All language subtitles for Cadfael - S01E04

(Bell tolls)

Veni Sancte Spiritus

Mentes tuorum visita

Amen

MAN: When I took you as wife Richildis
I expected better of your son!

WOMAN: Gervase I beg you

This manor is my inheritance!

That was the bargain, Gervase.

He's shown nothing but contempt for Mallilie.

I won't go on nursing this land
for one so ungrateful.

But you have made your will in Edwin's favour.

You have named him your heir.

It is signed and witnessed

GERVASE: And now revoked!
He shall inherit nothing

I shall oppose any such change
as your son!

My stepson, Edwin.
You've no right to oppose anything.

I will leave Mallilie to whomever I please.

Mallilie is mine and I shall have it,
or as God sees me...

I'll teach you some manners, boy!

- Gervase!
- Don't cross me!

- You're not above a beating, either.
- Lay hand to my mother, I'll kill you!

Don't you dare threaten me!

Go on! Run back to your sister
and her coffin -maker husband!

You'll burn in hell for this!

Edwin...

(Horse neighs)

Edwin!

(Horse neighs)

Father Abbot,

whilst copying a letter
of the blessed St Augustine,

Brother Urien was heard
singing a song of scandalous import.

It was supposedly the lament of
a Christian pilgrim imprisoned by Saracens

and comforting himself
by holding to his breast... a chemise

given to him by the lover that he'd leff behind

Where did you learn such a song, Brother?

From my grandfather, who fought for the Cross
at the taking of Jerusalem.

Father... I also recall this lament.

It was a song much favoured
when I was in the Holy Land.

But I don't recall anything in the words

to suggest that the woman
this pilgrim left behind was anything but his wife.

That is not the point, Brother.

It seems to me the whole point.

Or are you suggesting our order
should condemn the sacrament of marriage

for those who do not have a celibate vocation?

Sit down, Brother Jerome.

Sit down, Brother Urien.

W e

...if that is all the business at Chapter
this morning...

There are a few documents to be signed,
Father...

in particular, the guestship agreement
with Gervase Bonel.

Lately retired, Master Bonel grants us
his manor at Mallilie absolutely,

with his several tenants,

in return for one of the Abbey dwellings
here in Shrewsbury...

for himself his wife and his two servants

There is a house along the Abbey Foregate
most suitable for their purpose

The details are as usual in such cases

Each day they shall have two monks' loaves
and one servants' loaf

Two gallons monks' ale
one gallon servants' ale

A dish of meat on meat days
and of fish on fish days

Their fare is to be collected
from the Abbot's kitchen by their manservant

There is also provision for linen shoes and firing
and livery for one horse

At the death of either the other to retain
possession of the house

and receive a portion of all aforesaid provisions

Except that if the wife survives
she need not be provided with a horse

These are the terms, Father.

It requires only your signature.

You are all aware
that His Holiness Pope Innocent...

...to show his support
for King Stephen's claim to the throne,

has sent over Cardinal Alberic of Ostia.

Yesterday, I received this instruction.

The Cardinal intends to hold a legatine council
for the reform of the Church.

I am summoned to attend

and give an account
of my stewardship of this convent.

For the present,

I may not ratify any agreements
in the name of our house

until I am confirmed in office
or a new appointment is made.

Whatever is now incomplete must remain so.

Father, when must you leave?

At once

In my absence, of course,

Brother Prior will be in charge of all things here.

Veni Sancte Spiritus

(Bell tolls)

I tell you, once Brother Prior
gets his foot in the door,

it'll take a dose of hemlock to get him out again.

(Laughs) I'll put some on the list.

Don't tempt me.
But I'll have some marjoram from you.

(Chopping)

Yes, boy?

My master has sent these
for the Lord Abbot's table

as thanks for his attention
in the matter of the guestship agreement.

Guestship?
You're the Bonels' servant, then, are you?

My name is Aelfric.

Then we'll see a deal of one another.

I am Brother Petrus, cook to this house.

It's from me you'll collect your master's daily fare.

I know my duties, though today
my mistress has a meal ready prepared.

She begs of you a little sage and basil
to season her dish.

Sage she can have. Brother Cadfael here
may be able to oblige you with the basil.

What is it, Oswin? What have you lost?

Old Brother Rhys is in discomfort
and asks that you might physic him.

The rubbing oil is on the top shelf over there.

While you're there,
you could pass me over some of that basil.

If your mistress needs any more at any time
and the kitchen can't supply it,

I always keep a good stock here.

Sorry, Brother Cadfael.

Don't worry, no harm.

Oswin!

There's another bottle up there.

No, no, we mustn't use it now.

Monk's-hood oil may be very good for
a man's outside, but inside it is very bad indeed.

Right, you go on ahead. Make a start.

I'll be along
as soon as I've cleared this safely away.

Poisonous, then, is it?

No, used as a rub to ease aching joints
it's safe enough, but swallowed... no.

I'll get some more basil
and bring it along to your mistress myself.

Meurig.

Speak to Edwin.

I'm sure he will be in the carpenter's shop.

Ask him, for my sake,
to come here and talk to me

If Master Bonel sees he is contrite,
I am sure he will accept him back.

(Hushed conversation continues)

He will listen to you.

Ask him to come and make peace with Gervase.

I can ask, Mistress.

Please, Master.

Come on.

No.

Who is that, Oswin?

He was here when I arrived.
An old kinsman of Rhys's. He offered to help.

