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THE KING'S SERVANT By Geneva A young man, a companion of an imprisoned Scottish king, tries to use an ancient magic book to free him. The scheme is unsuccessful, but he finds other uses for the book's power. This story is set in Scotland and England in the early 1400's and follows my earlier tales of the Budrose family, "The Templar Book" and "The Green Pebble." START "Wonderful to see you again, Will!" I watched as my grandfather Andrew Budrose embraced my father. We had just arrived after a two days journey. He turned his attention to me. "You too, Hugh! Goodness, how you've grown!" I felt smothered in his embrace. "How was your journey?" "Uneventful, thank goodness!" said my father but we had no time to elaborate before my grandmother Joan pushed in and embraced us too. "You're here!" she squealed. "And Hugh. You're so tall now. I used to be able to lift you, Hugh. Now look at you!" My family lived just outside Dundee. There were my father William, my mother Agnes, and my four older siblings, my older brothers Andrew and David and my sisters Joan and Marjorie. It was a week before when we had received a letter from my grandfather requesting that my father, and specifically I, come and see him at his house near Stirling. In fact 'house' did not describe it. It was actually a more like a small castle but even I knew it would only deter minor attacks, although not armies These were unruly times in Scotland and it was as well to be prepared. We had come from Dundee, where my father was a merchant and trader, and partner in shipping interests between Scotland and the continent, especially to France. Like my two older brothers, Andrew and David, I was being groomed to take over my part of the family businesses. Scotland and France were allies, of a sort, mainly because of England, their common enemy. We had left Dundee the morning of the previous day and ridden along the coast road to Perth. After the morning fog off the North Sea had burned off it had turned out a fair, sunny day. As we made better time than we had thought as far as Perth we decided to press and a pleasant hostelry near Auchterarder served us for the night. The following day, after another early start, we soon came to the Allan Water and followed it to Dunblane, and after another break there for a meal we headed south to Stirling. I had been curious about why my grandfather had summoned us and I asked my father about it. "In time, Hugh," he had replied. Hoping to draw him more into conversation I decided on a different approach, "Father, one of my friends told me that my grandfather is a very rich and important man in Scotland. Is that true?" "Well, he's one of Scotland's most important merchants and traders. He has had his hands in many things. He started the trading and shipping business in Dundee that I'm now in charge of. Then there are the iron foundries and the side businesses that make armour and swords and other military gear that my older brother, your Uncle John, looks after. It's also said that when your grandfather was younger he had the ear of King Robert, the present king's father, yes, and our present king Robert too, on many matters. A lot of the nobles have sought his advice too. His voice became more measured. "Still, a word of advice, Hugh, your grandfather was, and still is, very careful not to appear too important and he makes sure he keeps on good or at least polite terms with all of the parties and factions. I've tried to do the same and when you grow to manhood I advise you to do that also. It's not easy, but don't let yourself be too aligned too closely with any clique or faction. This country has too much turmoil and some of the factions are concerned with expanding their power." He sighed. "Scotland needs stronger kings, like the English manage to have." He gave a wry smile. "Well, maybe they've had their troubles too. The present English king Henry, the fourth to bear that name, overthrew a weak king to take the English throne and there's a lot of rivalry, yes, ill feeling, between two main factions. There could be trouble in the future. They call themselves Yorkists and Lancastrians." He waved his hand in dismissal. "But I've said enough about politics. Let's enjoy our journey. Isn't this beautiful country? " He pointed to the hills around us. This all sounded complicated and dangerous but I was still curious. "Did grandfather say what he wanted?" I asked. My father seemed to think a bit before replying. "Hugh, have patience, but I believe it's to do with the king. I don't know any more about it so I'll let your grandfather tell you about it when we arrive there." He pointed ahead. "Not too far to go now. See, there in the distance," he pointed. "You can just see the castle at Stirling up on its rock. We're headed just a little west of that to your Grandfather's estate. I don't know if you knew, but just a short ride to the other side of the castle is Bannockburn. That's where the battle was that your greatgranduncle fought for the Bruce and was rewarded with some lands at Blackhaugh in the borders. These are in the possession of another branch of our family, your great uncle's descendants. As your grandfather was a younger son he didn't inherit the land, but he's made his own way very well in trade and manufacture." In about another hour we rode up to the small castle. "You see our family coat of arms?" My father pointed to a banner flying from the tower. I recognised it but I had never thought much about its meaning. "Yes, it has a rosebud, like our name, Budrose. But what about that green lumpy thing and the book?" "Oh, the book, yes that is a symbol for learning and knowledge....of a ....sort, and the green pebble? Once your grandfather gave your grandmother a green pebble as a token of his love. It commemorates that. And our name, Budrose, actually it's a corruption of the French Boudreau. Your great grandparents were originally French." I thought of myself as Scots, but what he had said did not seem unusual. Many of the noble families had some Norman French ancestry. We were not nobility, but the Blackhaugh branch of the family could claim some minor nobility. We ate well that night. My grandfather Andrew was now a bit more bent and frail from when I had last seen him, my grandmother Joan too. We all spoke Scots, but I noticed that my grandmother's accent was different. She still had a touch of an English accent. I had been told that my grandfather had met her in England and fallen in love with her and spirited her off to Scotland. It sounded exciting and gallant, although difficult to reconcile with the two old, white-haired people before me. Still, my grandmother Joan had a clear skin, with few wrinkles on her face. She must have been a beautiful woman when she was younger. That evening we had settled at a large fire after a supper and the servants had been dismissed for the night. "So Father," my own father asked, "what is this about? Why did you want Hugh?" My grandfather's face clouded over but he waved his hand in dismissal. "Will, that can wait until the morning. There's too much else for us to talk about tonight. Our family, I mean. Our family is important. Don't forget that. Besides, you and Hugh have had a long journey. What I have to say is important, but it can wait until tomorrow." So, it was the next morning that we finally got together, my grandfather facing my father and me. My grandmother, sitting beside my grandfather, was much more subdued than the previous night. Her hand was on his arm. "Will, Hugh, as you may have heard, throughout my life I've had many contacts with the kings and nobles of this realm. King Robert, the present king's father, relied on me heavily, and I've done them many services. I think I can say that without boasting and it has been the same with our present King Robert. He has often asked my advice, maybe not so much now that I'm getting older." Grandfather gave a rueful gesture. "Still, I have tried to keep my family out of any dynastic struggle between the nobles. I keep my head well down but it's a continual conflict between duty to the king and keeping away from intrigue." He shook his head. "I'm content with what I've got, my own bit of land here, even my own coat of arms when I was knighted for services to the crown. I'm fairly well off too." His face grew grim. "But Scotland is a dangerous place. There are too many competing interests here among the nobles, even, maybe especially, among the king's closest relatives. Unfortunately our present King Robert, the third to have that name, is weak. After his son David was.... died and under the so-called protection of the king's brother, the Duke of Albany, he's tried to keep James, his younger son, his only surviving son, under closer protection. "That brings me to a task for young Hugh here." His face grew grim. "You will not have heard yet, but I was contacted by one of the king's representatives, a man called Rollo. He told me that some of the Douglas family tried to capture Prince James just a bit east of Edinburgh. There was a skirmish and James just managed to escape, although some of the royal party were killed." My father sucked air through his teeth. "Intrigue? That's too close to open rebellion, even treason! What next? But why did this Rollo contact you?" "I think it's because of my services in the past. The king trusts me. And maybe it's because he knows I have no ambitions for power. Maybe it's because of my connections abroad. Anyway, James has been taken to a refuge on the Bass Rock in the Firth just off the Lothian coast. King Robert is trying to arrange for him to take a boat to France to get him out of the way of trouble." He shook his head sadly. "Being in France may make him safer, well out of reach of the intrigue, ambitions and factions here, especially Albany, but it will mean that he will be unfamiliar with our nation as he grows up. A dilemma! "That's the reason, a week or two ago, Rollo summoned me to see the king. He said they wanted my advice." He grimaced. "I did not appreciate the journey to the king at my age, but it was my duty. You see, the had thought that if James had some companion much the same age, a fellow Scot, it would be better for the lad, keep him company but also keep him aware he's Scots. Yes, they maybe our allies, but some of the French ideas should best stay there." He grinned. "Yes, I know. Our family has French ancestors, but Scotland is a different country. I should have seen what was in his mind, because that was when the king asked me about you, Hugh! He want you to accompany James to France." Both my father and I recoiled. "But he's jist a laddie! " My father burst out, lapsing into Scots dialect in shock. "Aye, it was a shock, but it came from the king. And we're his subjects. We should try to do as he tells us." I looked at my father for his reaction. He fixed his gray eyes on me. It must have been almost a minute before he spoke. "Hugh, you know that I love you, as do all your family. I will not order you, but can you do this for your future king, and your country?" My grandfather's face was sombre and stern, but my grandmother was dabbing her eyes and my father sat like a statue. At length my father took a deep breath, looked at me and squeezed my arm. "Hugh, my son, this is an awesome task. You will have to go into what will be like exile, far away from your family, and for years. Your mother will be devastated, me too, but it's for the good of Scotland. What do you think?" I was exhilarated. Their worries did not bother me at all. I was fourteen, full of confidence and my own ambitions. The thought of going to France! It would be an adventure! I had heard people talk of its beauty and its warm climate, a much gentler place than Scotland. There, I would meet many people and be able to learn from them. Besides, I would be in the company of our future king. I could meet important Frenchmen too. "Yes!" I said eagerly. "Yes, I want to go! Besides the connections would be good for future business." Although my grandparents embraced me, my father's face held a mixture of pride and sadness. After a tearful parting from my grandparents we returned to Dundee and over the next few weeks my father made preparations. He had a number of contacts through his shipping business and had started to investigate how James and I could be transported. My mother had been horrified too, when she first heard of the plan, but I later heard her talking about it with my father. "Will, it's a good opportunity for Hugh. France is one of the most progressive and educated countries in Europe. Hugh will get a far better education than in Scotland, and it will be worth it to be close to the future king. There will be contacts with the French royalty too. Hugh will be James' friend and when he returns to Scotland Hugh could be one of his main confidants. Yes, a great opportunity for him and maybe for us too." She seemed to be keener than my father. "There are drawbacks, Marjorie. Our family has tried to keep away from dynastic struggles. Best to serve the king well when called, but to keep our distance otherwise," my father cautioned, but he had already accepted that I would be leaving. The next step was for me to get to the Bass Rock to join James. That took some weeks to arrange but with Jock, one of my father's servants, for company and protection, I made my way to Perth, then south through Fife to Dunfermline, where I spent a night with an Aunt Janet, a sister of my mother, and then with a small boat at the Queen's Ferry we crossed over the cold grey swirling waters of the Firth to the Lothians. From the ferry it was a short ride into Edinburgh. It was the first time I had been in the capital. I was fascinated with the size of the city and the dark mass of the castle and its dark rock looming dramatically over the city. We took some lodgings in a close off the bustling Canongate, just down the street from the castle. At the castle I had arranged to meet the man Rollo, described as an advisor to the king, who was to instruct me in my task. He was small in stature and dark featured, with a shrewd face. He had already made some contacts and a week later Jock and I rode to a small fishing port east of Edinburgh where, early one evening, in a small rowboat, we were ferried over to the Bass Rock. I gulped when I first saw it, a tiny island that looked as if it was almost completely bare rock, with steep cliffs rising almost vertically out of the sea and with hundreds of sea birds fluttering and wheeling about it. The dark rock was splashed white in places with their droppings. A strong swell from an east wind made the crossing slow and uncomfortable and several times I caught my breath in case the boat would be dashed against the rock but the boatman found a sheltered small beach and we disembarked. We were met by two armed men who looked at us suspiciously but they relented when they read the warrant I had been given by Rollo. It had been penned by the king himself, and had his royal seal. The very next day I was taken to see Prince James. He was really still only a boy. I was two years older than him but, remembering my manners, I bowed to him as he was royalty and would be my next king. "Prince James, I am Hugh Budrose. I am to be your companion." Actually James seemed a bit overwhelmed by the whole situation. Just a short time previously he had been involved in a skirmish with some of the Douglas family and some of his party had been killed. He had been forced to this rock and the he must have understood the precariousness of his situation. "You've heard my father intends to send me to France," he said, his bottom lip wavering. "Yes, sire," I said, slightly embarrassed at