The Fate of the Arrow

by Shel Pais

  “I don’t know. He first has to explain why I ran away. I’m praying when the king, and hopefully the queen, hears his explanation, he’ll be generous and offer it.”

  David made her release his hand, and he began pacing. This has gone too far, he thought. What if Baron Henry succeeds with her wishes? Never in my wildest dreams did I ever believe this may be a possibility, and now it actually may be. I cannot hide my being Jewish forever, especially on our wedding night.

  “Let’s wait and see what your father says when he returns.”

  “Yes,” she said with a huge grin. “Until he returns.”

  John de Oxenden fixated on the murders and the answers this Donald gave him. No, there is no proof he had anything to do with the murders, but there is no proof he did not, only his word and Sir Walter vouching for him. Who is this man, anyway? I need to learn more about him.

  John returned to the castle to speak to David again. As he approached the gate, he saw the same guards.

  “Good day, Dirk, Stephen.”

  “Good day, Sheriff,” they replied.

  “Any excitement today?”

  Both laughed. “Nothing,” Stephen answered, “except me trying to keep Dirk from falling asleep.”

  “Do you know if the man called Donald is in the castle?”

  “Donald? Oh yes, you mean the man from Coby Hollow who won the archery contest last year.”

  The sheriff looked confused. “Coby Hollow? Archery contest?”

  “Aye,” Dirk said. “Remember when Baron Henry’s man defeated Richard de Tal, Baron Geoffrey’s archer last year? I heard he was from Coby Hollow.”

  “Coby Hollow. There’s nothing there but a few huts and some serfs. I’ve been there. How could that dung heap produce a champion archer?”

  Dirk shook his head. “I don’t know.”

  “And you are certain this Donald is the same person?”

  “Aye, Sheriff. I was present at the tournament, and now he’s returned with Lady Alycia, Baron Henry’s daughter.”

  “Thank you, my friends.” He handed a few pennies to Dirk. “Here, buy yourself some ale with these. But don’t tell anyone what you just told me.”

  “Keep buying us ale and we won’t speak another word to anyone ever,” Stephen said, laughing.

  John returned home. All of a sudden, he thought he had figured it out. This Donald must be the one who found the weapons since Coby Hollow is on the Salcey road. He must have taught himself archery, and somehow became the baron’s champion. I cannot prove it, but it must be true. Yet I still cannot tie him to the murders of Tom and Ralph. I need to know more about him. Tomorrow I will go to Coby Hollow and make inquiries. Someone there will be able to tell me about him.

  Alycia decided to take a walk around the castle grounds before it got too dark. She was beginning to be a familiar face, and most of the servants and castle guards knew who she was. As she strolled, she approached the castle gate. Dirk and Stephen were still on duty.

  “Good evening, my lady,” Dirk said.

  “Good evening. It’s a fine evening, is it not?”

  “Yes, my lady,” Stephen said.

  “Tell me, earlier I saw the sheriff speaking to you, but he didn’t enter the castle. Did he want something?”

  Dirk appeared nervous and did not answer.

  “I asked you a question. Don’t you respond to a baron’s daughter?”

  “We’re sorry, my lady,” Stephen said, “but the sheriff made us promise not to say anything and gave us pennies to keep quiet.”

  “I see. Well, I will give you twice as much to tell me what he wanted.” Alycia thought if the sheriff was inquiring about her for the king, she had to know about it.

  “I’m sorry, my lady, but we’ll be in trouble with the sheriff if we tell,” Dirk said.

  Alycia became angry. “I’ll have you flogged if you don’t tell me, and you won’t get paid. Now, what will it be?”

  The two guards quickly changed their minds.

  “Very well. He was asking about Donald.”

  “Donald? Why would he be interested in him?”

  “We don’t know. He asked about him, and we simply mentioned he was the champion of the archery contest last year. Suddenly he became much more interested.”

  “In what way more interested?”

  “I’m not certain. I believe it was because he’s from Coby Hollow.”

  “Anything else?”

  “No, that’s all.”

