The Eyes of Exeter

Chapter 1

The house stood in a narrow lane, within the Roman walls of Exeter. To call it a house would be an exaggeration, even by Saxon standards. It was a small wooden hut, with thatched roof. The window, next to the rough wooden door, was covered with a poorly built, unfinished wooden shutter. Inside, there was a partial upper floor, reached by a stout wooden ladder. The floor inside was rough dirt, covered with straw and rushes, freshly laid.

Outside, this humble home did not look out of place; all its neighbours were similar. This was not an area where wealthy people lived.

The street itself was narrow, dark and filthy. There were large holes in the surface, filled with mud, and things less savoury. Refuse lay in heaps everywhere, delighting a couple of young pigs, which were nosing noisily through it, looking for food.

Everywhere was muddy and wet, from recent heavy rain. The sky was, in fact, still threatening more. Large clouds rushed along, following the line of the lane, making the city dark and dreary. It was not warm.

From within the hut came voices, one raised in frustration, the other calmer, but flat in tone. Both were female.

Mother, please don’t start again, pleaded Eadythe, with a look of anguish on her face. We’ve been through this many times before. I know you don’t like Tostig, but I love him.

I’ve never said that I don’t like him, Eadwynne replied.

No mother, you don’t have to. You make it quite clear that you don’t like him. You don’t have to say anything.

For a while both Eadythe and Eadwynne were silent. Eadythe continued packing the large wooden trunk, which contained nearly all her possessions. She had a deep frown on her face, and her hands were working quickly, in her frustration. Her mind went round and round, over all the times her mother had been unkind about Tostig. She also thought about all the things Tostig had done, which answered all her mother’s criticisms.

Besides, Eadythe continued after a long while brooding, he’s answered all your criticisms of him.

How can you say that dear? Eadwynne replied.

Easily mother, countered Eadythe. You started off by saying that he would never amount to anything; that he is only a carpenter and would never be able to provide for me. I admit that while he was an apprentice, times were very hard, but they are for all apprentices.

I know that dear, said Eadwynne.

But now he is no longer an apprentice. He has passed all his exams and is a qualified master carpenter, Eadythe continued.

As she spoke, her voice got louder and louder. She also spoke faster and faster, and the pitch of her voice rose higher as she talked herself into a rage.

I know, Eadwynne said, quietly and patiently.

So what is the problem mother? asked Eadythe, becoming exasperated.

Again there was silence. Eadythe continued to fold the same blanket she had been folding for at least ten minutes. Her fingers worked quickly, folding and refolding the blanket. She did not however, get any closer to finishing. Her eyes were blank, as her mind became tenser and her temper rose.

Eadwynne stood at the window of the tiny hut, looking out, unseeing. She shivered, from the cool, damp air flowing in through the empty window. Shivering again, she folded her arms across her chest, pulling her thin woollen dress around her. Events and conversations of the past raced through her mind. She knew she was not handling this well, but there was something about Tostig that brought out the worst in her. She just couldn’t help it. She knew she should be kind, tolerant and forgiving, but every time she thought about him, she found herself criticising him, either in words or in thought.

Mother! prompted Eadythe.

It’s partly his name, said Eadwynne, very quietly.

What! exclaimed Eadythe, almost shouting. What’s wrong with his name? It’s a traditional Saxon name for Goodness sake.

I know dear and I don’t expect you to understand. Sometimes it doesn’t make sense to me; but I keep thinking about our dear King Harold’s brother, explained Eadwynne.

What about him? asked Eadythe, bewildered.

His name was Tostig, explained Eadwynne, lamely.

So? demanded Eadythe.

So, he turned traitor and tried to kill his own brother, Eadwynne explained.

And you think… ? asked Eadythe incredulous. Really mother!

Eadythe threw the blanket on top of the open trunk, still unfolded. She stormed up the wooden ladder into the bedroom area in the roof. For a while, mother and daughter said nothing, both preoccupied with their point of view.

Eadwynne continued looking out of the window, without seeing anything, while Eadythe sat on the wooden bed frame, so frustrated, that she was close to tears.

While she sat there, Eadythe tried to make sense of what her mother was saying.

It’s so unfair, she thought to herself. What has my Tostig ever done? He didn’t choose his name.

