The Fate of the Arrow

by Shel Pais

  “Jews,” said another. “It’s their Passover time. They must be coming from one of their celebrations.”

  The first man’s face changed from aloof to angry. “Jews at Passover? I heard they kill Christian boys for their blood to make some of their Passover food.”

  Mordecai stood in front of the man. “That’s a lie. Now get out of our way so we can return home in peace.”

  Rachel looked afraid, and Benjamin put his arm around her to comfort her.

  “A lie, is it? Not according to the priests.”

  “They are wrong. All those stories are lies, pure lies. Now let me pass, or the baron shall hear of it. We Jews are protected by the king and Baron Geoffrey.”

  One of the men took a closer look at Mordecai. “Ulric, I know this man. He’s the apothecary who saved my life after I was wounded. Let him go.”

  Mordecai did not recognize him. Apparently, he was an off-duty man-at-arms. Mordecai had helped a number of the baron’s men over the years, so it was not unusual he did not know who he was.

  “Go home, Jew,” Ulric said. “Gavin saved you this time, but next time you may not be so lucky. And stay away from Christian boys.”

  Mordecai thanked the man called Gavin, and the three of them walked briskly back to their house. When they were safely inside, Rachel began to cry. “Why do they continue to hate us, Father?” she sobbed. “I don’t understand it.”

  “David would have fought back,” Benjamin said. “He would have taught them a lesson.”

  Mordecai shook his head. “I told you, we cannot fight back. We are too few and have no means but the king, Baron Geoffrey, and the laws to protect us.”

  “We need a champion,” Benjamin said. “David would have been our champion. Oh, David, why don’t you come home?”

  Mordecai was thinking the same thing. Why have I not heard from David? And why has he not returned home? I pray God he is safe.

  As the weather improved, David’s training regimen increased. He had learned how to throw an axe with startling accuracy. His strength also was increasing, and he was taller since he arrived at York. After improving his archery with James, David learned how to use a sword with the baron’s sword master, Oliver, who had taken over for James. While not a knight, he was extremely skilled, not only in how to attack and defend, but in teaching as well. David took to the sword almost as quickly as he did to the bow and arrow. He learned how to thrust, parry, and block with sword and shield. They practiced with wooden swords until David was skilled enough to switch to steel. Oliver reported daily to Baron Henry, who often would watch David practice to monitor his progress. As David finished for the day, Henry approached him.

  “Donald, come here.”

  “Yes, my lord?”

  “I’m very proud of you. You seem to have a natural talent for the axe, bow, sword, and shield.”

  “Thank you, my lord. I also have great teachers. James and Oliver have both taught me quite a bit.”

  “Yes, but they have taught many other men who are not nearly as skilled as you. I want to ask you something. I’m leaving in two days to see my friend Baron Geoffrey again. Would you like to accompany me?”

  David hoped this day might come, and he was prepared for it. “Thank you, my lord. I would be honored to be one of your guards.”

  “I’ll give you time to see the family you lived with while we are there.”

  “Thank you. It would be nice to see them.”

  “Good. We leave at dawn the day after tomorrow.”

  “My lord, is Bryce going as well?”

  “Not this time. You’ll be one of six men-at-arms, different from the ones I took last time. I’m a fair man, but I will not tolerate incompetence. You’d better start preparing. Go see Sir Michael. He’ll provide you with a helmet, gambeson, mail, and boots. I will see you at dawn in two days.”

  “Thank you, my lord. I will.”

  David did as Henry ordered. Michael equipped him with everything the baron’s other men-at-arms had. He wore them into the castle to the chamber he shared with Bryce, who was resting on his bed. He sprung up when David entered.

  “Donald! I almost didn’t recognize you. Why are you dressed like a man-at-arms?”

  “Baron Henry is going to see Baron Geoffrey, and I’m going with the other men-at-arms.”

  “That’s exciting. I figured he’d take you at some point, but you haven’t yet completed your training.”

  “I wish you were going too.”

