The Devil's Novice

In September of the year of Our Lord 1140, a priestly emissary for King Stephen has been reported missing. But what troubles Brother Cadfael is a proud, secretive nineteen-year-old novice. Brother Cadfael has never seen two men more estranged than the Lord of Aspley and Meriet, the son he coldly delivers to the abbey to begin a religious vocation. Meriet, meek by day, is so racked by dreams at night that his howls earn him the nickname the Devils Novice. Shunned and feared, he is soon linked to the missing priests fate. Only Brother Cadfael believes in Meriets innocence, and only he can uncover the truth before a boys pure passion, not evil intent, leads a novice to the noose.