More than two years later, Cadfael meets Bened again during Bened's pilgrimage to Walsingham. Bened brings Cadfael warm greeting from all of his friends and news of John and Annest, who have recently married and are expecting a baby. John has taken over the smithy while Bened is away. Bened also tells Cadfael that Sioned and Engelard married and have a baby boy. The have named the boy Cadfael.
The next day, Bened goes to send greetings to Prior Robert and Abbot Heribert. He tells them they are experiencing many miracles at the place that used to be Saint Winifred's grave. Bened relays one miraculous story after another, and Prior Robert grows more and more livid with every amazing story that seems to slightly outdo the miracles they are witnessing in Shrewsbury. Cadfael interrupts.....
