Tombland

LATER THAT EVENING , men gravitated to the escarpment above Norwich, looking down at the city. But Norwich retained its usual aspect, the setting sun turning the white spire of the cathedral pink. At the guard posts reinforcements arrived, spearmen and archers. Captain Miles hastened to and fro, checking the cannon, gunpowder and gunballs taken from the manor houses. Few slept that night, knowing that the following morning the Protector’s response would be known. The general mood was optimistic, but nobody knew for certain. From our hut, Barak and I frequently heard hoof beats as messengers arrived at St Michael’s Chapel.

Next day, nothing happened, though the mood in the camp was tense and messengers from the city reported the Herald was expected by the council to arrive soon. The following morning, the twenty-first of July, there was still no word of his arrival. Although we did not usually attend, Barak and I went to the Oak of Reformation with the Swardeston villagers to hear the morning sermon. Birds sang in the yellow, rustling grass and the few remaining trees.

There was a large congregation present. Conyers began the service by saying that the King’s Herald was expected imminently in Norwich. Then he began his sermon. I looked at him; he was a tall, thin, serious man known for commitment both to the Commonwealth and to peace, and he had a gentleness about him, a quiet sincerity. He chose as his text the passage from St Matthew: Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves.

He said that whatever news the Herald brought, it was probable he would criticize the camp, even call us rebels, as Heralds had done in other camps and in letters; but concessions had also been made and we should consider them carefully, with calm thought. The congregation listened quietly, and at the start of this crucial day I felt a moment of calm I had not felt for years, almost as though it came from outside me. I sighed deeply, drawing a couple of curious glances.

Conyers concluded by saying that peace and reconciliation must be accompanied by justice, then led us in singing the Te Deum in English, followed by psalms. Simon showed again what a beautiful singing voice he had, and several in the congregation looked at him. Barak murmured, ‘Shows me up.’ He had the singing voice of a cat.

Then came an interruption. A young man, sweating and breathless, mounted the stage, bowed to Conyers, and whispered to him. Conyers nodded and addressed the crowd. ‘The King’s Herald has arrived; he is in Norwich and we have a message that after refreshment he is coming here.’

A large number of people, including Barak and me and the two boys, Natty and Simon, went to the top of the escarpment, some men walking part of the way down the hill to get a better view. But for an hour, then another, nothing happened except the church bells in Norwich ringing for morning service. Across at St Michael’s Chapel, people kept coming in and out. Then one of the guards came over and told me Captain Kett wished to see me.

When I entered the chapel I found several men seated round the table on the old altar. William and Robert Kett and Captain Miles faced me. The others were familiar, too, though I was surprised to see them together – Michael Vowell, Toby Lockswood, old Hector Johnson, Edward Brown, who must have come up again from Norwich, and, to my surprise, Peter Bone. Kett extended an arm and waved me to the table. His expression was more troubled and anxious than I had ever seen it.

‘Serjeant Shardlake,’ he said, ‘I want your counsel.’ He took a deep breath. ‘As you know, the King’s Herald is coming today. I have been convening meetings of people to advise me since before dawn, mostly people who know each other and can speak freely between themselves and with me; ordinary camp-men like good Peter Bone here, soldiers, administrators and men from Norwich. I realize you and Goodman Lockswood have your differences, but please forget them during this meeting and advise me honestly. The question I ask is this, how do we respond to the imminence of the Herald’s visit?’ He took a deep breath. I thought with a flash of anger, this was asking me to go far beyond my agreement to advise at the trials, but I could scarcely turn and walk out.