CADFAEL: Did you warn him
to wash his hands afferwards?

OSWIN: He understands

I've shown him where to stow the bottle
when he's done.

You see?

My kin remember me yet, Cadfael.

This is Meurig, my niece Angharad's boy.

He's taken on my work, I see.

I've worked with horses, mostly.

Out at Mallilie, I was servant to Master Bonel.

But he's a carpenter now,
working here in Shrewsbury.

Journeyman to Martin Bellecote.

He's making a chest for our library.

MEURIG: There
Pull up your gown Keep the warmth in

Is that better?

It prickles like nettles to start,
but now there's a fine, easy glow.

Good. Then lie down and rest.

I don't expect I'll see you again
for another twelvemonth.

Back to Cynllaith, is it?

The town, Uncle.

Remember me to your mother, boy.

To Angharad.

To Angharad

Now there was a beauty Cadfael

You never saw the like

Tell her to come and visit her old Uncle Rhys.

Angharad

He often speaks of your mother.

Will he see her, do you think?

She's been dead eleven years.

He knows it, or knew it once.

But if she's alive to him again,
why should I remind him?

(Knock at door)
RICHILDIS: How could you?

GERVASE: This is my household!

RICHILDIS: You promised affer the last time

Must you humiliate me still?

GERVASE: It is my right
RICHILDIS: My maid is little more than a child!

Wife or no wife
scold me and you'll be sorry Richildis!

(Door slams)

Oh, I-I was, um...

just bringing some, um, herbs...

...for Mistress Bonel at her servant's request.

I'll make sure she receives them.

Mistress Bonel I am Prior Robert

I have unfortunate news for your husband
regarding our guestship agreement.

Sobrii estote et vigilate

Quia adversarius vester diabolus

Tamquam leo rugiens circuit quaerens

Quem devoret

Cui resistite fortes in fide

Tu autem Domine

Miserere nobis

Deo gratias

Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Domini

Qui fecit caelum et terram

(Bell tolls)

Cadfael.

Richildis.

I thought you must have died
fighting in the Holy Land.

What happened?

Did you forget your promise?

No... not forget. Not that.

But whenever my thoughts
strayed towards home,

there was always something...

It seemed important then.

I waited, Cadfael.

Eight years.

You vowed to return laden with honours
to claim me as your bride.

(Softly) So I did.

Well, the honours were too few.

And my return was too late.
You were already married to Eward Gurney.

Eward was a good man.

- Yes, he was.
- He was a good husband and father.

I never thought to marry again after he died.

Well, the lord of a manor is a fine catch.

He promised, you see.

Not having children of his own,
Gervase promised that if I would have him...

...he would make Edwin his heir.

But surely your husband
has gifted his manor and lands to the Abbey?

What can this lad of yours have done
to make his stepfather spite him so?

Nothing... except that he chooses
to be with simple folk and craftsmen.

My daughter is married to Martin Bellecote.

The carpenter?

You know him?

Well, of course! But...

You have had kin here in Shrewsbury
all these years?

Yes.

I never knew.

Edwin spends more time with them
than he ought...

...and has neglected to show proper concern
for Mallilie.

Gervase thinks that such company
is beneath a young man with a manor to inherit.

(Bell tolls)

Oh, I must go.

I never thought to look on your face again
in this world.

You are happy?

To have found you again, yes!

Well, as I er... said to your servant,

if you ever have need of herbs or medicines...

...any proper cause to visit,

you'll find me here most days.

The partridge are a gift for Father Abbot.

Well, in his absence
such bounty should not go to waste.

As from today, Prior Robert will partake of those
dishes usually reserved for the Abbot's table.

Father Prior also bids
that you set aside one portion for Master Bonel

and that you send it over to him
with his compliments.

And does Brother Prior have a preference
as to how I should prepare the partridge?

You may prepare the fowl
in your... usual manner.

(Rhys groans softly)

Oh, dear... (Mumbles)

Oh...

Thank you, Brother.

(Knock at door)

Mm, this smells good.

It's for the master after the stew.

I'll set it here to keep warm.

Edwin has been helping Meurig
with the chest for the Abbey library, Gervase.

I'm come from delivering it now.

The Prior sent along a special dish
for you today, Master.

For after the main, a serving of partridge
with his compliments.

- A small price to pay for my manor and lands.
- Gervase...

We should all be enjoying partridge now
at Mallilie, if it wasn't for your son.

Is my stepfather dissatisfied
with his half of the bargain?

I'll thank you to keep silent at table.

You're here on your mother's probation
and my sufferance.

Edwin, you have come here to make peace.

(Footsteps)

Did Edwin come ahead of me?

He's with Master and Mistress now.

Will you eat with us?

Gladly.

I came here to make peace
for my mother's sake!

You came crawling back for your inheritance,
more like!

Devil take you, Gervase Bonel!
I want nothing of yours!

- Get out!
- No!

Get out! Let me go.

Let me go!

You keep away from this house, Edwin Gurney!

If I find you sniffing around here,
I'll have your hide!

- Calm yourself, Master. He's gone.
- Now, come, Gervase.

Aldith, bring some more wine for Master Bonel
and the partridge that the Prior sent.

Aelfric go affer Edwin Make sure he's all right

AELFRIC: Edwin!

Edwin!

Edwin, come back!

(Belches)

- Has that sweetened your temper?
- You're as surly-tongued as that son of yours.

