The Fate of the Arrow

by Shel Pais

  “Certainly,” Geoffrey said. “Go, Mordecai. I will send for you if I need you.”

  David walked next to his father, waiting until they were alone to speak to him.

  “Father, it’s so good to see you. Is everyone well?”

  “Yes, but we’ve been worried since we haven’t had any word from you.”

  “You can see I’ve been busy.”

  “Do you really think you can continue like this? Eventually they’ll discover who you are.”

  “Yes, they might, but I’m becoming the warrior I always dreamed of, and rest assured, I will always help our people. Father, I have avenged our mother’s death.”

  “What? Those two men the sheriff was asking about?”

  “Yes. Tom and Ralph. They were the men of de Montfort who killed her. They went to their end knowing it was a Jew and her son who was killing them.”

  Mordecai shook his head. “I am glad they have been punished, but not that it was you who performed the deed.”

  “I only have killed to protect, or for that act of revenge.”

  They were soon at the gate. “Be on your way home,” David said. “The baron will send for you if he needs you.” David made sure the guards heard him.

  Mordecai left the castle without looking back. David, my David. You are becoming a warrior. But how can one man help our people? We need an army. A Jewish army. And that we do not have. If only there were more like you…

  Alwyn sat in the cellar with Hubert. Ambrose and Brother Dominic stood at the top of the cellar stairs to make sure Hubert did not try to escape his confinement.

  “Alwyn, when are you going to come to your senses and let me out?” Hubert asked.

  “We expect the bishop to arrive any day, and he will decide what to do with you.”

  “It is you and the rest of those rebellious monks here who will be punished. Your plan will never work.”

  “You’re wrong. This man Donald you falsely accused of being a Jew rescued Baron Henry’s daughter from a Sir Edgar, who it turns out stole Crown tax money. The king will probably come to Northampton and reward him. Perhaps he’ll even knight him.”

  “That’s impossible. You know as well as I do Donald is David, Mordecai’s son, and Baruch’s nephew. You admitted it.”

  “Did I? You can’t prove that. Prior Bartholomew learned Mordecai met this Donald and told Baron Geoffrey he resembles his son. Apparently, what you overheard was incorrect this whole time. Mordecai’s son has been in Germany studying for several years.”

  “Lies. All lies. I’m sure of it. Just to protect another lying Jew. If any of this were true, why did Baruch all but admit it?”

  “I’m not here to argue with you. Your accusations have been proven false, and that, along with all of your other misdeeds, will be punished when Basil gets here.”

  Hubert stood. “You’re a fool, Alwyn. You and everyone else here at Hedgestone. I know I’m right, and so do you. If I can’t convince the bishop now, then so be it. My time will come. This David or Donald or whoever he is cannot live his lie forever. His circumcision will give him away.”

  “Hubert,” Alwyn said, “you’ve deceived the bishop, and we have proof. He will not believe anything you say. Your credibility has completely vanished. He should defrock you and you should be banished from England.”

  Hubert shrugged. “Perhaps. Do not underestimate me, Alwyn. It will be a huge mistake to do so.”

  “The mistake was yours, Hubert,” Alwyn said, as he walked up the cellar stairs, leaving Hubert alone again, and locked the door.

  “Alwyn,” Ambrose said, “one thing Hubert said does bother me.”

  “What is it?”

  “What he said about Baruch. The moneylender did admit this Donald is David, his nephew.”

  “Not really, Ambrose. Baruch was not at the archery tournament, so he did not see this Donald there. He was only going with what Hubert told him. If this Donald does resemble David, then that would explain the confusion.”

  “Perhaps you’re right.”

  BISHOP BASIL ARRIVED AT HEDGESTONE accompanied by Eustace. After refreshing himself from his journey, Basil met with Alwyn, Ambrose, and Bartholomew. Alwyn related all he knew about Hubert demanding the money from Baruch, and his accusation regarding this Donald.

  “So, Father Alwyn, it appears my suspicions about Hubert have been proven correct.”

