The Fate of the Arrow

by Shel Pais

  “Alycia,” he said softly, “you have been by my side supporting and encouraging me. I am grateful.”

  “Donald,” she replied, “our future is now apparent. Even though I was hoping we could be wed soon, now you are a knight I know you will earn your lands and manor sooner than you think.”

  The king’s words brought David relief. I still have some time, he thought.

  Baron Henry approached them. “I think it’s time we returned to York. We’ve taken advantage of Geoffrey’s hospitality far too long. I will order a celebration in honor of Donald’s knighthood when we return. Alycia, go pack your things. We’ll leave tomorrow. I’ll inform Geoffrey and Sir Michael.”

  David decided he would sneak out of the castle to see his family one more time. He would have to be very discreet, for he could not risk anyone following him.

  David returned to his chamber to get his helmet, sword, and cloak. With the cold weather, he could more easily hide from anyone he might meet. He left the castle, walking quickly away. Since Coby Hollow was in the same direction as West End and many still believed he came from there, he felt more confident he would not arouse suspicion if anyone at the castle watched him leave.

  As he entered West End, he realized how much he had missed it. Only a few people were out as a light snow had begun to fall. He reached his old house and knocked on the door. No one answered. Strange, he thought. Where could everybody be? He knocked again, and still no answer. He was uncomfortable standing there, but he could not return to the castle so soon. He decided to see if Avram was home but had the same result. Then he looked towards the synagogue and saw people filing out onto the street. The children were in costume. He realized it was Purim, and his family must be at the synagogue. He strolled back and forth for a few minutes, aware he stood out. Then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw a group of six young men who had been standing off to the side. His instincts told him they were planning to make trouble for Jews returning home. He kept watching them as he saw his father, a woman he did not recognize, his brother, sister, uncle, and Avram walking towards his home, with the six waiting to jump them.

  David drew his sword and began to walk towards them. He saw the men block the path of his family.

  “Hey, Jews,” one of them said, “Where are you going? And what’s with the costume? It’s not All Hallows Eve.” Rachel was dressed as Queen Esther.

  “Get out of our way,” Baruch said.

  “Well, a tough-talking Jew,” their apparent leader said. “I think we should teach them a lesson.”

  Rachel began to cry. “Father, I’m frightened.”

  Baruch stood in front of the leader and repeated. “I said get out of our way.”

  Two of the others grabbed Baruch and held him. “Hit him, Hugh. Teach him a lesson,” one of them said. Hugh was about punch Baruch in his stomach when he stopped.

  “I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” a voice from behind said. He turned to see David standing in front of him.

  “What business is this of yours, Sir Knight? And since when do knights defend Jews?”

  “Since now. You need to make a decision. Hit him and die or get out of here now.”

  While this was happening so fast, his family recognized David, but did not say a word.

  Hugh signaled to release Baruch.

  “That’s better. You boys are really brave, attacking those who cannot defend themselves. If I ever see any of you bothering Jews or anyone again I won’t be so kind. Now, leave.” David raised his sword and slapped it against Hugh’s behind as they all ran away, cursing under their breath.

  “David, David, is it really you?” Benjamin said.

  “Let’s get out of here. I don’t want to attract attention.” They all hurried back to Mordecai’s house, where they showered David with hugs and kisses. Avram stared at his friend, unable to speak.

  “David, first I want you to meet your stepmother, Hannah,” Mordecai said.

  David had seen the ring on her finger and guessed who she was. He embraced her. “Welcome to the family.” Hannah smiled, and kissed him on his cheek.

  “Is it true?” they all asked.

  “Yes, it’s true. I am a knight.”

  Baruch put his hand on David’s shoulder. “David, my nephew, do you realize the danger you’re in? You’re playing a very dangerous game. A Jew knighted and swearing loyalty to the Church? God forbid you’re discovered. They’ll burn you at the stake after torturing you.”

