The Riverwoman’s Dragon

The midwife’s injuries would prevent her from working for a time, but none of them so serious Owen could not reassure both Edith and her husband John that all would be well. His greatest challenge was convincing John to hold her steady in the chair while Owen set her broken arm. It was not a bad break, and with a small, albeit painful, adjustment she would heal well. When that was accomplished, he completed the cleaning and wrapping of her head wound.

While Owen worked Edith described her attackers – two large men, one sounding much like one of the workers in Graa’s warehouse. Nothing to connect them with the cleric who assaulted Asa except in the act. He would seek out the warehouse worker later in the day. She mentioned Bernard, accusing him of inspiring the trouble, expressing her sympathy for Janet and Cilla Fuller– ‘Imagine listening to his hateful ideas all the day.’

‘You and Dame Janet are friends?’

‘Of a sort. I have helped her with Cilla from time to time.’

‘Did you know her before she was married?’

‘No. She came to the city when she wed Jack.’

Someone knocked on the door. John went to answer it armed with a hefty piece of wood. ‘Oh. Benedicite, Brother Michaelo.’

Begging their forgiveness for intruding, Michaelo said he had a message for Owen when he was finished.

‘I am finished.’ Owen instructed John to come to the shop on the morrow to tell Lucie how Edith fared through the night. She would then provide him with what he needed to help his wife continue her healing.

‘Come along with me,’ said Owen as he strode away from the midwife’s home. ‘I believe you might make my next stop easier.’

‘Of course. But you need to know. Jehannes received a response from His Grace the Archbishop. He assures him that the letter to the abbots and priors was meant merely as a suggestion, and commended him on the suggestion of processions. As Archdeacon of York he gives Jehannes full authority to do what is best. Indeed, he would appreciate his smoothing things over with the Churchmen in the city.’

‘He wiped his hands of us and put the burden on Jehannes,’ said Owen. ‘In short, he disowns us?’

‘It would seem so. Might I trouble you to tell me our destination?’

‘The Fuller home, where Bernard is lodging. Dame Janet might find your presence reassuring. She seemed anxious last night. And you might have a word with her daughter Cilla, who made a point of inviting me to return – soon.’

‘Ah.’ After that, they both fell into their own thoughts as they headed for Walmgate.

Bernard answered the knock, narrowing his eyes when he saw who it was. ‘Captain Archer. And a monk?’

‘Brother Michaelo,’ said Owen. ‘Have you remembered meeting the woman of whom we spoke last night?’

‘You spoke. I–’

Dame Janet peered round him, then stepped between Bernard and the door. ‘Captain Archer. Brother Michaelo. Do come in from the rain.’ She glanced at Bernard with a shake of her head and shooed him out of the way. As they moved past her she patted her tidy kerchief, brushed her apron, then planted a fierce smile on her face.

‘I pray you forgive me. I was just sweeping out the kitchen. Might I bring you some ale while you confer with Bernard?’ Her smile tensed as Michaelo crossed the room to greet Cilla.

‘It is you with whom I wish to speak, Dame Janet,’ said Owen.

The leech stepped between Owen and Dame Janet. ‘See to the girl, Janet.’ The woman averted her eyes and retreated a few steps.

‘I was mistaken yesterday,’ said Bernard. ‘Dame Janet does not know this woman you asked after.’

‘And who was that, Bernard?’ Janet asked.

‘Asa,’ said Owen, ‘a healer lately arrived in York. She was beaten in the minster yard yesterday.’

‘Asa?’ Janet shook her head. ‘I do not know the name.’ But she looked long at Bernard, her expression one of loathing.

He wandered away.

‘I see. Then I will leave you to your day, Dame Janet,’ said Owen. ‘I pray you forgive the intrusion.’

‘Not at all, Captain,’ she said, suddenly friendly. ‘I pray your family are all safe and sound? The little ones well?’