Mathieu Visits

1208, Summer

"Welcome to Lauvitel, Mathieu," Alain said. He stood out by the path that lead into the village. He raised a hand in greeting then bowed low. "Welcome to you all. We have prepared quarters for you. I apologize that they will not be as sumptuous as you are accustomed. This is a small village and we have little time for such things."

He stepped to one side and motioned to the others gathered with him. "I believe you have only met a few of our good folk. May I present..."

"Frederic of Italy," Frederic stated with accent, as he bowed his head.

Leporidius introduced himself as well, standing well back and looking a little uncomfortable. Tanya stayed behind Lep, looking warily at the crowd of strangers.

Lilia stepped forward and said, "It is good to meet you. Helene spoke well of you, and any friend of Helene's..." she smiled.

Mathieu returned the smile.

"I am Osprey. Welcome." Osprey looked over the men carefully.

"Etienne," was all Etienne said. Prompting a sharp look from Mathieu.

"I am Brother Antoine," said Antoine putting forth all of his not inconsiderable charm. "I tend to the spiritual needs of the village. This is Philippe Charpentier, who speaks for the villagers. Yonder is the lodging we have made ready for you." He indicated the "guest house."

"Thank you, Father," said Mathieu. "We shall not stay long, we are just checking the dominions of Sir Rene and patrolling for bandits."

Mathieu looked around, "I had expected ... pardon my forwardness, but where do you dwell Lady Lilia? I see no suitable home for a lady of your station."

Lilia turned on all her charm. "Odd as it may seem, many of us dwell in caverns below ground. It is a little dark at times, but the temperature remains constant and the walls are sturdy. Tapestries help make it cozy."

"Really?" He looked around, "Seems a quiet little village. We'll just take a look around before dark and get the lay of the land, then. If you will excuse us?"

"Certainly," said Lilia. "Please let us know if you need anything."

Alain showed Mathieu to the guest quarters, taking note as they went of the number of men-at-arms he traveled with and which appeared to be looking around with great curiosity.

Mathieu and his men-at-arms poked around looking at the houses and the few workshops. They looked at the rugged climb to the upper village and decided to wait until the morrow for that exercise. Then, as the grogs brought some food up they retired to their lodging to pass the night.

The next morning, Mathieu and his men climbed to the upper village and spent some time looking at the fishing boats and the herds. He asked Alain about access to the upper valley from the further end, and seemed satisfied by the answer he got.

"But where are these famous caves?" he asked. "The ones where Lady Lilia dwells with ... the rest of her companions."

"I'm not one hundred percent sure, but I know they require a boat to get to. That might be the far shore or one of the small rock islands on the lake itself. I don't travel there myself as I'm lousy with close quarters," Alain said. "You do remember that time we cornered those infid... those men in the small streets only to have it turned around on us. I've not liked being boxed in since."

"Yes," said Mathieu absently. "I prefer to fight mounted, too." He looked out at the rock spire and the far shore, then back at Alain. "Helene says that Lilia is a witch," he said conversationally.

"All women are, when they are angry," Alain said. "No, I think she is just a beautiful woman. The effect she has on men is because of that. There is no witchery there. You know, I did not say this at our last meeting, but I think that you and Helene are a good match. There is much to be gained by your union."

Mathieu turned to Alain, "There is much to be gained, yes. I have no land to inherit, and it is my good fortune that Rene needs warriors more than he needs a few more acres.

"And what of you, Alain? You do have prospects at home, and yet you waste yourself ... here."

"I am not welcome at home, Mathieu. My liege forbade me leave on Crusade and I denied him. I was mad with grief and wished to join my Elisabeth in heaven. I knew if I fell to the enemy, my place in heaven would be as assured as her death in childbirth. I couldn't lower my sword voluntarily. My masters trained me too well. If I return home, I will suffer the consequences of my foolish actions. There is a part of me that thinks I deserve it. Perhaps it is time I faced the disgrace I visited upon my own lord." Alain sighed.

"At least I feel I am doing something. These mountains attract some of the worst element and I've been able to help protect these people. I don't think I am wasting myself here because I I know there is nothing for me anywhere else. I just fear what will happen should they learn of my disloyalty. I might have to seek a home with the Basque. Alain Navarre. Wouldn't that be the strangest thing ?"