She thought through all the times Tostig and her mother had been together. He had always been polite and warm towards her. She had repaid him with distrust and… And what? What was it? What was wrong with her mother? Why couldn’t she see, what was so obvious, that Tostig was a wonderful man, so kind and generous. Thinking about him, Eadythe’s mind began to relax. She began to calm down, slowly.

After a few minutes, Eadythe had calmed down enough to go downstairs. She walked slowly down the wooden steps, wiping away a few tears of frustration that had escaped her eyes and run down her cheeks. Downstairs again, she picked up the blanket. She began pretending to fold it again.

That’s not the only reason, Eadwynne said at last, turning from the window and looking at Eadythe. She felt she had to try to justify her words and deeds, to help her daughter understand. But everything she had said so far, had only made matters worse.

Eadythe said nothing. She waited for her mother to continue.

When your father… began Eadwynne.

Oh please mother! yelled Eadythe, turning to her mother, with her hands on her hips. Not that as well? Did I ask father to give us a large amount of money? Did Tostig?

No, but… said Eadwynne and stopped.

But what mother? demanded Eadythe.

But you have elder brothers and sisters, explained Eadwynne.

So? Is that my fault? Is it Tostig’s fault? Eadythe was becoming red in the face, with emotion and shouting. My father’s money is his own, mother. What he does with it is his own business. I did not ask for the money, neither did Tostig. I have always loved my father and will always love him. His giving us money does not change anything. I would have loved him, even if he’d given us nothing.

Perhaps, retorted Eadwynne. But you must admit that having money has made a big difference to your life.

I do admit it. And I am very grateful for it, said Eadythe, beginning to calm down. It has enabled us to move out of here, into a much better house. It has enabled Tostig to pursue other activities than just his carpentry.

Whatever do you mean by that? asked Eadwynne, puzzled.

I mean that Tostig has a little time that he can devote to the city. He feels strongly that he should put something back into the city. The city trained him and supports him, by buying his furniture, and he wants to return something to the city. Having money means that he doesn’t have to work all the hours God gave, in order to support us both.

That’s very noble! Eadwynne said, sarcastically.

Mother! Why can’t you just accept that Tostig is a good, kind, loving man? pleaded Eadythe.

Men are not like that dear. They are always after something, trust me, replied Eadwynne, bitterly.

In most things I do mother, but not in this. You are becoming very cynical in your old age, Eadythe said.

Not so much of the old, if you please. I still have plenty left in me yet, retorted Eadwynne.

And so do I and so does Tostig, replied Eadythe. And Tostig has decided on his future and is doing very well, with or without your support.

They fell silent again. Eadythe began to despair of ever getting her mother to see sense. She could not understand why she resented him so much. It did not make any sense at all.

Both women realised that they were in danger of seriously damaging their relationship. Eadythe reflected that it was all over nothing. It puzzled her, because she could not work out why her mother was behaving in such an unkind way.

For her part, Eadwynne realised that she had gone too far. But it was too late now to back down. So she maintained silence, while looking out of the window. She noted, absently, that the cold wind blowing in from the street appeared to be strengthening, promising more rain. Neither this, nor the daily activities going on outside, really registered in her mind. Her eyes didn’t really see things, so consumed was she with her thoughts.

Eventually, Eadwynne turned from the window and faced Eadythe again.

And then there is the matter of Tostig’s master, when he was still an apprentice, she said.

What about it? asked Eadythe.

Everyone knows that when his master died, he left everything to Tostig, replied Eadwynne.

So? asked Eadythe. Why shouldn’t he? It was all his to leave.

Perhaps, but you can’t deny that suddenly coming into money, a workshop and tools, not to mention an established business, in the very best part of the city, was very useful to him, explained Eadwynne.

This final attack from Eadwynne caused all the pieces to slot into place in Eadythe’s mind. In a flash, she recognised her mother’s problem for what it was.

Mother? You’re jealous. That’s what it is. You’re jealous, because Tostig has had a bit of good fortune, which has enabled him to do well, said Eadythe.

It suddenly all made sense. Eadwynne was jealous, not just of the money that Tostig had been given, but the fact that he was left an established business, without having had to work for it. Eadythe thought it through still further. Perhaps her mother resented her as well, for having luxuries so early in life.

