Red Clay Murders

By Michael Harding and George Argon

Life for a 9th-century inquisitor was bleak.

The sudden demise of the former investigator leaves Gralon Tanet as the new baillis. At the request of the bishop, Tanet journeys to an isolated fishing village to investigate the murder of their local notary. The bishop's parting words were not a comfort. “Find the killer or hang in his place.”
Upon his arrival, Tanet discovers a second murder occurred on the same day as that of the notary. With only one true but secret ally, Tanet wonders if he can find the truth in time, or will he fail and dance at the end of a hangman’s rope?

Life for this new inquisitor is bleak indeed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Michael Harding
• Release date: Jun 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9780995934474

Book preview

Chapter One

G ralon Tanet buried the unfortunates hanged by the Church; criminals, women, children, sometimes entire families. Too many names to remember; too few to forget. It was an imbeciles job he had taken out of necessity rather than intellect.

He often talked to the dead while digging their shallow graves . At night he dreamt of them, t heir cries jolting him awake.

He yawned and knuck led the imag es of the latest nightmare from his mind. What little sleep he got often came from a cheap crock of sour wine.

The rushlight revealed a dreary little room he had rented across from L’Èglise Sainte Patern in Gwened. The city was the capital of Breizh, the new duchy under Duke Nominoë. It was a buffer to protect his land from Frankish invasion. On any given day, the streets overflowed with wagons, oxen, horses, and carts from dawn to dusk. At this time of year, its main square was deep in thick mud.

The spring air held a chill this morning. Storm winds blew through the cracks in the daub and wattle walls. For days, the greybeards had issued their warnings. The storm had broken overnight with fury.

Tanet shivered and ran his fingers through black curls. Dark brows highlighted his piercing grey eyes. A thin scare across his left cheek gave him a distinct look. At thirty-four, he was still slim and muscular.

He stretched his arms and got out of bed. His gaze fell upon his cloak that was covered in specks of mud. With all the modern wonders available to us , why are cities so damned dirty?

Keeping his cloak spot-free was a constant task at this time of year. Once he finished cleaning his cloak, Tanet turned his attention to his shoes. He owned a pair of sturdy work boots and one pair of every day shoes. Tanet kept a second pair of shoes, his good pair, in a sack and he only wore them on special occasions. He had purchased a special tool in Tours for scraping them clean. Odd as it was, it worked.

An insistent pounding broke through his musings.

Chaous! Damn! What does Efflam want now? Tanet swore in Breton, which was his mother tongue. It sounded elegant to his ears as opposed to Frankish, which he found guttural and crude.

Tanet tightened the sleeves of his coarse wool tunic and reached for his cloak.

The pounding stopped and the door burst open. 

In walked Efflam, eldest son of a Frankish knight. He wore a tunic of bright colours fringed with fine cloth and hose fastened by a belt which barely covered his protruding belly. With stooped shoulders, thinning hair, and baleful eyes that drooped at the corners, he posed to set off the cut and colour of a new fashion.

He pointed at Tanet with an air of superior indignation and sniffed. " Who are you to keep the son of a baronet waiting in the hall, particule ?" Efflam spat the word as if it was a name. Particule was a Frankish punctuation mark. To address someone this way was a bitter insult. 

Tanet ’ s eyes narrowed. Who does this arrogant piece of kaoc’h think he is?

" You mean the son of a knight," Tanet corrected Efflam.

I mean soon-to-be-made baronet.

Says you. This fool isn’t worth my breath.

Tanet’s face was expressionless. What do you want, Efflam? he asked without emotion in his voice.

Efflam flounced towards the middle of the room and struck a new pose. Baillis Childebert wants to see you, he lisped in a nasal tone.

On trial days, it was common that the baillis summoned the gravedigger.

Tanet forced an insincere smile. Of course, after you, Efflam.

As it should be. Sarcasm eluded the fop. He left Tanet’s room in a noxious cloud of perfume. 

Tanet grabbed his cloak and followed Efflam outside into the rain.

It’s going to be another one of those days.

Bishop Susannus of Gwened had appointed Childebert to investigate crimes, settle disputes, and sentence criminals. When Charlemagne had written his laws, he had not anticipated a man like Childebert. The presumption was innocent people had little to fear. Childebert made sure that reality bore no resemblance to these ideals. He held no patience for trial by combat. When he tried the case, your fate was sealed.

In today’s trial, farmer Penvidic stood accused of stealing a pig because the authorities had found one on his land. The problem was, f armer Penvidic didn’t own pigs. He was a gourd and turnip farmer. Therefore, the assumption was that a theft had occurred . The punishment was death.