  “Everyone, please don’t worry. Every step I take I’m closer to helping our people. You saw an example of it today. Who knows what may have happened if I wasn’t there?”

  “I want to be a knight, David,” Benjamin said. “Will you teach me?”

  “This is madness,” Mordecai said. “You can’t continue this masquerade. It’s inevitable you’ll be discovered. Abbot Hubert almost exposed you, and now your brother wants to be a knight. Is that what you want?”

  “What I want is to show the Christians we can defend ourselves, and to earn their respect. Now let me tell you my latest adventures.”

  They all gathered around and he told them how his plan rescued the baron’s daughter, saved the king’s tax money and led to him being knighted. Avram, Benjamin, and Rachel sat spellbound, hanging on to every word he said.

  “David, you’re a hero!” Rachel exclaimed.

  “My sweet Rachel. I only hope I can help to make life better for our people. I know it’s a daunting task.”

  Baruch stood. “I want you all to know I will be leaving England.”

  This surprised David. “Leaving? Why? Where will you go?”

  “I must leave. I helped to destroy Abbot Hubert, and even though Alwyn has promised to keep our secret, I cannot fully trust him. I illegally gave up most of my money, and if I’m discovered, I’ll be imprisoned and tortured. I won’t tell you where I’m going, in case you’re questioned.”

  “But that means we may never see you again, Uncle.” Benjamin said.

  “Most probably. I’m afraid it can’t be helped. I’ve been able to protect you, David, but if I’m arrested, or if any of you are, your secret may be in jeopardy.”

  “When will you leave?”

  “Tomorrow. The longer I stay, the more dangerous it is.”

  Mordecai embraced his brother. “You are a good man, Baruch. I’m sorry I ever thought ill of you for your moneylending success. You’ve used it for the good of our people. I hope you find peace and happiness in a new land.”

  Baruch then embraced David. “David, you’ve made us all proud. God has given you a unique opportunity, and you have so far been successful. But I caution you to be more careful than ever. You must have made some enemies, and I’m certain they won’t hesitate to destroy you if they could.” Baruch went into a back room and came out with several purses.

  “I want each of you to have some of the money I kept. Avram, you’ve remained a loyal friend to David, and I want you to have some too.”

  Baruch gave each one a purse. “I don’t know what to say, my brother,” Mordecai said as they all thanked him.

  “No need to say anything. I must go now.”

  “What about your house?” Hannah asked.

  “I’m giving it to Emma, my housekeeper. I’m sure the king will have the sheriff confiscate it if I give it to you. I’ve instructed Emma after I leave you’re to take all my Jewish items.”

  “I see,” Mordecai said. “We’ll take good care of them.”

  “Goodbye. I love you all, and I do hope we’ll see each other again.”

  Each one embraced Baruch. “David, again I say, be extra careful.”

  “I will, Uncle.”

  Prior Alwyn sat in the refectory with Bartholomew and Father Ambrose.

  “Have things improved already since Hubert’s been gone?”

  “Absolutely,” Ambrose said. “There is no more fear in the brothers. They do their duties willingly, unafraid that Hubert will spy on them to try to discover them doing
something he didn’t like.”

  “Good. I want there to be an openness at Hedgestone. Does either of you have any concerns?”

  “I have one,” Bartholomew said. “Beware of Brother Andrew. I fear he thinks Hubert was not mistaken about Donald and may try to prove him right.”

  “Yes. I should never have taken him to York with me, as I believe he became suspicious then. We must protect the secret, or we’ll be in serious trouble.”

  They all nodded. “I am sure many would think what we have done is a sacrilege,” Alwyn said. “I do not. This David cannot change the world. He is one man doing something I believe has never been done before, and no doubt will never be done again. He cannot possibly continue to pretend who he is forever, and when he is exposed we, of course, will plead ignorance if questioned. After all, there is no proof we knew, only speculation because of Hubert’s ranting. We managed to get rid of him, and to me, it was worth it.”

