“And after his consecration last year by ArchbishopTheobald, at Lambeth, Bishop Gilbert is finally installed in hissee, and the archbishop wishes him to receive assurance he has thesupport of our own bishop, since the pastoral duties in those partsformerly rested in the diocese of Lichfield. I am the bearer ofletters and gifts to Llanelwy on my lord’s behalf.”

That made sense, if the whole intent of the Church was to gain afirm foothold well into Welsh land, and demonstrate that it wouldbe preserved and defended. A marvel, Cadfael considered, that anybishop had ever contrived to manage so huge a see as the originalbishopric of Mercia, successively shifting its base from Lichfieldto Chester, back again to Lichfield, and now to Coventry, in theeffort to remain in touch with as diverse a flock as ever shepherdtended. And Roger de Clinton might not be sorry to be quit of thoseborder parishes, whether or not he approved the strategy whichdeprived him of them.

“The errand that brings you back to us, even for a fewdays, is dearly welcome,” said Radulfus. “If my timeand experience can be of any avail to you, they are yours, though Ithink you are equipped to acquit yourself well without any helpfrom me or any man.”

“It is a weighty honour to be so trusted,” said Markvery gravely.

“If the bishop has no doubts,” said Radulfus,“neither need you. I take him for a man who can judge verywell where to place his trust. If you have ridden from Lichfieldyou must be in need of some rest and refreshment, for it’splain you set out early. Is your mount being cared for?”

“Yes, Father.” The old address came backnaturally.

“Then come with me to my lodging, and take some ease, anduse my time as you may wish. What wisdom I have is at yourdisposal.” He was already acutely aware, as Cadfael was, thatthis apparently simple mission to the newly made and alien bishopat Saint Asaph covered a multitude of other calculated risks andquestionable issues, and might well send this wise innocent feelinghis way foot by foot through a quagmire, with quaking turf on everyhand. All the more impressive, then, that Roger de Clinton hadplaced his faith in the youngest and least of his attendantclerics.