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LOVE CHASE Life became disturbingly complicated around this time. I concentrated so much on Mr. Shaw, so filled with him that I was unwittingly ignoring Denise in all possible ways. I spent too many hours bent over my notes and few, if any, planning weekends or social gatherings. She began drifting away from me then. I remember feeling upset about that when I first saw our relationship deteriorating. Were her feelings for me so shallow that, once I am distracted from her, she could so easily slide from me? She asked my opinion if she were to take up a working career. She actually applied for one as a silkscreen painternaturally. Dennie began finding the simplest excuses to leave my side. It was a steak too long in the oven or some macramé or a sick friend needed a visitor, she would almost start to avoid me. Finally we had to discuss it. And discuss it did we ever! "I'm not avoiding you." She folded her hands atop our kitchen table and definitely avoided my stare. "I'm imagining that you've gone to see poor, sick Cathy three times this week?" I grumbled. "Cathy couldn't be sickly even if she were dying!" "She is ill," came her flat reply. "Dennie," I changed my approach, "we need some time alone together. Away for awhile." She peered at me, down her nose, to be exact. "How could I ever avoid you then?" She popped an eyebrow above a wry smile. I lowered my head thinking I misread what was happening to us. She brought a soft hand to my limp one and proceeded to change her teasing pose and drop a bomb. "I just feel trapped lately, Bob." "You know you're not," I replied trying to reach into her fears and heart. "I realize that." She nodded sadly. Her face displayed an understanding of my anxiety as well as it clearly indicated her loss of understanding of her own needs. Again she looked away from he, downward this time. Almost as if to say she felt too humble to expose her inner self. "Something pulls at me. I don't know what." "Pulls at you?" "Yes, pulls. Something. Something is like calling me." Dennie glanced up at me to see how I handled her remark. I merely peered questioning back. "That's the best I can say it, Bob. It's not that I love you less or am angry because you sit up evenings reading over your work. I keep feeling as if I don't belong here." She rushed to an explanation, "Not away from you necessarily. Just away from here." "Let's go away then for awhile." I figured it was exactly what she felt pulling at her. "That's not it." she began to baffle me. "We would be going because you want to. We do everything because you want to." Her voice rose little by little. "We eat when you want to. We sleep when you want to. We do everything around here because you want to!" "That's not true," I confidently argued. And it wasn't true. "You know it is the truth!" Dennie glowered. "Nickie is right about you!" She caught her words and their insinuation just at the moment they affected me. "Nickie? The art repairman?" "I'm sorry, Bob." She cowered her head as if terrible news was forth coming. My heart burst like a bomb driving all the blood in my body into my head. I wanted to strike out at her for allowing such a mean slip. Again, I felt like falling at her feet and begging her to deny what I feared most. Still again, that cold intellectual side of me argued to sit cool, So the bastard got into your pants after all! But, instead, I froze until she tenderly said, Nickie means nothing to me, I didn't mean to say that. Not like that, anyway." "You have seen him?" I acted cool but actually felt heavenly relieved. "I've been spending a lot of time at the museum. But my interest is not Nickie." "Fine. What is Nickie's interest however?" "Art!" There was no way I could ever believe her even if she trusted in her reply. "You lied to me, then?" I referred to Cathy's illness. "Bob! Stop with the jealousy, it's boring me!" Dennie peered at me as if I were the one disoriented lately. "Cathy really is ill and I work out of the museum four whole hours a week. And where are you?" She seemed to be evading or twisting our conversation around. "You could have been with me. But, oh no! You're lost in paper work. Why don't you get a tape recorder like other...forget it, then I'll have to listen to it." Dennie grew sadder and angry all at once. She stood up and left me sitting alone at the table. I thought over her words. I wondered if I should have run after her. Believe it or not, I wondered why I sat wondering, I trusted her. Why waste my time and feelings when recent notes on Mr. Shaw sat awaiting my once over. That's when I rattled at Mr. Shaw's spell for the first time. Here I was loosing my wife yet thinking of him! Within that second I realized Mr. Shaw came to me not as a patient. There was nothing wrong with this storyteller at all. He was a, a … A what? I recall I sat at that table for a good two hours trying to figure Martin Shaw out. If he had no problems in his life which harassed a proper functioning situation yet still sought me out, then what was he up to? And why sit and tell me stories? He couldn't swindle money from me while sitting in clear sight of me. He paid all his bills in cash! He never made the slightest advances on Yvonneor me. I finally ended the evening totally wondering what he was up to and why he went about it as he did. But convinced that he was up to something. Don't think I didn't try to check up on Mr. Shaw; I did. I insisted on his home address, medical history, business, friends, anything! I even dared to follow him after a session. But when I turned a corner, I only came across a staggering bum where Mr. Shaw should have been. The man was a total mystery! I knew nothing about him but his name, and who could say he didn't lie about that? I only prayed that the next session would yield results. Some days after the festival," Mr. Shaw continued his tale that week. "Alfred and Fuller were sitting in the Lord's study. Fuller had