Mother? she asked. Is it just Tostig you resent?

Whatever do you mean dear? replied Eadwynne.

Well, it’s not just Tostig that’s benefited from his good fortune is it? Do you resent me as well? Eadythe asked.

Eadwynne paused just a little too long before saying, No, of course not dear.

So it’s true, thought Eadythe. She resents me as well. How could she? We’ve been lucky, but we’ve also worked hard. You’d have thought she would be happy for us both.

A rather tense silence had descended between mother and daughter. Eadythe continued with her thoughts about her mother’s jealousy. Eadwynne sat feeling slightly ashamed of herself and also cross that Eadythe had been able to detect her feelings so easily.

Into this awkward silence came Tostig. He had taken a few minutes out of his busy day to come home, with a cart, and help his wife move their few possessions to their new home. He was feeling rather light-hearted, partly because it was an opportunity to see Eadythe and partly because they were moving to a much better home. He had never liked this little hut, but had not been in a position to do anything about it until now. So he was eagerly looking forward to a new start and a more comfortable life.

Hello my love, he said, as he closed the door, with a creak and a bang. He walked over and kissed Eadythe, tenderly. It was only then that he noticed Eadwynne.

Hello! It was all Eadythe could manage. She was feeling very grumpy now, at the injustice of her mother’s attitude. Even the arrival of her beloved Tostig could not immediately cheer her up. Of course, she was delighted to see him, but Eadwynne had made her so cross, that it would take her a while to calm down.

Eadwynne was still staring out of the open and glassless window. She totally ignored Tostig. His arrival at that moment was the worst thing that could possibly have happened. It made her even angrier. She could not bring herself even to look at him, let alone greet him.

Tostig stood and looked from mother to daughter. He could tell that something had happened between them. He wondered whether to ask, but thought better of it. Instead, he went across to Eadwynne.

Eadwynne! How lovely to see you again, he said. He meant it and bent to kiss her too.

Eadwynne moved away and headed for the door.

I’ll see you later, she said to Eadythe, as she opened the door. Then she was gone.

Whatever has been going on? asked Tostig. I expected to come home and find everything packed and ready.

Yes I know, and I’m sorry, said Eadythe, pulling herself together. I was doing well until mother arrived.

Have you two had a row? asked Tostig.

Not really, replied Eadythe, but we have had a disagreement.

Oh? asked Tostig.

I’ve finally found out why mother doesn’t like you, Eadythe replied.

She stopped, so Tostig prompted, And?

And, it seems she is jealous of you and also of me, Eadythe explained finally.

Whatever for? asked Tostig, incredulous.

Because we have everything we want, we are young and, in mother’s eyes, we have not had to work for it, explained Eadythe.

What!? exclaimed Tostig. That’s ridiculous. I work as hard as anyone, harder than most. He began to pace around the room in his frustration and rising anger. His gentle, soft brown eyes blazed at Eadythe, in an unblinking stare.

I know, my love, soothed Eadythe. It’s just mother. She thinks that, because she and my father had to work for years before they had any luxuries, we should have to wait as well.

Well! cried Tostig. I don’t know what to say. Didn’t you explain that I am trying to give something back to the city, by being on the Council of Elders?

I did. But I think that only makes mother even more suspicious of your motives, Eadythe replied.

Really! Tostig exclaimed again. I’ve tried very hard to be nice to your mother Eadythe.

I know dear, I know, soothed Eadythe.

What does she want? continued Tostig, thoroughly exasperated. Does she want me to give all our money to the Church and then go off and become a monk? His hands and arms were gesticulating wildly, in his anger. He no longer paced the floor, but his eyes were still hard and unblinking.

No, I expect that would be the worst thing you could do, replied Eadythe. She might think more of you if you gave her all your money, provided you were poor afterwards.

I dare say she would my love, Tostig said, thoughtfully.

But I don’t think you should give any money away, unless you want to of course. Mother is just being stupid. Ignore her my love. Be your own man. Do the things you want to, said Eadythe.

She laid a soothing hand on Tostig’s arm. Looking up into his eyes, she smiled warmly. Gently, she stroked his cheeks, then ran her fingers through his wild, wind-swept hair. She continued to gaze up at him, love in her eyes. As she did so, she could feel and see him calming down. The muscles in his arms began to relax. He started to blink again and his breathing grew softer.

