There was no one obviously watching as they rode out from thegate, though there may have been eyes on them from the shelter ofcloister or infirmary, or even from the abbot’s lodging.Better to pursue the regular routine of the day as though this wasmerely a day like any other, and nowhere in any mind a doubt thatthe departing brother would come back at the due time, and resumehis duties as before. And if peace came home with him, so much themore welcome.

Once out past Saint Giles, with the town and Foregate behindthem, and the hogback of the Wrekin looming ahead, Cadfael’sheart lifted into eased resignation, open without grudging towhatever might come. There were consolations. With December on thedoorstep the fields were still green, the weather mild andwindless, he had a good horse under him, and riding beside Hugh wasa pleasure full of shared memories. The highroad was open and safe,and the way they must take familiar to them both, at least as faras the forest of Chenet, and Hugh had set out three days before thecouncil was due to meet formally.

“For we’ll take it gently along the way,” hesaid, “and be there early. I could do with a word with RobertBossu before anything is said in session. We may even run intoRanulf of Chester when we halt overnight at Lichfield. I heard hehad some last minute advice to pour into the ears of hishalf-brother of Lincoln. William is minding the winnings of both ofthem in the north while Ranulf comes demurely to council inCoventry.”

“He’ll be wise,” said Cadfael thoughtfully,“not to flaunt his successes. There must be a good number ofhis enemies gathering.”

“Oh, he’ll still be courting. He’s handed outseveral judicious concessions these last few weeks, to barons hewas robbing of lands or privileges only last year. It costs,”said Hugh cynically, “to change sides. The king is only thefirst he has to charm, and the king is apt to welcome allies withhis eyes shut and his arms open, and be the giver rather than thegetter. All those who have held by him throughout, and watchedRanulf flout him, won’t come so cheaply. Some of them willtake the sweets he offers, but forbear from delivering the goods hethinks he’s buying. If I were Ranulf, I would walk verymeekly and humbly for a year or so yet.”