Cadfael woke the next morning to find that Hugh had already left the room. He must have left between Prime and Tierce he thought as he gathered his robe and made his way out of the small room. Moving down the hallway, he made his way to Rhiannon's room to check and see that Lyam was still recovering as well as he had seemed to be doing the previous day. The wound had started to heal itself and had stopped bleeding, but if Lyam moved to quickly or the wrong way, it would start bleeding, something that was to be avoided if at all possible. Cadfael also knew that despite the looks of the healing wound, it would be months before Lyam was completely recovered.

Reaching the door, he opened it and made his way into the room, stopping when he saw that the room was empty. Quickly turning around, he ran down the hallway towards the main hall. Seeing no trace of Lyam there, he stopped, trying to figure out where Lyam could have gotten too. His ears detected the clang of steel on steel outside and ran outside.

In the main courtyard, Cadfael saw men he recognized from Ian's retinue scattered around the courtyard, all focused on the sparring which was going on in the middle. Seeing Lyam standing next to Michael and Ian on the side, he made his way over to them. "Why on Earth are you out of bed? I thought I told you to stay still."

"Ah but Brother I am staying still. I had every intention of staying in bed, but I heard the Lord Beringar had accepted a challenge to a practice bout. Who am I to refuse seeing a match between one of our own versus the sheriff?" Cadfael thought he detected amusement in Lyam's voice, and turned to watch his friend and his opponent. While Hugh stood a few inches taller than his opponent and had a longer reach, it appeared that the Avon man was holding his own. Hugh had forgone the use of a helm and Cadfael could see sweat on his forehead as he circled with his opponent, trying to find an opening. The other man was not making it easy for him. He had accepted a helm that shadowed most of his face. Cadfael also noticed that he used a sword that seemed a bit smaller than the normal broadsword. "Is that young man using a training sword for this bout?"

Ian nodded. "If you hadn't noticed, he's slightly smaller than most of the others here. While he is capable of wielding a standard broadsword, he prefers a smaller weapon. Sacrifices some reach, but able to make up for it in agility."

Cadfael returned his eyes to the ring. Both had continued circling around the area, but kept wary eyes open. Hugh must have seen an opening, for he suddenly brought his sword up and over his head to presumably come down on his opponent's shield. But when the sword came down, there was no shield to meet it. With unnatural quickness, the Avon man had moved out of the way and come behind Hugh, knocking him off balance with his shield. Something about the way Hugh's opponent was moving bothered Cadfael, but he could not place it. The balance and movement seemed…off somehow. With a sudden realization, he turned back to Lyam and Ian. "Surely that is not?"

Michael smiled as Lyam laughed. "Of course it is Brother. Surely you're not surprised after your conversation last night? The woman saved my life as well as your own with her archery. Doesn't it follow that she would be able to engage in swordplay as well? Why else do you think I would leave my bed? Rhiannon has excellent sword skills and I'd like to see her use them on someone other than me." Cadfael seemed soothed by this, but wanted confirmation from Ian. "You knew of course my lord?"

"I've known since she started. She manages to beat me every once and again, and we try to have a sparring match when I visit, but I think by mutual agreement we decided it would not be wise to spar this morning. I did not realize she would end up choosing the sheriff to use as a way to get rid of her aggression with me." The statement was said with dry amusement.

"Your sister has had an unusual upbringing my lord, which was to my benefit yesterday."

"If she was a well-brought up woman she would not have followed yesterday and we would not be having this conversation. I told her to stay to prevent her from being carried off again." The amusement was gone.

"Ian, she would have followed anyway. You were going out after these raiders without knowing whether there was the possibility of an ambush. She was worried. You should have seen her when Cadfael and Ben brought me in on your horse; she was so pale the veins on her face were prominent. She cares deeply for her family and you are the only one left." Lyam was acting as mediator, as Rhiannon had named him last night.

"I only hope that her 'unusual upbringing', as Brother Cadfael called it, will not be her downfall." Cadfael could see that Ian had taken Lyam's words to heart.

"She fights well, but is making mistakes this morning. I'm surprised that Lord Beringar hasn't managed to disarm her yet, they've been at it for half an hour." Michael commented from his perch against the wall. Before another minute passed, Rhiannon's sword flew out of her hand and Beringar's was at her throat. "Do you yield?"

