The Fate of the Arrow

by Shel Pais

  She gave him the pouty look that usually worked to get her way. “But Father, are you not going to London soon yourself to tell the king about Donald? I am sure when he hears about his great deeds, the king will have him knighted, and then if he wants me, I can marry him.”

  “My dear Alycia. You are so much like your mother. So headstrong. Yes, I will tell the king about Donald, but knighthood is not easily awarded. I’m hopeful it won’t be too long before he will be knighted, and perhaps given lands as well. But that takes time. Sit, my child.”

  Alycia sat across from her father and Lady Elizabeth joined them. “Ah, my dear, I’m glad you’re here. I was about to tell Alycia about my upcoming meeting with the king.”

  “I don’t think I’m going to like what you’re going to say, Father.”

  “Alycia, your mother and I decided I must ask the king to help find you a suitable husband. Your journey to London in the spring will require you to stay there for a while.”

  Alycia looked stunned. “Why? This isn’t what I want. You know that. You want me to be at court?”

  “We’ve been in touch with Lord Essex,” her mother said. “He’s spoken to the king about you, and he has agreed to assist us. The king is very grateful for your father’s loyalty during the Baron’s War.”

  Alycia stood, furious. “I don’t care. I won’t let anyone choose a husband for me. Please don’t send me to London under those conditions.”

  “The matter is closed. You will travel to London in the spring and present yourself to his majesty,” Henry said. “I’m leaving next week to finalize the arrangements.”

  “Is Donald going too?”

  “No, he must stay here and continue his training.” He looked disapprovingly at his daughter, who had not hidden her reaction to this news. “Perhaps I should not have agreed to let Donald lead your escort.”

  “You promised, Father. If I cannot have him, at least I can enjoy his company before my imprisonment.”

  “You will soon forget him. There are plenty of noble young men available in London. I am sure a suitable one will be found for you.”

  Alycia ran out of the room in tears. She hurried to her chamber, slammed the door, and fell onto her bed. Donald will be mine, she thought. I’ll ask the king myself to grant my request. I know how to get what I want.

  Sheriff John de Oxenden sat with his wife as they sipped wine.

  “John, are you sure of what you saw?”

  “Of course I’m sure. He threw him out of his house. Why would he do that? I’ve never seen or heard of such a thing before. He’s an abbot, for heaven’s sake.”

  “I don’t know, John. Why don’t you ask them?”

  “I can’t ask Hubert, but I could ask Baruch.”

  “Then go do so. I’m tired of listening to you think.”

  The next day, the sheriff went to Baruch’s house and his housekeeper answered. “Hello, Sheriff. If you’ve come to see my master, he’s not here. He left for York two days ago.”

  “York? For what reason?”

  “I don’t know exactly. Some business, he said.”

  “I see. Tell me, do you know why he booted Abbot Hubert out a few weeks ago?”

  The woman looked afraid. “I do, but my master made me swear not to tell anyone.”

  John patted her on her back. She was the same one he saw before, about fifty years old, with white hair. “I’m the sheriff, appointed by the king. You can tell me anything. His majesty would insist.”

  She thought for a moment. “I guess it’s all right. I would never disobey his majesty.”

  She then told him everything she had heard that day. John listened carefully to every word.

  “Thank you. You’ve done a great service for the king. Remember, don’t tell your master I was here.”

  “Oh, no, my lord Sheriff. I would never do that. I hope you don’t tell anyone either.”

  So, he thought, our friend the abbot is trying to extort money from Baruch. But why? Does he know something about the Jew that Baruch does not want everyone to know?

  Baruch was not afraid to travel alone. He usually went to York once each year to meet with other moneylenders. They had developed a strong bond, based not only on business, but on friendship as well. While he typically made the journey in the summer, he decided his being gone for a while would help stall Hubert. As his horse made its way through the road covered by only a few inches of snow, he kept trying to think of a way to thwart the abbot. His journey took four days, and even stopping at inns along the way he encountered no trouble. The weather helped to keep the troublemakers away, he figured.

