he had known even then that it was up to him to wipe out his father's humiliation by becoming a knight, perhaps a baron, even an earl. Merthin, by contrast, had been apprenticed to a carpenter, and set on a road that could only lead farther down the social hill. Builders were never made knights.
It was some consolation that their father was unimpressed by Merthin's success. He showed signs of impatience when Maud talked about building projects. "My elder son seems to have inherited the blood of Jack Builder, my only low-born ancestor," he said, and his tone was amazed rather than proud. "But, Ralph, tell us how you're getting on at the court of Earl Roland."
Unfortunately, Ralph had so far mysteriously failed to rise in the nobility, whereas Merthin was buying his parents new clothes and expensive dinners. Ralph knew he should just be grateful that one of them had won success, and that even if his parents remained humble they could at least be comfortable. But, though his mind told him to rejoice, his heart seethed with resentment.
And now he had to persuade his brother to give up the bridge. The trouble with Merthin was that he would never see anything simply. He was not like the knights and squires with whom Ralph had spent the last seven years. They were fighting men. In their world loyalties were clear, bravery was the virtue, and the issue was life or death. There was never much need for deep thought. But Menhin thought about everything. He could not play a game of chequers without suggesting a change in the rules.
He was explaining to their parents why he had accepted four acres of barren rock in part payment for his work on the bridge. "Everyone thinks the land is worthless because it's an island," he said. "What they don't realize is that when the bridge is built the island will become part of the city. Townspeople will walk across the bridge just as they walk along the main street. And four acres of city land is very valuable. If I build houses on it, the rents will be worth a fortune."
Gerald said: "You've a few years to wait before then."
"I'm getting some income from it already. Jake Chepstow is renting half an acre to use as a timber yard. He's bringing logs from Wales."
"Why from Wales?" Gerald asked. "The New Forest is nearer - their wood should be cheaper."
"It should be, but the earl of Shaftesbury charges a toll or a tax at every river ford and bridge in his territory."
It was a familiar gripe. Many lords found ways to tax goods that passed through their territories.
As they started to eat, Ralph said to Merthin: "I bring you news of another opportunity. The earl wants to build a new palace at Earlscastle."
Merthin looked suspicious. "He sent you to ask me to design it?"
"I suggested you. Lady Philippa was berating him about how old-fashioned the keep is, and I said I knew the right person to talk to."
Maud was thrilled. "Isn't that wonderful?"
Merthin remained sceptical. "And the earl said he wanted me?"
"Yes."
"Amazing. A few months ago I couldn't get a job. Now I've got too much to do. And Earlscastle is two days away. I don't see how I could build a palace there and a bridge here at the same time."
"Oh, you'll have to give up the bridge," Ralph said.
"What?"
"Work for the earl has to take precedence over everything else, naturally."
"I'm not sure that's right."
"Take it from me."
"Did he say that?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact, he did."
Their father joined in. "This is a marvellous opportunity, Merthin," he said. "To build a palace for an earl!"
"Of course it is," Merthin replied. "But a bridge for this town is at least as important."
"Don't be stupid," his father said.
"I do my best not to be," Merthin said sarcastically.
"The earl of Shiring is one of the great men of the land. The prior of Kingsbridge is a nobody, by comparison."
Ralph cut a slice of goose thigh and put it in his mouth, but he could hardly swallow. He had been afraid of this. Merthin was going to be difficult. He would not take orders from their father, either. He had never been obedient, even as a child.
Ralph felt desperate. "Listen," he said. "The earl doesn't want the new bridge to be built. He thinks it will take business away from Shiring."
"Aha," said Gerald. "You don't want to go up against the earl,