by Shel Pais
David bowed again. “My lord is too kind. I’m pleased to serve you as best I can.”
David returned to his table, where he enjoyed a variety of foods, wine, and ale. He figured if he were drunk he would not have to worry about being put into a situation with any of the castle’s maids. One, however, kept serving him, leaning very close, with her ample breasts half-exposed. Michael and the other men kept prompting him to go take her, but he kept holding off until he eventually passed out on the table. Michael and one of the other men carried him back to his quarters and put him to bed. They joked that he again had missed another opportunity for female companionship. They, however, would take advantage of it whenever they could.
Hubert considered what he had learned this day, believing this Donald is not who he pretends to be, but he needed to be sure. He summoned Brother Andrew.
“Andrew, I want you to do something for me. Do you know where Coby Hollow is?”
“Yes. It’s a small village at the edge of Salcey. I passed through it once returning from a pilgrimage.”
“I want you to go there first thing tomorrow and inquire if there was a boy named Donald who used to live there after his parents had died. Come right back after you have questioned everyone, and report only to me. And tell no one about this.”
“Must I go alone through the forest?”
“Very well. Take Brother Dominic with you. Make sure he keeps silent as well.”
Alone again, Hubert thought about his plan. If it is true, and Donald is David, Baruch’s nephew, Baruch will give me the loan or I will expose him.
The next day Hubert watched the two monks leave at first light for Coby Hollow. Hubert knew it would take most of the day until they returned. The hours passed slowly for him until at last he saw them returning. He motioned for Andrew to follow him to his chamber.
“Well, what did you learn?”
“No one ever heard of a Donald, let alone someone who had lived with a family after his parents had died.”
“I see. Thank you. You must be tired, so go rest and refresh yourself.”
Hubert smiled. I knew it, he said to himself. It was all a lie. Does Baruch know what David is doing? I did not see him at the tournament. He may not be aware of this deception and may not believe me. However, if I threaten to go to Baron Henry with this accusation, as his uncle he cannot take the risk. I have him. He must cooperate with me now. He must.
David awoke with a massive headache, feeling awful. While he was sorry he drank so much, at least he again avoided being betrayed by his circumcision. He saw Michael standing over him.
“Good morning, my friend. Feeling a bit ill today?”
David moaned. “Michael, I feel terrible. My head is pounding.”
“You’ll be better soon. I brought you some food and water. No ale or wine for you for a while.”
“Thank you. When do we return to York?”
“Tomorrow, I believe. Baron Henry is eager to get back.”
“I’m not ready to get up. Let me rest some more.”
David laid a while, thinking about his success yesterday. He had defeated a famous archer. He was training to hopefully become a knight. His father knew about what he was doing and was as supportive as he could be. So far, everything was going well. However, he reminded himself he must never let his guard down and stay vigilant at all times. So far, no one in Northampton or West End had recognized him. His secret was safe. And he was determined to do whatever was necessary to keep it that way.
Baruch was examining his accounts. Only three were late with their payments, and he had given each of them a little more time. They were good, hardworking people, so he did not worry. He heard a knock at his door and rose to answer it, since his housekeeper was ill. He was surprised to see Abbot Hubert standing there.
“Hello, Baruch. I am sorry to come unannounced, but I must speak to you.”
“Hubert, I told you I did not want to do business with you after your threat.” Baruch began to close the door on him.
“I think you will for your nephew David’s sake.”
“David? What’s he got to do with you?”
“If you let me in, I’ll explain.”
Reluctantly, Baruch opened the door and Hubert entered.
“May I sit down?” Baruch motioned him to do so and sat across from him.
“What’s this about, Hubert?”
“Were you at the tournament the other day?”
“No, I wasn’t. I’m not interested in them.”
“This time I think you would have definitely been interested. Did you hear anything about what happened?”
“No, I didn’t. Please get to the point.”
