Brothers from Ramsey come to Shrewsbury looking for money to rebuild their monastery, which has been ransacked by rebel soldiers. They claim that a loan of Saint Winifred's Holy Relics, which are housed at Shrewsbury, would be suitable generosity. Cadfael and the Abbot opt to provide the men with a gift of precious gems instead. Then, during a cataclysmic night of violent storms, the Holy Relics disappear. Cadfael is dispatched to recover them and...