To Kill or Cure by Susanna Gregory Read Free Book Online Page A

such characters were best ignored until they destroyed
     themselves with their outrageous boasts. He glanced at Lynton again, itching for the confrontation to be over, so he could
     talk to Michael.
    ‘It is time Cambridge was blessed with a decent medical practitioner,’ Arderne went on. ‘The age of amateurs is over, and
     the people of this fine town will now benefit from the best that modern science can offer. I, RichardArderne, can cure leprosy, poxes, falling sicknesses and contagions. I can make barren women fertile, and draw teeth with
     no pain at all.’
    ‘Can you turn lead into gold, too?’ jeered Falmeresham. Bartholomew poked him in the back.
    ‘I am working on it,’ replied Arderne, unfazed. ‘And when I succeed – which is only a matter of time – I shall share my good
     fortune with my loyal patients. But now I must take Maud home before she weeps herself into a fit. Good afternoon to you all.’
    He was gone in a flurry of clattering hoofs and wheels, leaving the crowd somewhat bemused.
    ‘You see?’ murmured Robin, suddenly at Bartholomew’s elbow. The physician jumped, on edge and uncomfortable. ‘How can I compete
     with that sort of announcement? He will ruin me.’
    ‘He will not,’ replied Bartholomew. ‘It is only a matter of time before one of his clients points out that he
was
in pain when a tooth was drawn, or that she is still barren. Then his reputation will—’
    ‘But that might take weeks,’ cried Robin. ‘And he will destroy me in the meantime.’
    Bartholomew did not know what to say, aware that Arderne’s brash confidence would certainly appeal to more people than Robin’s
     sly deference. He watched the unhappy surgeon slouch away.
    ‘
I
shall not mourn Lynton,’ declared Blankpayn. ‘One fewer scholar is good news. I heard old master Kenyngham has gone to meet
     his maker, too, so it is definitely a good Easter for the town.’
    Before Bartholomew could stop him, Falmeresham had launched himself at the taverner, who instinctively drew his dagger. Falmeresham
     saw it too late to swerve, and his mouth opened in shock as he ran on to the blade. Hestumbled to his knees. Blankpayn dropped his knife and began to back away, his face white with horror at what he had done.
    ‘No!’ breathed Bartholomew. He started to run towards his stricken student, but did not get far. One of the patrons swung
     a punch that caught him squarely on the side of the jaw. He went down hard, and was forced to cover his head with his hands
     when there was a sudden, furious rush to join the ensuing affray. He tried to stand, but was knocked down again by someone
     crashing into him. He heard Michael bellowing, ordering everyone home. Then the bells of St John Zachary started to ring,
     warning scholars that trouble was afoot. More men started to pour into the street.
    Bartholomew managed to struggle upright, looking around wildly around for his friends. He could not see Falmeresham, and hoped
     that Carton had dragged him to safety. Meanwhile, Michael was backed against the broken cart, fending off two masons, who
     were threatening him with daggers. Bartholomew retrieved the heavy childbirth forceps from the medicine bag he always wore
     looped across his shoulder, and struck one on the shoulder. The other spun around to fight him, but backed away when he saw
     a knife was no match for an expertly wielded surgical implement.
    Michael gazed at the pushing, shoving mêlée with undisguised fury. He stalked to a trough that was used for watering horses,
     and in a massive show of strength – for all his lard, he was a physically powerful man – upended it. Green water shot across
     the street, drenching the legs of anyone close by. There were indignant howls as the skirmishers tried to duck out of the
     way.
    ‘Enough!’ roared the monk. His livid face made several scholars slink away before he started to issue fines. ‘Youshould be ashamed of yourselves, brawling on Easter Day! Go home,