Where is that prune? asks the man in the doorway. The Lady comes to meet with him. What do you two want with him? she asks. We have to talk and settle something. My friend will wait here so nothing will get a rise in here, he explains as he takes another step inside the tavern. Please let this be something minor, I think as I look to see other people’s reactions. God throw some brains or stone from heaven, hopefully something hits, she says as she turns to call for Wolfel. Lady, how many times have I got to tell you that there can be no people coming in to get lodging until after lunch. It’s still lunch. Let me do my business, screams Wolfel from somewhere in the back. There is someone looking for you, screams the Lady back. No wonder William sent us to talk to him. He seems thicker in the head, says the man. He has to wait then. I ain’t done here, says Wolfel. I am gonna go drag him out by his feet, says the man outside. Keep your wits about. William sent us to talk some sense into him not just kill him over the matter, says the man inside. Well, I think death may be upon him, I think as I leave my spoon down. What did he do now? asks the Lady. Oh no, don’t ask him that, I think as try to turn my back to the situation. He got in some quarrel with William de Cornwell a few nights ago. The details I know not, but I know William wants him to apologize, says the man. You speak nicely for someone with no home, says the Lady. It’s all God’s words I am using, says the man. Which church you going to? she asks. The church at Greyfriars, I usually go when William is doing service, explains the man. Great, if he finds out I'm a wizard, they’ll lynch me too, I think as I listen to their conversation.
Wolfel do not make these men wait in vein here, the Lady shouts. I am going to be there in a bit. Let a man have some dignity, he shouts back. The apprentice John now seems perturbed by the noise and puts down his book. And your friend? The same as you, a church goer? asks the Lady. Indeed, we both visit the same church, it is how we met. He is a fine lad, always able to land a hand when in need. Of course being the servant of William de Sandal does help, now doesn’t it, William de Taverner? asks the man as he chuckles. And what is your name, if you do not mine me asking, says the woman. John de Oxon, nice to meet you, says John. Good heavens thank you he gave out their names, let us hope their smart enough not to do something tragically stupid now, I think as don’t know what to do with myself. How did you know that I had no home? asks John de Oxon. In my line of work, you see all kind of people. And I have seen your kind before. There are signs that tell, she says. Who are you? asks Wolfel. Look whose face decided to be respectful and show his face, says the Lady as she leaves. So you are Jonh Wolfel, as I John myself I am disappointed in you, says John de Oxon. What do you want disappointed John? asks Wolfel. I want you to apologize, says de Oxon. Apologize for what? Taking a fat shit? asks Wolfel. You are disgusting. That is not what I am talking to you. It’s what you did and said to William de Cornwell, explains de Oxon. And who are you to him? asks Wolfel. I was sent here to get your sense together and do the right thing, apologize, says de Oxon. If I have sinned to someone God may judge me when I die, says Wolfel. Or you can just apologize, says de Oxon.
Ain’t words going through his head. So maybe I should make a new hole for the words to get into his head, says William de Taverner. Who are you? And what’s your problem? asks Wolfel. My problem is your thick birch skull if you do not come to apologize, says de Taverner as he draws his sword. Now hold your horses, says John de Glemham. Why’s there always someone trying to be a hero, I think as I lay my head in the palm of my hands. John Wolfel starts to scream and shout as he is held in place by de Oxon. Stop screaming or I will give you something to scream about, says de Taverner. As I said, calm down you two, says John. I am calm, respond both de Oxen and de Taverner. I am being attack! cries out Wolfel. Will you shut up! screams de Taverner in Wolfel’s face. People gather at the entrance of the tavern looking in curiously. I hate this town, I whisper as I look in horror at the four. Help! Help! Wolfel keeps on screaming. Just apologize! insists de Oxen. Let him and he’ll apologize, says John de Glemham as he puts his hand on de Oxen. You stay out of this, says de Taverner. Don’t do something you might regret, says de Glemham. All you shut up! I want him to come apologize and that’s the end of it, says de Oxen. That’s not how you get anyone to apologize, says de Glemham. You get back if you know what is good for you, says de Taverner as he swings his sword at de Glemham. John Wolfel faints as de Oxen let’s go of him. What have you done, you maniac! I told you not to bring that with you, says de Oxen. With a bloody face and a gash on his forehead John de Glemham staggers slowly back as he falls onto a bench. The crowd that gathered outside the door barges in jumping and holding de Taverner down. Why does this feel like a deja-vu? I ask myself as I see de Oxen flee the tavern.
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