A Conspiracy of Wolves

Gwenllian and Hugh came running to greet Owen as he stepped through the door. He’d come through the kitchen, loath to leave a trail through the hall.

‘We’ll pull off your boots, Da,’ Gwen offered. ‘Sit thee down.’

Ah. A budding Magda Digby. ‘Wouldst thou?’ he asked, grabbing her up and tickling her.

‘Hugh, too!’ his son shouted.

‘Alisoun has company,’ said Kate as she handed him an ale. ‘Master Crispin and Dame Muriel.’

‘Together?’

‘No. But, well, if I were to wager– Oh, Hugh!’

The lad had fallen onto the flagstones as the boot he tugged on released unexpectedly. His face crinkled as he felt the pain, and his mouth opened, releasing a loud howl.

‘I met a couple who howl like that together,’ said Owen, leaning over to pick up his son with the fiery hair and the powerful lungs. ‘And she was wearing skins, had her face painted like Wren’s.’

That got Hugh’s attention, and he quieted, even began to smile as Owen tickled him.

Over the boy’s shoulder Owen looked at Kate. ‘Is Wren still here?’

‘She is, much to Mistress Alisoun’s discomfort. She would do everything for her, and you know Mistress Alisoun, such fussing is most unwelcome.’

‘My friend says you shot people with your bow and arrows, Da. Is it true?’ Gwenllian’s voice broke a little on the question.

He set Hugh down and crouched to his daughter. ‘I did so to prevent them from causing more harm, and to slow them down so that I might catch them and bring them to answer for their crimes. I do not kill unless it is the only way to save others.’

‘Alisoun killed.’

‘She did not mean to. The man moved too quickly.’

‘Master Burnby the coroner came to tell Alisoun she should not bring her weapons into the city. A girl has no business with such things.’

‘He said that to Alisoun?’

A grave nod. ‘She does not like him.’

‘I doubt she does.’

‘But he said, “Captain Archer has power now, so he’ll defend you,” and then he left. I thought you should know.’

So Owen and the coroner had a problem. ‘I am grateful for the warning, my love.’

‘I think he wishes he had her courage.’

‘I do, too!’ Hugh shouted.

How had Owen’s children grown so wise so quickly?

An afternoon and evening with his family did much to restore Owen. Once the children had gone up with Lena, Jasper had retired, Alisoun and Magda had moved their pallets into the kitchen, Wren insisting on sleeping on a pallet at the foot of their bed, Owen and Lucie settled in front of the hearth fire.

‘I cannot recall the last time we were so alone,’ said Lucie, ‘except in bed.’

‘Do not say it! You will jinx the moment.’ Owen laughed as he pulled her close, kissed her. ‘I hated being away from you.’

‘I am glad you did not try to ride into the night. But the bed was so cold.’ She kissed him back, rubbed his hands.

He asked her how she was coping with the loss of Philippa, the aunt who had become so much a part of their lives. He watched her lovely face as the emotions rose, and held her close as she spoke with love of her aunt’s big heart, her strength, her quiet support.

‘Yesterday I found Gwenllian curled up in Philippa’s cape, whispering to herself,’ she said. ‘And Hugh seems confused about whether or not she’ll return. He seems to think that good souls resurrect, and he is certain she qualifies. At any moment she might appear on our doorstep.’

‘The worst time for them to see their beloved Alisoun bedridden,’ said Owen.

‘I know. Of a sudden they see that those they love can be hurt, or even die,’ said Lucie. ‘As I did with my mother.’ Her mother had died when Lucie was quite young, her father so devastated he sent her to Clementhorpe Nunnery while he went off on pilgrimage.

‘They have us,’ said Owen.

‘Yes.’

As Lucie rose to poke at the fire, Owen told her of his conversation with Gwenllian regarding the coroner and Alisoun’s prowess.

‘It is rumored that he often dines with John Gisburne,’ said Lucie. ‘Need you know more?’ She kissed Owen as she returned to her seat. ‘We’ve nothing to fear from Burnby.’

‘Fear, no. But he will find ways to annoy me.’

‘Here’s something to cheer us. I went to Winifrith, to tell her that her father was safe in York, and would soon be home. She told the children right then and there. The joy on their faces, the happy shrieks – how they love him. Old Bede is home now, the coroner happy with what he had to add. He’s asked him to sit on the jury.’

‘God help us. We will never hear the end of that at the tavern.’

‘While I was there, Olyf Tirwhit was sitting with Euphemia, the two of them trading insults and accusations. I learned from Crispin that Adam Tirwhit had known of his plan to return almost two years ago, when Neville first realized Thoresby was dying. He wanted Crispin here to clear the way. Word had passed round among the merchants. That must be how Joss and Warin’s children learned of his imminent return. In the end Crispin was delayed, giving them ample time to be in place.’

‘Such a complex plan.’

‘Such a long-simmering hate.’

‘Crispin and Muriel. Kate believes they may become a couple.’