The Sanctuary Sparrow
First edition
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| Author | Ellis Peters |
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| Series | Brother Cadfael |
| 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 | 233809069 |
| Preceded by | The Virgin in the Ice |
| Followed by | The Devil's Novice |
The Sanctuary Sparrow is a medieval mystery novel by Ellis Peters, set in spring 1140. Published in 1983, it is the seventh novel in The Cadfael Chronicles.
The story opens during the midnight service at the Abbey, when a young man seeks sanctuary, just seconds ahead of a mob of locals fresh from a wedding feast, charging him with theft and murder.
The novel was the second of the series to be adapted for television in 1994 by Central for ITV.
The story takes place over 7 days in May 1140.
At the midnight services of Matins on a lovely May night, a boy speeds into the Abbey church just ahead of mob after him for theft and murder. Abbot Radulfus stops the mob, grants the victim's request for sanctuary and successfully orders the mob to return in quiet the next morning to discuss their charges. Liliwin is a wandering jongleur and entertainer, evicted from the goldsmith's wedding reception earlier for breaking a wine jug during his routine.
A sergeant under Sheriff Prestcote informs Liliwin that he is accused of assault and robbery. The boy's term of sanctuary will expire in forty days; if he leaves the grounds he will be taken – if lucky by the Sheriff's men, if not by the townspeople. Abbot Radulfus firmly asserts the rights of sanctuary for Lilliwin, who protests his innocence. Daniel Aurifaber, grandson of the house, then requests Brother Cadfael to treat his grandmother at their home.
Cadfael treats Dame Juliana, and interviews several in the household. He retrieves the juggling balls that Liliwin left behind. The greed of Dame Juliana permeates the household. Cadfael sees signs of Liliwin's innocence, expressing as much to Deputy Sheriff Hugh Beringar. Liliwin's only tears fall for the loss of his rebec, which Cadfael finds on a walk back to the Abbey.
When Liliwin hears that the young maid Rannilt has sympathy for him, he is pleased. Brother Anselm teaches him to read and write music and works to restore the rebec to condition. A weekend in the Abbey sees Liliwin begin to recover from his wounds in a true sanctuary. On Monday Rannilt visits Liliwin with food from Susanna, and discarded men's clothing from Margery. The two fall deeply in love, then make love and fall asleep behind the chapel altar during Vespers. Liliwin's absence is noted. Liliwin and Rannilt wake at Compline having slept too long. Liliwin escorts Rannilt home, the pair walking past the guards on duty to watch for him. He risks his sanctuary for her safety. Liliwin sees Daniel leave the Aurifaber home that evening, which he reports to Brother Cadfael.
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