Valley of Dry Bones

by Priscilla Royal

  Eleanor put her arms around the woman and held her close. “He did choose to die within sight of the altar,” she whispered. “By doing so, God surely knew he had not given his soul completely to Satan.” Although she was uncertain whether this would ameliorate the sin of self-murder, she felt that comfort was paramount at the moment.

  For a moment, Avelina clutched the prioress and wailed piteously, “May God forgive me!” Again and again, she repeated the plea.

  As Eleanor bent to murmur more solace into the lady’s ears, Avelina’s body stiffened. Her eyes widened as if she had just seen the Devil fly through the window.

  Eleanor straightened and stared at her face.

  “Bring Sister Anne,” Avelina gasped, her face chalk-white with terror.

  Eleanor ran to the door, calling out for the sub-infirmarian to hurry.

  Entering quickly, Sister Anne rushed to kneel by the stricken woman. First, she felt her neck and then pressed her ear to Avelina’s chest.

  “Her heart has stopped,” the nun said, looking up at the prioress.

  “Grief did break it,” Eleanor whispered, then closed her eyes and wept.

  Chapter Thirty-five

  Dust swirled as men carried baggage to load on carts. Horses, impatient to leave, pawed the ground and twitched their tails to chase off annoying flies. The dry air was thick with heat, but nothing was quite as arid as Simon’s eyes.

  Eleanor studied the young man for any small sign of grief. Did his lip just quiver or had she imagined it? “I shall pray for your mother’s soul,” she said at last, determined to be charitable. After all, the lad must be eager to leave this place where his mother had died, and, once away, he would surely allow himself to express sorrow.

  He smiled. The implied emotion did not extend beyond his lips.

  “We shall bury her here, as you asked.”

  “Facing the chapel so she will be ready to look on God’s terrible face when the trumpet announces the Day of Judgement.” Simon’s tone made clear he believed the prioress had been incapable of comprehending his request the first time he had made it, necessitating a stern repetition to enforce understanding.

  Eleanor nodded, willing her flaring temper to subside. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Father Eliduc approach. At least he would be leaving as well. For such kindness, she thanked God, and, with the promise of imminent calm, she greeted the priest with courtesy.

  He bowed. “The days here have brought great sadness to this young man,” Eliduc said, his tone grave, “although God often brings us trials for good reason.”

  Had the comment not come from this particular priest, Eleanor might have readily agreed. Instead, she feared his remark hinted at some ominous portent. At times she wondered if the two of them even worshiped the same God, for hers spoke of peace and justice while his seemed ever to howl with anger and vengeance like winter storm winds.

  “Simon now wishes to take vows and serve God as his liege lord.” The priest put a hand on the young man’s shoulder and gripped it possessively.

  Eleanor failed to see any joy reflected in the young man’s expression. Instead, she detected a glittering light in his eyes, as if flames flickered in his soul. She trembled. This was not the gaze of someone imbued with tranquility.

  “I shall fight God’s enemies,” Simon said, unblinking, “and bring the firestorm of His wrath to any who seek to thwart His true purpose.”

  “And I shall pray that He grants you true wisdom,” Eleanor replied softly. Glancing at the dark-clad priest, then back at Simon, she had the fleeting impression she had just met two of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse.

  The priest smiled down at the lad, his thin lips taut with restrained glee. “Go, now, and see that all your mother’s belongings have been placed in the cart. We shall leave soon.” He watched as the young man walked away.

  “May he find peace,” Eleanor murmured, then realized she had, perhaps unwisely, spoken aloud.

  Turning back to her, Eliduc’s face had a pained look. “He has found purpose, my lady.”

  She glanced heavenward, expecting to see dark clouds racing to hide the sunlight.

  The sky was quite blue.

  “We may thank Brother Thomas for that,” the man continued. “During Simon’s stay at the hermitage, the good monk was able to persuade him to turn his zeal for combat on behalf of an earthly lord into a more righteous passion.”

