Spy in the House of Fitzwalter by D. Cullen Nolan

Author:D. Cullen Nolan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historical fiction, history, spies, england, middle ages, london, battles, medieval, knights, rebellion, templars, nottingham, st albans, magna carta, barons, king john
Publisher: D. Cullen Nolan

. . .

Robert entered the hall. Fitzwalter and Gannora were holding hands, whispering to one another. Walter and Ida were standing arms length from one another, Ida looking fretful and Walter over eager. Obi clung to his mother’s skirts and stared up at his father dolefully. Robin and Anne were holding each other close with little Watt and Annie in their arms to each side. Agatha and Desmond Chamberlain were giving parting words to their son, Arthur. Elsibet was helping the kitchenmaids bring out trays of warm bread, boiled eggs, and cheese. Alfred was listening to his father Adam’s conversation with Edgar de Dunmow. Emeric de Ongar and Noel de Hamlin were talking with their daughters, Jessy and Mary, Gannora’s handmaidens. There were easily another dozen of the baron’s most important knights with their wives and children about. The young men and squires hid their fears by flirting with each other’s sisters and cousins.

Troublefoot and her puppies scoured the floors for crumbs.

The men were all dressed in their finest mantles and jerkins, the ladies in their prettiest tunics and dresses. For all that it seemed a festive gathering, there was the underlying dread of what lay ahead. At the London Temple on Epiphany, King John agreed to have an answer concerning the Charter of Liberties by Easter, which had now come and gone with no word from the Crown. However, John had the time to declare his intent to join Pope Innocent’s planned crusade once he settled the problems of his kingdom. His taking the cross was widely seen as a ploy to succor Innocent’s favor. Then a papal decree arrived denouncing the barons and bishops of England for conspiring against their sovereign. Having encouraged them to rebel against King John three years ago, Innocent now declared the same barons malcontents at risk of excommunication.

“Ah, Chaplain Robert,” Lady Gannora identified him from across the hall, swinging the focus of the room his way. “Before we see our men off, please be so kind as to offer a prayer for their safe return.”

“For certes, m’lady,” Robert replied gracefully. Everyone in the room lowered their heads and quiet blanketed them in solemnity. Robert kept it that way for several heartbeats, summoning the words from within. “Lord, I entreat you to keep the baron and all his men in your loving arms, and under your watchful eye, for it is a noble endeavor they embark upon. Let your wisdom and truth guide us through the trials and tribulations sure to follow. Let your benevolence and beneficence shine on them as well as King John, for it is he who most needs the humility of truth and grace of repentance. In all things we are but merely your servants, and we submit ourselves humbly into your hands.”

Robert made the sign of the cross, lifted his rosary to kiss the cross, and then opened his eyes to the hall.

“Thank you, twas beautiful Robert,” Gannora said sweetly.

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