Crowner's Dilemma - Part Twenty Nine

[ismenin]

Hello! We have put the heating back on! Really, this weather is incredible! Moan Moan, grumble, grumble.

Well, I have just read Twilight, and I enjoyed it, so I bought the film, too, and I enjoyed that. Written, of course, for teen girls, it lacks a little in depth and characterisation, but I can live wih that! Going on Amazon in a mo to see if I can get a cheapie of the next book. Well, why not?

So here, my little plum duffs, is the penultimate part of...






Betaed by the fandabbiedozie ladysunrope

Part - Twenty Nine


Astin sat in the chair indicated by the duke, and looked up as his master, not knowing what to expect, and half-fearing what he should hear.
He took the wine from Dom with a hand not quite steady, and Elijah waited until he had swallowed it before he found the relevant page, and handed Astin the book.

The man read slowly, for he was not as quick with words as were his fellow servants Andrew and Will, but soon he had made himself master of the information lying therein. The book would have slipped from his hands if Dom had not caught it.

"Your brother, my lord? I am your brother."

Elijah was smiling at him, mistily, enjoying the moment of revelation. "So now I have two half-brothers, you and Vincent!"

The man shook his head and it was seen that there were tears in his eyes. "No, my lord, I am a servant, still. It would not be proper to elevate me from my present position."

"Nonsense! You are my brother! Nothing can remove the blood- link joining us. You are my kin, and so are Conna and Annis. I cannot let this pass."

Dom thoughtfully handed the stunned man another goblet of wine, which he drank, gratefully.

"Do you not wish to have me as a brother, Astin? Is that it? You have some dislike of me for my behaviour towards you, or an objection to my position in life?"

Astin shook his head. "No, my lord. I respect you more than any man alive, except Lord Dominic, here, and Master Vincent - I mean, his Grace. It is not that. But I am a bastard, sir! Base-born. You cannot include me within the circle of your family; it would not be right."

Both Elijah and Dom saw that it was useless to argue more with the man at that moment. They would let him sleep on it. Then Elijah had a happy thought.

"We shall see what His Grace of Canterbury says of it all. If he decrees that you should be inducted into the family, will you accept it?"

Astin wavered for a moment. He had grown to manhood whilst the duke was a child; watched him blossom. Watched how Lord Vincent cared for his little brother. Protected him from his Aunt Gertruda when she had detected him in some imagined wrong-doing. Lord Vincent had always been firm, but fair, and had a sensible head on him, to boot, Astin recalled. He nodded his head, as fair as Elijah's was dark.

"I will accept what his Grace decides. one cannot go against the church in these matters. But I tell you, truly, my lord, it gladdens my heart to know that I have yet more family living, and that that kin is not tainted by the madness that came to us through my mother..."

The man could no longer suppress his emotions, for he had endured much that day. He wept, and Elijah rushed forward and, kneeling in front of the distressed man, pulled him into his arms and held him close until the paroxysms were abated.

Astin forced himself to a calmness he was far from feeling, and stood rather shakily, before disentangling himself gently from Elijah's grasp. "It is not seemly, my lord..." he began, but Dom broke in, his voice as clouded by emotion as were the other two men's.

"It is not seemly for one brother to comfort another? Do not be foolish, man! It is very seemly. I wish that I had discovered Elijah to be my brother, indeed I do..." then, shocked at the implication of his rash words, he blushed scarlet. "Well, not exactly that...I meant...God's teeth!..."

His consternation broke the tension in the air, and Elijah laughed, and even Astin managed a smile. "No, indeed, my lords, that would get Master Vincent in a flurry, if ever anything did!" he said, wiping his face in his sleeve.

"If you will excuse me, I will retire. This day has given me much to think upon."

Elijah clapped his newly-found brother on the shoulder. "Think well, Astin, for this situation includes both the girls as well as you, within its aegis. Being in some sort, my nieces, I wish them cared for as is best suited to their...several needs."

That stopped Astin in his tracks. "Yes, my lord. You are very right - I had not thought of it. They must be cared for. I hope his Grace sees that Conna is not...is not...nor is, Annis, really, but she is less...less... " He could not continue.

