Shadows on the Queen by M A Long

Author:M A Long
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Michael Long

33

The lanes behind St Albans Fair June 1276

In one of the cramped back alleys of the Marketplace, hidden by a doorway, Walter de Baskerville conversed in French with the woman from the market stall. To a casual observer, they made a strange couple standing in one of St Albans less desirable lanes. From his appearance, he was a man whose trade was violence; from her demeanour and clothes, she could not be a common whore of the town. Walter was exasperated, and the conversation hushed.

“When do I meet Benuic? I am tired of these games.”

“Benuic has sent me. We shall finalise the arrangements, and my master will carry out your wishes once his bankers confirm the payment.”

“How do I know you can trust you? I wish to meet Benuic.”

“I am here, now. My master has received your message. Now you deal with me, and I pass on your message to him.”The tone was firm.

Walter wasn’t used to a woman giving him instructions, and he felt uncomfortable. He warily studied this strong woman and could tell much from the cut of her clothes. It was an elegant gown. Walter did not know about cloth, but it suggested that she was well-off. Perhaps a widow, he thought. She wasn’t English, of that he was sure; her accent and the dark hue of her skin suggested she was Mediterranean, southern French or maybe a Savoyard.

He was distracted and not taking in her words. She repeated herself.

“You are aware of the terms of our agreement?” He knew, of course; these were his terms agreed with an intermediary in Ghent earlier in the year.

“A Letter of credit for one thousand florins, payable in advance deposited, with the Peruzzi bankers in Florence. That has been done these weeks since.”

“The deed will be done before the feast day of St Mary Magdalene.”

“My master would wish to know the details.”

The woman pursed her lips. “Let us say that the deed will not be as clumsy as your master’s fiasco in Viterbo.”

Walter blanched at the rebuke. “And when will I know? When will it happen?”

“Master de Baskerville, the world will know when this deed is done. Remember, it was you who sought out Benuic. You know his reputation. It really becomes a question of how much Benuic can trust you.” With that, the woman walked away, merging into the packed St Albans streets.

Walter de Baskerville turned to watch her leave. He bit his lower lip with a sense of unease. Something told him to follow her, but the crowds in the town made that impractical. Slowly he made his way back towards the bustling fair to locate his liegeman, Bertrand du Guesclin. Around him, people continued going about their business, shouting, smiling, laughing, all unaware that he had just sealed a deal with the assassin to kill the Queen of England.

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