The Traitor’s Mark by D. K. Wilson Page A

swear to teach from it and from nothing else. If we hear that anyone is preaching something unauthorised, we are to take testimonies and send them with the offenders to the quarter sessions. Once example has been made of a few disobedient clergy, I’ll warrant we shall have little more trouble.’
    I don’t think anyone was convinced by Moyle’s assurances but, in the presence of the archbishop’s representative, no one was prepared to give voice to criticism. We spent another half-hour or so exchanging information on possible troublemakers and dividing the county into smaller regional units for more effective united action. In mid-afternoon the meeting was formally closed and members drifted away. Through the windows high in the old walls we could all see the grey-black clouds crawling across the sky and we were anxious to start for home. However, I wanted to have a word in private with our host and lingered by the outer doorway, waiting for an opportunity. It was then that Ralph Morice came across and, taking me by the arm, steered me outside.
    As we stood on the broad steps leading up to the entrance, watching members of the party mount their horses, assembletheir servants and ride off towards the gateway, Morice said, ‘So, Thomas, which of these men can be trusted?’
    â€˜I’d be loath to speak ill of any of them,’ I replied evasively.
    â€˜A charitable answer, but not a wise one. We both know that some of our neighbours are set in their old-fashioned ways. Some are protecting clergy who long to refill their churches with popish paraphernalia. Some have friends in high places and will be hastening to report to them on today’s meeting. Some are ready to distribute arms to their tenants and lead them in what they would call a war against heresy. So, I ask again, who can the king and the archbishop rely on and who must we watch carefully?’
    â€˜Well, I have no evidence of rebellious intent but, if you press me for my suspicions ...’ I mentioned half a dozen names, including those of Thwaites and St Leger. Then I saw Moyle come out of the house. ‘Excuse me,’ I said, ‘I need to have a quick word with our host.’
    â€˜Very well,’ Morice replied quietly, ‘but don’t forget your oath to report anything suspicious.’
    As I approached the elegant figure standing proprietorially before the massive oak door of his splendid house I heard a murmur of distant thunder.
    â€˜I fear you may be in for a wet ride, young Treviot,’ Sir Thomas said as he shook my hand.
    â€˜Indeed, Sir Thomas. I must not delay my departure, but I wanted to have a quick word in confidence.’
    He nodded gravely. ‘Then let us go back inside.’
    When we were standing in the hall once more, close by the outer door, he said, ‘Please, speak freely.’
    â€˜I have heard of a group of men – desperate men – who are in the pay of the archbishop’s enemies and are intent on his ruin. They will stop at nothing – including murder.’
    Moyle frowned. ‘That is a very serious thing to say. Is it any more than country rumour?’
    â€˜Two weeks ago a young man was stabbed to death in Aldgate.’
    â€˜At Master Holbein’s house? Yes, I heard something about it, but what has that to do with the archbishop?’
    â€˜I discussed it with his grace and we are both convinced the assassins were trying to prevent him receiving from Master Holbein information of a plot against him.’
    â€˜If that is true, these men must be found.’
    â€˜Exactly, Sir Thomas, that is why I thought you might be able to help. You have wide interests in and around London. I beg you to tell me if you have heard anything about this gang.’
    â€˜Can you describe them?’
    â€˜We believe their leader is a savage hellhound by the name of Henry Walden, though he prefers to be called Black Harry. I’ve been obliged to