“It is good pasture,” he said simply. “Andcould well be cultivated, if it is needed. It lies well above anycommon floodline. The other field, of course, I do notknow.”
“It may be a little greater,” said Brother Matthewjudicially, contemplating his parchments with head on one side,measuring with narrowed eyes. “But at that distance we arespared time and labor. I have said, I judge it a fairexchange.”
“The Potter’s Field!” said Prior Robert,musing. “It was such a field that was bought with the silverof Judas’s betrayal, for the burial of strangers. I trustthere can be no ill omen in the name.”
“It was only named for my craft,” said Ruald.“Earth is innocent. Only the use we make of it can mar it. Ilabored honestly there, before I knew whither I was truly bound. Itis good land. It may well be better used than for a workshop andkiln such as mine. A narrow yard would have done forthat.”
“And access is easy?” asked Brother Richard.“It lies on the far side of the river from thehighroad.”
“There is a ford a little way upstream, and a ferry evennearer to the field.”
“That land was gifted to Haughmond only a year ago, byEudo Blount of Longner,” Brother Anselm reminded them.“Is Blount a partner to this exchange? He made no demur? Orhas he yet been consulted?”
“You will remember,” said Brother Matthew, patientlycompetent at every point, as was his way, “that Eudo Blountthe elder died early this year at Wilton, in the rearguard thatsecured the king’s retreat. His son, also Eudo, is now lordof Longner. Yes, we have talked with him. He has no objection. Thegift is Haughmond’s property, to be used to Haughmond’sbest advantage, which manifestly this exchange serves well. Thereis no obstacle there.”