Plagues and Princes: the Great Mortality by Thomas Schultz

Author:Thomas Schultz
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: BookBaby
Published: 2018-10-08T16:49:19+00:00

Chapter

SIXTEEN

Tintern Abbey, Wales, Wednesday, July 30, 1348

Three large canvas sacks, each the weight of a stout man and stuffed with coarse wool, sat in a cart outside Tintern Abbey’s stables. The smell of hay and manure tainted the rain-washed air as Andrew guided one of the strong mares into place and secured the harness and bridle. Neighs and snorts broke the silence of the otherwise peaceful morning. He worked quickly with expert hands fitting every clasp in the proper order. At the clap of loose-fitted sandals he turned to greet a stern-faced Brother Samuel; whenever Abbot Michael left on a prolonged journey, Brother Samuel took to heart the rigors of running the monastery.

“God shines on your journey,” Brother Samuel said. “The sun has found its way clear of the clouds.”

“I hope it lasts.”

His tone formal, Brother Samuel held a piece of parchment and pointed as he talked. “Be sure to ask for Gruffydd ap Maelor when you get to the warehouse. There should be men there to help unload the wool. Be sure to have Gruffydd put his mark here and then have him make a check here to confirm that all three sacks were delivered in good order.”

“Yes, Brother Samuel.”

“You may stay with the Benedictines if you need to wait.”

“Brother Gilbert said I can stay at the castle so I can learn about sword fighting from Eudo. I think he’ll be much more fun to be with than the Benedictines.”

Brother Samuel shook his head. “If you must. But be careful. Let me know when you return.”

“I will.”

Andrew brought along an extra tunic. It was the same tan color as the one he had on, except this one lacked the fashionable holes that marked him as a poor laborer. He wanted to make a good impression with the merchant—and perhaps Eva.

Cart wheels sloshed in the muddy ruts along the quiet road. Soon, only the sounds of creaking wood, grinding wheels, and clomping horse hooves kept him company. He lost track of time staring at the road and thinking of his last encounter with Eva. Quicker than he expected, Chepstow’s imposing town wall loomed ahead. Semi-circular towers periodically jutted out from the thick stone barrier. As a reminder of all the rain that had fallen over the past months, water collected in the ditch in front of the wall. In its current state, the ditch could almost pass as a moat.

Andrew recognized the guard and nodded as he passed through the gate. He thought it best to deliver the wool to the warehouse before checking to see if Eva was at home. The meandering streets led past the sandstone walls of the Benedictine priory. Andrew slowed the pace of his horse to accommodate the steep slope of the main road as it led down to the wharf. The impressive walls of Striguil Castle loomed to his left. He quickly changed into his good tunic.

Six piers jutted into the muddy river, the ebbing tide now halfway through its cycle. Several empty long boats tied to the piers banged against their moorings in the strong current.

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