  “I’ll send a servant with the pennies for each of you. I won’t tell anyone you told me, and you had better not tell anyone, do you understand?”

  “Yes, we understand, and no, my lady,” they said in unison. “We won’t.”

  Alycia walked back towards the castle, becoming slightly panicked. Why would the sheriff be interested in Donald? Did he commit a crime? He could not have. I must find out to protect him.

  Baron Geoffrey could not believe Abbot Hubert had come to speak to him. What in God’s name could that cur want to talk to me about? He knows I hate him and would kill him if I could. Geoffrey initially planned to have Hubert sent away. Then his curiosity got the better of him, and he decided to hear what the man had to say.

  Geoffrey had Hubert brought into the great hall. He bowed, to Geoffrey’s surprise.

  “Baron Geoffrey. Thank you for seeing me. I hope you are well, and I hope after you hear what I have to say we may put aside our differences.”

  Geoffrey grunted. “You can cut out the courtesies, Hubert. What do you want?”

  “May I sit down?”

  Geoffrey motioned for him to sit in front of him.

  “Baron, I must tell you the truth about what happened with your brother’s excommunication.”

  “I know the truth. You were responsible.”

  “Not exactly.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Hubert put his hands together. “Bishop Basil ordered me to falsely accuse him.”

  Geoffrey looked incredulously at the abbot. “That makes no sense. Basil had nothing to do with it.”

  “Baron, your brother’s land is next to Church land, is it not?”

  “You know it is.”

  “The bishop ordered me to get your brother to sell the land, but when he refused, Basil told me to falsely accuse him of heresy. Alwyn also was involved.”

  “I don’t believe you. You wanted that land for your brother. Besides, Basil is in London, is he not? And I remember when you forced me to give you shelter a few years ago, you told me you had been summoned by Bishop Basil but didn’t know him, and Alwyn didn’t either. I’m not a fool. Now, get out of here before I put you in irons.”

  Hubert had forgotten what he had told Geoffrey. Without bowing or saying anything he hurried out of the castle. I made a huge mistake, he said to himself. I need another way to stop Basil, but I do not know what.

  Alycia ordered a servant to bring Cyrus to her. After a few minutes, he appeared.

  “My lady,” he said, bowing. “You summoned me?”

  “Come here, Cyrus. I need your help.”

  “My help?” he asked, quite surprised.

  “Do you know where Coby Hollow is?”

  “Yes. It’s a small village at the other side of Salcey.”

  “Would you go there for me at first light tomorrow?”

  “I first must ask Baron Geoffrey’s permission.”

  Alycia had not considered that. Geoffrey would want to know why, and he could not know. She had to try something else.

  “Never mind. Can you have a horse ready for me so I can go? And you must not tell anyone.”

  “By yourself, my lady? It’s too dangerous. The baron and Donald will be furious when they discover what you have done.”

  “You’re right. Forget I even talked to you.”

  “I’ve forgotten already.”

  Alycia sat on her bed, wondering if there was anything she could do. I’m at a loss, she said to herself as tears began to stream down her c
heeks. If the sheriff arrests Donald, if he truly is guilty of something, he may never be knighted and I will never be his wife. I must know what he is up to.

  It was a beautiful morning when John de Oxenden arrived at Coby Hollow on horseback. As he looked around at the few huts that made up this so-called village, he realized it looked the same as it had several years earlier when he had been there while traveling through Salcey. The only thing new, he noticed, was a small chapel.

  The men were working in the fields, and he saw three women doing a variety of chores.

  “You there, come here,” he shouted.

  One older woman, with stringy gray hair and wearing a torn, filthy old dress, answered.

  “Who are you to order us around?”

  “I am John de Oxenden, Sheriff of Northampton. How dare you speak to me like that.”

  The old woman spat on the ground. “I’ll speak to you any way I want.”

  “Answer my questions, and I will give you each a silver penny.”

  At this, the three approached the sheriff, who did not dismount. “Well, what do you want to know?” the old woman asked.

  “I was told there used to be someone here named Donald.”

