Tombland

‘Hearken all of you that be here, and you, Kett, captain of mischief’ – there was a murmur of anger at that, and Robert Kett’s face went first white, then an angry red – ‘and as many of you as are present, give ear. Although the manner of our ancestors, and the dignity of this empire, and the majesty of the name of the King, seem to require that you, which have wickedly taken upon you arms against your country, and cast yourself into open conspiracy and rebellion, should be put to flight by sword and fire, should receive due punishment for the wickedness which you have committed – yet notwithstanding, so great is the kindness and clemency of the King’s Majesty, that those whose heinous offence craves punishment, of his singular and incredible favour, he will have you preserved with safety. And therefore he commands the camp and this den of thieves, and every one of you to depart to his own house. And if you have done this wicked thing, being deceived, you have your pardon, and warrant of impunity, of all the evils you have done: but if you shall remain in your former mind, and purpose of wickedness, He will surely revenge all the hurts and the villainies that you have done, as is meet, with all severity of punishment.’

He rolled up the parchment; evidently there was nothing more; no word at all of commissioners or reforms. Some of the men fell on their knees, calling out, ‘Thank God and the King’s Majesty for his Grace’s clemency and pity!’ But the main body of the camp looked shocked and angry. There came shouts: ‘What of our demands!’ ‘Is he a real Herald, to insult us so, or an agent of the gentlemen?’

Hundreds of eyes turned to Robert Kett. Slowly he stepped forward, until he was directly in front of the Herald, looked up at him, then turned to face the camp. He shouted, in a voice as mighty as the Herald’s own: ‘Kings are wont to pardon wicked persons, not innocent and just men; we for our part deserve nothing in the way of punishment, and are guilty of no crime, and therefore despise such speeches as idle and unprofitable to our business!’ He turned to the crowd. ‘Do not forsake me, or be fainthearted, but remember my promise that I would, if needs require, lay down my life for your sake.’

There was a chorus of cheers, all but those on their knees joining in. The Herald, evidently not expecting this response, shouted out, ‘I charge you, Robert Kett, with high treason. You are a traitor, and all who take your part.’ There was an angry rustling and murmuring, the men of the camp moving a step or two closer. The Herald called out, ‘Master Pettibone, arrest the traitor Kett for treason.’

Pettibone looked at the Herald, aghast. He took a step towards Kett, who turned and glared at him, and immediately hundreds of men moved closer. Bows were raised. Mayor Codd spoke urgently to the Herald, ‘We should leave. Now.’

‘God’s blood,’ the Herald replied, his face purple with rage. However, he descended from the stage and joined the group from Norwich. Some of the camp-men picked up clods of earth, but Kett waved his hands to indicate they should drop them. The humiliated party remounted their horses, accompanied by cries of, ‘Fuck off back to Lunnon!’ ‘Where are the commissioners we were promised?’ Some would have pursued them, but Kett nodded at Miles, and his soldiers drew up in a line, protecting the way down to Norwich.

Then a number of camp-men stepped forward, mostly those who had bowed at the King’s name, and, with guilty or defiant looks, began to follow the Herald. More followed, I think over two hundred in all. The great majority, though, remained where they were, save some who stepped forward and looked likely to attack the deserters, but Miles and his men blocked their way. William Kett shouted, ‘Let them go! If they will break their oath to serve our cause, we are better without them!’

I turned to Barak. ‘What will you do now?’

He looked back at me, furious. ‘After that arsehole insulting Kett and this camp, refusing even to mention our requests’ – his voice rose – ‘after this I stay, even if it means death!’ He looked at me, and added, in a sorrowful tone, ‘Now’s your chance, if you want to get away. I’ve never truly known where you stand.’

I looked at him, at Simon and Natty standing nearby, at the Ketts conferring with Captain Miles. I said, ‘In truth, neither have I. But after this monstrous injustice, now I do. Kett must be devastated, but he has chosen to remain. And I stay here, in the camp, to help him.’

Barak gripped my arm and nodded. ‘I knew it,’ he said, and turned away, though not before I saw tears in his eyes.

Part Five

BOND MEN MADE FREE

Chapter Fifty-four