided. Jonathan’s was a little too large in the body, but his helmet fit perfectly. David’s body fit well, but his helmet was a little too large. Sir Michael stuffed some cloth into it, but David would have to be careful so his sight did not become impaired.

  The third day arrived, and everyone was excited to see them compete against each other. There was speculation that Jonathan must hate Donald for being responsible for his brother’s death, no matter what Edgar had done. Hate could be an asset or a liability, depending how one handled it. David festered no animosity towards Jonathan. He did notice him staring at Alycia, but he was not the only one, so it did not concern him.

  The joust was to take place at noon. After a light breakfast, David spent the morning resting. Sir Michael stayed with him, discussing tactics. This would be David’s first competitive joust.

  “Donald, are you nervous?”

  “A bit. I’ll be fine.”

  “You’ve proven yourself in training and in the field. You have the skill and courage of a knight. All you are lacking is the title, and I’m sure that will be earned shortly.”

  “Thank you. I’ll do my best.”

  As noon approached, everyone gathered at the lists. The contest was announced throughout Northampton, and a large crowd had gathered. Vendors took the opportunity to sell various baked goods. Several taverns had brought wagons with barrels of ale and wine to sell, and business appeared to be brisk.

  Each boy had a tent in which to prepare. Sir Michael helped David put on his armor, and Baron Henry stopped by. “Remember, Donald. Lean forward and hold the lance close to your body to center the weight and stabilize it. Strike your opponent off-center and deflect his lance.”

  “I will, Baron Henry.”

  “I hope the helmet will not impede you.”

  “It will have to do.”

  “Donald, Alycia sends her love. She’s too nervous to tell you herself.” Henry handed David a small scarf. “This is hers. She wants you to carry it for good luck.”

  “Please thank
her for me,” he said, as he pushed it into his breastplate.

  “I will. Good luck, my boy. Make us proud with a quick victory.”

  Baron Henry left to sit with Alycia. Sir Michael accompanied David to his horse and would serve as his squire. Jonathan was at the other end of the list, with his father serving as his squire. David surveyed the crowd, trying to see if his father was there, but he did not see any Jews.

  On the main grandstand he saw King Henry and Queen Eleanor, both wearing heavy cloaks in the cold February air. Barons Geoffrey and Henry sat nearby, along with Alycia and Lady Catherine.

  David mounted his horse and adjusted the reins. Then he and Jonathan rode up to the king and queen without their helmets and lances. King Henry stood.

  “Good people of Northampton. We are here to witness a joust between Jonathan of Northumberland and Donald of York. Are you both ready?”

  “Yes, Sire,” David said. Jonathan nodded, saying nothing.

  “You both know the rules. The Marshal will give the signal, and then you will joust. May God be with you both.”

  The two rode to their respective ends, put on their helmets, and were handed their lances. Under his breath, David recited “Shma Yisroael Adonai Elohainu Adonai Echad,” one of the most important Hebrew prayers. He then crossed himself, knowing if he did not it would look suspicious. He saw Jonathan do the same.

  David positioned his lance, his too-large helmet still a problem even with the cloth inside. He adjusted his head so he could see properly and watched as the Marshal dropped the starting flag. David kicked his spurs into the sides of his horse. Jonathan did the same, and the two soon were about to clash. What seemed like a long time only took a few seconds. David aimed off-center as he was taught and saw Jonathan’s lance coming right at him. David’s lance hit perfectly, breaking as it was supposed to, but it did not knock Jonathan off. Jonathan’s hit high on David’s shield, but did not break. David absorbed the impact, causing him to lean dangerously to his right and he was unable to stay on his horse. Sir Michael rushed out to help him get up. Suspicions grew that something was amiss. The Marshal ran up to Jonathan and took his lance. He examined it and took it to the king.

  “Sire, this is not a practice lance. Jonathan cheated and broke the rules. He should be disqualified and Donald declared the winner.”

  “No!” Jonathan yelled. “I defeated him. This is the lance I was given. I did nothing wrong.”

  King Henry examined the lance. “The Marshal is correct. This is not a practice lance. But Jonathan may have used the wrong lance by mistake. I declare there be another round. Marshal, make sure the proper lance is used this time.”

  “Donald, are you all right?” Sir Michael asked.

  “I’m fine. A cheater. I’m not surprised.”

  “Can you go another round?”

  “Of course. And this time I’ll win.”

  Jonathan continued to argue he had won, to no avail. His father told him to concentrate on the next joust. He handed the Marshal a lance, who examined it and declared it legal. Then the two boys finished their preparations and waited for the signal. The Marshal returned to the center of the list, everyone watching Jonathan to be sure he did not try to switch lances.

  The signal was given and again the two charged each other. The crowd was silent as the two got closer and closer. David again hit Jonathan’s shield perfectly off-center, the lance shattered, and Jonathan lost his balance and fell. It happened so fast Jonathan’s lance glanced off David’s shield and this time broke into several pieces. The crowd cheered at David’s victory. Alycia hugged her father, who kissed his daughter on her head. “He did it, Father. I knew he would. Now he will be knighted and we will be wed!”

