Child of the May by Theresa Tomlinson

Author:Theresa Tomlinson
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781446479773
Publisher: RHCP

13

A Defiant Company

Over the next few days, the clearing was filled with activity. Much, James and Will Stoutley went off with messages to hamlets and villages where they knew they had friends. Robert and John marched back and forth through the woods to Langden, carrying weapons and new-made arrow tips from Philippa’s blacksmith husband.

“There shall be many to feed,” the old one said, and she worked hard producing oatcakes and stews of peas and beans, spiced with garlic and a little venison.

Slowly a great company gathered. Dusty skinned coal diggers left their shallow bell pits and soot blackened charcoal burners set their stacks aside. Shepherds and swineherds left their flocks with their children, and strong built woodlanders left their coppicing, for they’d many grievances against the King and the defiance of the de Braose family was admired.

“What is it that this woman has done?” Magda asked as she pounded grain with Marian and Eleanor.

“William de Braose was the King’s friend,” Eleanor told her. “So close a friend, it seems he knows too much. He owed the King money so, as usual, King John demanded the family send their sons to him as hostages. Well, Matilda de Braose refused.”

“She did more than that,” said Marian. “She declared to all who’d listen that she’d not let her sons suffer the same fate as Arthur of Brittany!”

“Arthur?” said Magda. “Do you mean King John’s nephew?”

“That’s the one,” Marian agreed. “You know what happened to him?”

Magda was puzzled. “Did he die?”

Marian shook her head sadly. “Rumour has it that the King strangled the boy with his own hands.”

Magda stopped her pounding. “Do you think that true?”

“If anyone knows the truth it is Matilda de Braose. Her husband was there in the castle in France when Arthur disappeared.”

“But isn’t William de Braose a powerful lord?”

“He was,” said Eleanor. “He’s a fugitive now – as much as any of these lads here in the wastes.”

“Do you think they can rescue the lady? Can you see what will be, old one?”

Eleanor shook her head and smiled. “I can’t see that, honey. But whether they succeed or not, at least they are strong and defiant while they try.”

Magda begged her father to take her with them, but John would not hear of it. “This is the most dangerous task we’ve taken upon ourselves,” he said. “And I am going to get FitzRanulf! I cannot be worrying about my child.”

“But Philippa and Mother Veronica go with you!”

“Aye, for we must have someone the lady will trust.”

The afternoon that they went, they packed up bundles of smoked venison and dried oatcakes, for they’d need their strength. The company left at dusk so that they could move through the woodlands under the protection of darkness. Then they’d set up camp within view of the Great North Road.

Tom, back from the convent, packed his food, then told Robert that he would not be going with them.

Robert looked surprised but listened carefully to what Tom had to say.

“Mother Veronica believes there may be a source of that rare oil Alan needs.

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