Synopsis

Brother Oswin, a young novice under Cadfael’s care, was discovered near death, his speech fractured by feverish ramblings about a woman. The discovery deepened into tragedy when a nun was found violated, murdered, and trapped within the icy grip of a frozen stream. Suspicion immediately fell upon Oswin, but Cadfael, convinced of the boy's innocence, began an investigation. He followed the trail of Ermina Hugonin, the deceased nun’s companion, determined to uncover the truth and clear Oswin’s nam