The Pardoner's Crime Read Free Page B

Wakefield. And there had better be justice for my Matilda’s Lillian. As for you, Sir Richard, I advise you to seek out Wilfred Oldthorpe the apothecary. He has a shop on the Westgate. He has snakestones and the like and is skilled in treating wounds that fester.’
    The knight inclined his head in thanks. ‘And so tell me where I can question this kinswoman of your lady. I am mindful of showing even those outside the law that the law of the land works. I will do what I can.’
    â€˜Ask at the Bucket Inn near Jacob’s Well. The mistress there will tell you all.’ And stepping backwards he disappeared into the greenery.
    Five minutes later, as Richard and Hubert made their way onwards, Richard was puzzled to see Hubert grinning to himself. ‘I did not think that you were amused by our little adventure, Hubert.’
    â€˜Oh that! Pah, we could have dealt with the fellow and his rabble if needs be, yet I could see that you planned to talk to the fellow and that you had the matter well in hand without me, my lord. No, I was just pleased to have given you proof.’
    â€˜Proof of what?’
    â€˜Why, of the power of my talisman! It deflected all three of those arrows they fired at us.’
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    The road from the Outwood that led towards Wakefield was gated but unmanned. It led first across heathland with the Pinder-fields to the left, the undulating pastures where the township kept their cattle. Beyond that it broadened out into the wild heathery land of the Old Park which contained the East Moor, the Park Hills and the Wind Hill, upon which could be seen one of the several windmills that served the locality. To their right they passed cultivated lands, divided up into ridges and furrows, upon which several handfuls of smock-clad peasants could be seen working. And beyond that could be seen the half-wooded Great Park which was famously well stocked with deer, partridges and boar.
    Hubert had been ruminating in silence until they were well clear of the wood and the habitations of Wakefield came into view. ‘So tell me, my lord, what do we know of this town of Wakefield?’
    Sir Richard wiped his brow again. ‘I was well briefed before we began our journey and read up about it last night. It is an ancient town that the Saxons built on an eminence that slopes down to the River Calder, although they say that some of the townships around it were actually Viking settlements.’ He pointed along the length of the rough track they were making their way down. ‘There are four main roads, each with a toll-gate which closes at the eight bell curfew. This is the Northgate, the others being Kirkgate, Westgate and Warrengate. The main three roads meet at the market-place, which is called Birch Hill. It is said to be of a goodly size, with a pond, a market cross and a great circular area that they call the Bull Ring, for obvious reasons. The prison is also there, as is a church and the Moot Hall, where I shall preside over the Manor Court.’
    Some distance further they passed a wayside chantry chapel, bearing the markings of St John the Baptist. Its doorwas closed, but beside it was a carved trough full of water, presumably blessed, and an offertory box in which some wag had left the body of a drowned rat.
    Hubert snorted. ‘It looks as if there are some irreverent dogs around this town, my lord.’ He made the sign of the cross as they passed. ‘And what of Sandal Castle? Will the new steward accommodate us?’ Hubert asked.
    â€˜He has been ordered by the King’s messenger to receive us. Sir Thomas Deyville is thought to be an able enough fellow, but he has no knowledge of law and there is concern that he may have been over-zealous in settling in. His majesty wanted a firm hand, yet he knows that he must not make enemies of his own people. That is why I have been given this roving commission, to introduce fair law into the Manor of Wakefield.’
    â€˜And