Kenrick studied his rival and, despite not wishing to prejudge anyone, experienced an immediate revulsion for the man. Master Askold’s pate was as swarthy as his countenance and well visible because of premature balding, this together with his stocky build and sullen expression gave him an air of menace. In their line of work, involving the need to order carpenters and labourers to briskness, it was most likely an asset. Still, Kenrick couldn’t help disliking him on sight.
The bishop had conducted them to the east of the great Saxon cathedral and they stood gazing from the hilltop over the winding river below. William of St Calais, a shrewd judge of humanity, said little, preferring not to influence overmuch the two masons, after all, he intended to hear what they could offer. He limited