"Yes my lord." Rhiannon's head was bowed, but Cadfael could see Hugh's look of astonishment as he truly looked at the figure in front of him. Dropping his sword, he reached down and grabbed the other discarded sword. "Your sword, my lady." Rhiannon reached up and took off her helm, her hair falling down her back in a thick braid. "How long have you known that you were fighting me?"

"Truly? About two minutes. You fight as well as any man, although you could use some practice." Cadfael stifled a chuckle at Hugh tried to deal with the uncomfortable feeling he had at being in this situation that was obviously unfamiliar. Rhiannon understood the sheriff's unfamiliarity and bowed her head. "My lord, I am afraid that I may have acted in a manner that is not what you would consider fitting for one of my station. If you will excuse me, I will return to the house to change into more traditional attire." Curtseying to her brother and his companions, she started to return to the house.

"Rhiannon," called Ian.

"Yes, my lord?" Rhiannon said, turning in her tracks.

"You should avoid bringing your sword over your head unless you have the speed to bring it down, otherwise you'll lose the advantage." Rhiannon just stared.

"Does this mean I am forgiven then brother?" she asked.

"Until you're next infraction." He went close and put his arms around her. "Do not do something so foolhardy again. I just lost father, I've already lost a brother. Do not be the reason I lose a sister. Now go and change, we can't have our guests see the lady of the manor dressed as a boy." With that, he let her go and she resumed her path to the house, this time with a smile on her face.

Hugh made his way over to the foursome. "My lord, I must say, your sister acts in a way most unconventional."

"She has always been treated as more than a daughter of the house, especially following David's death. Our father and some of the older servants say that she is the splitting image of our mother, who died when David was extremely young. The only difference is the eyes; those are identical to father's. I think that because of that, our father was unable to deny her anything. She was tutored along with David when he was learning how to run the estate, and I've been told that she could probably run it as well as any man I would be able to find for her."

"Don't forget Ian, she's been taught archery and horseback riding since she was six, and started sword and dagger instruction when she was twelve, simply because she would not leave Lord Richard alone." Michael said from his seat. "He thought that not only would it keep her occupied, it would also help drive David to try harder, for who would want to have a girl, let alone your sister, be a better swordsperson than you?"

"Who indeed?" Hugh muttered. Cadfael could tell he was still slightly disturbed by the idea that a woman would be trained in these male pastimes. Cadfael decided that when the two of them had helped Ian in the burial of his father and setting up a betrothal for his sister, that they would have to talk. Hugh was a very good friend, but did not necessarily share the monk's more progressive viewpoints. "My lord Ian, have you sent a man to Shrewsbury to report the raid?"

"I sent a man early this morning to the abbot with the news that you and the sheriff arrived in one piece, if not safely, in addition to the news of the raid, about two hours ago. Providing he made good time, he should return to Avon by midafternoon with Abbot Radulfus to bury my father. I told Father Abbot he could bring other monks if he wished or if they were needed. Well, while it was nice to see my sister exercising her skills and finding them not lacking entirely, it is time for our household to move on with the grievous occurrences of the past two days. Michael, I'll need you in the office in an hour with a list of possible people we could betroth to Rhiannon as well as preparations for the funeral. My lord Beringar and Brother Cadfael, you are welcome to eat whatever you may find in the kitchens. Brother, I will find Geoffery or someone else to show you where we have laid my father so you can help with the body." Turning to Hugh, he said, "My lord, I thank you profusely for coming to Avon on my request. I wish that it had not been as eventful as it had been."

"We cannot control the past. I assure you Lord Ian that I will do my best to help you catch these raiders." Hugh said this firmly, the promise of the sheriff and the man together.

"Thank you." Turning to where Lyam was sitting, he said, "So help me Lyam, if I see you out of bed again today, best friend or no, I will forcibly put you back in it and when you are fully recovered beat you for disregarding orders." While said with a completely level tone, Ian could not keep one of his eyebrows from rising in amusement, daring Lyam to defy him. Even Cadfael and Hugh, newcomers, caught the subtle exchange, so they were not surprised when Lyam performed a greatly exaggerated bow and saying, "Of course great lord. I will return to my bed at once and shall tremble with the very thought of your threat."

