The Fate of the Arrow

by Shel Pais

  Alycia knew her father would arrive at any time. She spent a few days sulking after Sir Michael had told her Donald was pledged to someone in Coby Hollow. She avoided everyone, staying primarily in her chamber. Even when Lady Catherine came to check on her, she lied and said she was fine. David had not tried to see her, thinking it was better to leave her alone before she no doubt would return to London with Baron Henry.

  Her mind began to wander, and she started to fantasize about a life with whom she referred to as her Donald. This caused her confidence to grow, and she decided she still would not give up. After all, why would an up-and-coming knight choose a peasant girl over her? Donald loves me, he wants me, and it is only a matter of time before he and I are betrothed, she convinced herself. She would try to talk to her father again, and perhaps under the circumstances he might change his mind about sending her back to London. If not, she had to be prepared to do something else, although she did not know what that would be.

  Rabbi Ezra was dumbfounded at what he had just heard.

  “Baruch, tell me again.”

  “I want to distribute my wealth to the poorest families in West End, as well as to the synagogue.”

  Ezra took a moment to take in what Baruch told him. “Tell me why.”

  Baruch shook his head. “Rabbi, it’s better you don’t know why. Let’s just say that since I have no immediate family, and under the edict all my wealth will go to the king upon my death, I wish to be remembered as a great philanthropist.”

  “I see. We will leave it at that. How do you wish to proceed?”

  Baruch sat with his hands held together. “I will bring you an accounting that includes everything, including all outstanding loans. With one exception, they will all be forgiven.”

  “Are there Jewish and Christian debtors?”

  “Yes, there are both. Most are for smaller amounts, although I am sure those families will be better off if they don’t have to pay any more back.”

  “Baruch, whatever your reason for doing this, I want to thank you. Your kind gesture will bring relief to a number of people. I assume you will take care of your brother on your own?”

  “I haven’t told him yet, but yes, I will set aside some for him and his family.”

  Ezra’s expression quickly changed. “Baruch, is it legal for you to do this? Are not the loans registered in the archa, and will not the king require the payments go to him?”

  “I’ll have documents drawn up that show all payments have been received. I do not believe there will be any problems.”

  “Baruch, I only hope you will not regret your incredible act of charity.”

  “I’m sure I won’t.”

  “Alycia, I cannot believe what you’ve done! You have shamed me.”

  “Father, I meant no disrespect, I swear. I just couldn’t stay there another day.”

  “You were hardly there. Only a few days.”

  “They were enough. Please, Father, please don’t send me back. If you do, I’ll run away again.”

  Baron Henry de Percy paced around his daughter’s chamber. “I told your mother this might happen, but she said you would honor our wishes.”

  Alycia looked innocently at her father. “Father, I thought I would. Please believe me. I just couldn’t.”

  “Is it Donald? Is he why you left?”

  Tears began to flow down her cheeks. “I’m sorry, Father, but I love him so much. I must be his wife. I can’t stop thinking about him. Please help me to be happy for the rest of my life.”

  Henry adored his daughter, even though she had a mind of her own, and always exhibited a somewhat rebellious nature. Henry himself held this Donald in his highest admiration, even though he was not nobly born, and did not know much else about him. Henry had not cared, since Donald had saved his life and Alycia’s as well, and he never thought Alycia truly would be interested in someone out of their rank.

  Donald also had demonstrated a high degree of character. He was quite different from the other men-at-arms, squires, and most of the men the baron had known, and Henry did not understand how that could be. A peasant boy raised in a tiny village after his parents had died? He was unique. In his heart, Henry believed Donald would make a fine husband for Alycia, regardless of his birth. Could he help his daughter to get her wish?

  “Alycia, are you absolutely certain Donald wants to marry you?”

  Alycia was taken aback by the question. Even though Donald had told her it was impossible, and Michael had told her about him being committed to another girl, there was only one answer she could give her father.

