The Devil's Domain

and sat down in the high-backed chair. ’They were there if judgement had to be carried out.’ He smiled bleakly. ’Moreover, if I am to meet Frenchmen it’s best to be prepared, especially if Mercurius is in their midst. I wondered if de Fontanel would go for his dagger. The death of John of Gaunt would be a great prize for the French court.’ He snapped his fingers.
    The bowmen picked the corpses up by the legs and dragged them out of the door, leaving a trail of sticky, red blood on the wooden floorboards.
    ’They could have stood trial,’ Sir John said.
    ’I don’t think so,’ Gaunt answered. ’Mercurius was a traitor and a murderer. Vamier no better. The evidence was there but hard to grasp. The French could protest, perhaps even threaten English prisoners in France . They would have certainly worked hard for Mercurius’ return.’
    ’And so what will be your story?’ Sir John asked. ’The French will appeal to the Pope in Avignon . You will have the cardinal of this or the cardinal of that knocking on the door of the Savoy Palace .’
    ’Oh, I’ll tell them the truth.’ Gaunt smiled. ’Well, some of it will be truth. I’ll say that Mercurius was unmasked in my presence; that he and his accomplice Vamier drew their daggers and tried to kill me. I’ll have his corpse searched while Gervase will scurry among the records. We’ll point out that Mercurius and the English clerk Richard Stillingbourne were one and the same person and, therefore, came under my jurisdiction. Vamier was just a casualty of war!’ He gazed round menacingly. ’What can anyone say? They were a threat to the Crown! Traitors and assassins! Lawful execution was carried out!’
    ’And how, my lord, will you explain your discovery of Mercurius?’ Athelstan asked. ’By an angel come down from heaven?’
    Gaunt laughed softly, clicking his tongue as if savouring a secret. ’What do you think, little friar? How do you think I’ll explain it?’
    ’Oh, my lord, you’ll let the dance continue. You and Gervase will suggest, both here and abroad, that not only did you have a spy on board the cogs of war but another one closeted in the most secret councils of the French court. You will let it be known, by whisper and rumour, that you knew who Mercurius was from the start and enticed him into your web. The Papal envoys will be informed about the true reasons for Mercurius’ visit to England as well as the hideous murders he committed. You will insinuate how your alleged spy at the French court told you all this.’ Athelstan sighed. ’You will be exonerated, a truly virtuous prince, while the French will tear themselves apart hunting for a traitor who doesn’t exist.’
    Gaunt threw his head back and roared with laughter, the tears sparkling in his eyes.
    ’Oh, I love this game. You are very good, Brother. Yes, that’s exactly what Gervase will do.’ His eyes slid to Gresnay, who sat transfixed like a rabbit before a weasel. ’And now, sir, we come to you.’
    ’My lord,’ Athelstan broke in. ’He is an innocent man.’
    ’He’ll be a dead one if he returns to France ,’ Gervase said. ’No one will believe or accept his story.’
    ’I have done no wrong,’ Gresnay burst out, half-rising from the bench.
    Athelstan pushed him back.
    ’Don’t worry.’
    Gaunt was now examining a spot on his hand.
    ’I’ll tell you what, Monsieur Gresnay: you go to Monsieur Gervase here. Tell us all there is to know about the fortifications along the French coast. We’ll send a letter to France saying that you, too, were a victim of this traitorous poisoner. You can change your name, take a reward from the English exchequer. Go down to the south coast and hide in one of our fishing villages. It’s either that or back to France .’
    Gresnay quickly agreed.
    ’In which case,’ Gaunt concluded, ’all is in order, all is finished. Two French ships have been destroyed, Mercurius killed and further mischief planned for the French court. A good day’s work, eh?’
    He smiled at Athelstan, who stared coolly back. Gaunt stepped off the dais and clapped Sir John on the shoulder.
    ’Good work, Jack, eh? Sir Walter, this manor is yours, to do with as you wish. It’s a reward, a little compensation for your sad loss.’ He sketched a bow. ’Brother Athelstan, remember me in your prayers. Gervase, join me at the Savoy . Sing me that madrigal you’ve composed.’
    And, with his arm round his spy-master, Gaunt walked down the hall.