  David removed his helmet and rode a victory lap around the list. He did not notice the lone Jew at the top of the stands applauding. Mordecai smiled as David rode past him. My son, he said to himself. I believe you have done it. May God protect you, for you will need His protection more than ever.

  David stopped in front of the king. Alycia had stood, almost overcome with joy. “Donald!” she yelled. “You did it, my love. You did it!”

  David nodded to her, dismounted, and knelt in front of the king.

  “Your Majesty, I hope I have pleased you.”

  “Donald, or should I say the soon-to-be Sir Donald of York? You have earned your title. Spend tonight in prayer as is accustomed, and tomorrow I shall perform the ceremony.”

  The king then called Jonathan over.

  “Jonathan, you have shamed your father and your house, as well as your king and everyone here. I believe you tried to cheat but were caught. I gave you a chance to redeem yourself honorably, and you failed. You will go to York with Baron Henry. You will obey the soon-to-be Sir Donald, and perhaps he can make an honorable man out of you. Remember my decree.”

  Jonathan hung his head. “Yes, Sire. I remember and will obey Donald.”

  “Sir Donald. Do not forget that.”

  Jonathan looked at David. “No, I will never forget that.”

  AFTER BATHING, DAVID DRESSED IN the white vesture for purity, a red robe for nobility, and black hose and boots that symbolized death. The time seemed to pass too slowly as he spent the night in the chapel, his sword and shield placed on the altar. Father Zachariah stayed with him for a while but was soon falling asleep and decided to leave him alone. David still remembered most of his Hebrew prayers after years of repeating them, though it had been almost three since he had left West End. As he whispered the words, he looked at the large crucifix mounted on the altar. Synagogues do not have any such sculptures, as there is a commandment against graven images. That was always something he could not understand about the Christians. While they could believe Jesus was the Son of God if they wanted to, how could they have images of him? David was glad he did not have to learn Latin. Participation in church mostly consisted of listening and repeating amen.

  Eventually he fell asleep on the floor but woke up at first light. Father Zachariah came to escort him to Mass, where the sermon included the duties of a knight. While he listened, he thought about Alycia, and how he was going to respond to her persistence they wed. Did she love him enough she would not care he is a Jew? Would she keep his secret if he did marry her? Would she only keep it if he converted? He had no idea how she would react. He knew one day his being Jewish would come out, and even thought about how and when he would disclose it. David wanted as many Christians as possible to know a Jew not only could be a warrior, but a knight capable of defeating them. He wanted his people to earn the respect he felt they deserved. Christians admired strength, and for more than one thousand years, the Jews were denied the opportunity to exhibit the courage and fighting ability he knew they would have if they had the chance. In his mind, what he was doing was a first step to changing the status quo.

  King Henry wanted to return to London as soon as possible, so he commanded the knighting ceremony be held in the morning. David entered the great hall and was greeted by the two barons, Lady Catherine, Sir Michael, Sir Walter, Bryce, Cyrus, Baron Henry’s men-at-arms and Alycia. Father Zachariah, Earl Tristan, and Jonathan stood silently off to the side. Queen Eleanor was not in attendance. “Donald, come here.”

  David approached King Henry and knelt on the knighting stool that had been set in front of the king. “Sire, I am here to serve you.”

  Baron Henry, acting as David’s sponsor, handed the king David’s sword and shield, which had been blessed by Father Zachariah. Baron Geoffrey acted as David’s second sponsor, and presented him to the king to begin the ceremony as David took his vows.

  “My Lord King and noble barons,” he began, “I swear my undying allegiance to you. I will never traffic with traitors, never give evil counsel to a lady, always treating her with respect and defending her against all. I will observe all fasts and abstinences, hear Mass, and make offerings in church.”

  The king rose, took the sword and shield, and with the flat of the sword tapped him
on his right shoulder. “I dub thee sir knight, Sir Donald of York. Do you swear to honor our code of chivalry, defending the realm against all enemies and infidels, in the name of Jesus Christ Our Lord and Savior?”

  David tried not to react to the reference to infidels. He bowed his head. “I do swear, Sire.” The accolade had been performed. He crossed himself and stood. Barons Henry and Geoffrey then put spurs on his boots and girded his sword, completing the ceremony. Alycia wrapped her arms around him and kissed his right cheek.

  “I am so proud of you, my love.” Her father pulled her away. “There will be time for that later, Alycia.” Reluctantly, she released David and stepped back.

  “Sir Donald,” the king said. “You will return to York with Baron Henry and serve under him. At such time in the future when you have further earned it, we will consider awarding you lands and a manor. You are still very young. There will be time for this, and perhaps then we can consider your marriage to Alycia.”

  “Yes, Sire. I will do my best to earn those as soon as I can.”

  “My lords, it’s time for me and the queen to return to London. Baron Geoffrey, I thank you for your hospitality. I wish you well.”

  Geoffrey commanded cheers for the king, and everyone shouted, “Long live King Henry,” three times. Henry nodded and left the hall as the assembly all bowed. Baron Geoffrey followed him to be sure all his final arrangements had been made.

  Alycia took David’s hand. He thought she had never looked more beautiful. Her golden hair glowed against the sunlight that shone through a small window. She smiled as her eyes spoke to him without words. Her pride was bursting.