  When he arrived at York, he immediately went to the house of Aaron, the chief moneylender.

  “Baruch. Shalom. What brings you to York in the winter? Come warm yourself by the fire.”

  “Shalom, Aaron. Thank you, I will.”

  Aaron lived in a large house and had two servants working for him. Baruch sat in front of the roaring fire, while one of the servants brought him a glass of warm wine.

  “So,” Aaron said, “how are things in Northampton?”

  Baruch took a sip. It was slightly sweet, with a tangy flavor. Its warmth started to remove the chill from his body.

  “I have a problem, Aaron, and I was hoping to get your advice and counsel.”

  Aaron appeared surprised. “I have never known you to ask for advice and counsel. Usually you are the one being asked for them.”

  Baruch laughed. “Not this time. Tell me, has anyone ever tried to extort money from you?”

  “Is that what’s happening to you?”

  Baruch looked around the large parlor. While he did not see anyone, he still was highly suspicious. “If I tell you, it must be kept secret and in the strictest confidence. Is it safe to speak here?”

  Aaron shook his head. “Come with me.” The two men went into a small room on the second floor, and Aaron closed the door.

  “Now, tell me everything.”

  Baruch related the situation to Aaron, omitting nothing. Aaron was shocked at what he heard. “David is here? In York, pretending to be a Christian? I have heard of this young man called Donald after he won the archery contest. Are you going to try to see him?”

  “As much as I want to, I fear I cannot. It’s too dangerous. Why would a Jew from Northampton want to look for a Christian who is supposed to be training to be a knight?”

  “You are right. At the very least, many would be asking questions, and could lead to his exposure. I see your dilemma. Once you give in to this Hubert, he will not stop until you’re ruined or he exposes David or both. Do you think your brother can prepare something that will discredit him?”

  “I don’t know. My brother is a wise apothecary, but his knowledge of something so unique may be lacking.”

  “May I suggest something? We have a very knowledgeable physician, Nehemiah, whom I trust. I would like to summon him and obtain his counsel on this. It may help to solve your problem.”

  “Are you sure you can trust him? The more who know about this, the greater the chance of discovery.”

  “Do not worry. I assure you he can be trusted.”

  “Very well. You may summon him.”

  Aaron called one of his servants to bring Nehemiah back with him. Aaron and Baruch chatted until the physician arrived about one hour later.

  “Nehemiah, thank you for coming. I want you to meet a friend of mine, Baruch from Northampton.”

  Baruch grasped the older man’s hand. Nehemiah wore a blue robe with Hebrew words embroidered in white on it. “Shalom.”

  “Shalom, Baruch. Aaron, how can I help you?”

  “Please listen to Baruch’s story, and promise to keep it just between us.”

  “Of course, if that is what you desire.”

  Baruch repeated the story. He noticed Nehemiah’s eyebrows rise when he mentioned David the first time. Nehemiah did not acknowledge anything until Baruch had finished speaking.

  “Baruch, I’ve met David
.”

  “What?” Baruch exclaimed. “When?”

  “I treated his wound a few months ago. When I had to cut away his undergarments, it was apparent to me he was a Jew.”

  “Did anyone else see that?” Baruch asked. He then realized if anyone had, David would have been exposed by now.

  “No. I immediately made everyone leave. I was able to speak to him, and he told me who he was. I promised to keep his secret.”

  “Is he well?”

  “Yes, he’s completely healed.” Nehemiah related how David received his wound and all that had happened during his treatment.

  “Baruch, do you want me to get word to him?”

  “Could you? He must know about Hubert.”

  “I will try. I don’t have a legitimate excuse to see him, but I’ll find a way.”

  “What about the potion?” Aaron asked.

  “One must be very careful when trying to make someone appear to be in such a state of mind. I must admit I have never attempted anything like this. I will consult my resources and get back to you.”

