Egelric speaks with Father Brandt

“Good day, Father Brandt!” Egelric called. He was still uneasy around Father Brandt. There were a few matters about which they simply didn’t agree.

“Good day, young Egelric,” Brandt replied.

“You’re the only person left who calls me ‘Young Egelric,’” he laughed. “The real ‘Young Egelric’ is Gunnilda Hogge’s boy.”

Father Brandt grunted. “He does look like his father, doesn’t he?”

“The very image. Father Brandt, His Majesty the King has asked me to talk to you about the bell tower.”

“It’s time enough he did. He thinks too much of building for war and not enough of building the church.”

Egelric swallowed. Father Brandt did not seem to be his usual merry self today. Worse, Egelric knew that the real reason Sigefrith had wanted a bell in the church was to be able to warn the peasants to come shelter in the castle if there should be an attack. Its use to call them to the church had not entered into his thoughts.

“But, Young Egelric, before we speak of this, it is some time I would like to speak with thee. I should have come to thee before.”

“What is it, Father?” Egelric asked, growing still more uneasy.

“I should like to ask thee why thou hast not found a new mother for thy daughter.”

Egelric frowned. He and Iylaine were just fine as they were. “She doesn’t need one. She sees Gunnilda Hogge every day, and we’re quite happy together, just the two of us.”

“This is not good, Egelric. One should not rely overmuch on another man’s wife.”

“What does that mean?” Egelric asked coldly after a moment.

“It means what thou hearest in thy heart. It is better for me to say less and to allow thee to understand more, than to say more and have misunderstood.”

Father Brandt was obviously choosing his words very carefully. “Are you trying to tell me something about Gunnilda?”

“I tell thee that it is better for each man to have his wife, and each daughter her mother.”

“And I tell you that my family is my affair.”

“And I tell thee that it is better for each woman to have her husband. Think also of Gunnilda. Dost understand?” Brandt grumbled menacingly like a stormcloud.

“I believe I do,” Egelric said sharply. “I must ask that we speak about the bell tower another time. Good day, Father.”

“Good day, Young Egelric.”