Mathieu considered these words for a long time, looking out over the lake. Finally, he spoke, still staring out over the lake. "Alain, I have no wish to see you disgraced or made outlaw. But, but! I intend to be master here and nothing shall stand in my way. And there is something strange here in this village, with your 'Lady' Lilia. The peasants think you had something to do with the dissappearences and they know you have something to do with the hermit at the ruins. If you and this village stand between me and my rule of this land, I will destroy you both."

"The hermit is one of our number, yes. He was helping us deal with certain brigands we found in the ruins and decided to stay there for a while to better comtemplate his life. I don't think he is completely sane, but that's that. The disappearances are no mystery. I can show you the two bodies, if you wish. It appears they fought and did each other in."

"Really? That would be a good thing, will you ride with us when we leave here? Tomorrow, I think?"

Turning suddenly, "And why are these lands of such interest to the other Alain, the Bishop of Grenoble? I see no establishment of monks, hmm?"

"I cannot say," Alain said. "I think the Bishop might wish an out of the way spot to build a new church. Perhaps he has something he wishes to hide away. Or maybe he really is worried about the souls of the peasants here."

Mathieu barked a short laugh. "His Excellency has bigger fish to fry. You've heard the Pope has called for a new crusade? This time not against the infidel in the Holy Land, no. This one is against the nest of heretics to the east - our neighbors in the Midi. I think the Bishop fears his lands may be next. I confess, I would hate to see an army march through this land. My land, soon."

Alain thought for a moment. "And I would hate to be outlawed too, because I would have to act the part."

"Then let us hope it does not come to that, hmm?" Mathieu became a bluff solider again. "Show me what you've done here by way of defense. Do you have problems with bandits?"

Alain smiled. "If bandits rode mountain goats, they might plague our village. No, we came upon some in the ruins during a rainstorm. Stuck in the mud, they were no match for us. I will show you our small defenses here. You will not be impressed, but I tell you the approach is my best ally.

"Indeed it is," said Mathieu.

"I will ride with you tomorrow, Mathieu. I need to double check with one of our fishermen as he knows this area backward and forward again. I'd rather not get us lost."

Mathieu nodded his agreement.

Later in the day, Alain sought Etienne by the lake's edge. He was dressed for battle, obviously putting on a show for the armed men currently camped in their village.

Etienne tossed his net aside and asked Alain candidly, "Looking for a war?"

"Only to prevent bloodshed," he answered. "Mine and yours as well as the rest of our companions of Lakehome. I need to find the bodies of the two missing men and present them to Sir Mathieu in order to end the talk concerning our village. What shape are the bodies in? Where can I find them?"

"Brother Antoine does not travel so well, but I will ask him if he feels led to bring peace to these cursed bones," Etienne offered.

Antoine, upon being approached by Etienne, sighed heavily but nodded. "They should be interred. Here if not elsewhere. I will go. But we must travel slowly."

Alain made time to speak to Frederic alone, later that day.

"Frederic, I know that you are a full member of the covenant here and I am but a retainer. In order to maintain the charade that you are a swordsman, I might have to say or do things that are rude or out of place considering your station. Please understand that none of it is personal," Alain said. "I hold you and your position in respect. I want you to know that.

"We must maintain the illusion that no magic is happening. If you feel that your presence will not jeaopardize this, I'm happy to have you along. If you sense anything out of the ordinary, I would appreciate if you took Etienne aside to tell him. I will most likely remain with the knight and his men and Etienne is more likely to be able to get out of their hearing."

"Thank you Alain," Frederic responded. "I have in fact changed my mind. It would be of great detriment if I were to accompany you on this trip. I had nearly forgotten how easily the mundane can see through me. My gift for some reason is often readily apparent. I should remain in the caves and out of sight. If I have been previously mentioned, perhaps it would be best to specify that I have fallen ill or have travelled to Italy. I will hide here in the caves for the tim e being."

"Your candor is appreciated, Frederic. Hopefully, this expedition will satisfy them for a long time to come," Alain said.

"If not, perhaps a bribe can," Frederic hinted.

"Let's hope we can satisfy their curiousity with corpses and explanations," Alain said.

"Good luck to you," Frederic parted with a smile.

