Crispin: The Cross of Lead

Bear holds onto Crispin and forcefully questions him. Crispin admits that he fled his village after the steward accused him of theft and proclaimed him a wolf’s head. When Bear learns that both of Crispin’s parents are dead, he releases him but blocks his exit from the church.

Bear declares himself to be Crispin’s new lord and threatens to take Crispin back to Stromford if he disobeys. He explains that the man Crispin saw hanging from the gallows was killed for withholding a pound of wool from his lord to feed his family, implying the same could happen to Crispin. Crispin begs for mercy, and Bear makes him swear a sacred oath to stay with Bear.

Bear gives Crispin bread, and he eats it while crouching in a corner. Seeing his fear, Bear asks Crispin whether he expected to live without a master, then hints that he believes someday no one will claim mastery of anyone else. Crispin is shocked by Bear’s apparently treasonous language.

Bear invites Crispin to ask questions to learn more about his new master, but Crispin refuses. Bear explains that he is a wandering entertainer. Under pressure, Crispin reveals his name to Bear, who is surprised that Crispin has such a “fine and noble” name (76).

Bear explains that his name is Orson Hrothgar, but people call him “Bear” because of his size and strength, as well as his alternately gentle and ferocious nature. Bear explains that he plans to meet someone in Great Wexly in a few weeks. He tosses his bag to Crispin for him to carry as they walk.

Crispin and Bear leave the village and walk all day. Crispin feels sorry for himself. He asks Bear why there are no people around, and Bear confirms that the people who lived in the area died of the plague. When Crispin calls Bear “sir,” Bear tells him not to use such a “servile” term. They stop to rest.

Crispin and Bear eat bread in a wooded area. Bear explains that he grew up in York. At the age of 12, his father enrolled him in training to become a monk. Seven years later, Bear stumbled across a group of entertainers whose performances and laughter enchanted him, and he left his religious training to join them. Eventually, the group disbanded. When Crispin asks what Bear intends for him, Bear begins teaching him to juggle. He also teaches him to sing as they resume their walking.

That evening, Bear ties Crispin to a tree to keep him from running away while he goes hunting. Bear returns a while later with a rabbit, which he cooks over a fire and shares with Crispin. Bear admits that he poached the rabbit since food is scarce. Crispin relishes the meal.

After dark, Bear tells Crispin stories of his past adventures, including his time as a soldier fighting in France under Edward the Black Prince. As he talks, Bear often laughs, but he also becomes angry when discussing “the injustices of the world” (91). Crispin asks him about Lord Furnival, who also fought in the war. Bear explains that Lord Furnival’s primary home is in Great Wexly, their destination. As a soldier, Lord Furnival was cruel and prideful. When Crispin accidentally reveals that he comes from Stromford, Bear asks him to tell the truth about his past.

Crispin tells Bear about his mother. He explains that the people shunned her and that she was sometimes kind to Crispin but at other times found him repulsive. When Bear asks about Crispin’s father and other relatives, Crispin explains that, according to his mother, they all died of the plague. Bear asks why Crispin was declared to be a wolf’s head.

Crispin tells Bear everything he remembers about why he ran away from Stromford, including Father Quinel’s death. He speculates that Aycliffe wanted to stop Father Quinel from telling Crispin something about his parents. Seeing Crispin’s sadness, Bear advises him to learn to laugh. When Crispin points out that he has no real freedom as a serf, Bear offers Crispin the choice of continuing with him, explaining, “Should not every man be master of himself?” (98). Crispin refuses to decide, angering Bear, who commands him to remain in his service.

Before going to bed, Crispin pulls out his mother’s lead cross to pray. Bear tells him that there is no need for such objects to approach God. Shocked, Crispin turns away from Bear and finishes his prayer. As he falls asleep, he ponders Bear’s teachings.

The next day, Bear begins explaining how he goes about his work. Crispin interrupts him to complain that Bear expects too much of him. When Bear asks whether Crispin aspires to be different or better than he is, Crispin says that it is up to God to change him or not. Bear leads Crispin to a nearby stream where he shows him his reflection, then cuts his hair and has him wash his face. Seeing his changed reflection, Crispin wonders “what it would be like to alter the rest of myself as well” (105).

