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Bring our brothers in to me,” said AbbotRadulfus, rising from his desk in surprise and concern when Cadfaelhad reported to him the arrivals, and the bare bones of theirstory. He pushed aside parchment and pen and stood erect, dark andtall against the brilliant sunlight through the parlour window.“That this should ever be! City and church laid wastetogether! Certainly they are welcome here lifelong, if need be.Bring them hither, Cadfael. And remain with us. You may be theirguide afterwards, and bring them to Prior Robert. We must makeappropriate places for them in the dortoir.”

Cadfael went on his errand well content not to be dismissed, andled the newcomers down the length of the great court to the cornerwhere the abbot’s lodging lay sheltered in its small garden.What there was to be learned from the travellers of affairs in thesouth he was eager to learn, and so would Hugh be, when he knew oftheir coming. For this time news had been unwontedly slow on theroad, and matters might have been moving with considerably greaterspeed down in Winchester since the unlucky brothers of Hydedispersed to seek refuge elsewhere.

“Father Abbot, here are Brother Humilis and BrotherFidelis.”

It seemed dark in the little wood-panelled parlour after theradiance without, and the two tall, masterful men stood studyingeach other intently in the warm, shadowy stillness. Radulfushimself had drawn forward stools for the newcomers, and with amotion of a long hand invited them to be seated, but the young onedrew back deferentially into deeper shadow and remained standing.He could never be the spokesman; that might well be the reason forhis self-effacement. But Radulfus, who had yet to learn of theyoung man’s disability, certainly noted the act, and observedit without either approval or disapproval.