Thegn Sibert had decided to return to Lyminge anyway, to finish the work of levelling the ring fortification the Vikings had thrown up. So he was not inconvenienced when a messenger arrived from the Archdeacon of Christ Church, Canterbury, demanding that he meet him there.
“It seems we have a mystery to solve,” Sibert announced gravely. “Archdeacon Wulfred informs me that the prioress of Lyminge Abbey has disappeared without a trace.” The thegn frowned and shook his head. “It appears she was out of the confines for reasons of… as he puts it… pastoral care. She did not return as usual to fulfil her duties. The archdeacon has summoned the shire reeve but requires our help to search the area around Lyminge.”
pastoral care. Deormund rode out with the thegn and fifteen other men, their horses