Bear resumes training Crispin. He explains that when he arrives at a village, he tries to find favor from a priest or local official before performing. When Crispin expresses concern that someone may recognize him, Bear assures him that is unlikely. He also promises to teach him music. Crispin confesses that sometimes he feels as if he has no soul.

Bear shows Crispin how to play the recorder. Crispin struggles and resists, but Bear threatens him. Crispin can tell that Bear wouldn’t really harm him and soon manages to play a simple tune to his and Bear’s delight. Throughout the afternoon, Bear continues to teach him and soon starts adding in his own drum playing, dancing, and singing. When Bear explains that Crispin’s music will help them make money, Crispin smiles.

That night, Bear tells Crispin that they will enter the village of Burley the next day. After Bear falls asleep, Crispin prays to Saint Giles using Asta’s cross.

The next morning, Bear and Crispin continue down the road. When Bear spots a flock of agitated pigeons, he and Crispin move forward carefully to investigate. They spot a group of men guarding a bridge further down the road; Crispin points out one of them as Aycliffe. After Crispin reaffirms his innocence, Bear realizes that Aycliffe must have some unknown reason for pursuing Crispin. Bear and Crispin move off the road in a different direction to avoid Aycliffe.

They stay off the main roads for the rest of that day. Bear teaches Crispin how to trap birds, and they eat two pigeons for dinner. That night, Crispin remembers and tells Bear two facts he forgot to mention earlier: First, du Brey, the man Aycliffe met in the woods, appeared to be a wealthy man, and second, Asta wrote the words on his cross. Bear holds the cross in the firelight and reads it. Crispin asks what it says, but Bear pretends he can’t see it in the weak light and goes to sleep.

The next morning, Bear is unusually quiet as they walk. They soon arrive at a path, which they begin to follow. Hearing church bells ahead, they prepare to enter a village. Bear warns Crispin to run away if there is any trouble. He also explains his plan to arrive in Great Wexly by June 23 to meet with members of a brotherhood he belongs to, the purpose of which is “to make things better. To bring some change” (120). As a member, Bear travels through the kingdom to see whether the time is right to demand reforms.

Crispin asks Bear about the writing on the cross, but Bear changes the subject.

Bear and Crispin approach the village of Lodgecot, which is much like Stromford. Bear dances to Crispin’s recorder as they enter the village. They make their way to the church, where Bear introduces himself and Crispin to a priest. After Bear sings a hymn and tells the priest that they are on a pilgrimage, the priest blesses them. The villagers gather, and Bear juggles for them. He takes a bowl from a young one-eyed man and juggles it along with the balls. The man tries to take his bowl back, but Bear only tosses it higher, to the crowd’s amusement. Crispin removes Bear’s hat and holds it upside down; a few people toss in coins and bread. After the performance ends, Crispin and Bear answer people’s questions, but they are careful not to give away Crispin’s true identity.

The priest leads them into the church and asks them about their plans. He tells them to watch out for a murderer; Crispin realizes that the priest is talking about him and that Aycliffe now accuses him of murdering Father Quinel. Crispin spots the one-eyed man looking at him closely. The priest also mentions that Lord Furnival, who rules not only Stromford but also the surrounding area, is back in England but very sick.

Bear and Crispin leave Lodgecot that afternoon, playing music and dancing as they go. When Crispin expresses his concerns about Aycliffe’s ongoing search for him, Bear teaches him to be careful but not to waste energy worrying. After counting their earnings, Bear gives a portion to Crispin, telling him that they are “free men” and that he earned it (134).

Over the next 20 days, Bear and Crispin perform in several more villages. Crispin learns more music, performs as a juggler, and is happy. Bear instructs Crispin in fighting, mending clothes, and trapping animals. On one occasion, Crispin asks Bear where his social confidence comes from; Bear explains that eye contact is key, and Crispin resolves to look people in the eyes instead of looking at the ground as he usually does.

One night, Bear tells Crispin that they will enter Great Wexly the next day. He adds that he hopes to avoid detection by Lord Furnival, whom he blames for the misery of the people in the villages they visited. When Crispin expresses his uncertainty about the future, Bear offers to make him his apprentice. Crispin accepts but still wonders whether to trust Bear. He is about to pray for guidance but instead decides to "make the decision for myself” to trust Bear (138).