“On Abbess Hilda’s orders, we are here to tend to the patient. This - this ruffian is preventing us.”
“That ruffian is the patient’s brother, in fact as well as in Christ. He is concerned about him and two strangers are objects of suspicion. Abbess Hilda’s help is most welcome,” I continued, more calmly, “but I will decide how my patient is to be treated. What do you have with you?” I asked. I rejected most of their lotions, potions and cordials as well-meaning but useless - and not just in this case - but I welcomed the leeches they’d brought. “Good, good. I was going to send for these anyway. You’ve done us a service. Thank you. Please apply them to his legs, six to each, and be prepared to replace them as they fall off. He needs a lot of relief.”
Abbess Hilda herself arrived in the infirmary a few moments later and the earlier argument looked like it was about to be rekindled. I persuaded her out of the room and explained all that had transpired, including the suspension of the Synod for the day. The Abbess was horrified to learn of the poisoning and wanted to know who the perpetrators were. I calmed her down and said that I would find out, as soon as I could leave the patient.
“I knew you were unusual, Anselm, but I had no idea you were so blessed. Have a care, show us no more Gifts from your quiver, or there will be those who won’t let you leave us.” To her monks, she said “Follow Brother Anselm’s orders. To the letter. If he says stay, you stay. If he says go, you go. If he says jump through a hoop of fire, dancing as you go, do it or answer to me.” She turned again to me. “I won’t get in your way, I’ve plenty to do. And now the Synod will be extended.”
“Not by much, if at all. I think its conclusion will be Friday at the latest, probably tomorrow. Oswy is almost ready to make a decision.”
“I had hoped for today. Agilbert has taken his time appointing Wilfrid to speak. I don’t think he likes him. The next session will make or break us. All of us.” With that she went to organise her many other duties.
I had my own to perform. I went in search of Colman as I had to get his permission for the first of them, and discuss the best route for the second. I found him in the Chapel, deep in thought, and disturbed him reluctantly. We came out and went to a quite spot by the chicken pens and sat on the low wall. The clucking of the birds would confuse the hearing of any who may try to eavesdrop. I gave the same response to the Abbott’s question as I had when it was posed by Oswy.
“I think - no, I believe I can keep him alive for a while. Perhaps for some time. But he needs constant attention. I need help for a cure.”
“Where from? Who shall we send for?”
“This’s what I need to ask you. The best Healer I know, or know of, one with a powerful Gift, is in Strathclyde.”
“Who’s that? Apart from Whithorn, there are hardly any Christian monks in that kingdom. I know all of that community, either personally or by recommendation. I’m not aware of any Healers who have a skill so much greater than your own.”
“The one I have in mind is not there.”
“Where then? A hermit? Who is it?” I took a deep breath, then I took another one for good measure. I wasn’t sure how Colman would react.
“The one I have in mind is not a Christian. He’s a Druid. He’s the highest Druid in the kingdom. He advises the King himself.”
Colman looked horrified.
“A pagan? A Druid? To come here? At this time?” I was prepared for this.
“I know of no other who has the Gift in such abundance, nor the skill to apply it.”
“Is there no other way? What about the Romans? Should we not consider them in this situation? At least they are Christians.”
“I doubt if the Romans have or know of anyone like this Druid. They regard these Gifts of ours with the deepest suspicion, you knowghat. They try to deny they even exist.” Colman nodded reluctant agreement. “Just by the by, I have detected in Agilbert something of the Sight, which is unusual for someone who isn’t from Britain, but I think he’s unaware. And he wouldn’t thank me for telling him. No,” I continued, “I’m virtually certain we won’t get any help from that quarter, not the degree of help we need. It has to be the Druid, I’m afraid.” Colman sighed in his turn.
“Is there no other way? Can you not do it with our help and prayers?” I shook my head and repeated my earlier statement. “Very well. Send for Dyfrig.”
“Oh, it isn’t Dyfrig. He’s gone, remember, I told you. I don’t know where. This is an old friend of mine from Erin, although he’s originally from Gwynedd. His name is Ieuan.” Colman raised his eyebrows.
“Do you trust him?”
“I trust him to help Cedd recover.”
“Very well. If it is the only way. Who shall we send that can be trusted to speak to him alone? You decide, and ask for a horse from Hilda. And hurry, by the time a messenger gets to Dumbarton and your friend gets here, two weeks will have passed. Has Cedd got that long?”
“Oswy has already offered me a horse and messenger, but we don’t have time. And anyway, I’m not sure if Ieuan would respond to someone else, even if they came in my name. I will call him myself.”
“How?” Colman regarded me with something approaching suspicion.
“We’re old friends. I can establish a mental link.” I hope, I said to myself. Colman took a long time before answering and even then it came from him with reluctance.
“Very well. I’m not happy about it, not happy at all, but very well. Tell him to come dressed as one of us. We don’t want anyone to know we’ve summoned a Druid to help us, and by mind alone. That would be all we need. The Romans would go berserk and the people would go back to blood sacrifice by sunrise.” He paused, and looked quizzically at me. “He may be able to help you with the other matter, may he not?”
“He might, now you mention it,” I suddenly felt cold and I shivered. “He may at that. Maybe God had this in mind all along?” I smiled up at the Abbott.
“Now don’t you start,” Colman replied and rolled his eyes, “if you voice belief in predestination then we’re lost for certain!” But he smiled, too. “Be discreet, Anselm. And get him to make his stay as short as possible. Deception makes me uncomfortable. And say nothing to anyone of this.”
Colman went off to confirm that the talk of a Sign from God had been effectively strangled. I headed to the hilltop for peace to make my contact. I looked around and there was no-one to be seen, but to be on the safe side I went to the shelter of some small trees that had grown up around the brook at the bottom of the valley.
I sat down and composed myself, emptying my mind of everything. Before I started I offered a prayer for success.