Time After Time

The house was in uproar with people rushing around making final touches. Lady Mabel hurried down the stairs and gestured for her guests to follow. She headed for the front door. Outside the rain had slackened to a fine drizzle.

Across the flooded fields, a couple of dozen men on horseback trotted towards them. Mabel, Tom, Kate, Pete, Simon and Lizzie waited. At their head were two men chatting, the sound of their laughter drifted across the drowned plain.

“Behold, a white horse,” whispered Mabel.

Both of the lead men were riding powerful white horses. When they arrived at the house, there was silence for a moment as both parties looked upon each other. One of the men climbed from his horse and walked to Mabel. He bowed and kissed her hand.

“It is always a pleasure Lady Bradshaw. I was hoping to find your good husband here, but I see he is away again. I am sure he would not have wanted to miss our visit.”

“Sir William is always keen to catch up with old friends,” said Mabel. “But I do hope we are an adequate substitute. May I introduce you to our guests? This is Kathryn de Scholes. Her husband Thomas and his friend Piotr have travelled all the way from Poland. And this is Thomas the Earl of Lancaster, an old friend of my family.”

The Earl greeted each of the friends in turn, pausing for a long time to examine Kate, who had turned pale.

“You seem familiar my Lady,” said Lancaster. “I’m sure I would never forget one so fair. Have we met?”

“I doubt it my Lord,” said Kate meeting his gaze with confidence. “We recently arrived in England after many years abroad.”

Lancaster seemed on the point of saying something else, but changed his mind.

“We should go inside,” said Mabel. “I am sure your men would like to dry off, and eat.”

“You’re too kind my Lady,” replied Lancaster, who followed her into the house. The rest of the men joined them.

Kate grabbed Tom and Pete’s arms to stop them returning inside. The three of them stood in silence as the visitors filed into the building. After the last of them had entered, Tom turned to Kate. “What’s the matter?” he asked. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“I have seen Lancaster before. Worse, he has seen me. He was riding past my flats yesterday when I got off the bus. He has already been to the future!”

“Can you be sure it was him?” asked Pete.

“A handsome man dressed as a medieval knight, riding across a council playing field in front of a block of flats, stopping and waving to you. It’s the kind of thing which gets your attention.”

“Handsome?” Pete laughed. “He looks like Bon Jovi after a year on a desert island with no salon standard conditioning products.”

“There’s something sinister about the man.”

“It’s not impossible he’s been to our time is it?” Tom asked. “After all, we are here.”

“We need to find out what he knows and what his intentions are?” said Kate. “What is he even doing here with all these men? Someone as important as Lancaster would not usually deal with a little rebellion like this. He’d have sent the Sheriff. Gaining control over a portal to the future, however, is something he would keep under close supervision.”

“If he has been through, he may be the one I saw with Sophie,” said Tom. “He could be holding her prisoner.”

“Not a problem,” said Pete. “We just need to rescue Sophie from the castle of the most powerful man in England and return to our own time. Then close the portal so he cannot change the course of history.”

“We need to get him talking and dig for more information,” said Kate. “If he gets drunk at the feast he may lower his guard. I’ll speak to Lizzie and ask her to place the strongest drink near Lancaster. It will sound like an innocent enough request; he is the guest of honour after all.”

The rain was pouring from the dim grey skies. From inside the house came loud conversation and raucous laughter. A blast of trumpets summoned the guests to dinner.

In the corner, a minstrel strummed a harp. Lancaster sat at the head of the table. To his left was Lady Mabel and to his right was the man he had been speaking to whilst riding. He was obese and almost bald except for thin wisps of long greasy grey hair plastered to one side of his head. The man frowned whenever Mabel spoke.

A white silk cloth covered the vast table. Along the centre stood a row of elaborate silver candlesticks. There was a ship-like container filled with spices and a huge saltcellar in the shape of a wolf. There were square metal plates and silver cups for each of the diners. Lancaster and Mabel’s cups were gold. Servants circled the table with bowls of scented water, which the guests used to wash their hands.

“It’s good to see there’s at least some sense of hygiene here,” whispered Pete. “The toilet was appalling.”

“Disease is widespread in the Middle Ages,” said Kate. “I’d stay away from the meat if I were you.”

