Scarlet

CHAPTER 37

Saint Martin's: The Pavilion

Look! Here he comes," cried Count de Braose, his voice fluttering high with excitement as the shambling heap of a man appeared at the door of the guardhouse.

The count's visitors turned to see a number of Ffreinc soldiers spilling out of the keep. Armed with lances and led by Marshal Guy, they started across the market square, dragging a ragged wreck between them. The man's hands were bound and his legs were unsteady; he kept listing to one side as if the ground were constantly shifting beneath his feet.

"Oh, he is a rogue!" continued Count Falkes. "You can tell that simply by looking at him."

The count's words were directed to the visiting dignitaries, whose arrival two days before had surprised and thrilled the entire population of the emerging town of Saint Martin's. The count's words were translated and conveyed to the others by a priest named Brother Alfonso-a tall, sallow, somewhat sombre and officious monk in a new brown robe. While Count Falkes looked on, smiling, his guests exchanged a brief word amongst themselves. Being Spanish, they were strangers to England and to the rough ways of the March. Most of them bore the swarthy complexion of their countrymen, and the black hair and dark, inquisitive eyes. They professed to find everything fascinating and, in the brief time they had been with him, had shown themselves to be enthusiastic and appreciative guests. Then again, one might expect no less from the personal envoy of none other than Pope Clement himself.

The ambassador, Father Dominic, was far younger than the count would have imagined for one in such an important, nay exalted, position. Dark and slender in his impeccable black robes, he held himself with a solemn, almost melancholy reserve, as if the thoughts inside him bore on body and soul alike and he sagged a little beneath their weight. Though there was dignity and reverence in his glance, his natural expression was the pensive reflection of a man who, despite his youth, had seen and suffered much at the hands of an unrepentant world. His black hair was trimmed short and his tonsure newly shaved. He moved with deliberation, his steps measured and sure as he dispensed priestly blessings to those who looked on.

Attending Father Dominic were two servants-most likely lay brothers but of a hardy sort. Tall and strong and none too genteel, they had no doubt been chosen to protect the envoy on his journey. Besides the interpreter, Brother Alfonso, there were two young women: a young highborn woman of unmistakable nobility, and her maidservant. The lady was quiet, well-spoken, gracious, and possessed of a warm and winsome manner, but also, alas, undeniably plain, with poor skin, dull hair, and discoloured teeth. "Drab as a farmyard drudge," was Guy of Gysburne's assessment. "I prefer her maid." The sheriff had expressed a similar judgment, if in less kindly terms. Even so, Count Falkes found himself attracted to her despite her plainness and the difficulty imposed by the language divide. He even allowed himself to fancy that she regarded him with something more than passing affection.

"Oh!" gasped Lady Ghisella, averting her eyes at the sight of the condemned man. Her maid followed the lady's example.

"Never fear, my lady," offered the count, mistaking her reaction.

"He cannot escape. You may rest assured, this one will soon trouble the world no longer."

Unexpected visitors, their abrupt arrival had initially roused the count's suspicions. On second thought, however, it was more than reasonable given the circumstances: a small party travelling together without an extensive entourage of servants and courtiers might more easily pass unmolested through the countryside and, considering who they represented, would more easily elude the notice of the king. Such a group would not likely draw the unwanted attentions of rival factions and potential adversaries.

Abbot Hugo, who had been south with Count Falkes's uncle, Baron de Braose, at Bramber, had returned to find the dignitaries already established in his abbey. "All well and good," he had complained to Falkes, "but we should have received word of their coming. This is awkward, to say the least."

"It is nothing of the sort," the count reassured him. "You worry too much, Hugo."

"And you not enough."

"I suspect it is merely Clement's way of judging the faith and loyalty of those who have pledged to him, before… you know…" He let the rest remain unspoken.

Abbot Hugo fixed him with an ominous stare. "No," he replied stiffly, "I do not know."

"Before the fighting begins," said the count. "Must I shout it from the rooftop? Think, man. The king will have spies everywhere. It is open rebellion we are talking about."

The abbot's frown deepened, but he held his tongue.

"See here," offered Count Falkes, adopting a lighter tone, "the envoy and his people will only be here another day or two. We will simply entertain them with good grace, reassure them of our intentions, and send them on their way. Where's the harm in that?"

