Minda inherits
Sequel to Minda grows up
First 10,000 words
See PDF version ( for
•Complete finished text
•Catch-up with the story so far, people and places
•Glossary of mediaeval terms
•Civilised formatting
Author:Peter Fox
Leaving Lostnock
The westerly wind stole the warmth out of the sun in buffets that would soon be blusters of cold rain. What a day to travel when she could be cheerfully heaving bolts of cloth or tubs of spirits with Dan and Davey as they sorted out the seized contraband in the tax Office. The arrangement was they let her carry the heavy stuff if she showed them how to read and write the labels and lists.
The Tax Officer himself, Baron Robert Levendale or 'Mr. Bob' as she called him, knew it was useless to command her to do otherwise without a good reason. She was worth ten men to his office but used 'woman's logic' to get her way. He loved her. Mr. Bob's special role in Minda's life and survival in Lostnock had caused him considerable personal trouble. She'd made him an accomplice to the murder of the Duke of Avel's son, her brother, Humfrey. He knew however much he tried he would always support her in his slow way. Now they were about to leave Lostnock together for Bartonbry to see the ailing Duke. He wanted to be present when his old friend saw his daughter for the first time in eighteen years. That would be a moment to remember. Then he wanted to catch the lightning in the air as Minda innocently admitted to breaking her brother's wrist less than half an hour before an unknown assailant, presumed to be a merchant denied long-overdue payment, shot him in the head. Of course she knew very well who did the deed. When he discovered she'd even subverted his chief secret informant to vouch for Henry Trentchard under his nose he guessed too. That was her business, his job was to help the Duke in a man-to-man way recognise Minda as his daughter that mustn't be denied her legitimate inheritance.
The convoy out of Lostnock that morning was strange because it left by three separate gates and met up half an hour later. Early morning exercise rides were a habit of this bunch of youngsters so nothing unusual was noticed. Delphia and Henry rode out eastwards. Minda had asked Delphia to keep a sisterly eye on him in case guilt should make him crumble. Flor and Lucky took the north gate while Minda and Mr. Bob took the West gate towards Bartonbry.
Innocence is no armour against suspicion. The whole town knew that it must have been Minda that personally killed Humfrey or organised it but all the suspects had been accounted for. Now, as with anything Minda did, there was discussion about whether witchcraft had been used and this time the general consensus was that it was a good deed so perhaps give her the benefit of the doubt. Everyone knew Minda could wind men like thread round her little finger in a way which the women, and most of the men loved as well. The thugs paid a farthing to carry a strange unexpected unthreatening threatening message to a lawyer enemy assumed that the lion lady was up to tricks and good luck to her. The many merchants she'd made a point of befriending looked upon the preying Humfrey's demise as a bit of luck and if Minda really had been involved it was no business of theirs. The Coroner and Steela, Mr. Bob's adulterous wife, lost a lot of sleep trying to pin the crime on her but without being able to find any solid ground. The bishop was working hard to protect his smuggling operation.
The arrangement was Flor and Henry in front, Minda and Delphia in the middle and Lucky with Mr. Bob behind in the classic anti-ambush pattern. Nobody was expecting to be ambushed by force but everyone knew their innocence was a charade. Apart from Mr. Bob they were all used to early morning rides. Mr. Bob felt twenty five years younger and was delighted to be treated as one of them. He smiled and smiled again inside and then beamed. The weather claimed their immediate emotion as four of them would have a long day's suffering from this heartless wind and they could feel it full on their faces.
Minda's first duty was to Henry. "How is he Delphia?"
"Pretending it wasn't him."
"Oh dear. He's done a murder we will all benefit from. We must support him. Get him to talk to Smith Jiller – just him not his wife. I as good as murdered Jiller's brother and at first he was in shock but then he saw it was a bad deed to do a better one. At least suggest it to Henry as an option.
"Shouldn't he go to confession? There's dozens of priests to choose from."
"No! – Sorry Delphia I meant 'that would be a bad idea'. No priest is trustworthy but I can vouch for all smiths. Better still say to Henry to show an interest in something to do with smithing with Jiller and build trust for himself."
"How?"
"It just does. Sorry Delphia I have to talk to Henry himself. I'll explain when I get back. All my love to Pod and Denise and of course Tom – tell him I love him – give him a kiss from me... stop a moment and give me a kiss... Here's to your happy family – I can see marriage and children on your face."
"How can you see that! Cain only asked me to marry him last night."
Minda called behind "Go on men we'll catch up in a minute. Jump down Delphia." They both dismounted and Minda picked up Delphia in the most enveloping hug. "Do you remember that first day at Trowstead when I threatened to pick you up and throw you into the midden?"