Unable to control it any longer, Ian laughed as Lyam returned to the house. Returning his attention to Hugh and Cadfael, "If you will excuse me, I have to meet with Michael shortly and I should probably make my peace with Rhiannon before then, for I fear it will be disrupted once she finds out I've already been searching for suitors for her." He left then, leaving Cadfael and Hugh to their own devices.

"I think I should go tend to Lord Richard. It would be extremely bad for Father Abbot to arrive and not have a body prepared for burial."

"Heaven forbid." Hugh said with a grin. "We would not want to give him a reason to cast you out, as was put forth when you first met."

"And every day I thank God that the impression he received of me from Prior Robert is not the one he has kept." Cadfael said only half in jest as they made their way over to Geoffery, who was making his way out of the main house, running his hand over his black hair. "Brother Cadfael, Ian asked me to show you to where his lordship's body is. Do you need anything out of your room first?"

"No Geoffery. I think that if I need anything, I'll be able get it myself at that time." Following Geoffery's lead, they went through the house, past the main hall and through the kitchen and adjoining storage room. When Cadfael entered, he crossed himself and said a quick prayer. A table lay in the center of the room with Richard upon it, hands crossed atop his breast, eyes shut. If it were not for the pained expression on his face, he could have been mistaken for one asleep.

"I'll leave you to it then Brother. If you need anything, just send for me and I will do my best to help you. Bowing to Hugh he turned and left.

"Well Cadfael, it certainly looked like he is uncomfortable around a dead man." Hugh said with a trace of sarcasm as Cadfael moved to the body, pushing up his sleeves over the elbows to examine the body and see what needed to be done. Hugh continued in jest, "You don't think he killed him, do you?"

"Do not speak so Hugh. This house has had enough misfortune without jesting about such things." Cadfael scolded as he uncrossed the hands and laid them flat on the table.

"Honestly Cadfael, I don't understand why you had to come out here. It appears that while it may have been painful, it seems to be a natural death." Hugh caught sight of a stool and had a seat out of Cadfael's way.

"I think any comfort that can be offered is not something we question. While I was asked to come before the raid, now it is clear that the rest of the household is busy trying to put the household back to rights and I should do what I can." Cadfael murmured as he started to run his hands over the face in order to relax the features contorted in a grimace of pain. "While I'm sure all on the estate have seen or heard Richard is dead, they do not need to see him having died painfully."

During the course of his words, the dead man's eyes had rolled open. As Cadfael looked at them, he noticed that they were in fact identical to what Rhiannon's were, but also looked remarkably similar to another set of eyes he had seen recently, but could not place. The green eyes had flecks of gold in them that were still present, but dulled in death. "What's this?" Cadfael said quietly, bending closer.

"What is it Cadfael?" Hugh stood up and made his way over to the monk, leaning over his shoulder.

"Look at his eyes Hugh. The pupils here," he pointed, "do they look larger than normal to you?" Hugh took a closer look.

"Yes, but what does that have to do with anything?"

"Maybe nothing." Cadfael said. "How old as Lord Richard when he died?" He knew that he had jumped to a completely different tangent, but the suspicions in his mind were suddenly not as innocent as a natural death. Hugh had become used to such jumps, so he decided he would follow. Cadfael always let him in to his theories, albeit sometimes after the fact.

"I don't know exactly; forty-eight, fifty maybe? Ian is my age at twenty-six and Rhiannon is eighteen, so I'd say that it would be a good guess. Are you going to tell me where you are going with this or not?"

"All in good time though I will need to speak to the Lady Rhiannon soon. Your jests may have had the hint of truth in them." Cadfael ended with a deep sigh. Hugh looked incredulously at his friend. "You mean to tell me that Richard was murdered, his house attacked, and his daughter almost carried off? To what purpose? I don't think Daniel would be so bold."

"Perhaps he isn't."

"I don't follow." Hugh said his head cocked to the side. "I don't know where you have gotten this idea that Richard was murdered to begin with."

