“It is hardly important, surely?” said Prior Robert with ominousmildness. “Your bishop and your prince have made their views plain. Theparishioners need not be consulted.”

That, too, Cadfael interpreted, Urien choosing to remain neutral and mute.

“Impossible!” said Huw firmly, knowing himself on secure ground.“In such a grave matter affecting the whole parish, nothing can be donewithout calling together the assembly of the free men, and putting the case tothem fully and publicly. Doubtless the will of prince and bishop will prevail,but even so, these must be put to the people before they can say yes or no tothem. I shall call such an assembly tomorrow. Your case can only be vindicatedabsolutely by public acceptance.”

“He says truly,” said Urien, holding the prior’s austereand half affronted eyes. “You will do well to get the goodwill ofGwytherin, however many blessings you already have. They respect their bishop,and are very content with their king and his sons. I doubt if you need grudgethe delay.”

Prior Robert accepted both the warning and the reassurance, and felt theneed of a period of quietude in which to review his strategy and prepare hispersuasions. When Urien rose to take his leave, his errand punctiliouslycompleted, the Prior also rose, half a head taller than the tallest there, andfolded his long white hands in submissive resignation.

“We have yet two hours or more to Vespers,” he said, eyeing theangle of the sun. “I should like to withdraw into your church and spendsome while in meditation, and prayer for right guidance. Brother Cadfael, youhad better remain with Father Huw, and help him in any arrangements he needs tomake, and you, Brother John, bestow the horses as he directs, and see themcared for. The rest will join me in intercession, that we may conduct thisenterprise rightly.”