Tuck (7 page)

“We should discuss this,” Gysburne objected.

“There is nothing to discuss. We need more soldiers, and I’m going to get them. I should return within the fortnight.”

Marshal Guy looked to the abbot. “Let him go,” said Hugo. “He is right.”

“I would not linger here any longer if I were you,” called the sheriff. “We are finished, and it is not safe.” He snapped the reins, and the big horse bounded off.

“Do not underestimate me, Sheriff,” muttered Abbot Hugo, watching him go. “I am far from finished . . . very far from finished.”

Marshal Guy de Gysburne walked over to where a knight had been slain; there was blood in the grass. He picked up the dead man’s sword and stuck it in his belt. “You can stay if you like, Abbot, but they are probably watching from the forest.”

Casting a hasty glance over his shoulder, the abbot hurried to rejoin his bodyguard and scuttled back to the abbey in undignified retreat.

PART TWO

Came Little John through the forest that morn,

And chanc’d upon poor Rhiban Hud,

So high on his back he carries him to

A priest on the edge of the woode.

“God save you, Fryer Tuck,” quod John.

“A handsome fish I’ve here.

His length’s as longe from snout to tail

As any I’ve seen this yere.”

“Then don’t delay, friend John,” quod Tuck,

“But lay him here on the hearthe.

Let’s get him skinned and then get him cleaned

And warmed up quick and smart.”

Young Rhiban quickly mended himself

At Fryer Tuck’s strong, healing hands.

And when he had sense, the two hearde account

Of the change that had passed in those lands.

“For twenty long summers,” quoth Rhiban, “by God,

My arrows I here have let fly.

Methinks it quite strange, that within the march,

A reeve has more power than I.

“This forest and vale I consider my own,

And these folk a king think of me;

I therefore declare—and so solemnly swear:

I will live to see each of them free.”

“By t’rood, this is a most noble sport,”

John Little did him proclaim.

“I’ll stand with thee and fight ’til death!”

“And I,” quod Tuck, “The same!”

“Then send you bold captains to head up our men

And meet in the greenwoode hereon:

Mérian, Llech-ley, and Alan a’Dale,

Thomas, and Much Miller’s son.”

CHAPTER 8

T
wo riders picked their way carefully along the rock-lined riverbed, one in front of the other, silent, vigilant. Dressed in drab, faces hidden beneath wide-brimmed, shapeless hats, they might have been hunters hoping to raise some game along the river or, more likely, a party of merchants making for a distant market. Strange merchants, however—they shunned the nearby town, going out of their way to avoid it.

It was Bran’s idea to appear as wayfarers simply passing through, in the hopes of attracting as little notice as possible. He watched the hilltops and ridgeways on either side of the valley, while Tuck remained alert to anyone approaching from the rear. Overhead, a brown buzzard soared through the empty air, its shadow rippling over the smooth, cloud-dappled slopes. Ahead the river forked into two branches: one wide and shallow, one little more than a rill snaking through a narrow, brush-choked defile. Upon reaching the place where the two streams divided, Bran paused.

“Which way?” Tuck said, reining in beside him. Odo halted a few paces behind.

“You ask me that?” replied Bran with a grin. “And still you call yourself a priest?”

“I am a priest,” affirmed Tuck, “and I do ask you—for, all evidence to the contrary, I cannot read the minds of men, only their hearts.” He regarded the two courses. “Which way do we go?”

“The narrow way, of course,” answered Bran. “‘Narrow is the way and hard the road that leads to salvation . . .’ Isn’t that the way it goes?”

“‘Straight is the gate and narrow the way that leadeth to life, and there be few that find it,’” the friar corrected. “You should pay better attention when the Holy Script is read.”

“We’ll have to walk from here,” Bran said, climbing down from the saddle. “But when we reach the end, we will be beyond the borders of Elfael and out of reach of de Glanville’s soldiers.” He glanced at Odo. The young priest had maintained a gloomy silence since climbing into the saddle. “Do either of you want to rest a little before we move on?”

“My thanks, but no—a chance to quit this saddle is all I need just now,” Tuck said, easing himself down from the saddle. “Come, Odo. A change is as good as a rest, is it not?” He wiped the sweat from his face. “Although, to be sure, a jar of ale would not go amiss.”

“When day is done,” said Bran, starting into the gorge. “This way, you two.”

They had left the forest before dawn, crossing the open ground to the south of the caer while it was still dark, quickly losing themselves in the seamed valleys of Elfael. They proceeded ever north ward, keeping out of sight of the fortress and town until both were well behind them—and even then Bran continued with all caution. A chance encounter with a wayward Ffreinc party was to be avoided at all costs.

Leading the horses, they resumed their trek, picking their way along the stream. It was slow going because rocks, brush, and nettles filled the defile, making each step a small ordeal. The bowlegged priest struggled to keep up with his long-legged companions, scrambling over the rocks and dodging thorny branches, all the while ruing the turn of events that had made this journey necessary.