“Well, the archery contest was won by one of Baron Henry’s men, a man called Donald who said he was from Coby Hollow.”
“What of it?”
“At the tournament, I sat in front of two boys, and one of them was named Benjamin. I overheard him talk about his brother David. When this Donald paraded past him, he said he was his brother.”
“So? Who is this Benjamin?”
“I think you know. He’s your nephew. How many Benjamins are there in Northampton? Or should I say in West End? And how many have a brother named David? I’m not a fool.”
“You must be mistaken. David is a Jew and studying in Germany. He could not be an archer.”
“I sent one of my monks to Coby Hollow. There was never a Donald living there as this man said.”
“So, he lied. He must have his own reasons.”
“And how do we know David is really in Germany? I heard Benjamin not only identify David but ask where his uncle Baruch was. Donald is David, your nephew, a Jew pretending to be a Christian. Now, what do you think Baron Henry would do if I told him that?”
This man Donald must be David, Baruch thought. Mordecai must have kept the truth from me for secrecy. He realized there was no use denying David’s new identity. If he did, Hubert would immediately go to the baron or the sheriff, and they would question not only David, but Mordecai and the children as well.
“What do you want, Hubert?”
“I think you know. Give me a one thousand pound loan, and I will not say anything.”
“Without a guarantor?”
Hubert laughed. “I have a guarantor. David’s secret.”
“You’re an evil man, Hubert.”
“No, I’m not. If I were evil I would expose him, and he and his family would be arrested, and you too, no doubt, and then who knows what may happen. I simply have a need, and now have a way to fulfill it.”
Baruch swallowed hard to contain his anger. “Very well. I will have the documents drawn up and the money ready. I will meet you at the archa in three days.”
Hubert smiled. “I knew you’d be agreeable.” He rose to leave. “One more thing. I’m not the only one who knows of David’s masquerade. If anything happens to me, the secret will not be a secret anymore.”
“Get out. We are done here.” Baruch slammed the door behind him.
Hubert returned to Hedgestone jubilant. Perhaps he should have demanded more from Baruch? No, he can always ask for more. He was proud of himself for the last lie, since he had not shared the secret with Alwyn or anyone else. Baruch did not know that, and he never would.
Baruch was furious at what had happened. He did not care about the money. He was worried about Mordecai and all three children. Hubert was ruthless. Who knows what else he would do in the future? Baruch did not know what he should do. Tell Mordecai? Warn him and David? He would have to think about it. He also thought about Hubert’s last statement. Did others at Hedgestone know about David? The more he thought about it, the more he thought Hubert lied about that. If a Christian suspected a Jew of pretending to be a Christian, he would have to report it. Hubert could not trust anyone else with that information. It would be too risky. Hubert must be stopped and he would have to find a way. A way that would protect David and the rest of his family, without anyone finding out.
BARON HENRY ORDERED HIS MEN to be ready to return to York. Along with the others, David gathered his pack, ate a light breakfast, and headed for the courtyard. It was quite early, and most of the people in the castle had not yet arisen. David still was marveling at the whole experience. He was getting more comfortable with his role in Baron Henry’s entourage. Winning the archery contest not only increased his standing with the men, but also proved to himself he was born to do this. He must continue to improve his skills, become expert with a sword, and convince Henry he eventually should earn knighthood.
Henry wanted to get an early start. This time he would stay with his men as long as they were in Salcey. He managed to survive the last ambush and did not want to press his luck.
Baron Geoffrey said goodbye to his friend, who again hoped he would return soon. Henry returned the invitation, and Geoffrey promised to visit York in the near future.
Henry mounted his horse and led his escort across the drawbridge. People began to appear on the streets as David marched through Northampton. Suddenly a young girl ran up to David and handed him a small package wrapped in cloth. “This is a gift for winning the archery contest,” she said. “Don’t open it until you return home.”
This startled David and made the other men incredibly curious.
