Suppression and Suspicion by Mel Starr

Author:Mel Starr [Starr Mel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781782643555
Publisher: Lion Hudson

Chapter 9

Lord Gilbert keeps hounds for hunting. I suggested to him that he have his fewterer bring some of the dogs to the Ladywell. Perhaps they might discover and follow the scent of Uctred’s assailant.

Lord Gilbert sent John to the castle and he returned shortly with the fewterer.

“Launcelot an’ Merlin be the best lymers I’ve got,” the old fellow said. John had told him why the hounds were required.

I pointed out the place near the Ladywell where Uctred’s blood had stained the ground. The fewterer led his charges a few paces from the spot, for he did not want them to mark Uctred’s scent rather than the felon’s. He led the animals in a wide circle, and a few paces to the north the hounds grew excited, their noses twitching a few inches above the grass.

The fewterer said nothing, but made a motion with his hand and instantly the hounds were off, straining at their leashes. They led us a quarter-mile to the north, to the bank of Shill Brook. The stream is shallow there, little more than ankle deep. Here the spoor ended, and although we waded across the brook and the hounds searched to regain the trail, they were unable to do so.

Before I departed the castle Sunday evening I told Cicely Wagge to keep a cup or two of ale ready and if Uctred showed signs of waking she was to lift his head and see if he would drink. But she was not to give him food. Not yet, even if he regained his wits and asked. I did not know what organs the dagger might have damaged and did not want to discover some harm done to his gut by allowing him to eat.

I broke my fast Monday with half a maslin loaf and ale, and left Galen House for the castle before the second hour, as Adela appeared at the door. I was eager to learn how Uctred had fared overnight, and had tucked what I believed was his dagger in my belt, so that if he was alert I could ask him of it.

“’E awoke middle of the night,” Cicely said, “so I give ’im some ale, like you said. Spilled most of it. Ain’t woke up again.”

I looked down on the sleeping man and even though the light was poor it seemed to me his face was not so pale, his lips not so tinged in blue. I drew back the blanket which covered him and inspected the wound. It no longer oozed blood. And although the edges of the cut were red, no pus flowed from around the sutures. I was well pleased.

I intended to request of John Chamberlain that he provide another retainer to watch over Uctred. Cicely had kept vigil through the night and would be fatigued. I told the woman of my plan, but she would not hear of it.

“Ain’t tired,” she said. “Just sat ’ere on this bench all night. Dozed some. When Uctred wakes ’e’ll find a friend tendin’ to ’im.

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