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trying to live every part of my life as I believe God wants me to. " Rod paused.
    "Where did all this piety come from, all of a sudden? You've never exactly been the 'kuche, kirke, and kinder'
    type before. "
    Gwen turned away, her anger darkening into brooding.
    "Mayhap that I have become so whilst thou didst not notice. "
    "Apparently, and I thought I was pretty good at studying
    you. " Rod frowned. "Certainly my favorite subject of contemplation. When did this happen?"
    ; "When I became a mother, my lord," she said slowly, "and I it hath grown as my children have. And I must
    conjure thee to

    credit my words with truth, for thou canst never understand it, though thou hast been a father."
    "Why, of course I will," Rod said, suddenly softening. "When have I ever doubted your word? But is motherhood
    that different from fatherhood?"
    "I think that it is, my lord, though even as thou, I cannot know both. Yet look you, 'tis a matter of feeling, not
    knowing; for bringing forth life out of one's own body doth bring one also closer to the other world. Aye, that is
    one source of my sudden piety, as thou dost term it, yet another's hard upon us." She turned, catching his hands
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    and staring up into his eyes. "Be aware, my lord, that we have a lad about to spring into the heated turmoil of
    youth, and a lass hard behind him—for womenfolk do begin that strife sooner than men."
    "Adolescence. Yes, I know." Rod nodded, face somber. "It happens to everyone. No way to avoid it, dear."
    "Aye, and seeing its onset doth bring me to greater awareness of the worldly hazards lying in wait for the children, our treasures—and, therefore, doth make me also aware of the safeguards available to help shield
    them."
    "Such as the Church and its teachings?" Rod said softly.
    Gwen started to answer, when the door creaked behind them. They turned, to see a sleepy Gregory come blinking
    out of his room in his nightshirt, squinting against the light. Gwen moved over to him with a wordless sound of
    sympathy, pressing him to her side and murmuring, "Was it, then, a fell dream, my jo?"
    "Nay, Mama," Gregory answered. " "fis that I cannot sleep at all."
    "No sleep?" Rod came over, frowning. "What's the matter? Worried because of those monks today?" The little boy nodded.
    "Don't worry, son." Rod clasped the boy's shoulders. "They have a strong house, and they all have shields; they'll
    be safe."
    " 'Tis not that, Papa," Gregory murmured.
    "Then what?" Gwen asked, anxiety in her voice.
    Gregory looked up at her, all eyes. "I feel some pull toward them, Mama . . . and I bethink me that, mayhap, I
    must grow to become a monk."
    Rod stood frozen, feeling the shock thrill through him.
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    "Nay, I tell thee, Brother Alfonso! 'Tis not my vocation to rule!" Page 31
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    Brother Alfonso's mouth quirked with impatience. "If thou hadst no vocation to govern, milord, thou wouldst not
    be Abbot."
    The Abbot stared, then looked away, pursing his lips.
    Brother Alfonso allowed himself a small smile. "Naethe-less, milord, 'tis not of ruling that I speak, but of Tightness. Thou hast done well, and wisely."
    The Abbot lapsed into a brooding frown. "Yet I cannot help but wonder, Brother. The Bishop of Rome is, after
    all, heir to Peter."
    "Aye, in that he governs the souls of Rome. Yet that he hath inherited the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, I can
    find room to doubt."
    "To doubt is a sin." But the Abbot's tone lacked conviction.
    "To question, then." Brother Alfonso shrugged impatiently. "But think, milord—when doth the Pope claim
    infallibility?"
    "Only when he doth speak ex cathedra," the Abbot recited from rote.
    "And what is the meaning of ex cathedral Is it not when he hath consulted with as many of his cardinals and
    bishops as he can, in council?"
    The Abbot did not respond.

    "Then it is the council