  “I am certain, Father.”

  “Very well. No doubt I will suffer for this, but I want you to be happy.”

  Alycia could not believe it. “Did I hear you correctly? You will help me to marry Donald?”

  “There is only one way—if he is knighted. But you must wait until that happens. Can you do that?”

  “Yes. Yes. Of course, I can. But I will not go back to London.”

  “That I cannot promise, but I won’t make you return right away. I’ll first seek Geoffrey’s counsel. If the king was offended by your leaving, you will have to return and beg his forgiveness. We can’t have his majesty angry with us. Don’t you realize that may hurt our chances to have Donald knighted sooner than later?”

  The joy on Alycia’s face vanished. “I never thought of that. I pray I haven’t made a terrible mistake.”

  Henry tried to soothe her. “Let’s not jump to conclusions. We don’t know if the king really cares. He does have more important matters to worry about, and Donald had nothing to do with your leaving.”

  “I hope you’re right.” Alycia hugged her father and kissed him on both cheeks. “Thank you, Father. I was beginning to think my life was over, and now you have given me new hope.”

  “Alycia, I don’t want you to tell Donald about our conversation.”

  “But, why not? He will be so happy to hear the news, and perhaps try to earn his knighthood sooner.”

  “You must not tell him because we don’t want to get his hopes up. We have much to do for you to get your wish.”

  “Very well,” she reluctantly said. “I won’t tell him.”

  Hubert knew he was running out of time. The three months Bishop Basil gave him were over. Basil will not care Baruch escaped to York to avoid him. Now that Baruch was back, it was time to confront him before Basil either sent for him or possibly showed up at Hedgestone. Just as Hubert prepared to go to Baruch’s house, Alwyn appeared.

  “Hubert, Baruch is here to see you.”

  “What?” Hubert exclaimed. “He’s here?”

  “Yes, he just arrived.”

  “Excellent. I will meet with him in the scriptorium.”

  Hubert was overcome with joy. Baruch must have come to his senses and realized he cannot avoid me. Hubert waited for several minutes, and then hurried to meet the Jew.

  Baruch and Alwyn were both in the scriptorium when Hubert arrived.

  “Baruch, I’m glad you’ve returned. You should have told me you were leaving.”

  “Why? I don’t answer to you.”

  “No, but you don’t want to anger me.” Hubert looked at Alwyn. “You may go, Alwyn.”

  “No,” Baruch said. “Alwyn will stay.”

  Hubert nearly exploded. “Who are you to rescind my order?”

  “Sit down, Hubert,” Baruch ordered. “Listen to me.”

  Alwyn smiled. “You had better do as he says, Hubert.”

  Hubert sat down, wondering what was going on.

  Baruch stood and pointed at the abbot. “You are finished trying to control and threaten me. I have liquidated all my assets, and you can get nothing more from me.”

  Hubert’s jaw dropped. “You can’t do that. Besides, I will expose your nephew if you fail to do as I demand.”

  Baruch shook his head. “No, you will not expose him.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because if you do, Alwyn will testify he c
aught you and me together. I don’t think the bishop would approve of that.”

  Hubert looked at Alwyn. “You know what I will do to you if you betray me.”

  “Brother Thomas is dead. I learned that when I was in York delivering your parchment. You have no witnesses.”

  Hubert stood, fuming. “You would lie for this Jew? And you, Baruch, would risk being ostracized by your people, or even worse?”

  “This Jew has more morality and integrity than you ever had,” Alwyn said. “I don’t share your feelings against the Jews. If I can help to destroy you, I will happily do so, and am willing to take any risk.”

  Hubert sat down. Baruch must have paid Alwyn off, he thought.

  “Well, Hubert?” Baruch asked. “Are you finished with your scheme?”

  Hubert glared at Baruch. “I am not finished with you. You will not get away with lying about me. No one will believe either of you.”