The next morning, the small company set off. Mathieu and his men, Alain, Etienne and Antoine began the trek down the valley.

The company set off, moving slowly through the woods. It took them nearly two days to cover the ground they had covered in one before. Late in the afternoon on the second day, they found the heather hill where the heather-gatherer had met his fate.

"This is where the heather-gatherer was found," commented Etienne to the group at large. With a few paces the fisherman pointed off toward where the body lay.

Mathieu and his men examined the body, "You think he was killed by the honey-gatherer, was that it?"

"The evidence seems to point toward a fight of some sort," Alain said.

"No big wounds, though. Maybe a knife in the back? What happened to the honey-gatherer?"

Etienne spoke up, "He was found further along" indicating some distance off toward the horizon.

"Bring him," said Mathieu, indicating the body. "Let us continue."

They made camp soon after, and the next day arrived at the place where the honey-gatherer fell. "This is not too far from the ruins, am I right?" asked Mathieu.

Etienne nodded and Mathieu turned to the body.

"Now this is a body slain in a fight," said the knight.

Mathieu and his men examined this body as well and then the knight spoke, "Shall we press on to the ruins?"

It was agreed, and the company moved on to the ruins where Tonio greeted them with some surprise, for he had not been expecting a visit.

"Good evening to you," he called. "Brother Antoine, I had not thought to see you here." He looked at Mathieu and his men, measuring them as only a fighting man does. "Etienne and Alain, glad am I to see you as well."

"Evening Tonio," Alain said. "I'd like to introduce you to Sir Mathieu, a knight in the service to the lord of these lands. Sir Mathieu, this is Tonio. He is one of our man-at-arms. Recently he's been helping us guard these ruins from the bandits who had used them as a base."

Mathieu, in his turn, examined the 'crazy hermit of the ruins.' "And have you seen any bandits?" he asked.

"Not this summer," said Tonio.

"What about others? Heather cutters, honey-gatherers and the like," pressed the knight.

Tonio looked to the others in some confusion.

"Grave robbers," Alain added.

"Few others," said Tonio. "No grave robbers," his voice became firmer. "And no bandits. I think a charcoal burner has built a hut to the west."

Mathieu considered this. "A honey gatherer was killed over there, by violence. Know you aught of this?"

"Bandits?" offered Tonio. "Who were coming to these ruins but turned off when they say that others were already here?"

"Why would they not simply rob and murder you?" asked Mathieu.

Tonio shrugged.

Etienne spoke up, "I have heard stories about the area. Many allow their superstitions to guide their steps, Tonio would be safe from such men. They are the kind who flee even their own shadows to remain a step ahead of those such as yourself." The former bandit spoke from experience knowing the type of men who preyed on the weak, but often were cowards themselves.

Mathieu nodded. "True, some are like that. Others are bolder, and Le Croc Fonce has been quiet this past few years."

"All meet their end eventually," Etienne commented.

Matthieu nodded, "There was a rumour he had been killed in the South near Aix-en-Provence. Another that he had taken the Cross and was fighting in the Holy Land to expiate his sins. I am glad he is gone, whatever the reason." He looked around, "The night comes on. Where do we camp this evening?"

"The only suitable spot is here amongst the ruins," Alain said. "We have camped here before and the ground is just as hard and uninviting as anywhere else."

In the morning, the company woke and as Tonio prepared a simple breakfast for them all, Mathieu examined the ground and ruins, walking aside with Alain and Etienne with a man-at-arms a few paces behind.

"There is more to this than meets the eye," said Mathieu, gazing out at the woods. "Your hermit is a warrior, that's clear. Why he would live in these ruins is less so." He turned to the Lakehomers, "Why is he here?"

"Many times solitude is the only company a man needs when he examines his past," offered Etienne from his own experience.

"Tonio has said he feels comfortable here, like he can make a difference. And since he started his hermitage, the bandit activity as dropped. Just by him being here, he denies them a safe harbor. From where I stand, his slightly unusual behavior does us all a favor." Alain smiled. "Besides, you yourself have seen what can happen to a man who has seen too much conflict."

"Hmm." Mathieu looked around. "As long as he doesn't turn bandit himself. I won't tolerate banditry. And you are his surety." He looked around and pointed vaguely north, "We can cross the river that way, I think?"