Summary

Chapter 22 is dated October 998. Wynstan's clerk, a man named Ithamar, arrives in Dreng's Ferry. He orders Edgar to withhold his testimony about the events or face losing the farm. Eadbald, Erman, and Cwenburg demand Edgar agree. Edgar does not. He imagines Mildred saying family is more important than justice, but adding that he could find a clever way around this. Wilf arrives at the monastery where he demands to talk to Osmund and Aldred. He says they should drop the matter without a trial to avoid bringing dishonor to the church. Wilf predicts Den cannot win a case against Wynstan without Aldred's testimony. Osmund wants Aldred to comply with Wilf's demand. Aldred outright refuses. Ragna has become sure she is pregnant. Knowing that miscarriage is common, she does not tell anyone. She is elated but afraid, knowing the pain and danger of birth...