Christ Church Priory, Canterbury, 990 AD
Christ Church Priory, Canterbury, 990 ADAs they slouched out of Prime, Folcwin glanced at Gerbrand, whose morose expression struck him as unusual for their ever-cheerful companion. He sidled up to him,
“What’s up?” he whispered, “Why the long face?”
If possible, his countenance grew even more doleful,
“Good news for you! I’m withdrawing from the contest.”
“What! But today is the last day!”
“I know, but yesterday I realised I got it all wrong. My interpretation is erroneous and there’s no time to change now.”
His face suddenly brightened,
“At least it means that I have the day free, instead of poring over that blessed parchment.”
Folcwin’s emotions were mixed. A shameful part of him exulted because his chances of being judged the winner had
