Falls Ende

Chapter 10

King Henry II was visiting his crowning glory, Dover Castle, and spending quite generously on renovations and improved defences. He'd invited a number of trusted lords, whose counsel and wisdom he valued, and invited them to visit with him. Sir Hyde Fortescue, lord of Ridgley Manor, was one of those closest to the king, and he now sat privately with him, discussing mutual concerns. Inevitably, Mellester Manor soon became the topic of conversation.

In exchange for lands, lords swore fealty to the king, and provided soldiers and infrastructure when called upon to do so. If a manor was experiencing difficulty, the king felt it his duty to know why.

His Majesty wasn't a tall man, but he had a physique that suggested strength. His red hair was cropped short, and freckles adorned his face. He wasn't particularly happy this evening, as his wife, Queen Eleanor, constantly bickered with him and found fault with everything he did. She was a confounding woman and the cause of much dolour.

The king cast aside involuntary thoughts of infidelity, and looked to his dear and trusted friend, Sir Hyde 'the wise' Fortescue.

"What say you, Fortescue, have you an opinion on Mellester?" asked the king as he paced his private chambers.

Sir Hyde took a deep breath and considered his reply. "I believe Lord Mellester's intentions are honourable, sire, but he has accumulated considerable debt."

"And the knights in his service?"

"They are young and eager to please."

The king scratched his neck. "And Lord Mellester has accrued debt to you?"

Lord Ridgley nodded. "Mostly from horses, sire."

"Can you send someone to the manor on my behalf, and have them identify the nature of his pecuniary indiscretions? I'm told Mellester is a sorrowful place these days."

"As you command, sire," the lord bowed his head.

King Henry II continued his pacing, stopped at the hearth and stared into the dancing flames. "Perhaps you could share your wisdom with the man, like a father figure. Suggest ways to generate better income and manage the manor more effectively," The king waved his arm. "If things don't improve... I'd hate to have to take those lands away from him."

"I understand, and will see to it immediately," confirmed Lord Ridgley.

"You do realise there are problems in Ireland I may have to contend with. I may need knights, including Mellester's if I need go there."

"I've heard rumours, sire. Fear not, I have a vested interest in seeing Mellester prosper, and will attend to the matter with due urgency."

"Very well. Drink up, Fortescue, this night still has much to offer."

After much cajoling by Charlotte and Norman, Odo set off alone to find the highly touted legendary bull at Ridgley Manor. Privately, he was still quite disheartened and upset at Lord Mellester's unwillingness to even listen to his plea. Charlotte reminded him that the lord had no fondness for Godwin Read and his son, and that it was best to avoid any dealings with a man who allowed his emotions to interfere with common sense. As usual, Charlotte was right.

The weather had been miserable for days on end, but this morning dawned without rain, though the skies were grey and bleak. However, an hour after Odo set off, the heavens opened up and he was caught in a torrent of biblical proportions. There was little to do but forge on ahead as best he could. To keep the rain out he wore a waxed, hooded woollen cape. It helped, but water still found a way in, and his feet were soaked.

As he walked, Odo thought of Charlotte and how they would live their lives together. She would make a fine mother for their children and a wonderful wife. She could be headstrong and obstinate at times, but that was because she was so clever - she challenged him intellectually and that kept him on his toes.

Spring and marriage seemed a terribly long way off, but even just thinking about Charlotte helped pass the time as he walked. Despite heavy showers, there were times when Odo found himself smiling - such was the effect she had on him. Unsurprisingly, no one else was foolish enough to be out in this weather, and he didn't see another soul. He sloshed towards Ridgley Manor buoyed with thoughts of his sweetheart.

The first indication that there were other people about was when he heard raised voices. Alarmed, he paused and tried to identify the direction from where they came. Cautiously, he followed the muddy road which paralleled the River Eks and, after rounding a corner, saw the cause of the commotion.

A two-wheeled covered wagon with one of its wheels missing lay askew, blocking the road, and two men in some distress sat to the side. Aware this might be a ruse and waylaid, Odo paused and closely watched for a heartbeat or two, then he noticed a third person, a child. Deciding this wasn't an ambuscade set up by brigands, he yelled a greeting and quickly ran over to them.