Lord of Secrets by Gillgannon Mary

Author:Gillgannon, Mary
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Romance, Historical
Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2021-01-18T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

Rhosyn’s resentment increased as they continued their journey. By the time the square tower of the chapel at Llanternam Abbey came into view, she was feeling very bitter. This might be a holy house, but it was also a sign of the English domination of her homeland. All the brothers would speak Norman French and the abbot would be a nobleman of their people.

They rode up to an ornate, arched gate. Behind the sandstone walls could be seen the chapel and a sprawl of buildings. Fitzhugh explained who he was and why they were traveling through and the porter bid them enter. Inside they were greeted by a white-robed brother. There was some discussion of what to do with Rhosyn. Apparently, the abbey was not used to accommodating women, at least not ones who were neither relatives nor wives of the men they traveled with.

Fitzhugh was taken to the guest house and his men were escorted to the dormitory. A young novice finally appeared and led Rhosyn to an anchorite cell, a small beehive shaped structure. The tiny building had a pallet and naught else.

“I will bring you food, of course, and water for washing.” The young monk, whose name was Cadoc, spoke apologetically.

“Where are you from?”

“I’m from Conwy in Gywnedd. My father is kin of Prince Llywelyn ap Iowarth.” Seeing the surprise on Rhosyn’s face, he added. “Not all men choose to be knights. I care little for warfare. For someone like me, this is the only pathway.”

Rhosyn had always thought of men as having much more freedom to choose their own destiny. But Cadoc was right, even a man from a noble household had limited choices. He could be a knight or join a holy order. There were no other alternatives.

“Do you work in the scriptorium?” She had heard of monks who spent their days creating documents and copying books.

“Not yet. I only arrived here this spring. For now I am mostly assigned menial tasks. I spend a lot of time working in the gardens.”

Rhosyn knew that holy brothers had much knowledge of herbs and healing. “Do you think you could show me the part of the garden where herbs are grown? I am a healer and very interested in medicinal plants.”

“I would be happy to show you the garden. Although we should wait until vespers when everyone is at prayers.”

“Will you get in trouble for not attending prayers?”

Cadoc smiled. “Perhaps. But I can give the excuse that I was only trying to be a gracious host and respond to the wishes of a guest. And I am fortunate that the man I serve is not a harsh or rigid one. And as he is the infirmarian, he would likely understand your interest.”

Rhosyn felt a stir of excitement. “Do you ever help him prepare herbs? Would you be able to show me his stillroom?”

Cadoc nodded. “As I said, I am mostly given menial tasks. Weeding the garden. Grinding up herbs. But once in a while I am

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