‘Really, Edward, you’re making complications,’ Rosamunde said crossly to the lawyer. ‘I know the law as well as you. I may choose whomever I will to wed and the world must watch.’
‘It is the House of Barnwell that is my concern,’ he went on carefully. ‘As it pertains to the conveying of all goods and chattels to the new husband, which must include your mercantile interests, I’m obliged to remind you.’
‘If that is all that ails you, Edward, let me put your mind at rest. Master Jared has interests of his own and desires I might continue in my merchantry as before. If any funds are touched they are accounted for in the usual way and there is no question that there will be any disturbance in the standing of the House.’
‘I see you are determined on this union.’
‘I am.’
‘Then I can only wish you well of it,’ he said, with a barely concealed expression of reproach.
‘Sir, your manner is distasteful to me,’ she flared. ‘You’re a servant of the House and I am its mistress!
‘For all your laws and deeds you cannot see that which is so plain to any merchant of wit and acumen. That is, the fortune of a House is one thing, and the getting of it another. If you fear that Master Jared will rule and ruin, know that between tradesfolk it is one’s word that wins the dealing, not the price. Neither he nor any will make trade save I give my word on it.’
Later, as she and Jared ate together she mentioned the conversation and added, ‘Our marrying is one thing – the other is to bring you to the notice of the men of power and substance. Then you must act the man of acuity and sagacity – but on your own. For this you will need to take in our ways in full measure.’
‘Sweeting, I am your pupil and will learn at your knee.’
It was hard to grasp even now that his days at a forge were over for good. It was not brawn and skill that would realise his vision but quick wit and precise judgement and Rosamunde would be his teacher. He was determined on it, for he was going to venture out into a harsh world armed only with his wits to justify her trust.
The shape of the future was becoming clearer. He would go back with all the powers and resources of a merchant investor, sustained by the intricate web of agents and factors of the House of Barnwell, and set about making the guild grow.
And one thing was vital to his standing and success: a second, one who he could not only confide in but trust in the hardest situations.
He knew one he could turn to. Daw. He’d be in his twenties now and in the strained times he’d known him had proved bright and steady.
Jared spent a long time pondering the wording of a letter, ending up with a simple desire to see him and enclosing travelling expenses. His son had known him as a returned pilgrim touched by his experiences and indulging in deranged pursuits. Would he want to come to his father – or be repelled?
Within the week Daw was shyly standing at the door of the Barnwell home with his bundle, looking up in wonder at the richly dressed burgher who was his father.
‘Daw! Bless you for coming, my son.’ With a manly hug and a squeezed tear Jared drew him indoors.
‘Father – w-what’s this that you’re so …?’
He’d grown taller. A direct gaze, upright and strong, a son to be proud of.
‘A long tale, Daw. As will wait. This is my home now and I want you to meet … my wife, your stepmother.’
Rosamunde came forward with a smile and extended a hand.
Jared tenderly touched her shoulder. ‘Do forgive us, my dear, we’ve much to talk on.’
She left them to the two chairs by the fireside.
‘Daw … I …’ Where even to begin?
‘A long time ago, when you were but a kitling a … bad thing happened.’ It was not going well – this was a grown man, he could take it.
‘Your mother …’ He couldn’t go on.
‘Yes, Father. She drowned one night in the weir. I know this.’
‘No!’ he blurted hoarsely. ‘Never so! Aldith was torn from me by those half-faced hell-spawn in Ravenstock Castle and done to death by … by …’
Daw went pale. ‘She was taken and—’
‘Yes, yes, yes!’
It was cruel, heartless – but the truth had passed into his son’s soul.
Daw’s shoulders began shaking, he looked helplessly this way and that – but no tears came …
‘I told you this because I want you to understand me,’ Jared whispered.
The eyes looked up at him, pits of misery.
‘I can tell you from the heart, dear Daw, that revenge is useless, empty, because nothing is changed by it.’
At the intensity of his words the young man choked, ‘You … D’Amory?’
Jared’s head fell. ‘Yes, son.’
Daw sat rigid, silently weeping.
‘I told you revenge is empty because it changes nothing. This is true. So I went on pilgrimage to find release but instead found quite another thing.’
He waited patiently for Daw to compose himself then went on, ‘I ask this of you. What must you feel, if gifted to you and you alone, was a great power, one that can and will change things for all of time?’
At the incomprehension he eased into a bleak smile. ‘I’m speaking of the power to tear down castles into ruin and helplessness. That throws lords and ladies, every one, down to the level of the common folk, never more to tyrannise and oppress from their mighty fortress on high!’
‘Father. This is wild talk! I do understand your—’
‘Daw. I was given that power and you shall soon see this in all its terror and beauty. I came upon it when enslaved by the Mongols who had the secret, and have never forgotten how to summon it to my bidding. Now I’ve succeeded, here in England. In my own hands I have the means to bring down castles and cities – and I mean to do it! My son, this is not revenge but justice!’ he breathed.
The wide-eyed youth sat rigid, speechless.
Jared sat back and went on in quite another tone, ‘All this you will find hard to believe. But if I tell you that a guild is being formed for just this purpose and that Mistress Rosamunde, wise and astute, is hazarding her fortune to support it, can you find it in you to accept that it is both real and true?’
‘Father, I hear what you’re saying but cannot conceive what you mean.’
For the next hour Jared told him all, his voice breaking at times in emotion. He spoke of gunnes and huo yao, sulphur and saltpetre, iron and bronze. Of the months in Hurnwych grubbing about in chicken coops and tombs seeking answers and finding none at the cost of his wits and reputation. The chance discovery in Coventry of the method of proportions, and then success.
‘Now you know of it. The whole of it. And what lies ahead – a chance for putting right the world such as none has had before! Daw, what I’m asking is that you’re there by my side when it’s achieved. To be the one who I trust and confide in, whoever’s against us. Will you do it?’