I will. I’m afraid your mother and her strange opinions do not influence me at all, Tostig replied eventually.

Good! Eadythe said, warmly. As much as I love my mother, I would not like her to get her own way in anything.

Don’t worry, sweet one. I shall carry on as I think fit, Tostig assured her.

Good. And I shall carry on being proud of you as always, dearest, said Eadythe, smiling.

Thank you my dear, he replied, managing a smile at last.

Eadythe stretched up on her toes and kissed him briefly, but warmly, on the lips. Tostig looked at her and smiled. It was an effort at first, but Eadythe could see it getting easier. Soon he was returning her warmth in his smile, and his eyes, soft again, twinkled, as they always did when he was with his loving wife. They looked into each other’s eyes for several minutes, while Tostig soaked up the love and tenderness flowing from Eadythe. Finally he took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He had got his feelings for Eadwynne under control and had fully relaxed.

Now I think we should finish the packing as quickly as we can. I have a Council Meeting this afternoon, that I must attend, said Tostig.

An important one? asked Eadythe.

Yes, very. Did I tell you that I have loaned the Council some money? asked Tostig.

No, I don’t think you did, replied Eadythe. She said this evenly. She was not a bit upset that he should do such a thing without consulting her. She knew, as did Tostig, that she had no head for business. So, she left it all to him. Besides, she had every confidence in him. She trusted his judgement completely. If he lent the Council some money, then, as far as Eadythe was concerned, it was the correct thing to do.

We were talking about the trouble that has apparently been happening in other areas of the country, Tostig explained.

What trouble is that? asked Eadythe lightly. She had not heard a thing about trouble. Nothing had been said in her circle of friends in Exeter. If it was trouble outside the city, the chances were that she would not hear about it at all, unless Tostig told her about it.

The new Norman king has been wreaking havoc in some areas, killing, destroying property and laying waste to the land, Tostig explained.

Why? asked Eadythe.

Because he is a Norman and we are Saxons, replied Tostig.

That doesn’t seem fair to me, Eadythe protested.

Life isn’t fair my love, especially with a king who is a Norman, Tostig explained.

To Eadythe, anything cruel was a complete mystery. She could not understand why anyone would want to be mean to anyone else, just because one was a Saxon and the other a Norman. Tostig accepted this. In fact, it was one of the many reasons why he loved Eadythe so much. She was a genuinely kind and loving person, without a malicious thought in her body.

After a pause, Eadythe asked, Will trouble come this way, do you think?

We have no way of knowing I’m afraid, so we decided to prepare just in case. The Council decided that it was time to make repairs to the city walls, and to strengthen them where possible. That all costs money, so I loaned them some, at a very good rate of interest, Tostig said.

Whatever you say, Eadythe replied.

This afternoon’s meeting should be a report on how the work is progressing and… he trailed off, modestly.

Yes my love? prompted Eadythe.

I have a feeling that they may well want me to become the Leader of the Council, he finished quietly.

Tostig! exclaimed Eadythe, excitedly. That’s wonderful. Oh well done! You are wonderful!

Tostig smiled. Eadythe threw her arms around his neck, hugged him, and gave him a big kiss. Still holding him tightly, she began dancing around, laughing and squealing with delight. Tostig was finding her clutch rather tight. He could hardly breath, yet he could not help but laugh with her, she was so happy.

When she finally let him go, Tostig said, The packing my love?

Oh yes! Sorry! she replied.

All thoughts of her mother were forgotten. Eadythe was suddenly as happy as she could ever remember being. She threw herself into the remaining packing with cheerful enthusiasm, even humming to herself.

Tostig, meanwhile, began taking out the few remaining pieces of furniture. He loaded them carefully onto the cart. On one of his return trips, he brought back something covered in a sack. He put it down on the floor in one corner, unseen by Eadythe.

Eadythe finally finished folding the blanket that her mother had prevented her from completing. She carefully pressed it into the wooden chest in the middle of the floor and closed the lid. Looking up, she saw Tostig about to bring the bed frame down the stairs.

Do you want some help with that? she asked.

