"This way."
Lennox followed the monk across the grass to the cloister. Several monks were seated there, none looked up from their reading as he passed.
He’d never understood the monastic life. Why would anyone choose the life of a monk? Trapped within four walls for their entire lives, spending their time praying when there was a world out there fighting, laughing, earning money.
What would they do if some noble decided he wanted their land? Or if one of the nations from over the sea invaded? Would they expect their walls to protect them then?
The abbot was in his quarters, attached to the side of the dormitory. The abbot was hunched over a desk when they entered, another monk in a cowl beside him, whispering in his ear.
"This man would speak to you, abbot," Lennox’s companion said. "MacGregor’s boy."
The abbot turned and looked at Lennox with rheumy eyes. He looked ancient.
"My son," the abbot said. "My name is Warin. Come closer." He squinted as Lennox approached. "You look like your father."
"Is it true?" Lennox asked. "Is Walter Espec dead?"
"He has joined the choir of angels above. Begged forgiveness until the very end. You wished to see him."
"I have a letter for him from my father."
"I will take it," the cowled monk said, speaking for the first time, hand outstretched.
"You? Who are you?"
The man did not reveal himself under his hood, only his bony hand visible, outstretched toward Lennox. "You wish for the siege to be lifted from your castle?"
"What? How did you know that?"
"I am the man who can recall Robert de Ros." He snatched the letter from Lennox and tossed it into the fireplace. "And I do not work for free. What will you pay?"
"A donation to the abbey? Wood from our forests? What is it you want?"
"Walk with me, Lennox MacGregor. Abbot Warin. I bid you good day."
"Yes, yes," the abbot nodded. "A good day."
The hooded monk strode over to the door. Lennox followed him out into the sunshine. The man moved fast and it was hard to keep up with him.
"Who are you?" Lennox asked for a second time.
"A man with needs and wants like yourself. You want the siege ended, do you not?"
"I do."
"What price would you pay to ensure the safety of the MacGregor Clan and the end of future threats from Robert de Ros? One word from me, and he will return home and never bother you again. What is that worth to you? What price you would pay for peace?"
"I would pay any price."
"Good. That’s exactly what I hoped to hear. I will send word to Robert at once. The siege will be lifted by the time you return home. When you have proof that I am a man of my word, come to the twisted oak in the Wildwood. There we will talk further."
"You still haven't told me the price."
"That will be discussed when you come to me. Bring that woman of yours. I’ve a question or two for her as well."
Lennox frowned. "Who are you?"
"Good day, Lennox MacGregor. Safe journey."
