15th CHRONICLE. In Shrewsbury in 1142, the worst of winter arrive early, bringing with it a heavy snowfall. Thus the saety of the guest-hall roof at Benedictine Abbey of St. Peter and St. Paul comes into jeopardy, and the brothers are called upon to effect repairs before the damage grows. But the icy and treacherous conditions are to prove near fatal for Brother Haluin. He slips from the roof and crashes to the ground, sustaining terrible injuries, injuries grave enough for him to want to make his deathbed confession . . . The confession is heard by the Abbot and Brother Cadfael only. And a wicked story it is, of trrespasses hard for God or man to forgive. But Haluin does not die. And on his recovery, he determines to make a journey of expiation, with Cadfael... that leads to shocking discoveries... of bitter revenge... and of murder.