Trials in Gwened took place in a stable behind the church L’Êglise Saint Patern. Sheaves of hay, laid in piles, allowed spectators and witnesses alike to sit and watch the proceedings. The baillis presided over the trial in an ornate chair.

Why does he bother with a trial at all? The verdict is clear.

Two men stood behind Childebert during these trials. One was his errand boy, Efflam, who had little to say at the best of times. The other was Tanet, whose job it was to keep order. He had one other duty in this macabre play. When the time came, Tanet dug the graves.

If Childebert is in a bad mood, I ’ ll have to dig five graves in this muck.

The Penvidic family stood in a tight group flanked by soldiers.

Farmer Penvidic?  Childebert called out over the spectators’ chatter in a booming voice.

The farmer stood silent with fury and frustration while his wife and three children clung to him in fear. 

Why did you steal farmer Wallon’ s pig?

I did not steal his pig. 

Childebert frowned at his notes. This says you stole a pig, is this correct?

No, I did not! Penvidic pointed at Wallon. "He’s a lying piece of kaoc ’ h ."

How so?

He doesn’t own pigs.

Was the pig yours?

No! It wasn’t his either.

No, Baillis Childebert! Efflam corrected the farmer. Childebert affirmed Efflam’ s correction with a nod .

Baillis Childebert, Penvidic spat out the words.

Tanet took a step forward to warn the man of his peril, but Efflam stopped him. Tanet shook off his hand. 

When you saw the pig on your farm, did you return it to its owner?

I didn’t see a pig.

Why not? They’re pretty big. Efflam pointed out, trying to sound important.

Tanet rolled his eyes. What a barking, mad idiot!

" Because it showed up at my farm after my arrest." 

Efflam grinned and Childebert studied the farmer for the first time.

" How could I have stolen it when I was already in jail? Ask Wallon where he got the pig."

Childebert turned cold, cruel eyes on the accused. He’s not on trial for stealing a pig, you are.

Wallon’s a greedy neighbour, Penvidic pointed at Wallon. He wants to get rid of me and to take my land and my wife for his own, he shouted.

Wallon shook his head. His eyes strayed to Mrs Penvidic.

Childebert ’s mood turned sour. Stop confusing the facts, farmer. How did the pig get onto your farm?

It walked there.

It walked there? Childebert chortled, setting layers of jiggling fat into motion. Impossible! Pigs can’t walk. Everyone knows that. 

Again Tanet rolled his eyes. Another idiot to be heard from.

Childebert was growing impatient. Tanet sensed he wanted closure.

You are guilty of theft. I sentence you all to death by hanging. 

Wallon’s face brightened as the Penvidics gasped in horror.

This is insane! The man’s innocent. Why hang the wife and children?

Tanet leaned over and whispered, Pigs can walk, Baillis Childebert, and they also can run. 

Childebert wasn’t interested in what Tanet had to say and pushed him away.

Baillis Childebert? Wallon’s voice was weak and submissive.

What is it, Wallon?

May I petition the court to spare Mrs Penvidic’s life?

On what grounds?

She played no part in the crime.

Childebert sighed. What about the children?

I have no use for extra mouths.

Mrs Penvidic clung to her husband. I am staying with my family. 

So be it. Childebert signed and sealed the conviction scroll in wax which he handed to Tanet who would file it with the church.

Schedule the hangings for the next dry day. Guards, take the prisoners away .

I bet the bastard wi ll hang the parents last and make them watch their children die !

Outside, the rain fell in torrents.

Chapter Two

T anet sat alone at his small table, listening to the wind and rain. By the glow of a single rushlight, he opened a square wooden box.

He withdrew a quill, a bronze inkhorn, and a small leather-bound book. They stitched together eight sheaves of parchment, folded at the seam, and trimmed them to a uniform size. Tanet called it his levrig and it had thirty-two pages. He carried it everywhere and used it like a diary of sorts.

Tanet found the box in a market in Gwened during his days as a young, promising investigator. Those days of a satisfying, meaningful life now seemed long past. It was something he used to order his thoughts. It was something that kept him sane.

He carefully inked his quill and dabbed the excess off on the rim of the inkhorn before writing on a blank page.

‘April 25  

We should dedicate ourselves to uncovering the truth and dispensing justice according to the laws of King Charlemagne. Baillis Childebert does neither. I can not stay silent anymore while this blood-thirsty monster hangs innocent men, women and children.’

Tanet put down his quill and listened to the storm. It seemed the Christian God screamed at him. He re-inked his quill and added more line. 

‘Dare I end this by killing this bastard?’