What I ever did to deserve such a sco...
(Coughs)

(Chokes)

Oh, Oswin!

Brother, come quickly.

RICHILDIS: He was taken with a burning
in the mouth and throat

and then willed to vomit but could not.

Lift his head, Oswin.
Do you have a bowl somewhere?

- (Chokes)
- We must try and get it out of him,

even though it may do as much harm coming up
as it did going down.

(Groans)

(Retches)

Let him lie back.

(Groans)

(Agonised groaning)

(Groans)

I'm very sorry.

He shall lie in our chapel
until all can be arranged

No. Nothing must be removed or disturbed

until the Sheriff and his officers
have examined everything.

This is no ordinary death.

Master Bonel died of poison...

...taken in food that he'd eaten recently.

AELFRIC: Poison? How can that be?

We've all eaten the same, every one of us.

All but this dish.

(Sniffs)

The Prior sent it over from his own table.

Oswin, run to the Prior.

Quickly, Oswin!

We have one death here already to account for.

Pray heaven we must face no second.

How would the effect of this poison
first manifest itself, Brother?

A burning of the throat and lips
and a difficulty in breathing.

Do you have any such symptoms?

No. No, nothing at all,

but at Brother Oswin's urgings,
I... rid myself of all I'd eaten.

That was well advised, Oswin.

But had you ingested the same poison
as Master Bonel,

the symptoms
would've shown themselves by now.

You maintain that Master Bonel was poisoned?

Oh, yes. I could detect the smell on his lips
and in the remains of the dish he ate.

The dish you sent him.

Yet I am unharmed.

How can that be,
if we both ate of the same tainted bird?

Evidently the poison was added to his portion
after it was set aside.

What is this poison, that you can be
quite so sure of your judgment?

It's a rubbing oil.
I make it from the plant monk's hood.

If you can make potions from this plant,
so can anyone.

Yes, but I know the odour of my own specific.

There can be no doubt.

You may put things in order here.

I've seen all there is to be seen.

PRIOR: Sergeant

Brother Cadfael has asserted
that Master Bonel is dead of poison.

Is there anything you've seen
to support such an extravagant claim?

Oh, it's poison, right enough.

So you'll send for Hugh Beringar?

No need.
I shall have the murderer in custody by dark.

It's his stepson, Edwin Gurney.

He was being dispossessed
by this guestship contract

and had much to regain by rendering it void

You seem very certain of his guilt.

I have sufficient evidence to stretch his neck.

He was at the infirmary this morning
where the poison is kept

He quarrelled with his stepfather

and went through the empty kitchen
when he stormed out.

He probably dosed the partridge then
with your mixture.

Whoever stole the poison,
be it from my store or the infirmary,

must have brought something to put it in.

Yes, of course.

Then I suggest you pay special attention
to the clothing of any man you suspect.

Are you teaching the Sergeant his business?

I'm talking about certain peculiarities
of my business, Brother Prior,

which may help to prevent a mistake.

This oil leaves both stain and odour
where but a drop seeps through.

By your leave, Brother,
I think we'll first lay hands on the culprit.

I doubt we'll need your learned advice
once we have him.

You will prepare Master Bonel for burial.

And there, Brother,
your involvement in this business ends.

Is that understood?

I'll see to it that he's laid out decently.

Cadfael, you must help me.

In the Sergeant's mind,
Edwin is already condemned.

I cannot interfere.

But... for my sake!

No, especially not for your sake.
Don't you see?

If what we once were to each other
became known,

then anything I might find out to help your son
would become suspect.

Then Edwin is as good as hanged!

And you will have abandoned me again!

SERGEANT: Mistress Bellecote you've a lad
here by the name of Edwin Gurney?

WOMAN: My brother yes but he's not home

What do you want with him?

At your mother's house,
where he visited this morning,

Master Gervase Bonel is lying dead.

Murdered.

It is on suspicion of his murder
that I want this young man.

SERGEANT: Is that enough for you?

Wash him down, Oswin.

There's plenty of lavender in my workshop
to perfume his shroud.

- Are you not preparing him yourself?
- I have an errand in town.

Prior Robert warned you.

Master Bonel can't go to his grave
without a coffin, Brother.

Master Bellecote,
I am not asking you where he is,

only if you think it possible that he could
have done what they're urging against him.

No... it is not.

If ever a creature made his feelings known,
that's my brother, and my Tom the same.

If either of them has a grievance, everyone
knows it, but grudges they've never borne.

Though what concern it is of yours
I do not know

Mistress Bellecote,

did you ever hear your mother speak
of a young man she was fond of as a girl,

who then left for the Holy Land?

Yes. Many times she talked of him
and wondered of his fate.

I was that young man.

You?

Yes.

- Cadfael?
- Yes.

So you are here on her behalf?

I am here to order a coffin.

But you have come in friendship to Edwin?

To any who may fall suspect unjustly.

And I shall do what I can to uncover the guilty.

Should anyone have reason to speak to me,

I'm usually to be found in my workshop
in the herb garden.

I shall be there this evening... until matins.

(Pumps bellows)

It's all right. I'm quite alone. Come in.

Come over to the fire.

Let me see your faces.

Tom said you were a friend.

First answer this question, Edwin,
and then we can talk.

Did you strike the blow
that laid Gervase Bonel dead in his blood?

No.

I carry no weapon.

And even if I did, why should I harm him?

He disinherited you.

