IX. A Monk’s Habit…

The sound of footsteps echoed around the shadowy undercroft. Hugh looked up and caught a glimpse of a hooded figure moving swiftly past the piers of rounded stone. He tensed expecting further trouble, his hand resting on the sword still at his side.
     “Brother Robert tells me we have more guests, my child.” A disembodied voice cut through the darkness. Heloise turned toward it with recognition. The tension that had been evident in her features when talking to Philip disappeared and was replaced with a genuine smile of affection.
     “Brother Benedict you’re back! Yes, two men were looking for a bed for a few nights. And as I knew there was space…”
     “Quite right. Quite right.” The figure stepped forward into the light pushing the hood off as he spoke. “An unpleasant night to be outside. You’re most welcome.” Feeling somewhat foolish Hugh nodded to the monk in acknowledgement. He could see now that the man was wearing the dark brown robes of a Benedictine. Hugh was surprised by the youth of the figure, and supposed him to be around the same age as Richard. Yet they could not have been more dissimilar. Whereas Richard had the compact and hardened body of a warrior, Benedict was lanky and skinny, his movements almost clumsy. This caused Hugh to wonder if he had been a child oblate, promised to the church since birth. Despite his evenly cut tonsure, Benedict’s brown hair still managed to look wild as it stuck out at various angles. However the green eyes that returned his curious study were calm and unflinching. Though on outer appearances he seemed a youthful stray unsuited to the cloistered life, it appeared that his soul was well tailored to a monk’s habit. There was something reassuring in his frank green gaze and the crumpled Benedictine robes he wore. It was easy to see why Heloise had warmed to him.
     With a pale arm Benedict gestured towards the back of the undercroft. “Some of my charges also sleep here. They were all monks at the cathedral before they grew to infirm to continue their duties. I look after them as best I can and keep them comfortable, but it is now simply a matter of time. There are also eleven of you pilgrims in total at the moment. You’ll be able to meet the rest of them later at supper in the refectory.” Hugh regarded the monk wearily, as he heard the slight amusement in his tone, and wondered if Benedict had witnessed the earlier scene between Richard and the relic-seller. His green eyes however remained steady and gave nothing away as he continued, “For now I suggest you unpack, rest and give thanks unto God for your safe arrival.” One of his charges gave a weak cough, and Benedict’s attention shifted. “You’ll excuse me,” he said softly as he hurried over to his patient, his long habit brushing across the stone floor.