calling him 'sire' as I had been advised. He was only a boy, younger than me, but he was royalty, the heir to the throne while I was only a commoner. " It's for your own safety. My father has contacts on the continent and is arranging for a boat for us. It will take us some days but you will be safe from intrigue in France, and violence too." "Your name, Budrose? That is a strange name." "My family is originally French. My great grandfather was called Jean Boudreau. An uncle of my greatgrandmother fought with the Bruce at Bannockburn and he was given lands." "Do you still have any French connections? They could be useful." "No sire, I believe my family had to flee from France." I remembered that my father had advised me to keep that part of my family history quiet if I was in France. It had involved assassination and murder. "There was a Budrose who occasionally came to see my father. I heard my father talk about him favourably. Andrew, I think he was called."" "Yes, he's my grandfather." "Maybe you can advise me too, Hugh, when I become king." Being much the same age, we ate, played, and even slept together and I soon dropped calling him 'sire'. I would like to think we could be good friends but the difference in or rank put a certain limit on our relationship. Too, although he was a boy too he seemed self-centred. But then, he was royalty. With James was another supporter, Henry Sinclair, the Earl of Orkney, with his brother John, another noble called Alexander Seaton and an adult servant, a commoner like me, a strong looking man called Alexander Syme. All were to accompany us to France. I had been there a week when the Guardian of the castle came to us. We had been throwing a ball to each other. James had leaped to catch a throw from me, but tripped and landed in some mud. The Guardian glared at me in disapproval but waited until James had picked himself up. "Prince James, I have finally had word from our agents. A week from now a boat is going to call at the Rock to pick you up. Unfortunately, it is a foreign boat, out of Danzig in the Baltic. It is first going to call in at Leith to pick up a cargo then it will call here and you all will embark for France, Hugh Budrose too." He looked at me. "Budrose, you should help Prince James get all his possessions ready. And help him tidy up!" Our plans were now set and I could say good bye to Jock, who would be returning to Dundee. I clasped his arm. "Tell my father I'm in good spirits. Hopefully I can be back in not too many years." He nodded gravely and wiped a tear. "Aye, an' mind ye look efter yersel, Hughie," he said. "Oh aye, an' the prince as weel." As arranged, eight days later, a small two-masted merchant boat came into sight, heading to the island. The more I studied it the more I was taken aback. Maybe I had been expecting a war vessel but this was only a trading vessel, seaworthy, but slow. If we met any storms it would pitch and wallow in heavy seas. I saw it furl its sails, drop anchor then and James, I and the others were ferried out to it and embarked. There were only about two dozen crew, all speaking German. They watched impassively as we all boarded .The skipper of the boat was German too but he spoke a little English and French, just enough for me to understand him, and I heard the names of some French ports mentioned. The Guardian of the castle had come on board with us. He bowed to James then shook hands with the rest of our small party, even me, wished us well and climbed down the ladder back into the row boat. We watched it depart. I felt a sudden pang. His leaving brought home how we were separating from Scotland. The ship almost immediately pulled up its anchor, unfurled its sails and was on its way. I suddenly felt alone with only our small Scots party on board. We had been given a small cabin below the main deck. It was tiny, only a screened off corner of the captain's cabin set aside for James, all of his party, and me. The underdeck stank from the unwashed crew and the galley. I looked out of a small porthole and saw the Bass Rock gradually getting smaller. I wondered when I would see Scotland and my family again. Being energetic boys James and I wanted to be up on deck and we were allowed, but the adults hovered over us continually. We were not allowed any games to relieve our boredom. There was not much to do other than watch the coast slip past us. Fortunately, the sea was not too rough and there was a good wind but there was the continual worry that we would have to sail past the whole length of England. Scotland and England were not at war, but hardly friends either. I hoped the boat would not have trouble. We had a restless first night with the pitching of the boat and the creaking of its planks and rigging. The next day we were again allowed on deck, but with always with Syme and a crew member watching over us. The coast was just visible in the horizon. "Over there, I see some surf," I said. "Yes, we're nearer the shore. It's the Farne islands, I think they're called," the earl said. "That means it's now the English coast we're sailing past." Unfortunately, the second day the wind changed against us and the boat had to zig and zag to make any headway and with the English coast only just visible at the end of each tack. Once we saw a sail further out and the skipper watched it carefully, until it disappeared over the horizon. We were down below the third day when we head a sudden cry and we heard the clatter of boots on the deck. There were excited cries in German and when James and I scrambled up on deck we saw another boat several miles off the starboard bow, but heading to us. I knew by the alarm on their faces that there was something wrong. The captain turned the boat away from the other one, but it was no use. It drew closer and closer. "They're coming towards us and we can't outrun them. It is probably pirates," muttered the skipper. "We may have to fight," and as he spoke I saw the crew pulling out short swords and bows. "Give us some weapons too!" I cried, but he shook his head. "You are boys. You would stand no chance. Besides, your Prince James has to be protected." The other boat grew nearer until we could make out its crew on the sides, watching us. It was a sleeker vessel, and faster than ours. Our captain was talking with the mate, their faces looking grimmer and grimmer. He came to us and shook his head, "Yes, it is pirates. I suppose they are English ones, being so near the English coast. Look at their ship! It's too fast for us to outrun them and there are far too many to fight. We're only a simple freight ship. If we tried to resist we could all be killed. We will have to surrender to them. That way they may spare our lives." "What will happen?" I cried. "If we surrender, then they will take us to some English port and loot the cargo. They will probably take the ship too, but hopefully they will spare our lives." "But what will we do then?" "They may try to get ransom, or just let us go, as we are simple sailors, not worth much. Then we would have to try to get aboard some ship to take us home." "What about James and I?" "The best thing is to pretend you are simply crew too. Good luck!" I felt a jolt as the pirate boat bumped against us. Hooked ladders were thrown on to our thwarts and immediately men swarmed aboard. They pushed roughly at our crew. Syme swung at them with his sword and was immediately cut down. I cried out at the blood. I heard the captain's indrawn breath. "Drop your weapons!" he shouted to his crew but the pirates pushed us into a bunch and surrounded us, their swords jabbing into us. "We surrender!" screamed our captain. In a minute the pirate captain was by us. He stared at us all. "You surrender? Good! Then we may spare you." His English was sufficiently like our Scots to understand him. He looked over the small crew then he pointed to the earl. "Who are you?" "I am Henry Sinclair, the Earl of Orkney. There is my brother and others." The pirate captain grinned. "A nobleman! You should be worth a good ransom!" He next pointed to James and me. "Who are the boys?" "Just two young Scots lads the ship took on as crew at Leith," said the Earl. "They're new to the sea. The crew are training them." The pirate captain's eyes narrowed and he pulled James to him and fingered his clothes. "A little better quality clothing than I would expect on any harbour rat! Let me see your hand, boy. " He snorted, "These are not the hands of any urchin either. This boy never did any hard work. The hands are too soft. He's too clean too!" There was a shout from one of the pirates. He had been in our cabin and was holding our papers. He passed them to the captain with a look of glee, pointing at the Scottish royal seal. The pirate captain's face lit up when he read it. "Well, well, I think we've caught a real prize. None other than James, is it? The son of the Scottish king. He'll be worth something! He laughed hilariously. "A kings ransom!" he looked at us. "So which one is James?" James took a deep breath. "I am Prince James." "Well, my lad, we're going to give you some English hospitality." He grinned. "Like it or not!" He turned to me. "And who are you?" "I am Hugh Budrose. I am just a servant and companion of Prince James." "Give me your hands!" He seized them in his own rough scarred sailor's hands. "Yes, another one who has done little work." That was true. I had trained at arms but only had few calluses on my hands. I did not know whether I should reveal who I was, the son of a merchant, or pretend I was only a servant. As the former, I would be worth a ransom, but eventually I could be released. Reluctantly I made my decision. My duty was to stay with James. But the pirate fingered my clothes "And fine clothes you're wearing too. The Scots must keep royal servants well dressed! Maybe you'll be worth some ransom too!" The pirates were in a very good mood. No wonder! They had taken a ship, its cargo and several hostages for ransom, one of them royal and other swere nobles. They had yet to decide about me. We were pushed below into the cabin and we felt the ship get underway and follow the pirate ship heading west. It was dark and the ships anchored but next morning we saw the English coast close by and in an hour we were sailing into a harbour. Soon after that we were herded off the boat and into a small warehouse with armed guards at the door. These pirates were guarding their hostages well. That afternoon the pirate captain burst in with another man, who was obviously some sort of superior to him. By his richer clothing he looked better off, and I decided he was some type of official. He looked us over, growing pleasure and calculation on his face. "Come here, boy!" he said to James. "You are James Stewart, the son of the Scottish king?" James was not cowed. "Yes, I demand that you release me. We were on a peaceful ship, taken by pirates. Scotland and England are not at war!" The man gave a contemptuous snort. "What of it! You are too valuable. My name is Hugh Fenn. I am a royal official and a businessman and trader. I am a part owner of the ship that captured you so I will have a say in what is going to happen and I think I am going to send you to my king, Henry, in London. I'm sure he will find you a valuable guest." He looked at me. "And this is your servant? Hugh Budrose? Well, as one Hugh to another I welcome you to England," he mocked. I am not sure what happened to the rest of our crew or the ship, but James, the other Scots and I were taken away to a separate room and guarded even more. They even fed us well and did not abuse us but were kept under continual guard. We fretted there for two weeks before Fenn came to see us again. "I hope these lodgings have been to your satisfaction?" "Spare us your sarcasm," growled the earl. "You can release us." "That is not possible. You should prepare yourselves for a trip. I have contacted our king and he will be delighted to have you all as guests. He asks for you to be sent to London to see him." "I suppose you did well out of your crimes?" I cried. "Crimes? Don't be insolent boy! I just took advantage of the situation. So keep a civil tongue in your head or we may remove it! But the king is delighted. Yes, I will get a reward and enjoy a lot of favour from the king for this." He snorted. "You may be safer here in England under royal protection than you would be back in Scotland. From what I hear, it is close to anarchy. Oh yes, Your Majesty," he bowed sarcastically to James. "We have just heard. Your father has died. You are now the Scottish king. Or at least you will be if you ever get back to that dismal country." James' hand had gone to his mouth. "My father dead?" He burst out crying and I had to comfort him. At last James got himself under control and took a deep breath." My father's death is on your hands and your pirates," he scolded. "It would be the shock of hearing I was captured." Penn shrugged. "That is no concern of mine. Just be ready tomorrow!" The next day we set out on horseback, with an escort of a dozen mounted men. We were not tied, but we had no chance of escape. It took us a week's travel to get to London, spending nights in guarded quarters in various towns along the way. I marvelled at the greater amounts of cultivated fertile land compared to Scotland, with its hills and mountains and marshy glens. No wonder the English population was larger. James too looked round attentively at the sights, taking it all in. The city of London too was another marvel, much bigger than Edinburgh. Our arrival met with curious glances from tradespeople and other citizens along the busy streets, but the soldiers accompanying us said little and hurried us along. My heart sank when we approached a large white stone building that looked like a fortress or castle. It was set by the side of a large river that one of the soldiers called the Thames. "The London Tower," a soldier said. "You'll be guests here!" he laughed. "It's where they keep traitors and enemies. Until they get their heads chopped off." James went white. I remembered that about a century before, Wallace, a Scottish patriot who had fought against the English, had been captured then executed in London. I gulped. In several minutes we were all escorted into the Tower. James and I were separated from the others, firmly pushed into a large room and the door locked behind us. The Earl and the others were set somewhere else. In fact we were not treated roughly and we were fed well but it was still a prison. Small barred windows of our cell looked out over the river with its steady stream of boats and barges going up and down. " This is a dreadful place," said James. "I have been told that a cousin of mine, Murdoch, son of Albany, is a prisoner here too. I wonder if we will meet him." Three days later we were ordered out, taken to a dock that led through a gate to the river where we saw a barge waiting for us, and we were placed in the centre with armed men on each side of us. The bargemen rowed us out into the river and I saw we were heading upstream. "Where are we going?" asked James some man who looked like an official. "The royal palace, at Westminster. It's where King Henry holds his court. He wants to see you all." I had some half formed ideas about diving overboard to escape as I could swim well, but the escort, and the filth in the river stopped that idea. Also, my task was to look after James, but I wondered what was in store for him. He could be held hostage for years. Our trip actually was not long and it took us less than an hour before we reached another large building and disembarked there. One of our escort, a bit better dressed than the others, came before us. "I am Sir John Foulds, I am an official of his majesty King