Chapter 9Wimborne Abbey, 706 AD
Autumn had arrived and still Aethelheard had not come to find his mother. Almost as if to compensate, Cynethryth threw herself wholeheartedly into her work. With the help of her assistant, the infirmary became so well ordered and stocked that she felt capable of facing any emergency. Sefled was proving to be invaluable. The girl fulfilled her tasks willingly with never a word of complaint and Cynethryth had to refrain from overworking her.
Surprised to find her assistant in the infirmary in the morning, Cynethryth asked:
“What brings you here at this hour?”
The novice beamed.
“Wonderful news, sister, I'm to take the veil on the morrow! I wished to share my happiness and seek a boon.”
“I'm pleased for you, Sefled, for soon I will call you `Sister'. But