  “Oh,” Bryce said. “I didn’t know I wasn’t. Did the baron tell you that?”

  “I’m sorry. He did.”

  “I’ll keep training, and perhaps next time I’ll be ready to go.”

  “I hope so, my friend.”

  Two mornings later David rose early, dressed in his man-at-arms clothes and mail, took his sword and shield, and said goodbye to Bryce. He ate a light breakfast, being too excited to eat much. The baron and the rest of the men-at-arms already had gathered by the main gate. David was glad Sir Michael was going, as the two of them had become friends. Michael was impressed with David and had expressed it to Henry.

  “Good morning, Donald,” Henry greeted him. “Are you ready for your first assignment?”

  “Yes, my lord.”

  “Where are your bow and arrows?”

  This surprised David. “I thought men-at-arms don’t carry them, my lord.”

  “That’s true, but that’s because they don’t know how to use them. You do. I’ll feel safer if you bring them. Hurry. We’ll wait for you.”

  David ran back to his chamber and grabbed his bow, bowstrings, quiver, and arrows. He hurried back to the baron as fast as he could, almost stumbling down the castle stairs.

  “I’m ready, my lord.”

  “Let’s go.” Henry mounted his horse, and they crossed the drawbridge and began the journey to Northampton.

  This time Henry tried to stay close to his escort, even in open country. David enjoyed the march, even as the day wore on and he and the other men tired. Henry let them rest at intervals to refresh themselves with food and water. It was a sunny day, and David was full of confidence during his first experience as a man-at-arms. The other men treated him as an equal, despite his being inexperienced and several years younger than each of them.

  It took a while for David to get used to wearing the helmet and mail for hours at a time. At least it was a cool spring day, which increased his comfort. The first night they slept in a stable while the baron took a room at an inn. David did not mind, since he knew he had to learn just how these men lived, and Henry made sure the men were well fed. They continued on for two more days in the same fashion, arriving at Northampton the afternoon of the third day. All the men, including David, were quite tired when they arrived. As usual, Geoffrey was there to greet his friend, and they embraced.

  “Henry, welcome. I see you arrived unscathed. Is it true that on your return journey last time that was not the case?”

  “Donald, come here.” David hurried to Henry’s side.

  “Geoffrey, allow me to present Donald. He saved my life when I was ambushed by three thieves.”

  “So, the stories were true,” Geoffrey said. “The bodies of the thieves were found in Salcey after you had left, and it was assumed they had attacked your party.”

  “Not exactly,” Henry said. “My men had stopped to rest and, as you know, I have a tendency to get ahead of them. The three scum did ambush me, but Donald here killed two with his bow and wounded the third, who I quickly dispatched. I am forever in his debt.”

  Geoffrey looked David over. “You’re quite young, are you not?”

  “I’m sixteen, my lord.”

  “He’s an excellent archer and is becoming very skilled with the sword as well. Come, Geoffrey, I’m tired and thirsty. Enough talk, let’s go inside.”

  Geoffrey laughed. “I’ll make sure you are well taken care of. Walter, please take care of Henry’s men.”

  “Hello, Walter,” Michael s
aid. “It’s good to see you again.”

  “Walter, this is Donald. He saved the baron’s life.”

  “Welcome, Donald. You’re a brave boy.”

  David nodded in a slight bow. “Sir Walter, I’ve heard of you. I’m honored to meet you.”

  David worried that he might be asked where he was from since the small village of Colby Hollow, where he had claimed to grow up, was near Northampton. Luckily, no one did.

  “Come, everyone,” Walter said. “I’ll show you to your quarters and get you some food and drink.”

  They all followed Walter into the castle to the quarters of the men-at arms. There were beds of newly replaced straw and benches and a table at which to sit and relax. While they waited for their refreshment, several of Geoffrey’s men who were off duty joined them. The conversation for the most part was typical of most men-at-arms—what battles had the York men fought in, talk of women and booty, as well as some more personal questions. One of Geoffrey’s men, Mark, looked at David.

