In September of the year of Our Lord 1140, a priestly emissary for King Stephen has been reported missing. But what troubles Brother Cadfael is a proud, secretive nineteen-year-old novice. Brother Cadfael has never seen two men more estranged than the Lord of Aspley and Meriet, the son he coldly delivers to the abbey to begin a religious vocation. Meriet, meek by day, is so racked by dreams at night that his howls earn him the nickname the Devil￯﾿ﾽs Novice. Shunned and feared, he is soon linked to the missing priest￯﾿ﾽs fate. Only Brother Cadfael believes in Meriet￯﾿ﾽs innocence, and only he can uncover the truth before a boy￯﾿ﾽs pure passion, not evil intent, leads a novice to the noose.