Tombland

‘He and Nicholas, though, were always arguing over social matters and detested each other. But – to do this to Nicholas, it is simply vicious.’

‘Maybe Nicholas really did say what Lockswood reported.’

‘Never! I was nearby, and can swear there were no angry words between them. Nicholas told me the accusation was false and – yes, he has too high an estimation of his gentleman status, but the one thing Nicholas has never been, ever, is a liar.’

Edward looked at me closely. ‘Toby Lockswood is becoming an important man in the camp. He works tirelessly, he is literate, and his local knowledge is unsurpassed. Yes, he seems a hard and angry man. But he has just lost both parents, so perhaps it is no surprise.’

‘That is no reason to take it out on Nicholas,’ Barak countered.

‘Yet the lad did say bad things about the camp-men before.’

‘I know, but not since.’

‘Yet Toby Lockswood has witnesses.’

‘I was there, and I saw none. Witnesses can be perjured. As a lawyer I know that better than anyone. You have influence, Edward, I ask you to think on what I have said.’

Edward pursed his lips, considering my plea. We walked on in silence for a few minutes. Then I said, ‘I understand what the camp-men hope to get out of this, reform of the abuses in the countryside. But what will Norwich gain?’

He smiled. ‘Same as the country folk, teach the great ones of the city a lesson they will never forget. You know they started a poor rate at the beginning of the year, but a tiny amount? Well, I’m sure we will see that increased, for a start. And we have other grievances, about wages for example, which they will be afraid to resist now. And remember those demands Kett sent to London were drawn up before the city became really involved. Others can be sent. Do you not think the townspeople suffer as much from the rise in prices and lack of work as the country folk? And look at how we were charged money to use the Town Close. Well, we have brought down the fences.’

‘Yes. Remember, like you I have seen what conditions are in London, and in Norwich they seem worse.’

We had reached the foot of the Castle Mound. Already I was tired, it had been one of the most tumultuous days in my life. I took a deep breath as we began the long ascent to the huge, square building, standing stark against the cloudless blue sky.

Chapter Fifty-seven

Outside the castle I noticed the soldiers who had stood guard previously had been replaced by men from the camp, wearing the steel breastplates and round sallet helmets that served as military uniform there. The cannon which had stood outside the entrance had gone, tracks along the castle mound showing where they had been dragged down to the river. Now they were in the hands of the camp, to help resist any further attack.

Edward approached one of the guards. ‘I have a pass from Captain Kett,’ he said. ‘This is Lawyer Shardlake from the camp and his assistant. He wishes to visit two of the prisoners. Nicholas Overton and John Boleyn.’

At the sight of the pass the man looked at him with respect. He consulted a list. ‘They both be here.’

‘Where are the castle soldiers?’ Barak asked.

‘Most fled after losing against us at Bishopsgate. Our men are in charge now. The mayor and senior aldermen are taken to Surrey Place, but some servants of the city authorities who fought against us are being held here.’

I asked, ‘What about Constable Fordhill?’

‘Captain Kett’s made an arrangement with him. He’ll stay in charge, but under his orders. We’re keeping on the gaolers.’

I said, ‘May I talk to the constable?’ The guard looked at Edward, who nodded.

‘You’ve gained much respect for a Lunnoner,’ Barak said to him as we walked under the castle barbican.

‘I’ve done a lot to help the camp.’ Edward laughed. ‘Who’d have thought that three years ago I was just steward to old Lawyer Henning?’

‘Talent will out,’ I said.

‘If people get a chance, but precious few do. The camp has given me one.’

I looked at him seriously. ‘It has. But do consider Josephine.’

He shook his head. ‘I worry about her all the time. I wish I could get her and Mousy to the camp. But she won’t go.’

We entered the castle. The afternoon sun was fading, and the great cavernous hall was dim, but I saw more people than before, gaolers supplemented by men with spears and halberds from the camp. Edward spoke to one of the men from the camp, and we were led up to Constable Fordhill’s quarters. I remembered the previous occasion I had visited him, before the rebellion. His little son had been playing in the hallway then.

Fordhill was in his office. He exuded the same air of authority, his grey hair and beard were neatly trimmed, but he could not quite hide his anxiety. Edward bowed briefly and showed him the pass from Captain Kett. Fordhill looked at me wryly. ‘So you ended up at the camp, Serjeant Shardlake?’

‘I am assisting at the trials at the Oak of Reformation, ensuring legal rules are observed. This is my assistant, Jack Barak.’