“Thank you,” David said. “Who’s this from?”
“I don’t know,” she said. “I was just told to give it to you.”
The men-at-arms laughed. “Donald, it’s from a wench who wants you to stay and pleasure her. It’s probably one of her undergarments. Show us what it is.”
David laughed as well. “If it’s from a wench, I won’t share it with any of you. I can wait until we return to York.”
David placed the package in his pack, and they continued on to York, stopping at the same inns they did on the way to Northampton.
When they arrived at York, Henry dismissed the men and gave them some time to relax. David waited until they had all fallen asleep, as they were quite tired from the journey. He took the package and went off to a spot where he knew he would not be disturbed. He carefully untied the thin rope that held the cloth wrapping together. Inside was a small wooden box. He opened it and saw a parchment inside. He carefully unfolded it. All it said was ‘Hubert knows.’ What does that mean, he asked himself? Who is Hubert, and what does he know? What am I supposed to do with this information? David sat down and thought. Hubert must be someone in Northampton. I do not remember anyone with that name at the baron’s castle. I will have to ask around discreetly to find out who exactly this Hubert is. The girl who brought this to me wore a crucifix, so she’s not a Jew.
David decided he had better burn the parchment. Whatever meaning it has, it probably would cause trouble if found. He saw a torch burning in a corridor and the parchment burned quickly, leaving no remnants.
When David returned to his quarters, the men were awake and all wanted to know what was in the package. He showed them the empty box, saying it must have been a joke. They all believed him, said some wench was teasing him, and he should go back to Northampton and find her. He said perhaps he would, but the baron probably would not let him. It was all in fun, and soon they forgot about the package altogether.
Baruch apprehensively approached the priory. He had never been in a position such as this, but felt he had no choice. He thought about confirming with Mordecai David was indeed pretending to be this Donald. From what Hubert had said, there was no reason to doubt he was correct. Better his brother did not know about this, and the forced arrangement.
He rang the priory bell, Brother Dominick answered and he escorted Baruch to the same room he and Hubert previously had met in several times before. The plan was for Baruch to deliver the money, and then they would go to the archa to record it as required by law. Unlike before, when he made Baruch wait, this time Hubert was there waiting for him.
“Welcome, Baruch. I’ve been eagerly awaiting you.”
“Did you think I wouldn’t come?”
“No, you are too smart for that. I know you’d never jeopardize your nephew’s safety.”
Baruch had two monks carry several chests of coins into the room, Hubert swearing them to secrecy. “Here. One thousand pounds. Count it if you wish.”
“That will not be necessary. I know you wouldn’t be foolish enough to cheat me.”
“Cheat you? You are the one who is cheating, forcing me to give you this loan with your threat.”
“I asked you honorably to do business with me, and you refused. I found a way to get what I wanted. It’s not cheating. It’s using an advantage. No one will be hurt, unless you betray me, and that would be a huge mistake. You don’t seem to me a man who makes huge mistakes.”
Baruch looked sternly at Hubert. “You’re wrong. I made one believing you were an honorable man, a best example of the Church. Obviously, I was mistaken. One day, you will pay.”
“Is that a threat?”
“No, I do not threaten. It’s a prediction. One I hope I live to see come true.”
“Enough of this. Let’s go record the loan at the archa.”
“Very well.”
Benjamin and Avram sat by the river, tossing pebbles like David and Avram used to do. Since David had left West End, the boys had become good friends, even though Benjamin was younger than Avram. Together, they each felt the other’s connection to David.
“Avram,” Benjamin said, “do you think we could go visit David?”
Avram laughed. “Of course not. York is far away. We could never travel there by ourselves, and even if we could, how could we spend time with him? Everyone would question who we are, why are we there, and most dangerous of all, why do we want to see the archer called Donald.”
“I really miss my brother, Avram.”
“I know. I miss my best friend as well. But he’s doing what he always wanted to do, and if we in any way jeopardize that, we’d be hurting him, and I know we don’t want to do that.”
