Cloud Walker, All Fools' Day, Far Sunset by Edmund Cooper Page B

the castle and to the presence of Seigneur Fitzalan and Mistress Alyx, the boy could hardly be considered to be on the same level of insignificance as a common field labourer. Also, much could be made of his association with Mistress Alyx. Much could be made of it without much actually being said. Besides, if necessary, some importance could be attached to the matter of the book. At the very least, it was an effective means of silencing any protest from the Fitzalans.
    After arresting Kieron, Brother Sebastian had speedily armed himself with a warrant for searching; and he had gone to Master Hobart’s house, there to terrorise the old man somewhat in the hope that he might betray himself as a partner to the heresy, and also to search Kieron’s chamber.
    He succeeded in terrifying Master Hobart only into hysteria and a great fit of coughing. He did, however, find the book, hidden under Kieron’s mattress. That the book concerned the history of forbidden machines was significant, that it was hidden, though badly, was of even greater significance, and that its leather cover bore the imprint of the Fitzalan device was of the greatest significance of all.
    Let the seigneur beware, thought Brother Sebastian comfortably. If he attempted to interfere with divine justice in any way, he might find that he was in danger of scorching his noble fingers.
    Brother Sebastian was tasting the heady delights of power. He had written an account of the affair to the office of the Inquisitor General in London and confidently expected that he would receive authorisation to proceed with a full trial for heresy.
    Meanwhile, he had Kieron chained to the wall in the House of Correction. He did not relish the boy’s discomfort. To do so would have been an unpardonable sin. Brother Sebastian convinced himself that he was concerned only with the salvation of Kieron’s spirit. If Kieron should burn for his transgression – which Ludd forbid, if at all possible – it were better that he burned in enlightenment, in a proper state of mind, knowing that his sin would be forgiven if he showed true penitence.
    So Brother Sebastian held much converse with his prisoner, seeking to distinguish diabolical intent from youthful indiscretion. Kieron was not entirely helpful. At least, he was not helpful to himself, though perhaps he furthered Brother Sebastian’s unacknowledged aims.
    ‘Do you resent me, Kieron?’ Brother Sebastian asked the question while sitting on a stool, sipping from a glass of tea.
    Kieron, who had survived on bread, offal and cold water for several days, still had his wits about him.
    ‘Why should I resent you, Brother Sebastian? You do your duty, and in that you have my respect, even my admiration.’
    ‘So. We understand each other. I do not wish to punish you. I wish to save you.’
    ‘This, I perceive. You act from the best intentions.’ Kieron smiled. ‘I would much prefer to be saved rather than punished.’
    ‘The hot-air balloon is a grievous sin. It is a machine, Kieron. A machine not authorised by Holy Church. You must see that it is the duty of the Church to protect the people from the wickedness and the temptation of machines. You know your history, boy. Machines have corrupted the world twice. They shall not do so a third time.’ Brother Sebastian sipped his tea noisily.
    Kieron licked his lips. He could not remember when he had last tasted anything warm. ‘I was aware of no wickedness, Brother. The hot-air balloon was but a foolish toy which served to pass the time.’
    ‘So?’ Brother Sebastian looked at him coldly. ‘There is also the matter of the book. Who gave it to you, Kieron? The book about flying machines.’
    This was the first time Brother Sebastian had mentioned the book. Kieron, tired, cold, depressed, was taken by surprise. His mouth fell open. He thought of Alyx. Even she might not be safe from this black crow.
    ‘You do not answer, Kieron. Do you wish to shield someone?’
    ‘I wish to shield