"I assure you, Astin, that his Grace is as quick-witted as ever he was. He will know how to proceed. Go you, now, and rest."

Astin bowed himself out of the room, and Elijah breathed a sigh of relief. "Well, I trust in Vince to bring him round. I have not so many brothers that I can lose one, newly found."

Dom kissed his love, and then moving away, began to remove his clothing.

When they lay side by side within the enormous bed, Elijah spoke one last word, as he kissed Dom goodnight. "I am very glad in my heart that you are not proved my brother, Dom. I need you for...other things. Besides, you are closer to me than any brother could be."

Dom put his head on Elijah's shoulder, and kissed his neck. "Indeed, my Amiloun, you are right in that, for that thought is in my heart, too," he murmured.

***

Before they sat down at the breakfast table, Elijah had dashed off a letter to Vincent, informing him that he had important news to divulge that he did not wish to put in a letter, and asking that he come as soon as he could be spared from his duties.

They had said nothing of this matter to the boys, still chattering about their holiday and the astonishing events that had occurred at the castle.

In truth, neither Dom nor Elijah wished to remember these times, but could not reveal why this was so to the two excited lads.

Soon, the boys went out to watch the breaking of two young horses in the pastures nearby, and Dom and Elijah were just preparing to go to the solar to talk in private, when the Sheriff was shouted in from the battlements - Elijah still maintaining a watch there, as it was useful to know beforehand who was approaching Beauvallet.

Sir Jefroi had ridden over with one of the ostlers who was bringing a letter from the abbess. "I thought that if I got into trouble holding the reins with only one hand, he could lead me in. But, as it was, I managed very well," he said, bowing to the two men.

He looked longingly at the loaded breakfast table, and Elijah grinned. "We are going to the solar, Sir Jefroi. Do you meet us there when you have eaten your fill," he said.

As they closed the door behind them, and sat in the sun's beneficent rays shining through the solar window, Dom said, laughing. "Do you think the man ever has his fill, Lij? I have never met one with such a prodigious appetite!"

Elijah sat in his favourite chair before answering. "It is a wonder to me that he is not as fat as a flawn. He should be - he eats enough for two - maybe three!"

Dom sat opposite him and regarded his lover with kindly eyes. "He is a tall man, it is true, and well-made - but he is not fat. He..."

Astin entered the room before he could continue, carrying a tray with wine and a huge platter of small cakes upon it.

"In case the sheriff should need sustenance before the midday meal, my lord," Astin said, his mouth turning primly up at the corners.

"Go to, man!" Elijah chuckled. "Is he near finished?"

Astin was walking to the door, but he stopped at that. "Very nearly, my lord. He's taken a fancy to a morsel of hare pie and a sliver of quince tart, so I suppose he will not be long - them being the last dishes he had tasted on the entire board."

Astin was proved correct. In a very little time, St Aubin presented himself at the solar, interested to hear what Dom and Elijah had to tell him.

After both men had related their stories, Sir Jefroi puffed out his cheeks with pleasure. "You have sharp eyes, Sir Dominic - my lord - I will say that. It was clever in you to put two and two together like that. Not having seen the other girl, it is impossible to say whether I would have noticed the green eyes - but I think I should. I am very partial to stewed gooseberries."

The three of them laughed, and Sir Jefroi did not seem to mind when Elijah commented upon his appetite, Dom noted with pleasure. Some men would take it amiss to be observed in what amounted to gluttony, but not St Aubin.

Then the man rose to leave. "I am very glad to have met you both, my lords," he said, bowing low. "It has been an experience I shall never forget. But I must leave for Canterbury today. There is much there that needs my attention, and I cannot stay. If ever you come to my city, I will be pleased if you would call upon me. I can assure you I offer my guests a good dinner!"

He left soon afterwards, and Elijah had just decided to send for Astin to see how he felt about last night's revelations, when he came in with the news that the Archbishop had been shouted in.

They hurried down to the bailey in time to see Vincent ride in with a small escort of eight men, and the servant Elijah had sent with his letter.

"Met him on the road, Lij! I was coming to see how you did, anyway, now that Richard is gone, and there is nothing important to engage my interest for another sennight," grinned Vincent, dismounting and grabbing his brother about the shoulders before he could kneel, like Dom, on the flagstones.

