28 September 1124

　　William was woken by a commotion outside the dungeon. The Earl`s jailor grumbled as he trudged up the tight spiral staircase, flicking through his ring of heavy iron keys as he went. Having enjoyed the previous evening`s festivities a little too much, each clang reverberated through William`s head.

　　"Some guards we are," the Young Priest noted sleepily, pushing himself up from the floor to stretch his stiff legs. He held out a hand to assist William. "What`s all the racket?"

　　William flinched at the priest`s offhand comment. It wasn`t the first time he`d let Matilda down by falling asleep.

　　"I`m not sure," William replied as he accepted the outstretched hand. "Perhaps the crowd didn`t get enough of Matilda last night?"

　　Upstairs, the screech of rusty hinges signalled that the jailor had found the right key and a flurry of footsteps echoed down the stairs. Anticipating trouble from the Bishop, William was looking around for a weapon when Elizabeth burst into the dungeon.

　　"Willy! You missed such an amazing party! It was better than Matilda`s mill. And Rachel`s wedding. No offence," she called over her shoulder.

　　Margery burst into the hallway, followed by a waddling Rachel.

　　"None taken," Rachel said as she manoeuvred her stomach around the tight staircase.

　　"The whole family`s here?" William asked incredulously.

　　"We sure are," Elizabeth replied. "Baron Walter said the Earl has sided with Matilda and we can take her up to the castle walls to celebrate. He even sent along a breakfast basket. It`s upstairs with Ma."

　　"The Bishop`s men will be watching," Margery added, "but at least we`ll get some time away from the masses. A little more like being back at Holford."

　　"Yeah, but on top of a castle!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "When have we ever done that before?"

　　The jailor shuffled back down the stairs and clanked through his keys to open Matilda`s cell. Elizabeth barged in and tackled the Foreigner, prompting a stream of sleepy obscenities.

　　"Come on Tilda!" Elizabeth cried, dragging the bleary-eyed time traveller out and up the spiral staircase. Rachel groaned at the prospect of climbing back up the stairs.

　　They all rushed outside where Ma and Pa waited patiently. The Young Priest led them above the castle gate which was flanked by a pair of towers. They climbed another spiral staircase and exited onto the ramparts in between where they could watch Bristol wake. The Baron had provided an assortment of leftovers from the previous day`s feast and a bottle of fine wine.

　　William sensed that Matilda was nervous. She picked at her food and a slightly vacant look betrayed that her mind was elsewhere.

　　Matilda`s ears pricked up when Margery recounted William`s frantic return to Holford.

　　"I was finally asleep after tidying the mill all day when suddenly William`s back and calling for help at the top of his lungs. He didn`t care who he asked, he just ran from house to house beating on doors and calling for assistance."

　　"Seriously?" Matilda asked.

　　"Bloody William," Elizabeth chimed in, "who we hadn`t seen since the fire, running through Holford like some crazed demon."

　　"Hey!" William protested. "Watch it! They`ll put me on trial too."

　　Margery continued, "The whole village gathered in the square and tried to calm our poor brother. He`d travelled throughout the night and was absolutely haggard but blurted out his story. Following the Bishop, the Baron`s intervention, the Earl`s summons. The excitement sent a buzz through Holford but everyone was weary after yet another mill fire&"

　　"It is becoming a bit of a habit," Matilda admitted.

　　"&so we agreed to get a few extra hours of rest before coming to your rescue. It took both Ralph and Matthew to convince William that he needed sleep. Even then, he was one of the first people up.

　　"Everyone got involved the next morning, packing anything we could to aid your rescue. Well, almost everyone. Martin`s grudge is still pretty strong."

　　"He loathes you," Rachel interjected softly.

　　"That`s right!" Matilda cried. "Rachel! What are you doing here? Where`s Alan?"

　　Rachel looked down at her hands.

　　"I missed William`s entire return. I was awake, the baby had been kicking my bladder all night. But Alan insisted that there`d been enough evening excitement in Holford and locked me indoors. I was relieved that my brother was alright, as surprising as that might seem. But I obeyed my husband and went back to bed.

　　"The whole village was abuzz in the morning but I was trapped, not even allowed outside to collect vegetables. Alan made me sit inside, the windows shuttered and door barred. I realised that I couldn`t take it. That I shouldn`t take it. I strode to the door and wrenched it open.

　　"I`ve never seen Alan so mad. It was scary. He commanded that I return to my place by the fire. He looked so serious. Too serious. I couldn`t help it. I laughed.

　　"It was uncontrollable. The final step to breaking Alan`s spell over me. I felt free. So I left. I just got up and left. Something inside me snapped and I just didn`t care anymore. It was worth it just to see his face. That instant when he tried to fathom what was going on. How anyone could dare to defy him. Oh that was sweet."

