The Pilgrim of Hate (Chronicles of Brother Cadfael #10), Ellis Peter. New York: Mysterious Press/Open Road Media, 2014 (Originally published in 1984).

Summary: The Feast of the translation of St. Winifred is the occasion of new found love, a fugitive fleeing from murder, thievery, and a miracle, all of which engage Cadfael’s attention.

Abbot Radulfus has just returned from a legatine council where the support of the religious was urged for Empress Maud, maneuvering to be crowned Queen, seizing the crown from Stephen. The council ended in disorder and murder when Stephen’s wife sends an emissary to plead for his release, and a band attempts his murder only to be foiled by one of Maud’s knights, Rainald Bossard, who is stabbed in the back for his efforts, with the murderer at large. Radulfus is deeply disturbed by the murder and the depths of disorder he sees in the country.

Nevertheless, he returns at a time of celebration, the anniversary of the translation of the remains of Saint Winifred to the Abbey. The celebration finds Cadfael troubled. Only he and Hugh know that her actual remains lay in Wales, something Cadfael deeply believes she would have wanted. But does she look with favor on his subterfuge? Miracles continue to occur in Wales, but not in Shrewsbury. Cadfael hopes for a sign that what he did was right.

The Feast draws a crowd of pilgrims of all sorts. Among them are those who hope for a miracle. Dame Alice Weaver hopes for one for her nephew Rhun, a young man with a withered leg and twisted foot, able to walk only with crutches. Rhun is more concerned for his sister Melangell, who, without a dowry, faces a hard life. Cadfael ministers to Rhun, working the knotted muscles, but Rhun refuses potions to ease his pain, wishing them for others with greater need. There are also four suspicious merchants, actually thieves, causing mischief throughout the story, with Hugh close on their tails. Finally, two other pilgrims traveling together attract Cadfael’s attention. One is Ciaran, under a vow to walk barefoot to Wales, wearing a heavy cross that cuts into his neck that he refuses to remove. He is accompanied by Matthew that has taken a vow to accompany Ciaran. Along the way, he has occasion to render assistance to Melangell, the beginning of a growing bond between them.

Then Olivier de Bretagne shows up, who we first encountered in The Virgin in the Ice, when he works with Cadfael to rescue some refugee children. He is hoping to persuade Hugh to come over to Empress Maud’s side. Having sworn fealty to King Stephen, Hugh will not abandon his word. In a way, Olivier expected nothing less. He asks help on another matter. He is seeking Luc Meverel, son of the murdered Rainald Bossard, who went missing after the murder. Meanwhile Hugh is seeking Bossard’s murderer. Could these two be among the pilgrims, perhaps even guests at the abbey?

All these threads come to a head at the procession of the saints relic’s to the abbey church and the service that followed. Matthew and Melangell are in the procession, transported in both worship and love. Earlier, Ciaran had confided in Melangell that he released Matthew from his vow and was going alone to Wales, slipping away during the festivities. He swears her to silence. Then, as pilgrims approach the reliquary in prayer, it comes Rhun’s turn. He comes with no expectation for himself, praying for Melangell, when suddenly he puts his crutches aside, putting weight on the twisted foot which untwists, his atrophied leg becoming strong before the eyes of all. He climbs the steps, then kneels, and the church bursts out in praise. Cadfael, who has ministered to the young man, knows the extent of the miracle and the sign he has been given

But all is not wonderful. When Matthew learns Ciaran has left, and that Melangell knew of it, in anger, he strikes her on the cheeks, and goes in pursuit. Olivier goes after them on one road, believing one of them is Luc. Cadfael and Hugh learn they had taken a different path and follow, believing one is a murderer. Meanwhile, remember those thieves? They turn up as well, putting Cadfael at great risk. Meanwhile, a grieving Melangell waits in uncertainty back in Shrewsbury.

The procession and miracle, to me were a high point in the writing in this whole series, as if Peters were caught up in the events as well. The miracle comes as a grace, as all such works of God do. Rhun seems surprised as any, going forward in submission to his Aunt and out of love for Melangell. And Cadfael receives another gift, time with Olivier. Hugh notes their connection, and even resemblance, and is entrusted with a confidence from Cadfael, a mark of their ever-deepening friendship. This is all wonderful writing, reminding the reader that amid turmoil, evil, and murder, there is a deeper goodness, a richer beauty, and a wonder to be embraced.