  “Where are you from, boy? You look familiar.”

  Michael answered for David. “He’s from Coby Hollow, near here.

  Mark looked confused. “Coby Hollow? I was born there but ran away as soon as I could. Who are your parents?”

  David started to get nervous but answered with the story he had worked on over and over. “My parents died when I was very little. I lived with a family there who took me in.” David hoped the questioning would end there.

  “What family?” Mark asked gruffly.

  “Arthur.” David responded with the name of the only person he knew from there.

  “Don’t know him,” Mark said. “But I’ve been gone a long time.” His disposition softened. “Come, boy, have a mug of ale with me.”

  David felt relieved as the subject changed, and Mark did not inquire any further. David was not sure why Mark thought he looked familiar, as he did not remember ever seeing him before. He was certain he would have recognized him if he had.

  He began to feel more comfortable among men such as these, and he could sense they were getting more comfortable with him. He was learning their coarse way of speaking, and while he did not like it, felt he had to speak that way to fit in and not to arouse any suspicions. He also had to hide his literacy, since these men were totally illiterate. If he slipped up, he may have some difficulty explaining how he learned those skills. He was extremely careful not to give any indication of his education.

  David’s greatest concern, however, was when the men talked about Jews. So far, no one had even the slightest inkling he was Jewish. Though he made sure he did not join into any conversation that mentioned his people, it was extremely hard for him to listen to the cruel comments and the jesting that often started after a few mugs of ale. For them it was a common topic—making fun of Jews. Especially disturbing for David was when they hoped for an opportunity to rape Jewish women or rob and kill Jewish men. They lamented that Baron Geoffrey protected Northampton’s Jews. Michael told them Baron Henry did as well, primarily, they believed, because the king commanded them to. David believed none of these men was responsible for the death of his mother, but he always listened for any clue that might lead him to the culprit. He hoped to one day avenge her murder and would not hesitate if he had the chance.

  The two barons were getting drunk, as the wine kept coming and they continued drinking. Their conversations ranged from news from London to the results of their latest hunts.

  “Tell me, Henry, this boy Donald who saved you. How did he learn to be an archer, and how did he obtain his equipment?”

  Henry took another long drink of wine. “This is good wine, Geoffrey. I’m afraid I may drink all of your stock.”

  Geoffrey laughed, then repeated the question.

  “Geoffrey, I know what you’re thinking, that he’s the one who took the forester’s weapons.”

  “Well, is he?”

  “Does it matter?”

  “It may. What do you know about him?”

  “Not much. Just what I told you already. He is, however, a natural talent with the bow and is showing great promise with the sword as well.”

  Geoffrey put down his wine and looked at his friend. “Henry, I’m very glad he saved you, but I would like to know what happened to the forester. Remember he was my cousin.”

  “I remember. Very well. You may send for him if you will keep his secret and let him stay with me.”

  “Agreed, as long as there was no foul play.”

  Geoffrey called for Cyrus to fetch David. After a few minutes, David entered the great hall and approached the two barons, bowing. “My lords.”

  Henry spoke first. “Donald, I want you to tell Geoffrey how you found your bow and arrows.”

  David could not contain a look of shock and fear. Henry noticed it and calmed him. “Don’t worry, Donald. Geoffrey only wants to know what happened. I know you didn’t do any harm to anyone except the outlaws.”

  David took a deep breath. “That’s the truth, my lord. I swear it. I was walking in the forest and found the forester dead with no wounds or anything. I had always wanted to be an archer, so I made a quick decision to keep the weapons.”

  “I see. Why didn’t you report this?”

  “I was afraid if I did, I would lose the weapons and perhaps be accused of causing his death.”

  “So, you practiced in the forest in secret until the ambush?”

  “Yes, my lord. Please forgive me if I committed any wrongdoing. I meant no harm.”

  “Very well. Since you saved the life of my dear friend, and I know Ronald’s death was not caused by any attack, I forgive you and will honor your secret. Henry is quite fond of you, and I can understand why. I like you too, Donald.”

