Tombland

‘I am sorry I did not have the time to discuss the boy with you earlier. I am happy to have him tried at the Oak, and allow the serious questioning of Lockswood and his witnesses, to establish the truth of what was said.’ From his look I sensed he, too, had doubts about Lockswood. I would rather Nicholas had been freed, but realized Kett could not give him special treatment, so the chance to question Lockswood and his witnesses closely was the best option available.

‘Thank you, Captain Kett. I would be grateful for that in due time – but for the moment I would rather he stayed at the castle to help protect Boleyn.’

Kett inclined his head. ‘As you wish.’ He had no interest in John Boleyn one way or the other. He studied me. ‘You look tired.’

I said, ‘I found it hard going into Norwich, and seeing – well, the bodies of those killed in battle.’

‘This is war now,’ William Kett said soberly.

His brother added, ‘Which brings me to the main thing I wished to speak to you about. I understand Gawen Reynolds and Nicholas Sotherton boasted that an army is being prepared in London.’

‘They did. They seemed very confident of it.’

Miles nodded. ‘Our spies say that is the gossip among the gentlemen in London. But we do not yet know the army’s size, or who will lead it.’

One of the other men present said, ‘I’d stake my life it will consist of the Norwich landowners who escaped, and those loyal to them. It will be organized by our enemies on the Council. Perhaps the Protector does not even know.’

William Kett nodded. ‘Many in the camp are saying that. It is possible.’

‘It is,’ Robert agreed. ‘But it was a royal Herald who came, and his message was in the King’s name.’

The other man who had spoken earlier said, ‘Or maybe someone in borrowed robes, impersonating the Herald, a servant of the gentleman who read us a false message.’

‘That was the dress of a royal Herald,’ I said firmly. ‘I have seen it on State occasions. Richly dyed, with gold thread. I should say it would be near impossible to create an exact copy in little more than a week. And to masquerade as a royal Herald would be treason.’

‘The great lords of Norfolk have plenty of money, and care nothing for the law.’

Robert Kett looked at his brother. ‘That is being said in the camp?’

‘By some. There is disagreement.’

Robert sighed. ‘Well, we must wait and watch, and do what we can to fortify Norwich. And parties are being sent out to the countryside again today to bring back more resources – we need all we can get. We expect to find more gentlemen, who will be tried at the Oak tomorrow. I shall need your help there, Master Shardlake, and Barak’s. I will be too busy to preside, as will my brother, but I have appointed one of the Hundred delegates, William Doughty of North Erpingham, to preside in my place.’ He sighed. ‘Some of our men have been caught thieving, too, and will be tried later in the week.’

‘We shall be there.’ I paused, then asked, ‘What is to happen to Mayor Codd and the others taken to Surrey Place?’

‘They will be held there, as hostages to ensure Augustine Steward’s good behaviour.’

William said, ‘Mayor Codd was in a bad state, weeping and shaking and saying he was forced to obey the Herald’s orders. I think it has all been too much for him.’ He laughed gruffly.

Robert looked at me closely. ‘Do I still have your loyalty?’

‘I gave you my oath to help, Captain Kett, and after what the Herald said, have no doubt now that I am on your side.’

‘Thank you.’ In one of his spontaneous gestures he reached across the table and shook my hand. ‘I had to ask; I know that bloodshed such as happened yesterday is not part of your familiar work.’

I sighed heavily. ‘I have seen bloodshed before.’

‘William and I must tell the men to concentrate fully now on military training. I am going to address them at the Oak after Master Conyers’s sermon.’

‘All who can fight must be trained, and fast,’ Miles added.

‘We should get on,’ William said, ‘if we are to plan the taking of Great Yarmouth and set up men along the road to Norwich to harry the coming army.’

‘Of course.’ Kett smiled at me again. ‘Thank you, Master Shardlake.’

* * *

RATHER THAN ATTEND KETT ’S address, I returned to the huts in the hope of getting some more sleep. Josephine sat beside Goody Everneke, helping with her sewing, Mousy in a little basket at her feet. She rose to greet me. ‘Master Shardlake, you look tired.’

‘I am all right. And you?’

She smiled. ‘You and Edward were right. I feel safer here. Jack is awake,’ she added. ‘He has had a letter from Tamasin.’

‘Has he?’ I went over and entered the hut. Barak was sitting there, staring gloomily into space. He looked up at me. ‘What news from St Michael’s Chapel?’

‘Codd and the Norwich gentlemen are to be held in Surrey Place. Kett is to address the men on preparations for training. They hope to set up diversionary forces on the road to Norwich, and take Great Yarmouth.’