  Baruch laughed. “Is that a risk you are willing to take? The bishop will no doubt deal harshly with an abbot who he believes acts in that way, especially with a Jew, don’t you agree? The Church cannot have known sodomizers leading its flock, now can it?”

  Hubert was fuming. It is not over, he thought.

  Baron Geoffrey listened carefully to everything Baron Henry told him. While the king had been very grateful to both of them for their previous service during the Baron’s War, Geoffrey did not know how King Henry might react in this situation.

  “Henry, my friend,” Geoffrey said, “I think you let the love for your daughter color your judgment. Donald may never be knighted. The king certainly may want her back as a lady-in-waiting, only because she ran away without permission. She may never get what she wants.”

  “I know, Geoffrey. I’m going back to London to explain to the king what happened. My hope is he’ll understand the motivations of a young girl.”

  “When are you leaving?”

  “First thing tomorrow. May I leave Alycia here with you? I also would appreciate it if Donald and Sir Michael can remain here as well. I’ll take the other men-at-arms with those I brought for more protection.”

  “Of course. They may stay as long as you would like them to. I will make sure Donald resumes his training with Michael and Walter.”

  “Thank you. I am in your debt.”

  “Not at all. I’m glad to help.”

  Mordecai stared at his brother, shocked at what he had just heard.

  “Tell me again, Baruch. I don’t think I heard you correctly the first time.”

  “I am cancelling almost all outstanding loans and giving away all of my money. Well, almost all of it. Some I have well hidden. I will give some to the synagogue, some to the poor, and I have some for you, Hannah, and the children. By the way, have you heard anything from David?”

  Mordecai was still trying to absorb the news.

  “No, I haven’t. But why? Why?”

  “To thwart Hubert, of course. If I don’t have any money, he cannot demand any from me. It’s the only way. Hubert will take everything if I don’t stand up to him, and he’ll expose David anyway. I’m sure of it. His lie to me about you and the children being arrested proves it. He will stop at nothing.”

  “Yes,” Mordecai said, “but then he will expose David.”

  Baruch shook his head. “No, my brother, he won’t. I’ve taken care of that.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “You don’t have to. The less you know, the better.”

  “Will you be leaving Northampton then?”

  “No, not right away. I must be sure Hubert doesn’t try anything.” Baruch and Alwyn had discussed the possibility Hubert might even try to kill Alwyn.

  “Good. Still, I’m afraid that no matter what you think you are doing is under the law, the sheriff will think differently. You may be arrested.”

  Baruch shook his head. “I don’t think the abbot will allow that. He would not want my reason for divesting my assets to be divulged.”

  “I hope you know what you’re doing.”

  “Trust me. I believe I do.”

  Abbot Hubert paced in the scriptorium. He decided he was not surprised at Alwyn’s betrayal. He was always scheming against me, he thought. He most likely even approached Bishop Basil with the idea of spying on me. I should never have trusted him, never. God only knows what he told the bishop.

  Hubert sat down and poured himself a glass of wine. He took a long drink, savoring its flavor as he began to formulate his plan. He took a parchment and quill and began to write. When he finished, he rolled it up, melted the sealing wax to seal it, and stamped his seal into the soft wax.

  He leaned back in his chair. No, Baruch and Alwyn, you cannot thwart me. I am smarter and much cleverer than both of you. The only way to stop me is to kill me, and neither of you has the stomach to do that.

  Hubert left the scriptorium and found Brother Dominic. He pulled him off to one side and whispered to him.

  “Dominic. Take this parchment and wait seven days. If you do not hear from me, I want you to go to York and personally deliver it to Father Zachariah, and only him. You must not tell anyone about this, especially Father Alwyn, understand?”

  “Yes, Abbot. I understand.”

  “Good. You will be well-rewarded for doing this for me. Now, hide it and go about your business.”

