“In the king’s interests,” Cadfael deduced,after a moment of frowning thought. “Is he one of BishopHenry’s familiars, then?”

“Not he! Stephen’s making wise use of the archbishopfor once, instead of his brother of Winchester. Henry’s busyelsewhere. No, your guest is one Gerbert, of the Augustinian canonsof Canterbury, a big man in the household of Archbishop Theobald.His errand is to make a cautious gesture of peace and goodwill toEarl Ranulf, whose loyalty—to Stephen’s or anyside!—is never better than shaky, but might besecured—or Stephen hopes it might!—on terms of mutualgain. You give me full and fair support there in the north, andI’ll help you hold off Owain Gwynedd and his Welshmen.Stronger together than apart!”

Cadfael’s bushy eyebrows were arched towards his grizzledtonsure. “What, when Ranulf is still holding Lincoln castle,in Stephen’s despite? Yes, and other royal castles he holdsillegally? Has Stephen shut his eyes to that fashion of support andfriendship?”

“Stephen has forgotten nothing. But he’s willing todissemble if it will keep Ranulf quiet and complacent for a fewmonths. There’s more than one unchancy ally getting too bigfor his boots,” said Hugh. “I fancy Stephen has it inmind to deal with one at a time, and there’s one at least isa bigger threat than Ranulf of Chester. He’ll get his due,all in good time, but there’s one Stephen has more againstthan a few purloined castles, and it’s worth buyingChester’s complacence until Essex is dealt with.”

“You sound certain of what’s in the king’smind,” said Cadfael mildly.

“As good as certain, yes. I saw how the man bore himselfat court, last Christmas. A stranger might have doubted which amongus was the king. Easygoing Stephen may be, meek he is not. Andthere were rumors that the earl of Essex was bargaining again withthe empress while she was in Oxford, but changed his mind when thesiege went against her. He’s been back and forth between thetwo of them times enough already. I think he’s near the endof his rope.”