"Why are they here?" demanded the abbot. "That's what I want to know. His Holiness has given no indication of sending an envoy to England."

"And does the pope now confide his every private thought to you, Abbot?" Falkes gave an airily dismissive wave of his hand; the movement caused a twinge of pain in his chest-a lingering reminder of the arrow wound that had nearly taken his life. "All will be well. I propose that we host a feast in their honour and send them on their way."

"A feast," murmured Hugo. "Yes, I think we might do just that. We could also hang that tiresome rogue for them-that should give them something to talk about."

"Hang the rebel?" wondered Falkes. "Are you finished with him, then?"

"Long since," answered the abbot. "It was folly to hope he would tell us anything worth hearing. It's all a morass of confusion and lies, and so tedious it makes my teeth ache."

"Well, it cost us little enough to find out," Falkes countered. "In any event, it hurts nothing to try."

"I suppose," allowed the abbot. "I should hang him twice over for wasting my time."

"Well, you would have hanged him anyway in the end," concluded Falkes. "De Glanville and I had our disagreements over the Twelfth Night executions, God knows. But I cannot say I will be sorry to see this one dangle. The sooner we rid ourselves of these bandits, the better."

Now, with the feast about to begin, they were all seated in a hastily erected pavilion facing the open ground behind the church, where some of Marshal Guy's knights and a few of the sheriff 's men were performing mock battle manoeuvres. In a show of military might, the great, galloping destriers' hooves threw clots of turf high, churning up the soft earth. The glint of sword blade and lance head blazed like lightning strokes in the bright sunlight; the resounding crack of oak lance shafts, the clank of heavy steel, and the shouts of the soldiers lent excitement to an otherwise ordinary display. The feast-day crowd swarmed the square behind the canopy-covered platform, their voices filling the air with loud, if somewhat forced, levity as they bellowed rude songs and screamed with laughter at the antics of the wandering troupe of tumblers, minstrels, and storytellers the count and abbot had procured especially for the occasion.

At the entrance to Saint Martin's churchyard, a new gibbet had been erected from which to hang the criminal, whose execution was now to mark the occasion of the papal envoy's visit. One sight of the captive as he was escorted from the guardhouse sent the crowd scampering for places from which to view the spectacle. Some cheered, others blew their noses, and still others threw rotten apples and eggs at the bearded, dishevelled prisoner as he was hauled across the square on the arms of his guards.

As the wretch neared the pavilion, Father Dominic summoned his interpreter and whispered something into his ear. Brother Alfonso leaned close, nodded, then turned to the count and said, "My Lord Count, the envoy says that he is most interested in this case. He would like to know what crime this unfortunate has committed."

"Pray, tell His Eminence that he is a traitor to the crown," the count explained. "He, along with other desperate rebels, has sought to pervert the course of the king's justice, and has on numerous occasions attacked the king's men and prevented them from engaging in their lawful duties. He has incited rebellion against the crown. This, of course, is treason."

"A very grave crime, indeed," observed the envoy through his interpreter. "Is that not so?"

"Indeed," agreed the sheriff, intruding into the conversation. "But if that was not enough, this criminal is also a thief. He has stolen money and other valuables from travellers passing through the forest."

"A very rogue," agreed the envoy.

"That and more," said Count Falkes. "We have good reason to believe that he was part of a gang of outlaws that have plagued this commot since we established our rule in this lawless region. Indeed, we have it from his own lips that he has violated Forest Law by killing the king's deer-also a capital offence."

As these words were delivered to the envoy, the sheriff added, "These murderers have been responsible for the deaths of many good men. They answer to one known as King Raven, who styles himself a phantom of the greenwood."

At this, the special ambassador of Pope Clement turned suddenly, clapped his hands, and exclaimed, "Rhi Bran y Hud!"

Both count and sheriff were taken aback by this unexpected outburst and regarded the priest with alarm. After a quick word with the ambassador, Alfonso, the interpreter, confided, "His Eminence says that word of this phantom has reached him."

"Truly?" wondered Count Falkes, greatly amazed.

"It must be the same," said Father Dominic through his interpreter. "There cannot be more than one, surely."

"Surely not," confirmed the sheriff. "But never fear, Your Eminence. These outlaws cannot elude us much longer. We will bring them to justice. They will all hang before another year is out."