  “Yes, Your Grace. We believe Hubert planned all along to betray you. He failed because I discovered his plans, and when his accusation of this Donald being a Jew and the moneylender’s nephew was proven false, he went berserk. Baron Geoffrey gave his men leave to kill him if he tried to enter the castle again. We feel he’s gone mad and must be relieved of his duties.”

  “I agree. From everything you have told me, we cannot let him serve any more. Where is he?”

  “We have locked him in the cellar for his own protection.”

  “Take me to him.”

  “Very well, Your Grace, but he continuously spouts lies, and may get violent.”

  Ambrose led Basil to the cellar. “Leave us. He will not harm me.”

  Basil carefully went down the stairs. The cellar was lit by several candles and had a musty odor. Hubert stood when he saw the bishop.

  “Bishop Basil. I am glad you’re here.” Hubert knelt and kissed the bishop’s ring.

  “I’m very disappointed in you Hubert. Alwyn has told me everything.”

  “He told you lies.”

  “Did he? You received funds from this Baruch, the moneylender, and kept them for yourself. Then you tried to extort more money from him, and when he refused, you falsely accused a Christian boy of being his Jewish nephew.”

  “Your Grace. Let me explain. I told you I was never going to withhold funds from you. I swear I was only trying to obtain as much as I could. When I discovered the truth about this David, I only used it to try to fulfill my obligation to you.”

  “And you still insist this Donald is a Jew?”

  “Most definitely. He is David, nephew to Baruch, the moneylender, and son of Mordecai, the apothecary. I’m not mad.”

  “Hubert, I understand Baron Henry’s daughter admitted they were lovers and she could verify his being a Christian. You don’t believe her?”

  Hubert shook his head. “She’s a child who thinks she is in love with him. She would say anything to help him.”

  “But not if she knew he’s a Jew. It doesn’t make any sense.”

  “And there’s another thing. Alwyn knows as well. He and Baruch were going to bear false witness against me if I revealed his secret. I know I’m right.”

  Basil glared at Hubert. “That’s preposterous! Why would Alwyn conspire with a Jew? Hubert, I want you to turn all the funds you received from this Jew Baruch over to me. Then you will accompany me to London, where I plan to have you sent to a priory in Wales, not as prior, but as a brother.”

  Hubert became livid. “No, Your Grace! You cannot do that to me. I’ve served you well, and exposed a Jew masquerading as a Christian, a serious offense.”

  “You have done nothing of the sort. You refuse to admit your sins and show no remorse for what you have done.”

  “I’ve done nothing wrong.”

  Basil pointed a finger at Hubert. “You will do exactly as I say, or I will excommunicate you. Which I may do anyway.”

  The bishop began climbing the stairs.

  “Do not leave me here, cousin.”

  Basil grunted. “You will stay here until I’m ready to leave.”

  Hubert stared at the closing door, stunned. Alwyn was at the top of the stairs when the bishop returned.

  “I believe you are correct, Alwyn. Hubert must have gone mad. He still insists he was not going to keep any of the money, and this Donald is definitely a Jew. He also accused you and this Baruch of conspiring against him with some false tale.”

  “What additional proof do you need? Why would I cooperate with a Jew? What are you going to do with him, Your Grace
?”

  “I will take him to London with me, and then he will be sent to Wales as a brother, not an abbot or prior. He is also to turn all the money he borrowed over to me.”

  “Do you think he will cooperate?”

  Basil nodded. “He has no choice. I will excommunicate him if he doesn’t, and perhaps hold him for trial if necessary.”

  Alwyn smiled. “I will be happy to testify against him.”

  “I’m sure you would, Alwyn.”

  “Henry,” Geoffrey said, “I’ve sent a messenger to King Henry to tell him what happened. I hope you’ll stay here until we receive a response.”

  “I would be more than happy to stay. The king occasionally comes here, doesn’t he?”

  “Yes. I keep a separate chamber for him no one else can use.”

  Suddenly Cyrus appeared. “My lord, Prior Bartholomew is here to see you.”

  “I wonder what he wants,” Geoffrey said to Henry, who then turned to Cyrus. “Well, bring him in.”

