The Heretic's Apprentice

In the summer of 1143, William of Lythwood returns to Shrewsbury from pilgrimage, in a coffin. His young attendant Elave, sets about searching for a burial place in the abbey for his 'heretic' master. Unfortunately, Elave has heretical views of his own and having drunkenly expressed them, he faces capital charges from the mighty prelate Gerbert. The beautiful Fortunata, whom Elave adores, becomes a reluctant prosecution witness and before long a violent death takes place. Brother Cadfael and his old friend Sheriff Beringer's task is therefore two-fold: to rebut the heresy charges and solve the murder.