  The prioress modestly bowed her head and managed to disguise her conflicting thoughts about this news.

  Eliduc sighed. “I know Brother Thomas has oft served you well, my lady. Indeed, he has also come to the aid of his family when they most needed him. Like a dutiful son, I might almost say.”

  “I pray no one has fallen ill of late.” Eleanor instantly regretted expressing the sarcasm she felt.

  Eliduc’s eyes closed like those of a cat who has just fed on some unlucky prey. “A hermit should never be called from his hut, my lady, although I know his intent to remain there has always been a temporary choice.”

  Surely she had never told him this, because she hoped he would conclude that the monk would remain in his hermitage until death. Who, then, had reported the truth to Father Eliduc? Was it Brother Thomas himself or, she asked herself once again, did she have an unknown spy amongst her religious?

  “That is no longer of consequence, for God is ever merciful, and the hermit’s family remains in good health. In fact, I am optimistic that His blessing on them shall continue, and Brother Thomas need not be called forth by me again from his service to God in this priory.” With a most munificent look, he bowed.

  Eleanor knew she was staring at the priest, but she let the sound of those words echo several times in her mind before she dared respond. “Then we shall not see you in the future, Father Eliduc?”

  “Although my visits here were always darkened by the sad news I brought, I found your hospitality worthy of what our dear Lord required as one of the Seven Comfortable Acts.” A wistful look darted across his face. “The vessel in which it was served might have been properly humble for a priory, but your wine was a worthy descendant of that served at Cana.”

  Just this once Eleanor knew he had spoken with sincerity.

  “I regret I shall probably not return to Tyndal, my lady.” He briefly shut his eyes. “Any yet none of us can ever predict what God has planned for us. As you see, I was chosen to accompany others sent by our queen on this journey.” He smiled. “We may well meet again, and I pray that we shall, for I have always found our meetings most agreeable.”

  In reply, Eleanor mumbled something incomprehensible which she hoped suggested courtesy. Most certainly, she did not dare speak her true thoughts. Thinking more on this, she suspected that bluntness might actually amuse rather than offend the man. He was a strange enough creature that the obvious assumptions might not apply.

  “Until that day, I wish you God’s grace, my lady,” Eliduc said, “and pray that Brother Thomas will soon complete his penance and return here. That would surely bring pleasure to the hearts…” The priest held her gaze for a long moment. “…of all who have mourned his absence.” He then bowed abruptly and quickly took his leave.

  Shutting her eyes, Eleanor begged God grant her the mercy of never seeing the priest again.

  ***

  Ralf glared at his brother.

  Fulke gazed longingly at his saddled horse.

  The horse flicked its ears, successfully dislodging a flying irritant.

  “We are quite clear on this? I shall suffer no more from your marital plotting on my behalf,” the crowner growled.

  Fulke continued to stare at his horse, then nodded once.

  “Ah, sweet brother, do not look so glum. Have I not proven myself to be a loyal kinsman when I made sure there could be no doubt of your innocence in these recent, unhappy matters?”

  Fulke frowned.

  “Have I ever spoken a word about your past, might one say, misdeeds?” Then he leaned forward and whispered,
“Nor shall I say anything to your virtuous wife about a certain local wench, although I praise you for seeking the wisdom of a holy hermit for those…”

  “I need a male heir.”

  “That is in God’s hands.”

  “And requires your seed.”

  “Then be at peace. I promise to help His purpose by marrying again. Whether my efforts on your behalf produce male or female babes is something I cannot control.”

  Brightening, Fulke gestured toward the village. “That woman who owns the inn is comely and has a strong enough will she might even breed robust sons. If you insist on choosing a local wench, you would do worse than that one and even gain a profitable inn with the marriage.”

  Ralf shook his head. “You promised me your plotting would cease.”

  “Or, if you insist, the Saxon creature.” He waved his hand. “She’s young, has many years to breed, and should drop enough rams amongst the ewes.” He frowned for a moment. “Or even your daughter’s nurse. She’s got wide enough hips to bear.”

