Chapter 21Winchester, 722 AD
King Ine, at last tired of deep conversation with the infirmarian, relented about sending her back to Wimborne. Cynethryth joined her escort at the stables with a bulging bag laden with precious medical volumes purchased for her from across the Channel by the grateful monarch. To her pleasure and surprise, Aethelheard was chatting with the men assigned to accompany her. He led her to one side away from indiscreet ears.
“Sadly, I can't leave my duties to escort you, mother, but I didn't want to miss our farewells.”
“Talking of duty, did you capture Wynflaed?”
“We did not, but I have men searching.”
Cynethryth bit her lower lip and frowned,
“You must catch her and lock her in the deepest cell you can find. While she's free to plot neither the king nor you a