  “My lords,” Bartholomew greeted them, bowing.

  “What brings you here, Bartholomew?”

  “My lord, I thought you should know about Abbot Hubert. Bishop Basil is here, and Hubert is being dismissed.”

  “What?” Geoffrey exclaimed, getting up from his chair. “Is this true?”

  “Yes, my lord. The bishop caught him stealing Church funds, and he is being declared mad for his insistence this Donald is a Jew. The bishop is taking him back to London with him, and then sending him to Wales as a mere brother. He is disgraced.”

  Geoffrey’s excitement nearly poured out of him. “Excellent. This is the best punishment for him. Let’s all drink a toast to this wonderful news. Cyrus, bring wine and glasses.”

  “Who will be the new prior? Will you return?”

  “I do not know. Father Alwyn has been spying on Hubert for Basil, so perhaps he will be, or Father Ambrose. I am too old, and don’t want the job anymore.”

  Cyrus arrived with the wine and glasses, poured them to the top, and handed them out.

  “Here’s to revenge. It is so sweet.” The three drank, and even Bartholomew did not hide his joy.

  “When will the bishop leave?”

  “Soon, I think. He’s eager to return to London.”

  “I’ll offer him an escort,” Geoffrey said. “Bartholomew, tell the bishop my men are ready to accompany him.”

  “A good idea. Hubert may escape if armed men are not there to guard him.”

  “My thoughts exactly.”

  A huge smile illuminated Alycia. “Donald, my love, this is what we’ve been waiting for. I know this time you’ll be knighted, and perhaps given a manor with lands and serfs.” She turned to her father. “Soon Donald will ask you for my hand in marriage.”

  Henry nodded and smiled, while David remained expressionless. “Alycia, please do not speak like that. I told you, I have much to accomplish before I can even consider marriage.”

  She gave him that look he always had trouble resisting. “We shall see, my love. I told you, I always get what I want.”

  David knew he was in trouble. Is it possible the king will confer knighthood on me here in Northampton? If so, I wish my father could be there. As much as I desire knighthood, my plans could be thwarted by this Christian girl who does not know she is in love with a Jew. And if she finds out, who knows what will happen?

  King Henry received the messenger from Baron Geoffrey and read his letter. He handed it to his son. “Well, Edward, it looks like a traitor has been eliminated. We cannot tolerate those who steal tax money. And Earl Tristan’s sons Edgar and Jonathan. I doubt if the earl had anything to do with it. This is very disturbing.”

  “Quite. This Donald who Geoffrey writes about, is he not the same boy who was here with Alycia, Baron Henry de Percy’s daughter?”

  “I believe he is. He’s the one who saved Henry’s life, and who he asked me to make a knight, but I said I wouldn’t until he had proven himself in battle.”

  “I wasn’t impressed with him when he was here, but perhaps I misjudged him.”

  “Edward, I think I’ll travel to Northampton after the New Year and honor this Donald.”

  “With knighthood?”

  “Why not reward him for what he has done? He has earned it, and perhaps it will be an inspiration to others.” Henry turned to the messenger. “Tell Baron Geoffrey I hope to come to Northampton in early January to collect the tax money, and I plan to knight this Donald. I will send word to my exact coming.”

  The messenger bowed. “Yes, Sire, I’ll tell him.”

  “Edward,” the king said, “I also will use this trip to announce further edicts against the Jews. They are becoming less useful to me.”

  Bishop Basil finished his preparations to return to London. As promised, Baron Geoffrey provided four men-at-arms to accompany him, even though Hubert agreed not to try to escape. He decided to do so would further prove to Basil he was guilty and could not be trusted, on top of his credibility now being in question. Somehow, Hubert had to convince the bishop he had not been planning to keep the money he received from Baruch, as well as his certainty about David.

  Basil installed Father Alwyn as interim prior, ordering Father Ambrose and Bartholomew to assist him. This pleased the brothers, as they had grown to like and respect Alwyn for standing up to Hubert. Alwyn and Ambrose had become good friends and agreed to work together. They even planned to resume contact with the Jews after Basil left.