The servants brought out the food, within minutes. They filled the table with pork, beef, mutton, duck and goose. They piled plates high with fish including lampreys, herrings and sturgeon. The cook had seasoned everything with spices, filling the air with mouth-watering fragrances. In pride of place was an immense spit-roasted hog, which Kate stared at in disgust.

”I don’t see a vegetarian option Kate,” said Pete.

They sat close enough to Lancaster for Kate to hear most of the conversation. The Earl was speaking to Mabel.

“It is pleasant to spend some time in the company of such loyal friends,” said the Earl.

The fat man sat to his right scowled. “The current generation knows little of loyalty. When I was young, men knew their place and their duty. We are living in godless times; anarchy and moral decline are everywhere. I am not one to boast, but my Lord may wish to visit the Priory. Five years in the making, but it will be worth my toil if it saves a single soul from the fiery circles of hell.”

“Rest assured Robert,” replied Lady Mabel. “We all know you do not like to boast.”

“She’s got you there Holland!” said Lancaster, roaring with laughter, and flinging his arm around his friend’s shoulders. “I am sure the people of Upholland are grateful for both your generosity and your modesty.”

“Better a benefactor of the Church than an idol worshipping Templar. They spit on the cross and bow before a great bearded head.” Holland was crimson with fury. “Jacques de Molay learned last year what happens to those who abandon the true faith. The rest of his wicked band of heathens will follow him onto the scaffold, and into the flames.”

“Malicious rumours,” replied Mabel glancing at Lancaster who sipped his soup and smiled. “My husband spent many years with the Templars, and he assures me there are few more pious men on God’s earth. There are fewer in the current Church.”

“Keep talking Lady Mabel,” said De Holland, turning to face her for the first time. “We are all interested in your views of the Church. You had better be careful though; loose tongues have a tendency to become detached. Word has spread wide that Sir William did not return from Syria empty handed. His Order was a powerful one and accumulated a great deal of wealth, not to mention certain important relics. Such items belong in the hands of the church not in the filthy paws of damned pagans.”

“Calm Robert,” said Lancaster. “Lady Mabel would do nothing to endanger the lives of her delightful golden haired children.” He leant across and patted Agnes’s head. He smiled again, looking into Mabel’s eyes. A look of terror crossed her face.

“We are all on the same side,” continued Lancaster, pulling apart a chicken leg. “If Lady Mabel were to discover anything of significance she would come to me. All our people are vigilant against those who threaten peace and security. It is crucial to the order of the region. Often those closest to us are the most dangerous. It can be difficult under such circumstances but have no doubt; it is the duty of all of us to ensure our children are safe.”

A small gaunt man next to Kate shoveled mutton into mouth as if he had not eaten for a week, his mouth dripping with grease. He paused and looked up, his lazy left eye leering at her. “Your husband hasn’t yet given you with any young ’uns yet?” He grinned revealing a row of twisted yellow teeth. “You should send him off to the King, he likes a pretty boy. Get yourself a proper man.”

“Thurstan de Norley,” scolded Lady Mabel, who appeared relieved at a change of subject. “I would appreciate it if you would treat my guests with respect. I do not believe manners have so declined at Norley Hall. Your good lady wife wouldn’t be happy to hear you were flirting with a girl young enough to be your daughter.”

“Thurstan’s wife would welcome respite from his attention,” said Lancaster. “As would most of his female staff.”

The small man cackled.

“So, you are from Poland?” Lancaster turned his attention to Tom and Pete. “It is a fascinating country. How fares your young King Wenceslaus? It appears he has his work cut out holding on to Hungary.”

Kate whispered a translation to Pete.

“My husband’s friend says the King is coping well my Lord,” Kate said.

“Conquered more lands, has he?”

“Yes my Lord.”

“Impressive,” said Lancaster, pursing his lips. “Nine years dead and still gaining territory. Our own King could learn from such an example.”

A nervous hush descended over the table. Even the musicians stopped playing. Lancaster’s eyes flicked from Pete to Kate to Tom, his face expressionless. Someone coughed. The Earl roared with laughter.

“Poland,” he laughed again. “I don’t know where you come from but I’d wager it isn’t Poland.”

He winked at them and took a deep swig of ale. The tension broken, music and muted conversation resumed.

Attention shifted elsewhere. Lancaster spoke with Holland and Norley, all knocking back vast quantities of cider. Lancaster grabbed a young maid, who was filling the drinks. She toppled into his lap, but he was so drunk she extracted herself in seconds. A moment later Norley made a grab for her, he was a little less inebriated and managed to hold on for longer.