Henry. King Henry is now ready to meet you all. So be on your best behaviour," he laughed. We did not have to wait long after arrival. Our small forlorn party was led into a large chamber. A man in regal robes sat on a throne, surrounded by richly dressed men and even a few women. I guessed he was King Henry. I heard someone announce us and Foulds led us in front of the throne. Henry stood up when we were announced, a look of satisfaction on his face. "Well, my Scottish guests have arrived. I welcome you to my palace. "So who are you all?" James was not cowed. "I am the King of Scotland. I and my companions were captured illegally by English pirates. One of my subjects was slain. I demand you return us to Scotland." Henry laughed. There was mild incredulity in his face but menace too. "No, I do no think I can do that. Good fortune has placed you in my hands and I intend to make the best of it. I have been thinking that if you are my guest it may persuade your countrymen to act more peaceably to my kingdom. Maybe too I can show you how we govern here. I advise you to accept this. The menace had come back into his voice but he suddenly looked round. "And who are the others of your party?" The earl stepped forward and introduced himself and the others. "I am Henry Sinclair, Earl of Orkney. I am an attendant of King James. "When will he be released back to Scotland?" he asked. Henry's eyes flickered at the statement. "Another Scot who should mind his manners! Whenever we feel that it is in our interests!" he said acidly. " Do not push me. But James will be my guest, maybe even my prot?g?. Perhaps that way we can get better relations with Scotland." He pointed to me. "Who is the lad?" "He is Hugh Budrose, a young companion to King James, a commoner, I think," said Foulds. Obviously my rank or lack of it aroused no interest and I did not get any further examination other than a brief look up and down. "It's in the best interests of my kingdom that James remain here in England," Henry announced. He waved his hands dismissively. "You others are not so important but you may stay here and serve your king, or you may travel back to Scotland, whatever you wish. You will have my writ for safe passage if you decide to leave. But James will stay here." He gave a smile, beaming, but insincere. "Yes, as a token of my good intentions, I will arrange for his care, support and education, as a prince should have. We will even allow James to have visitors from Scotland, and correspond with whoever he wants, but he will stay here." He smiled, another attempt at presenting a benevolent appearance, I supposed. "The Tower too is unsuitable for a royal guest. I believe I have a cousin of yours, a Murdoch Stewart already in the Tower. He was captured when his forces raided my lands. You were not part of any raid so I will give you something better, appropriate to your rank but you will not leave until it is in the interests of England. I have been told you were on your way to France. France is our enemy. I think we can show you that England can provide just as much." Standing close to the king, almost by his side, there was a young man, obviously taking an interest in the proceedings. I was taken by his expression. It was much more severe than King Henry's, more calculating and hostile. I noticed too that he was much more casual in his behaviour to King Henry than the courtiers were. I wondered if he was Henry's son, another Henry. Henry was done with us and we were all hustled out, but this time taken to a mansion and again assigned rooms. It was better accommodation, but still as well guarded. So began our captivity and the weeks stretched to months and then years. We chafed at our captivity but King Henry was true to his word. Over that time we were fed well and a number of tutors assigned to us so that I got as much instruction as James. We even got instruction in arms and fighting. We would have received much the same in Scotland, but here we were prisoners. We were always in close contact with our captors and the various servants around the manor. Although the servants were a part of our captivity we gradually got the know them and began to speak to them more and more easily. The earl was more cautious. "Take care! Any confidences will find their way to King Henry," he warned. But James and I knew little of any value. There was one servant I got to like a lot. His name was William Archer and he sometimes would take time to play games with us and tell us stories. His wife was Mary, a solid sensible woman. They had a son about four years younger than me called Richard who would often accompany his father on his work and often we played with him too. In fact, I probably owed my life to William. James and I had been playing and running around on some stairs when I slipped. I would have fallen to the flagstones below if William had not grabbed me and pulled me to safety. He gave me a scolding but then ruffled my hair and sent me on my way. We only occasionally received news from Scotland. James's uncle, the Duke of Albany, had more or less taken control. That was expected given his rank, but I had been told he was ambitious and if James ever got free and returned to Scotland there would be trouble. Albany and the rest of the nobles would become too powerful without a central king's authority. James would find it a hard task to assert the royal authority when, if, he got back home. At least Albany's son Murdoch was also a prisoner of the English. That may have tempered Albany's ambitions. I had been with James for three years when I had some sad news. My father sent a letter that my grandfather, and soon after that, my grandmother, had both died. It made me chafe at my exile. I had liked them both although I had not seen them much. Again I cursed my captivity but I had been given the responsibility of staying with the king. By this time my voice had broken and I had matured into a young man, but James was still a boy with boyish interests. That caused us a little difficulty at first, but I kept my duties in mind and we remained friends. I had started to shave when hair began to grow on my face and later it began to sprout on my chest. Soon after that James too began to mature too and we found we had common interests again, although I saw a difference in James' personality. He had become much more calculating and concerned with his rank, showing a streak of ruthlessness too. I was much more of a servant than a friend. Another three years had worn on then one day we had a surprise visit. It was the English king's eldest son, also Henry, sometimes known as Hal. James and I had been finishing our breakfast when Hal appeared. His build and personality exuded strength and force of will. He was even more impressive than when I had previously seen him at the beginning of our long captivity. "I thought I would come and see how my father's guests are. That is six years now you have been living off us, a drain on the royal revenues." There was more than a little contempt in his voice. James did not allow himself to be overawed by Hal. "The solution is simple. All you have to do is let us go. Release us back to my kingdom," he said. "You hold us illegally!" Hal scowled. "What illegality?" He looked at us with contempt. "I have the legality of rank and the sword. I have to agree with my father. You are too important to let go." He snorted. "But my father treats you too well for enemy prisoners and foreigners. If I were king you would be back in the Tower. Even with you here, your countrymen threaten our borders. As if the trouble in Wales is not enough!" I gulped internally. The Tower would be a real prison for us. We had had a taste of it earlier and I did not want to repeat it. "Pah!" Hal spat out, turned on his heel and left us. I finally took a deep breath but James watched him calculatingly. "That man will be the English king one day. He threatens us, and he is firm and determined. If I ever get released I will have to contend with him. He is ambitious." James stroked his chin. "It would be better if he did not think I was threat." "What do they mean, trouble in Wales?" I asked. "I was speaking to one of the English courtiers. He wasn't very happy as it looks as if Henry wants to send him off to join the English forces in the west. It's rough country there. There's a Welsh revolt there under a man called Glendwr. The mountainous landscape makes the English campaigning difficult. First the Welsh get the upper hand, then the English and so on. Hal's taken part in the campaign. I've heard he's quite a good general. Maybe I could learn from him." He gave a shrewd smile. "Know your enemy!" It was about that time that I noticed that William Archer was no longer around and had been replaced by another man called Thomas Bridgeman. "Where has William gone?" I asked Thomas. "I have not seen him recently." "Nor will you again. He and his wife have been arrested for heresy." My hand went to my mouth. "Heresy?" "He spat onto the ground.Yes, he is one of these Lollards, as they are called. They want to change the church so the church hierarchy are trying to suppress them." "What will happen to them?" "They will examined to see if they will confess to their heresy and give up the names of other heretics. Then they will be tried and if guilty, probably burned!" "What?" I shrieked. "William saved my life!" "Well, it's on the King's authority. There's a statute saying heretics should be burned." The earl must have heard us as he took my arm and led me away. "Hugh, it's English doing, and from King Henry himself. We can't, we daren't interfere. And, a word of further advice, your family is known for avoiding political entanglement back home. If or when you get back to Scotland make sure there are no religious entanglements either. Maybe these are even more dangerous." Examination was a euphemism for torture and there was no doubt William and his wife would eventually confess to all heresies, real and imagined. The thought of them being tortured made me feel sick but a week later there was something that immediately took most of my attention. I received another letter from my father, asking me to seek permission from the English to return to Edinburgh for consultation. Once there, I was supposed to meet with my father and some Scottish officials. I showed the letter to the English official set in charge of our captivity. He scrutinized it carefully. "They need to confer with you, do they? No reason given?" He looked at me carefully. "I don't know what it's about," I replied honestly. "It better not be any spying or plots! You will be coming back here? You don't have to!" "I suppose so. I think my king wants me back with him." He looked at me as if I was half-witted. "Well, you're loyal, if nothing else!" The next thing was to get James' permission, which he gave reluctantly. "Hugh, you are a good companion. We have spent countless hours together. I don't know why they want you but go and then please return. And bring me news of my kingdom." He sighed. "I wonder how long these English intend to keep me. I so wish I was going with you!" he said sadly. "I wonder when I will ever get freed." He stared out of the window, biting his lip. "I wonder. I hate to say it, but maybe I will have to pretend to be a potential ally of the English so they might let me go. Unfortunately, even if they did it they would probably want a ransom too. That would be a sore strain on Scotland, even if my uncle Albany allowed it." He stared out of a window. "The longer I am kept here, the more power he will get. Some day, if I get free, there will be a reckoning," he muttered, deep in thought. At length he turned around to me. "I am envious of you. So, I will see you again, Hugh?" "Yes, James, I mean, your majesty. I will return here if I can. Or if that proves impossible I will wait for you back in Scotland. I will give you all the help I can." "Your family have been good friends of my father. I am glad that you are following them." I had hoped I had served my monarch well, but I would heed my father's advice not to get close to any faction. The next day I took my departure from James and I was even given two soldiers as an escort. They would accompany me to the Scottish border. I was actually glad of their protection. It was a long journey and there were robbers. In fact we were a bit delayed leaving. Almost immediately we ran into a crowd all heading to an open space by a church close to our mansion. "What do you think's going?" one soldier asked the other. "Some religious goings-on, I suppose." "What's going on here?" The first soldier asked a prosperous looking citizen as we looked for a way to push through the crowd. "It's a couple of heretics, they call themselves Lollards. They're being executed, burned." I felt revulsion. One soldier had seen my expression. "It's the King's orders. He wants all heretics burned. The country has enough turmoil without a new fangled religious group upsetting the cart. Maybe that will discourage the rest of them." We were on horseback and could see over the crowd . With revulsion I saw two stakes alreadyset up, each with brushwood piled underneath. A small procession of priests made its way to the stakes and then following, surrounded by a group of soldiers, there were two individuals, stumbling barefoot, chained and in bloodied stained ragged shifts. They were the victims. With horror, even through their gaunt, stained faces and shorn hair and sackcloth clothing, I recognized William Archer and his wife. I could not watch any more and I made my way back out of the crowd. "Don't you want to watch?" asked a soldier, following me. When a shout went up from the crowd and a pall of smoke rose I bent over and vomited. "What's the matter? You not got a taste for heretics' punishment?" asked one of the soldiers. "No." I shook my head. "Me neither. I knew them. The Archers were decent folk, but I keep my mouth shut." We had to wait for the road to clear among the continual roar and screaming of the crowd. I felt sick at the horrible deaths of a couple who had been kind to me. I idly hoped that the fire would start a conflagration in the city. It would be a retribution of sorts. Fire was always a danger among tightly spaced wooden buildings. At last the crowd began to disperse. "All right, we'd better be on our way," said a soldier. I avoided looking at the glowing ash pile. It would be ten days travel back to Edinburgh, at the least. I would have the English king's writ for safe passage, but there were many outlaws who could disregard even the king's authority. I had heard Henry had his own rebellions, unrest and discord to contend with. As it turned out, I had no trouble on the journey. The two men-at arms with me were professionals and we developed a kind of camaraderie, but we all knew that we could easily end up fighting each other, depending on the whims of the leaders of our nations. They took their leave of me at the Scottish border when I forded the Tweed River. I had decided to make my way first to Blackhaugh near Selkirk where my grandfather had been born and raised. Being a younger son he had not inherited. The lord of Blackhaugh was now David Budrose, a cousin of my father. I had heard his wife was called Helen Kerr. They were astonished to see me but gave me a hearty welcome and plied me with questions about my captivity and how the king was doing. They had heard that I was a prisoner with James and they and their children, Alexander, John, Mary, Isabel and Michael, in order of their birth, were fascinated my tales of England. Not that I had seen much of England other than London over the past six years, but tales of London and its size made their eyes light up. After another day