Chapter 4 Taking On the Baliff
Marian and I had breakfast together, and then, made our way to the stables. The cart was ready, and the driver waiting, and soon, we were on our way. It was a nice day, and the scenery was beautiful. The countryside was lush and green, and the fields were full of livestock. There was a sense of peace and tranquillity, and it was hard to believe that, just a few weeks earlier, the land had been at war.
The trip to Wakefield took about 4 hours, and when we arrived, the town was bustling. People were busy going about their daily business, and the air was filled with the sounds and smells of the town. We passed through Wakefield, to use the bridge and headed on to Sandal, where the castle was. As we approached, we could see the soldiers guarding the gates, and we were stopped and asked our business. Marian produced the appropriate documents, and we were allowed to pass.
We made our way through the gate, and into the enclosed bailey. A young man took our horses and unhitched them. "I'll feed and water them, my Lady." He addressed Marian.
"Thank you," she replied.
"Come," she said, motioning for me to follow.
We entered the castle proper, and were met by a steward, who bowed low.
"Welcome, my Lady," he said, and looked at me enquiringly.
"This is Sir Robin," Marian said, "he is my guest., and an old member of the castles retinue."
"Very well, my Lady," the steward replied, "please, follow me." He looked at me suspiciously, but said no more.
We followed him to the Great Hall, and he ushered us inside.
"I will fetch the bailiff," he said, and hurried away.
Marian and I stood in the Hall, and waited. After a few minutes, the steward returned, and announced.
"The bailiff will see you now, my lady"
"Thank you," Marian replied.
"Please, come with me. JUST her ladyship, please, Sir Knight." He says. Preventing me from accompanying her further.
"Thank you Sir Robin, it will be fine, I'm sure," she said and entered the room the steward had indicated. Marian closed the door, leaving us alone.
The steward proceeded to interrogate me.
"Now then, Sir Knight, let's see about you, eh? What's your story, eh?"
"My name is Sir Robin of Loxley. I was captured in the Holy Land, and have returned to my homeland, recently," I replied.
"And what, pray tell, are you doing here, Sir Knight, and with her ladyship, no less?" The steward demanded.
"I am a soldier, and I have sworn allegiance to her ladyship. She is a kind and generous mistress," I said.
"Hmmm," the steward grunted. "I will be the judge of that. Now, Sir Knight, if you would be so kind as to wait here, while her ladyship and the bailiff conclude their business, then perhaps we can all have a drink and get better acquainted."
"Of course, Sir," I said.
The steward disappeared into another room, and a few minutes later, Marian emerged, and gave me a knowing smile.
"What did you tell him?" I asked.
"The truth, of course," she replied.
"You told him the truth?" I asked.
"I certainly did," she said, smiling.
"So, he knows the whole story?"
"No, not the whole story," she replied.
"Only that I am your mistress, and you are my guest, and that we have a good and long history together," she smiled.
"And the reason for our visit?" I asked.
"Why to pay my taxes, of course. Now, come, the bailiff has invited us to share a cup of wine with him. He is a good man, and a loyal servant of the crown."
"Very well," I said, "lead on, my Lady."
We were led into the Great Hall, and the bailiff stood, and bowed.
"My Lady," he said, "you are most welcome. Please, take a seat."
"Thank you, Sir," she replied.
"Allow me to introduce my colleague, Sir Robin, who has recently returned from the Holy Land.
"Well, Sir Robin, you are welcome. How is the Holy Land?"
"Hot, sir, very hot," I replied.
"Hah, I'll bet. So, what brings you back to these cold and damp climes?"
"A desire to return to my King and my country," I replied.
"Ah, an honourable knight. We are pleased to have you here. Now, My Lady, please, accept this cup of wine as a token of our appreciation," he said, filling her cup.
"Thank you, Sir, it is most appreciated," she replied.
"And for our returning friend," the bailiff said, filling my cup.
"Thank you, Sir," I said, raising the goblet to my lips. 'WARNING - toxic compounds: possibility of drowsiness or loss of consciousness' flashed up in front of my face. I smiled to myself; the alien device hadn't moved from the mud for at least thirty millennia before I discovered it, and obviously hadn't encountered alcohol before! I dismissed the warning and drank deeply from the cup. The winner was very good.
"Now, please, enjoy your wine, and let us discuss your taxes, My Lady," the bailiff said, sitting down.
"Certainly, Sir," she replied.
"It is an honour to receive such a distinguished guest, and we will make sure your stay is comfortable. I must admit, I am a little surprised that you have chosen to come here, instead of to one of the larger cities. This is a simple place, and we don't have many of the luxuries you may be used to," the bailiff said, with a slight look of concern on his face.
"Thank you, Sir, but I have had my fill of cities and towns. This place reminds me of my childhood, and it has a certain charm," she replied.
"Ah, yes, I understand. Well, you are welcome to stay as long as you like. The village has an inn, and it is clean and comfortable, and the food is excellent. Now, I must ask you a question. You say you have come here to pay your taxes, but I have no record of any taxes due. Are you sure you have come to the right place?"
"Quite sure, Sir. I have received a summons from the Sheriff's man, instructing me to pay my taxes here," she replied.
"A summons? I have not heard of any summonses being issued. Are you sure?"
"Quite sure, Sir," she replied.
"Perhaps the messenger was delayed," the bailiff said, thoughtfully.
"Yes, perhaps," she agreed.
"Well, I must ask you to forgive me, My Lady, but we cannot accept any taxes without the appropriate documentation," the bailiff said.