After he finished writing, he put his utensils back into the box. Then h e put on his cloak, tucked the Penvidic’s sentencing scroll into his satchel and wrapped himself tight against the storm. Outside, the wind and rain hit him full force. He struggled to keep his balance. Rain drenched him in moments. The streets of Gwened formed runnels and filled his shoes with mud. Hunched against the storm, he plodded to the jail to pay the Penvidics a visit. 

Time to hear the truth.

A town guard barred the heavy doors. What’s your business?

I’m here to see the prisoners. 

On whose authority? 

Baillis Childebert ’s 

The guard peered at Tanet. No one said nothing to me about this. Where’s your authorization?

I have a letter from Childebert granting me access. He dug into his satchel, broke the seal, and handed the scroll to the guard. 

If he can read, this will be a long visit!

The guard carefully examined the scroll. Is this Baillis Childebert’ s mark?

Of course it is. Can either of you read? Tanet snatched the letter from the man.

He returned the scroll to his satchel. I will wait, while you ask the Baillis if this is his mark. I am sure he and Efflam will appreciate the interruption.

The guards hesitated for a moment . At long last they decided not to risking Childebert’s wrath. A guard conducted Tanet to the frigid cell. An iron door screeched open, and Tanet entered. The cell reeked of human filth, vomit, blood, and bile. The family sat in a corner, shiver ing from the cold. Their youngest child, a boy, wheezed and coughed.

Bring me a pot of hot wine.

Why?

Go!  

The guard shuffled-off mumbling to himself.

What do you want? snorted Farmer Penvidic. 

We have little time. So listen, do you have an y idea where the pig came from ?

I suppose from the Simard’s farm, because it had a red mark in its ear, Mrs Penvidic said.

How did Wallon get his hands on it?

He stole it, hissed the farmer.

Chance and fortune make a thief, doesn’t it? whispered Tanet.

Mrs. Penvidic asked, Can you help us?

Tanet put a finger to his lips. Shhh!

The guard returned with the pot. Tanet handed it to Mrs Penvidic. Give this to your children to keep them warm. Despite her surroundings, she took it with unexpected grace.

I’ll see what I can do. Tanet said in a low voice. Farmer Penvidic nodded.

Rain streamed off Tanet’s cloak and puddled at his feet when he burst into Childebert’s house. 

They’re innocent! Tanet announced.

What? Childebert asked. A gobbet of venison landed on the front of his tunic. Efflam paused in mid-bite.

Have you visited the Wallon farm?

Why would we visit a pig farm? Childebert glared at Tanet.

The Penvidics and Wallon's have no pigs. Wallon’s playing you for a fool!

How so? 

Because Wallon stole the pig from Simard farm and planted it on Penvidics land. The red mark on the pig’s ear proves it. You’ve condemned an innocent family to death—again.

Childebert scowled. I only condemn the guilty. 

Efflam dropped his food onto the plate and pushed it away. This meal has become unpleasant.

Childebert took a bite of a custard. 

In a flash of anger, Tanet swept the wine and bread off the table. 

You cannot hang innocent people!

I’ll hang whoever I please, Particule!

Tanet realized there was no reasoning with Childebert. He turned and stormed from the room. 

Time to end this! 

He marched into the full force of the storm, its fury matching his own. The gale tore the hood off his cloak.  There was only one person who could bring justice to this innocent family. He climbed the steps of the church and pounded on its massive doors. It opened a crack. What do you want? a priest asked with a wispy voice."

I need to speak to the bishop.

The bishop isn’t here, the priest said and closed the door.

Tanet kept on pounding and the door opened again. I told you the Bishop isn’t here, the priest said, now clearly exasperated. He tried to close the door again, but Tanet pushed back.

Where is he?

He isn’t here, gravedigger. The priest closed and barred the door shut. 

Tanet let loose a feral howl of despair. He had run out of options - there was nothing left he could do. Disheartened, he leaned into the wind and stumbled towards the alehouse.

Childebert, Efflam, our fates are sealed ! Yours and mine

Chapter Three

A hush fell over the crowd as the condemned prisoners approached the gallows. The spectators were about to witness death; the death of a family. It disgusted Tanet.

Baillis Childebert sat on a large, carved chair on the uppermost steps of L ’È glise Saint Patern. A table with a sumptuous lunch spread out before him. In his crooked mind, executions were festive affairs.

The gallows stood in full view of the church . The rich crammed the upper windows of the surrounding buildings. From their perch above the square, deacons, merchants, and priests watched the spectacle unfold as guards pushed the Penvidics toward the gallows.

