The Traitor’s Mark (33 page)

‘And how long will it take you to compile your report?'

‘The commission doesn't complete its work for a couple of weeks.'

‘Too long,' I said.

‘I could do an interim report and show it to his grace. That might persuade him to set his scruples aside and back a raid on Fletcham.'

‘When could you do that?'

‘By the end of the week ... perhaps.'

‘By which time Norfolk will be laying before the king evidence of the archbishop's support of alleged heretics.'

‘That really is the best I can suggest, Thomas.'

‘But, Ralph, just think what this business has already cost,' I pleaded. ‘A good man has, by now, been brutally murdered in gathering information about Chapuys, Norfolk and Brooke. I won't even mention what I and others I care about have been through in order to bring to justice a fanatical killer and his gang. Is all that sacrifice to be wasted? Well, not if I can help it.'

‘Then I'm sorry,' Morice said, ‘but you may find yourself alone.'

I stood up. ‘Then that's the way it will have to be. If it means going against the law – well, that will only prove that
law and justice are not the same thing.' I turned to enter the house.

‘Just a minute,' Morice called. ‘Let me have a word with the captain. It might be possible to do something – unofficially. Wait here.'

It was about half an hour before he returned with the captain.

‘I've explained the situation to Captain Trent,' he said.

‘I understand you want some professional help with an expedition like yesterday's, Master Treviot.'

‘It won't be as easy as yesterday's,' I said. ‘The men we're after will probably put up more of a fight.'

‘My lads would relish that,' Trent said. ‘They were quite disappointed with the Swansford brawl.'

Morice said, ‘I'm not very happy about this but I could spare three guards from the commission escort – just for two days.' ‘I can detail off three good men,' Trent said.

‘Before you agree too readily,' Morice warned, ‘I must make it clear that this is unofficial. No one is to wear his grace's livery. They will be acting in a private capacity for Master Treviot. This escapade has nothing to do with the archbishop or me. If anything goes wrong, I know nothing about what you are planning. If anyone is captured or ... worse, I can't help you. Is that quite understood?'

Trent nodded.

I said, ‘Thank you, Ralph. I realise this has put you in a difficult position. We won't let you down.'

Morice departed swiftly, only too anxious to leave any conspiring to us. We arranged that the troopers would come to my house early the following morning, ready for the journey to Gravesend and, thence, across to the Essex shore.

Back at Hemmings I told Walt to assemble all the most able-bodied outdoor estate workers. When they were gathered in the long barn, I addressed them.

‘You all know something of the troubles in the county – indeed in the whole country.'

‘Aye,' someone called out, ‘dear bread and cheap death!'

‘Yes, Adam,' I agreed, ‘'tis a hard year and we can only pray for a better one to follow, but I think you are all fairly provided for. No man who works for me goes hungry, unless he wastes his wages. I think I can say that I treat you as Well as any master and better than some.'

There was a general murmur of assent.

I continued, ‘For my part, I could not want a more able and willing body of men. When I speak of troubles, I don't just mean the terrible weather, the shortages and high prices. England is tearing itself apart with religious strife. I'm sure you would prefer not to be involved in such things, I know I would. But although we don't look for trouble sometimes trouble comes looking for us. It has certainly found me and my friends these last few weeks.'

‘How is Mistress Adie?'someone asked.

‘Sore sick,' I replied, ‘and all because of her handling by evil men.'

‘And the bearns?' another voice shouted.

‘They've had some frightening experiences but I think they will rise above them. What I have to tell you is that we have the opportunity now to bring to justice the evil rake-hells responsible for these and other outrages. Tomorrow I set out for Essex, where, God-willing, we will arrest the leader of this gang, who goes by the name of Black Harry. I would like six volunteers to come with me. It will be dangerous and, for that reason, I would prefer to take unmarried men. I will not press any man and I will not think any the worse of anyone who does not wish to volunteer. Any questions?'

‘Will we be armed?'

