I had no choice about coming to live at Castle Melville in wet, cold and dirty England. However, I am determined to make the best of things. I have taught myself English and although I’m not supposed to, I even know how to read and write. While my sister takes after mother, I’m more like my missing father. Like him, if I see someone doing wrong I will always try to do something about it. Sometimes it causes lots of trouble but that will never stop me from doing what is right.
I’m not as quick as Amiere, which is annoying at times. Especially when she’s being bossy and I can’t keep up. I like reading and writing even though I have trouble working out which way round the letters should go. I suppose Castle Melville’s not a bad place to live, and that Amiere isn’t bad, for a Norman.
I love being in charge and eating plenty of good food. I also love gold. In fact I’m not sure which is best, gold or food. Or maybe it’s being in charge? I also like living in a castle. If I didn’t have to pay all these taxes I could build somewhere better to live. Or maybe just keep the gold to look at. Or maybe buy more food?
English is the language of peasants. Everyone knows that posh people only speak Old Norman, and there is nothing more important than being posh and ladylike. After all it’s the only way to find a rich husband, which is the most important thing in life. After being posh that is.
It’s pronounced Robere, thank you very much. I don’t see why the Barons should be so important, and so rich. Being Baron Melville’s steward I’m just as important but not nearly as rich. However, I have a plan to change all that. Soon not only will everyone have to do exactly as I say, I shall be the one with the hunting dogs, falcons and even my own castle. Just you watch!
Well now, I’m responsible for law and order in the castle. I know the difference between right and wrong, and it’s my job to find out whether people are telling the truth or not. There’s nothing like dangling people over a hot fire to find out if they are lying. Those who have done nothing wrong shouldn’t worry. It’s my duty only to go after criminals. What makes a criminal is another matter…
As Carpenter I built this castle single handed (well almost) in six weeks but everyone forgets this until I remind them. I’m the Potter. It’s my nerves you see, they stop me from…. Being Surgeon I heal the wounded from battle. Well, more like I chop off the bits that are broken. Why do they give me, the Blacksmith, small things to make? I have big hands, I should make big things! Then I’d have more time to spend with Pendra. My goat.
People don’t realise how important I am. They say that my herb potions are more likely to make you sick than heal you. Just because I don’t keep the house clean or bother to wash! Looking after my son Godwin means I don’t have time for any of that. But I do make the best sleeping potions for miles around.
I’m either my mum’s little treasure or a pestilence on her life. I don’t know what a ‘pestilence’ is but I’m guessing it’s bad. However, most of the time I can get away with anything. I like playing practical jokes on people, but hate it when they do it back! I also know all the secret ways around the castle better than anyone else. Oh all right. Not better than that Amiere girl.
I have a large stone castle, unlike Melville’s small wooden one. Melville’s wife is very impressed by my castle. And her eldest daughter is very impressed by my son. Her youngest daughter, however, I do not like. She hasn’t yet learned that a woman needs to know her place. I’ll need to keep an eye on that one.
