Brother Cadfael 14: The Hermit of Eyton Forest

happen again.'
    'True, I would not dispute it,' admitted Cadfael.
    There was that in his tone that caused Hugh to say with certainty: 'But you do not believe it.' It was something of which Cadfael himself had been less certain until that moment. 'Do you feel your thumbs pricking? I know better than to ignore the omen if you do,' said Hugh with a half-reluctant smile.
    'No, Hugh.' Cadfael shook his head. 'I know nothing that isn't known to you, I am nobody's advocate in this matter - except Richard's - I've barely exchanged a word with this boy Hyacinth, never seen him but twice, when he brought Cuthred's message to chapter and when he came to fetch me to the forester. All I can do is keep my eyes open between here and Eilmund's house, and that you may be sure I shall do-perhaps even do a little beating of the bushes myself along the way. If I have anything to tell, be sure you'll hear it before any other. Be it good or ill, but God and Saint Winifred grant us good news!'
    On that promise they parted, Hugh riding on to the castle to receive whatever news the watch might have for him thus late in the afternoon, Cadfael moving on through the village towards the edge of the woodland. He was in no hurry. He had much to think about. Strange how the very act of admitting that the worst was possible had so instantly strengthened his conviction that it had not happened and would not happen. Stranger still that as soon as he had stated truthfully that he knew nothing of Hyacinth, and had barely spoken a word to him, he should find himself so strongly persuaded that very soon that lack might be supplied, and he would learn, if not everything, all that he needed to know.
    Eilmund had regained his healthy colour, welcomed company eagerly, and could not be restrained from trying out his crutches at once. Four or five days cooped up indoors was a sore test of his temper, but the relief of being able to hurple vigorously out into the garden, and finding himself a fast learner in the art of using his new legs, brought immediate sunny weather with him. When he had satisfied himself of his competence, he sat down willingly, at Annet's orders, to share a supper with Cadfael.
    'Though by rights I ought to be getting back,' said Cadfael, 'now I know how well you're doing. The bone seems to be knitting straight and true as a lance, and you'll not need me here harrying you every day. And speaking of inconvenient visitors, have you had Hugh Beringar or his men here today searching the woods around? You'll have heard before now they're hunting Cuthred's boy Hyacinth for suspicion of killing his master? And there's young Richard missing, too.'
    'We heard of the both only last night,' said Eilmund. 'Yes, they were here this morning, a long line of the garrison men working their way along every yard of the forest between road and river. They even looked in my byre and henhouse. Will Warden grumbled himself it was needless folly, but he had his orders. Why waste time, he says, aggravating a good fellow we all know to be honest, but it's as much as my skin's worth to leave out a single hut or let my beaters pass by a solitary bush, with his lordship's sharp eye on us all. Do you know, have they found the child?'
    'No, not yet. He's not at Eaton, that's certain. If it's any comfort, Eilmund, Dame Dionisia had to open her doors to the search, too. Noble and simple, they'll all fare alike.'
    Annet waited upon them in silence, bringing cheese and bread to the table. Her step was as light as always, her face as calm, only at the mention of Richard did her face cloud over in anxious sympathy. There was no knowing what went on behind her composed face, but Cadfael hazarded his own guesses. He took his leave in good time, against Eilmund's hospitable urgings.
    'I've been missing too many services, these last days, I'd best get back to my duty, and at least put in an appearance for Compline tonight. I'll come in and see you the day after tomorrow. You take care how you go. And, Annet, don't let him stay on his feet too long. If he gives you trouble, take his props away from him.'
    She laughed and said that she would, but her mind, Cadfael thought, was only half on what she said, and she had not made any move to second her father's protest at such an early departure. Nor did she come out to the gate with him this time, but only as far as the door, and there stood to watch him mount, and waved when he looked back before beginning to thread the narrow path