I took my leave and headed over the hills to Edinburgh and in the afternoon of the following day I presented myself at the castle and asked for Rollo. The sentries looked at me suspiciously but called for a sergeant and after another interrogation he finally led me along a corridor. Two men in the room were leaning over a table, looking at a chart but turned round at my entrance. At the intrusion one squinted at me, the expression on his face changing from mild annoyance to delight and he smiled broadly. My heart gave a jump when I recognised my father, older and greyer. The other was Rollo, also a bit greyer but still dark featured and serious faced. "Hugh!" my father cried cried, and we embraced, our tears flowing. "You made it safely! Oh, I am so glad. It's wonderful to see you again. Six years! My, how you've grown!" That was true. I was just twentyone. The English might have kept me in a type of prison, but it could have been much more severe. They had even paid for the upkeep of the King's household, although it was fairly modest. I was now full grown, and I had filled out fairly well. James and I had exercised well too, sword fighting, although with wooden swords, and wrestling and games. James was just eighteen and but healthy and strong too. Unfortunately, my father had aged too, with bits of white now showing in his hair and beard and his face was more lined. "My mother, she is well?" "Yes, and she's looking forward to seeing you. She's come along with me to Edinburgh and we will see her presently. Oh, but it's great to have you back, Hugh." We embraced again. "And how is the king?" he asked finally and I told him the details of our capture then all about our captivity, even my impressions of the English king and his son Hal, then what we had done and our way of life. "The king is healthy, but he frets for freedom and returning home." "Yes, I suppose Henry may feel some responsibility to make sure James is safe, if he has him as his supposed guest. However, the sooner James is away from English influence and no longer a hostage the better. His uncle Albany is growing too powerful. Although, in some ways, James is safer there, away from the intrigue, and especially Albany. I'm afraid his work will be cut out for him here to re- establish his authority, should he return." He looked at me directly. "And that is what I wanted to discuss with you." "Yes, father, you summoned me. Does that mean you have a plan for me?" While my father and I were talking I got the impression that Rollo had been studying me. Finally he came over beside my father, still studying me. "Yes, an important task," he said. "Hugh?" said my father. "This is William Rollo. You'll remember him? He was an advisor of our previous king and is a confidant of the former queen. We have some plans, but our business can wait until tomorrow. Let's get you to your mother first. She's annoyed enough that I made her wait in our lodgings. She's been fretting to see you." "Well, yes, tomorrow!" said Rollo. "We need to get to our plans as soon as possible!" This all sounded mysterious but my father and I made our way out of the castle, then down the steep road leading to Holyrood. About halfway down we nipped into a close and then up three flights of stairs and through a door. I thought my mother would faint, the cries she gave as she embraced and kissed me, all in joyful tears. Once again I had to undergo inspection and then tell of the past years. We ate in a tavern that night, with me enjoying the Scottish ale and food and getting used again to the sounds of Scottish accents and speech around me. They had once been so familiar but I had become too used to the English speech. Rollo was with us, quiet as usual, but I felt his eyes continually on me, as if evaluating me. At length we were finished and Rollo gave a slight bow. "I must get back to my own house, down towards Leith. So then, tomorrow, at the Castle. We must get to our plans." My mother suddenly became more serious, but we were all tired and I was glad to get to bed. We met again at the castle the next day, my father, Rollo, and myself. Rollo led us into a smaller room where he closed and locked the door. "I see you're being careful," I commented. My father held up his hands. "Yes, We have to make sure there is nobody listening to our business. I know you have questions, Hugh, but just listen. I have story to tell you, then we have to plan your part in a scheme. "This kingdom is without a proper head. Our rightful king James is a prisoner abroad as you well know. His uncle Albany takes more and more power and almost certainly would like to usurp the throne. We have to try to free James. So, first, tell me, If James were suitably disguised, say as a woman, do you think it would be possible to smuggle him out, then evade the captors and make his way completely back?" I sat back." I can't say," I said. "Our captivity has not been severe, but it is efficient. There are English guards around all the time, and I'm sure that reports go to Henry every week. Different people come and go in the quarters where we are held, but they are checked carefully. "It would have to be a good disguise," I said. "And we would need a lot of luck to travel almost the whole length of England to get back to Scotland. It's many days even by horse and they would be looking for him." "We could possibly do a very good disguise," said my father. Rollo nodded. "I think we have to try," and nodded to my father who took a deep breath. "Hugh, I am going to tell you a long story. It takes over several generations. It starts with your great grandparents. The one who started our line was Jean Boudreau, a Frenchman and his wife Isabelle who was also French. Isabelle's uncle fought on the side of the Bruce at Bannockburn and was rewarded land. That's Blackhaugh as you know, now held by our relatives." "Yes, I came through that way and visited with them." "Yes, it's good to keep in touch with them. Now Hugh, what I have to say now must go no further than these walls. You see, Isabelle was the heir of a French noble family, but she was not born a woman.'" I sat back in the chair and gaped. "I don't understand!" "I see your astonishment, but it's true. A young French nobleman called Anselm had used a magic book for some plans, revenge on an enemy. As a disguise he made himself into a young woman called Isabelle. That way he hoped to get close enough to the enemy to kill him. The change was supposed to be temporary. There is also a spell to reverse the first." I half rose in terror at the thought of magic but my father gestured to me " Hugh, sit down and listen, please! The plans did not work out, but she remained as a woman and eventually she married Jean Boudreau, a family friend. They had to escape France and so came to Scotland with her uncle and raised a family. "Not only that, their younger son Andrew, your grandfather, actually used the same spell, the same magic book, to rescue a young English lord. He made him into a beautiful young woman who took the name of Joan. Yes, the same one who is your grandmother. You've seen the book on our coat-of-arms. It really refers to that book, the same one that has had such an influence on our lives." "My Grandmother! Magic!" I was horrified. "That is dangerous. It's witchcraft. The church could burn us for that! It's a horrible death! I've seen two so-called heretics burned in London. They were friends and good people." My father twisted uncomfortably. "I know. That is why it must be entirely secret. When he was getting older your grandfather passed the book to me, and our family still has it and are thinking of a use for it. Our plan is that you will return to England and, at some point when it is safe and you can make an escape, you will have James read the spell. He will become a young woman of the same age. Completely. The woman will be smuggled out of where you are being held. I am sure that there are many women come and go from where you are being held." I flushed. I knew that the other men, the Earl, his brother and Seaton often had visits from women, sometimes some of the whores who plied the London streets. They had tried to persuade me to use them too, but I had been too concerned in case they were spies. Most too were not the most attractive of women. My father did not comment on my blushes. "Then you will both make your way back to Scotland. I mentioned that the spell can be reversed so the girl will become a man again. There are other spells too, Some can be used for healing. Of course, all of the spells must be kept completely secret. So it would be as if James had made a cunning escape." "That is terribly risky," I protested. "It would mean two people travelling the length of England, one a girl, and I doubt if I could get more than a knife for protection." "These are desperate times!" My mind was in a whirl. "I must think about this. It might be possible, but there are so many dangers!" My father nodded. "I'd better show you the book." He took a small package from his clothes and unwrapped the cloth, uncovering a small book. It did not look like much, just a few worn pages and a leather cover. "This is not the original book, by the way," he said. "That is held at Blackhaugh. This is a copy made by your great grandmother, and I must say, a bit easier to use as she's translated the instructions. The original book is said to have come from far Constantinople, I hear, at the time of the Templars." This was worse. "The Templars!" I cried. "They were guilty of heresy, blasphemy and sacrilege! Many were burned!" "Heresy? Maybe, maybe not," said my father. "It's possible they were just caught up in power struggles and ruthlessly eliminated." I opened the book up with trembling fingers and peered at it. "What does it say?" He pointed. "That side of the page is the actual spell. The sounds are very strange, but they work. No one knows what language they are in. The other, in English, tells what it does. You see, when a person reads these words, all within hearing are affected. Any men start to shiver violently in a few minutes then fall unconscious. The changes are over in a few hours but they remain unconscious for more than a day after. They wake as women, beautiful women. Another spell reverses the effects and there are also spells there for healing maladies." "What if a woman hears it?" "She becomes more beautiful, but usually does not become unconscious. As you realize, it is a drastic change in a man's body so it is no wonder that he would feel a lot of pain." "So you want me to go back down to London and use this on James, then bring him back!" "It is your duty!" "But if he is unconscious he would be noticed!" "Yes, but you will have to think of some way to hide him, or her. Possibly pretend he had a fever. People are still concerned if there is a recurrence of the Black Death." "Then they would be sure to avoid me!" They let me think about it overnight. My mind was in turmoil. I thought of my grandmother Joan. She had always seemed so warm and womanly and yet my father had said that she had been born a man. She even had been a man until she was almost twenty. About my age! I could not imagine becoming a woman. and finding myself in at otally different body. If nothing else it showed the spell was very effective. In the morning I reluctantly agreed to help, and Rollo asked me to see him again in the castle to plan some final details. We were just about finished I was about to go when there were heavy footsteps outside the room and the door burst open. Facing us was a burly man, in a steel breastplate, with his hand already on a dagger. I saw the wary alarmed look in Rollo's eyes. Behind the intruder were another three armed men. "Rollo," said the arrival, "are you up to more of your plotting? I heard you have this arrival from England. I hear he was a confidant of that prisoner, the son of the former king." He turned his attention to me. "You." He poked me in the chest with a mailed hand. "Your name is Budrose, I hear. Your report should have come to me first, not this functionary!" He glared at Rollo. Rollo may have been insulted but he gave no reaction. "Hugh, this is the duke of Albany," he said quietly. "Yes, and head of the kingdom," said Albany. "Remember that!" He was a duke and totally outranked me. Besides, he had three armed men with him. I gave him a bow, calculating what I should say. "My apologies, my Lord. I have just arrived from England. I hoped to be directed to you but I only met Rollo when I came to the castle and we began talking. I will be glad to tell you of King James." "He is not crowned yet!" snarled Albany. I repeated my story, my exile with James and my role in it, but omitting any mention of the magic book and the scheme to free James. I deliberately spoke in a monotone and made the story as long winded and as boring as I could. "Hurry up!" he commanded. "Yes, my lord," I said but I let my voice slow again and eventually I saw his shoulders relax. "Will he remain a prisoner there? Will Henry keep him?" I shook my head. "That is not for me to say. That is for King Henry of England and the lords of this realm to decide but I think it will need a ransom." " Any money is better spent here! Well, you should have come to see me right away. I am the leader of this kingdom. I advise you to go back to your family. Budrose, your role in this is finished. Keep out of matters that do not concern a commoner like you!" "I have been ordered by James to return to him." " Then do it and waste your life!" With a final glare at us the men left. We did not dare speak until several minutes when we heard them mount horses in the courtyard outside. "A dangerous man," I whispered. "A dangerous family! Yes, let us hope that James will get free and bring that lot to heel. I am afraid there will be bloodletting. They may be kin to King James, but that does not make them less of a threat. Maybe even more." A day later, with yet another tearful parting with my parents and my brother David who had made the journey to Edinburgh to see me, I set out once more to England. I still had Henry's writ giving me permission to travel through England but, in my saddlebags, hidden well away, was the little book. I took a route down the East coast. I made good speed but I had several nervous times, when I was stopped by officials on the highways or sometimes even when I went into lodgings, but the sight of the English royal seal on my pass stopped any too detailed questions. There was one surprise. Closer to London in Buckingham an official scrutinized my pass and shook his head. "This is signed by Henry Fourth. We have heard that the old king has just died. Its now his son Hal who reigns, as Henry the fifth." What I had feared had happened. Still, I hoped the pass from the old king would still be respected. Otherwise I could be accused of spying. I wondered how the young Henry would treat us. Some years previously he had threatened us with imprisonment in the Tower and I thought about turning back to Scotland, but my duty was clear. The official peered at me. "However, I am sure the pass is still in order. You may proceed." So, after ten days of weary travel, I was again in sight of London. I headed to the large house where we had been kept but it was obvious there was a change. The previous official was still there and I asked to see him. "So you returned! But I have news for you." He took up a document and read. " By order of King Henry Fifth of England, the Scottish king and his servants are all to be taken to the Tower." He laid it down. "So now I must have you taken there too if you want to be with your king." It was as I had feared and my heart sank. It would be even more difficult for James to escape, disguised or