“Very well so!” she said, nodding. “Come, and I’llpay my respects.”

Radulfus marked their first move towards him and went to meet them, withHugh at his shoulder.

“Father Abbot,” said Cadfael, “here is come SisterMagdalen of our order, from the cell of Polesworth which lies some miles to thesouthwest, in the forest at Godric’s Ford. And her business is also withHugh Beringar as sheriff of this shire.”

She made a very graceful reverence and stooped to the abbot’s hand.“Truly, what I have to tell concerns all here who have to do with orderand peace, Father. Brother Cadfael here has visited our cell, and knows how westand in these troublous times, solitary and so close to Wales. He can adviseand explain, if I fall short.”

“You are welcome, sister,” said Radulfus, measuring her asshrewdly as she had measured him. “Brother Cadfael shall be of ourcounsel. I trust you will be my guest for dinner. And for your guards—forI see they are devoted in attendance on you—I will give orders for theirentertainment. And if you are not so far acquainted, here at my side is HughBeringar, whom you seek.”

Though that cheek was turned away from him, Cadfael was certain that herdimple sparkled as she turned to Hugh and made her formal acknowledgement.“My lord, I was never so happy,” she said—and whether thatwas high courtesy or mischief might still be questioned—“as to meetwith you before, it was with your sheriff I once had some speech. As I haveheard he did not return with you and may be prisoner, and for that I amsorry.”