CHAPTER 20Because of the December snow that covered the monastery and the surrounding countryside, Kendra donned on a thick coat, woollen cap and mittens before she pushed open the upper balcony door. Though only mid-afternoon it was already dull as snowflakes hit her face and collar. She grinned at the the silhouette of the man outside.
"Hi William," she said. "Watching the flags again?"
The old man turned and smiled. "I won't be able to read them for long in this light."
"So what have you learnt?"
"The unrest in Northumbria has become worse and refugees have arrived at the village to our south."
"But the Vikings don't raid in winter."
"I don't think it's them, Kendra. It is more likely to be the result of fighting within the Royal family itself. King Osbert is from the Bernician fa