not. The tower was a grim place but my duty was clear and I allowed myself to be escorted to it, by two soldiers. One was one of those who had escorted me some weeks back. "You're a fool to have returned. Or brave," he said grudgingly. The governor of the Tower heard my story but was not very sympathetic. "You're a loyal one, " he said. "I thought you might have stayed back in your miserable kingdom. All right, yes, you can join your king and stay and serve him too. "Still, I must be careful. Search him and his bags!" he ordered. My clothes and packs were thoroughly searched and the letters I carried from Scotland to James were carefully scrutinized but although they found the little book hidden in its pocket they only gave it minimal attention and I was glad to put it back in my pack. James and the rest of his retinue gave me a great welcome and eagerly listened to any news I had of Scotland. I had also brought with me many official reports and letters for James to read, but he was most interested in my impressions, and I described how his uncle was taking more and more power. "My father tells me your uncle Albany is hungry for power. Some of the other nobles support him, but many others are wary in case he gets too much power. I have met Albany and been threatened by him. He is a dangerous man." James sighed. "This is the Tower, harsher than what we had, but it could be worse. Unfortunately my country lacks my guidance. Without me, either Albany will take more power, or the factions will fight and squabble. Both would be bad. The nation could fall apart. The English may get ideas about taking it over. "Unfortunately there is too much border skirmishing too. Henry needs me as hostage and alive. That way Albany can't make a stronger claim, but I'm sure he has ambitions and he will know that the former King Henry actually deposed his own cousin Richard to take the English throne." He rubbed his chin in thought. "If I want to get released I will have to give the impression that I will be as close a vassal as I can to Henry without actually doing or saying so." He sighed. "Unfortunately that could ruffle a few feathers back in Scotland. "I have been here now six years, I wonder how much longer. Albany's son Murdoch was captured after a battle but I think he will be ransomed earlier than me. He will be another I have to contend with if ever I get back." His eyes grew cold. "These Albany Stewarts will see a day of reckoning." It was time to broach the escape plans but I waited until I had James alone. "Sire, I have been speaking with my father and some officials. We have plans to get you free." "What? Tell me about it." He was excited but when I put my fingers to my lips and gestured round about he suddenly lowered his voice. We knew anything that was heard could be reported to Henry. I pointed to a side room. It was fairly secluded and we would be away from any potential eavesdroppers. Once in it I unfolded the plan. At first he was interested, but as I told him the details his face became more and more horrified. I had to gesture to him many times to get him to lower his voice. "Magic? Not only that, if the story came out how it was done there would be chaos." "But sire, we could pass out the story that it was not a real transformation, just a disguise we had used." He looked at me stonily. "That is not the point. Use of magic is evil, against the Church's teachings. I want to hear no more of it." That was a royal command. I was only a commoner. He was adamantly against it, but Had to try to persuade him. so I held my tongue and decided instead to work on him over the next months. I hoped I had planted an idea but every time I tentatively broached it, I was cut off. I began to realize that if I persisted that I could even poison James' attitude to me and my family if we were ever set free. James was adamant. "We are too well guarded here, even more than before. Besides, it is witchcraft. I will hear no more! They have come down strongly against witchcraft and heresy here. You remember that servant of the king's official here? What was his name? Oh yes, William Archer. Well, it seems he was involved with this heresy they call Lollardism, him and his wife. They burned them both about a year back. It was about the time you took that trip back to Scotland." I remembered the horror of the execution I had seen earlier. Two people who had been good to us were gone too. "Yes, actually I saw that. They had a son, didn't they, Richard?" "Yes, he barely escaped execution, due to his age. I was told that they decided he had been too much under the heretical influence of his parents and could be saved. They've sent him off to a monastery as a servant." James sighed. "Besides, even if I was disguised, they check all who enter and leave. So, even as a woman, the records would be checked to see that the same woman had entered!" He looked at me directly. "Look, Hugh, I have been thinking. You have loyally served me. You have been my companion for over seven years. I think it is now time to release you. You have your own life to lead. Go back to your family, find some nice Scots lass, marry and have children." I protested but he held up his hand and he embraced me. "Have no fear, Hugh, when I ever get back, I will call you to my service again." I protested again but he was adamant. "Hugh, as your king, I command you. You are to return to Scotland." That needed English permission too so I went to the governor of the Tower to ask his permission to leave. He looked at me with distaste. "Good, I am glad to see you go. It's one less mouth to feed. Yes, and maybe with you gone we can help your king get rid of that outlandish tongue you all speak in." He leaned back in his chair and studied me. "So, you'll be heading back to Scotland? You look strong and fit, but I think for your safety, it would be better to have another pass signed by our present king. I will see about that. It should take about a week to get it. Otherwise, I'll leave you to make your own preparations. You can have a horse again but you'll not get any escort this time. King Henry is preparing for a war against France and he needs all the experienced men-at-arms he can find. So you'd better scurry back to Scotland as fast as you can." I fact, two or three days later I had a command from Henry himself to go and see him. I had to keep my knees from knocking as I was brought before him. His secretary was with him and two guards stood watchfully in the background. Henry exuded power, determination and vigour. He was a force to be reckoned with. "I hear your king commands you to go back to Scotland? Why is that, Budrose?" "Your majesty, I think he fears that you will keep him here for the rest of his life. He does not want that for me as I am only his servant, and his subject. He has commanded me to go back to Scotland and resume my normal life, yes, to get married." Henry laughed. "First you have to find a suitable girl! Perhaps I too should help you there. Get you a nice English girl!" It was not the time to say that my grandmother was English, nor to tell about her strange story. It was too much like witchcraft. I had seen supposed heretics burned. Witches would meet the same fate, maybe even their grandchildren. "What was your father's business, Budrose?" I told him about my father being a merchant and trader. "Maybe he should try trading with England." "First there needs to be peace between our countries, and our king freed." Henry glowered at me then his face relaxed. He nodded to his secretary who took a piece of parchment and scrawled some words on it, fixed Henry's seal and handed it to me, the wax still warm. I checked it carefully. It was what I needed. "Thank you, your majesty." "I see you can read?" "Yes, all of our family have been encouraged to read and write. Sometimes forced to learn!" I grinned. Henry stroked his beard. "You know, this has got me thinking. I wonder if we could find a suitable English bride for your king. That might have some advantages. Ah, enough!" He waved his hand in dismissal. With a horse and the pass from the now King Henry the Fifth I was as ready as I could be. It would not be an easy journey. There was still enough unrest in England, and I would be defenseless except for a dagger. They had not allowed me a sword. I was in two minds. I wanted to get back home, but I was curious about the English lands. Know your enemy, I thought wryly, as James had said. While I was in England, it would be useful to learn as much as I could about the country. Besides, there was no saying what fresh ideas I might pick up. We had much to learn from them. So this time, after a rather emotional farewell to James, the earl and the rest of his small retinue, I left the Tower behind me and headed to the west, roughly following the river Thames, making first for Oxford, where I had heard that some monks had established a seat of learning. My family might have had noble ancestors, but my grandfather, being a younger son, had not inherited anything. Instead, our hard work, innovation and thrift had paid off and we lived comfortably. My family had concentrated on trade and industry but we were educated too. My siblings and I had all been taught to read and write and count. Also, some of the tutors that Henry had provided to James and I had been monks and I had been impressed with their breadth of knowledge. I decided it would be a good idea to go and investigate one of the main seats of learning. It took me two days to reach Oxford, mainly following the course of the Thames, but avoiding marshy areas. After the gloominess and isolation of the Tower and the bustle and smell of London I marvelled afresh at the English countryside, dotted with farms and productive fields. The land was flat and fertile. No wonder England could support a larger and better-off population than Scotland. Their dukes and earls who owned these lands could grow rich and powerful too. As in Scotland, they might become a threat to the king. Henry's father, the old king, had taken the throne by deposing his king. I had been told that Oxford already had a number of different institutions, called colleges, established by rich benefactors for the monks. I wanted to visit as many a possible but I only gave a wry look at the one called Balliol and decided to pass it by. A Balliol had been one of Scotland's least successful kings. The monks, if not welcoming at first, at least did not turn me away but I persevered and must have convinced them I was sincere and really wanted to find out more about them and their institutions. Some of those I spoke with gave instructions in grammar, logic and rhetoric. Useful skills! A good orator could sway peoples' minds. Impressed, I mused about the possibility of having a comparable organization in Scotland. The nation could benefit and, if nothing else, it would provide a home base for the education of young Scots so that they would be spared the expense of travelling to foreign countries. At one of the colleges I became involved in a lengthy conversation with a monk, Brother Patrick, one of the tutors. He did not seem concerned that I was from Scotland and when I told him my idea of having a college in Scotland, he was enthusiastic. "It could be a good idea!" He exclaimed." But it takes a lot of effort to get people to work together. Trying to get them to finance it even more!" He laughed. "A rich benefactor is very desirable." He even invited to stay at the college and we discussed this and other matters over the next days and we became friends. It was in his quarters, on the evening of the third day when I brought up my own travels and experiences I mentioned that I had seen an execution of Lollards some months back close to the Tower. He went to close his door. In contrast to his usual animated conversation he became quieter. "And what did you think of that?' he asked. I did not know what to say. I shrugged. "I know little about the Lollards, but I actually knew the two who were executed. It seemed to me they were good people. Their name was Archer. He actually was a servant where I was first detained. Brother Patrick gave a slight start and peered at me. "So you knew the Achers. Did you know their son?' "Yes, I used to play with him. I heard he was spared. But why does the church call them heretics?" "Oh, the person who started the Lollard movement was called Wycliffe, an Oxford man actually, but he died some years back. In his bed, fortunately for him! Otherwise he too might have been executed for heresy You see, the Lollards do not approve of the way the church is set up and some of its practises. For instance they think the bible should be translated into English so that people can actually read it." I would have to be careful. "That does not seem dangerous. Usually, the more one can read the better." "Hugh, I tend to agree. I doubt if our Lord himself ever spoke in Latin! But maybe the hierarchy of the church think that Latin adds to the bible's power. My own opinion is that it makes the bible seem more like a book of incantations, even magic." I thought guiltily of the little book I had hidden away in my clothing. "But keep your opinions to yourself," Brother Patrick advised. "It is too dangerous to upset the hierarchy of the church. They are concerned with their own power." He quickly changed the subject. "So, I believe you are heading back to Scotland soon? I would be grateful if you will call on me tomorrow before you go. I have a favour to ask you." "What is it?" "I have some people to contact first. I'll tell you tomorrow." The next morning, as he requested, I presented myself at his room. With him this time was a fair haired young man. I looked at him. I had seen him somewhere before and I stared at him. "I have seen you, before! In London, was it?" He had grown and matured. "Yes. I remember! You are Richard Archer." I gasped. "Your parents were executed! The told me you had been sent to a monastery!" Richard clenched his jaw. I could see both the sorrow and anger in his face. "Yes, I was. After they murdered my parents, I was made to serve in a monastery. They treated me little better than a slave. I was abused, half starved, even beaten until I finally managed to escape after a few months. I first found shelter with some friends of my parents in London. They were Lollards too, but secretly. It was too dangerous so I could not stay with them too long but Brother Patrick heard of me and arranged for me to be brought to Oxford. I've been sheltered here some months now." Brother Patrick sighed. "Yes, and unfortunately it is also getting riskier here. I have been told they are looking for him and have posted his description. You may wonder Hugh, why I do this. It's because I have some sympathy for what Wycliffe did. I also think that the church needs to reform but-" He shook his head sadly. "I do not have the courage to stand up and say so." "Perhaps Richard here has more courage, but it is too dangerous for him and I want to get him out of here. His parents were maybe martyrs to their beliefs but I don't think one so young as he is he should be. So I want you to take him with you, even back to Scotland. Not that I believe that Scotland is any safer for supposed heretics than England, but he would be unknown there. I want you to give protection to Richard. His description has been spread around and his life would be in danger if he was found here." I stared at them. The last thing I needed was a companion and especially one who was wanted as a heretic. I would be in danger too, king's writ of safety or not. But I thought back to the kindnesses that his parents had shown me and his father had saved my life. They had been decent folk and I owed them something. Patrick too had been