impudent enough in the herbarium, had grown very solemn indeed here in church.Night was looming, his first night in this abode. Ah well, his affairs werebeing taken in hand more consolingly than he supposed, and the ordeal he wasbracing himself to master need not confront him at all, if things went right,and at all events not tonight. Brother Paul, the master of the novices, hasseveral other youngsters to look after, and was glad to have one taken firmlyoff his hands.

Cadfael reclaimed his protégé after supper, at which meal hewas glad to see that Godric ate heartily. Evidently the boy was of a mettle tofight back against whatever fears and qualms possessed him, and had the goodsense to fortify himself with the things of the flesh for the struggles of thespirit. Even more reassuringly, he looked up with relief and recognition whenCadfael laid a hand on his shoulder as they left the refectory.

“Come, we’re free until Compline, and it’s cool out in thegardens. No need to stay inside here, unless you wish.”

The boy Godric did not wish, he was happy to escape into the summer evening.They went down at leisure towards the fish ponds and the herbarium, and the boyskipped at Cadfael’s side, and burst into a gay whistling, abruptlybroken off.

“He said the master of the novices would want me, after supper. Is itreally proper for me to come with you, like this?”

“All approved and blessed, child, don’t be afraid. I’vespoken with Brother Paul, we have his good word. You are my boy, and I amresponsible for you.” They had entered the walled garden, and weresuddenly engulfed and drowned in all those sun-drenched fragrances, rosemary,thyme, fennel, dill, sage, lavender, a whole world of secret sweetness. Theheat of the sun lingered, heady with scent, even into the cool of the evening.Over their heads swifts wheeled and screamed in ecstasy.

They had arrived at the wooden shed, its oiled timbers radiated warmthtowards them. Cadfael opened the door. “This is your sleeping-place,Godric.”