I was truly sorry to lose Mallilie,

but... I was born to trade, Brother, not to a manor.

Whoever wounded him to his death
it was not me

- Where have you been since this morning?
- He went to hide in Father's woodyard.

We always do if there's trouble

I got him away moments ahead of the search
and there are places enough to hide in town

No-one saw you get in?

We came by the parish
and through the cloisters.

Followed our noses
once we were in the gardens.

Smells good.

Not all of my medicines
smell quite so appetising.

Though myself,
I wouldn't even call this one... unpleasant.

Mm? It's powerful, certainly,
but it's a nice, clean smell.

There you are. You drink that down.

Go on.
After the day you've had, that will revive you.

I remember that smell.

Stop!

What is it, Brother? What?

Forgive me.

- I wanted to be certain
- Of what, Brother?

Your stepfather wasn't cut down, Edwin,
with sword nor dagger.

He died of poison -
this same oil of monk's hood -

given to him in a dish of food sent by the Prior.

Poison? But you said...

No, I didn't say anything.

You assumed that he was stabbed.

Of course, that you could have been feigning.

He did not know! All the Sergeant said
was "murdered", but not how.

I knew about the dish the Prior sent

Yes, and also where the monk's hood
could be found.

You remembered the smell -
that could only have been from the infirmary

But had you known, as the poisoner certainly
did, the danger to anyone who swallowed it,

I don't think you'd have been quite so eager
to drain this beakerful.

(Bell tolls)

I must go to matins.

You... You won't give him up?

No, he can stay here tonight safely enough.

But tomorrow we have to get you out early...

...to a safer hiding place.

Let me help you, Brother.

Oh, good day, Brother Porter.

- Where are you going?
- Come on Oswin

The horse-fair stables.

Brother Porter.

Brother Porter, which of the Brethren
just went through this door?

Veni Sancte Spiritus

(Horse whinnies)

I can't leave you the key - I must return it -
but I won't leave you locked in, either.

Go on, burrow into the hay out of sight.
You can sleep the day out.

How am I to be bettered by this, Brother?
I can't lie hidden for ever.

The only way you can be bettered, Edwin,

is by uncovering the man
who did this thing that you're charged with,

and that task has fallen to me.

For my own honour, as much as yours.

(Key turns in lock)

(Horses nicker and snort)

Ah Brother

I've been asking the lad here if he's any idea

as to the amount of monk's-hood oil
in your store.

- He's not been able to tell me.
- Hasn't he?

Oh, no, well, he's... very slipshod.

I'd like to know from which supply of yours
the poison was taken.

Oh, yes, yes, I do see, yes. Well, um...

The amount needed would be very small
and, as you see, my stock is quite large.

So no-one could say
whether any had been taken out unlawfully?

Well, I examined the stoppers
and the necks of all these bottles yesterday

and there was no trace of oil around the lip.

I mean, I doubt if a thief, in haste,
would bother to wipe the lip clean

before he put the stopper back in the bottle...

...as I always do.

It's more likely
it was taken from the infirmary, then.

Yes. Yes, it is. You've been there?

None of them can hazard an opinion.

Among the old, the oil is in favoured use now.

Who can guess if it was used one more time
without lawful reason?

Whoever used the poison
would want to dispose of the bottle

as quickly and as cleanly as possible.

If I were you, I should be looking very carefully
for a small vial

anywhere within a modest distance
of the house.

What were you doing leaving the enclave
with Brother Cadfael

so early before prime this morning?

This morning?

Yes, Brother Oswin, this morning.

I can't remember, Brother.

Are you ill?

No, it's... it's just that I have so many tasks
and... one day is very like the next.

Brother Cadfael told Brother Porter
that you were headed for the horse-fair stables.

Ah, yes, of course, the stables.

You were present yesterday
when I warned Brother Cadfael

against involving himself
in Master Bonel's death.

If I discover either of you have disobeyed me...

...you will be given cause to regret it.

Richildis, did Gervase ever draw up the deed
that made Edwin his heir?

Yes, but the agreement with the Abbey
has a later date.

But that has no validity now.

The only thing that stands between
Edwin and his manor is this threat of arrest.

If he was convicted of killing your husband,
what would happen to Mallilie?

Who would inherit?

As widow, I should get my dower,

but the manor could only revert to the overlord,

the Earl of Chester.

- There is no other legitimate heir.
- You're certain?

No nephew, cousin, someone in the shire?

No.

There's no-one, or he would
never have promised me Mallilie for Edwin.

Oh, Cadfael.

Did you take it so hard?

Did it have to be the cloister?

I have wondered about you so often
and for so long.

I never knew I had done you such an injury.

The whole fault was mine.

And I've wished you well, always.

As I do now.

But I must go.

(Owl hoots)

You stayed away too long.

Good night, Richildis.

God bless you, Cadfael.

Father.

It has come to my knowledge that,
before his call to this blessed vocation,

Brother Cadfael was in a relationship
of worldly affection

with the lady who is now Mistress Bonel.

(Shocked murmurs)

We know he attended Master Bonel's deathbed.

We have no reproach to make on that count.

There's no question of that, Father,

but only last night

our valued Brother once again visited
and spoke with the widow.

(Whispering)

Is it true, Brother, that Mistress Bonel
was... intimately known to you?

If by that you mean... only well, and closely...

...and on terms of affection... yes, it is.

Two days ago, in attending a sick man,
you had a proper reason for going there.