  With that, they all drank a toast to the future of Hedgestone without Hubert.

  After the family ate a wonderful meal of roast lamb Hannah cooked, Mordecai took David aside.

  “David, am I right that after tomorrow we may not see you for quite a while?”

  “I’m afraid so. Now that I’m a knight, my duties will change, and either I must stay longer at York or may be called away.”

  “I see. There is one thing that worries me the most. The baron’s daughter, I believe Alycia is her name.”

  “Yes, Father.”

  “She says she’s in love with you. Are you in love with her?”

  “I’ve tried not to, but I am. She’s not only beautiful, but she has a sweetness about her I cannot resist. She’s always there for me, and her persistence makes it harder.”

  “David, you cannot marry her. Never, while remaining a Jew. You said you would never convert.”

  “And I won’t convert. I’ll always keep that promise, for you and Mother, may she rest in peace. Don’t you understand how important it is for me to keep my true faith through all of this? Don’t you understand the torment I feel every day? I want so much to tell everyone Sir Donald is Sir David, a Jew! I want to dispel everything wrong the Christians say about us, but I can’t. At least, not yet.”

  “I am worried you’ll marry her and hope she won’t betray you. But how could she not? When she finds out who you really are she will feel deeply betrayed, and her faith forbids such a union. As does yours.”

  “So, you do not believe love is stronger than faith?”

  Mordecai shook his head. “Not when it comes to love between a Christian and a Jew. It is forbidden in both worlds and would be severely punished.”

  “What if Alycia were to convert?”

  “You are mad if you think even for a moment she would do that.”

  “Why? If she truly loves me, the differences in our faiths won’t matter, and I will insist I must honor my pledge.”

  Mordecai had tears in his eyes. “David, I’m afraid we will lose you. If not in battle, then in your discovery, or Alycia’s temptation will be too great and you will become a Christian. You cannot have it both ways. Perhaps someday two people can marry for love without the shackles of religious and royal decrees that rule men’s lives. But that is not today.”

  “Father. I understand what you are saying, and perhaps part of what I’m doing is to try to break those shackles.”

  “No, my son. Those shackles cannot be broken by you or anyone else. Only God can break them, and if he does, it will be at a time of His choosing.”

  “Then let me be God’s hand.”

  David returned to the castle in time to attend a great going away feast Geoffrey had ordered prepared. Strangely, no one asked where he had been. David assumed they had been too busy preparing for tomorrow’s journey.

  At the feast, Henry and Geoffrey honored the new knight, and with Alycia at his side, David was the envy of all the men. As happy as this moment was for him, he could not get the words of his uncle and his father out of his head. While he had heard them many times, now he had reached this previously impossible goal, and a feeling of fear crept down his spine. Would my family be in jeopardy if I were found out? Could they be questioned and even tortured?

  Alycia continuously looked over at him, the warmth in her smile further accentuating her beauty. He met each smile with one of his own. He could not help thinking, is this a dream? No, this is reality. You made your dream come true, and now you must follow through with it. There is no going back.

  “Donald,” she said, “are you happy?”

  “Becoming a knight comes with great responsibilities. Yes, I’m happy for what I have achieved, and now I must continue to serve the king and your father. There are many who are oppressed because they may have different beliefs or values, and they should be defended as well. I believe in what Our Lord Jesus said, to treat others as we ourselves want to be treated. I hope my newfound title will help me to do that.”

  Alycia looked confused. “All I know is I want to treat you with all my love and devotion. Nothing else matters to me. Can you understand that?”

  “Yes, Alycia, but even though we are just two people, we cannot close our eyes to what’s happening in the realm. We must work towards helping all good people, no matter who they are.”

  “Donald, you’re speaking strangely. As long as we’re together, I don’t care what you do.” She paused. “Donald, maybe now you’ll tell me the secret you couldn’t before?”

  “I will when the time is right, and this is not that time.”