  “Perhaps you would prefer that I take all three to the church door.”

  For an instant, Fulke looked as if he were considering the idea before finally asking, “Do any have land to bring you?”

  Ralf grabbed his brother by the front of his robe and pulled him close. “You shall provide all land for my eldest son. Sibely inherits her mother’s manor. I have bits of land purchased by selling my sword as a mercenary. For a dowry, those may suit a simple but honest man who wishes to marry any other daughter I may have. As for extra sons, should God be so generous, they will fend for themselves as I did. Now you have all the answers you need to any questions. Again, I demand your oath that you shall leave me alone to find my own wife.”

  “Release me! Have you forgotten who I am and whom I serve?”

  “Was I choking you?” Ralf laughed and shoved his brother away. “Swear on any dim hope you may have for Heaven.”

  “You have my word, as long as you fulfill yours and give me an heir.”

  Ralf slapped Fulke on the shoulder. “I shall work diligently on that. In the meantime, go back to court, increase the wealth you have sworn to my son, give my greetings to your wife, a saint for tolerating you, and leave me to render justice here in your name and that of the king without your interference.”

  “I would cheerfully promise all, brother,” Fulke replied, his expression suddenly turned grave, “except for the last. Remember that we have a new king. If he deems it in his interest, he may command me to get involved.”

  Equally somber, Ralf nodded. “Then let us hope he does so in ways that are honorable.”

  “He is God’s anointed. To do other than obey him is treason.”

  The younger brother said nothing.

  Fulke waited

  Ralf folded his arms.

  Fulke shook his head and mounted his long-patient steed.

  ***

  Father Eliduc savored the fear he had seen in Prioress Eleanor’s eyes. Although he had no proof that she lusted after Brother Thomas, he knew the frailties of men and women well enough to guess it. And from her reaction to his carefully phrased remark, he was certain his assumption was correct and that she knew he had guessed her secret.

  It was always good to leave those whom you had cause to respect with the knowledge that you were capable of winning all battles against them. Although he had outwitted her this time, he knew Prioress Eleanor was possessed of a mind and will made of far finer steel than those of most men. To most she was already a formidable opponent; for him, she had the potential to grow into one. He had meant what he said when he expressed hope they would meet again. After all, struggling only against the unworthy dulled the sharpness of one’s own wit.

  As he watched the servants finish the packing of last items, he grew content. Soon they would be traveling back to court, and he was eager to return to other work on his lord’s behalf. This time, he was bringing a present with him, one he knew would surely please.

  Simon was a far better prospect than the earl’s by-blow he had rescued from prison. Although Brother Thomas had served well in his way, this lad had sharp passion where the monk was possessed of too tender a heart.

  Men with those womanish inclinations were dangerous when blind resolve was needed to further sacred causes. With a king like Edward, a far more forceful man than his father, the Church might soon have a mightier struggle over dominion. Such a holy war would require unblinking obedience in those who served the Church. Simon would make a fine zealot.

  Thus Eliduc was pleased to release the monk Thomas from further onerous duty, and, in so doing, he had learned of a useful weakness in the Prioress of Tyndal. All that, and knowing the lands from Baron Otes would pass safely to the hands of his lord, made the priest a very happy man.

  He walked over to Simon.

  The lad was gazing heavenward with an ardent look that would surely delight even the desert fathers.

  “Mount your horse, my son. We leave in a short while.”

  “I shall always remember that I found God’s purpose for me here,” he replied.

  “And since you will also never forget your vow to Him that you shall serve as directed,” Eliduc whispered in Simon’s ear, “then the secret of your unfortunate contacts with rebellious factions need never be mentioned to any mortal.”

  Simon seemed not to have heard him speak. The young man looked like a crusader going into battle, one whose thoughts were focused solely on slaughtering the enemy.

