A Murder of Crows by E.H. Walter

Author:E.H. Walter [Walter, EH]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-05-06T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER ELEVEN

THE WIND WAS building again as Mark tramped back across the precincts towards the guest house. Perhaps the Abbot was correct. The winter wasn’t done with them yet. He would have to see about buying or trading for a cloak when the time came to leave. He thought of the one abandoned in the woods. Perhaps he should have staked a claim to it; it was warm and well made - too good for a vagabond like him. It was a cloak that said the wearer had money, or had stolen it from one who had.

There were few places in the abbey likely to interest young monks unconvinced by their calling and the guest hall with its food, drink, distractions and fire was at the top of a very short list. Besides, Mark wanted to warm his outsides as much as the brandy had warmed his insides.

A roar of laughter erupted from the table as Mark entered. The guest hall was still busy. Most of the food had gone, but it seemed drink was in plentiful supply.

Cullin, Sturdy and William raised their cups. The welcoming prospect of the guest hall suddenly dimmed in Mark’s eyes. He walked past the men and straight to the fire. Although he should share his discovery with Cullin, he was no mood to talk to his fellow countryman. The sooner this job was complete, the better. He would refuse to work with the man again, no matter what the king said.

The fire was a welcome treat after the chill of the outside. Mark stood as close as he could bear and stretched his hands out towards the flames. The warmth was almost overpowering, but just what he needed.

“I thought I told you not to do that,” a voice said.

Mark turned. Ursula was hidden in the large chair again. He was suddenly wordless.

“You want to warm up slowly.”

Mark looked back to the drunken men. “You should be careful of the company you keep,” he said.

“Them? They’re so drunk they don’t even realise I’m here.”

“Then be grateful. May I suggest you keep away from them?”

“And what should I do? Hide all day in my room?”

That wasn’t, to Mark’s mind, a bad idea. “They are not the sort to be trusted.”

She laughed a hollow laugh. “I have yet to meet a man who is.”

He wanted to say something, but she looked away. Taking her advice, he seated himself in the other chair a decent distance from the fire.

“I'm sorry my sex has proven so disappointing to you.”

She shrugged. “I don't believe it is possible to disappoint me any longer. I have very low expectations. And yet something tells me, Mark Goronway, you would like to be thought a little better than those gentlemen.”

He laughed. “Gentlemen? It's not a title I seek for myself, and not one I would give to them. Avoid them, Ursula.”

Should he have called her Sister, or Sister Ursula? The informal address was out of his mouth before he could reconsider it. It was too late now.

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