fair and decent to me too. I was in two minds but, "Yes," I said finally, "but I will need another horse. I have been given one, but carrying two will tire it out. It would make us more vulnerable to robbers." "We can fix that. The local community of Lollards has banded together to help Richard. They'll have a horse ready, not a big one, just a pony, but it will be good enough." Now I would have to head north and home with my companion as fast as I could. I knew it would take us at least ten days, even if we had no trouble. At least the horses looked strong enough and we had food and even some money. So, it was with great misgivings I set off from Oxford, accompanied by Richard. I soon found I liked the young man. Some of his mannerisms reminded me of his father. He was a good company and we often got talking. He was especially interested to hear my own story then that of my family, that we had been French nobility then, through a distant ancestor, had come to Scotland. I really tried to keep away from towns where there was more chance of someone taking offense at me, a Scot, and I took care too to be the least conspicuous I could. Richard's description would have been spread out too. Unfortunately some contact with people could not be avoided as this was a heavily settled part of England. The little towns and villages lay fairly near to each other. Farms were dotted all over, and the better and more direct roads went between the larger towns. We made it almost as far as Banbury that first day. We rounded a corner of the road and my heart gave a lurch when I saw three armed men blocking the road. They had seen us too and I knew we would arouse too much suspicion if they saw us turning back. "As far as they know, we are legitimate travellers," I said quietly and rode up to them, showing more confidence than we felt. "Who are you?" one demanded. "We are travellers. I have a pass, signed by King Henry and with his seal on it." They looked sceptical but I pulled out King Henry's pass and showed it. They scanned it but by their blank faces it was obvious that none of them could read. "This needs checked. You will come with us." With one at the front, one at our side and one behind they escorted us up the road and in a few minutes we were in the town. A few citizens looked at us with interest when we were made to dismount and escorted into a stone building. We were pushed inside into a room where an official was writing with a quill pen on a ledger. He looked at the soldiers then us, slightly annoyed. "What's this?" "It's these two," said one of the soldiers, "They're strangers. They say they are travellers. One says he has the king's pass. You'd better check it. Here!" He passed it to the official. The official peered at it then me "It says you are Hugh Budrose, a Scot! Why have you a pass from the King? What are you doing here?" I explained how I had been a companion of James, but that he had ordered me back to Scotland. He looked at me suspiciously and studied the document again and studied the royal seal on it. "And who is the other?" This time he peered at Richard. Richard spoke up. "The king commanded me to escort this Scot Budrose to the border to make sure he left the kingdom. Once I have done that I will return to London. I hope to join the king's army." "A stripling like you? To escort him?" "The king needs all his men. He is planning to invade France. I expect a call will soon come out to supply more soldiers." Richard gave a meaningful look at the three armed men. "I will join them. It is my duty as the king's subject. Besides, as an Englishman, there will be honour in fighting the French. Plunder too!" One of the guards looked interested, but another looked very wary. "Yes," said the first. "With Henry as our king, he's a good fighting man, we'll easily defeat the French. There will be lots of stuff to loot there." The other looked at him scornfully. "You think so? Not for me. I've a wife and three children here. What if I was killed? Running off to France is not for me." The first one looked at him scornfully. "The king needs men and think of what you'd do with French loot. You could get pretty well set up here! Live like a lord!" The other shook his head. "Well, you can go if you want. Not for me!" "You're not a coward are you?" suggested the first. I saw the other's hand go to his sword and they glared at each other. I held my breath. If fighting started there would be all sorts of investigations. "That's enough!" snapped the official. "You all have responsibilities here! Get out and do your jobs! That's what you're being paid for!" The soldiers scurried out. The official threw the king's pass back to me. "Take it and go. Get back to that land you came from!" Scarcely believing our luck we got onto our horses and as fast as we could without attracting attention. We had not gone far before I stopped. "What's the matter?" asked Richard. "My escort, are you? That was a nice suggestion to bring up Henry's French ambitions, but another time we may not be so lucky and we still have a long way to go." I turned my horse. "Where are we going?" asked Richard. "Back to Oxford and Brother Patrick. I have to make some changes to our plans." "What about? How?" he complained. "It's dangerous!" "I'll tell you later," I growled. He did not like the idea of going back. He would like even less what I was planning. Grumbling, Richard accompanied me. We were lucky. We had no further trouble back Oxford and to the college. Patrick was shocked and apprehensive to see us again, but nodded in agreement when I told him what had happened. "I was afraid of checks like that. What now?" "I have some ideas but I want to shelter while I think them out." Patrick peered out of his door. "It is far too dangerous for Richard here. You can't stay, but I can recommend an inn in the town." "As long as it is safe and quiet." That suited me. I wanted to keep out of Patrick's way too. As a monk, with his religious calling I didn't think he would approve of what I had in mind. The inn was clean enough, the landlord was not too inquisitive and I was able to get a room entirely to ourselves. That night I waited until Richard was asleep, then quietly removed the spell book from my pack. I would have to plan it carefully and I could be taking a terrible personal risk. But I thought it was the best option. My fingers were trembling with the danger. Just to be sure, I turned to the page with the reverse spell first, read it through silently twice, then turned to the preceding page with the transformation spell and read it out, quietly, just loud enough e that Richard would hear, but not wake him. Immediately, almost running, I went well outside the room, even outside the inn, read the reverse spell out as loud as I dared, then returned to Richard. He was still asleep. It was just a few minutes later that I saw him give a slight shiver. Anxiously I waited and he gave another. I was actually terrified that I would start too, but I hoped my guess had been right. When Richard gave yet another shiver, I nervously waited in case I started too but I appeared to be fine. The reverse spell had overcome the original and I breathed easier. His shivers became stronger and at an especially violent one Richard actually woke up, shaking, his eyes rolling wildly. "Hugh," he gasped, "I think I'm ill! Help me!" he managed to utter before he sank to the floor, unconscious. I lifted him onto the one bed. Just as I had been told would happen, his violent shivers changed to a series of minor shakes and quivers. He appeared warm enough and I removed some clothes to watch him better. His skin was almost rippling and over the next few hours I watched in absolute wonder as the changes took place, the male features softening, the skin becoming smoother, the body shrinking. I was slightly embarrassed, but curious too, and I removed the rest of his clothes and watched as his body reshaped, the muscled textures of his body smoothing out and softening, the hips widening, the shoulders narrowing, the waist too, even more drastically as if the flesh had moved to the hips and buttocks. Then, the most drastic of all, the nipples became more prominent, the skin underneath swelling and pushing out into two female breasts. His manhood had shrunk completely, replaced by a slight mound with a vertical groove. In a few minutes it split and formed a series of folds. Richard was now well disguised. What was below me was a woman. I still needed privacy as she would be unconscious for almost another two days. The first part was over. Now I had to contend with her shock when she wakened. Almost certainly she would scream and cry in panic. That would cause a lot of commotion and bring attention to us. "My companion has taken ill," I said the innkeeper. "He has a fever. Best you not come into the room. She may cry out in delirium. " "It's not the plague?" the innkeeper gasped. "No, not at all. I wouldn't be still here if it was!" It was the morning of the second day when the woman's eyes began to flicker and she moved more and more restlessly and began uttering moans. Finally, with a great gasp, her eyes opened. "What?' she croaked. I gave her some ale. She coughed and drank some, spluttered, then drank more. She closed her eyes again and winced in pain. "What... happened?" "You were too recognisable. I have disguised you, very effectively, I hope. I read a magic spell that made you into a woman." "What?" Even in her lingering pain, her face screwed up more. "I made you into a woman, actually a young one, just your age." "That's impossible," she muttered. "You can't..." Her voice suddenly tailed off. "I'm speaking strangely...." I saw her hands go to her chest and she shrieked. "What are these?" She pulled at her new breasts to try to remove them but that was impossible, of course. It was even worse when she tore of the blankets and looked between her legs. She felt desperately at her groin. I endured five minutes of screaming then she changed into a furious attack on me, but she was weak and a woman too. I easily held her wrists while she struggled. "You're a sorcerer! Why did you do this?" "You could be too easily recognised. There are just too many checks on the roads here. I want to save you, but as you were, you were a danger to yourself, and to me." She struggled again but last she lapsed into crying. I offered her some more ale but she shook it off. "Listen," I said. "It is the best way. If you were caught you could be executed. You remember how we escaped that check? It was only by luck! Now no one will recognize you. And I promise, I will take you north with me and as soon as it is safe. I can change you back." "You promise?" she said finally. As soon as she had wakened I had intended to put her on her horse and sneak away from the inn and be on the road but there was a knock at the door. "Hugh ,Richard, it is Brother Patrick. I wanted to see that you were all right. I hadn't heard from you." The woman squealed and motioned frantically for me to keep away from the door but I opened it to let Patrick in. I did not want him to see what I had done but it was too late to hide. His eyes widened when he saw the woman, huddled under some blankets. Only her face was visible, but her features were so changed that no one would think she had been a man. Patrick recoiled. "I'm surprised Hugh, I didn't know you had a companion, like that!" I could see the distaste on his face. He was thinking I was with a whore. "Where is Richard?" "Patrick. Please sit down. I have a small story to tell you." I told him the story of the book and its power and why I had it, finally why I had used it. His expression varied between wonder and horror. "I have heard some tales of such a book but it is witchcraft! Evil! Why do you not destroy the book?" "I assure you, it has been used in the past to save a more lives and do a lot more good than any evil. I am using it to protect Richard. You have my solemn promise that once we are safe he will be allowed to change back. I promised to help Richard. That is what I am doing." I had not convinced him. "I want you both away from here as soon as you can." "Very well, but now that you are here you can help me." I nodded to Richard. "She will need some women's clothes." "I'm not wearing women's clothes!" protested Richard. "Keep your voice down!" I commanded. I thought for a minute. "Well, I suppose if asked I could say that you are disguising yourself as a boy for safety." I did not like that, but the woman's face was different enough from Richard's that she would not be recognized. "You are testing me!" said Patrick. "It is magic and I want no part of it. Best you be on your way." He got up to leave, hesitated and sighed. "God be with you." Later that day we set off again and this time had very little trouble. It took us two full days travel to get to near to Coventry. "That will be Coventry over there." I pointed. "We will take lodging there." The woman gave a half smile. "Someone had told me a legend from thereabouts that centuries back in Pre-Norman days a nobleman's wife had ridden naked through the streets in protest against her husband's taxation." She was slightly ahead of me and I watched her body sway on her horse. I idly wondered how she would look naked but I dismissed the thought. I did not want any complications. I had been enough money to pay for my own food and even lodgings, but now I had to stretch it out with cheaper food and meaner lodgings to support Richard. Another two days took us to Warwick. At one point we were stopped by law officials and questioned. The king's pass was good and they did not ask about my companion. From there, heading ever north, we reached Stafford. It was there we had a little trouble with some guards. My pass was good but the woman who had been Richard got attention. "Who is this and why is she in man's clothing?" one soldier asked. "This is Eleanor Middlecombe," I said. I pretended to be embarrassed. "The reason she is in male clothing is to disguise her on our journey.It's for safety." The woman's face tensed in surprise but the soldiers did not notice. "She is the daughter of a man I became friendly with in London. He died of a fever but asked me to take her to his brother who lives near Stafford. I am protecting her." One shrugged. "Well, once you have done that make sure you get yourself back to Scotland. And get her into proper woman's clothes!" he growled and they grudgingly let us go. "Eleanor Middlecombe!" she snorted. "What made you decide that?" "I don't know. It just came into my head. I remembered some English history. They had a queen Eleanor some centuries ago. And one of the servants in London was Stephen Middlecombe. What would you like to be called?" "If you change me back then a woman's name is not necessary," she huffed. "Not yet, but I promise you. When it is safe I will change you back." We had gone another week further north when we had more trouble. It had been raining steadily that day and we were cold and miserable. It was getting dark too and we had seen no sign of suitable shelter. Finally we just had to huddle under some trees in a bend of a stream and we sank into a fitful sleep amid the rushing of the water and the roar of the wind. We were awakened at first light. A group of riders were moving past in the gloom. At our horse's whinny six men were on us immediately, with knives at our throats. All were armed with swords and wore partial leather armour. They were speaking a strange language among themselves but one, who appeared to be the leader, asked me. "Who are you?" I noticed that his English was heavily accented. "We are just travellers, sheltering from the wind and rain." He peered at me. "Your accent. You're not English!" "No, I