They had left the forest before dawn, crossing the open ground to the south of the caer while it was still dark, quickly losing themselves in the seamed valleys of Elfael, keeping out of sight of the fortress and town until both were well behind them—and even then Bran continued with all caution. A chance encounter with a wayward Ffreinc party was to be avoided at all costs.

“We acted in good faith,” Bran had declared in the council following the abbot’s misguided ambush. “But Hugo sought to betray us—once again. It is only by God’s favour that Odo and I escaped unharmed and none of our men were killed or wounded.”

Bran and his archers had just returned from their encounter with the Ffreinc, and one glance at their scowling faces gave everyone to know that all was not well.

Tuck, with Mérian a close step behind, was there to meet the returning peace party. “God love you, Iwan, what happened?” Tuck asked, snagging hold of the big man’s arm as he came through the blasted oak. “Did they fail to ring the bell?”

“Nay, Friar,” answered the champion, shaking his head slowly.“They rang the bell for all to hear—but then attacked us anyway.”

“They were lying in wait for us,” said Siarles, joining them. “Hiding in the forest.”

“Gysburne and his men showed themselves for the black devils they are,” said Scarlet.

“Aye, and the sheriff too,” added Siarles. “Dressed up as monks, some of ’em.”

“Even so, we honoured our part,” said Iwan. “We did not draw on them until they attacked Bran.”

“Was anyone hurt?” Tuck glanced quickly at the other archers trooping into the settlement. There was no blood showing; all seemed to be in ruddy good health.

“No hurt to anyone but themselves,” Scarlet pointed out. “A fella’d a thought they’d have learnt a little respect for a Welsh bowman by now. Seems they are a thick lot, these Ffreinc, say what you will.”

The friar heard these words, and his heart fell like a stone dropped into a bottomless well. The slender hope that the abbot would accept the offered peace sank instantly, swallowed in the knowledge that Abbot Hugo would never be appeased. In light of this new outrage, he felt the fool for even imagining such a thing possible.

“You did what Christian duty required, and it will be accounted to your credit,” Tuck assured them lamely. “God will yet reward you for remaining true to your part.”

“No doubt, Friar,” replied Siarles. “The same way he helps them who help themselves, methinks.”

“I do not blame you for being disappointed,” Tuck said, “but you should not place the failure at the Almighty’s feet, when it—”

“Spare us, Tuck,” snapped Bran. He and Odo, the last to arrive, passed the others as they stood talking. “I am not of a mind to hear it.” Addressing the men, he said, “Get something to eat, all of you. Then I want my advisors to come to me and we will hold council again—this time it is a council of war.”

The six archers moved off to find some food, leaving Tuck, Mérian, and the others looking on in dismay.

“I feared this might happen,” said Mérian. “Still, we had to try.” She looked to the friar for assurance. “We
did
have to try.”

“We did,” confirmed the priest. “And we were right.” He glanced at the young woman beside him. How lovely she was; how noble of face and form. And how determined. A pang of regret pierced him to see her once-fine clothes now stained and growing threadbare from their hard use in the greenwood. She was made for finer things, to be sure, but had cast her lot with the outlaw band; and her fate, like all who called the forest home, was that of a fugitive.

“Ah, my soul,” he sighed, feeling the weight of their failure settle upon him. “So much hardship and sadness could have been avoided if only that blasted abbot had agreed.”

“I had my hopes, too, Friar,” offered Mérian. “My father has ruled under Baron Neufmarché these many years—to the benefit of both, I think. It can be done—I know it can. But Hugo de Rainault is a wicked man, and there is no reasoning with him. He will never leave, never surrender an inch of ground until he is dead.”

“Alas, I fear you’ve struck to the heart of it,” confessed Tuck, shaking his head sadly. “No doubt that is where the trouble lies.”

“Where, Friar?”

“In the hearts of ever-sinful men, my lady,” he told her. “In the all-too-wicked human heart.”

After the men had eaten, those who were counted among King Raven’s advisors joined their lord in his hut. As they took their places around the fire ring, Bran said, “We need more men, and I am going to—”

More men
, thought Tuck, and remembered what it was that he had learned from the abbot. “Good Lord!” he cried, starting up at the memory. “Forgive me,” he said quickly as all eyes turned towards him, “but I have just remembered something that might be useful.”

Bran regarded him, waiting for him to continue.

“It is just that—” Glancing around, he said to Iwan, “How many soldiers did you say the abbot and sheriff had with them?”

“No more’n twenty,” replied the champion.

“At most,” confirmed Siarles.

“Then that is all they have,” said Tuck. “Twenty men—that is all that are left to them following the two attacks.” He went on to explain about meeting with the abbot, and how Hugo had let slip that he no longer had enough men to defend the town. “So, unless I am much mistaken, those who attacked you are all that remain of the troops Baron de Braose left here.”

“And there are fewer now,” Siarles pointed out. “Maybe by four or five. He can have no more than fifteen or sixteen under his command.” He turned wondering eyes towards Bran. “My lord, we can defeat them. We can drive them out.”

