Sparrows

Part 4

Part 4

    

       'Tis done. My son and husband are shriven and buried, but not in the church yard as I would have wished. The little stout friar said it was no matter, God and his saints recognise all innocents when come upon.

      I was so close to laughing when he said that, the high and mighty knight looked at me with scornful eyes. But I clenched my teeth, held my tongue still.

     How could I tell this godly man that while my babe was sinless, my husband was not. Not by any saints judgement. A lecher and a bully, is what he was.

     Tom is sleeping now, his small head in my lap. I stroke the dirty dark hair and hum a lullaby softly, to soothe his poor dreams.

I will not let others see my grief. I know when they look they see base, dull

peasants. They expect us to whine, beg for alms and aid.

We will not.

   The big friar is crooning to the old nag that draws the waggon, the small one is talking in earnest with the ill-tempered knight. They are arguing, but the friar never raises his voice. The knight slams about and looks angrily at us. What do I care? There is nothing but the open road for Tom and me now.

I can feel the tears, they make my eyes itch.

    I will not cry.

            I-WILL-NOT!

                               

 

                             ###

      

     "And what is your name child?"

     The question puzzled Haddie, those of higher station did not usually ask the names of peasants. "Hadwise, I am Hadwise." Touching her stepson's shoulder, she said, "and this is Tom."

     Friar William nodded, as if there is significance in it, that it could aid them in their predicament. "Do you have people you can go to, family perhaps?" He asked quietly.

      Haddie caught the scowling glance of the knight and almost snapped at the holy man. "Crumleigh, the convent there will take us in."

     "Ah, Crumleigh...I see..." The idea seemed to please him. Turning to the sergeant at arms, the friar asked. "Is it out of our way by much?

The big man sucked in his mouth, as if tasting a sour apple. "Not by much." He glanced at the knight who was busy with the strap at his courser's belly. "Will he allow it d'ya think?"

     "Oh aye he'll allow it right enough." The little friar dusted off his hands and stood straight. "Come, if we leave now we may make up the time. There is nothing here for you now child, come away."

     "Crumleigh, that's where we are going." Haddie whispered into Tom's hair with soft conviction.

    "Then look lively, we best be on our way afore Sir Robert reaches the end of his forbearance." Blount nodded knowingly towards his captain.

     Haddie nudged Tom awake and sleepily he rose. Together they gathered what little they had left. Brother Jocelyn, the huge, silent friar, lifted Tom onto the waggon with care and gentleness as Haddie loaded their pitiful belongings.