  Hubert felt incredibly pleased with himself. There, Baruch, I am not the only one who can expose David as a lying Jew. You cannot outsmart me. Now, I must find a way to stop the bishop. I suspect either he will come to see me himself or will send that lackey Eustace to fetch me. However, I may never be able to satisfy Basil. Perhaps I should speak to Baron Geoffrey. Maybe I can convince him it was Basil who ordered his brother excommunicated and not me, and I was only sheltering the bishop. If he believes that and he takes out his revenge on Basil, I will be in the clear with him. Geoffrey also hates Alwyn. Perhaps I can also convince him Alwyn was involved as well.

  The more Hubert thought about that idea, the more he liked it, although he realized it was extremely bold and risky. After all, it was certainly plausible. The land my brother wanted is next to Church land, so we were only following the bishop’s orders. Geoffrey will believe it. He must.

  DAVID FELT EXTREMELY UNEASY ABOUT remaining in Northampton. The more he thought about the sheriff, the more worried he became. Can he link me to Tom and Ralph somehow? While I do not think so, he is very inquisitive. I believe he still is looking for the one who took the forester’s weapons. What if he learns of my story about Coby Hollow? It wouldn’t be hard for him to discover my lie. I can only hope Baron Henry returns soon.

  Alycia spent most of her days watching David train. Sir Michael and Sir Walter continued to work with him. They both were pleased with David’s progress. His skills with the sword and shield had increased tremendously, and he regularly defeated both of them. His jousting also had improved, and both knights found it quite difficult to best him.

  “Donald,” Sir Michael said after another long day of training, “you are the best student of the art of fighting I have ever seen. I am proud of your accomplishments. I’ll report to Baron Henry your initial training has been completed.”

  “Thank you, Sir Michael. I’ve been blessed with excellent teachers, especially you and Sir Walter.”

  Alycia was standing nearby and heard every word. Smiling, she ran up to David.

  “Donald, I’m so proud of you! Perhaps now you’ll be knighted very, very soon!”

  Sir Michael laughed as David looked at her. A slight breeze blew her hair in front of her eyes, but he still could see and feel their radiance. She wore one of her low-cut dresses, which always brought excitement to him, and stares from the other men. Alycia knew it, and hoped they made David feel jealous. Every day she seems to get lovelier, he thought. My dearest God. She can only mean trouble for me. She would never keep my secret. She would feel betrayed just like everyone else. No one had ever heard of a Christian marrying a Jew. Who would even mar
ry us if we kept our own religions? The rabbis would never accept me, even if I refused to convert. Why can’t all men and women be free to choose their own destiny and their loved ones? These clerics quote scripture and say it is God’s will. How do they know what is God’s will? Why aren’t they challenged on these seemingly arbitrary ideas and restrictions? I don’t understand it at all.

  “Donald? Are you there?” Alycia asked.

  David realized he had been in a daze, and she brought him out of it.

  “Yes, Alycia. I’m sorry. I guess my mind was off somewhere else.”

  “I hope you were thinking about me,” she said almost whispering.

  David brushed the windblown strands of her hair away from her eyes.

  “Alycia, Alycia. How could any man not think of you?”

  “You know I don’t think about any man except you.”

  David tried not to react to her, but he knew he could not resist. Kissing her in front of Sir Michael, what he really wanted to do, was impossible.

  “I don’t know what to say. I never know what to say when you speak to me like that.”

  Alycia took David’s right hand. “Just say you love me.”

  “Alycia, I’m more afraid of even thinking of loving you than I am of being in battle. I’ve told you before. I am nothing. You are the baron’s daughter. Please stop teasing me.”

  “Donald, you are mistaken. I am not teasing you. You are not nothing. You will be a knight, and as soon as that happens, my father has agreed we can be wed.”

  “No, that’s not possible. You can’t be correct.”

  She held his hand even tighter. “It’s true, my love. My father and I discussed it before he left for London.”

  “Will he be asking the king again to grant me knighthood?”