Last night you surely had none.

I went to ask her certain questions

which may have a bearing
upon the murder of her husband.

That is the business of the Sheriff
and his sergeants.

None of yours

It was my preparation, intended to bring comfort
from pain, that was used to bring death.

Neither this house nor I as a brother herein
can be at peace until the truth is known.

As I understand it,
there's no doubt who committed this act.

- I think there's a very grave doubt.
- Yes

In saying so, you show a lack of faith
in those who uphold the law.

It is an arrogant attitude and I deplore it.

You will confine yourself to the enclave

and have no further contact with Mistress Bonel.

I shall obey the order laid upon me...

...as I am in duty bound.

(Knocks)

JEROME:
You won't find any horses up there Brother!

Now come down here at once!
Come on!

I knew you'd lead us to him in the end

(Horse whinnies)

(Horse whinnies)

No!

(Bell tolls)

I know it's only Brother Cadfael's Christian duty
to do his best for the lad

but might it not be better to let him die?

If he survives
it'll only be to face the hangman's rope

If he dies, Sergeant, I shall stand witness
against you for unlawful killing!

Be silent and tend your charge.

The Sergeant need have no compunction.
Such is his duty as the King's officer.

Is it his duty to kill an innocent boy?

Edwin Gurney is not innocent.

And this boy's not Edwin Gurney.

His name is Tom Bellecote

Brother Cadfael is mistaken.

CADFAEL: There's no mistake

His mother's Sibil Bellecote

daughter of Mistress Bonel,

and until now he's had no part in this mischief!

I leave Shrewsbury in your care for three days,
Sergeant. Three days.

And what welcomes my return?

One murder, a fugitive suspect

and a boy innocent of any crime
almost killed at my feet!

My Lord...

You'll take no further part in this inquiry,
Sergeant. Now get out!

Brother Prior.

I'd be grateful in the future

if you will leave to the law
that which is the law's business.

"No further part in the inquiry."
Aye, well, we'll see about that.

Brother Porter!

You think there's a doubt, then?

Oh, I have no doubt at all.

Edwin Gurney is innocent
of even the thought of murder.

I tested him myself.

He would've drunk the poison
if I hadn't stopped him.

But you did stop him.

Perhaps he gambled on that.

Oh... some gamble!

I am telling you, Edwin Gurney
did not know that monk's hood could kill.

Would you accept his story so readily
if he were not Richildis's boy?

Well, I have my answer,
though it's hardly the one I'd hoped for.

Wounded, my Lord?

Brother Cadfael is doing all that can be done.

I must go to him.

If you have any idea where Edwin is,
Master Bellecote, you must tell me.

Yes, my Lord.

I'm certain none of us here
know his whereabouts, my Lord,

as I'm also certain of his innocence.

And yet Master Bonel was poisoned.

Tell me, Meurig, were you alone at any time
with the dish of partridge?

Me? No, my Lord, I wasn't.

Aldith and Aelfric will witness for me
on that count.

You had no quarrel with him, then?

Well?

He did not treat the womenfolk
as a husband or a master should,

but it was not my place to say so.

He always dealt with me fairly.

And yet he didn't bring you
to serve him here in Shrewsbury. Why?

There was only room for two servants.

But he took trouble to'prentice me
with Master Bellecote, and for that I'm grateful.

Meurig, should I need to question you further,
you will be here?

My Lord, I received news this morning
that my grandfather is taken ill

and not expected to live.

I would have left at once,
but Master said you'd want to see me.

Now you have seen me.

And unless you order against it, I will go.

Tell me, Aldith, was anyone alone
with the partridge for even a moment?

Not once it arrived.

I set it on the hob to keep warm
and there it stayed till I took it through.

And it was here when Master Edwin
passed through the kitchen?

Yes, my Lord.

(Chickens cluck)

The girl - you've had her long?

I've known her from almost a child.

I took her in
when she was left orphaned two years ago.

She got on well enough
with your husband, then?

- Has she said otherwise?
- No, no, no. She's a loyal servant.

Yours was a happy marriage, then,
Mistress Bonel?

My husband was already long widowed
when I met him.

Set in his habits in all things.

When we wed,
Ineither hoped nor tried to change him.

That doesn't really answer my question.

It answers you very well.

You think that I would poison my husband?
To what gain?

I have lost my home,
and if you are to have your will, my son also.

My will is to have the truth of this matter.

Now, I understand that Meurig
also worked for Master Bonel

- before he went to work for your son -in -law.
- His mother was maid to Gervase's first wife.

A good servant, by all accounts.

But, apparently, there was a fair
and she met a young man,

a cooper or tinker of some sort.

And fell pregnant?

With his wife being so fond of her,
Gervase kept Angharad on

and maintained her until she died...

...and found work for Meurig in the stables, too.

There was no bad blood between them?

They rubbed along together quietly.

Never any sparks.

Not like with Aelfric.

Or your son, Mistress.

Master Bonel promised to grant my freedom
upon his retirement, but when the time came...

He reneged.

I went to the court at Cynllaith to plead my case.

They judged I was Master Bonel's servant
until he chose to release me.

And you accepted their judgment?

Not gladly.

But it was the law.

Tell me, Aelfric, if you were granted
your freedom, what would you do?

I suppose I should go back to Wales,
find work there.

But I'm still bound until we know
whether Edwin is master of Mallilie.

That depends
on whether he's hanged for murder or not.

