Scrivener’s Tale

Cassien looked between his two minders uncertain of what this impasse meant.

‘Yes, I know,’ Fynch said evenly, ‘but I will guide Cassien from here. We look obvious enough as a pair, but as a trio we draw far too much attention.’

‘Brother Josse didn’t say anything to me,’ Loup replied, his brow furrowing deeply.

‘Brother Josse knows he is being paid for Cassien’s services, Loup. He gave me the freedom to set up Cassien’s mission — that he is aware of — as I choose. He made no stipulations.’

‘This is very unusual. He always briefs me. And he said nothing other than to take you into the forest to Cassien and then to bring you both back.’

‘Bring us both back to where I required,’ Fynch corrected. ‘I agree it’s probably unusual but then this is a very unusual mission. So, thank you, Loup, for bringing us to this point. I can recommend the Jug and Hare for a night’s rest.’ He extended a tiny jangling pouch to Loup. ‘This coin should cover your stay and a very good meal with plenty of ale. You have earned it.’

Loup stared at it, nonplussed. Cassien would have been surprised if Loup had taken it. No member of the Brotherhood was motivated by money.

‘You can journey to Hambleton tomorrow.’ Still the man didn’t move, but raised his gaze to Fynch and Cassien saw a hint of defiance in it. ‘This is beyond your control now,’ Fynch continued, with gentle caution, his voice just fractionally firmer, but no louder. He didn’t jangle the pouch, or push it any further forward.

‘Loup,’ Cassien began, feeling obliged to get involved, ‘you know where my loyalties lie. They’ve never been in question and I hope you don’t question them now. I am told this is for the Crown. We must assist. It is our purpose in life.’ He put a hand on the man’s thick shoulder. ‘It’s what you’ve trained me for. Let me do my work.’ He eased the pouch from Fynch’s outstretched palm into Loup’s reluctant one, believing that his conferring of the money might make it easier on his Brother’s conscience. The move seemed to work. Loup looked down at the tiny sack in his hand and didn’t move or speak.

Cassien turned to Fynch, who nodded. They walked away, not in a hurry, but also not dragging their heels. Neither looked around, although Cassien didn’t have to in order to know that Loup watched them until they had long disappeared.

‘That was well done,’ Fynch admitted.

‘Did you think he wouldn’t let us go?’

‘It crossed my mind. I didn’t want any attention drawn to us.’

‘Why do I think you didn’t discuss us coming to Barrowdean with Brother Josse?’

‘Because you are intuitive,’ said Fynch.

‘So is Loup.’

‘But Loup is obedient.’

‘So am I.’

‘But you live by your instincts. Loup doesn’t. He does only what he’s told. He can’t deviate.’

‘Except today,’ Cassien said, feeling a sudden surge of guilt.

‘Forget Loup. From now on you need to assume that everyone is your enemy.’

Cassien scoffed. ‘That’s dramatic.’

‘I can’t tell you from whom the threat might come.’

Cassien frowned as they walked, skirting the town, struggling with the noise, the dusty air and the new smells most of all.

‘You’ll have to get used to it,’ Fynch remarked and when Cassien threw him a glance, he added: ‘Your expression says droves, but you need to adjust quickly. I can’t have you staring in wonder at everything, or looking as shocked or disconcerted as you do, or you’ll be noticed.’

Cassien nodded absently, well aware that while his life had been slowed to a crawl, the rest of the world had clearly sped up. There were many people on the move, lots of yelling and frustrated carters angry with people in their way, while other people tried to weave around the disruptions, busy with their own chores. He saw a young woman lugging a basket as big as herself, full of linen. His inclination was to help her carry it but he knew by the set of her mouth how independent she obviously was. Dogs barked and gathered in groups, a bit like the old men sitting outside the dinch-houses grumbling about younger men and ogling the women who passed. There were so many people, so many horses and carts, wheelbarrows and activity. It made him feel dizzy.

‘Look at that,’ Fynch remarked, nodding toward the men clustered around their steaming pots. ‘We didn’t even know what dinch was in my time. Now we have watering holes dedicated to it.’

‘Really? Even I know dinch,’ Cassien replied.

‘You’re a lot younger than me,’ Fynch said with a wry smile. ‘It came over with the travellers and merchants. I gather the Penravens are particularly fond of their dinch and guard their recipes zealously. Would you like to take some with me?’ Fynch guided him to a table outside another dinch-house.

A serving girl was at their side immediately. She grinned at Cassien, who blinked.

‘I’ll have a pot please,’ Fynch said.

‘And for you, handsome?’ she said winking at Cassien.

‘The same,’ he said, amused by her saucy manner.

She bent down to place a jar of honey on their table, making sure that Cassien enjoyed a generous view of her breasts. ‘Right back, sirs,’ she said, casting him a jaunty smile before taking her next order. ‘Going to the bathhouse later?’ she quipped.

Cassien was too busy hungrily watching her to register her comment and it was several long moments before his wits came back and he turned to Fynch, realising how quiet it suddenly was. Fynch was smiling at him.

‘Sorry,’ Cassien said.

‘Don’t be. How long is it since you’ve been with a woman?’

He was not ready for such a direct question.

Fynch grinned and just for a moment Cassien glimpsed a boyish innocence. ‘Was that too direct?’

‘Er … it just took me by surprise.’

Fynch chuckled, genuinely amused. ‘I wanted to put you at your ease so you don’t have to apologise for enjoying the sight of a pretty girl. Did the priory make provision for your … needs?’

Cassien’s brief gust of a laugh was answer enough.

‘Ah,’ Fynch said, ‘that explains the phiggo root I noticed in your hut.’

He stared at the older man, confused. ‘I was instructed to brew a liquor from it each week and drink a spoon of it daily.’

‘Yes, I’m sure you were and I’m also sure that Loup checked on that brew and your supplies regularly.’

Cassien nodded. ‘He was quite particular. Assured me it was for strength, good health.’

Fynch sighed. ‘It’s traditionally used by armies to keep the men focused on their soldiering. It’s why you haven’t gone mad with pent-up lust.’

Cassien looked at his companion, astounded by this information. It made instant sense but that didn’t lessen the shock. ‘They drugged me?’ he murmured, shaking his head.

‘How else could they keep a virile young man in the forest without companionship for so long?’ Fynch nodded at the approaching serving girl. ‘Anyway, I’m sure you’ll rectify the situation soon enough, although perhaps it should wait until we reach Pearlis.’

Fynch hurried the serving girl on with a bigger than usual tip. He gently tossed the moneybag and a second one he’d dug from a pocket across the table. ‘You’ve had no need of coin in the past. But you will need it from here on. Tie those to your belt, although I do think we should kit you out with some fresh garb.’