‘Bring knives, clubs and any weapons you feel comfortable with.'

‘How many of them will we be up against?'

‘I'm not sure but I don't think we will be outnumbered and I plan to take them by surprise.'

‘Will there be extra pay?'

‘There will be rewards for those who come but I don't want to say anything about that because I only want men who are with me for the right reasons.'

‘It'll be like catching rats,' someone said.

‘Exactly. That's how I'd like you to think of it. So who wants to come on an expedition to rid the land of vermin?'

Almost every man raised a hand. It took several minutes to make my selection and to pacify the ones who were not
chosen but thought they should have been. I assembled my little army and gave instructions for our assembly on the morrow. As I looked round at the familiar faces of men, most of whom I had known for years, I reflected on what I was asking of them and what they were willingly undertaking. Were my feelings, I wondered, those experienced by every commander on the eve of battle – those of mingled pride and fear?

Chapter 25

We set off at first light on Tuesday and reached our destination by midday. Now that I could see Brooke's manor clearly, I realised how small it was. The two-storey house stood on a slight rise at some distance from the tiny hamlet of Fletcham and had, I assumed, begun life as a hunting lodge. It was not the sort of residence where its owner would live for long periods of time but its isolated position suited it ideally for the performance of nefarious activities. I thought again of Adie and the boys shut up here far away from all human contact, hearing only the wind howling across the marsh and the occasional screeching of an owl, as they waited to die.

There was little cover in which to conceal my party. We drew back about a quarter of a mile to a small copse. I sent
Cranmer's three guards to reconnoitre on foot the small group of buildings. They were gone more than an hour. They returned with a very thorough report and rather pleased with themselves.

‘First of all,' one of them said, ‘there's very little cover. There's about fifty yards of open ground all around the main house. The only way to get close is through the stable block. Otherwise we'll have to wait till after dark.'

‘There aren't many people about,' another reported. ‘I watched from the back and only saw three men come and go.'

A third suggested, ‘That was partly because the top man – what's his name?'

‘Brooke,' I said.

‘Yes, him. Well, he was out hawking. We saw him coming back. He had three men with him and, going by your description, one of them must have been Black Harry. I got close enough to touch him.'

‘What?' I gasped in alarm.

‘Don't worry, Master Treviot, they didn't see me. There's a ruined cottage over to the east and I was using it for cover when Brooke and the others came past. Just then there was a heavy shower and they pulled in to take shelter. I was afraid they were going to dismount but they just stood in the lee of the building for a couple of minutes. I could hear them talking.'

‘Anything useful?'I asked.

‘I think they were talking about their prisoners. Black Harry said, “One more session and we'll break the older one.” And Brooke came back at him sharply. “See you do,” he said. “I go to court tomorrow. Our people there expect results and quickly.”'

‘Then it seems we've arrived none too soon,' I said. ‘Thank God the prisoners are still alive.'

I considered the information we now had and began to formulate a plan. I gathered everyone around and explained what I had in mind. ‘We're not here for a fight. I want to come out of this without casualties. Our two objectives are to capture the leaders and rescue the prisoners. Our best chance of success lies in reducing the odds against us. I suspect that the prisoners are in the stable block. So we need someone to keep a watch on that. Dick, that will be your job. Take up a position from which you can watch all the comings and goings and report back whatever you discover.'

‘Then we go in and rescue those poor devils as soon as the coast is clear,' someone suggested.

‘No, that will warn the gang too soon. I want to keep the advantage of surprise as long as possible. At the moment Brooke and his men think they're completely secure. The shock of discovering that they're wrong should confuse them. That will be our opportunity. If my idea works, I think we can stun them into coming out to us.' I went over the stages of what was a very simple plan. Then we settled down to wait for the dwindling of the light.

After about an hour Dick reappeared and threw himself down on the grass beside me. ‘They've just come to collect the prisoners,' he said.

‘From the stable barn?'