Childebert took a scroll from Efflam, unfolded it, and in a loud voice proclaimed, The law has found the Penvidic family guilty of theft. The sentence for such a crime is death by hanging. May the Lord have mercy upon their souls.

The crowd gasped as the executioner grabbed the youngest Penvidic boy, who screamed for his mother. He dragged the screaming coughing child up the scaffold, looped a noose around his neck, and hoisted him into the air. He tied off the rope. A ghastly silence filled the square as the boy dangled. A thin, satisfied smile crept over Childebert face as he watched the condemned boy dance the Black Hag. When the boy’s legs stopped twitching, he turned his attention back to his meal. The hangman lowered the child’s body to the ground and a guard discarded the corpse in a crumpled heap. Mrs Penvidic screamed at the treatment of her dead son.

Ignoring curses and threats from the crowd, the executioner now tightened the noose around the Penvidic ’ s ten-year-old daughter Sylvie’s neck,. Tanet ’ s stomach turned. His body tensed as he reached under his tunic and slipped a dagger from its sheath.

Baillis Childebert, time to answer for your crimes. Tanet drew a deep breath and slowly raised his knife.

For Tanet, time stood still when the doors of the church banged open with an unexpected boom. Tanet snapped back as if torn from a dream and quickly hid the weapon. A gold and white-robed man appeared. Armed guards flanked him. Bishop Susannus was a bony, angular man in his mid-to-late forties. His gaunt face, framed by long strands of thin hair, intensified his predatory look. Susannus’s eyes remained fixed on Tanet.

Efflam and Childebert huffed and puffed as they went down on their knees in front of the bishop.

Susannus greeted them. God ’ s peace be upon you.

And upon you, Excellency.

The bishop motioned to Childebert, Walk with me. 

The baillis rose and steadied himself against the chair. A guard grabbed his arm. Childebert shook him off. Efflam and Tanet followed them inside the church, maintaining a respectful distance. A group of holy brothers retrieved all the food and carried the table and chairs inside. Childebert’s meal and entertainment appeared at an end.

Susannus whispered something in Childebert’s ear, and the baillis glanced at the bishop in horror. He prostrated himself at the bishop’s feet.

Is he begging?

The bishop crossed himself, turned, leaving Childebert devastated on the stone floor.

Efflam ran to his master and placed a hand on his shoulder, trying to comfort him. What happened?

We’re going to Sant Nazer! moaned Childebert .

What! Who in their right mind goes there ?

We are! Now, help me up, the baillis sighed.

Efflam whined, Why are we being sent to that kaoc’h hole?

Because a notary died and the bishop wants me to investigate the matter.

Why does the bishop care? Efflam mimicked his master ’ s tone.

Sant Nazer is still within his diocese, you fool.

Efflam changed the subject. What about the sentences? he nodded toward the gallows. Childebert ignored the question.

What about the sentences? Efflam repeated.

I heard you the first time. Childebert got up and shrugged his shoulders. We’ll deal with that when we return. But now we have to leave! As they rushed out of the church, he turned to Tanet. Bring the covered wagon and meet us back here. The bishop wants to have a few parting words with us.

Tanet glanced at the gallows. The hangman ’ s rope still pulled tight around Sylvie ’ s neck, waiting for the signal. The crowd turned its eyes on Tanet. He held up a finger and waited untilChildebert and Efflam were out of sight before he gave the order, Take her down! 

We ’ re not done here, snarled the hangman.

Yes, we are.Tanet descended the church’s stone steps two at a time and dashed across the road to the gallows. Take her down. I ’ ll not tell you again! Tanet climbed the rough wooden steps and pushed the hangman aside. He removed the noose from the sobbing girl ’ s neck and cut the leather cord from her wrists.

Go home, he shouted to the crowd. No more hangings today! 

Tanet took the child by the hand and led her to her parents. After he had loosened their bonds, the family folded the frightened child into their arms.

You ’ re free to go. 

The Penvidics starred at Tanet in astonishment and then gathered up their dead son.

You can ’ t do this, shouted the hangman.

I can and I have. They’re free to go. The guards who detained the Penvidics frowned. 

Escort the family home. I will deal with this, person, ordered Tanet in a firm voice.

You have no authority to do this, shouted farmer Wallon . I demand you carry out the sentences!

You demand? Of me? Do you think that is wise? Tanet snapped back.

You’ll regret this, hissed Wallon.

Tanet shrugged. Someone certainly will. I’m doing you a favour Wallon! he shouted, pointing to the gallows. Go ahead. Run and tell Childebert you’ve deprived him of his entertainment . I ’ ll wait here. Wallon backed away and quit the square.

