Crispin: The Cross of Lead: "Crispin: The Cross of Lead" by Avi, Chapters 41–58

by Avi
After being accused of theft, orphan Crispin is on the run in medieval England. As he crosses the country and evades his enemies, he discovers a startling secret about his true identity.

Here are links to our lists for the novel: Chapters 1–20, Chapters 21–40, Chapters 41–58

Here is a link to our lists for Nothing But the Truth by Avi.
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. harsh
    sharply disagreeable; rigorous
    The constant wars in France, the taxes and harsh fees, these things grind them down as well as any man, peasant or not.
  2. guild
    a formal association of people with similar interests
    They want—need—better wages and an end to the guilds.
  3. tumultuous
    characterized by unrest or disorder or insubordination
    But the day had been long and tumultuous. Despite my intentions, I fell asleep.
  4. buffet
    strike, beat repeatedly
    She fairly threw down loaves and bowls of drink on the tables, now and again buffeting men with her fists, or exchanging insults with a boisterous tongue, even as she put coins in her purse—the bread costing a penny, the wine the same.
  5. trencher
    a wooden board or platter on which food is served or carved
    There were shelves upon the walls where loaves of bread and trenchers lay.
  6. savory
    pleasing to the sense of taste
    Despite my nervousness—and the speed with which I ate—I could hardly believe how rich and fine it tasted, filled with savory things I had never eaten and could not name.
  7. admonish
    counsel in terms of someone's behavior
    “Bake these,” she said, “but eat no more,” she admonished before hurrying out.
  8. caterwaul
    a loud and unpleasant yowling sound
    Practice in our room. Otherwise your sinful caterwauling will turn aside her trade.
  9. furtively
    in a secretive manner
    He didn’t, but a few other men went in, some of them, I thought, looking furtively about as they entered. It was as if they too feared being noticed.
  10. shambles
    a condition of great disorder
    The room where the meeting had taken place was a shambles.
  11. loathing
    hate coupled with disgust
    I watched him—my heart full of loathing—until he turned and went back inside.
  12. disconsolate
    sad beyond comforting; incapable of being soothed
    Though disconsolate, I kept my eyes alert for soldiers.
  13. spate
    a sudden forceful flow
    In a spate of loneliness, I felt about inside Bear’s sack, found his recorder, and played a melody.
  14. righteousness
    the quality of adhering to moral principles
    Beware all men who confuse their righteousness with the will of God.
  15. infatuated
    marked by foolish or unreasoning fondness
    Crispin, I can not be certain, but if the rumor of the time—thirteen years ago—was true, I believe I know who your mother was. She was the youngest daughter of Lord Douglas. Lord Furnival became infatuated with her.
  16. impending
    close in time; about to occur
    Then, the courier had arrived with his document, probably to announce the impending death of Lord Furnival.
  17. scabrous
    rough to the touch, as if covered with scales or projections
    He had a scabrous face, with a dirty cloth wrapped around his neck.
  18. embolden
    give encouragement to
    I heard a sound within. Emboldened, I knocked again.
  19. apprentice
    someone who works for an expert to learn a trade
    “I’m Bear’s apprentice,” I whispered. “He’s been taken.”
  20. cowl
    a loose hood or hooded robe
    Their faces were indistinct, partly hidden with cowls, making it clear they did not wish to be recognized.
  21. succumb
    be fatally overwhelmed
    “Braver and stronger men than Bear succumb to pain,” said one of the men.
  22. revelation
    an enlightening or astonishing disclosure
    To hear the revelation was to know that it was true. The only part of my surprise was that I had not thought it out myself.
  23. crevice
    a long narrow opening
    And in the moonlight, what I discovered was that between the palace and the next building there existed only a slight separation. It was hardly more than a crevice, not big enough for a man to squeeze into.
  24. jut
    extend out or project in space
    The balcony jutted out beyond the building’s front wall, whereas I was lodged against the side wall.
  25. voracious
    devouring or craving food in great quantities
    Bones, breads, bottles, and bowls lay scattered everywhere, as if voracious giants had gathered to dine.
  26. relic
    something of sentimental value
    To one side of these candles were jeweled boxes, probably containing saintly relics.
  27. devout
    deeply religious
    The kneeling man appeared so devout, so adoring of Our Lady.
  28. exalted
    of high moral or intellectual value
    Just to see him in his exalted state, made me know with finality that I was not him. No, not any part. I was myself.
  29. wrath
    intense anger
    His gaze showed such disdain, I could feel my wrath rise within.
  30. steady
    securely in position; not shaky
    “I am Crispin,” I said, working to keep my gaze steady on his face. “Lord Furnival’s son.”
  31. quaver
    a tremulous sound
    “You know what I’ve said is true,” I said, hoping he wouldn’t hear the quaver in my voice.
  32. rebuke
    censure severely or angrily
    “I’ve made my vow,” he said as though to rebuke me.
  33. detain
    deprive of freedom; take into confinement
    “You’ll not be detained.”
  34. gawk
    look with amazement
    As we went along, passersby stopped and gawked at us in silence.
  35. vex
    disturb, especially by minor irritations
    “It’s not you I want,” the steward said. “It’s the boy. He’s vexed me long enough. Leave him, and you can have the reward.”
  36. retreat
    pull back or move away or backward
    Aycliffe made a series of lunges, first one way, then another, which Bear managed to beat off, but only because he retreated.
  37. impale
    pierce with a sharp stake or point
    Aycliffe was impaled on the soldiers' swords, run clear through by several points.
  38. brandish
    exhibit aggressively
    Then Bear, panting hard, snatched up the steward’s dagger and sword and brandished them at the soldiers who stood before the city gate.
  39. canter
    go at a smooth three-beat gait, of horses
    Then, as I played the pipe and Bear beat his drum, we two cantered forward on our journey.
  40. unfettered
    not bound or restrained, as by shackles and chains
    I was unfettered, alive to an earth I hardly knew but was eager to explore. What’s more, I knew that feeling to be my new-found soul, a soul that lived in freedom. And my name—I knew with all my heart—was Crispin.
Created on Wed Jan 20 19:58:24 EST 2016 (updated Wed Aug 14 10:27:58 EDT 2019)

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