Afton of Margate Castle by Angela Elwell Hunt Read Free Book Online Page B

stir, and several villeins were already out in their courtyards, checking their stores to make sure all was in order for Perceval’s steward. Wido waved to Bodo, who was inspecting his lamb to make sure it had no deformity. Only the best could be given to the lord.
    The village church stood at the northernmost point of the village, a sturdy structure with a large oak door and two windows. Afton had often thought the church looked like a face, with a stubborn nose and two gleaming eyes to watch over the small village houses. Wido once told her that God lived there, and it was comforting to think of Him watching over her, even if the face of the church did not have a mouth. If it did have a mouth, would it smile or frown?Wido knocked on the church door. It was be hours before the church opened for Mass, but Wido knew Friar Odoric rose early for prayers.
    The good friar opened the door slowly. “I’ve come for a blessing for the child, Father,” Wido said. “I’ve brought my best laying hen as an offering.”
    The priest nodded and held his right hand above Afton’s head. He murmured lyrical words Afton did not understand, made the sign of the cross above her head, then his smooth thumb firmly traced the sign of the cross on her forehead. “May God go with you,” he said, holding his hands out for the chicken.
    Wido handed the hen to the priest, then took Afton’s hand again. “Thank you, father,” he said, stepping away from the church. He did not speak as they began walking on the castle road, but Afton looked up once and caught her father wiping something from his eye.
    ***
    The Latin phrases of Mass still echoed in Hector’s head as he left the castle chapel and hurried toward his own house. The villeins would begin to arrive soon, and Perceval was most anxious that the day’s bounty be well-counted. It was not a day for mistakes.
    A hulking man with a child stood outside the door already, and Hector quickened his pace. Was he so slow? Or was the man early? Hector glanced at the villein and squinted, trying to place the man’s face. “Wido, isn’t it?” he asked, going past the man to his door. “Allow me a moment. You’re early.”
    “I am bringing the tribute Lady Endeline requested,” Wido said, his voice and manner solemn. “I could not do this in front of the eyes of others. I will return later with the planks and the garment.”
    Hector’s eyes widened and he turned from the door. Oh, yes, this was the man who was to give his daughter! He was going to do it, then, surrender the girl without a fuss. Of course, it wasn’t a question of if he would bring his daughter, but how . Any dispute or reluctance at all would have resulted in a much higher fine, most of which would have ended up in Hector’s pocket.
    “This is the child my lady specified?” Hector said, peering at Afton. “She is healthy? Without defects?” He reached for the edge of her tunic to inspect her more closely.
    Wido growled. “She is perfect. Take your hand off her.”
    Hector backed away and waved his hands in the air. “Fine. I will leave you to answer if a problem arises.” He went back to his door, his keys jingling with importance. “I’ll mark your entry in the book, Wido, when all is paid in full.” Hector gestured impatiently to Afton. “Follow me, child.”
    Wido did not let go of her hand. “You’re not going to leave her here all day?”
    Hector pushed his door open and frowned at Wido. “What else am I supposed to do? I haven’t the time to take her into the castle just now.”
    Wido stepped forward and flexed his mighty arms. “Do it.” He glared into Hector’s eyes. “Afton is to be taken to Lady Endeline. I will not have her kept waiting here like an animal.”
    Hector would have liked nothing better than to remind the man of his lowly status, but he had neither the time nor the force, for the knights who were to stand guard at his desk were not yet at their posts. His eyes gleamed in derision.