Aleric Donnal’s notebook
Aleric Donnal’s notebook
I was contacted by Ethelred Bingley today.
He is aware of my interest in the depiction of medieval beasts, both real and legendary, and he says there might be something of interest in the garden of the house he owns.
It is called St Julian’s, which is the dedication of the chapel I found references to during my research.
I wonder whether Ethelred’s house might be connected in some way?
I told him I might call if I had a chance, and he said that his tenants were unlikely to mind the intrusion.
Brother Anselm’s account continues, and I read it with growing apprehension. It is engrossing, and I would be tempted to write a paper on the subject if I were not still committed to my medieval beasts. Perhaps it will be my next project.
It seems Anselm’s focus has shifted from national events and his role as a loyal messenger for the Lancastrian cause to the dilemma of his sinner’s confession. I can almost feel his anxiety as he wrestles with the problem.
I pleaded with my sinner today, he writes.
Yet he still refuses to save an innocent man from the gallows.
How can I proceed if he will not admit the truth?
I tell him that his immortal soul is in peril, for he will have murdered twice – first the unfortunate Isabella, and second, the man who will hang in the place of her true killer.
The bonds of kinship are great. But the bonds of justice are greater. I will pray on the matter. It is all I can do.