the sanctuary of the Church.'
''e is a thief,' demanded the men.
The guards who had been pulled out of the sea came up at that time and demanded that Richard be released to them.
'Nay,' said the priest. ''e is entitled to sanctuary. I will listen to 'im and will determine whether 'e shuld 'ave penance or shuld be returned to you. Until then, you will leave 'im be.'
The men stepped forward, but the priest held his ground and stepped in front of Richard.
'Leave this 'oly 'ouse, or as God is me witness, you will nay prevail,' shouted the priest.
With that the men backed away and left while breathing out threatenings to Richard.
'Comb with me,' said the priest after he barred the door.
'You 'ave me thanks father,' said Richard gratefully.
'Do nay thank me yet, me sone,' said the priest. 'I 'ave nay decided whot to do with you. Tell me why they are so intent on your capture.' As he spoke, he produced a knife and cut the rope off Richard's hands.
Richard related to the priest the entire story of the thieves and his own attempt to return the stolen pouch to John and of his capture. The priest studied Richard's face and eyes as he listened intently. After Richard finished the priest said, 'Your story is true. You are free to leave as you wish, boot if you do so before dark, they will catch you.'
Richard remained in the church the rest of the day. The priest only left the church once for a brief period during that time. Richard spent a good portion of the day studying the windows. The priest spoke to Richard about the stories depicted in the glass and Richard explained to the priest the process of glazing windows.
After it was dark, the priest told Richard that he needed to go home soon. 'I can nay 'elp you escape you know.'
'Aye,' said Richard.
The priest also complained about a tear in his habit and left it hanging near the bell tower. As he did, he said, 'This old 'abit is nay fit for moths to eat. I no longer want it. If I gave it to you, you may yet find a use for it.' The priest then said that he needed to put the candles out before he left and he walked to the front of the chapel. As he did, he also said that there was some food behind a bush at the back door of his house next to the church and that he had left it there for the poor or the needy. After the priest walked away, Richard put on the habit and walked out into the night. He tried to keep a casual pace so as to not draw attention to himself. He went directly to the priest's back door and found the food that was stowed behind the bush and then he crossed the square and started up an alleyway that led to the woods. While the church was still in sight, he turned and glanced back. The priest had come out without his habit on. As soon as he was outside the church, several men jumped from behind headstones and grabbed him, wrestling him to the ground and binding him. He didn't let out a sound, but endured the harsh treatment as he was physically carried away by the men. Richard turned and casually walked the road to the woods. Once at the woods, he shed the habit and hid it beneath a dense bush.
He then ran until he was out of breath, but he continued walking all night. Near morning, he found a thickly wooded area to sleep during the day. He knew that it was going to be a long walk to Easton-on-the-hill and he would have to travel at night for the first portion. As he lay down to sleep, he allowed himself to think of Margaret and home for the first time that day.
______
Margaret waited until she was alone with Geva before she approached her, when she did, she said, 'Geva, I believe that I am with child.' Geva's face lite up at the news.
'Can you be sure?' she asked with excitement.
'I believe that it is so,' replied Margaret, the excitement of the possibility lighting up her eyes.
'Whot signs do you 'ave?'
'Until recently, morning food 'as been distasteful and difficult to retain and there are other signs as well.'
'Margaret, I am so 'appy for you. Does Richard know this?'
'Nay, I did nay wish for 'im to