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'We're not interested in that' Walter displayed ateeth 'We're here to search this place'

He pushed past her and the sacrist followed

'Brother' Alice reached out a pleading hand to the '

'We are here at the father abbot's command, Sister' The sacrist looked embarrassed 'We are instructed to inquire into accusations concerning rites and rituals forbidden by the holy fathers and repugnant to …'

'Brother, I don't knohat you're talking about'

The friar caate corievous testimony of heretical practices within his manorial domain of Sherborne There are accusations of a most unholy alliance between those who profess the faith of our saviour Jesus Christ and the infidels who prostrate theod of the Saracen unbelievers'

Alice was pleased she had delivered herbooks into Harald's care She hoped that she had not overlooked anything that should be kept beyond the reach of Abbot Bradford She maintained her innocent posture

'Father, it grieves me that you should talk in this manner I aood faith, acquiesce to your presence here'

'We are here at the lord abbot's command'

'Father, I a leave to have a servant fetch Master Baret or another of the trustees'

As she spoke, Walter began to open boxes Alice went to theEarlier that afternoon, she had seen Robin and the Welsh boys practising archery on the abbey green She waved to them and shouted

'Robin Go and fetch Master Baret …'

Before she could say reen the boys heard her screa and retreated into an alcove Walter went to the door with the beadle

For a moment there was silence Then the sound of heavy boots reverberated on the cobblestones The boys pounded up the stairs and reached the door Walter's huge bulk was unable to withstand the assault that followed They hit hi pots crashing He landed a that his back was broken

Alice pulled the boys off hi man

'Keep still Or you will cause ed from the alcove

'Is he badly hurt, Sister?'