|
[ Home ]
[ About | Reviews | Search | Submit ]
This is the second novel of Clark's series using Hildegard of Mieux's exploits in the medieval world of 1383, still in the period of the Black Death and the Hundred Years War between England and France . Hildegard joined the Cistercian order after her husband was killed in battle. Though a seeming anomaly, this would afford her more personal freedom than to marry and be largely confined to the domestic roles of running a household for another knight in arms. Her ambition is to run a hospice of her own, and the prioress of Swyne offers her this possibility if she succeeds in retrieving the precious and legendary Cross of Constantine for the Archbishop of York. He wants the relic to draw pilgrims to York who are presently drawn to Meaux's “Talking Crucifix.” It is also rumoured that the Cross confers almost supernatural powers to those who possess it. So the prioress warns her that no one must know of her mission lest the Cross be stolen from her to used by rival factions against King Richard's reign. Swyne is subject to the Abbey of Meaux and both have grown prosperous as Meaux overseers England's lucrative wool trade. Hildegard will be carrying a significant amount of money to obtain the Cross but she must first obtain the blessing of Abbot Hubert de Courcy for her journey. Travelling as a pilgrim will conceal the true purpose of her journey even from the Abbot, suspected by some of being a spy for France. To travel in such turbulent times is madness, says Sir Ulf an old friend and steward to the present Lord Hutton, Hildegard's brother. He proposes that she travel with their shipment of wool as far as Bruges. From there, a knight, Sir Talbot will escort through the Alps to Florence. Readers of historical mysteries will find details of this adventurous journey in medieval times some of the most interesting aspects of this story. Add to that the action segments, the discovery of the murdered body of Reynard, Sir Roger's clerk, on arrival in Bruges, the accusation and witch hunt of his protegee and perhaps lover, the minstrel Pierrekyn and the attempt on Hildegard's life in the mountains which results in the death of Sir Talbot, and you have a quite a page turner. Her adventures in Florence are no less lively as her attempts to obtain Constantine's Cross lead to more murder and mayhem. In parallel with the story as outlined above are insights concerning the political intrigues of the times. Clark also provides interesting descriptions of medieval social life and economic practices. The most interesting twist in the story involves the Abbot of Meaux after Hildegard returns having carried the simple wooden cross of Constantine as a pilgrim souvenir. When the Prioress tells Hildegard that her desires for a separate foundation will be fulfilled, we know that we can count on further adventures with the new abbess. I can only agree with another reviewer who described Hildegard's character as a cross between Brother Cadfael and Miss Marple.
Reviewed by Ann Pearson, April 2010
[ Top ]
QUICK SEARCH:
Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
[ About | Reviews | Search | Submit ]
[ Home ]
| 
