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Despite Thomas’ fears, the night was undisturbed other than the misty rain that strengthened as the night wore on, making it difficult to sleep. The small fire that crackled in the corner of the sheepfold helped some, but not much. The damp rose up from the ground and leached away any small warmth their cloaks and blankets provided, leaving them tossing and turning. Halfway through Seamas’ watch during the second part of the night, Thomas gave up and joined Seamas, who leaned on the sheepfold’s low wall, looking out into the night.
The monk turned to him, his face indistinct in the gloom. Soon the monastery bell would ring for dawn prayers, and Seamas would join the rest of the brothers at the church, praising God as they greeted the new day. Normally Thomas would attend the prayers w
