The Canterbury Tales: A Short Story

The villagers say that the pestilence is among us in Canterbury. I hear they fear that it is a curse brought among us by God, for he is punishing all who have sinned.

“Your name?” the wise-woman asked. “Marjorie Crewe” I answered. “So you have come today with a headache then, Marjorie” “Yes,” I begin “I was hoping you could provide a remedy for this horrid affliction.” I explained. “Certainly Marjorie, a draught made with radish, bishopwort, garlic, wormwood, helenium, cropleek and hollowleek should prove very useful.” the wise-woman told me. “I have some here in this cupboard. Let me see…” She searches through her small cupboard filled with, dried leaves, powders in jars and many small bottles of remedies for all sorts of ills.

The draught

“Ar-” I begin. My throat is dry and heart beat is faint. “Here Mother, water.” Arthur hands me a glass of water and I drink it in small sips. The water is the sweetest that I have ever had. It soothes my throat as it glides down. This allows me to speak more clearly. “Arthur my boy, where are we?”I ask Arthur. “At the-” “Ahh, you’re awake.” a man interrupts him. Arthur tells me “This is Mr. Elliott Alasdair. He has been aiding you since you collapsed, mother.” “Thank you, Mr. Alasdair” I manage to say. “Please, call me Elliott, Mrs.-” “-Marjorie Crewe” I tell him.

After a hot cup of tea and a bowl of supper Mr. Alasdair announces that he wishes to speak to me alone. I obey and follow him out to the garden. The wind is strong and even with my shawl I am freezing as I only have my nightgown underneath. Mr. Alasdair gives me a sad look and begins to tell me news that will change my life. Mr. Alasdair says that, from what he has gathered, I have been cursed with the Pestilence. “What? How can that be? I-I--” my mouth was wide open in fear. I- I was dying. Mr. Alasdair told me that I should rest and tell Arthur the next

Arthur enters my chambers. “Yes, Mother?” “Arthur my dear, I love you with all my heart and the pain that I am enduring is something that I never want you to experience. For this reason, Arthur, it’s best if you go back home. I don’t want you to see me this way. I do not want you to hear me scream. However, I do want you to live your life I want you to leave before you catch this horrid pestilence from me.” I whispered. Arthur was crying at this point. He held onto my hand as if that was his only lifeline. My beautiful boy’s face was teary eyed and