"I'll never forget it."
"I'm sorry. I love you."
"I love you. You're easy to love Minda."
"Bless you Delphia. You're the first friend I've ever had."
"You have lots of friends."
"First girlfriend – only girlfriend."
"You don't expect me to be as clever as you will you?"
"Err – You're the one with the husband."
"Am I? Did I accept Cain's proposal?"
"Oh no!"
Delphia paused for a fraction of mischief before admitting "Yes I of course did." A confusion of smiles in reflecting waves followed by a long kiss the most solid follow-on hug ignored the spattering elements.
The men had waited just around the bend for them. Somehow the girls were shameful and proud at the same time. So what if the men waited for them – so they should! At last Minda found her commander's voice, "Lucky and Mr. Bob at the front. Flor and Delphia in the middle. I'll take the back look-out with Henry."
"How are you Henry?"
"I'm not sure Minda. I know all my training was worth it when I shot him but – but – just because I could doesn't mean I should have."
"You did well Henry. Don't forget I'm a murderer too – I killed Butcher."
"I know. Everything you do turns out right even if it doesn't seem so at the time, but you're you and I'm me. I can't sleep."
"Neither can I sometimes. Even though we both know it was the right thing to kill the rat Humfrey I still lie awake thinking of all the accomplices – all of us here today – and some others – we all added a nail to Humfrey's coffin."
"I'm pleased it was so easy in the end."
"Remember Henry that you were going to be the one that looked after this part of the nation when lawlessness came – that's what you were being brought up for by your father so now you've proved that you could have done it. He will be pleased."
"Could I have led Brand and Flor on expeditions? I mean I could have I suppose – um – but not like you do."
"You have a big role yet Henry. I'm soon going to be a duchess and that means I can bully the King – pay for mercenaries and information and direct forces to stamp out whatever I think needs stamping out. I can't do that in a fog can I?"
"You've lost me."
"I need people to tell me what's actually happening so I can take action. Where defences are weak, where there is corruption, where my troops can get food supplies. I need people to tell my generals how much bread the army will need while they lay siege to a particular castle. You can see these figures in your head Henry. You'll be doing twice what your father wanted and once in a while slitting the throat of the odd outlaw in the dark just to keep in practice." Henry was silent. "Trust Delphia while I'm away. I've asked her to look after you for me."
"Do I need looking after?"
"Of course you do. You're very precious to me – and Delphia – and lots of other people...... One day Henry I hope you'll find a lady to marry. I know you're a bit shy but hey! I thought I couldn't dance until harvest-home and now I practice twice a week. Don't fall for the first one that flashes her lashes at you but you could easily make a wealthy and happy marriage."
"I don't want to be commanded by women."
Minda chuckled. "One day your mind will be changed for you – by a woman. Watch out Henry!".
Lucky felt he shouldn't leave Mr. Bob in silence. He asked about Mr. Bob's military service when on campaign with the Duke. Lucky had learned from watching Minda how to be interested in what people said to get them to tell you more and relax. Mr. Bob was pleased to relive his exciting days with this diligent and respectful young man. The virility of old times started to awake and he was soon telling stories of good times, skirmishes, nights of camaraderie and confusing battles where it was every man for his friends. The weather may be spiteful but he was glad to be back on the road again with these confident young people. Confidence! That was it! He should be more confident now the sneers of Lostnock were left behind.
It soon came to the point where Henry and Delphia would turn back to Lostnock. There was something very precious about journeying together as a family then parting. As her mother had done in the summer so Delphia had made luck-cakes. "I've put a spell on each one. Mr. Bob here is yours 'May you gallop freely.' Flor's is 'Only one woman at a time.' " This raised a chuckle. "Lucky 'Sing a song every time you swear – but you don't have to swear to sing.' Henry 'Like a sundial. Stay in one place and tell us what we need to know' Minda 'All my love' – sorry that's all I could think of."
"I'll be thinking of you Delphia."
"What about yours?" asked the relentless Henry.
"Erm – my wish came true straight away. I'm going to marry Cain." Hearty congratulations came from all round as they ate their cakes. Minda smiled and dreamed.
After the sweet parting the travellers took a grim view of the next few hours and carried on in silence with cloaks and hoods firmly drawn against the breaths of the tearing clouds. When the sun came out for a while Lucky tried singing but gave it up after the few lines as the wind strangled every cadence into dollops of unnatural wailing. They met and overtook many waggons carrying goods on the road between Lostnock and Bartonbry. There were other travellers mostly with a pack on their back. Occasionally there would be mounted riders in groups making the dash to Lostnock before the weather turned worse. They had just decided to stop at the next inn to rest the horses and stoke themselves for the remainder of the grim day when a single rider making best speed approached from ahead. He passed them with a friendly acknowledgement then turned behind and drew up with them.
