In this undisciplined mood Cadfael proceeded to the infirmary,instead of to Collations, where the pursuit of SaintAugustine’s ferocious righteousness would certainly continue.Much better to go and check the contents of Brother Edmund’smedicine cupboard, and sit and gossip a little while with the fewold brothers now too feeble to play a full part in the order of themonastic day.
Edmund, a child of the cloister from his fourth year andmeticulous in observation, had gone dutifully to the chapter houseto listen to Jerome’s reading. He came back to make hisnightly rounds just as Cadfael was closing the doors of themedicine cupboard, and memorizing with silently moving lips thethree items that needed replenishment.
“So this is where you got to,” said Edmund,unsurprised. “That’s fortunate, for I’ve broughtwith me someone who needs to borrow a sharp eye and a steady hand.I was going to try it myself, but your eyes are better thanmine.”
Cadfael turned to see who this late evening patient might be.The light within there was none too good, and the man who came inon Edmund’s heels was hesitant in entering, and hung backshyly in the doorway. Young, thin, and about Edmund’s ownheight, which was above the average.
“Come in to the lamp,” said Edmund, “and showBrother Cadfael your hand.” And to Cadfael, as the young mandrew near in silence: “Our guest is newly come today, and hashad a long journey. He must be in good need of his sleep, buthe’ll sleep the better if you can get the splinters out ofhis flesh, before they fester. Here, let me steady thelamp.”