Spiteful bones, p.21
Spiteful Bones, page 21
Crispin hesitated before he relented with a sigh and moved to the fire, sitting in his chair. Jack knelt and fed it more fuel. It flamed brightly, illuminating their solemn faces for a moment.
‘I suppose you’d best know. Henry is being banished by the king.’
‘Lord Henry? What for?’
‘Because Richard wants him out of the way.’
‘That sarding—’
‘Speak no treason at my hearth, Jack. There’s already enough of it here.’
‘But, sir!’
He shivered and edged closer to the fire. It could not seem to permeate the coldness in his bones. ‘I fear this, Jack. I fear what will now happen. Richard seems to have lost his mind. He’s moving against his own family. I cannot see good coming of it. And now Henry tells me that Lancaster is ill.’
‘Oh, master. I know he is like a father to you.’
‘Henry charged me with keeping him safe. But if Richard moves against him, what good can I do?’
‘Your best, sir. That’s what you’ve always taught me. Do your best, as best you can. It’s all any man or our Lord could ask.’
‘You’re right, of course. I shall do my best. For all the good it will do.’
‘The Lord watches over us, you and me. And only the Lord knows why.’
‘Only He knows.’
‘I think …’ said Jack, pondering. ‘I think it’s why he puts all them relics in your path.’
‘Jack,’ he began, admonishing.
‘No, sir. I know you don’t believe in them, in their power, but I’ve seen them too. And they do have power. They’ve led you to higher and higher places. They’ve led you to do the good and justice you’ve done. They’ve made you the man you are.’
‘The man I am. Called a traitor by my king, and living on the Shambles. I don’t know that I can be particularly proud of the man I am.’
‘Master Crispin—’
He held up his hand. ‘You didn’t let me finish. If I am to be proud of my life, then I am proud of your being in it; for bringing love and the laughter of children into my home. For being the loyal man you have been. I am most proud of you, Jack. And I thank God for it.’
‘Ah, sir.’ He could well see the redness blooming on his apprentice’s cheek.
‘You’ve kept your vigil long enough. Get you to your chamber and to your wife. I’m sure she’s been awake and worried for you too.’
Jack rose slowly and stretched. ‘Aye. I’d best go. She’ll have words for me if I stay here much longer.’
‘That is a lie. I know she is as loyal as you are. And would wish you to keep watch for your pitiful master.’
He nodded and couldn’t quite stifle a yawn. ‘Good night, sir. God keep you.’
‘And you, Jack.’
He watched his apprentice climb the steps, dragging his feet up each riser. He thought of following him to his own bed, but maybe he’d stay by the fire just a little longer. A little longer to think and to plan.
AFTERWORD
Many thanks go out to Anne Sidell for helping me with the Latin.
And now, John Rykener. He’s wonderful as both a fictionalized character and as the real person he was. Can we consider Rykener a transgender person? Or is it only with our modern perception that he is so? In a time period where such vocabulary for issues of gender could not exist, it is impossible to say. He could no more imagine a world where transgender or gay people were accepted than a trip to the moon. I hope I have done him justice in his life. He had a lot of chutzpah, I’ll give him that.
The relic played no role in this venture. Indeed, there may or may not be a relic of St Elmo’s hair. But there were other more pressing events going on that the relic had to sit on the sidelines as they sometimes did in past Crispin adventures.
And speaking of Crispin’s adventures, they are almost over. It’s hard to believe. I’ve been living with this character since I wrote Cup of Blood way back in 2003, trying to get this medieval hardboiled detective just right. Actually, it took three years prior to that to form in my mind who Crispin Guest should be. Unfortunately, though Cup of Blood was not to be published until I self-published it in 2015 as a prequel between publishers, St Martin’s did pick up the series in 2007 beginning with Veil of Lies. Crispin has had two publishers … well, three if you count my own imprint of ‘Old London Press’; first with St Martin’s Minotaur and then with Severn House. I am grateful for both publishers for having enough faith in my medieval detective to give him space on their bookshelves.
Crispin was the founder of the feast, my first published novel, with his numerous award nominations. Getting into this medieval man’s mindset has been the joy of my writing life.
But all good things must come to an end. The next book is indeed the last Crispin Guest adventure, The Deadliest Sin, where Crispin finds himself investigating a murder at the St Frideswide priory, where nuns are dying in the manner of the Seven Deadly Sins. But with the throne of England in an uproar in that fateful year of 1399, he soon finds himself fighting for his very existence as he must choose once again whether to do battle for King Richard or with his enemies.
If you liked this book, please review it. And do take a look at my website JeriWesterson.com for my other genres and standalones. Thank you for reading.
Jeri Westerson, Spiteful Bones