"I have a message for a lady with an eye patch from a fisherman."
Minda realised this must be Silks. "Fishing in this weather is no fun but we must eat. Please give me the message."
"It was for you very personal lady – erm –."
"You are right to be cautious Mr. Messenger but my staff are trusted."
"As you wish lady. The fisherman says the one who you seek is at the end of the road."
"Thank you Mr. Messenger. Let me think a minute... Do you have other messages or will you be going back to the town you came from?"
"I am to deliver a message to the Tax Officer in Lostnock with all haste."
Mr Bob said "I am Baron Levendale the Tax Officer of Lostnock. You have a word and I have the reply. What is the word?"
"Smoke" sir.
"No it isn't smoke."
"I'm sure it is smoke sir."
"Then I must go about my business."
"Thank you sir. Here it is." He handed a walnut to Mr. Bob who put it in his purse without a word.
Minda recognised the exchange as a prelude to handing a message wound into a tiny scroll inside a Walnut shell sealed up with wax. "We are on our way to Bartonbry will you ride with us?"
"Yes lady."
"In that case – erm – Lucky! Ride ahead with this man to the next inn and order food and fodder for five. You two will be travelling separately. We will be there shortly and leave before you. Enjoy your ale." She smiled at the messenger. "You have earned a hot meal Mr. Messenger now off you go."
Flor and Mr. Bob had guessed the meaning of the message but waited until they were alone on the road before saying anything. Mr. Bob asked "Is the fisherman the one you call Silks and I call Ripetto?"
"Yes. Now we know the Duke is on his deathbed."
"Then we'd better hurry Minda."
"Let me think Mr. Bob. This makes it very dangerous for me. I don't think I should visit Bartonbry until he dies or gets better. But it would be really good for you to see your friend alive and look after our interests. If I don't get the dukedom for last-minute legal reasons then you'll have me working for you for a while yet!"
"Why don't you want to come too?"
"What will people think if I see the Duke and next day he dies. The word will go round I poisoned him or something. Everyone will suspect me. You take Lucky and we'll stay at the next inn for three days waiting for more information. I'll make sure everyone knows where I am in the flesh until the danger is over."
"Can't I persuade you to see your father Minda?"
"No if you see him alive tell him all about me but I don't want to be blamed for the course of nature. Make him regret his heartless behaviour and make it up to me by making sure I get everything and nothing to the church. Flor?"
"No questions. I feel sorry for you Mr. Bob but your friend will surely get comfort from your company. Lucky won't let you down."
"Poor Lucky" said Mr. Bob "he thinks he's got an hour by the fire and a quart of ale ahead of him. I'll lead off in as long as it takes to get something hot inside me."
Minda whistled the high-low-low let's proceed signal and they focussed on dealing with the next few minutes at the inn without making it obvious that Minda was connected with the messenger or Mr. Bob. Flor broke the bad news to Lucky and the messenger and took Lucky on one side. "The Duke is on his deathbed. Mr. Bob is trying to get to his bedside to tell the Duke how wonderful the girl he discarded is and make sure there's no funny business. Minda's name should not be mentioned by you. We're staying here. Minda has enough with being accused of Humfrey's death and doesn't want the same with the Duke himself. If Mr. Bob gets cold feet remind him of his happy days with the Duke and his happiness this morning and Delphia's luck-cake. We know the messenger can be trusted to deliver a message. He may find Mr. Fisherman for you. Minda thinks it is Silks but never use any name or even recognise a stranger. Here is five shillings for expenses. Anything else?"
"Cruel fate! It makes me feel like singing!" They laughed.
Mr. Bob insisted on being alone while he opened the walnut shells. The coded message added dates and suggested a place to meet. The characters representing 'Question•Bad•M•Visit' at the end confused him. M must be Minda, he couldn't think of any other M but why was she bad? Then he realised. Yet again he was last to get the point, it was a warning not to bring Minda. Was it for the same reason as she'd said or another? Danger perhaps? He'd better get back on the dismal road again.
Alarm in Heronswell
When Minda and Flor were settled into a private room they simply stretched out in silence side by side in front of an expensive fire. Mistress and servant with their own flickering thoughts gazing at the flames then waking up with a start to find the fire turned to a bed of clicking embers. They smiled, neither having a reason to break the peace. Eventually Minda collected herself 'there was work to be done' there always was, but she hadn't given any thought to it.