　　"Didn`t he try to stop you?" Matilda asked.

　　"He didn`t really have time. I just closed the door and left. Didn`t even bother to take clothes. By the time he came outside I was already next to Pa in the wagon and we were on our way. I did risk a glance over my shoulder. Alan stood there yelling until he realised we weren`t coming back. He looked like an abandoned puppy. So so sweet."

　　"Good for you!" Matilda applauded. "It`s not easy to leave."

　　"It`s really not. But for that I should thank you. And apologise. You opened my eyes, that night at the mill. I didn`t want to admit it but, ever since, I saw Alan`s bullying for what it truly was. I got there eventually."

　　Matilda got up and gave Rachel a warm hug. Seeing the former enemies embrace felt odd to William. But nice.

　　The family enjoyed some lighter conversation but were eventually interrupted by the Baron and Sir Phillip.

　　"It looks like you`re all having fun," Baron Walter called up from the castle gate. "May we join you?"

　　The pair clambered up the gate tower and joined the family`s meal.

　　Baron Walter was in a particularly good mood. "I knew you`d worked wonders Matilda but I never thought you`d achieved so much. The Earl is most pleased. He`s all but guaranteed to bring your case to the King. Godfrey`s seething!"

　　The Baron did a little jig.

　　"Patience," Sir Phillip advised. "Don`t count your chicks before they`ve hatched."

　　"Bah! You heard Robert. We`re going to London!"

　　Sir Phillip shook his head and laughed, helping himself to dried fruit and shifting the conversation to Holford`s future.

　　Baron Walter was on his third mug of wine when they heard a commotion coming from the town. They peered through the crenellations and saw a large crowd thronging towards the castle. Godfrey strode at its head.

　　As they drew nearer, William saw a scattering of priests and monks in the vanguard, mingled amongst commoners carrying prayer beads and crosses. Further back, several townsfolk carried torches and a group of men bore a second deconstructed pyre.

　　Seeing Matilda on the wall, Godfrey called his mob to a halt.

　　"Ho, Bishop!" the Baron cried out jovially. "You`re a little early. The Earl is still resting."

　　The Bishop wasn`t amused. "We`re here for the Foreigner. Hand her over to me, you oafish boar."

　　"You`re getting a little ahead of yourself Godfrey. The Earl has yet to pass his judgement."A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

　　"Bring her down to me. At once!"

　　"I won`t be doing that. We agreed that Robert would decide whether she sees the King. You can`t rescind now."

　　"Who are you to obstruct the Church!?" Godfrey shrieked. "Bring her to me!"

　　The Bishop`s refrain was directed at his mob of followers. Led by the youngest priests, the fervent crowd heeded their Bishop`s command and streamed into the castle.

　　Hesitant to lay hands on clergymen, the stunned gatehouse guards let the mob in unimpeded.

　　Sir Phillip swore. "They`ll crucify her. Block the doors!"

　　He and Baron Walter each ran to a gatehouse tower and barricaded the doors. The family stood rooted in disbelief but Matilda summoned them and spoke urgently.

　　"This looks unlikely to end well. I don`t know who but someone is going to get hurt. Just do what they say and keep each other safe."

　　Elizabeth trembled.

　　"William, you`ve been with me every step of the way. My right-hand man. You know my mission better than anyone. Promise that you`ll make sure Holford keeps going. No matter what."

　　"But&" William tried to object.

　　"No matter what," Matilda insisted.

　　William gave a solemn nod.

　　"And John. We`ve only recently met but you`ve shown kindness, compassion and an awareness of why I`m trying to teach. Can you work with William to ensure the lessons are put to sound use? To prevent corruption and ensure they`re shared for the benefit of all?"

　　"I will," John promised.

　　"Great. Everyone else, keep up the hard work and make sure word spreads. None of this will be worth it if it stays in the hands of the few. Whatever happens, know that I am truly grateful. You`ve shown greater kindness than I ever deserved. I love you all."

　　The family mumbled their own thanks but Sir Phillip yelled out as the crowd pushed against the gatehouse door. William and Pa darted over to assist while John ran to help the Baron.

　　The door lurched as the crowd crashed against the other side. Sir Phillip fought like a demon.

　　In support from the ground, Godfrey`s vile assistant led the mob in a crusader hymn.

　　"Amarae morti ne tradas nos."

　　The eerie chant empowered the crowd and their efforts against the door intensified. Godfrey`s shrill shrieks cut a sharp soprano over the base of the mob`s chanting to create an utterly unique war song.

