Tombland

‘Two and a half thousand. They’ve all to be fed, and latrines dug. But we’re set on this. You fit to speak with Captain Kett?’

I sat up carefully. ‘Yes.’

‘So he’s Captain Kett now?’ Barak asked.

‘Did you not hear him at the oak? He offered to be our leader and captain. And a fine one he is.’

I asked Natty to pass me more ale. As I drank, there was a movement at the entrance. Two men took positions outside, then Robert Kett came under the awning. He looked as tired and dusty as everyone else, but the eyes in his keen face were alive with energy. He nodded to Natty. ‘Leave us a moment, lad.’

‘Yes, Captain,’ Natty said, and went out.

Kett looked at Barak. ‘I hear you did well today, noting down the supplies that came in. Despite your – disability.’

‘I did my best,’ Barak said gruffly.

‘Please leave us a little while.’

Barak went out, and Kett looked at me keenly. ‘Master Shardlake, I was sorry to hear you fainted. It was a long march. I had hoped it would end in Norwich, but the city council have refused us entry and manned the walls. Tomorrow, if the city refuses us entry again, we will camp at Eaton Wood, then next day march to Drayton Wood, and on Friday to Mousehold Heath, which commands the city. There is enough space there for the many still coming in to us. People in south Norfolk are gathering at their own camp too, at Downham.’ I wondered what that would mean for the Lady Mary.

Kett went on. ‘Food and drink will be brought to Mousehold from the villages. The women will stay behind and take charge on the farms. And with the money we are requisitioning, we should be able to buy supplies in Norwich. From Mousehold we overlook the city.’

‘We could try an assault, Captain,’ Toby said. ‘We have hundreds in arms, and support in Norwich.’

‘No,’ Kett answered firmly. ‘We need a secure base first, and our men are tired and untrained. And we need to show the Protector we are men of peace. We shall do well enough on Mousehold.’ He looked at me. ‘We are a hardy people, and determined. We have become used to living on little these last years.’

‘I do not doubt it,’ I replied.

‘With more men it will be a slower journey tomorrow, and not so long. Do you think you can make it, and perhaps a further journey?’

‘If the pace is slower and there are rests, I should be well enough.’

‘Good.’ He looked at me intently. ‘When we get to Mousehold, Master Shardlake, we must have order. To do that, as I told you, we will try our prisoners according to law, so their injustices can be reported to the commissioners and the Protector. We aim to expose their wrongdoings, but not to kill them. If they are not put on trial, some of our people may take matters into their own hands. They are justly angry.’ He looked at me narrowly. ‘I ask again, will you help us?’

In truth I had been unable to make up my mind. I thought, If I helped them and they lost, what would become of me then? I said, ‘I am not quite well, Captain Kett. Please give me a little more time to consider.’

He inclined his head. ‘You wouldn’t be stringing me along, would you?’

‘Just a little more time, please.’

‘Only a little, Master Lawyer, or you will join that loudmouthed boy of yours in the cart.’

‘My assistant, Nicholas. Sir, I know he is hot-headed and full of – antrums – though, in fact, he is poor. Could you not release him into my care? I worry about him being near those Boleyn twins. They would kill him, if they could. If he gives his word of honour not to run away, it can be trusted.’

Toby shook his head vigorously. ‘All the time I worked with young Overton, he did nothing but tell me that gentlemen were the natural rulers. He talked of the poor like dirt.’

I said, ‘I remember when he helped a poor boy who was unjustly dismissed, while you stood aside. He has a good heart. A good head too, despite his talk. He owns no land, in Norfolk or anywhere else.’ I looked at Toby. ‘And he is not the only one with a fierce mouth.’

‘He lectured me like I was a fool.’ A surly note entered Toby’s voice. ‘Got so I couldn’t bear the sight of him.’

Kett turned on him with unexpected anger. ‘Toby Lockswood, I will not have our noble aims used to serve personal dislikes!’

Toby flushed, and lowered his head. Kett turned to me. ‘I will consider it,’ he said. ‘While you consider my offer,’ he added pointedly, raising his eyebrows. ‘But Overton is in no danger from those boys; they are well tied and quieter since they were beaten. And now, I must see my brother about meat for the camp. Barak may stay with you tonight, along with Natty.’ With that he left the makeshift tent, Toby following without another word. Natty returned and settled himself down. My new watcher.

After a while, a man brought bowls of food, and a candle to give light when it got dark. A rich mutton pottage. I wondered how many sheep from the landlords’ meadows had gone into its making. Young Natty said appreciatively, ‘That’s first meat I’ve had in weeks.’

‘Is it?’ Barak asked, surprised.