Chapter 1 Summary

Brother Cadfael is working carefree in the monastery garden when he is called in for mass. There, he listens to Prior Robert whine about how crucial it is that they obtain a relic to add prestige to their abbey. A loud cry sends Brother Cadfael and the others rushing out to find Brother Columbanus convulsing and flailing his body against the ground. They immediately blame "falling sickness," a seizure-inducing illness, and restrain Columbanus. Abbot Heribert suggests taking Columbanus to the infirmary and praying for him. Prior Robert assigns Brother Jerome to watch over Brother Columbanus and care for him, and Brother Cadfael gives Brother Columbanus one of his famous herbal mixtures to help with sleep.

In the morning, Jerome bursts into the chapter with news of a miraculous night visitor. He tells his brothers about his sweet dream, complete with shining lights and...