Melanie Dickerson - The Healers Apprentice

To Joe, Grace, and Faith.

M. D.

Spring, 1386. Hagenheim. The Harz Mountains, Lower Saxony.

The townspeople of Hagenheim craned their necks as they peered down the cobblestone street, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Duke of Hagenheims two handsome sons. The topheavy, half-timbered houses hovered above the crowd as if they too were eager to get a peek at Lord Hamlin and Lord Rupert.

Rose shifted her basket from her left hip to her right and wrinkled her nose at the stale smell of sweat from the many bodies pressed close, mingled with the pungent scent of animal dung. Chickens and children skittered about, the clucking and squealing adding to the excited murmurs.

Ill wait with you to the count of one hundred, Hildy, then Im leaving. Rose couldnt let Frau Geruscha think her apprentice was a lazy dawdler.

Are you not curious to see if theyve changed? Hildy asked, her green eyes glinting in the sun.

No doubt the dukes sons have developed into humble scholars after two years at Heidelbergs university. Even as she spoke, she glanced up the street. In spite of wanting Hildy to think her indifferent to the young noblemen, Rose was glad she had a good view.

Roses dog, Wolfie, began barking so zealously his front paws lifted off the ground.

Hist. No barking. Rose leaned down and rubbed the ruff of fur at the back of his neck.

Rose!

Her heart leapt at the horrified tone in Hildys voice, and she stood and faced her friend.

You didnt even wear your best dress!

Rose glanced down at her green woolen kirtle. Oh, Hildy. As if it matters.

At least your hair looks beautiful. Hildy ran her hand down Roses loose mane of brown curls, only partially hidden by her linen coif. How do you ever hope to get a husband if you dont pay more attention to your clothing?

Rose scowled. I dont hope.

How many times would she have to explain this to Hildy? When Rose was a little child, Frau Geruscha had taken a liking to her. Now that Rose was grown up, the town healer had chosen Rose to be her apprenticean honorable lifes work that would prevent Rose from being forced to marry. Frau Geruscha, having grown up in a convent, had not only taught Rose about medicinal herbs, but also how to read Latina skill Rose was very proud of. But it was a skill most men would hardly value in a wife.

You dont fool me, Rose Roemer. Every girl wants to be married. Besides, look across the street at Mathias. Hildy pointed with her eyes. He speaks to you every chance he gets, and hes quite handsome.

Rose harrumphed at Hildys dreamy tone. The blacksmiths son? With his lecherous grin? He only wants one thing from me, and it isnt marriage.

How can you be so sure

Hildys voice trailed off at the crowds whispered exclamations as six men on horseback came into view around the bend in the narrow street.

Hildy grabbed her thick blonde braid and draped it over her shoulder then chewed on her lips to redden them. You should at least try to catch their eye.

Rose shook her head at Hildy. You know Lord Hamlin is betrothedas good as marriedand Lord Rupert must marry an heiress. Rose took hold of her friends arm. Someone had to be the voice of reason. I hate to dampen your excitement, Hildy, but if either of the noble sons takes a single look at us, Ill be vastly astonished.

Hildy smirked. I wont be.

The approaching clop-clop of hooves drew Hildys gaze back to the street. Shh. Here they come. She set her basket of beans, leeks, and onions on the ground behind her and smoothed her skirt.

The throng of people fell silent out of respect for their young lords.

The dukes elder son, Wilhelm, Earl of Hamlin, led the way down the street on his black horse. His younger brother, Lord Rupert, rode beside him. Two bearded knights on cinnamon-colored horses followed three lengths behind the young men, with two more bringing up the rear.

The knights were simply dressed, but the noble sons were covered from neck to toe in flowing robes. Rose stifled a snort. They were only returning home. Did they think they were on their way to the kings court?

Yet as he drew nearer, she saw that Lord Hamlin wore not a robe after all, but a plain cloak of dark wool. His bearing and the proud tilt of his head were what made him look so regal.

In contrast to his brothers outerwear, a fur-trimmed surcoat of lustrous sapphire silk hung over Lord Ruperts lean frame, with only the toes of his leather boots peeking out. The disparity between the brothers went beyond their clothing. Lord Ruperts light brown hair was long and curled at the ends, and a blue ribbon gathered it at the nape of his neck. A jaunty glint shone from his pale eyes. Lord Hamlins black hair hung over his forehead, and he seemed oblivious to the crowd. He focused his gaze straight ahead, toward Hagenheim Castle, whose towers were visible over the tops of the towns tallest buildings.

No, shed say they hadnt changed at all.

Willkommen ! Hildy called out. Welcome back, my lords! She waved her hand high, as though hailing a messenger.

All eyes turned to Rose and Hildy. A spear of panic went through Rose. She wanted to hide, but it was too late. Lord Hamlins eyes darted in their direction, alighted on Rose, and held. His expression changed and his features softened as he looked at her. Then his gaze swept down, taking in her basket and her dress. He quickly faced forward again.

He realizes Im nobody , a peasant girl. Heat spread up Roses neck and burned her cheeks.

Lord Ruperts huge blond warhorse walked toward Rose and Hildy as the crowd suddenly took up Hildys cheer. Willkommen! Welcome back! The horse came within three feet of the girls and stopped, stamping his hooves on the cobblestone street and sending Wolfie into a wild fit of barking.

Rose threw her arms around Wolfies neck to hold him back. Her temples pounded at the sight of the warhorses powerful legs.

The younger nobleman swept off his plumed hat, bowing from his saddle. His eyes roved from Hildy to Rose, then he winked. I thank you, ladies, for your kind welcome. He grinned and swung his hat back on his head, then spurred his horse into a trot and caught up with the others.

Did you see that? Did you see it? Hildy pounded on Roses shoulder.

Wolfie calmed as the men rode into the distance. Rose let go of him and stood up, glaring at Hildy. I cant believe you called out to them.

Lord Rupert actually spoke to us. To us. And did you see how Lord Hamlin looked at you? Hildy clutched her hands to her heart, gazing at the clouds. Are they not the most handsome men youve ever seen? I could hardly breathe! She turned and smiled at Rose. I knew theyd like what they saw once they caught sight of you.

Would you keep your voice down? Rose urged Hildy to start walking toward the Marktplatz. She glanced around, afraid the townspeople would overhear their embarrassing conversation. She imagined the millers skinny wife, who walked ahead of them, snorting in derision at Hildys compliment. The shoemakers buxom daughter, striding down the other side of the street, would laugh out loud.

Hildy and her romantic notions of love. She was a candle-makers daughter, dreaming about the local nobility as if she had any chance of inspiring a serious thought in them. As a woodcutters daughter, Rose held no grand illusions about her own prospects.