received the message from John Ball regarding Wyclif's appearance before the bishops. Will you go to Lambeth? Fuller asked as he took the letter from his lord's hands. Fuller had listened carefully to each word as Alfred read it to him but he reread the letter again to himself. Alfred did not reply at first. Alfred, will you go? He insisted a reply. Alfred seemed to have just pulled himself from deep thought as he first glanced swiftly up at Fuller then waved him off with, I'd rather go to London and catch the Black Death! Fuller dashed a tight smile followed by a grim laugh. I'd go. In fact, if you do not favor your cousin, you disfavor the opposite side. So, not only will you displease one King, an act of no small consequences, but you also loose favor with two Popes; of that there is no penance! Alfred left his chair. His head bowed, hands gripped solid behind his back, and he silently strolled to an open window. Suddenly perking up, he brought his right hand up to his beard then threw an inspired finger into the air, That's it! He turned toward Fuller. With an illustrious smile that flung his mustache high Alfred pointed out, Perhaps we can force a council of clergy at Black Friars convent in London to inquire about this man Tenlis! Tenlis? Fuller dropped his head back to the letter then up again to Alfred. "Wyclif, not Tenlis, my Lord. Forget my stupid, holier than thou cousin John and his rebellious friends. Alfred shoved the letter aside. I'm not going anywhere! I'm staying in Weare until Tenlis leaves from it. Alfred, Fuller tried to reason with him, if you show, you can avoid your cousin, if you like; your appearance will be conceived by him as support. Those opposing reform will also think you are appearing in their behalf. But if you do not go, all sides will argue that you battle against them. I need not go anywhere, Alfred turned from Fuller. Twenty years ago my people died in coal mines and within the mud of potato fields. Now they wear fine clothing and weave some of the finest wool ever to cross a loom. That says I support reform. He gazed proudly back at Fuller. But no guilds are permitted in Weare and all living within our boundaries are subject to me. That says I oppose reform. My position rests in the mind of the beholder. I will not go to Lambeth. Attempting to cap the conversation he went right on with, Our single concern is Tenlis. What do I do with that sorcerer? Fuller seemed frustrated. Folding the letter he shifted in his chair to pose himself directly at the lord. Tenlis is no sorcerer; clever man, yes, but not an occultist. If you desire to keep him from your daughter, simply banish him from Somerest. Not that simple. Alfred returned to his chair. "Lisbeth is infatuated with him. She insists that I dine with the man. How does Esther feel about this? Esther is too ill to be bothered with childhood romances, Alfred lied. Fuller knew this and pouted at Alfred who surrendered, Aye, she does have her opinion. She thinks I should at least meet the monster. Sounds like Esther, and not a poor opinion at that. Then again, their marriage may be a matter of fate. To stand in the path of fate is to get burned, Alfred. Let us leave Tenlis to Cupid and carry on with our daily business. For, if he is a sorcerer, you had better tread carefully. Alfred appeared shocked by Fuller's statement. Lisbeth has suitor's from all over the kingdom. Why should I entertain one such as Tenlis? The man has not the slightest visible means of income! He must have wealth. Fuller vanquished the thought of Tenlis having no money. He is always dressed like a king. Consider what it cost to do as he did at the festival. Then what is his trade? Hm, tell me what does this sorcerer does? Alfred grinned boldly. Where is his property? Where is Tenlis? What is his livery, his coat of arms? Tell me, Edward, beyond an occasional visit and fool's legends, does this man even exist? Fuller dropped into deep thought. Realizing the concern of Lisbeth's father he replied, I should not support the man. You are justified in your thinking, my lord. Sure as the French Pope is the devil himself, I am correct! Alfred sat back satisfied that someone saw his point of view. But realized the battle did not end there. I can not banish Tenlis. Lisbeth would see me in a grave before forgiving me. What am I to do, Edward? Fuller's usually devious mind went directly to work on the question. His face cleaved into Alfred's but his eyes strayed far away until, Such a man must be easily blackmailed. Alfred squinted a doubting eye in Fuller's direction. He does not have a certain income therefore must be a thief or, at least, the sort who must take what is offered him. The idea appealed to Alfred. Logic would dictate the thought to be true. Yes, You are absolutely correct, as always. Find this Tenlis and offer him anything he wants. Thus saying, Alfred stood up and, with youth in his step, headed for the door. I will tell Lisbeth of my intentions to dine with Tenlis. When he cancels she will need me to console her, he said with a jolly smile. John Tenlis, Fuller later discovered, planned a long stay at Doer's Inn near the town of Bath. There, it was rumored, he put himself up in the best of style. He dined lavishly with local nobles and knights. After which he occasioned the bawdiest of taverns. Yet, by day, he spent most of his time reading to children or, like a commoner, running errands without pay. Alfred and Esther set the dinner date. Lisbeth began to pounce around the castle like a seven-year-old filled with anticipation. She told all the children of her handsome suitor, as if they hadn't already sized him up for themselves, and spent too much time preparing for the dinner. Fuller prepared the invitation. So did he prepare bags of gold and silver. When the time had come to notify Tenlis, Fuller ordered together a band of traveling men and made off to Bath with them. Lisbeth followed the troop almost beyond the sight of the castle before