The condemned man was brought to stand before the nobles and dignitaries in the pavilion. He stared dull-eyed, his expression slack, hair and beard matted and filthy. The sheriff, splendid in his green velvet cloak and belt of gold discs, rose and held up a gloved hand for silence from the swiftly gathering crowd. "Be it known," he called out, his voice cutting through the chatter, "that on this day, in accordance with the rule of law, the criminal William Scatlocke, also known as Scarlet, is put to death for crimes against the crown-namely treachery, rebellion, robbery, and the abuse of the king's sheriff, Richard de Glanville." The sheriff 's eyes narrowed. "None other than myself."

He paused to allow these words to be translated for the foreigners, then continued, saying, "The hour of your death is upon you, thief and murderer. Have you anything to say before justice is served?"

The outlaw known as Will Scarlet glowered at the sheriff and spat. "Do your worst, de Glanville," he growled, his voice low. "We all know who the real rogues are."

With a disinterested flick of his hand, the sheriff said, "Take him away."

"It is said that the Welshmen are cunning archers," observed Father Dominic as the prisoner was dragged away to the gibbet.

"So they would have their ignorant countrymen believe," sneered the sheriff. "Believe me, they are nothing more than a rabble-unruly as they are untrained."

"Even so, I have heard a Welsh archer can put an arrow into the eye of a blackbird in flight."

"Tales for children," said Falkes, with a small, hollow laugh. "Although, I daresay the Welsh appear to believe it themselves."

"I understand," replied the envoy through his interpreter. "As it happens, I myself am an archer."

"Indeed, my lord?" said Falkes, feigning interest.

"Oh, yes!" said the envoy, his enthusiasm plain, even through the remove of a translator. "I count the days spent with a bow in my hand blessed. It helps ease the burden of my office, you see."

"Well, I suppose," granted the count, "it must be pleasant for you."

"It is the one secular pursuit I allow myself," continued the envoy, confiding his observations to Alfonso, who dutifully passed them along. "As a child, I myself often enjoyed hunting with a bow on my father's estate in Spain. I know well enough what such a weapon can do in the hands of one well schooled in its use. You are right to fear the rebels."

"We do not fear them," insisted the sheriff. "It is merely that…" Unable to finish this assertion in a convincing way, he paused, then concluded lamely, "They do not fight fairly."

The prisoner was brought to stand beneath the gallows, and the rope was knotted and thrown over the short stout gibbet arm. The soldiers began tying the victim's legs with short bands of cloth.

"I see," replied Father Dominic when the sheriff 's words had been made clear to him. He shrugged, then smiled, turned to Lady Ghisella beside him and exchanged a brief word, whereupon the envoy suddenly announced, "My cousin would like to see the Welshman ply the bow."

"What!" asked the sheriff, looking around suddenly. The request caught him off guard.

"But that is not possible, Your Eminence," said Count de Braose. "A man like that"-he flung his hand towards the group at the gallows-"must not be given a deadly weapon under any circumstances."

"Ah, I understand," said Father Dominic through his translator. "It is that you fear him too greatly. I understand. Perhaps there is something in this children's tale you speak of after all, no?"

"No!" said Abbot Hugo, at the count's silent urging, "Pray do not misunderstand. It is not that we fear him, but merely that it would be unwise to allow him to lay hands to the very weapon he has used to kill and maim our soldiers. He is a condemned man and must be executed according to the law."

At this the papal envoy's ordinarily woeful features arranged themselves in a wide grin of pleasure. Brother Alfonso turned and announced, "His Eminence wishes to assure you that he is looking forward to the execution as much as anyone, but suggests that there is good sport to be had before it takes place. These affairs are, after all, very short-lived, shall we say." The sallow monk smiled at his wordplay. "It is a commonplace in Italy and elsewhere, that wagers are placed on such things as how many kicks the condemned will produce, how long he will swing before he succumbs, or whether he will piss himself, things like this. A good wager heightens the enjoyment of the occasion, yes?"

"I see," replied the count coolly. "What sort of wager does your master think appropriate here?"

After a quick consultation, Brother Alfonso replied, "His Eminence suggests that a demonstration of some sort would be amusing."

"Perhaps," granted the count. "What sort of demonstration?"