Kate watched in surprise as the girl slipped something out of her sleeve behind Norley’s back. It was a razor. It was all over in seconds. Pretending to caress Norley’s head, the maid grasped a strand of his hair. She sliced it off with a flick of the razor and slipped the hair and razor back into her sleeve. The girl’s eyes met with Kate’s, she shook her head and was gone, leaving Norley grabbing at thin air.

“What do you think about Lancaster?” whispered Tom.

“It’s odd,” said Kate. “He seems to be suspicious of us but he doesn’t recognise me from yesterday.”

“He’s paralytic,” said Pete. “The state he’s in he wouldn’t recognise his own mother. Getting him drunk wasn’t your best idea.”

They looked over at the Earl, whose face was bright red. He was leaning across the table telling a filthy joke to a young priest. Lancaster slapped the table as he laughed. The youthful cleric shifted in his chair and tried to smile but failed. He looked on the verge of tears.

“Children, it is past your bedtime,” said Mabel to her offspring. “Father Sutton could help them with their prayers.”

The priest jumped to his feet and ushered the children away. As he did, Lancaster patted each of them on the shoulder. “Sweet dream little cherubs.”

They wished the Earl goodnight, and followed Father Sutton to their mother’s room.

The servants cleared a space and number of the guests formed a circle.

“Ah wonderful,” said Lancaster grabbing Kate by the arm. “Come, join us. I am curious to see what new dances you have brought back from your travels.”

With reluctance, Kate, Tom and Pete joined the circle, which alternated male and female. Kate found herself stood opposite Lancaster.

The drums began. The tempo was slow at first but grew faster. Other instruments joined, and the dancers moved to their right.

At first, it was confusing, with sudden claps, handholding and twirls. The three friends copied the others. All at once, some of the dancers moved to the centre to form a smaller circle. Kate joined them and found herself holding hands with Holland and Norley. She was face to face with Lancaster, inches away.

“You are a terrible dancer I must say,” said Lancaster smirking. He now seemed sober. “It’s almost as if you have no idea what to do at all. Surprising in one so young, and so well-travelled.”

“You have a couple of left feet yourself,” said Kate. They stopped clapped hands and changed direction.

“As you say,” said Lancaster. “But the ladies are in the outer circle at this point. And you should be next to your ‘husband’.”

The inner circle dissolved and returned to the outer. A new inner circle formed made of women, apart from Tom and Pete. Kate cringed.

Afterwards as they returned to the table Pete grinned.

“It went well, I was a bit nervous at first, but I reckon we pulled it off.”

During the next couple of hours there was much drinking and merry-making.

Lancaster called a halt.

“Men!” he shouted. Silence fell over the throng. “It is time we left these good people to their beds. We are spending the night courtesy of Thurstan at Norley Hall. Say goodbye to those wenches you have been tormenting and make your way outside. We have a couple of hours walk ahead, so Thurstan will lead the way while Robert and I say goodbye to our kind hostess.”

There was grumbling but the men were too scared of the Earl to vent their frustrations too much. Soon they were all crossing the fields.

“I hope it will not be too long until I have the pleasure of your company again Lady Bradshaw,” said Lancaster. He bowed and kissed her hand. He turned to Kate. “And your charming guests. My intuition is our paths will cross again.”

As they were leaving one of the servants rushed in. “Ma’am!” she shouted in a panic, glancing at Lancaster. “It’s the Blacksmith’s house; Norley’s men have set fire to it! The whole family is out in the field. The men are taunting them. It’s cruel ma’am!”

They rushed out of the house towards little settlement. Bright orange flames lit the night sky as the reek of smoke and the sound of laughter drifted across the fields.

As they neared the building, they saw the blacksmith on his knees sobbing. His wife clutched distraught at their four youngest children.

“What is the meaning of this?” demanded Lancaster.

Norley was smirking. “The men were expecting some action today my Lord. It was a long journey and the rebel cowards have gone into hiding, leaving their women to fight for them. Reliable testimony has informed us the blacksmith’s son was a sympathiser. I would have chosen a more subtle approach to dealing with him. High spirits I am afraid. What can you do?”

Lancaster turned to Mabel. “You heard my lady, high spirits. Let us hope this unfortunate event will send a message to the rebels. Disloyalty will not go unpunished.”