  “Thank you, Nehemiah. I appreciate your help. Perhaps we can find a solution to this and protect David.” They all nodded, understanding it would be difficult, if not impossible.

  “How long will you be in York?” Nehemiah asked.

  “I don’t know. I’m staying to help David by avoiding Hubert. It may be quite some time.”

  “He can stay with me as long as he likes,” Aaron said. “We must be careful. Hubert may have spies about, looking for a reward if you’re discovered here.”

  “That is true,” Baruch said. “I’ll be careful.”

  Baron Henry strutted onto the training field where David, Bryce, and the others were training.

  “Donald, I’m leaving for London, where I will tell the king about you. I want you to look out for Alycia while I’m gone. Make sure she’s kept safe and stays here. I don’t trust Sir Edgar. I still believe he may try something to get his revenge. Keep training and improving your skills. Sir Michael will be here with you. I’m taking six men with me.”

  “Please be careful, my lord. I won’t be around to save you.”

  They both laughed as the baron patted David on the back.

  “Goodbye. I’ll be back before Alycia leaves for London.”

  “God speed, my lord.”

  David watched as the baron and his escort, all on horseback and carrying crossbows, rode away. As he turned around, Alycia stood before him.

  “Donald, I understand you’re to keep me safe. I think that means you should never leave my side.”

  “I’m sorry, my lady, but it does not mean that. I must continue my training, and you must stay inside the castle walls. That’s what your father ordered.”

  “Donald, this is our opportunity. We can spend time together.”

  As much as David wanted to agree, he knew he could not. “I’m sorry, but you know we can’t. Now, please let me train.”

  Alycia watched him walk back to the training area. Rather than cry, she started developing a plan.

  ABBOT HUBERT PACED THE FLOOR of his chamber. Where is Baruch? He has been gone for more than two months. I should have considered this. After all, he has no immediate family. I believe his brother does not know where he is. A clever tactic, I must say. But he cannot escape me forever. He has too much at stake here, and he knows that eventually I will find him. He does not have any other family I know of. Did he go to London? Could he have reported me to Basil? No, then I would expose his nephew.

  “Alwyn,” he called. “Come here.”

  Father Alwyn, always required to be ready to serve Hubert, obeyed.

  “Yes, Hubert.”

  “I want you to do something for me. Baruch was supposed to complete another loan for me, but I have not heard from him. I suspect he may have left Northampton to avoid me. I want you to try to find out where he may be.”

  Hubert’s order annoyed Alwyn. “Hubert, that’s below me. You should send Brother Dominic.”

  “No, I only want you to go.”

  Alwyn showed his displeasure. “Hubert, how can I find out where he has gone? I doubt his brother or even his housekeeper will tell me. I cannot travel around England searching for him.”

  “No, and I don’t want you to. Go speak to the other moneylenders in Northampton. Perhaps they may provide some insight. Jews are a close-knit group. They always know what each other is doing.”

  “Very well. I will. But that’s all.”

  Alwyn left the priory, unhappy with Hubert’s assignment. I am just his lackey, he thought. He treats me with disrespect, and I am tired of it.

  Alwyn walked to West End, where he asked some men on the street where the moneylenders lived. One man told him he only knew of three, Baruch, Simon, and Ezra. He first went to Simon’s house, who told him he had no idea where Baruch could have gone. They were not friends, but occasionally would speak at gatherings. Alwyn also had no luck at Ezra’s. There are more moneylenders here, I know it, he said to himself. He then stopped another man, who said he was a moneylender as well.

  “Do you need a loan, Father?” the man said.

  “No. I need some information. I am trying to find out where Baruch might have gone. I have to get a message to him.”

  The man looked Alwyn over, wondering if he should help him. “What’s the message?”

  “I’m sorry, but it’s only for Baruch. Do you know where he might be?”

