“Son,” said Cadfael heartily, “for suchrefreshment I’ll be your groom along the way, as well as yourinterpreter. There’s no way you or any man could have givenme more pleasure. And did Radulfus really say I’m free togo?”

“He did,” Mark assured him, “and the choice ofa horse from the stables is yours. And you have today and tomorrowto make your preparations with Edmund and Winfrid for the daysyou’re absent, and to keep the hours of the Office sostrictly that even your errant soul shall go protected to Bangorand back.”

“I am wholly virtuous and regenerate,” said Cadfaelwith immense content. “Has not heaven just shown it byletting me loose into Wales? Do you think I am going to riskdisapprobation now?”

Since at least the first part of Mark’smission was meant to be public and demonstrative, there was noreason why every soul in the enclave should not take an avidinterest in it, and there was no lack of gratuitous adviceavailable from all sides as to how it could best be performed,especially from old Brother Dafydd in the infirmary, who had notseen his native cantref of Duffryn Clwyd for forty years, but wasstill convinced he knew it like the palm of his ancient hand. Hispleasure in the revival of the diocese was somewhat soured by theappointment of a Norman, but the mild excitement had given him anew interest in life, and he reverted happily to his own language,and was voluble in counsel when Cadfael visited him. AbbotRadulfus, by contrast, contributed nothing but his blessing. Themission belonged to Mark, and must be left scrupulously in hishands. Prior Robert forebore from comment, though his silence borea certain overtone of disapproval. An envoy of his dignity andpresence would have been more appropriate in the courts ofbishops.

Brother Cadfael reviewed his medical supplies, committed his