turning back with her heart gleefully tearing at her breast. Bath remained a good two-day's journey for a band of six men hauling camping paraphernalia, extra horses, food and bags of precious metals. The route chosen was picked for its relative renown for safety, but one could never be certain. Robbers lurked everywhere during this time in England. So, when on the first day of the journey, Fuller and his band sighted a tall Knight riding parallel to them, they watched the knight carefully. The knight wore poorly kept armor. Most men of arms would tar their amour, thus the phrase 'Black Knight', but this big rider evidently did not tend to his outfit with any care. It rusted here and there. A few puncture marks were visible to their watchful eyes though Fuller rode several hundred paces from him. Through heavy trees Fuller tried to ascertain the knight's passage; would their paths ever met? Who was he? The knight rode high on a big horse lacking any livery or ornamentation at all. Beside his large frame the knight carried a long, white lance. When the knight appeared to take a turn toward Fuller's men, the messenger ordered one of his knights to ride out and ask the strange rider about his intentions. Fuller's knight started out as Fuller halted his band and dismounted, watching the dark knight all the while. He tucked the bags of coins into a case filled with food supplies then awaited to see what would transgress beyond the timberline. Meanwhile Fullers other men kept a watchful eye for ambush. Fuller's knight approached the rusty knight as they paused their horses. They spoke far out of ear shot for a short time, then Fuller's knight headed back with the strange knight following behind. Instantly Fuller threw orders to his men, One Squire, one Knight to either side of menow. Be alert and expect surprise. The men pulled away from Fuller and took a watchful position as the two knights rode up. The odd knight looked very big indeed. He peered down from his sorry looking horse and through his face shield at Fuller. The knight who escorted the stranger said, He is from Tenlis. Which thoroughly shocked Fuller. The knight could not mean a placed named Tenlis! He had to mean from John Tenlis. Tenlis knows we seek him?' Fuller asked up at the knight. Could say that, me lord, the knight replied from within his helmet. Fuller took note of his answer. He called the messenger lord but did not bow or show any form of protocol. Tenlis sends me to direct you to your destiny. Fuller wondered at this. He glanced with leery eyes at this men who also frowned at the idea. We are told he is at Bath. Not so, me lord, the knight merely reared his horse and started off to the east. Follow me, me lord. Was all he said. But Bath is North, dear Knight, Fuller called but received no reply. Master Fuller, a Squire interjected as all watched the knight ride off. Will we do as he suggests? Fuller shrugged. He didn't know what to do. His only instinct commanded him to follow the knight. After all, how could the knight know who they were or where they were going? But how did Tenlis know about them either? Thus, Fuller ordered his band to mount and follow. And so they strayed from the safety of their path into the thick darkness of a huge forest… Suddenly a thought came to me. For a moment I thought I had something of Mr. Shaw's mind figured out. "And much happens in this forest." I stopped his tale. "Like the desert in Africa and the city of Rome - right?" Shaw looked puzzled at me. "Actually not, doctor. Very little, in fact. So little that I was thinking of skipping over it." This, more so than my first thought hit me hard below the belt. What did he mean by inferring that anything happened at all? And something he considered passing over? You don't pass over parts of fantasy! "Your story?" I tried for more understanding, "You write it down before our sessions?" With a quick tilt of his head Shaw chuckled and said, "Doctor, we have an agreement. Shall I continue?" I glanced at my watch. He had six more minutes remaining. But I had had enough of his tale. Not that it escaped my interest but I sat bent on prying information from him. I simply returned my question to him. He sat a moment. I hoped he was reconsidering. I felt he was. However, he just smiled, stood and said good-bye. Throwing myself into a rage, I cancelled my next appointment. The patient cancelled before me anyway. Yvonne took pains to settle me then drew from me all that had transpired with Mr. Shaw. "You must drop him," she finally said. "This is destroying your practice. It's destroying your marriage." "My marriage has nothing to do with this case!" I raged. Then catching myself, I apologized. "It is very possible our Mr. Shaw has deep sexual problems also, Yvonne." I looked up at her expressing exactly why I should not drop his case. As a doctor I could not allow the man to go on into the maze of sexual deviation. A mind can get so lost within that world. "There is real evidence pointing to err... problems. Nothing certain but there just the same." Yvonne sat on the edge of my desk. She peered down at me with puckered lips. Turning as if looking for an answer to Mr. Shaw in thin air she commented, "I think Mr. Shaw knows exactly what he is doing here." "What?" "I'll bet his stories are not just that, just stories. I'll bet he knows exactly the effect they are having on you. He is after something." "After what? I've considered that already. To no avail." Yvonne pointed a ringed finger at me. "I think this man is dangerous. He's chasing after something, Bob. And I wouldn't be surprised if you're what he's after." "Maybe," I added as if a brilliant thought came to me, "he's simply keeping me distracted. You know, like Sherazade, she distracted the Sultan from her charms by telling him storiesa thousand and one of them; I think it was. He's keeping my mind off his real problem." "You may be right, Bob." Yvonne noted. "But I truly believe he's up to no good." |