Meurig was no hero, and did finally give way and do both, and itcost him Owain’s countenance and favour at the time. Therewas strong resistance to allowing him to take his seat. Butthey’ve come to terms and made up their differences sincethen, which means they’ll certainly work together to keepGwynedd from being wholly subservient to Theobald’sinfluence. To consecrate a Norman now to Saint Asaph is a challengeto princes as well as prelates, and whoever undertakes a diplomaticmission there will have to keep a sharp eye on both.”

“And Owain at least,” Cadfael added shrewdly,“will be keeping a sharp eye on what his people are feeling,and an ear open to what they are saying. It behoves Gilbert to dothe same. Gwynedd has no mind to give way to Canterbury, they havesaints and customs and rites of their own.”

“I have heard,” said Mark, “that formerly, along time ago, St David’s was the metropolitan see of Wales,with its own archbishop not subject to Canterbury. There are someWelsh churchmen now who want that rule restored.”

Cadfael shook his head rather dubiously at that. “Betternot to look too closely into the past, we’re hearing more ofthat claim the more the writ of Canterbury is urged on us. Butcertainly Owain will be casting his shadow over his new bishop, byway of a reminder he’s in alien territory, and had bettermind his manners. I hope he may be a wise man, and go gently withhis flock.”

“Our bishop is very much in agreement with you,”said Mark, “and I’m well briefed. I did not tell thewhole of my errand in chapter, though I have told it to FatherAbbot since. I have yet another letter and gift to deliver. I am togo on to Bangor—oh, no, this is certainly not at ArchbishopTheobald’s orders!—and pay the same courtesy to BishopMeurig as to Bishop Gilbert. If Theobald holds that bishops shouldstand together, then Roger de Clinton’s text is that theprinciple applies to Norman and Welsh alike. And we propose totreat them alike.”