"Up! Up!" he cried, buffeting Dom on the shoulder with his gloved hand, then apologising for it, saying he had forgotten his recent injuries.

They returned to the solar. Vincent seemed anxious to hear Elijah's news in private, and was hungry, besides, having left at dawn, before breaking his fast.

Astin brought food, and Elijah asked him to stay. He sat on the edge of a chair, next to Vincent, and plainly apprehensive about what the archbishop would say after reading the surprising news.

Elijah had brought the book downstairs with him that morning, and now retrieved it from the chest in which he had placed it, found the relevant passage, and handed it to his brother without another word.

Vincent looked up from the book, stunned. "God's boots!" he cried, clapping Astin on the shoulder and staring at him in delight. Welcome to the Company, my friend!" Then he sobered a little, as the implications sank in, and he remembered one of the reasons why he was there.

"I was very sorry to hear the news about your niece, Astin. You will be glad to hear that the bishops have elected me their spokesman, as I have the authority to convene a court in any county of the land."

He glanced at Elijah, and then at Astin, staring resolutely at the floor.

"Well, first things first. What have you said, Lij, to your new brother, concerning this latest discovery?"

Elijah smiled briefly, before he answered in a formal manner. "Astin has no mind to be acknowledged as my brother, your Grace," he said, quietly. "He thinks it not correct, but will await your decision upon the matter."

Vincent turned astonished eyes upon the steward. "What is this? Have you some...dislike or distaste of my brother that you refuse the near kinship that lies between you?"

Astin raised his head at this. "No, your Grace. I have the utmost regard for his lordship, but...I am, at best, a bastard. I cannot...it is not fitting!"

"Nonsense!" Vincent said in decided tones. "If you were in France, now - the king's bastards are all of high degree, and are princes in the land. I cannot see why you should be any different, for if I know Elijah - and I pride myself that I do - he is a high stickler for knowing his place, and everyone else's, too. Does he wish to acknowledge you?"

Elijah remained silent for Vincent was speaking to Astin, and he did not wish to interrupt. "He does, your Grace, but I am not worthy..."

"Nonsense!" Vincent repeated, even more emphatically. "Why do you say this?"

"My niece...murdered Wenna, your Grace."

This was news to Vincent, who shot a shocked glance at his brother, who nodded.

"And, Elijah, knowing this, still wishes to accept you?"

Now Elijah spoke up, in a firm voice. "I do, your Grace," he said. "Astin is a good and virtuous man. Who would not want him as a brother? He is Astin de Woode, and I would have it declared to the world. I am not so rich in brothers that I can afford to lose one, once found."

No-one present doubted the duke's sincerity, for his voice was roughened by the emotion plainly writ also, upon his face.

Vincent scratched his chin. "It is your choice, Astin, for no-one can force this upon you - you must choose for yourself. But I must tell you, that with elevation comes authority and responsibility. You must decide if you wish to stay here, or leave Beauvallet."

Vincent had sent a sidelong warning glance at Elijah, who opened his mouth to object, and then closed it again. Vincent knew what he was doing.

"Leave Beauvallet, your Grace? Leave the only place I have ever felt my home? Must I go, and poor Annis with me?"

Vincent had no idea who Annis might be, but he nodded, nonetheless. "It is only fitting that if you do not wish to accept kinship with his Grace, that you leave to find employment elsewhere, lest he be distressed by your presence, and your repudiation of his offer."

Dom smiled inwardly as he saw Elijah's face adopt an expression reminiscent of an orphan cast penniless upon the world.

Astin looked at his brother, then at Vincent, then Dom and back to Elijah once more. "I do not wish to leave, my lord," he said, to Elijah, who preserved his woe-begotten countenance. "I have been happy here."

He breathed deeply. "If your Grace thinks it is meet, I will stay, and accept the kinship."

Elijah leapt from his seat, and grasped his newfound brother in a comprehensive grip, as Dom and Vincent shared a glance and a wink.

"I will draw up the documents this morning, Astin de Woode, and then we can see what we can do concerning the other matter."

Elijah had relinquished his hold on Astin and allowed him to take his seat once more.

