Brother Cadfael 14: The Hermit of Eyton Forest

abbey until they gave her her grandson back. That was why she set up Cuthred in his hermitage, to put me there as his servant. And I knew nothing then of any of you, and cared less, and I was not going to quarrel with what provided me a comfortable living and a safe refuge until I could do better. It's my doing, more's the pity, that the worse thing happened, and the tree came down on you and pinned you in the brook, my doing that you're lamed and housebound here though that slip came of itself, I didn't touch it again. So now you know,' said Hyacinth, 'and if you see fit to take the skin off my back for it, I won't lift a hand to prevent, and if you throw me out afterwards, I'll go.' He reached up a hand to Annet's hand and added flatly: 'But not far!'
    There was a long pause while two of them sat staring at him, intently and silently, and Annet watched them no less warily, all of them withholding judgement. No one had exclaimed against him, no one had interrupted this half-defiant confession. Hyacinth's truth was used like a dagger, and his humility came very close to arrogance. If he was ashamed, it did not show in his face. Yet it could not have been easy to strip himself thus of the consideration and kindness father and daughter had shown him. If he had not spoken, clearly Annet would have said no word. And he had not pleaded, nor attempted any extenuation. He was ready to take what was due without complaint. Doubtful if anyone, however eloquent or terrible a confessor, would ever get this elusive creature nearer to penitence than this.
    Eilmund stirred, settling his broad shoulders more easily against the wall, and blew out a great, gusty breath. 'Well, if you brought the tree down on me, you also hoisted it off me. And if you think I'd give up a runaway villein to slavery again because he'd played a few foul tricks on me, you're not well acquainted with my simple sort. I fancy the fright I gave you that day was all the thrashing you needed. And since then you've done me no more injury, for from all I hear there's been quiet in the woods from that day. I doubt if the lady's satisfied with her bargain. You show sense, and stay where you are.'
    'I told him,' said Annet, confidently smiling, 'you would not pay back injury for injury. I never said a word, I knew he would out with it himself. And Brother Cadfael knows now Hyacinth's no murderer, and has owned to the worst he knows about himself. There's not one of us here will betray him.'
    No, not one! But Cadfael sat somewhat anxiously pondering what could best be done now. Betrayal was impossible, certainly, but the hunt would go on, and might well drag all these woods over again, and in the meantime Hugh, in his natural concentration on this most likely quarry, might be losing all likelihood of finding the real murderer. Even Drogo Bosiet was entitled to justice, however he infringed the rights of others. Withholding from Hugh the certainty and proof of Hyacinth's innocence might be delaying the reassessment that would set in motion the pursuit of the guilty.
    'Will you trust me, and let me tell Hugh Beringar what you have told me? Give me leave,' urged Cadfael hastily, seeing their faces stiffen in consternation, 'to deal with him privately-'
    'No!' Annet laid her hand possessively on Hyacinth's shoulder, burning up like a stirred fire. 'No, you can't give him up! We have trusted you, you can't fail us.'
    'No, no, no, not that! I know Hugh well, he would not willingly give up a villein to mistreatment, he is for justice even before law. Let me tell him only that Hyacinth is innocent, and show him the proof. I need say nothing as to how I know or where he is, Hugh will take my word. Then he can hold off this search and leave you alone until it's safe for you to come forth and speak openly.'
    'No!' cried Hyacinth, on his feet in one wild, smooth movement, his eyes two yellow flames of alarm and rejection. 'Not a word to him, never a word! If we'd thought you'd go to him we'd never have let you in to us. He's the sheriff, he must take Bosiet's part - he has manors, he has villeins of his own, do you think he'd ever side with me against my legal lord? I should be dragged back at Aymer's heels, and buried alive in his prison.'
    Cadfael turned to Eilmund for help. 'I swear to you I can lift this suspicion from the lad by speaking with Hugh. He'll take my word and hold off from the hunt - withdraw his men, or send them elsewhere. He has still Richard to find. Eilmund,