Caedrasp rose early the next day and participated in the formal ceremony that announced a new contract, his new status, and his affirmation of the rule having the effect that he had described to Rodolphus.
‘Shall we affirm this new contract, I ask the conclave formally?’ asked Rodolphus.
Many hands went up, all the conservatives of the Order and those that waffled from side to side. Robert was forced to acknowledge his loss even before he could state his case. Pledging to obey the rule and follow the direction of Father Abbot, no one was fooled by this apparent pledge of sincerity, not for a moment, but Father Abbot won the argument. All saw the look of venomous hatred bestowed upon Caedrasp by Prior Robert as he sat at the right hand of Father Abbot and knew that it foretold dark times