"How does Annis this morning?" Elijah inquired, as Astin ran a hand over his face.

"She is better than she was yesterday, my lord..."

"Elijah, brother. No more my lord's between brothers."

Astin's brows rose, but he smiled nonetheless. "She is concerned as am I what will happen to Conna."

Vincent coughed lightly. "We will decide that, later, Astin. I must draw up the papers, first, concerning your entry into the de Woode family lists."

Astin fidgeted upon his seat. "May I be excused? I have several capons that need..."

Elijah interrupted without ceremony. "Do you wish to retain your position as steward here, Astin? I would have you accept higher things."

Astin stood. "I would wish to stay as I am, my lor...Elijah. I am best with what I am familiar."

Vincent grinned. "I think you should elevate him to the position of Comptroller of the Duke's Household, Lij, as the king's Grace has, and let him appoint a new steward. That way he can still keep his hand on the plough, so to speak."

Astin looked very pleased. "May I choose my own steward... Elijah? I have a man in mind, that I think you would approve."

Elijah let out a silent sigh of relief. "Choose whom you will, for I am certain I shall approve your choice."

Astin bowed, and left the room. Vincent rubbed his hands together. "That was well done of me, indeed! An inspired thought, to let him think he would have to leave the castle. I astonish myself sometimes, indeed I do!"

Both Dom and Elijah burst out laughing, but Vincent interrupted them with a question that had been exercising his mind for several minutes. "Who - or what - my little brother, is Annis?"


It was all told, in Elijah's office, as Vincent drew up the necessary documents. "It was a good thing you thought to bring a scrivener with you, Vince," said Elijah, as that worthy bowed himself out of the office an hour later. "Your writing is not of such quality that anyone could read it, after all."

Vincent restored his archbishop's seal to the velvet, silk-lined pouch hanging from his waist, and put the seal-ring back on his finger. "Poor Astin seems to have his fill of sorrow, Lij. I am glad he has accepted you. It will stand him in good stead knowing he has a brother at his side during the rest of this painful day. For we must go to the abbey. I cannot make a decision without seeing her, you must know that. And we needs must take this Annis with us. I will speak to her before we leave - after the midday meal, I think."

Dom knew Elijah was hoping not to have to hear Conna's confession to killing Wenna, but he also understood that he would not hesitate to be at his brother's side to support him at this time. It was one of the things Dom loved most about Elijah, he thought...that he did not shirk unpleasant duties when he was forced to confront them.

Vincent went into the chapel to prepare himself for the coming trial, and Elijah accompanied him. Dom understood the need for him to do so, and left the two brothers at their prayers, and went out into the late morning sun.

He could hear Red and Ben on the other side of the lake. It seemed the horse-breaking was over, and now they had found some other pursuit to indulge in.

Dom sat on his favourite perch between two columns out of the direct heat of the sun, and thought about all that had happened in recent days.

He was glad to be able to comfort Elijah, both with his quiet presence and within his arms, for he knew that his love gained much solace from both these things.

He hoped Astin would prove a worthy de Woode. He had much to live up to, in the form of his brother, whose virtues were universally acknowledged, both here, in his own county of Kent and in the city where he had made another home, and another reputation as a good and just man, and a very competent coroner.

Dom had enjoyed himself in the countryside - apart from the obvious calamities - but he now felt it was time to return to the city and pick up his work as sheriff, once more. A holiday is a good thing, he thought, but it must not keep one from performing necessary duties.

Astin came out to call him in to eat, and Dom delayed him for a few moments, by laying a hand on his arm. "He is a good man, Astin. You will in no wise be sorry to have allied yourself with him."

"I know that, sir," the man replied. "I just hope I will be worthy of his trust, is all."

"You will be. And it is Dom,, my friend," Dom smiled. "If he is Elijah, then I am Dom."

Astin grinned. "Very well... Dom. As long as no-one expects me ever to call His Grace, the Archbishop, Vince he said, sincerely, as they went inside.

Both Elijah and Vincent had invited Astin to join them at the table, but the man was resolute in his refusal. "I do not feel much like eating at this present, truth be told," he said, standing beside the archbishop's chair, but looking at his brother. "If you permit it, I will join you this evening. After...after everything has been decided."