  Chapter Thirty-six

  Eleanor stood at the window of her chambers and watched the dust clouds, raised by the departing horsemen, settle. Never had she been so grateful to see men leave as she was these. They had brought violence to her priory and carried the plague of discord as well, worldly contagions that were difficult to cure once the infection was established.

  His soul bound for Hell, Kenard’s corpse had been tossed into a shallow pit in unconsecrated earth next to Brother Simeon’s grave. No one would ever know how he had managed to lure Otes away from priory grounds or why he had chosen to kill him below the hermitage. Doubting that the servant had known about Brother Thomas, the prioress suspected the man had simply picked the spot because it was remote and blood would not be shed on God’s land. Even though Kenard had committed self-murder within Tyndal’s walls, an act some would call sacrilege, Eleanor did wonder if he had done so to be closer to God and thus to let Him know his soul longed to be good in spite of his violent acts.

  “My lady?”

  Willing enough to set heavy thoughts aside, the prioress immediately turned to acknowledge Gytha standing at the door.

  “As you requested, Prior Andrew has ended his solitary penance and awaits your command. There is ale, cheese, and bread on the table. Shall I remain outside the door in case you need me?”

  Eleanor nodded and walked into her public room.

  A hollow-cheeked Prior Andrew entered. When he met her eyes, he fell awkwardly to his knees.

  Gytha hurried out and closed the door behind her, leaving but a modest inch open.

  Rarely did the prioress require complete privacy in her conversations with either nun or monk. This time she did. The opening in the door satisfied the letter of propriety’s law. Although she trusted her maid’s discretion and silence, the content of this discussion was one with which Eleanor did not want to burden anyone else. Her decision with respect to her prior, as well as all the errors he had committed, ought to remain between the two of them alone.

  “Rise, Prior Andrew,” she said and gestured for him to be seated near the food and drink.

  “I am not worthy of this kindness,” he whispered, looking at the bounty on the table.

  “The queen’s emissaries have left,” she responded. “Perhaps you have not learned this. Baron Otes was killed by Lady Avelina’s servant, a man who had a long-standing grudge against the baron. Later, he committed self-murder. Unfortunately, the lady herself, although innocent of blame, died as a resu
lt of the shock this news dealt her. Her son, Simon, has decided to take vows.” More detail than this, she concluded, he had no need to know.

  “And through all I was unable to give you the support and service that the Order and my vows demand. I am a foolish and a wicked man.”

  “Since you were locked away in a windowless room, as a penance you agreed to serve, there could be no doubt you were innocent of the second death, and, for that reason, most likely of the first as well. Yet, if the Lady Avelina had not been so willing to tell me the reason for the baron’s murder, you might have remained a suspect.”

  “You were wise to anticipate how evil works and shut me safely away, my lady. Indeed, I did use the time to pray over my grievous sins, but I am most guilty of adding to the priory’s troubles with my own actions. I deserve no mercy and beg none.”

  “Your only error was in not telling me the entire story of your brother and the argument with the baron. Your reasons for that failure were not founded in evil, and I believe you wanted to protect me from worldly horrors as honorable men are wont to do with women.” She walked over to the table and served him the ale with her own hands. “Nonetheless, I fear that Satan often thwarts the efforts of good men.” Turning to the window, she stared out at the bright sunlight bathing the priory grounds. “And so we frail women have learned to keep, as it were, cloaks of chain mail close to hand with which to arm ourselves on such occasions.”

  Bowing his head, he expressed sorrow that this had been necessary, then asked, “When I surrender my position as prior, my lady, how may I best serve you?”

  “Have you given thought to the ways in which you might do so?” She kept her back to him and her voice even.

  He did not reply for a long time.

  She kept her counsel and said nothing.

  “I was a good porter, my lady.”

  Noting the rasp in his voice, Eleanor wondered if he was weeping, but she did not turn around, preferring to allow him a man’s pride. “That you were,” she replied.

  “Or, if Brother Thomas does not return from his hermitage, I might wait upon the sick in the hospital.”