Brother Cadfael's Penance
First edition
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| Author | Ellis Peters |
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| Series | Brother Cadfael |
| Genre | Mystery novel |
| Publisher | Headline |
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Publication date
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May 1994 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover, Paperback) & audio book |
| Pages | 288 plus royal family tree, two maps |
| ISBN | |
| OCLC | 30702176 |
| Preceded by | The Holy Thief |
Brother Cadfael's Penance is a medieval mystery novel set in the autumn of 1145 by Ellis Peters. It is the last novel in the Cadfael Chronicles, first published in 1994 (1994 in literature).
When a rebellion arises in the north, Cadfael leaves the cloister to save two who are dear to him. One is the son he has not yet acknowledged, held prisoner by a disillusioned knight.
The Anarchy moves into stalemate, as fighting continues in the Thames valley. In the Holy Land, Edessa has fallen, giving rise to a strong desire among bishops in England and across Europe to start another Crusade to keep Jerusalem safe. In late summer of 1145, the younger son of Robert of Gloucester switches sides. Philip FitzRobert both fights on the King's side and yields his castles to King Stephen, including the newly built castle at Faringdon, with Brian de Soulis as castellan under Philip when it falls to the siege. Not all the men in that castle agree to changing sides in the eight-year fight for the crown of England between King Stephen and his cousin Empress Maud. Thirty men are taken as hostages by the King. Robert Earl of Leicester comes upon a list of the thirty and who holds each for ransom. One man is held, but his location is not known when this list reaches Hugh Beringar in November.
In November 1145, Hugh Beringar receives the list from Robert, Earl of Leicester. Olivier de Bretagne has been sought to no avail, friend to Hugh and secret son to Cadfael. The two factions will meet for a peace conference at Coventry. Earl Robert asks Hugh to attend. Cadfael tells Abbot Radulfus that he feels it is his duty to rescue his son Olivier, at the risk of breaking his vows. Radulfus allows him to accompany Hugh to Coventry. Beyond that, Cadfael is on his own.
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