That would be nice, if you don’t mind. It is rather awkward. I was hoping to get it down in one piece, save taking it apart and re-erecting it the other end, Tostig explained.

Eadythe climbed the stairs and lifted one end of the bed frame. It was heavy, solid and well built; but then all Tostig’s furniture was well built, she reflected. Together, they slowly brought the frame downstairs, with Tostig going first, straining under the weight. It was not solid wood, but had slats across, to support the straw-filled mattress. Eadythe remembered the day they were able to buy the mattress. She had not had one before. All her life she had slept on bare boards, so the luxury of a warm and soft mattress was wonderful. For weeks, all she wanted to do was lie on her bed and enjoy the soft warmth. She even showed her friends, when they visited. They too were excited and, of course, envious.

At the bottom of the ladder, they put the bed down, took some deep breaths, and then lifted it once more. They had to turn it on its side to get it out of the narrow doorway. They then struggled with it to the cart, resting Tostig’s end on one of the wheels, while he adjusted his grip. A few more heaves and the bed frame was on the cart.

Just the wooden chest now my love, Eadythe said, out of breath.

Together they struggled with the chest. It too had to be turned sideways, to get it through the door. That resulted in the contents spilling out. So, Eadythe began again, repacking. The next time, they turned it the other way, so the contents stayed in. It was a struggle, and very heavy. Tostig banged his knuckles on the doorframe, but eventually it was safely stowed on the cart.

Our furniture filled this house, but I think it will look a bit thin in the new house. It’s so big, like a palace, commented Eadythe.

The thought brought Eadythe’s mind back to her new home. It was enormous, compared to this one they were leaving.

Quite in keeping with the status of a Leader of the Council of Elders, thought Eadythe to herself. Suddenly she became very excited once more. A new home, a bigger home and a husband who was to be Leader of the Council, that will make me the most important lady in the city," she thought. The thought made her dance around the now empty room of her old home.

Whatever are you doing? enquired Tostig, laughing.

I was just thinking, replied Eadythe, "that when you become Leader of the Council of Elders, that will make me the most important lady in the city.

Hold on, said Tostig, laughing still. They haven’t elected me yet.

They will, they will, said Eadythe, confidently. She caught hold of Tostig’s arm and, together, they danced around the room.

Won’t that be one in the eye for your mother? laughed Tostig.

Eadythe laughed so much she couldn’t speak. She had a vision in her mind, of her mother’s face, when she told her. Even her mother would not be as important as she. It was wonderful. Eadythe danced and laughed, laughed and danced. On one of her whirls around the room, she came close to the object covered by the sack, standing all alone in the corner. She stopped laughing, stopped dancing and stood in front of it.

What’s that? she panted, out of breath after all the dancing.

A present, explained Tostig.

For who? Eadythe asked, puzzled.

To you, from me, with all my love, Tostig said.

Oh my darling! exclaimed Eadythe, kneeling on the floor in front of the object. Can I unwrap it now? she asked.

Of course replied Tostig. It’s a present to help and guide you in our new life and in our new home.

Tostig, how mysterious you are! cried Eadythe. Very carefully, she began unwrapping her present. The sack was only loosely wrapped around the present, so it easily lifted up and over. Dropping it on the floor, Eadythe gasped with surprise and delight, when she saw what was before her. She was totally speechless: tears ran down her cheeks. All she could do was stand up and give Tostig a very tight hug. Eventually she managed to whisper, It’s wonderful, thank you, before bursting into tears once more, of pure happiness.

Tostig let her cry. He returned her hug, though less tightly and stroked her long golden hair gently. He felt the silky strands slip smoothly through his fingers. He loved her hair, golden and curly, it suited her perfectly.

Once she had cried herself dry, Tostig moved the present into the middle of the room, where Eadythe could see it better, by the dim light from the open window. What she saw was a beautifully carved statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was so tall it reached up to Eadythe’s waist. Tostig had carved it for her, and had even painted it, with colours so bright and realistic. The Virgin was wearing a blue dress. Her skin was such a lifelike colour, and the curls in her hair so realistic, that Eadythe remained speechless, staring in awe. There was even a glint in the Virgin’s eye that made her look completely alive.