You still have kinfolk in the Borderland, Brother?

No. Not any longer.

Dead. All dead.

I shall be with them soon.

You still have a niece - Meurig's mother.

Angharad?

Bless you, Brother.
She died many years ago... in childbirth.

The babe also.

So young, she was.

She was a maidservant at Mallilie, I understand.

A bad lot, the Bonels.

English.

You get used to most foreign families in time,

but them... no.

No. Mallilie's nothing but a thorn
in the side of Cynllaith.

So...

Angharad Cynllaith

Even though held by an Englishman,

Mallilie is Welsh land...

...subject to the laws of Wales.

Not Norman England.

It's Welsh and always should have been

(Ducks quack)

(Bell tolls)

Plainsong

(Bell continues to toll)

Confiteor Deo omnipotenti

Beatae Mariae semper Virgini

Beato Michaeli Archangelo

Beato loanni Baptistae...

It was down by the edge of the pond.

Like you said, next to the house.

It couldn't have been thrown
from the kitchen window as you thought.

- It was too far along.
- What about the window of the other room?

- Where they were dining?
- Yeah.

Yes, from there it might well have been.

Well, then, Edwin was in full view
the entire meal.

No-one was alone in the room...

until after Sergeant Warden
had come and gone.

So if the poisoner was carrying this around
all that time, leaking as it is...

...the marks of the oil will still be on his clothing.

- He might try to scrub the stain away.
- He might.

But it won't be easily removed,
and who can afford to discard cotte or gown?

Brother Cadfael.

Father Prior wishes to see you.

Did you think I would forget your disobedience?

Time and again
you've disregarded my instruction...

and seeking what vainglorious end I know not,
have chosen to follow your own will.

I am not disposed as Abbot Heribert
to indulge such worldly behaviour

I have been lenient,
but this latest outrage will not pass uncorrected.

Which particular outrage is this?

By involving him in your meddling,
you have corrupted Brother Oswin.

You will leave the Abbey tonight...

and travel to the sheepfold at Rhydycroesau.

There you may contemplate your future
in our order

If you can show yourself willing
to embrace the Rule...

then you'll be welcome back

If not

...there can be no place for you here.

(Rooster crows)

You were going somewhere?

Brother Prior,
you must let me go to Hugh Beringar.

A man's life may depend on it!

I am thinking of a man's soul.

The Rule tells us that when a brother has been
corrected often for a fault, as you have,

the Abbot should act as wise doctor.

Brother Cadfael has...

Do not invoke the name of that incorrigible!

If Abbot Heribert were here...

Oh, yes, yes. News from the legatine council
is rather grave, Brother.

It seems
that Father Heribert is to be replaced in office.

Good day, friend.
Can you tell me the road to Rhydycroesau?

- Straight down there, Brother. A few miles.
- Thank you.

Come on Come on

Mallilie.

(Horse whinnies)

(Chickens cluck)

(Knocks at door)

I'm here to speak with Aelfric.

My Lord, we have been trying to reach you
since early this morning.

- Ever since we found out.
- Found out what?

It's Aelfric, my Lord.
He slipped away during the night.

By running away, Edwin...

...you've lent weight to the case against you.

Now, take thought. Go back to Shrewsbury.

So they can deal with him like Tom?

Deliver yourself up to Hugh Beringar.

- Shh!
SERGEANT: Open to the law!

- Go into the back.
(Knocking at door)

CADFAEL: What? No Edwin!

You've kept me from my quarry once too often,
Brother, but this time I have him.

Edwin Gurney,

I arrest you for the murder of Gervase Bonel

I know the law, Sergeant Warden.
You have no power here. This is Welsh land.

We are not bound by English law.

Murder is murder under whatever law.

Just count yourself lucky
I have to get my prisoner back to Shrewsbury,

otherwise I'd drag you to commote court myself
on a charge of assisting a fugitive.

Impudent bastard!

CADFAEL: What brought you to this place?
SERGEANT: You did Brother

When Master Gurney here slipped the net,

I took it upon me to reason
where he might run to.

And you set your mind on Mallilie?

We watched you this morning
and simply followed your trail.

"Where the one casts up," I said,
"the other won't be far."

Then Hugh Beringar didn't send you?

No. (Chuckles)
In fact, he doesn't even know we're here.

Fine surprise he'll get,
when he sees the fish I've landed.

You treat him fairly Sergeant

or you'll answer to me for it!

(Horse snorts)

How did you find us?

Through Brother Rhys.

If you're going to lie
about visiting ailing grandfathers, lad,

you might make sure they're alive.

It was all I could think of.

I had to get Edwin away
and I've no other kin in these parts.

What about your father's side?

I'm a bastard, Brother Cadfael.

I don't know who my father is

Then who sired the other baby?

The one who died with your mother in childbirth?

Brother Rhys told me...

My mother died of a fever.

Rhys's mind wanders

Christ God,
why did you have to lead them here?

Edwin would have been safe but for you!

Sergeant!

Where did you find him?

Not far from Mallilie.

- Brother Cadfael led us straight to the door.
PRIOR: How can that be?

I ordered him to Rhydycroesau.

- Then he's lost in more ways than one.
JEROME: Mallilie?

From there we followed him to some old holding
that belonged to Meurig's grandsire.

He was there also, my Lord.

- The lad and Meurig.
PRIOR: This is intolerable!

Brother Cadfael will be cast out from the Abbey
for this continued disobedience!

