VIVIAN CASTILLE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 199, 23 August 1930, Page 3 (Supplement)

VIVIAN CASTILLE.

(By NORA SHIPMAN.)

(The year 1102 proved a rather stirring one for the Church and the Monarchy of 'Merrie England.' Thomas a'Bccket became Archbishop of Canterbury and he quarrcl-lcd with Henry 11. a'Becket then had to run for his life.) It was early evening of October 22,, 1104, when a slender iigure slipped from the shadows of the gateway and sped swiftly along the cobbled street. Presently he stopped, looked stealthily around, and then tapped 011 the monastery gate. .'•Who goes there ?" challenged the sentry. "An it, be a messenger from Sir Kalph Redland," replied the youth. "Show me thy pass, then.' 1 The boy compiled and the gates swung up. Entering, the boy walked up to a group of 'monks and dotting his hat, bowed his head waiting for the blessing. Having received it he drew a parchment, tied with ribbon from his jerkin and addressed the monks. '"■Reverend Fathers, I come from Sir Ealpli Redland, his lordship, an it please ye 1 would have speech with Thomas a'Becket, my lord." A tall monk, with lines of care by his fine eyes, stepped forward and took the parchment. "An I thank thee, my son. An what be thy name ?" "An it please ye, my lord, it be Vivian Castille, and I am - Sir Ralph, his servant." a'Becket. nodded, opened the missive and studied it silently; having read it he Folded it again but neither by look nor word did he betray the contents. "Brother Augustus, take ye this lad flu feed him," said the great man "an then send ye him to my closet." "An ye honour me, my lord, your, servant!" answered the monk. Late that night two cloaked figures crept from the monastery and . ran swiftly from shadow to shadow until afc last they reached the inn. Knockiilg at the hack cfoor, the boy flung off his cloak and waited. Presently the- door opened and a sturdy peasant stood holding a lamp over his head. "State thy business!" he growled surlily. "An it be Sir Ralph and his servant, good master Guy," answered Vivian. "Enter my lord, an you, Master Vivian," he whispered pleasantly. "Are your plans made, Master Guy?" asked Vivian. "Yea, verily, and ha' done me humble best for my lord thy comfort." "The Church thanks thee, good Master Guy," said a'Becket, "but let us hurry for even now I may be missed, an my life be in danger!" Quitklv and silently the peasant led the way to the cellar. Closing the door le hung the light on a nail. Then rollmg a barrel away he revealed a trapdoor in the floor. While the peasant w as so engaged Vivian assisted a'Becket t® disguise himself as a peasant. "We follow this passage from the trap-door to the sea, an Sir Ralph's boat awaits thee," whispered the boy.

All at oncc there camc a clattering afc the cloor. Vivian turned pale. "The King's soldiers. Flee, my lord fee," and he pushed the Archbishop into the passage and slammed the door. Then quickly donning the monk's dress he bade Guy open the door. At once the soldiers dashed in and the leader seeing Vivian took him for a'Becket. "I arrest ye in the King's name," he cried, "and ye, Master Guy, shall pay thirty crowns for hiding this canting wretch." Without loss of time the money was collected and Vivian tied on a liorse. "I am a Castille," he told himself as they, rode along, "and my lord will be on Sir Ralph's boat at sea." At length they I'cached the King's palace and Vivian Mas straightaway taken to Henry. 'This be Thomas a'Becket, most gracious sire," said the soldier and related the story of Vivian's capture. The King strode forward and pullecl the cowl back from the boy's bent head. "So, Thomas a'Becket —" he began and then stopped short. "Imposter!" he cried, "An who be ye!" "Vivian Castille, Sir Ralph's serv&nfc, an it please ye, my King" and the boy bowed low. In doing so he caught his foot in his monk's lobe and landed in a ludicrous heap at the King's feet. Heni'V looked at him for a moment and then laughed. "An a monk's robe ill suits ye, Master Castille," he said. "Where is my lorci a'Becket?" "Well on the way to France, sire," said Vivian. "He is! An know ye the penalty for thwarting thy King?" "I do, my King, an it please ye, i will pa.y it," answered the lad, his face pale but determined. "Thou art a brave lad," and the King smiled. "Would ye enter the service of your King?" 'Not 'gainst my lord a'Becket, an lie is my good friend!" said the boy. "Love me half as well and am content." the King answered. "This time I thou shalt go free, an I like a brave lad. Ye shall be a Soldier in my army." He extended his hvnd to Vivian who bowed low over it and laughed joyfully. "Vivian Castille is thy humble servant sire," he cried. "For Henry of Navarre and Merrie England."