Crispin_ At the Edge of the World - Avi [52]
We looked. I could see a small hole near the base of the fortified tower.
“Why is it there?” asked Dudley. “Well now, do you see how the church is set up against the river moat? At times the river rises and floods. That water floods the church. But those holes—and at the other end—allow the water to flow out.
“The river-end hole sits beneath the waterline. And the land-side hole is too small for any grown man. But it’s not,” he said, slapping his hands hard down on Troth’s shoulders, “too small for this unhappy girl.
“Very well then, my ugly one,” he went on. “You shall go through the opening, slip inside, thereby gaining access to the church. Once within, you’ll open the doors. We shall be waiting and watching. The moment we see the doors swing out, my troops and I shall wheel about, enter the church, and pluck up the treasure.”
“How are the doors kept closed?” Bear asked.
“A wooden crossbeam. On the inside. Is she strong?” Dudley asked.
“Strong enough,” said Bear. Then he asked, “Will there not be soldiers inside the church?”
Dudley shrugged. “At most, the few who barred the door from within. It shall be the girl’s task to get by them.”
“And if she cannot?”
“We’ll try again. With your boy. With two chances, we should succeed.”
Bear struggled for words. “Whose soldiers are in the castle?”
“The flag tells us it’s an English garrison.”
“Then you’re attacking your own people,” said Bear.
“They would as soon slay me.”
“Is it not King Edward’s wealth?”
“You said he died. Well, then, I proclaim it forfeit.”
We stared silently at the view before us. “When do you intend to do this?”
“Right now. Before we’re discovered. Very well: I have instructed the girl what to do. Have I been clear? Answer me!
“Yes,” said Troth.
“What did she say?” demanded Dudley. “I can’t understand her.”
“She said yes,” said Bear.
“Then she spoke well! Now then,” he said to Bear, “you will be with me while we attack the castle—even as she enters the church.”
“And the boy?”
“He will remain behind—with the cook. If the girl fails, we’ll use him to do the job. What say you, boy?”
“Bear’s not strong enough,” I said. “Let me go in his place.”
“Absolutely not,” said Bear quickly.
“But—”
“Crispin!” cried Bear. “Do as he says.”
I stared at him, hardly knowing what to think or feel: furious about what was happening, angry that he was still trying to protect me, afraid that I was being left alone, frustrated that I would not be able to do anything.
Dudley, however, only smiled. “So be it,” he said.
“Now, tell me … what will happen to me?” said Bear. He was struggling to contain his anger.
“As I said, you shall stay by my side,” said Dudley. “With a halter round your neck. To keep you from escap-ing.
“A halter!” I cried.
“Shhh!” said Bear. “Will I be armed?”
“I think not,” said Dudley with something of a smile. “You might attack me. No, you shall be held hostage until the girl—or boy—achieves what I desire. So then, girl, boy, hear me well: if you do not succeed in the task I’ve set you, I’ll slay your father. Is that understood? The treasure in the church is his ransom. Which is to say, it’s on you whether he lives or dies. Help me get the treasure, and you shall all be freed. Fail, and his life—and yours—are forfeit. Is that clearly understood?”
Troth could only nod. I suppose I did too.
Dudley turned to Bear. “Now, get yourself some armor.”
35
THE THREE of us walked slowly back to the oxcart. Right behind came an armed guard.
“Bear—” I began.
“Let me think!” he barked, cutting me off.
“Troth can’t do such a thing,” I persisted.
“Crispin,” said Troth, “I’ll do what he asked. Then he’ll set us free.”
“I don’t think he will,” I cried to her. “And what if Bear is hurt or killed in the attack? Didn’t you hear? He’ll have