“You know the island like the back of your hand, Deormund, so I’m putting you in charge of the men while you’re on Sceapig. I’ll send Wardric with you in case you need a wise old head. I’m going to Canterbury to consult with Archdeacon Wulfred.”
“I won’t let you down, Thegn.”
Sibert knew that, for he had noticed the deer herder’s leadership abilities. His journey to Canterbury was also based on this observation, but he was too canny to anticipate his plans to Deormund, lest they went awry.
As the religious house at Minster was a nunnery, Deormund knew little about his new responsibility. He gained access to the abbey with the excuse of visiting his cousin Beonna. They had not spoken for the three years since she had finished her novitiate. Eyeing her relative with suspicion, she asked,