Vincent had decided that the hearing should take place at the abbey. "There is no point in dragging the girl out of the surroundings with which she is most familiar, to hold it elsewhere, if her mind is as fragile as you say," he remarked, when Astin had left the room. "It can only do harm."

The archbishop had said that he did not yet know what he was going to do with Conna, for he seldom made decisions of that sort, he said, before interviewing all the people involved.
Consequently he spoke with Astin and Annis before they left for the abbey. He informed them, that as the girl's nearest relations, it was their duty to go with them, to see justice done.

It was a solemn group of people that arrived at the abbey two hours later. The abbess was standing outside to greet them, having been informed by a messenger what was to take place there that day.

Vincent ordered the priest accompanying him as recorder to find the most suitable place for the conclave. "For we must," he said to Gertruda as he followed her inside, "hold this hearing in public. All must hear, and declare that it was fair. I will have no rumours of nepotism. All are God's children, and entitled to a fair trial, if I may couch the proceedings in such a term."

It was decided to hold the hearing in the chapel, it being large enough to accommodate all who wished to attend, and, Elijah hoped, fervently, a place where Conna would feel safe.

Dom and Elijah were shown, by the priest, to chairs brought in from the refectory, and Astin and Annis were seated between them. There was a table before the altar, and two chairs behind it, one for Vincent, and one for the recording priest.


Conna was brought in between two of the sisters set to guard her, and Vincent, fully aware of the fragile nature of the girl's wits, had brought four of his men inside to keep watch. There was no telling what she would do if left unguarded. It was best this way, Elijah thought, as he looked with a pitying eye upon the girl, who seemed divorced from all that was happening about her.

She sat modestly before the archbishop, her eyes downcast, but there was a smile hovering about her lips, as if, thought Dom, she was enjoying the attention of those whose gaze could not help be fixed upon her.

The proceedings did not take long. Conna, urged by Vincent to tell her story, repeated in a calm, almost self-satisfied manner what she had told Elijah and the others previously, and then owned to pushing Wenna down the stairs.

"She was going to tell the Venerable Lady that we had switched places, Annis and I. It was the only thing I could do, your Grace. You must see that. She had to die."

Vincent sighed deeply, the only other sound in the room being the scratching of the clerk's quill upon the parchment. Then he looked at the girl, not unkindly, as he made his pronouncement.

"Sister Conna, this tribunal finds you guilty of the murders of Sister Odilla, Sister Claudia, and Dame Rowenna. You will be taken from this place to a walled convent at Winchester, where the nuns care for women such as yourself. You will remain there for the rest of your earthly days. May God look mercifully upon you, and grant you peace."

He sketched the sign of the cross in the air above Conna's head, and the girl looked around her as if drawn from her abstraction by his words and actions. "Winchester?" she said, glancing at her weeping sister, her eyes blazing. "No, I will not go to Winchester. I will stay here as I always have, and no-one will force me to do otherwise."

Vincent pressed his lips together tightly, as Annis's sobbing grew louder, and one of the nuns took charge of her, and walked her out into the fresh air, away from her sister's frantic voice.

"You will go, Sister Conna, whithersoever I command. It is not up to you to decide your fate. You must be kept where no-one else will be in danger because of you. That is my decision, and my word has been pronounced upon it, and it is so written down. Go you now, in peace."

But Conna was not about to go anywhere peacefully, Elijah could see that. He sent a warning glance at the archbishop, who nodded slightly to acknowledge that he had seen the look. The guards, too, moved closer, but not so close as would alarm her.

She stood before Vincent, resolute and unafraid, but her rising voice was clouded with madness. "I will not go! I shall stay here, where I have always been safe, and never shall I be moved! I have decided my own fate!" And before anyone knew what she was about, she had drawn a large pair of scissors from the sleeve of her capacious habit, and, without another word, plunged them deep into her chest.

She died in Astin's arms a few minutes later. Only the Abbess and Vincent, Elijah and Dom were there to witness it, for everyone else had been ushered out by the guards.