Warden, you transfer Master Gurney
to the castle cells. Mind you go gently this time.

- Jehan, fetch my horses from the stable.
- Yes, sir.

- Where are you going, my Lord?
- Last night, Aelfric quit the Bonels' household.

It's my belief he headed for Mallilie.

I must find Brother Cadfael.

Plainsong

CADFAEL: Neither this house nor I
can be at peace until the truth is known

RHYS: Mallilie is Welsh.

CADFAEL: But Mallilie is subject
to the laws of Wales not Norman England

RICHILDIS: Edwin is as good as hanged!

You shall have abandoned me again!

(Horse whinnies)

All those having business
at the final summer session of this court...

in the commote of Cynllaith,
draw near and give your attention.

My Lords...

- My name is Aelfric.
- (Murmuring)

Some of you here know me.

I've come to ask the court
to grant me the freedom

- promised and then denied by Gervase Bonel.
- With the court's leave...

- Meurig?
- Keep your peace for a moment longer, Aelfric.

You shall have your freedom

Declare yourself and your business.

My name is Meurig,

son of Angharad, daughter of lfor ap Morgan.

By Welsh law, I lay claim
to the manor of Mallilie...

...for by that same Angharad
I am the son of Gervase Bonel,

who held Mallilie while he lived.

Will the court hear me?

We must and will hear whoever comes
with an urgent plea such as yours.

The court will accept that by Welsh law, a son is
a son, whether born in or out of wedlock,

provided his father's acknowledged him?

JUDGE: That is so.

I have here a letter...

...given to me by my mother before she died.

The letter is written in the form of a contract.

In it, Gervase Bonel acknowledges me
as his only natural son.

As for her part, my mother agreed
to keep the truth of my parentage secret,

in exchange for an allowance
as long as she lived.

The courts will understand
that I am bound by no such stricture.

(Shocked murmurs)

We are agreed
that you are who you purport to be

and that you have the right
to make a claim upon the land.

However, it is known there was an agreement,
never completed,

to hand over the manor to Shrewsbury Abbey.

Now since no notice
has been given beforehand

we must, for form's sake, put it to the Assembly.

If there is any here who has objection,
let him stand forward now and speak.

CADFAEL: Yes

There is one who has something to say
before sanction is granted.

There is an impediment.

JUDGE: You are here to speak
on behalf of your Abbey Brother?

I am here to speak on behalf of Gervase Bonel.

I do not understand.
You said there was impediment.

I approve and endorse the law of Wales...

...which says that a son born out of wedlock
may inherit.

But not a son who has murdered his father,

as this man has.

But that is a most grave charge!

If you are in earnest,
you must now make good what you have said.

Or withdraw.

That I will do. My name is Cadfael.

I am a brother of Shrewsbury.

I am also the herbalist who made the oil
with which Gervase Bonel was poisoned...

...so my honour also is involved.

I was called to attend the dead man
and I am here now to demand justice for him.

Cadfael?

CADFAEL: Hugh if you have followed me
to Mallilie follow now to Cynllaith

Ever since he grew to manhood, Meurig
has known his position as heir was unassailable.

That is not so! My father made a will
naming his stepson, Edwin Gurney, heir.

You know the law better than that, Meurig.

Such a will could never have stood
against the claims of a true son of the blood.

But when your father granted Mallilie
to the Abbey

that was a different matter.

Had that agreement been ratified at once,

I truly believe that in time Meurig
would have become reconciled to his loss

But the delay caused him to hope again...

...and to look for some means
to prevent it ever being completed.

However, it was mere chance,
and that resulting from an act of kindness...

that showed him
where to find the means to kill

And great pity it is,
because he was never meant to be a murderer.

I could as well put forward the same story
against Aelfric or Edwin.

There's little proof. But I will not.

They, at least, had time alone with the dish
in which to add the poison!

So did you also.

Not much, I grant you,
but sufficient for your purpose.

When, Brother?

I was in plain sight from the moment I arrived
till my father took ill.

It's true, Brother.

Aldith and I had just served the stew and
gone out to the kitchen when Meurig arrived.

If he'd have gone near the dish,
we would have seen him.

So the dish was in the kitchen?

Warming on the hob, yes.

Brother, I didn't even know
who the dish was meant for!

When you were serving the stew,
didn't you tell your master

about this special dish
that the Prior had sent him?

Aldith did,

but there is no way Meurig could have known

Not at all,
unless he was in the kitchen and overheard.

But he wasn't Not till some moments later

Aldith and I saw him arrive.

The second time, yes, but not the first.

While you were serving the main meal,

could Meurig not have entered the kitchen,

overheard what Aldith was saying,

added the monk's hood to the dish
and then crept away as quietly as he'd come?

My Lords, the Sheriff's officers
have held from the beginning

that my father's stepson did this deed.

If there was any proof
to entangle me in such a tale

I should have known it from the Sheriff!

Then know it now.

My Lords, the poison that killed Gervase Bonel
was carried in this small vial.

I did not find this. It was found by an innocent
young novice who has nothing to gain by lying.

It has been proved to my satisfaction

that it was impossible for Edwin Gurney
to have left this where it was discovered.

Now, you see the stains down the side?

That is where the oil has leaked
because it was stoppered in haste.

Yet the poisoner carried it on his person,

until such time
as he could dispose of it... unobserved.

Now, in that condition,
oiled without as well as within,

it would have left a greasy stain
and a strong smell.