Benjamin sighed. “You’re right. Maybe he’ll visit again soon.”
“I hope so, Benjamin.”
David continued with his training and saw improvements each day. Baron Henry noticed the young warrior, who seemed to have a sixth sense with a sword, knowing exactly when his opponent would thrust or make any sudden, unexpected movement. Sir Michael had also kept the baron apprised of Donald’s progress. Michael agreed Donald was proving himself, and eventually would make a fine knight.
One day after training, David was collecting the axes and wooden swords when he heard a girl’s voice behind him. “Hello, Donald.” David turned to see Alycia standing there in a bright blue dress, the wind lightly brushing against her flowing hair.
“Oh, hello.”
“Are you not happy to see me? It’s been a while.”
“No, I mean, yes,” he stammered. “But I don’t think it’s wise for me to speak to you. You are betrothed, and even if you weren’t, you’re noble and I’m only a lowly man-at-arms in training.”
She laughed. “You will be a knight someday. I heard my father talking about it. He said you’re one of the finest warriors he’s ever seen.”
Her statement caught him off-guard. “I hope I meet his expectations,” he said. “My lady, where’s Sir Edgar? Are you not to be wed soon?”
Alycia frowned. “Sir Edgar is a boor. I have no desire for him. My father wants me to marry who he wants. It’s my station. I envy the servant girls who can marry someone they love, not someone they’re forced to, and someone they’re supposed to learn to love. What an awful concept. I’m sure you have many a maiden wanting you.”
In the late afternoon light with the sun at her back, her golden hair radiated even more. He marveled at the smoothness of her skin and the glow in her eyes. She looked lovelier than ever. “I have no time for maidens. I must keep improving my skills and can think of nothing else.”
“Do you think I’m beautiful?” she asked.
David hesitated. “My lady, I thi
nk you are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. However, like a magnificent sunset, moonlight reflecting on a lake, or sunlight dancing on a meadow in the early morning, I can observe these things, but cannot keep them. Do you understand?”
Tears appeared in Alycia’s eyes. “You use words beautifully. A bit strange for a man-at-arms. One would think you were educated.”
“No,” he replied. “They just come naturally.”
“Goodbye, Donald. I’d better go.”
David bowed. “Goodbye, my lady.” He watched as she disappeared into the castle. I was very lucky to get here, he thought, and so far, I am proving my ability to stay and prosper. Even thinking about Alycia could get me into the worst trouble. Not only would Baron Henry not be pleased, but Sir Edgar would no doubt run me through before I could defend myself. I am sure Alycia would certainly give me away if she knew who I really am. I must not be tempted by this girl.
Sir Michael had observed them speaking to each other.
“So, you’re at it again, I see.”
“Sir Michael, I didn’t see you there. And no, I am not at it again. She came up to me and started a conversation. I did nothing wrong.”
Michael laughed. “Not yet, my young friend. I must protect you from yourself. You need something to forget about Alycia. Or should I say someone?”
David began to get nervous. Again, the prospect of his being discovered would be very real if he had to prove his manhood. The other men-at-arms constantly talked about it. While he did not believe even half their stories, he knew they often frequented the whores in the city, and some had had trysts with a few of the maids in the castle. One in particular seemed to be the favorite of several. Her name was Abigail, and she had been married to one of the men-at-arms killed defending the castle against a bold but futile attack by a group of former French soldiers turned outlaw. Baron Henry felt sorry for her, since she had lost her baby due to illness soon afterwards, so he let her live in the castle as a chambermaid. She had become very promiscuous and was known to pleasure almost any of the men-at-arms at various times. Previously an attractive woman, since her misfortunes her appearance had deteriorated, and she had lost much of her beauty. Nevertheless, the men treated her well despite using her whenever they could. David tried his best to avoid her, as she appeared to be attracted to him.
