The summer of the Danes

About “The summer of the Danes”

In the summer of 1144, England experiences a rare calm as the conflict between King Stephen and Empress Maud lessens. Brother Cadfael, a monk from Shrewsbury, welcomes the peace but also craves some adventure. He is sent on a church mission to Wales, accompanied by his friend Brother Mark. Upon their arrival, they become involved in a dispute between Welsh princes. Owain Gwynedd has exiled his brother Cadwaladr, who has gathered Danish mercenaries to reclaim his lands. Cadfael is captured by the Danes and imprisoned with a young woman who is fleeing an arranged marriage. She may have been involved in the murder of a prisoner in Owain's camp. Cadfael believes his chances of escape are low and that he will not return to Shrewsbury until a truce is made or a murder is solved.