"As an archer himself, Father Dominic is especially keen to see this prisoner's skill."

"Well, I suppose something might be arranged," Count Falkes conceded at last. "If it is what our guest wants, I see no good reason to deny him."

"No. Wager or no, it is impossible," declared the sheriff. "Out of the question."

But the discussion had already moved on. "His Eminence suggests that as his own skill with the bow is exceptional, he begs the boon of participating in an archery contest with the condemned, and that in accordance with the best tradition the prisoner be allowed to draw for his freedom."

"What?" wondered the sheriff in slack-jawed dismay at the insane proposal.

Brother Alfonso continued, "His Eminence says that the contest can have no meaning or excitement without consequences, and of course the only prize to rouse the poor wretch's interest would be the chance to draw for his life."

"If His Eminence should fail, a dangerous criminal-one who has attacked me personally, mind!-would be spared the consequences of his crimes. Justice would be made a laughingstock."

"The man has been in your dungeons for how long?"

"Five months or so," replied the sheriff. "Why?"

"Five months is a very great punishment in itself," observed Brother Alfonso. "Aside from that, Father Dominic will no doubt hold the advantage over the prisoner and wishes to assure you that the wretch will hang this day. Nevertheless, there must be a prize at stake-otherwise the sport is meaningless."

It took a moment for the emissary's meaning to become absolutely clear. "An archery contest," considered Count Falkes carefully, "with freedom of the prisoner as the prize."

"It is what the pope's ambassador wants," answered Brother Alfonso. "Lady Ghisella would be much amused as well. They are certain to carry back a good report to His Holiness."

Both sheriff and count appealed to Abbot Hugo, who had suddenly become very quiet and thoughtful. "Well? Speak up!" hissed the sheriff. "Tell His Eminence it is impossible. The rogue hangs here and now, and that is that."

"But it is not," whispered the abbot sharply in reply. "Our guest seems determined to have his way, and Baron de Braose would not be pleased to hear that we refused the envoy any simple request it was in our power to grant."

"Any simple request!" muttered the sheriff in a strangled voice. "We cannot risk setting that rogue free."

"Nor will we," Hugo assured him. "Let the pope's fool have his contest. All we need do is make certain the Welshman does not win."

"He is right," concluded Falkes. "My uncle would not look kindly on anything that threatened his good favour with Clement. We must find a way to please His Eminence, however strange the request. Need I remind you that we are not in favour with the baron just now? Letting the legate have this ridiculous contest might be just what we need to return ourselves to the baron's good graces."

The sheriff gazed at the other two as at men bereft of their reason.

"Find a bow, and let the contest begin," commanded the count. "Meanwhile, de Glanville, I think you should go"-he paused so the sheriff would not mistake his meaning-"and prepare the prisoner."

"Yes," added the abbot. "See to it nothing is left to chance."

"Very well," answered the sheriff, catching their meaning at last. "I will attend the prisoner personally."

Turning to his guests, Count Falkes adopted a grand and gracious air and announced, "Please convey to His Eminence and his entourage that I am pleased to grant his request. I have therefore arranged for the contest to take place. However, I fear it may not be as entertaining as His Grace might wish. As we shall see, these bandits are not as skilled as they make out."

"My thanks to you, Lord Count," said the envoy, and immediately climbed down from the pavilion and began making his way across the grounds towards the gibbet.

"Wait! Your Eminence, a moment, if you please!" cried the count, hurrying after him. "You must allow us to ready the contest."

The papal envoy was led back to his place in the pavilion to be entertained by Abbot Hugo; meanwhile, the count hurried on to order a target to be made up, and a bow and arrows to be found and brought to the field.

"This is absurd!" growled Marshal Guy when Falkes explained what was going to take place. "Is he insane?"

"No doubt," remarked the count, "but he has Pope Clement's ear and goodwill. We dare not upset him or give him cause to complain of his reception while he was here."

The marshal glanced at the pavilion across the greensward. "What do you want me to do?"

"Just make it look like a reasonable competition between two archers. The sheriff is taking measures to make certain our prisoner is in no way able to win this contest," said the count, stepping away. "Do your best to make it look fair, and all will be well."

Guy de Gysburne looked across to the bound captive with the rope around his neck as he stood waiting beneath the gallows. "Knowing the sheriff, the contest is well in hand."