Cadfael moved back to Richard's body, having moved away when talking to Hugh. Reaching down, he gently took a hold of the head. "You see how the pupils on the eyes are dilated? In a normal death, the eyes would remain normal." Cadfael set the head back down. "He died in pain, you and I could both see that. I would have to speak with some members of the house, but if Richard had been in good health until right before he died, I would say that Richard had been poisoned." Hugh arched an eyebrow, prompting Cadfael to continue. "There is a plant which is relatively common in this area called belladonna, or deadly nightshade. If someone ingests a portion of the plant, they will become violently ill and unless cleansed from the system, it will kill, leaving the victim in pain and the pupils dilated."

Hugh went to the door and turned. "I hope that it is just a series of coincidences Cadfael, because otherwise we may have come upon a cursed house." He left and did not hear Cadfael say "Some curses have very human origins."

Looking at the body, Cadfael spoke aloud to the room. "What am I missing? There is something here, but I am afraid I cannot see it." Deciding that Father Radulfus would need to see how Cadfael came to his conclusion, Cadfael laid Richard's hands across his chest once again and left the storeroom. Seeing a young boy about eleven years old walking past, he stopped him and asked him to make sure no one went into the room. Having taken care of that, he made his way to the room he and Hugh shared, feeling that he and Hugh would need to try and solve a crime very soon.

On his way down the hall, he saw Hugh standing next to an open door with Michael and Ian inside. Hugh was obviously waiting to make his presence known, hearing voices talking quietly inside. While Hugh and Cadfael could not hear the entire conversation, they could hear Rhiannon's name mentioned quite often.

"…she won't do it…."

"…he's too old Michael."

"…will protect her best Ian, allow her to be herself." Quiet settled over the room at which point Cadfael decided it would be okay to put his head inside the door. "My lord?"

"Come in Brother. I hope your work went smoother than ours. I fear Rhiannon will be unhappy no matter who we chose."

"She will understand I think." Hugh offered from the door, not knowing if Cadfael wanted to talk about the possibility that Ian's father had been murdered, seeing as he had not offered how their 'work' had gone. "Who have you considered for Lady Rhiannon to marry? I may be able to offer some insight, if it is agreeable to you."

Ian gestured for Michael to talk, leaning back in his chair. He had a neutral expression on his face, not showing how he felt about the situation. "Well, at this point I think it is who from this list will consider us. As you've experienced, my lord Beringar, my lady is slightly unorthodox."

"That she is." Hugh broke in, a smirk on his face. "Although unorthodox is a polite way of saying it, I believe."

"Yes, well, I consider Rhiannon to be as close to me as my own sister, and I am in the presence of company, so I think polite is the way to go." Michael grinned and went back to what he had been saying. "I think we have three on our list that would be amenable to the situation. Mark Conan of Glenforest is near the Welsh border, and has been master of his estate for fifteen years with almost no problems from the Welsh. He was married, but widowed when his wife died in childbirth. Both child and mother died. He's said to be a fair man with his people, but is very withdrawn. He has been a verbal supporter of Empress Maude since the war started, but has not given any public, tangible support. Well respected, but I think he's too set in his ways for Rhiannon. Plus there is the question that he is nearly twice Rhiannon's age." Ian had a scowl on his face at this, but did not interrupt.

"Damian Fitzjohn of Malden, near Manchester, is just a year older than Rhiannon and only inherited his land two years ago. He has a reputation to be somewhat hotheaded and aloof, but extremely popular among the fairer sex. That is one of the reasons that a match was never fully considered, until now. Also the fact that while unmarried, he already has two bastard children that while not at the estate, are provided for publicly by Damian. He seems not to be extremely intelligent, but devious, able to cause mischief. He has not said who he supports, but his actions appear to favor Stephen.

"Christian Garney of Corsbury is not too far from here and is well respected. He's your age Ian, not too much of an age gap. He does not mix with politics often, only becoming involved when his holdings are directly involved. He is known to be able to negotiate extremely well and prevent violence, but also has a good grasp of tactics if it is ever needed. Surprisingly, he has not yet married to try and ensure an heir, even though he has been urged to by King Stephen. I met him once, and he has a presence about him, and a wicked sense of humor. He also has an open mind, so I don't think he would be…overwhelmed by Rhia. I think that if he accepted, he would be the best choice for her."