Next time, Wallon, I ’ m coming for you.

I expect my five silver pennies, the hangman interrupted Tanet’s thoughts.

The pay’s one for each neck. You only hanged one. There’s your penny. Tanet tossed it in the mud at the hangman’s feet.

Good luck finding another to do your dirty work, the hangman spat as he packed up his rope. 

Tanet ’ s face reddened. Get out of my sight!

Slate-grey clouds looked defiant with the promise of a late season frost. Fog drifted in from the S outh -West . Tanet shivered as he breathed some warmth into his hands.

He entered the stables behind l’Êglise Saint Patern, Tanet and prepared the old covered wagon for the journey to Sant Nazer. It was covered with oiled sail cloth stretched over curved ribs. Its rough, wooden wheels were rimmed with rusted metal and the hubs appeared worn.

Tanet walked to the front of the wagon and hitched their horse. Two boys carrying a trunk laboured to load tit into the rear of the wagon. They dashed back to Childebert’s house and returned with a second. Tanet tossed his satchel, bed roll and clothing onto the cart and led the horse and wagon to the steps of the church.

I wonder if the old Roman road to Sant Nazer is still passable for wagons.

Tanet’s thoughts switched to Efflam, Childebert’s effeminate companion. Two years earlier, a knight from the East insisted Childebert employ his son as payment for some dubious affair. Days later, Efflam Gourcuff had appeared with a trunk full of perfumed scarves smelling like a courtesan and an attitude that bespoke of a life of privilege. As time passed, it seemed the baillis appreciated this quality in Efflam.

Childebert is hopes to be a social climber. Who am I to judge? I’m thirty-four with no wife, no family, and no status whatsoever.

Tanet led the horse and covered wagon along the muddy road around the gallows in Saint Patern Square to the foot of the steps of L’Êglise. Despite the hangings, the road around the square was a hive of activity. Merchants from around Gwened offered their goods for sale in temporary booths around the exterior of the square. H orses and wagons flowed in both directions in an unending stream .

It was common knowledge that Childebert’s executions drew large, rowdy crowds. Fights were frequent . Angry men robbed of their entertainment stood clustered around the gallows . An argument broke out . Loud words descended into brawling. Tanet stood minding the cart when a surge of hooligan s rushed up the steps. Mud and fists flew. Several men fell to wagons and beasts. Harlots ran for their lives. Cutpurses robbed the fallen of their purses and their shoes. Childebert’s horse whinnied, wild-eyed. Tanet stroked its cheek.

He waited for some time when Childebert’s door finally opened.

You two took long enough.

Childebert stepped onto the roadway, followed by Efflam and two porters carrying more baggage .

A warning shout came from their direction. He craned his neck to see. An ox cart piled high with barrels trundled towards Childebert and Efflam. Efflam leapt forward trying to haul the baillis out of harm’s way, but it was too late. Once the wagon passed, Childebert and Efflam were no longer in sight. The two porters stood only a few steps away, trembling with shock. Tanet craned his neck. Tanet saw both men face down in the mud. They were dead; crushed.

He offered a silent prayer of thanks.

Now, that’s a sign! I guess our trip to Sant Nazer’s over.

Tanet watched the scene unfold with a satisfied grin when someone grabbed him by the shoulder. He spun around and came face-to-face with Bishop Susannus. He also bore witness to the accident. When he knelt to kiss the bishop’s ring, he noticed tiny spots of reddish brown mud on Susannus’ shoes.

It doesn’t look promising, commented the bishop with indifference.

Do you want me to check on them, Excellency?

No need my son. Your friends are dead.

Friends? Not bloody likely!

The bishop’s voice brought him back. This task now falls upon you, Gralon Tanet.

Excellency? I’m a simple grave…

The bishop interrupted, "digger? Yes, I know. But, you haven’t always been one. The bishop’s comment came as a surprise. I’ve watched you for some time, he continued. I understand you apprenticed as an investigator under the former Baillis Heranal and that you took his place when he passed. "

I did, Excellency.

So, you can read and write, you know the law and how to investigate crimes.

I can and I do.

You have suffered these last few years, Tanet. But with God’s grace and the patience of Job, you prevailed. Tanet had never heard of Job but decided not to ask.

An ecclesiastical notary by the name of Théobrome Cadoret was murdered in Sant Nazer this past Wednesday. I need you to look into the matter, find the killer and bring him to justice. Can you do this, Tanet?

Yes, I can, Excellency. Tanet felt overwhelmed by the thought of being reinstated as an investigator.

Susannus handed him a token. "This is your badge of office. It gives you the authority investigate crimes,