  Again, she spat. “Another asking about a Donald. We don’t know anything about him.”

  “Someone else asked about him?”

  “Some time ago a monk came here asking the same question,” one of the other women said.

  “What you are saying is there never was a Donald living here?”

  “Give us our pennies first before we say anything else,” the old woman demanded.

  John opened his purse and threw three silver pennies onto the dirt. “There, now tell me the truth.”

  Each of the women picked up a penny. “There hasn’t been a Donald here since I was born,” the old woman said.

  John nodded, turned his horse around, and started back to Northampton.

  Well, he said to himself, this Donald is a liar. Also, if a monk was inquiring about him, then Hubert must have something to do with it. But why would Hubert be interested in this Donald? This Donald must be hiding a deep secret. Somehow, I must discover what it is, and when I do, no doubt it will answer a number of questions I have been asking these last few years. I am sure of it.

  Sitting in the castle courtyard, David saw Alycia approaching. Her hair was tied back, and she was wearing a bright blue dress that complemented her eyes.

  “Alycia, you wanted to talk to me?”

  “Donald, yes, I must tell you something.”

  “Well, what is it?”

  She told him of her conversation with the two guards.

  “The sheriff was asking about me and where I came from?”

  “Yes. Why would he be interested in you? Did you do something wrong?”

  David was not surprised to hear of the sheriff’s continued questioning about him. He now was certain the sheriff would go to Coby Hollow and no doubt find out he had been lying. He realized he could not leave until Baron Henry returned. He tried to decide what course of action to take, but Alycia kept pestering him with questions.

  “Donald. Why is the sheriff so interested in you? Tell me. I must know.”

  “The sheriff thinks I killed two men before we left for London.”

  “Did you?”

  “I told him I didn’t.”

  “But why his interest in Coby Hollow? What could he learn there?”

  “Alycia, what I’m going to tell you, you must never tell anyone, promise?”

  “Of course, my love. I would never betray you.”

  “Remember how I saved your father’s life?” Alycia nodded.

  “One day while walking in Salcey, I found a forester who had died. There were no wounds or blood or anything to suggest how he died. I took his weapons and secretly taught myself archery. That’s how I was able to save your father. The sheriff never found out who took the forester’s weapons and has not stopped trying.”

  This confused Alycia. “But you didn’t kill the forester. Why can’t the truth now be told?”

  David shook his head. “No, I did not kill the forester, but I was afraid I would be accused of doing so, and it could be said I stole the weapons.”

  “That was a long time ago. You’ve proven yourself. My father will protect you and not allow this sheriff to arrest you. I’m sure of it.”

  “It’s not that simple. You see, I’m not from Coby Hollow.”

  “You’re not? Then you don’t have another girl there.”

  “No, I don’t. I had to make up that story because I didn’t want to go to the brothels with the men-at-arms.”

  A huge smile erupted on Alycia’s face as she hugged David tightly. “Oh, Donald, that’s the best news. When Sir Michael told me about another girl, I was devastated. So where are you from?”

  “It’s not important. I hope it doesn’t matter to you.”

  “No, I don’t care where you’re from. I don’t care if you did take the weapons, or even if you did kill those men. No doubt they deserved it. I only know I love you.” She paused. “Donald, does my father know about this?”

  “Yes. Your father and Baron Geoffrey know I took the weapons and did not kill the forester. They do not know I am not from Coby Hollow.”

  “Good. I’m glad they know. And I swear by Our Lady I will never tell anyone what you told me. You know you can trust me.”

  “I hope so, Alycia. I truly do.”

  HUBERT COULD NOT STOP PACING. I will not be thwarted he kept saying to himself. I will call Baruch and Alwyn’s bluff. Baruch will not risk the ramifications of his lies, and Alwyn never will throw away his future opportunities by cooperating with and defending a Jew. I first will go to Baruch and tell him I will inform Geoffrey Donald is a Jew. That should change his mind.

  Hubert called for Brother Andrew to accompany him. They rode into West End to Baruch’s house. “Open up, it’s Abbot Hubert.”