Hugh stayed where he was, but had a look of astonishment on his face. "Michael, I do not know where you got your information, but it is very thorough. One would think you command your own network of spies. I think you have an accurate portrayal of each of the men, even though I have not met Lord Damian or Lord Christian personally."

Michael laughed. "No spies for me, my Lord. Richard had me getting ready to start the process for Rhiannon three months ago. Ian was going to offer his opinion on his visit."

Cadfael leaned forward in the chair he had found. "So people were aware then that Richard was searching for a husband for Lady Rhiannon?"

"It was not broadcast openly, but word had been sent to the three on whether they might be interested. Damian especially was interested in a match, even if Richard was not too keen on one after hearing about Damian's personality. Mark and Christian both said they would consider and offered to come and meet either here or a nearby town, such as Shrewsbury. It is possible it was mentioned by one of the three if they were asked."

Cadfael sat back, thinking this tidbit of information over. That makes for an interesting set of coincidences. If the raiders had gotten away with Rhiannon, they could claim marriage, thinking none of the other suitors would want 'used' goods. But who gains the most from Richard's death? "My lord, may I ask a question?"

"Always, I just may not answer." Ian said with a grin.

"Would Avon be part of Rhiannon's dowry?"

Ian's grin faded, looking at Cadfael, as if he wasn't quite sure how to answer him. "I can lay no claim to Avon; that was one of the conditions I had to agree to if I was to go to Ireland. Although I rarely speak for Rhiannon, I think that she would agree with me that we would we would want to keep Avon in our family. I think that for now, Rhiannon would take Avon with her to her marriage, to whoever that may be. Whatever happens after that we will worry about then."

Before he could continue with his explanation, Jeffery came into the room. "My lords, Abbot Radulfus is in the main yard. Would you like to meet him there or should I bring him this way?"

Ian stood. "I will greet the abbot and offer him some refreshments. Michael, stay here. I will be coming back this way after greeting the abbot, and I will make your apologies. I'm sure he will understand. Brother, my lord if you'll come with me, we will go meet the abbot."

"We'll be coming presently my lord. My body moves slower these days." Cadfael said with an exaggerated movement to stand. Ian nodded distractedly, not wanting to show disrespect to Father Abbot.

Michael grabbed some papers off the desk and settled back in the chair, waving his hand at them. "Don't worry about me; I'm sure you are eager to see your abbot Brother Cadfael." Slightly chastised that they had forgotten that Michael was to be left behind, Hugh went over to Michael's chair. "You do extremely well by your lord and lady. Such loyalty is hard to find and even harder to keep. They are blessed."

"Thank you for that kind sentiment. They are as close to family as I can ever have, so I will do everything to the best of my ability for them." With that, Cadfael and Hugh made their way out of the room, Cadfael trying to maintain his ruse that his body was causing him to move slowly. Once they were out of earshot of the room, Hugh opened his mouth to speak, but was cut off. "I'll tell you, don't worry. Who benefits from Rhiannon being carried off? It was known to some that she was going to be married off and she becomes more appealing with Avon being part of her dowry."

"You think that one of the suitors arranged this? But why kill Richard then? He was going to have her married regardless."

"I didn't say it was one of the suitors. If any of them mentioned it to someone else, it could be any number of people. Besides, you were given Daniel of Stafford's patch."

"A setup then? I'm afraid we do not have enough to connect any of these events."

Cadfael looked at his friend. "Damian was eager to have a match, even though Richard was not keen on the idea."

"But murder? He is young for that, don't you think?"

"He is old enough to be lord in his own right and make his own decisions, so I think he is capable of many things."

"Cadfael, we must restrict ourselves to what we known and not seek mystery where none exist. Either we tell those involved or find more proof to back up your theories." With that, they arrived in the hall and had to leave their speculations for a later time.

A/N: I paraphrased a quote from The Sanctuary Sparrow during the conversation at the end of the chapter. Massive kudos points to anyone who can tell me which part. Also, the suitors and their residences are completely fictional, they are not meant to be modeled after any particular place. I've merely made up estates for them near different parts of the area surrounding Avon.