am a Scot. I am heading home." "Then what on earth are you doing in England, so far from Scotland?" I hesitated and the knife was pressed further at my throat. "I was a servant of King James of Scotland, who is a prisoner of the English king." The leader looked in my face. "Yes, I have heard of that. So why are you here?" He removed the knife from my throat. "King James has discharged me and commanded me to go back to Scotland. I have King Henry's pass." "Let me see it!" He frowned as he read it. "Hugh Budrose? That's an unusual name. A pass like this could have been useful for us, but I don't think I could pass for a Scot, other than being an enemy of the English." He gave a harsh laugh. He looked at my companion. "And who is the young man?" I pretended to be embarrassed. "Actually she's a young woman." I told the story how she had come to be with me, this time changing her supposed destination to near Manchester. The man gave a derisive laugh. "You! Protect her?! You are not even armed!" "I was not allowed a sword." He suddenly turned away. "Tie them and bring them!" he commanded. I panicked. "No! please, let us go! We are not a threat to you!" "You've met the English king you say. Our leader Owen Glyndwr will want to hear your impressions of him. Maybe this James could help Glendwr." Our arms were tied to the pommel of the saddles and, with armed men on either side, we were galloped through the gloom, heading away from the rising sun, going further west. I cursed under my breath. Even if we got free it would be a delay in getting back to Scotland. The men rode hard for two hours until we were among some small hills. After a rest they rode again until it was dark, making me more and more apprehensive. Further west meant travelling into mountainous country and more time to get back to Scotland, if we ever got free of these men. Finally, when they stopped in a clearing, it looked like they were going to camp for the night. A fire was lit and I saw blankets pulled from the saddlebags and some bread and cheese was passed around. Richard and I were untied so we could eat and drink but our arms were tied again, behind our backs. Worse, our feet were tied. We had barely lain back to try to get some sleep when I heard a sudden cry from one of their sentries. Immediately the men jumped up and were riding away on their horses, leaving Richard and I still tied and lying on the ground, just as another group of soldiers burst into the clearing. The newcomers stared at us. One who seemed to be the leader stood over us. "Who are you, prisoners of these Welsh rebels?" "Yes, we were prisoners. They captured us this morning." He looked at me suspiciously. "Your accent! Who are you?" I told them my story, and used the story that Eleanor was accompanying me to Manchester. "How do I know that is true?" "I was given a pass from King Henry but these Welsh took it!" It was obvious he did not believe me and I gasped when I saw him draw his sword. But another man caught his arm and I heard them mutter. "My man here suggests that you may be speaking the truth. I would prefer to get rid of you but if what you say is true the king would not be pleased if he heard that I slew you. But, just to be sure I am sending you to Chester where you will be held and examined. They can send word back to the king to check on you." Again we spent another miserable night out in the open then, our arms tied, with two men in escort we were sent east while the other men mounted and set off again in pursuit of the Welsh. I did not want to go to Chester. We could be held there for months while a letter went to Henry and he replied. I might be released, but I had no way of knowing if Eleanor's story would be believed. At least she was no longer recognizable as Richard Archer but the less fuss and questions the better. I would have to escape. The two soldiers sent with us seemed friendly at first. One had a grey beard and the other was red.That night, when they stopped at a barn they even untied us, fed us and we got talking. They were interested in my story about James' captivity and my travels through England. They had earlier stopped at a tavern and bought some flagons of ale. Then, as the evening went on, and they drank more their mood changed. I began to hear insults about me and Scotland. I was fuming internally but I just sat there and said nothing. At last they got tired of that and turned their attention to Eleanor. "What's the matter girl?" said red beard. "You're quiet. Why are you travelling with this Scot? He couldn't protect you from anyone." He pulled her to him, put his hand to her chest and squeezed a breast. "You're in men's clothing, and it hides you too much!" "Let's see the tits on her!" said the other and he tore the coat off her. I jumped up in protest but he struck me down with a club. I was on my knees and through a haze of pain I saw them strip Eleanor. Her body was pale in the firelight. "Stop! No!" I tried to struggle to my feet but one hit me with the club again and I fell down. "Keep him away!" red beard snarled. "I don't want him watching us." "What does it matter?" "Just do it." Before I knew it they had dragged me outside and tied my neck to a post. Then went back inside. I heard Eleanor scream then the sound of a slap and her screams died away to crying. I frantically struggled with my bonds but I could make no progress. I shook my head in despair. I felt dizzy too. With the drunken lust that was on them Eleanor would be raped. It was very likely they would kill us afterwards. It was about a half hour later when I saw the door opening. I was slumped exhausted in my bonds but I was surprised when it was Eleanor who came out. She was dressed again and carrying a knife. "I'm sorry "I cried. " I tried to get free but I could not. Are you all right? Where are the men? And how about you?" "I'm all right. The men will not bother us." "But did they rape you? I'm sorry. I couldn't protect you." "No, they might have intended to, but that is a handy little book you have!" "What do you mean?" "I saw they were intending to rape me. I would not be able to resist so I pretended to be .... well, ...almost willing, but that I wanted to say a prayer first." They laughed at me but I took that little book from your pack and found the spell that you used on me. I pretended it was a prayer and I read it out. "I knew they would fall unconscious eventually, just as I did. It was a near thing. I pretended I needed a drink first and I even fondled them, ...with my mouth. I had heard men like such a thing!" She shuddered. "Then they were about to take me when the spell finally took effect. It seemed very sudden. They began shaking and shivering collapsed and fell unconscious." "Good, then we can get away from them. They will be unconscious about two days! We can be well away by then." She suddenly sank to her knees and retched. "I feel awful!" she gasped, in tears. I held her and stroked her head. "There is little hurry to get away, Hugh," she gasped. " I cut both their throats." She retched again. I held her as she shuddered." I have never killed anyone before but I was terrified for my life. I really wanted to kill them!" I still felt dizzy but lurched inside to see and, as she said, the two men were lying in pools of blood. We could escape, but we would now need to get well away in case someone came on us and discovered the horror. But suddenly I had to sit down. Eleanor was with me immediately. She felt at my head. "You are very bad cut, and you have a bruise. You should rest!" My vision was hazy, but I shook my head. "We have to go on. Get away from here." Then I remembered the book and its powers. "Eleanor, can you bring me the book?" I was still dizzy. "I can't see very well," I said. "Can you open it and find a spell. There should be one to heal cuts and injuries." I saw her fumble with the pages and peer at the words. She could not read as well as me. "This one?" she asked. "It says to heal injuries, I think." My sight was hazy but I tried to read it. Finally I shook my head. "I'm too dizzy. Can you read it?" She took it from me and slowly sounded out the few words. She laid the book down and put my head in her laps stroking my cheek and brow, I was afraid it was not going to work but three minutes later I felt a sudden pain in my head, as quickly passing and in a minute my vision had cleared. I felt at my head. The hair was still matted with dried blood and was a slight bump but that was all. I breathed easier. "Now we should go, but first, let's see what they have. We could use their supplies." Rather uneasily, I searched the corpses' clothes and took out anything that I could use. They even had some money. I rummaged through the supplies on their horses' packs and took two of the men's knives and the best sword. I swung it to get used to its balance. At least I was now armed. "You look as if you are familiar with swords," Eleanor commented. "King Henry may have kept us imprisoned, but he allowed us sword practice. What about you, Eleanor?" I asked. "I'm happy with my own horse but one of these others will be stronger than your pony. Do you want a sword too, or a knife?" "I'm supposed to be a woman, remember? Women don't carry swords and usually only ride on ponies. A knife will do." After an hour of fast riding to the north we stopped to rest the horses. "Eleanor, that was very brave and clever of you. You saved us both. I'm surprised that you didn't use the book to change back when you had a chance. Although, I'm glad you did not as we are better well away from back there. You would have become unconscious again. and travel would have been difficult." "Time enough for that. Yes, it would have delayed us again and I agree with you.We should get well away, and I must say, I'm well disguised, but you can see it has its disadvantages too." She shuddered. "Women must feel very vulnerable. I was terrified." She leaned over from the saddle and was sick again. I held her to comfort her. To my surprise her arms went round me and squeezed me. "I am happy you are with me, Hugh." "I promise, when we are into safety I will give you the other spell so that you can change back," I said, and her arms tensed then relaxed a little. With another day's travel we were somewhere between the towns of Liverpool and Manchester, and another two days took us past Lancaster. Further north the land changed into into much more hilly open land and all the tracks passed through small villages. The inhabitants watched us suspiciously as we went by but we were not challenged any time. I had my story ready. Now I was taking Eleanor to an uncle who supposedly lived at Carlisle. It was miserable weather and it took us yet another two days to reach Carlisle and almost in sight of Scotland. Still, this was border country and I had a fresh problem, that of crossing the lawless region safely. There had been generations of fighting and raiding by the families on either side of the border and most times only lip service was given to royal authority in either London or Edinburgh. But we were lucky, with another day's travel over bracken and heather clad hills and moorland on a path that was nothing more than a track we descended into the more fertile lands of the Tweed valley. I had to decide where to head to. I was impatient to get to my own family in Dundee but I needed to get to Edinburgh to report to Rollo. I had to tell him that James had been completely unwilling to use his scheme, and that I had been released from James' service. I was weary from my travels and needed a rest too and decided instead to head first to my relatives at Blackhaugh. Once again I presented myself at the small castle, but this time I had a young woman companion. One of the guards took me to David. At first he looked up in surprise then his face broke into a smile and he rose to embrace me. "Hugh! What a surprise! You look as if you have been on the road! I heard you were back with the king. What brings you here?" He had hardly heard my answer when he called. "Helen? We have visitors! Guess who it is?" He lowered his voice. "Sorry, I forget my manners, but Helen would be wanting to see you." In a few seconds we were joined by their Helen and their daughter Mary. They peered at Eleanor, suddenly realizing she was a woman. "Well Hugh, who is the young woman?" asked Helen. "And why is she in men's clothing?" They looked curiously at Eleanor who flushed slightly. "Uh, she is the daughter of two friends I made in London. The both died and I decided to look after her." I told them that James had released me from his service, that I was heading home and about our journey from the south, but leaving out Eleanor's story. Helen gave me a smile. "That was an adventure. You have done your duty well, Hugh!" But she rose and took Eleanor's hand. "Come, my dear. You look bedraggled. A pretty girl like you needs to wash and rest a bit and then get into proper women's clothes. Mary, you can help too." "What?" Eleanor gave me a slightly panicked look but she allowed herself to be shepherded away. David and I talked on. At last he looked outside. "It's getting dark and my stomach is telling me that it will soon be time to eat. I imagine Helen will have asked our cook for something a bit more special in your honour. It's good to have a member of our family as a guest. We should support each other. It would be good if the Stewarts, our royal family, could take a lesson from we Budroses." "It will be great to have some good food. We've been on the road for quite a while now, and not eaten too well!" The door opened and Helen came in. "I heard that. You do both look half starved. So, we have a fresh killed lamb that will be our fare for tonight, but Hugh, I have surprise for you!" She stood aside and gestured. I almost gasped as a beautiful young woman walked in, a bit hesitantly. Her cheeks showed a pretty blush. It was Eleanor, in a woman's gown. "Isn't she a pretty girl?" said Helen. She shook her head in mild disapproval. "I know why you had her wear men's clothes, but really! They hid her beauty. So Mary has loaned her something more appropriate for a pretty young woman." Helen had given Eleanor a long saffron coloured gown. The fine material material clung to her. The sleeves were long and with loose hanging cuffs. The gown exposed her long neck and showed the swell of her breasts, her slim waist and emphasized her hips. Round her neck she wore a light silver chain with a red stone that nestled in her breasts. Helen had put her hair in a loose cap but loose strands had escaped from it. It made her look prettier. I was astonished with her face, with its flawless skin, and large blue eyes under delicate eyebrows. Her lips were deep pink and prettily shaped. Almost automatically I rose. I thought she was beautiful. I stared at her, my mouth dropping. She saw my reaction and another faint blush took her cheeks. Then her lips shaped into a half smile to me showing pretty white pretty teeth. Her eyes actually looked mischievous. Helen herself, and her daughter Mary were dressed in similar styles, Helen's gown a pale blue and Mary's a dark red. They looked very attractive but neither was as beautiful as Eleanor. I asked them what they had heard about my own family and in turn they asked me more about my captivity and the king's character and his reaction to his captivity. Their children, were now older, Alexander, the eldest, was now developing into a fine young man. Mary, the oldest daughter, was betrothed to Thomas Fairbairn, the son of a neighbouring minor landowner. I told them about my travels and the sights I had seen in England. "So you say Henry has trouble with the Welsh and is probably planning to invade France?" David shook his head. "At least that