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one William fitz Baldwin,’ Maurice began.
    â€˜Why would the Sheriff of Devonshire build a castle so far from his home?’
    â€˜He was ordered to by the last king. It was odd, though. William was not a very nice fellow when he lived in Devon – I found him extremely unpleasant. But in Kermerdyn, he changed – he became God-fearing, honest and good.’
    â€˜I believe Rhydygors has been given to Prince Hywel,’ said Geoffrey, thinking of what Eudo had told him.
    â€˜It has. William died seven years ago, and Rhydygors reverted to the Crown; Hywel was awarded it last year. But there was said to be something odd about William’s death. He died of a fever, although he was in his prime, not some old dotard to be felled by a passing sickness. And he had a secret.’
    â€˜A secret?’
    Maurice nodded. ‘One he believed brought him success and happiness, and made him a better man. It would certainly explain the transformation I observed.’
    â€˜Did he drink?’ asked Geoffrey.
    Maurice scowled. ‘No, he did not! Some men are changed when they are touched by God, so do not look so sceptical.’
    â€˜You think he was touched by God?’
    â€˜Well, he was certainly touched by something. A number of his friends and kinsmen tried to learn the secret while he lay dying, but no one understood his delirious ravings. The secret was lost.’
    It sounded like a lot of nonsense to Geoffrey. ‘What happened to Rhydygors between William’s death and it passing to Hywel?’
    â€˜A garrison was stationed there under William’s brother Richard. But Henry appreciated Hywel’s efforts against Bellême and wanted to show it. He appreciated your help, too.’
    â€˜He did not reward me with a castle.’
    â€˜You already have one – you would not have appreciated anything he gave you, anyway. And he is not a man to squander wealth.’
    Geoffrey laughed, his good humour beginning to return. ‘So he gave me nothing because he thought it was a waste of a prize?’
    Maurice nodded earnestly. ‘But he does not forget those who are good to him, which is why you have been allowed to wander freely after helping Giffard escape. He has a soft spot for you, because you are never afraid to speak your mind, and he is used to sycophants. Although a little more tact when dealing with him would not go amiss . . .’
    â€˜I shall bear it in mind. What else do you know about Kermerdyn?’
    â€˜Hywel was not the only man rewarded with a castle. At the same time, Henry gave a knight named Sear a fortress in a place called Pembroc.’
    â€˜I have never heard of Sear, although Pembroc is famous.’
    â€˜No one has heard of Sear, and it came as something of a surprise when Eudo was ordered to issue the relevant writ. Indeed, I recall there was speculation of a misunderstanding, and Eudo actually went to Henry and asked him to confirm Sear’s name.’
    â€˜So who is Sear?’
    Maurice shrugged. ‘He is just a bold knight. There is nothing unusual or commendable about him, although you would not know it if you met him. He is arrogant and swaggers horribly. I do not like him at all.’
    Geoffrey felt as though they were getting away from the point. ‘Is there anything else about Kermerdyn that I should know before I go there?’
    â€˜I was one of those who advised the King to give Rhydygors to Hywel. But it was a mistake.’
    â€˜Because Hywel is popular?’ asked Geoffrey.
    Maurice’s eyebrows shot up. ‘We do not want popular leaders in Wales because the locals may prefer them to Henry.’
    â€˜Or they may see Henry as wise for appointing such men.’
    â€˜I doubt it,’ said Maurice. ‘And William’s brother, Richard, cannot be happy about the situation – word is that he rather liked living in Rhydygors. Of course, he is wholly devoted to Henry, so would never