The Fifth Cadfael Omnibus

Book excerpt: THE ROSE RENT: A young woman, recently widowed bestows one of her properties on the Abbey of Shrewsbury. In return she expects an annual rent of a single rose. But such a beautfiul and wealthy woman is an attractive proposition for suitors. Someone it seems will stop at nothing to prevent the payment of the rose- not even murder. THE HERMIT OF EYTON FOREST: Ten year old Richard Ludel has become the new Lord of Eaton following the death of his father and is expected to make a marriage of convenience. But Richard befriends the young companion of Cuthred the Hermit who has recently taken up residence at Eyton Forest; a place of peace. But its tranquility is shattered by the discovery of a corpse. THE CONFESSION OF BROTHER HAULIN: Brother Haulin slips from the roof of the Abbey and makes his deathbed confession to the Abbot and Brother Cadfael. When Haulin recovers he sets on an arduous journey of expiation, with Cadfael as his sole companion. It is a journey which leads to some shocking revelations, and eventually to murder.