Mates
By:
Will B
(© 2009 by the author)
The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's
consent. Comments are appreciated at...
Ed and Henry arrived in London and were staying at a tavern run by Gus Wheeler. Ed and Henry shared a room with Justin and Dustin. On Guy Fawkes Night, the two boys had a four-way with the two brothers. Ed and Henry realize that they only cared for each other and didn’t need any three-ways, four-ways, and so on.
Ed and Henry moved towards each other and would have kissed, but the stable door opened, and Gus Wheeler’s voice could be heard, “Ed, Henry. Cousin George is here. You’d better come.”
Chapter 10
Ed and Henry went into Gus’s office and found Cousin George pacing the floor.
“Ed, I have bad news. We, the three of us, have been summoned to appear before a special Court of Inquiry to be examined as to our loyalty to the Government.”
“But…., but…,” Ed sputtered, “our family has always been loyal subjects of the King. How can our loyalty be in question?”
George regarded him sorrowfully. “It’s not your loyalty to the Crown that’s being questioned. It’s your loyalty to Parliament as the ‘representatives of the people’ that they are looking into.”
“What happens now?” Henry asked.
“All of us are to appear in Court on the 10th of November. We will be questioned and the Judges will decide what is to become of us.”
“What do you mean ‘us’?” Ed wanted to know.
“Cousin Edward, don’t you realize we’re all in this together. We’re all suspected of disloyalty,” was George’s reply.
“This is all happening so fast! I can’t think what to do,” Ed said.
“Don’t worry, my friends. Even if we’re to be held in confinement, I have enough in my money-purse to be sure we will have comfortable lodgings and decent food sent in.”
Later that afternoon, a knock came on the door. George went to the door and there stood a solemn looking man and five soldiers.
“Yes?” George said.
I have a writ from the Parliamentary Commission to bring George Robinson, Edward Robinson, and Henry Thompson before a tribunal of the Court of Inquiry in St. Stephen’s Hall. You are to be examined concerning your loyalty to the properly elected Parliament of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and you are to fail not at your peril,” the solemn man said. Somehow the words of the ancient legal formula were almost more frightening than the appearance of the solemn man and the soldiers.
“Very well,” said George. “Can we have a few minutes to gather some belongings in case we are unable to return this evening?”
“Be quick about it! We will accompany each of you to your bed chamber while you gather your possessions.”
George went to his room and collected some papers, some money and a change of clothes, and packed them into a saddlebag.
Henry and Ed gathered their few possessions. The soldier accompanying them smiled and said, “Now laddies, do not be afraid. Just answer the questions honestly. I happen to know that Judge Tyler has two sons of his own who are about your age. He’ll not let anyone treat you harshly. By the way, my name is Miles Thomas.”
Somehow these comforting words and Miles’ kindly face made our two heroes feel somewhat better.
When they were ready, the grim procession marched down Fleet Street towards the Palace of Westminster, where Parliament met. As they walked along, a crowd followed to watch the three men who were flanked by soldiers and followed by a stern looking man, being led to St. Stephen’s Hall. Ed could hear mutterings from the crowd, ‘Argghh, yes, them Pollimentary folk have gotten some more poor souls in their clutches,’ and ‘Ahh, look at those two boys. They look like my George and William, that they do. God bless ‘em.’
And then some brave soul, let out a shout of ‘God Save the King.’ and the cry was taken up, louder and louder, ‘God Save King Charles,’ and ‘God Bless Our Charles.’
These cries made Ed and Henry feel a little better, and suddenly Henry nudged Edward. “Look,” he whispered quietly, lest their guards should hear. “Up on that roof top. It’s Justin and Dustin.”
“Ed looked up and saw the two brothers waving and giving them a ‘thumbs up’ sign as if to say, ‘Don’t worry. We’ll do what we can.’
When they arrived at The Palace of Westminster, Ed, George, and Henry were led to a small room, where an officious looking clerk checked their names in a register, and said. “Oh, yes, I see. The three of you are to be lodged in a room here in the Hall. The furnishings aren’t much, but you can have extra blankets and firewood and decent food brought in, if you have some money!”