  “Very well. I will wait, but not forever. A husband and wife should not have secrets from each other,” she said.

  “True. But we are not even betrothed.”

  “No,” she said. “Not yet.”

  DAVID SAT BY THE FIRE late at night in his own chamber, earned after being knighted by the king, thinking how far he had come in three short years. He had achieved something he never believed was obtainable. He sipped a mug of ale, thinking about his family in Northampton. He was glad they knew about his accomplishment but regretted he still must maintain his secret among everyone else. Then his mind turned to Alycia. After the knighting ceremony, they had spent a little time talking, and he was more at ease with her. Perhaps his title made him more confident. Then a light knock on his door brought him out of his head. It was Alycia, wrapped in a cloak.

  “Alycia. It’s late. You should be in bed.”

  She smiled at him. “I intend to be.”

  She entered his chamber, closed the door behind her and set the bolt lock. Before David could utter a word, she turned to him and dropped the cloak.

  David stared at her in a daze. This was the first time he had seen a naked woman. Before him was the baron’s daughter who had been pursuing him for such a long time. He knew he could not resist her forever, nor did he want to. She pulled him to her and they kissed, as both their passions rose to the point of no return. He forgot the danger such a union could bring. He forgot he was not Sir Donald, but a product of another religion, another culture. They continued kissing as they made their way to David’s bed. She laid down as he quickly tore off his clothes and joined her. She must not touch me, he thought.

  Alycia’s mind wandered as he caressed her and awkwardly kissed her soft, smooth skin. She could feel his excitement swell against her thigh as she readied herself and he positioned himself to enter her. With his first thrust, she felt the break. The pleasure. “Donald, I love you,” she moaned.

  “Alycia, my sweet Alycia.” They both lost track of time. He could not hold back any longer. His burst filled her as they kissed, their tongues becoming almost one. Then it was over. They kissed again while both were almost out of breath. Before saying a word, and without thinking, he rolled over. The dim light from the fireplace was just bright enough for her to see it. But he did not see the shock on her face.

  MY LIFELONG INTEREST IN THE Middle Ages led me to learn about Jewish life during those difficult times. It amazes me how,
despite the restrictions and persecutions, our people managed to survive while they could not fight back. This inspired the premise for The Fate of the Arrow.

  My intent was to give readers a basic understanding of Jewish life in England in the mid-thirteenth century through David and his family. While incorporating some historical aspects, I took the liberty of including some things that occurred at a different time. For example, pews were added to churches in the fourteenth century, but I included them as part of the improvements made by Hubert. I also wanted to show that there were tolerant Christians who maintained good relations with the Jews.

  It is my hope that readers have gained some understanding of the extreme hardships Jews faced during the medieval period in England in particular, and that they will learn more on their own. If we could all understand each other better, perhaps we could make a dent in the prejudice and hate that have no place in the world.

  The story will continue in the sequel The Point of the Arrow.

  Archa ~ special box to contain agreements of loans made by Jews

  Challah ~ braided bread made with eggs

  Cheder ~ school

  Denier ~ French unit of currency

  Minyan ~ ten men required for a prayer service

  Purim ~ Jewish festival to celebrate the survival of the Jews from the Persians

  Shabbos ~ Sabbath

  Shacharit ~ morning prayer service

  Shul ~ synagogue

  SHEL PAIS has been interested in the Middle Ages since he was a boy. He never missed watching Roger Moore in Ivanhoe and Richard Greene in The Adventures of Robin Hood TV series. Errol Flynn’s The Adventures of Robin Hood and Robert Taylor’s Ivanhoe are still the definitive classics he enjoys. As part of his medieval interests, he has made a hobby of Robin Hood, collecting more than 80 fiction and nonfiction books, and numerous movies and television series. He “owns” a square foot of Sherwood Forest to help preserve what little remains. Born, raised, and living in the Chicago area, he is a diehard Cubs fan.