The “we”, as applying to Mark in common with hisillustrious superior, sounded an echoing chord in Cadfael’sears. He recalled just as innocent a presumption of partnershipsome years back, when this boy had been gradually emerging from hiswell-founded wariness of all men into warmth and affection, andthis impulsive loyalty to those he admired and served. His“we”, then, had signified himself and Cadfael, as ifthey were two venturers keeping each the other’s back againstthe world.
“More and more,” said Hugh appreciatively, “Iwarm to this bishop of ours. But he’s sending you even onthis longer journey alone?”
“Not quite alone.” Brother Mark’s thin, brightface flashed for an instant into a slightly mischievous smile, asthough he had still some mysterious surprise up his sleeve.“But he would not hesitate to ride across Walesalone, and neither would I. He takes it for granted the Church andthe cloth will be respected. But of course I shall be glad of anyadvice you can give me about the best way. You know far better thanI or my bishop what conditions hold good in Wales. I thought to godirectly by Oswestry and Chirk. What do you think?”
“Things are quiet enough up there,” Hugh agreed.“In any event, Madog, whatever else he may be, is a pioussoul where churchmen are concerned, however he may treat theEnglish laity. And for the moment he has all the lesser lads ofPowys Fadog on a tight rein. Yes, you’ll be safe enough thatway, and it’s your quickest way, though you’ll findsome rough upland riding between Dee and Clwyd.”
By the brightness and speculation of Mark’s grey eyes hewas looking forward to his adventure. It is a great thing to betrusted with an important errand when you are the latest and leastof your lord’s servants, and for all his awareness that hishumble status was meant to temper the compliment, he was also awarehow much depended on the address with which he discharged his task.He was meant not to flatter, not to exalt, but nevertheless topresent in his person the real and formidable solidarity of bishopwith bishop.