Tombland

BARAK AND I waited outside St Michael’s Chapel, but Kett was still out in the camp, directing the clearing up. Evening drew on, time for the religious service by Conyers at the Oak of Reformation, and Barak and I decided to go; Kett often attended evening service.

We found an unusual scene. Kett was not present, but there was a large crowd, mostly filthy after a hard day’s work. They had been rewarded with several barrels of small beer which had been set out on a table, and some were already a little drunk. Conyers stood by the stage in his white surplice and stole, arguing with another cleric, a stocky man in his forties with a fierce, determined aspect and obstinate chin. I heard him say, ‘’Tis not the time, Master Parker.’

Barak said quietly, ‘I’ve seen him before; years ago, when I first worked for Lord Cromwell. Matthew Parker, Anne Boleyn’s chaplain; he’s one of the leading Protestants now.’

‘What’s he doing here?’

‘He’s a Norwich man, if I remember right.’

A man in the crowd shouted out, ‘Begone, Master Parker, we know the camp in Cambridge is put down and you played your part!’

‘Go to Kenninghall and try your arts on the Lady Mary!’

There was a flurry of laughter, although some looked uneasy at this mocking of a senior Protestant preacher. Parker, with an angry gesture, turned and walked away. Someone called, ‘Come, Master Conyers, preach to us! You know God’s word and our Lord’s promises better than him!’

Barak said, ‘Come on, let’s get back to St Michael’s Chapel.’

* * *

WHEN WE ARRIVED , the guard told us Kett and his brother were inside, dining after a hard day. I was unsure whether to interrupt, but thought of Nicholas being led away, and went inside with Barak. Several men were poring over makeshift maps of the camp, marking areas damaged by flooding. Kett, his wife and his brother William were eating at their table at the head of the chapel. Kett’s face was red with anger, as fierce as I had ever seen him. ‘First some try to seize Wharton, then they insult Parker! If things go on like this, we’ll lose control!’

‘It’s not so bad as that,’ Alice said. ‘The flood was a shock to everyone.’

William snorted. ‘Put a few of the malcontents in Norwich Castle, that’ll give them something to think about!’

Robert banged his fist on the table. ‘No, it’ll just make the men angrier!’

‘I don’t think this is the time,’ Barak said quietly. But Kett had seen me. He – the man who I was beginning to consider a friend – glowered at me. ‘Master Shardlake! I hear more bad news about that wretched boy Overton!’

I spoke quietly. ‘From Toby Lockswood? Captain, remember, he spoke out of malice against Nicholas before. You reprimanded him.’

Kett was in a fierce mood. ‘And you remember Master Overton has spoken out before against what we are doing, and is only free at your request. Now I hear he says I should be locked up and that the camp is a commonwealth of rogues!’

‘Sir, I was present when Nicholas and Toby spoke privily. It was as Wharton was being led to Norwich. I did not hear their words, but they spoke quietly. Nicholas denies he spoke as Lockswood said. This is a matter of revenge.’

William Kett looked at me. ‘Lockswood said two other men heard the words.’

‘Then they are liars whom he has suborned,’ I replied, angry myself now.

William turned to Robert. ‘See, now he calls the camp-men liars!’

Robert took a deep breath to calm himself. ‘Lockswood has witnesses to Overton’s words. I have ordered the boy is to be taken to Norwich Castle, and there he will stay till I order otherwise.’ He looked at me with those fierce, strong eyes. ‘And you, Master Shardlake, watch your step.’

Chapter Fifty-two

Barak and I slept little that night, only two of us now in the turf-roofed hut: Scambler was sharing a neighbouring hut with young Natty. When we returned to the Swardeston camp after our disastrous meeting with Kett, Simon asked where Nicholas was. I told him, for the news would soon be around the camp. He looked downcast, for he liked Nicholas. The others gave us curious looks.

Discussing what had happened at St Michael’s, Barak and I agreed we must wait till Kett was in a better humour and appeal to his sense of justice, asking that Toby and his two alleged witnesses be brought before him to repeat the allegations in front of Nicholas.

‘Kett may want a hearing at the Oak,’ Barak said. ‘And Nick hasn’t made himself popular.’

‘Yes. We must play this carefully.’

‘Damn that Toby Lockswood,’ Barak said savagely. ‘It was just petty revenge. I’d like to beat the bastard to a pulp.’

‘Don’t you get in trouble too.’ I hesitated. ‘I see you’re keeping sober.’

He looked me in the eye. ‘I’ve found a worthwhile cause. After working at those Assizes, Jesus knows I needed it.’