　　Their melody was punctuated by a crash. Looking back to the other gate tower, William saw John and the Baron overrun. John lay curled on the ground being kicked by priests while others flooded towards Matilda. Pa rushed to protect Rachel but was clubbed over the head by a crosswielding commoner. William cried out but his door also breached and he was shoved hard against the rampart.

　　William caught glimpses of red hair in the chaos that followed, watching in horror as Matilda successfully downed several assailants before being overrun. Godfrey`s mob let out an almighty cheer as Matilda was baled up and dragged back down the gate tower.

　　It was William`s turn to have his hands bound. His family and Sir Phillip received the same treatment before being marched down to the castle courtyard. Only Walter`s hands remained free, though he too received an unfriendly escort.

　　The new pyre was being assembled beside the stage when they were jostled into place and a gagged Matilda was quickly tied to its central beam. Her wrists were raw from her determined struggle for freedom.

　　A large crowd formed around the stage and a ring of priests served the role of guards. People streamed in from Bristol as word of the Bishop`s intervention spread. William`s neighbours shouted their protests, prompting scuffles with Godfrey`s devout followers.

　　A hush fell over the crowd as Earl Robert and his wife emerged from the keep, dressed in their finest clothes and accompanied by a retinue of knights in similarly resplendent garb. Large flowing cloaks made of the finest fabric and trimmed with rare furs. Expensive leather boots. Exceptionally well-crafted swords. Such finery normally commanded respect and William`s hopes rose.

　　"Godfrey!" the Earl bellowed as he marched towards the pyre. "What is the meaning of this!?"

　　"This woman is evil!" Godfrey answered. "A threat to Christianity itself. You have entertained her wickedness long enough!"

　　"This wasn`t out deal, Bishop," the Earl shot with venom. "This is not your decision to make."

　　"On the contrary. I discussed the matter all night with holy men, from here in Bristol and further afield. We concluded that this woman used sorcery to manipulate the world around her. To beguile a hapless village after a boy stumbled upon her lair. The crowd before us too. Only through prayer and the cleansing power of flame can her wickedness truly be purged."

　　Godfrey`s mob continued to build the pyre around Matilda as their superiors debated.

　　"Stop!" the Earl ordered desperately to both Godfrey and his minions. He drew his sword and his knights followed suit.

　　"Earl Robert," Godfrey chided, "you`d dare to bear arms against the Church? See sense, I implore you. Consider the costs. If we are wrong, a single innocent soul will be sent to the Maker, who would surely understand our position and grant her mercy. But if we are right, how many must go to the Devil before our mistake is rectified?"

　　The crowd gave a collective shiver. Even the Earl looked troubled.

　　"What makes you think you can just do this?" he asked. "In the heart of my own castle?"

　　"You need to relearn your place, Bastard," Godfrey spat. "Religion transcends royalty."

　　That angered the Earl.

　　"My father is King Henry, anointed by God. You can debate whether he lies beneath the Holy Father but he certainly outranks you."

　　Godfrey`s smirk disappeared

　　"Look around you, stupid man," the Earl continued, waving his sword at the festival stalls. "Everything we`ve seen over the past days. Surely that demonstrates her utility. Her value to the common good."

　　"There is more to life than copper, pumpkins and pretty cloth. Such petty things are worthless in the Lord`s eyes. A waste of our time."

　　"Hypocrite!" came a call from over William`s shoulder. He was further shocked when John continued. "If they`re so worthless, then why did you waste so much time trying to decipher the Foreigner`s Book!?"

　　"I never," Godfrey denied unconvincingly.

　　"Yes you did," Adelard confirmed as John pointed at his confiscated bag and a nearby priest withdrew the tattered second half of Matilda`s tome. "Plate armour with the blacksmith and countless days in your library. Every soul in Bath has heard whispers of your ungodly experiments on rats in your chambers."

　　The Earl took the offensive. "Look Bishop, not even your holy brothers agree with you."

　　"Fools!" Godfrey cried. "This is the Lord`s way. It`s what he would want!"

　　"No it`s not," the blue-eyed priest from Nether Stowey cried. "The Lord I know teaches of compassion and mercy. Of care for thy neighbour. And forgiveness."

　　Father Daniel agreed too, adding his voice to those condemning the Bishop.

　　Seeing the priests divided confused the crowd. Even clergymen in Godfrey`s protective ring looked puzzled. Holford villagers led other members of the crowd to add their calls for justice and grace.

　　The tide turned, drowning out the cries of Godfrey`s followers and the Bishop found himself at the centre of a hostile baying mob once again. He spun around searching for support but found only his Assistant and a handful of devout faithful.