  Baruch answered the door himself. “I have nothing to say to you, Hubert,” he said, starting to close the door in the abbot’s face.

  “Not so fast, Baruch. I think you’d better listen to me.”

  Baruch let Hubert enter while Andrew waited outside.

  “What do you want?”

  “I’m giving you one more chance. Give me the two thousand pounds, or I’ll tell Baron Geoffrey who this Donald really is.”

  “I told you I don’t have any more money. All my funds have been liquidated.”

  “I don’t believe you. If that’s how you wish to proceed, I will go right now to Baron Geoffrey and expose David. I understand he’s here in Northampton, waiting for Baron Henry to return. I can expose the lying Jew to his face.”

  Baruch grabbed Hubert by the front of his robe. “You are a wicked man, Hubert. I wish I had the courage to kill you here and now. But you will be defeated. Bishop Basil will punish you for me.” Baruch let go of the abbot. “Now get the hell out of here!” he shouted, as he pushed Hubert out the door.

  “Come with me, Andrew. I’ll show you how to deal with Jews.”

  Hubert and Andrew mounted their horses and rode to the castle. At the gate, Hubert demanded to see Baron Geoffrey.

  “Your Grace, I’m sorry, but Baron Geoffrey left strict orders not to admit you ever again,” said one of the guards.

  Hubert was not swayed. “Oh, he did, did he? Tell him I have information about a lying traitor who is now in his castle. Go, tell him.”

  The abbot intimidated the guard. “Yes, Your Grace, I guess that changes things.” He ran to find the baron.

  Hubert waited impatiently until the guard returned with Sir Walter.

  “You are Abbot Hubert?” Walter asked.

  “Yes. Take me to Baron Geoffrey.”

  “Follow me, Abbot, and only you.”

  Hubert told Andrew to wait at the gate, and he followed Walter into Geoffrey’s great hall.

  “What the hell are you doing back here, Hubert, with a story of a lying traitor? You had
better not be playing tricks, or I swear by St. Cuthbert, this time I will slap you in irons.”

  “Baron Geoffrey, I swear to you I will speak the truth. It’s about Baron Henry’s man Donald.”

  Hubert then noticed there was another man in the hall.

  “Well, Baron Henry has just returned from London, so I imagine he’ll be most interested to hear what you came to say.” Turning to Henry, Geoffrey said, “He’s a snake, Henry, and a liar. I wouldn’t believe anything he says.”

  Henry nodded. “What about Donald?” he asked Hubert.

  Hubert bowed. “Baron Henry, I regret to inform you your man Donald is a Jew.”

  Geoffrey and Henry looked at each other and burst out laughing.

  “You’re mad, Abbot,” Henry said. “How dare you accuse the man who saved my life, and my daughter’s, of being a Jew?”

  “It’s true. He is David, the son of Mordecai the apothecary here in Northampton, and the nephew of Baruch, the moneylender.”

  “How do you know this?” Geoffrey demanded.

  “I overheard two Jewish boys talking at the archery tournament last year. They clearly identified Donald as David, the brother of one of the boys.”

  “This is absurd,” Henry said. “Donald is a warrior, he was baptized, and attends church. He’s not a Jew.”

  “He also says he’s from Coby Hollow. I sent a monk there, and no one ever heard of any Donald.”

  Henry grunted. “That means nothing. I’m sure he can explain that. It doesn’t mean he’s a Jew.”

  Hubert smiled. “There’s one simple way to find out.”

  “How dare you come here with false accusations? I don’t know your motives, but I reject your lies.”

  “My Lord Baron, perhaps if you were to bring Donald, I mean David, here, the truth can be quickly determined,” Hubert said.

  “Cyrus,” Geoffrey ordered. “Bring Donald here at once, but don’t tell him why he’s being summoned.”

  Cyrus found him in the garden with Alycia.

  “Donald, Baron Geoffrey requests your presence at once in the great hall. Lady Alycia, your father has just returned as well.”

  “I wonder what this can be about,” Alycia said. “Perhaps father has some good news?”