The Kingdom

23

Months passed...

James and Keira continued in Leeds even if winter was long gone. Despite the hard work, they thought it was better to stay a while longer for everything was quiet and their secret was still a secret. Keira was still working for Henry who sometimes still bothered her. She was a better worker these days through June had brought longer days of work for the sun would set later. James was still working as a carpenter and was now a full worker who knew what to do with wood. He found a talent he didn't know he had for he could carve wood magnificently. The priest invited him to carve St. Francis, the patron of their church given his skilled hands.

As the church was being reformed more people came into the village. The market in Leeds had much more people on Sundays. Guilders from other villages were coming to sell their products. James was working full time in the church together with his companions of the guild where he worked. There were men from the quarry as well for a new tower was being built. Despite the important job, money was still an issue. Keira made almost nothing in the fields and his new job as a carver only raised half a coin on his salary. They were still poor and unable to live comfortably. The world belonged to landlords and guilders. Peasants, employees, artisans were condemned to live in poverty. His employer was a good man though. The payment was not much, the greed was equal to all business man but the way they treated their apprentices was different. He had the right to stop for an hour during lunch, as well as his fellow workers. As working in the village, he took the time to relax walking around the streets and sometimes buying things they needed at home.

June had brought sunny and warm days. It made the walks even more agreeable. He had gone to the daily market to buy salty fish, bread, and a tiny piece of cheese. Keira was able to bring some potatoes hidden in her tunic to add to the broths she made. He looked at the fresh meat almost salivating and remembered when his king, his father, would join them around a round table and offered a repast composed of lamb and porch. Not even all the coins he had in his pocket would be enough to buy a piece of that meat. Suddenly, a voice yanked him off his thoughts.

"James... James..." He heard. The voice was quite familiar and he looked back. His body shuddered at the view. "James!" The other exclaimed as he approached.

"Cliff..." James said as the other opened his arms.

"My God!" Aaron exclaimed. "I thought you were dead." He said marveled, looking at him.

James swallowed dry confused with what or how he should feel. He now had a secret to keep but on the other hand Cliff was his best friend.

"What are you doing here?" James asked fearing all his villagers were there for some reason.

"Give me a hug man!" Cliff said wrapping his arms around his friend. The newcomer laughed loud as his hands tapped strongly on James's back. "I can't believe it is you." He said pulling away and resting his hands on James's shoulders.

"Are you alone?"

"With my wife." Cliff said. "She's in the inn."

"You married?" James asked.

"Aye! The other confirmed nodding. "Many things happened my friend."

James didn't know what to say. He never expected to see a familiar face anytime soon. At the same time, he was happy to have met his longtime friend.

"What about you?" Cliff asked. "What are you doing here?"

"Working..." He was vague. "In fact, I have to go." Cliff curled an eyebrow looking at him.

"Seems like you're running from me. Aren't you happy to see me? God! I thought you were dead."

"I thought you were in the village with the king!" James added. "I am just late... I am working in the church and if you are looking for work, I know the quarry is needing hands."