The Prodigal Son by Chris Bishop

Author:Chris Bishop
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ember 2023
Published: 2023-06-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

On Osric’s orders, Oswald sent two members of the permanent guard to arrest both Hild and Mayda and haul them back to the Vill for interrogation. Having been treated none too gently along the way, the women were then made to remain outside, both of them terrified at the thought of whatever fate awaited them.

As they were eventually led into the Hall, Oswald got up to leave. ‘I assume this is no longer a military matter,’ he said. ‘So if I may, Uncle, I would take my leave of you as there’s much which still requires my attention elsewhere.’

Osric raised his hand. ‘I’d like you to stay if you will, for there’s something I wish to discuss with you afterwards.’ He then instructed the guards to remain with them as well but said nothing as the two women knelt before him. Instead, he just stared first at Hild and then at Mayda who both lowered their eyes to avoid his gaze.

He could see why he had never once availed himself of Hild’s services. Both she and her sister looked to be dirty and dishevelled, with poor complexions and hair which was worn uncovered and was both lank and unkempt. Given the state of their appearance, it worried him that Oswald had allowed Edward to visit them.

‘I have it on good authority that you were both in the stabling area of my Vill just before Edward was thrown from his horse,’ he announced at last.

‘That’s true my Lord,’ insisted Hild, speaking for them both. ‘It’s our custom to enjoy a walk after a night spent…’ she stopped herself at that, not wishing to say what they had been doing of a night although guessed correctly that as Governor, Osric knew exactly what that entailed. ‘Anyway, we’ve taken a liking to that big black stallion and often go to see him as he’s such a magnificent horse.’

‘I’m also told that whilst there you distracted my guard and robbed him of his knife. A knife which I suspect you then used to cut the girth strap to Fleet’s saddle. That action resulted in Edward being thrown from the horse and seriously wounded.’

‘Not so, my Lord,’ pleaded Hild. ‘What cause had we to harm him?’

‘Don’t try to protest your innocence! You were seen by several people who were there at the time.’

‘Who are these people you mention, my Lord?’ demanded Hild, unable to hide her concern. ‘There was no one else there except Edward and the guard. Sigbert and the new boy were working in the stables.’

‘Exactly,’ said Osric. ‘We’ve spoken to the guard who told us that you both set about distracting him. We’re convinced of his innocence and Edward would hardly cut the girth strap to his own saddle. So that leaves only you.’

‘Surely it could have simply broken, my Lord?’ suggested Hild. ‘Such things can happen.’

‘It could. But it didn’t. The strap had been partially severed and the knife you stole from the guard is almost certainly that which was used to do it, for it was found on the ground near to where Fleet had been saddled.

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