The Devil's Novice
First edition
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| Author | Ellis Peters |
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| Series | The Cadfael Chronicles |
| Genre | Mystery novel |
| Publisher | Macmillan |
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Publication date
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1983 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover, Paperback) & audio book |
| Pages | 192 |
| ISBN | |
| OCLC | 12585570 |
| Preceded by | The Sanctuary Sparrow |
| Followed by | Dead Man's Ransom |
The Devil's Novice is a medieval mystery novel by Ellis Peters, set in fall 1140. It is the eighth novel in the Cadfael Chronicles, first published in 1983 (1983 in literature).
It is the Anarchy, when Empress Maud's forces are rising, King Stephen is strengthening ties with needed allies, and lords of manors must choose a side. A sturdy younger son of a local manor arrives at the Abbey at Shrewsbury, to be a novice. Brother Cadfael and Abbot Radulfus must work to understand why this troubled young man thinks he is fit to be a monk.
It was adapted for television in 1996 by Central for ITV.
In mid September 1140, Meriet Aspley, the younger son of Leoric Aspley, the lord of Aspley manor, petitions the Abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul to become a monk. In October, he has nightmares where he speaks aloud, waking the entire dortoir. The superstitious novices whisper that he is possessed, and nickname him "The Devil's Novice." Canon Eluard, an emissary of Bishop Henry of Winchester, inquires after Peter Clemence, a young cleric in the Bishop's household. Clemence never returned from his diplomatic mission to Chester. Eluard questions Meriet, as Clemence was last seen as a guest at Aspley Manor. Meriet had tended the guest's horse. His father had ridden the first mile out with his guest the next morning, on his way to Whitchurch for his next night's lodging.
Eluard completes the mission assigned to Clemence. Eluard rides on to King Stephen to urge his visit to Ranulf of Chester and his brother, William of Roumare, at Lincoln, which suggestion is taken up. Sheriff Prestcote travels with King Stephen, leaving Hugh Beringar in charge. Armed with Meriet's description, Beringar finds Clemence's horse and returns it to the Abbey stables. The next morning, Meriet identifies the horse for Beringar, telling the horse's name, Barbary, same name he cried in his sleep. Brother Jerome is officious. Meriet jumps on Jerome and nearly strangles him, before Cadfael restrains him. Meriet is punished by being whipped and kept ten days in a punishment cell.
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