Page 84 of The Changeling
‘I have never seen her work a spell,’ Lord George said cautiously. ‘She was a fine healer.’
‘She knows how to ensnare a man and rouse his lusts,’ Lord Patrick interrupted.
Both Lord George and the Regent stared at him, one in surprised alarm, the other in satisfaction.
‘Very good. Just what I wanted to hear. Shall we go in?’ Lord James said. ‘I am short on time, and wish to speak to the lords and the ministers of the kirk before I ride on to St Andrews. My commission into witchcraft has already uncovered and executed many witches in Fife and Angus. I would not like to see your county failing in its civic duty.’
‘Aye, your Grace,’ Lord Patrick said, bowing low. ‘Please, this way.’
They mounted the steps and disappeared inside.
I was desperate to hear what they were saying. What was Lord James doing here? Why did he mention me by name?
I rushed back to the stall and gasped, ‘Nan, will you mind Carlin for me?’
‘What is it, Caiti, what’s wrong?’
I did not take the time to answer, untying the flap on one of the wicker skeps and setting the bees free. To the very first small golden body that crawled out, I said silently, Noble bee, may I ride with ye?
Ye may …
I went into the body of the bee, rose and buzzed straight as a bullet through the open window of the meeting house, into a room full of men dressed in black. Lord James stood, addressing the crowd, while a manservant carried around a pitcher of wine and a platter of oatcakes and cheese. I flew to Lord George’s shoulder and perched there, clinging to his doublet.
‘I would hunt down the witches myself,’ Lord James said, ‘but I have much to do. In just a few weeks I must ride to England to present documents that will prove the king’s mother, that adulteress and murderess, that witch, guilty of all charges.’
She is your sister, I wanted to say. And innocent. You are the one who conspired against her – you are the one with blood on your hands.
My agitation communicated itself to my wings. I rose into the air, buzzing with indignation. Lord George waved me away with one hand as he accepted a goblet of wine with the other, then bent forward and used his knife to cut a wedge of cheese.
‘So I wish to be relieved of the need for trials by the crown,’ Lord James said. ‘You must take matters into your own hands, and hunt down and prosecute any witches, using whatever methods needed.’
I flew about Lord George’s head, trying to find somewhere safe to land. Lord Patrick swiped at me, and I fell down onto the table. I crawled over Lord George’s knife, then suddenly he caught me between his cupped palms. Rising, he took me to the window and flung me out. I rose on my shining wings, and came back down on his shoulder, unseen.
Lord Patrick rose to his feet and said, ‘My lord, you drew our attention before to Mistress Caitlín NicNeven. Am I right in understanding that you wish us to prosecute her?’
‘After due investigation, of course,’ Lord James said smoothly.
‘Her aunt Agnes NicNeven is here at the fair,’ Lord Patrick said.
‘I saw her selling charms under the thorn tree.’
‘Excellent,’ Lord James said. ‘Seize her now, and we can take her with us to St Andrews. Let us go!’
Lord George turned back into the room, and was startled to see men drawing their knives and following Lord James as he strode from the room.
‘What’s happening?’ he asked.
‘We go to arrest the NicNevens,’ Lord Patrick replied, his coat folded over his arm.
‘But …’ Lord George found himself left behind as the room emptied. He hurried to get his cloak, then realised his knife was missing. He looked around, then ducked to look under the table. But his knife was gone.
‘My knife!’ Lord George cried. ‘Have you seen it?’
Lord Patrick said impatiently, ‘Do not worry about your knife, man. We have a witch to hunt!’
I did not wait to hear anymore. I turned and zoomed back to the thorn tree, faster than any man could run. I fell down into my own body. Nan was kneeling, cradling my head, while Carlin crouched beside me, growling deep in her throat.
I opened my eyes. ‘They come! Run! Run!’