　　He stopped spinning and looked at the Earl. "You`ll regret this Robert," he snarled. "You dabble in arenas you cannot even begin to comprehend and set your father`s kingdom on a dangerous path. The Pope has shown little patience for the petty politics of Man. He castrated the Holy Roman Emperor with the Concordat of Worms. Now that is your future too."

　　With a malicious smirk, Godfrey tossed his torch onto the pyre before pushing his way through the crowd. Flames sprung up instantly.

　　William yanked himself away from the priest restraining him and urged anyone nearby to free his wrists. The Earl and his men barged through the crowd and rushed towards Matilda but the flames were already at shoulder height when they arrived. The Earl tore off his expensive cloak and beat at the fire while others hauled heavy timbers out of the way.

　　William watched Matilda`s struggle intensify, her cries gagged but eyes screaming with desperation. He couldn`t look away and sprinted towards her the instant a monk finally severed his ropes. He hurled himself into the fire, coughing amongst the smoke and burning his hands as he heaved at large logs with the Earl`s knights. Matilda also suffered from the smoke and, through weeping eyes, William saw her consciousness slowly slip away.

　　Time lost all meaning as he fought towards her but eventually the smoke cleared and the flames shrunk. William felt helpless as he watched a pair of knights cut Matilda down from the beam and gently lay her beside the stage.

　　Her wrists bled from rope burn and her dress was singed but she was surprisingly untouched by the fire. William remained concerned, Matilda`s medical lessons taught that smoke and heat could cause serious internal damage.

　　"Careful," he warned as Astrid emerged from the crowd but her knowing nod reassured him.

　　William hovered as the Midwife tended to their dear mentor, begrudgingly accepting a bucket from Ma for his own injured hands.

　　The mob crowded in, holding its breath until Matilda gave a ragged cough and pulled herself upright. She wordlessly fought for space but Astrid insistently pushed a cup of water upon her. Matilda coughed and spluttered but consumed increasingly more with each sip.

　　A wave of relief flowed over William and he looked around at the crowd. Godfrey`s fervent followers had been overtaken by concerned onlookers and were nowhere to be seen.

　　"Where`s the Bishop?" William asked the Earl bluntly.

　　"There`s no sign of him. Nor his aide. Their horses are missing so he`s undoubtedly bound for London. We`ll need to make pursuit."

　　Taking several deep breathes, Matilda pushed herself to her feet. William and the Earl rushed over to assist.

　　"Stage," she croaked. "Secure the crowd."

　　They escorted her onto the Earl`s throne, seating her beside his wife. John handed her Astrid`s cup of water. The Baron had already assumed his normal perch so William and John took the Bishop`s seat while the Earl turned to the crowd.

　　"The Bishop has fled and surrendered his prisoner to my custody. I see no arguing that Matilda is a blessing. A gift to the English people. She has demonstrated her ability to dramatically improve the lives of people around her. As such, I declare Matilda a free woman!"

　　The crowd erupted, ecstatic for a woman that most had only just met. Any opposition was drowned out by cheers and shouts, screams and whistles. It was so loud that William couldn`t hear his own cheering.

　　Tears of relief streamed down Matilda`s face and she took a moment to compose herself before gingerly rising to address the crowd. Their cheers stilled instantly as they strained to hear her raspy voice.

　　"I understand your hesitance in accepting me and my teachings. Change evokes fear. And so, I forgive those involved in this morning`s insurrection and ask that they see sense.

　　"I cannot prove my innocence any more than Godfrey can prove the existence of God. However, you`ve all replicated my lessons which should show there is no need for supernatural powers. Even Godfrey sought to use them for his own gain. What does his hypocrisy say of my innocence? Either my gifts are harmless and to be used to enrich the world. Or they`re evil sorcery, making all who seek to use them, including the fallen Bishop, evil dabblers in the arcane arts. It cannot be both.

　　"No. The true magic is the power of the mind. Man or woman, adult or child. You`ve all shown the remarkable ability to learn. Harness this and you will achieve acts that can truly be described as magic."

　　The crowd stared up at the woman in awe. And yet she spoke once more.

　　"Enough seriousness. Resume the festival!" she added simply, gesturing to the tables and tents that remained from the previous days festivities.

　　The crowd erupted and music played. The mob streamed away, many back to the stalls, some towards the stage. The energy of their revelry was even greater than the day before.

　　"Enjoy this," William heard the Earl say to Matilda, who was rubbing her tender wrists. "Godfrey is a bulldog and I`d bet my castle that he`s already planning his audiences in London. So rest and enjoy your victory, you deserve it. But we leave for my father in the morning."

　　Matilda gave a simple nod. "Let the next step begin."

　　(C) Jay Pelchen 2023. All rights reserved.