The Owl Killers

Karen Mailand The Owl Killers

© 2009

In memory of my aunt, Pam West, who in every aspect of her life embodied the true spirit of the beguines. And whose generous bequest bought the computer upon which this manuscript was typed.

Also, in memory of her adopted daughter, Tina, who throughout her short life, brought so much joy to Pam and our family.

Tell proud Jove,

Between his power and thine there is no odds.

’Twas only fear first in the world made gods.

– BEN JONSON, English dramatist, Sejanus (1603)

We do not know how strong we are until

we are attacked by the evil of this world.

– MECHTHILD OF MAGDEBURG,

Beguine from 1230 to 1270

cast of characters

the beguinage

SERVANT MARTHA Flemish leader of the beguines.

HEALING MARTHA Elderly physician and Servant Martha’s oldest friend.

MERCHANT MARTHA Sharp-tongued trader for the beguinage.

GATE MARTHA A dour local beguine.

KITCHEN MARTHA Flemish cook.

BEATRICE Flemish beguine.

PEGA Local beguine, giantess, and ex-prostitute.

CATHERINE Teenage local beguine.

the manor

AGATHA/OSMANNA Youngest of Robert D’Acaster’s three daughters.

ROBERT D’ACASTER Lord of the Manor and father of AGATHA and her twin elder sisters, ANNE and EDITH.

PHILLIP D’ACASTER Lord Robert’s nephew and steward.

the village of ulewic

FATHER ULFRID Parish priest.

GILES Serf and son of ELLEN, his aged mother.

JOHN Village blacksmith.

LETTICE Elderly widow and village gossip.

ALDITH Mother to little son OLIVER.

1st Family

PISSPUDDLE Village child.

WILLIAM Pisspuddle’s tormenting older brother.

ALAN Father of Pisspuddle and William.

MAM Mother of Pisspuddle and William.

2nd Family

RALPH Father to MARION and her two brothers.

JOAN Ralph’s wife.

outsiders

OLD GWENITH Local healer and cunning woman, or wise woman.

GUDRUN Old Gwenith’s granddaughter.

ANDREW Young female anchorite.

FRANCISCAN FRIAR Friend and protector to the anchorite Andrew.

BISHOP’S COMMISSARIUS Envoy from the Bishop of Norwich.

HILARY Friend of Father Ulfrid.