  David bowed deeply. “I am grateful, my lord. I only wish to be of service to Baron Henry and do him proud.”

  “I believe you shall. You may go.” David bowed again and left the hall.

  “So,” Geoffrey began, “now that mystery has been solved. However, I cannot tell the sheriff, who is still trying to discover who took them, since I promised you I won’t.”

  “You may tell him you know who took them, that the matter is closed, and he should not continue looking.”

  “Yes. I certainly can do that.”

  “Thank you, my friend. It’s important to me. I’m certain Donald had nothing to do with the forester’s death. People do die under circumstances that cannot be explained.”

  Geoffrey thought about Abbot Hubert and the poisons Mordecai had given him but had not been used and smiled. “Yes, they do. Yes, they do.”

  DAVID WALKED BRISKLY THROUGH NORTHAMPTON, wearing his helmet, and keeping his head down as much as possible to avoid being recognized. Townspeople were used to seeing men-at-arms at all times, so no one paid attention to him. As he entered West End, almost everyone he passed he knew, although they too minded their own business and did not care about this soldier. Finally, he arrived at his house. The door was unlocked and he slowly opened it. His father, brother, and sister all were startled to see a man-at-arms trying to enter their home. Mordecai started to yell at this stranger, until the soldier removed his helmet.

  “David! It’s you!” They all ran up and hugged him. Then they looked incredulously at him, dressed in mail, carrying a sword, and wearing a crucifix, since he had forgotten to take it off.

  “What’s happened to you?” his father asked. “Are you now a Christian?”

  “No, Father, I am not a Christian. Let’s sit and I will tell you everything, but you must promise never to tell anyone. I could be imprisoned or executed if you do.” They promised in unison never to repeat to anyone what he was about to tell them.

  The three of them sat spellbound as David shared his story. They knew about the three dead thieves, and Mordecai told David he was not surprised it had been him.

  “Father, did you know about the bow and arrows?” David asked.

  “I suspected as such, but I did not want to have you
followed. Benjamin tried to get details from Avram, but he wouldn’t divulge anything except you were fine.”

  “Avram is a good friend. I’d like to see him.”

  “David,” Rachel began, “you said you have to live as a Christian, but you’re not a Christian. I don’t know what that means.”

  David hugged his sister. “It means I am pretending to be a Christian. I’m still a Jew and will always be a Jew.”

  “But how?” Benjamin asked.

  Mordecai looked sternly at his oldest child. “You have eaten forbidden foods, have you not? You have broken the Sabbath, the High Holidays, and most likely many more of our laws as well. Your mother would be so ashamed, as I am.”

  “Father, I meant no disrespect. I had no choice. When Baron Henry made his offer to me, I had to accept. It was the one chance to possibly become a champion of our people. I couldn’t come and tell you. You probably wouldn’t have let me go, and how could I explain to Baron Henry I lived in West End? Please, Father, don’t be angry with me.”

  “I still don’t understand how you’ve pretended to be a Christian all this time without anyone becoming suspicious.”

  “It hasn’t been that difficult. I’m very observant and able to learn quickly. I pick up small details and know how to talk to them, especially the men-at-arms. The hardest part was to remember I told them my name was Donald. I thought that sounded Christian.”

  “So obviously, no one has seen what would give you away immediately.”

  Benjamin smiled at this, as he understood, but Rachel did not. “Seen what, Father?” she asked. Before Mordecai could answer, Benjamin whispered the answer in her ear, and she giggled.

  “No, Father. They don’t bathe very often, and when I do, I am very careful to do it alone. I have to be extremely careful.”

  “How long can you stay, David?”

  “Since I told them I came from Coby Hollow, I must return by nightfall tomorrow. Father, can you send Benjamin to bring Avram here?”

  “I don’t think that would be wise. It’s not that I don’t trust Avram, but it would look strange for him to ask Avram to come here. With what excuse? I understand how much you would like to see him, but I think it may be too dangerous.”