The city was divided between two lordships, the prior’shalf and the earl’s half, and from time to time there wassome grumbling and discontent over privileges varying between thetwo, but there was a shared and acknowledged town moot for all, andby and large they rubbed shoulders with reasonable amity. Therewere few more prosperous towns in England, and none more resilientand alert to opportunity. It was to be seen in the bustle in thestreets. Merchants and tradesmen were busy setting out their waresto the best advantage, to catch the eyes of the assemblingnobility. Whether they expected that the gathering would last longor produce any advance towards peace might be doubtful, but tradeis trade, and where earls and barons were massing there would beprofits to be made.

There were illustrious pennants afloat against the leaning housefronts, and fine liveries passing on horseback towards the gates ofthe priory and the houses of rest for pilgrims. Coventry possessedthe relics of its own Saint Osburg, as well as an arm of SaintAugustine and many minor relics, and had thrived on its pilgrimsever since its founding just over a hundred years previously. Thispresent crop of the wealthy and powerful, thought Cadfael, eyeingthe evidences of their presence all about him, could hardly, forreputation’s sake, depart without giving profitable rewardfor their entertainment and the Church’s hospitality.

They wove their way at an easy walk through the murmur andbustle of the streets, and long before they reached the gateway ofSaint Mary’s Priory Yves had begun to flush into eagerness,warmed by the air of excitement and hope that made the town seemwelcoming and the possibility of conciliation a little nearer. Henamed the unfamiliar badges and banneroles they encountered on theway, and exchanged greetings with some of his own faction andstatus, young men in the service of the empress’s loyalfollowing.