Eventually, she managed to move, closer to the statue. For several minutes all she did was run her fingers lightly over the statue, feeling the texture of the wood. The surface was so smooth; she could imagine real skin beneath her fingers. The curls were so carefully carved, Eadythe could almost feel real hair, as she trailed her fingers across the Virgin’s head.

It’s magnificent, she said at last. But the expense my love? she asked.

Don’t worry about that. You’re worth every penny my love, Tostig assured her.

When we get to our new place, I shall make an altar in the Virgin’s honour, right in the best place in the house. I shall pray to her every day. She will be my inspiration and my guide. I will not do anything, until I have told the Virgin and asked her opinion, said Eadythe.

It was now Tostig’s turn to be overcome. He had known that it would please her. That had been the one thing that had kept him going, at his carving, often late at night. However, her reaction was far greater than he could have possibly hoped.

Finally Tostig said, We must go. We’ve still got to unload the other end, and the time of the meeting approaches.

I’m sorry my love. You’re right. It is time to leave, agreed Eadythe.

She picked up the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary and clutched it to her tightly. Tostig offered to stow it in the cart, but she refused, saying that she would hold her precious statue, to make sure it was safe.

They left the little wooden hut for the last time. Tostig gave the room one brief glance before closing the door. He had never really liked the place. It was small, cold and dark. The shutters over the window kept out the light, but let in the cold draughts. He could not, of course, afford glass in the windows, so the room was always cold, even in the summer. Until now, he had not been able to afford a better place. Besides, he wanted to wait until the right place became available. He didn’t want just any house. It had to be the very best place for Eadythe. Now he had found it, and in a few minutes, he and Eadythe would be there. This would be a new life, one fitting for a leader and his wife.

For her part, Eadythe hadn’t liked the house either, though she had cheerfully made the most of it, for Tostig’s sake. In truth, she was happy, as long as she was with him. She really believed that she would be happy living on the street, if she was with Tostig. Now of course, she was on her way to a large and very grand house. She was full of excitement. In fact, she could hardly contain it; it bubbled inside her, threatening to burst out in shrieks of laughter at any moment.

Without looking back, Eadythe walked out of her old house and into her new life.

So it was, that Tostig helped Eadythe up onto the front of the cart, handed her the statue and then climbed up himself. It was only a short journey to their new house, less than half a mile, but Eadythe kept a tight hold on her statue all the way, as they jogged and jerked along the rough, pitted lanes. Tostig looked over at her on one occasion, while the horse plodded along, and there were tears trickling down her face, but she wore a very large smile.

Chapter 2

Tostig and Eadythe’s new house was situated in the north east quarter of the city, very close to the city wall, and not far from the East Gate on the old Roman road. It was a large house of wood and stone. In the past, someone had used pieces of the old Roman city wall to build the foundations and ground floor of the house. The two upper floors were of wood, much to Tostig’s liking.

From the side window of the top floor, there was a wonderful view over the city wall, up the Roman road, over the top of the Church of St. Sidwell, to the countryside and forest beyond.

Tostig had chosen this house because of the fine views. He knew Eadythe would love looking out over the wall, to the green countryside and line of distant trees, marking where the forest began. It also had the benefit of being in a desirable area of the city, where the houses were larger and built further apart, with wider streets between. It was at one of the highest points of the city, so the roads were relatively clean, the muck and rubbish being regularly washed down the streets by the rain. The only problem with it was, that it was a long way from a water supply. Tostig had however, already taken steps to solve that problem, by paying a water seller to visit the house every day. That would save Eadythe the long walk to the river and back, carrying heavy containers of water. A lady in her social position had better things to do than fetch water. These apparently small problems, now became very important. That would be all the more relevant, if and when, Tostig was made Leader of the Council of Elders.

If that happened, it would certainly be true that Eadythe would be one of the most important ladies in the city, but not, as she excitedly claimed, the most important. The mother of the late King Harold, so tragically killed in battle, Countess Gytha, lived in a palace in the city. In fact, she lived not far from Tostig’s old house, in the centre of the city. A little way down Fore Street, south west of the junction with High Street and North Street was the place where the Countess’ private chapel met the road. The palace itself was situated behind the chapel.

Tostig was now on his way to the Council Meeting. It took place in the Guildhall, which was only about a