David Gemmell – Rigante 3 – Ravenheart

‘The Moidart is a loyal follower of the king, and all lessons will begin with the prayer for his health. I understand that was the policy in your own classroom?’

‘Indeed so, madam. Yet I fear there will be many difficulties.’

‘I will tackle each as it arises.’

‘What of text books and writing implements?’ he asked.

‘The man who runs the school will have a budget to purchase such items as are necessary.’

‘What will be taught?’

‘Initially? Reading and writing, arithmetic, and history. After that we shall see how the project fares.’

An uneasy silence developed. Alterith stared at the floor. Maev watched him closely, sensing his disquiet. Alterith Shaddler, she surmised, was conservative by nature. There was nothing rebellions in the man. From everything Kaelin had told her of him he was proud of his Varlish heritage. The thought of being considered a Kilt lover would probably appal him. Maev felt a touch of anger, but kept her face expressionless. Perhaps it had been a mistake to invite this skinny Varlish to her home. Then Alterith spoke: ‘Firstly, madam, I must raise the matter of salary. My funds are . . . my funds are gone. I am living in lodgings and have no money for rent. From today I also have nowhere to live.’

‘I have furnished two rooms above the classroom, Master Shaddler. There is a bedroom and a study. I shall pay you five chaillings a month, and you will have a budget of three pounds a year to purchase books and any items you deem fit. How much rent do you owe?’

‘One chailling three daens.’

‘I shall give you the first month’s salary in advance. You may take with you today five chaillings to settle your debts.’

He took a deep breath, then looked into her eyes. ‘I appreciate this offer, madam. I have to say, however, that I will brook no interference in the way I teach my classes, nor the methods I use. I will teach both clan and Varlish history. If that is acceptable then I will willingly – even gladly – take on this role. If not then I must decline.’

Maev nodded and gave a small smile. ‘I appreciate a man who stands by his principles in the face of disaster. You will run the school the way you see fit. I shall not interfere. If it is successful we will talk of hiring another teacher to help you in your duties. There will also be a housekeeper to clean your rooms and a cook to prepare meals.’

‘Then I accept, madam, with grateful thanks.’

‘Good. Banny will take you back to your lodgings. You may collect your belongings and he will then drive you to your new home. Please prepare a list of items you will need, and we will meet next week to discuss them.’ Alterith rose, but he did not leave. ‘Was there something else, Master Shaddler?’

‘Why have you asked me to undertake this role, madam? My dealings with your nephew were hardly conducive to such trust.’

‘There are many reasons, Master Shaddler, but the only one which counts is that I believe you will excel in the role.’ Stepping forward she handed him a small pouch. ‘Here is your first month’s salary. And now you will find Banny waiting to take you to your lodgings.’

Apothecary Ramus disliked travelling to the poorer quarters of Eldacre. In the heat of summer the narrow streets stank of refuse, piling up against the walls, and he feared the beggars, hard-eyed men and women who would likely cut a man’s throat for a copper daen. In winter there was less stench, though half-starved dogs roamed the streets, occasionally attacking travellers. The decaying houses were set close, people living in cramped quarters, huddling together against the cold. The poor of Eldacre were miserable indeed: thieves, cut-throats, beggars and whores. Received wisdom was that these people were lazy and shiftless, and therefore predisposed to crime. Ramus often wondered about the veracity of such claims. Was it surprising that the starving stole bread? Or that a man weighed down by failure would become bitter at the success of others? Every week there were hangings in Eldacre, as thieves were dragged to the scaffold. Yet there was no shortage of crime thereafter. Would laziness alone cause a man to risk the rope?

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