“We can take back control of the cantref,” echoed Iwan. “One more battle and it would be ours.”

They fell to arguing how this might be accomplished, then, but arrived always at the same place where the discussion had begun.

“Gysburne may have only sixteen left,” Bran pointed out. “But you can believe he won’t be drawn into open battle with us. Nor can we take the town or the fortress, for all we are only six able-bodied bowmen. So, it comes to this: we need more men, and I am going to raise them.” He paused. “First things first. Iwan, I want you and Owain and Rhoddi to watch the road—day and night. Nothing is to pass through the forest without our leave. All travellers are to be stopped. Any goods or weapons they carry will be taken from them.”

“And if they refuse?” asked the champion.

“Use whatever force you deem necessary,” Bran replied. “But only that and no more. All who comply willingly are to be sent on their way in peace.”

“Nothing will get past us, my lord. I know what to do.”

“Siarles,” said Bran, “you and Tomas are to begin making arrows. We’ll need as many as we can get—and we’ll need bows too.”

“And where will we be getting the wood for all these bows and arrows?” asked Siarles.

“Wood for bows, I know, and where to find it,” Angharad said, speaking up from her place behind Bran’s chair. “We will bring all you need, Gwion Bach and I.”

Bran nodded. “The rest of the Grellon are to be trained to the longbow.”

“Women too?” asked Mérian.

“Yes,” confirmed Bran. “Women too.” He turned to Will Scarlet.

“Until your hand is healed, you will teach others what you know about the bow.”

“That much is easily done,” said Scarlet. “It’s the trainin’ that takes the time.”

“Then start at once. Today.”

Owain, one of the newer members of the council, asked, “You said you meant to raise more men. What is in your mind, my lord, if you don’t mind my asking?”

“I have kinsmen among my mother’s people in Gwynedd,” replied Bran. “I mean to start there. Once the word spreads that we are gathering a force to overthrow the Ffreinc, I have no doubt we’ll soon get all the warriors we need.”

“There are warriors nearby that are yours for the asking,” Mérian pointed out. “I have but to go to my father and—”

“No,” said Bran firmly.

“The fact is, my father—”

“Your father is a vassal of Baron Neufmarché,” Bran said in a pained tone, “a fact you seem determined to ignore.”

Mérian opened her mouth to object, but Bran cut her off, saying, “That is the end of it.”

Mérian glared at him from under lowered brows, but gave in without another word.

“Well then,” said Bran, declaring himself satisfied with the preparations. “Be about your work, everyone. If all goes well, Tuck and I will return with a war band large enough to conquer the Ffreinc and force their surrender.” As the others shuffled out, Bran called Tuck to him. “I will see to the horses, and you take care of the provisions—enough for four days, I make it.”

The friar spent the rest of the day assembling the necessary provisions for their journey. While he was scraping together the few items they would need for making camp, Scarlet came to him. “I am worried about Odo,” he said, sitting down on a nearby stump. “That scrape this morning has pitched the poor fella into the stew.”

“Oh? I am sorry to hear it,” replied Tuck. “Has he said anything?”

“Not so much,” said Will. “He wouldn’t. But if there was ever a creature ill fashioned for the wildwood, that’s Odo through and through.”

Tuck paused, considering what Scarlet was telling him. “What do you think we should do?”

“Well, seeing as you are heading north, I was wondering if it might be best for everyone if you took Odo along.”

“To Gwynedd?”

“Aye,” said Scarlet, “but only as far as that monastery with the old bishop.”

“Saint Tewdrig’s.”

“That’s the one. I know he’d fare better there, and no doubt the way things are with the folk so hard-pressed everywhere hereabouts, he’d be a better help there than here, if you see what I mean.”

“He’s suffering, you say.”

“I’ve seen whipped dogs more cheerful.”

“Well then,” said Tuck. “I’ll speak to Bran and see what we can do.” He paused, then asked, “Why did you bring this to me?”

“I deemed it a priest thing—like confession,” replied Scarlet, rising. “And Odo would never be able to lift his head again if he thought Bran reckoned him a coward.”

Tuck smiled. “You’re a good friend,William Scatlocke. Consider it done, and Bran will think no ill of Brother Odo.”

The travellers spent a last night in the forest, departing early enough to cross the Vale of Elfael before dawn.

Only Angharad was awake to see them off, which she did in her peculiar fashion. Raising her staff, she held it aloft, and blessed them with a prayer that put Tuck in mind of those he had heard as a child in the north country.

The three climbed into their saddles—Bran swinging up easily, Odo taking a bit more effort, and Tuck with the aid of a stump for a mounting block—and with a final farewell, quickly disappeared into the gloaming. By the time the sun was showing above the horizon, the riders had passed the Ffreinc-held Saint Martin’s and were well on their way. Now, as the sun sailed high over head, they eked their way over bare rocks along the edge of the rill and, a little while later, passed beyond the borders of Elfael and into the neighbouring cantref of Builth.