"Poor girl!" Gertruda sighed, later in her office, where Dom, Elijah and Vincent sat drinking a reviving glass of aqua vitae. "Sister Placida said she had no notion the girl had such a thing about her, but we must remember that she was devious, as well as clever. She has had her wish, in any case. Do you have any objections, your Grace, to her being laid to rest in consecrated ground? I fear that some will cavil at it, but they will abide by your word."

Vincent shook his head. "If she had been in her right mind, of course I would refuse it. Murderers are not permitted to be buried beside godly folk. But in this case, I think it will be permissible. I have ordered the men to prepare a spot, underneath a tree, far away from those she harmed. Even in death they should not have to encounter her."

He stood, and bowed to the abbess. "It is time Astin and Annis were fetched from the infirmary. We will hold the funeral service as soon as the grave is prepared, and I shall say a private mass for her soul later, at Beauvallet. The least notice we draw to it all, the better. There has been enough sorrow for one day, Aunt Truda."

***

Later, in bed, Dom and Elijah talked over the day's happenings.

"I cannot but help think," Dom said, winding one of Elijah's dark curls about his finger, "that, tragic as it all is, it was better thus. It may have been that Conna would have insisted that Annis go with her, and that would not do - Annis has not her sister's madness; she is a simple creature, best with what she knows and understands. The girl is safer, here, with Astin, and her friends."

Elijah grasped Dom's hand, and kissed it. "You are right, my Amis. It may be that, after the funeral, Annis and my brother will settle down to a quiet, uneventful life - whilst we, my only love, must return to the City. We have work to do!"

"You will have another week's rest, to recover, before trotting back to your crowner's duties, Lij. I insist upon it!"

Elijah grinned into the darkness. Really, Dom is getting very autocratic, these days. I had better show him who is still master, here!

So he did.

Comments

[mews1945.livejournal.com]

Oh, my, Vincent is so wise, and so droll, I was tickled by how pleased he was at his own manipulations. Then he was deeply impressive when he was judging Conna. It was quite a shock that she committed suicide, not what I expected at all. This has been quite an exciting read, Issi.

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

I do like Vincent. He's a great man, methinks - good and wise.
Last part cometh later today, as soon as poor LSR has time to beta it, bless her! ;D xxx

[tristanpaulus.livejournal.com]

Glad Astin accepted his kinship with Elijah!

It was a bit of a shock that Conna committed suicide, but it might have been for the best. No one seemed to know quite what was the 'right' thing to do with her, and she would have been a danger to those around her as long as she lived.

I liked the last one about Elijah showing Dom who was the master ;-)

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

I liked the last one about Elijah showing Dom who was the master ;-)

Aha, I liked that bit, too. Dom had ordered him about quite enough. Besides, for me, that's how it should be! Wibble. :D xxx

[laeliacatt.livejournal.com]

I wasn't expecting Conna to take matters into her own hands but it may have been for the best, as others have pointed out.

How clever Vincent was in convincing Astin to accept his new position! And he was quite amused and impressed at his own cleverness! :D

Awww, St Albins has left for Canterbury...but not before devouring his fill! Bless him. ;)

Another exciting chapter, Issi! *hugs*

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

So glad you liked it. St Aubin sure can eat, it's true. :D xxx

[mole-caz.livejournal.com]

I'm so behind just lately, I had three chapters to read at once! Didn't guess the right murderer but did get it right about who Astin was.

Are you going to write more adventures? I hope so!

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Well, I'm not certain what comes next. I'll have to think about it. Something different, methinks! :D xxx

[escapist-art.livejournal.com]

I have really enjoyed this story, and I hope that you write more about them.

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Thankyou! I'll try! Who knows what the muse will provide? ;D xxx

[janejanejane.livejournal.com]

Another great chapter, dearest Issi, thanks a lot! I was very pleased that Astin has agreed to accept his kinship :-)

Knowing what we now do of Conna, I wasn't too surprised that she ended her life rather than be confined where she didn't want to go. Sad, but probably for the best.

It's been cold here, too. Back into warm clothes and putting the blanket on at bedtime... :-/

*huggles*
XXXX

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

The sun is lovely this morning. Hope it lasts for a few days at least!

Glad you enjoyed my lickel story - only one part left, now! ;D xxx