  “I don’t, but he sometimes travels to York to meet with Aaron the moneylender.”

  “York. Thank you. That’s very helpful.”

  Alwyn returned to Hedgestone, where Hubert eagerly waited.

  “York, you say? You served there. Do you know this Aaron?”

  “I know of him,” Alwyn replied. “He’s very successful. I believe Baron Henry borrows from him.”

  “Of course! He went to York to warn David. It’s so obvious I should have deduced that right away.”

  Alwyn assumed what was coming next. “I suppose you want to me go to York?”

  “No, I don’t. I believe he’ll return soon, and I’ll receive my new loan at that time. You may go.”

  Hubert sat down and poured himself a cup of wine. It is of no matter. Even if he warns David that I know, nothing has changed.

  Baron Henry bowed deeply to King Henry III and kissed the ring on his outstretched hand. Approaching seventy, the king was quite gray, and moved much more slowly than Baron Henry remembered. It had been quite a while since the two had met.

  “Welcome Henry,” the king said. “It is good to see you.”

  “Thank you, Your Majesty. It is good to see you as well.”

  “I never have forgotten your loyalty and support during the traitorous Baron’s War. What can I do for you?”

  “I have but two requests. The first concerns my daughter, Alycia. She was betrothed to Sir Edgar, but he proved himself unworthy. I would like for her to become a lady-in-waiting, and perhaps find a suitor here in London, as Lord Essex advised you.”

  King Henry smiled. “Of course, my friend. I would be happy to honor that request. There are many suitable young nobles here. And your second request?”

  Baron Henry related the story of how Donald had saved his life and proved himself by eliminating the bandits. The king listened intently.

  “So, it seems like you have found a true champion.”

  “Yes, Your Majesty. I’m sure I have. He and I only wish to serve you.”

  King Henry nodded. “So, what do you want?”

  “I would like him knighted. I realize he’s young, but I feel he deserves it. He is also a born leader, and by becoming a knight he will be able to serve the realm in a greater capacity.”

  “There is more to your admiration for this Donald, is there not?”

  “Yes, Your Majesty,” Baron Henry replied. “I actually like to consider him to be the son I never had.”

  The king stood and walked over to the baron. “I will think about yo
ur request. Knighthood for this young man may be appropriate, although I am concerned he may not yet be ready. Come back in three days, and I will give you my answer.”

  The baron bowed. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I appreciate your consideration.”

  Baron Henry felt a bit disappointed. He had hoped his request would be immediately granted, although he knew such a request was not only unusual, it went against the normal route required for knighthood. Donald had not even been a squire. Still, Henry firmly believed an exception in this case was justified.

  He spent the next two days walking around London, visiting with a few old friends and enjoying the atmosphere of the city. He visited the armory to see if any new weapons had been developed, and spoke with the armorer about improvements he could make to his own arsenal. Finally, it was time to return to the king.

  King Henry was in a surprisingly barren room in the White Tower. There was an older table, eight chairs, and a few tapestries on the walls. The wood floor was quite scratched.

  “Ah, Henry de Percy,” the king said as he saw the baron enter and bow.

  “Your Majesty.”

  “Did you enjoy your few days in London?”

  “Yes, Sire. I saw some old friends and spent some time with your armorer.”

  “Very good.” The king paused. “I have thought seriously about your request. I am sure this Donald holds a special place in your heart. However, even though he has performed some great deeds, including saving the life of my loyal baron, I feel he must continue his training and gain more experience in battle. If in the next year he has done this, come back to me with him. Perhaps then I will grant your request. Knighthood cannot be granted so quickly.”

  Obviously disappointed, Henry bowed. “Very well, Your Majesty. I will obey and am confident Donald will meet with your approval.”

  The baron gathered his men, who were quartered with the castle guards, and left for York. On the journey, he pondered how he could help Donald. He stopped at Northampton to see Baron Geoffrey, but he had gone to France and would not return for quite a while.