“Yes, I have some money, and after I see what our room looks like, I may want some luxuries brought in. I don’t want these two lads sleeping in beds that are crawling with bugs!”
Three soldiers led them to a room on the second floor. It had a window that looked out over the Thames, but it had iron bars on it. There would be no escape that way! There was a table with two chairs and a stool, and two beds. Each bed had two pillows and a thin sheet. A fireplace would give heat—if there were any firewood.
“All right, officers. How do we go about getting some comforts in this room?” asked George.
Miles Thomas, the soldier who had spoken kindly to Ed and Henry replied, “If you will tell me what you want, Mr. Robinson, I will have it here for you in an hour.”
“First of all, we want four blankets, two for each bed, and some firewood, and some candlesticks and candles.” George had obviously given some thought to what a decent cell should have to makeup for their loss of freedom!
“Can you think of anything else, Ed? Henry?” George asked.
“I think some books to read would be nice,” Ed replied.
“Here now, you say you can read?” asked Miles.
“Yes, sir, we both can. Reverend Poole taught us to read at Longleaf Manor,” answered Henry.
“I don’t want to see you boys suffer too much, if at all,” said the soldier, Miles Thomas. With that he leaned forward and very quietly gave the three some instructions as to what they should do at the hearing.
“Of course! I should have thought of that. Thank you Sergeant Thomas,” said George. “Oh, and if you could, we would like some meat and bread, and some ale….here take this. I think it will be enough.”
George handed Miles Thomas some money. Officer Thomas looked at it, and smiled, “Yes, Master Robinson. This will be plenty.” With that he gave a nod, and smiled at Ed and Henry and went out and locked the door.
About ninety minutes later the three prisoners heard the door being unlocked and in came Miles Thomas, accompanied by two young men, heavily laden with bags, bundles and parcels. When the two young men put their packages down, Ed and Henry were amazed and delighted to see their friends Justin and Dustin.
“I met these two young rogues on my way to the market and they asked if they could help carry my purchases. They had such winning smiles, I had to agree,” Miles said.
We’re glad to see you,” exclaimed Ed. “Aren’t we, Henry?”
“We certainly are. How are you and how’s Gus?”
“We’re fine and so is our Dad, who sends his regards. He…well, we’re all…are praying that God send you good deliverance.”
In no time at all, the clean sheets and blankets were put on the beds, and the food was spread on the table. Justin and Dustin told Miles that any time he needed help carrying packages, they would be happy to oblige. Then they left.
As Sergeant Thomas was getting ready to leave, George approached him and said, “Sergeant, you have been more than kind, but I have one more favor to ask. After we eat, I wonder if you might come and let me out, so we can talk or play cards, and these two young lads can get to sleep without me pacing the floor?”
“Suppose I come back for you in an hour,” Sergeant Thomas said.
“Fine. Thank you,” said Cousin George.
So it was that when dinner was over, George was released by Sergeant Thomas to go and play cards. Ed and Henry were alone.
Before long, the two were naked and in bed--and lying in each other’s arms.
“Henry, whatever happens, we’re together for now, and tonight I just want to hold you—and fall asleep,” said Ed.
“Ed, I agree with you. We just need to be thankful we’re together. Kiss me, and let’s try to get some rest,” said Henry.
In no time at all the two boys were fast asleep in each others' arms.
* * * * *
The next morning, George woke the two boys and told them to get up and get ready for breakfast. There was enough meat and bread and fruit left over from the night before that the three could have a filling breakfast.
Later that morning, Miles Thomas, wearing his soldier’s uniform unlocked the door and came in. Using a very official sounding voice, he said, “Edward Robinson, Lord of Longleaf Manor, George Robinson, one-time clerk in His Majesty King Charles’ Office of Public Works, and Henry Thompson, you are hereby summoned to appear before a special Court of Inquiry to answer questions about your loyalty to the Parliament of this country.”
“But..., but…,” Ed started to say, but George just put his arm around Ed’s shoulder and said, “Hush, Ed.”
