The Hermit of Eyton Forest
First edition
|
|
| Author | Ellis Peters |
|---|---|
| Series | Brother Cadfael |
| Genre | Mystery novel |
| Publisher | Headline |
|
Publication date
|
1987 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover, Paperback), audio book & e-book |
| Pages | 224 (Hardcover) 240 (Paperback) |
| ISBN | |
| OCLC | 604439564 |
| Preceded by | The Rose Rent |
| Followed by | The Confession of Brother Haluin |
The Hermit of Eyton Forest is a medieval mystery novel by Ellis Peters, set in the autumn of 1142. It is the 14th novel in the Cadfael Chronicles and was first published in 1987 (1987 in literature).
The mystery is set in the Anarchy, the continuing battles between King Stephen and Empress Maud, now besieged in Oxford Castle. Sheriff Hugh Beringar and Brother Cadfael work together to untangle the threads of this mystery brought to them by both the civil war and the cruel ways of lords in other shires.
On 18 October 1142, Richard Ludel, lord of Eaton manor, dies of wounds taken at the battle of Lincoln in February 1141. Sheriff Hugh Beringar has charge of the manor lands for King Stephen, with the steward John of Longwood to run the manor. Abbot Radulfus is guardian of the son. Brother Paul informs young Richard, 10 years old, that he is orphaned, and lord of Eaton manor. Richard is educated at the Abbey per his father's wish. His grandmother, Dame Dionisia Ludel does not believe in such education for a lord. Her goal is to marry the boy to Hiltrude, daughter of Fulke Astley, who will inherit the estates on either side of Eaton manor: Wroxeter and Leighton. She aims at increasing family lands and her own power.
Dame Dionisia gives the hermit Cuthred and his helper Hyacinth a disused hermit's chapel. The local folks rapidly accept the hermit in their midst. He and his helper are present at the funeral of Richard's father. Otherwise, Cuthred never leaves his small residence.
In November, Eilmund, forester for the Abbey, reports unusual damage in the Eyton Forest to young trees and plants. Cuthred sends Hyacinth to tell the Abbot this is punishment for Richard being kept at the Abbey. Needing a friend to tell him about his lands, Richard approaches Hyacinth. They form a pact. Returning to the hermitage, Hyacinth saves Eilmund in Eyton Forest. He rolls a fallen willow tree off him. Local men carry Eilmund to his assart. Hyacinth runs ahead to warn Annet, Eilmund's daughter. She asks Hyacinth to fetch Brother Cadfael to set her father's broken leg.
Hugh Beringar shares the latest news in the conflict between King Stephen and the Empress Maud. She is held under siege in Oxford Castle. The Empress sent a messenger from there to Brian Fitzcount, Lord of Wallingford. Renaud Bourchier's horse was found, with empty saddlebags, and no sign of the man.
...
Wikipedia