may keep him from bothering us, as long as the French don't want us then to attack England. Albany has the most power here. His son Murdoch was captured by the English in a previous raid and has only been freed a short time. He won't want to repeat the experience." I remembered that Murdoch too had been an English prisoner. James had been furious when Murdoch was ransomed, while no attempt had been made to ransom him. "Yes, I don't think there would be any serious trouble while King James is still an English prisoner. It may be that Henry will try to make him an ally." David shook his head. "The Scots mistrust the English too much. It all goes back a century to that English king Edward's attempts to conquer the country. Yes, and the way the Wallace was murdered." Their children had come to join us and we were almost overwhelmed by more questions about our captivity and James. When they asked about Eleanor I said that she was a girl I had rescued, and that her parents had 'died'. It would not do to mention the manner of their deaths in front of the children. When Helen had shooed the younger children away to bed I took her and David aside. "You know the stories of our original forebear in Scotland and then of my own grandmother Joan?" They looked at me warily. "Ye.. es?" I told them of how I had come to have the book, the revelations about my grandmother, the plans for James and then how and why I had used it on Richard, now Eleanor. They sucked in their breath when I told them her parents had been burned as heretics. Eleanor looked stricken. "So Eleanor is, was, a man?" David looked at Eleanor then gave an expression half way between a wry smile and a grimace. "This Budrose family seems to use that book a lot. So Eleanor, your parents were burned? That's a terrible death." Helen took Eleanor in her arms and comforted her while David sat back in his chair. "Hugh, I wonder if you heard how our family got the book. Our ancestor Jean Boudreau, who gave our family its name, saw the last Grand Master of the Templars burned alive. An uncle of his wife Isabelle had been a Templar and he rescued the book at the time the Order was suppressed. Isabelle had been a man too, so this will be the third time in our family the book has been used for this purpose." "Yes, I had heard some of that, but Eleanor will want to change back," I said. "I promised her that. I only used it on her so her former self, Richard, would not be recognised. So uncle, I beg a few days with you. We need to rest and Eleanor will be able to change back and recover." Eleanor looked startled. "I think it is too early for that yet," she protested. "You first need to get to Edinburgh and then your home as soon as you can." "But you are safe now from the English law!" "I ' , I... 'm, uh, I'm not sure now." She blushed furiously. David even had brought out some wine and felt the stress of our journey slipping from me, but my job was not completely done. "What now?" asked David. "Where are you going?" "I really want to get back home to Dundee, but first I need to go to Edinburgh and find Rollo, and report to him on James. Yes, and tell him that he was unwilling to use our scheme." "So it looks than as if our king will remain with the English a bit longer? That will suit Albany. He and his son Murdoch would both be glad to see James die down in England, and childless. I hope Henry treats him well." I thought of my experience with James. "James is shrewd, and has a ruthless touch in his character. Maybe he is self centred too, but then, he is royalty. I think he will pretend to be a friend, even an ally of Henry, so that he can get released. But once he gets back here, he will be his own man. However, I think there will be some bloodletting when he tries to re-establish his power. From what of I have seen of Henry, he is a strong determined king. James will have studied him and will get ideas from him." We got on our way in another two days, starting at first light. Eleanor was now dressed as a woman, and sitting sidesaddle on her horse. She was dressed in women's clothing. "I must say you looked very beautiful the other night." "Did you think so? It was strange for me." She blushed. "It was my first time in woman's clothes. I felt awkward, yet I ...loved the way they clung to me and their feel against my skin." "You could have used our time at Blackhaugh to change back. I promised you that you could." "You keep on about your promises!" she snapped. "Do you want me to change back immediately?" I was taken aback. We had now travelled together almost the length of England and I had become used to her, as a woman. I barely remembered Richard. We had stopped our horses and in our saddles, looked at each other's eyes. "No," I said softly. "I do not want you to change back." "Then I will not, for you, Hugh." She took my arm to balance herself, leaned over to me and kissed my lips. She gave me a mischievous smile. "What's the matter Hugh? Has no woman ever kissed you before?" Before I could kiss her back she gave a little laugh then nudged her horse away from me. I let her ride ahead for a bit but then she slowed down. "Still, it's awkward travelling this way." She shifted uncomfortably in her woman's saddle. "It is only meant for travelling slowly." "We could change that. Stop for a minute." I dismounted and helped her down, then lifted her onto my horse. I mounted behind her and we started again, with me holding an arm round her slim waist. We had not gone very far before she took my hand and raised it to cup her soft breast. When I pressed her I felt her nipple harden. Her hair, with her woman's scent, was in my face. I desperately wanted her, but finishing our journey came first and I only held her closely. I had to be sure too. We spent that night at an inn just south of Edinburgh. In the room that night I took her hands. They almost tingled on touching her. I wanted her. "Eleanor, I think it is now time that you should change back. Then you can accompany me to Dundee. I am sure my father can find work for you." I was unprepared for her reaction. She looked stricken. "If you want," she whispered and sniffed. "Eleanor, what's the matter?" I touched her arm but she shook it off irritably. "I think it would be best if you did it now, before we get to Edinburgh." "Do you?" she said frostily. She turned to face me and her eyes filled with tears. "Hugh, don't you think I am attractive. What do you see?" She drew in her breath so that her breasts rose. "Eleanor, I wanted to be sure. But you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. I love you!" "Then show me! Hugh. I hated you when you changed me, but you have protected me. You have been a gentleman, but Hugh, don't you see I am a woman. Can't you see that? Hugh, I think I love you too. I want to stay as a woman and be your lady." She did not resist when I put my arms around her. I kissed away the tears in her wet lashes, and stroked her hair. Her lips pressed to mine and we stood there for minutes holding each other. "You are sure?" I asked. "Hugh Budrose, sometimes I think you are just na?ve and slow. Yes!" she replied, slightly testily. "Make me yours and you will be mine." I picked her up, laid her on the simple bed and kissed her. She pressed her lips to mine and her hands went around my neck while I pulled her to me." You see, you can do it!" Suddenly she released me, unfastened her hair and shook it loose around her shoulders. "It's far too short," she complained. "At least these monks did not shear it. I'll grow it longer as a woman should." Her hands were at my clothes and soon my shirt then the rest of my garments were off. She pulled me to her and kissed me fiercely on my lips. Hesitatingly at first, I pushed back and, opening my mouth, I felt her tongue force into my mouth, explore and press against my own. I lifted the hem of her gown and stroked up and down her thighs, gradually reaching higher and higher. "Mmmm," she said and sucked in her breath as shifted slightly. My hand was on her cleft and gently but insistently stroking her and I heard her gasp. I felt her wetness. She slipped her gown off her shoulders and let it fall to her waist. Her breasts were beautiful, smallish, but prettily shaped and each tipped by a rosy areola and nipple. She wriggled to help me when I eased her gown from her waist and over her hips. "You like them?" She put her hands underneath her breasts and lifted them to me. Her nipples were erect and rigid and I kissed them, running my tongue round the areolas and then sucking at her hardened nipples. I squeezed both breasts gently and when I pinched and rolled a hard nipple she gave a small gasp. Then I was pressing against her and running my hands up and down her slim waist and gently pressing her rear. She had a small patch of fair hair at the vee of her legs. Otherwise her body was pale and smooth. I pressed our bodies together, relishing smooth softness of her breasts and rear. "You are beautiful," I breathed. "Yes, that is a wondrous spell. I'm glad you used it," she whispered. Our faces were close then her lips were on my cheek. It felt natural to raise my lips to hers and press them together. Her breasts with their hard nipples were pressed against my chest. She whispered in my ear. "Hugh, I am ready. I want you. Just do it." She parted her legs and seized my erection. "Hugh, you gave me a woman's body. I have a woman's needs. Now complete the task!" Gently I pushed her back on the bed and when she guided me to her, and I drove into her fully as she gave a small cry. She jerked slightly then relaxed. Her hands were clutched at my back, but I took them and held them above her so that she was impaled on me and could hardly move as I kissed her again on her lips, neck and breasts. When I started moving inside her I heard her draw in her breath and she raised her legs to clamp my back. I began to move in her, slowly at first, then, as the need took me, faster and faster. Her legs were crossed behind my back pulling me into her, ever deeper. I released her hands and she put the round my neck. I was oblivious to everything but thrusting into her. She was moaning and gasping faster and faster, her head bent back, Then it was as if a dam broke and she cried out. then she convulsed and shuddered along with me as I released into her. Later, as I withdrew, she stroked my face. "Hugh, that was wonderful. I hated it when you changed me, but I was surprised when I began to like it and then began to wonder what it would be like to lie with a man! I tried to force it down but the feeling was too powerful. You have not disappointed me. I loved it when you held me," she added shyly. Later, I found her snuggled close to me, her head on my chest. I felt lazy and satisfied. We made love again the next morning but I had matters to attend to and reluctantly we went on our way to Edinburgh where we took lodgings at a hostelry in the Grassmarket, a popular market place fairly near the castle that loomed over it. The next day it was time to face Rollo. "Be careful!" Eleanor warned. "And hurry back." I climbed the streets up to the castle and presented myself at the its gates and after a few enquiries I was escorted to Rollo. He welcomed me effusively at first, but grew serious when told him what had happened and James' refusal to use the spell. "Perhaps a good thing," he mused. "From what you tell me you have had your share of trouble on the way north. I did not think it would be so difficult." He shook his head. "Perish the thought that you might have had a disguised king with you to protect or that he was killed on the way." He sighed. "Unfortunately we will just have to be patient a bit longer and endure Albany gradually taking more power, just resisting where we can. Alliances of the nobles change constantly. And some die off. Maybe James will yet get back." He took my hand. "Hugh Budrose, I thank you for all you have done. I am sure James will not forget when, if, he is ever released." "I am disappointed that I could not get our king free but I think I have done as much as I could. Now it is time to go home." "The king is right, Hugh. Your part in this business is done. You have done your duty and now he has released you. You should go back to Dundee, rejoin your family and leave these matters of state to others. Oh yes, keep your head down in case Albany gets it in his head you are too friendly with the king. On behalf of James and his supporters I thank you. Maybe if he is ever released he will call on you again for service." He hesitated. "You still have the copy of your family's book?" "Yes, and I guard it very carefully." "Well, keep it safe, and secret. If you ever have to use it again be very careful. Goodbye, Hugh." He gave me his hand and I shook it. I made my way back to my lodgings but a sudden let down left me almost weak Iand paid little attention to the bustle and pleadings of the traders in the streets and markets. A large part of my life had been spent in service of the king. Now it was gone! I was finished with James and Albany. I thought of Rollo's words. I had a balancing act ahead of me. I supposed that if I was called I would serve James again, but I would use the caution advised by my father and Grandfather. I was now free to plan my own life and I remembered I had a good woman to help me. The events had brought me the love of my life. I returned to my lodgings and Eleanor. She stared at me. "Did it go well?" I sat down and smiled at her, perhaps wistfully." It looks like I am finished." She came into my arms and I kissed and embraced her, full of love for her and relief and at suddenly finding my task completed. "I have reported to the appropriate person. My part is over. Eleanor, I can now resume my life. I now ask if you will join me in it. Will you be my wife?" She did not reply She only led me to the bed and we made satisfying love again. Over the next three days I made my way to Dundee with Eleanor. There I joined my family again and after a great welcome I told them all of my adventures. They were surprised and delighted that I had Eleanor with me. At first they had thought she was only a young orphaned English girl that I had fallen in love with but they were astonished and actually a little amused when I told them the whole story. We were soon married with great celebrations and joy. It did not take long before my father, a practical man, insisted that I resume my work in the family's business. I did this with a will and put the past events to the back of my mind. Over the next years, as I grew prosperous, and my family grew to include two sons and four daughters, I thought less and less of matters of state. Epilogue Finally, some years later, with the shift of power, allegiances and intrigue, James returned to Scotland, and with an English bride, a relative of Henry, and no doubt with his approval. In fact, soon after his crowning, ames called me to his service, and I was appointed a minor advisor on trade, but essentially my part in affairs of state was ended. I watched from a distance, apprehensive, as James consolidated his power and eliminated the threat of the Albanys. Still, his policies and ideas aroused resentment and I wept when he fell victim to a plot and was assassinated. As I look back there is another part of my life that pleases me. I remembered how impressed I had been with the seat of learning at Oxford, and I have a measure of pride that I encouraged and gave money to help some monks at St. Andrews on the Fife coast develop it as a seat of learning. Then there is my beloved wife Eleanor. Without these events she would not have come into my life. END Note Hugh's grandfather Andrew and grandmother Joan are the main characters in my earlier story, "The Green Pebble."