“If the three prisoners will come with me now,” Miles Thomas said, and then gave an encouraging smile to Ed and Henry. The group set out, again surrounded by the soldiers.
They were shown into a room with an elevated desk with a wooden railing in front of it. A picture of King John being forced to put his seal on the Magna Charta was on the wall behind the bench. Behind the bench sat an older man who appeared to be about sixty years old. He had a serious look to his face. His gray hair was neatly trimmed and he wore a black robe
When the group was in the room, the Judge said to Miles, “Are these the prisoners? Are they all here?”
“Yes, Judge Tyler, Your Honor, they are here,” said Miles.
“Master Edward Robinson, stand before me, and answer my questions, truthfully. Do you understand?” the Judge asked.
“Yes, Your Honor.”
“Have you ever fought with the army of Charles Stuart against the troops of the lawfully elected Parliament of this nation?”
“No, Sir.”
“Well, Master Robinson, if you had a chance to fight in the army of Charles Stuart, would you, even if it meant fighting against the troops of Parliament?” the Judge continued.
“Yes, Sir, I would. My family…”
“Silence,” said the Judge, and he struck his gavel on the desk.
Judge Tyler then asked the other two prisoners the same questions. They gave the same answers. They had never fought in the King’s army, but if the opportunity ever arose, they most certainly would do so.
“The three of you have convicted yourselves of being willing to commit treason against the lawfully elected Parliament of this realm. While I consider whether to sentence the three of you to death, do you have anything you wish to say?”
Ed and Henry—and George too—remembered the advice Miles Thomas had given them.
Edward spoke first. “May I approach the Bench, Your Honor?”
“Yes. What do you have to say for yourself?”
“If I am guilty of treason, deal with me as you will, but Henry is just a servant. He was following my orders. Show him mercy, please, Your Honor.”
“No,” said Henry. “I am not his servant, I am his friend. I would have made my decision to fight for the King of my own free will. I would not have following his orders. Sentence me if you must, but spare Edward’s life. There are people on his manor who depend on his leadership. Spare him. Please! Your Honor! In the name of Our Lord…”
“Silence, young sir. I have heard what you have had to say. Now, George Robinson, do you have anything to say?”
“Yes, Your Honor. For myself, and for these two young men, I say that we plead ‘Benefit of Clergy’ if you know what that means!”
“Yes, I know what that means,” said the Judge. “It originally meant that any person who could read was presumed to be in holy orders, and thus could not be tried in a secular court… Well, I assume you can read because you were a clerk in the Royal Household…. But what about these two youths, come fresh from the country? Surely they cannot read, can they? Of course they can’t!”
“Oh, but we can your Honor. Reverend Poole taught us both to read—and understand what we read,” said Edward.
“Sergeant Thomas, go to my chambers next door and bring me the Bible that is on my desk,” said the Judge.
“Yes, Sir. Right away, Sir!” said Miles. He hurried out of the room, and quickly returned carrying the Bible.
“Very well, Master Robinson,” ordered the Judge. “Open the Bible at random and read me a verse.”
Ed opened the Bible and read, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”
“Very well,” said the Judge. “Master Thompson, now you.”
Henry opened the bible, and read, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”
"Very well,” said the Judge. I am going to have the soldiers return you to your room, while I decide what your sentence shall be.”
The soldiers led the three back to their room. And Ed and Henry and George sat down to wait for the Judge’s decision.
The clocks of London had just chimed at 1:00 when Sergeant Thomas came back to summon them to the Judge’s chambers. Once again the soldiers led the three back to the room where the Judge was ready to announce their fate.
“Are the three prisoners here, Sergeant?”
“Yes, Your Honor.”
“Prisoners, stand and face the bench.”
The Judge looked at them, and then announced, “Very well. I have studied the relevant acts, statutes and ordinances pertaining to ‘Benefit of Clergy,” and after due consideration, my decision is….’
To be continued.
E’s Comments: I can’t believe that Will would do that to us. At least they didn’t use the guillotine to get of people in England did they? I guess we will just have to wait for the next chapter to see what fate holds in store for our young friends.
Posted: 04/10/09