Free Falconer's Trial by Ian Morson Page A

master had apparently not risen at his normal time that morning. And though it was Sunday, it was very unusual for him to miss the first meal of the day. Even though it could often only be pottage, or bread and ale. The trouble was, they were all afraid to waken him. Then one of their number, Peter Mithian by name, returned from church to tell them that he had spoken to Master Falconer that morning early. He had been awake then, and checking on the potions he kept up in his room.
    Much to the consternation of the students, who were used to their master’s solitude not being disturbed – and least of all by a woman – Saphira rushed up the stairs to Falconer’s solar. She had found him apparently dead on his bed. It was only when she felt for a pulse, she realized he was still alive. She had sent the boy Mithian, who had followed her up the stairs, to fetch some vinegar. She would have liked an infusion of mulberry bark too, but vinegar would have to suffice. She trickled it between Falconer’s lips, and was relieved when he coughed, and then vomited a little fluid. He would feel vile for a while but he would live.
    While he was still recovering, she found a piece of parchment that had been scraped for reuse. In her flourishing hand, she wrote a stern warning and set it by the pot. But then, seeing his hand move with curiosity towards the offending henbane, she snatched the pot up anyway and stuffed it in her purse. She was determined to remove it once and for all from William’s unbridled and dangerous curiosity. He sat up again, this time more successfully.
    ‘I remember now. Roger Bacon was experimenting with soporifics that he had read about in Arabic texts summarizing Galen’s work. Just imagine – hundreds of years ago Galen was performing surgery on eyes and the brain. We both were sure he must have dulled the feelings of his patients first. So we were looking at what he might have used. It was all a bit hit and miss, though.’
    Saphira shuddered at the thought of cutting into human flesh. She wasn’t squeamish, but preferred the idea of intervening in a patient’s illness with natural herbs. It all seemed less brutal and she resolved to stick to what she knew.
    ‘Well, you would have been very successful in dulling a patient with this pot.’ She patted her purse, where the offending article now safely nestled. ‘More than four leaves would lead you by the hand into an eternal sleep.’
    ‘Hmmm. You don’t think, as Albertus Magnus did, that the effects of henbane were due to the influence of the planet Jupiter?’
    Despite the seriousness of the situation, Saphira laughed out loud.
    ‘You must feel better already.’
    ‘Why do you say that?’
    ‘You are applying your enquiring mind to the effects you have felt. It cannot be all that dulled.’
    Falconer leaned towards her, placing his hand on her knee.
    ‘And it is not only my mind that is being revived by your presence.’
    Saphira laughed again, but firmly removed his hand from its position on her leg.
    ‘William! Not here, and certainly not in such close proximity to your students. We agreed, did we not, that our pleasures should be undertaken discreetly. For both our reputations.’
    William pulled a face.
    ‘It is ironic, is it not, that we have preserved our secret of intimacy. And yet I am wrongly reckoned to have broken my vows of celibacy with another lady whose reputation should be spotless.’
    ‘Ah, yes. Mistress Segrim. I saw her the other day at Robert Bodin’s shop. It did not go well.’
    Falconer forbore from telling her that he had guessed as much when he had seen the aftermath of their encounter. He might not have been able to explain how he had done so, and not shown himself, but rather scuttled away to avoid a confrontation. He did not think Saphira would appreciate his actions. Besides, he still wished to make his peace with Ann without letting Saphira know he was doing so. Once again, it crossed his mind he would prefer