My first Cadfael fanfic! From what I have read in this fandom is that Hugh having a son named Giles is popular, though I can't find who had the original idea (my research tells me that he doesn't have a son in the books, though that might be wrong, I've only got to reading book 3). I really like the thought of Hugh naming his son after his wife's late brother, whose unfortunate demise played a large part in their meeting and subsequent relationship, so I have used it here.
"What's the sea like?" asked little Giles Beringar as he sat on Brother Cadfael's knee. They sat on a bench outside the elderly monk's herbarium, enjoying the evening sunlight. Giles' father, Hugh, had left his 4 year old son in Cadfael's care whilst he conversed with the Abbot in his chamber as Giles had demanded to see Brother 'Cadful' when he learned of Hugh's summons. "Papa said you boated across it when you were younger."
"Well, my boy," started Cadfael, "I did travel across the sea when I fought under the cross in Jerusalem. Before my first voyage I didn't know what it was going to be like, I had never seen the sea before. It was exciting, until I got sea sick on the first day. I got very sick." Giles screwed his face up.
"Like Papa last winter?" Cadfael nodded. "Ewwww."
"The sickness passed after a few days and I got to enjoy it. When you are on a ship the sea stretches across from horizon to horizon and you can only see the land if you are close enough to it. There were days where I could not see the land at all. The sun sparkles off the waves and when the wind blows you can taste the sea. When the ship is near port the sea birds fly alongside the ship and you can hear them calling."
"Does the sea shine brighter than Saint Win-frid's box?"
"Saint Winifred's reliquary, yes."
"Wow," Giles breathed and Cadfael could see the wonder and the evening's golden light shine in his wide eyes. "I want to see the sea."
"One day you will, my boy, I am sure."