As I recall, Meurig,
wasn't that the scrip you were wearing that day?

Let their Lordships examine it
with the vial in their hands

and see whether it didn't lie
within there for an hour or so

before leaving its mark and odour.

No! Why should I submit to this indignity?

He's the Abbey's man,
sent to besmirch my claim!

It is a reasonable requirement.

Come, unbuckle and give up your scrip.

But this is a nonsense!

Aelfric could just as well have done this deed.

He was alone with the dish
all the way down from the Abbey.

I'm sure Aelfric has no objection
to delivering his scrip for examination.

Stay back, monk,
or I'll make an end of you here and now.

All of you, stay back!

You!

(Gasps and groans)

(Horse neighs)

Stop him!

- Come on!
- Go affer him!

I came as soon as I could...

...to arrest the wrong man, it seems.

- I must go.
- No! You're not going anywhere.

Look after him till I return.

- Where are you going?
- I've left my medicines at Mallilie.

I didn't come here expecting a fight.

Then I wasn't reckoning with Hugh Beringar.

- Cadfael!
- Be easy. I'll be back as soon as I can.

You knew I would be waiting.

Yes.

And yet you came back... alone.

Do you want to die?

Perhaps my time has come.

I am prepared.

Are you not afraid of death?

It comes to us all, Meurig.

Gervase Bonel, you, I - we all have to die.

Every one of us, sooner or later.

But we do not have to kill.

I cannot.

Oh, God!

If I could face my own death so, for I owe it...

...and dare not pay.

Help me to be fit to die

You've been conscience to other men
in your time.

For God's sake, hear my confession!

I am not a priest. I cannot give you absolution.

But you can! None but you,
who knows the worst of me.

Listen!

And then deliver me to be hanged.

Speak, then... if that will give you ease.

Those things you said...

"Never meant to be a murderer."

Haven't I just proved it?

I'm still alive.

And it wasn't fear that stayed your hand.

There is good in you, Meurig,
however deeply it may lie buried.

But Gervase also bred in you
deceit and a resentful nature.

That was your true inheritance.

Oh, yes...
I knew the sort of man your father was.

And it was that that finally led me
to the truth about your kinship,

because if he could ill-use Aldith the way he did,

then why not some other serving girl?

Especially one as beautiful
as your mother, Angharad.

I never hated my father.

But Mallilie I truly loved.

If only I could have come by it cleanly.

But there is justice.

And I've lost.

Now... deliver me up.

Let me pay for his death with mine.

What benefit to the world
would your death bring?

What must I do, Brother?

Give your love freely

and look for nothing in return

No man is measured
by the love he gives to others...

...but by how much he is loved.

(Murmuring)

Brother Cadfael, what a joy to see you!
Welcome home again.

So it seems if this reception is for me!

Brother Cadfael!

You dare to return on such a day as this,
after all you have done?

Father Prior, he's here.

PRIOR:
Father you are most heartily welcome home

There's no-one here but rejoices
to see you back among us.

Indeed, Robert, I'm happy to be back with you,

but I must inform all here
that I am no longer your Abbot,

only your brother.

It was judged best another should have charge.

So here I present to you

Father Radulfus...

appointed by the legatine council
to have rule in our abbey from this day forth

Receive your new Abbot
and reverence him, Brothers,

as I Brother Heribert of this house

have already done.

And to you, Father Abbot,
I make known Brother Robert Pennant,

who has been an exemplary support
to me as Prior

I'm sure he will serve you
with the same selfless devotion.

I trust all has been well here,
while Brother Heribert was away?

PRIOR: No, Father, it has not.

I fear there is one among us
who has committed faults of so serious a nature

that he no longer belongs here.

- Of whom do you speak?
- I speak of Brother Cadfael Father

He has endeavoured to corrupt novices

He has disobeyed every order laid upon him

...and has followed his own will,
disregarding the Rule.

And by so doing,
he's saved the lives of three men,

myself included

My Lord Beringar, it is not your place
to interfere in the business of this abbey!

And it is not your place, Brother Prior,
to speak to guests of this house in such a way.

(Murmurs of agreement)

Furthermore, it is not your place
to say who is fit to serve this house, but mine.

I will hear your complaint
against Brother Cadfael

and I shall decide whether he is to stay or no.

Come, Brothers.

They told me you were leaving.

Yes

I came to thank you.

There was no need.

To say goodbye, then.

We leave for Mallilie today.

That's well

I'm sure Edwin will prove a fine lord
for the manor.

He chose wisely in picking Aelfric for steward.

I know the pains you went to
on Edwin's behalf were not without cost.

I did what had to be done

No more.

And whatever the cost,
it was but little against what I owe...

and well worth the paying

You are not in debt to me, Cadfael,

real or imagined

You have delivered my son
from the executioner's rope.

If there's anything owed...

To part in friendship...
is a reward greater than I could have hoped for.

Must it be a parting?

Come with me.

I took my vows for life, Richildis.

But you are leaving.

Only for a few days.

One of the lay brothers at the grange
has been taken ill with a chest complaint

and I must medicine him
before it turns into anything worse.

- I thought...
- I know.

But how could I leave the herbarium
in Oswin's hands?

Oh, yes.

Let me remember you like that.

Shall I see you again?

Under the certainty of heaven,
all that we can be sure of is tomorrow.

When yesterday is already ours,
what more can we ask?

(Bell tolls)