‘Yes. Poor lambs; they look half-dead already. They're being taken for more torture.'

‘After, that they'll be brought back,' I said. ‘And we'll be waiting for them. Dick, take Walt and Adam to the barn. When our friends come back with the prisoners, you'll know what to do. But do it quietly. Take plenty of rope and cloth to bind and gag them. Report back when that's done.'

The evening was far gone by the time they returned, laughing and very pleased with themselves.

‘That was sweet,' Walt said. ‘There were two of them. They never knew what hit them.'

‘Have you left them well out of sight?'

‘Trussed up like pigs for slaughter and covered over with loose straw.'

‘What about their prisoners?'

‘We untied them and told them to stay well hidden till we got back. We couldn't bring them here, they're too weak. One of 'em collapsed with relief when he saw us. For a moment I feared he'd died on us.'

‘Right, we must get back before anyone in the house realises something's wrong. Come along.' I led the way towards the house.

We filed into the darkened stable yard and concealed
ourselves between the buildings. By now there were lights showing in two of the ground-floor windows of the main house.

‘We know where to find them,' I whispered.

After a few minutes the kitchen door opened. A man peered into the darkness. ‘Sam, Will, what's keeping you?' He stepped out into the yard. ‘Where are—'

There was a loud thud, followed by a quieter one as he fell.

‘Three down,' I said. ‘Dick, tie him up and put him with the others. The rest of you come with me.'

We burst into the kitchen. The first person to see us was the cook tending a cauldron over the fire. She let out a piercing scream and dropped her ladle. The three men sitting round the table looked up in alarm and tried to stumble to their feet. They stood no chance. My club-wielding enthusiasts were upon them in an instant. I looked at their faces. Neither Black Harry nor Ferdinand Brooke was here.

‘This way!' I called to Bart and ran towards the inner door. I rushed into the small hall. The two men I sought were supping alone, one each side of a long oak table. The noise from the kitchen had given them some warning and they were on their feet. Black Harry drew a long, thin stiletto. Brooke fumbled at his belt, trying to draw his rapier. Walt threw himself at him before he could do so. His grip fastened on Brooke's sword wrist. I knew what that must feel
like. Walt spent hours every week wielding heavy hammers to beat iron horseshoes into shape. Black Harry was sharper. His weapon was in his hand as I drew my poignard.

‘Come on,' he snarled, bidding me to close in.

We circled each other and I was careful to keep a safe distance. On the other side of the table Walt's strong arms had now encircled Brooke and the two men swayed back and forth like fairground wrestlers. However, I did not dare watch their contest. My eyes were fixed on the tip of Black Harry's vicious stiletto. He waved the weapon to and fro, hissing with animal rage. I ducked beneath the flashing blade; tried to get in a jab with my shorter weapon. He kicked out at me, and I jumped back. As I did so, I saw Brooke break free from Walt's grasp. The courtier leaped sideways, at the same time pushing Walt hard against the wall. There was a nasty noise as his head struck the stonework. Walt slithered to the floor on the far side of the table.

‘Help me!' Black Harry cried out.

But Brooke was already running towards the outer door.

‘Come on, then,' my assailant shouted. ‘Do you want to go the same way as your painter friend?'

Black Harry now had his legs pressed against the table. He glanced across the room as the door closed behind his retreating friend. My eyes followed the direction of his gaze. Stupid! He reached with his left hand for an ale jug and hurled it at my face. Then he lunged again with his dagger. Just in time, I jumped back out of reach. I overbalanced and
fell sprawling among stale rushes. Black Harry turned towards the door and took a couple of steps.

At that moment there was a mighty roar. Walt rose up, gripping the table as he did so and tipping it forward. The massive oak top came away from its trestles. It caught Black Harry sideways on, showering him with trenchers, utensils and food. He fell heavily on the floor beside me. I rolled over. I brought my dagger down on his right wrist. With a squeal he let go of the stiletto. One of Cranmer's guards rushed in, sword in hand.