Belaset's Daughter - By Feona J Hamilton Page 0,68
dourly. "Here is the message. Ride to London, and seek out William Monchesny. He is among those who have taken the Tower for de Montfort. Give him this message, which you will memorise, for it must not be written. ’FitzHugh is not for us. Sir Roger bids you do as agreed in such case.’"
"’FitzHugh is not for us. Sir Roger bids you do as agreed in such case’", repeated the man, obediently.
"It must be said with those exact words," said de Tourney. "Do you understand?"
The man nodded.
"It is but a short message, my lord," he said, soothingly. "I shall not forget. But how am I to prove from whom I come? I cannot simply ride up to the Tower of London and demand entry."
"You are not expected to," said Sir Roger. "Show them this."
He took a ring from off his right hand and gave it to the sergeant-at-arms. Set in the thick gold band was a large, black stone. The sergeant-at-arms gazed at it curiously, before placing it in a pouch slung from his belt.
"You will start immediately," said Sir Roger. "I want the message delivered today, before dusk."
"Am I to return as quickly?" said the man.
"There is no hurry once the message is given," said Sir Roger. "Monchesny will make all arrangements for you to stay and rest."
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The man bowed sketchily, turned, staggered slightly, and left the room. Sir Roger smiled. Monchesny would know, from the wording of the message, that the sergeant’s rest was to be eternal.
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CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Three bone-weary travellers stopped at the top of the hill, and looked across at the looming bulk of Lewes Castle. It was almost completely dark, and only the outlines of the building and the houses beneath it could be seen from up here. The gates in the town wall would be shut at this hour, and the watchman would challenge anyone trying to enter.
"You have no choice but to come with us," said Judith.
Jervis still hesitated.
"How can I impose myself on your family at this hour?" he protested. "They will be shocked enough to see you and Aaron, let alone a complete stranger and..."
He tailed off in embarrassment.
"...and one who is not Jewish?" prompted Judith.
"I thank you for your wording," said Jervis, stiff with formality suddenly.
Aaron chuckled.
"You have no need for awkwardness," he said. "Judith’s mother will be so grateful to you for bringing her daughter back in safety, that she will love you instantly! Is that not so, Judith?"
"She will indeed," said Judith, wryly. "And she will be even more grateful to be allowed to feel that I need looking after by a man or two like any maidenly young woman."
"Ah, well," said Jervis, in mock resignation. "How can I refuse the opportunity to make a mother so happy?"
"You cannot," said Judith. "Especially as the gates to the town are closed, and our houses are the only ones outside the walls."
"True enough!" said Jervis. "I am convinced. Let us greet your mother, then, and restore her daughter to her!"
He make a mocking flourish with his hand and urged his horse forward once more. The other two followed suit, and they trotted along the ridge and then down the slight slope toward the few houses where the Jewish community of Lewes had settled. Judith took the lead as they entered, and the horses were slowed to a walk. Making as little noise as possible, they arrived at Belaset’s house without attracting any attention. It was dark and shuttered.
Judith dismounted, whispering to the others to do the same. Then, giving the bridle of her horse to Aaron, she turned and knocked on the wooden shutter to the right of the BOSON BOOKS
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door. It was not a loud knock, but it beat a distinct rhythm. After a pause, she repeated it, and Jervis realised that she was giving a recognised signal to any listener.
Only seconds after, there was the sound of bolts being drawn back from the other side of the door, then of a key turning in a well-oiled lock. The door was pulled open and Belaset herself stood on the threshold, holding up a dark-lantern. Her hand flew to her mouth to stifle a cry of joy, as she saw her daughter.
Standing aside, she beckoned them through the doorway. Leading their horses, they filed in and through into the yard behind. Belaset closed the door behind them, locking them all safely in again, and pushing home the bolts.