  The entire complement of monks gathered in the courtyard to say goodbye to Hubert, though it was obvious they were happy to see him go. All except Andrew, who did not entirely believe Hubert was mad. Andrew’s skepticism primarily came from his belief Hubert was correct about this Donald, even though he had no proof. While he did not know what he could do about it, unlike the other brothers, Andrew would not accept the explanations given, and decided he would continue to try to prove Hubert correct.

  With Christmas approaching, Baron Henry de Percy wanted to return to York to be with his wife. He decided to wait, however, until Geoffrey’s messenger to the king had returned.

  A few days later, Geoffrey’s messenger did return. After hearing the message, Geoffrey summoned Baron Henry, David, and Alycia. When they arrived at the great hall, Lady Catherine was there as well.

  “Welcome. I have excellent news, and I wanted to tell you all together.”

  The four of them looked at each other, curious what this announcement could be.

  “I sent a messenger to the king with a letter detailing how Henry and Donald saved what amounts to more than twenty thousand silver marks. He responded he is most grateful for his loyal subject’s deeds and honesty and will be coming to Northampton to personally show his gratitude and collect the money.”

  David and Alycia looked at each other. “King Henry is coming here?” Alycia asked. “When?”

  “He hopes in early January, and he will notify us. I also suspect our young warrior here may be well rewarded,” Geoffrey said.

  “That’s wonderful news. Are there any details?” Alycia said.

  “No. That’s all the king said, other than he will send word as to when he’s coming. Donald and Alycia, you may go.” Geoffrey waited until they left before continuing.

  “Henry, my friend, the king is coming to Northampton to make Donald a knight of the realm. My messenger reported it, but I did not want to divulge it.”

  “That is good news, but shouldn’t we tell Donald?”

  “It’s up to you, but I think not. Let him be surprised. It will also keep your daughter off his back. I imagine if she knew, he wouldn’t be able to keep her away from him.”

  Henry laughed. “I believe you’re right. It means I must leave for York tomorrow. You will send word as soon as you know when Henry is coming?”

  “Of course. As soon as I know, I’ll send a messenger to you.”

  “Thank you, my good friend. I just hope I can keep the secret myself.”

  Jonathon
sat chained to the wall in the cold, dank cell. It was on the other side of a thick wall, isolated from the main dungeon where the rest of his men were held. Geoffrey is smart, Jonathan thought. Even though they were guilty of everything Henry accused them of, he should have tried to convince him they had rescued the tax money from the actual thieves who had stolen it and were on their way to return it when they encountered Alycia, Henry, and his men. Edgar’s passion for Alycia, he would argue, resulted in his taking advantage of the situation. While Jonathan loved his brother, he was jealous Edgar was a knight and he was not. Edgar was more than ten years older than Jonathan, and with two other brothers in front of him, Jonathan would never inherit his father’s castle, lands, and title.

  He heard footsteps approaching and saw Baron Geoffrey standing at the cell door.

  “Enjoying my hospitality, Jonathan?” Geoffrey asked.

  “The food could be better, and there are no women,” Jonathan said.

  “Sorry. This is all you get, unless I send you an old hag for your pleasure. I thought you should know, the king will be here this month, and I’ve notified your father.”

  Jonathan grunted. “Why? To watch my execution?”

  “You will get what you deserve. Are you ready to tell us about killing the king’s tax man and stealing the taxes?”

  Jonathan spat on the floor. “I know nothing about that. I met up with Edgar just before he ambushed Henry. He never told me about it. I had nothing to do with any of it.”

  “The other men told us a different story. They said it was your idea to steal the taxes.”

  Jonathan laughed. “And you believe them? Lying to save themselves, I imagine.”

  “No matter. You will all hang, unless the king wants you drawn and quartered.”

  “I am an earl’s son. I have rights.”

  Now Geoffrey laughed. “Traitors have no rights, except to be executed.’

  At this, Jonathan tried to rush the cell door to get to Geoffrey, but the chain around his ankle stopped him. “You won’t get away with this. I’ll be freed because I’m innocent.”