"No, Your Grace, merely inform you that such behaviour is being carried out."

"This is a shocking accusation, Brother Cyric," said Legault. "Have you any proof?"

"I have reliable witnesses," he replied.

"You must tell me more," the old man said. "How did you come by this information?"

"On occasion," said Cyric, "I have been employed by our order to investigate matters of the Church."

"Surely that is best left to the Brothers of Saint Ansgar," said the Archprior.

"I would agree," offered Cyric, "but when one is not available, the Church must make use of its assets as best it can."

"What is the nature of these investigations?"

"I'm afraid I'm forbidden to talk of such things, Your Grace, but rest assured they were dealt with appropriately."

"I am the Archprior of Saint Mathew! Surely I am fit to hear?"

"I might remind you, Your Grace, that I report to the Grand Master of my order. You are not in my direct line of superiors."

"And yet you come to me for help," Archprior Legault mused.

"It is a matter that concerns us all, not just the brothers of my order."

The old man sat back, interlocking his fingers over his stomach. "Tell me," he finally said, "what details you have. Who is the one you accuse?"

"It appears he is the leader of the Temple Knights of Saint Cunar, Your Grace."

The Archprior's eyes seemed to bulge. "Are you mad, Cyric? You come in here making all sorts of accusations, and now you accuse the local fortress commander of being involved in slavery?"

"I have received confirmation of his acts, Your Grace."

"What kind of confirmation? Have you seen it with your own eyes?"

"No, sir."

"Then who has confirmed it?"

"Independent witnesses," said Cyric.

"Who, precisely are these witnesses?" demanded the Archprior.

"I'd rather not say, Your Grace."

"You'd rather not say," repeated the old man, "and why is that?"

"I fear to do so would be to put them in danger, Your Grace."

"Are these sources reliable?"

"I think so, yes," said Cyric.

"You think so? Tell me, Brother Cyric, how long have you known these people."

"I met them only recently, Your Grace, but in that short time I have come to believe they are honourable and trustworthy individuals."

"So you would take the word of someone you just met over a servant of the Church? I find that most unsettling."

"I take my vows seriously, Your Grace, I cannot stand back and do nothing."

"Are you implying that my vows are any less noble than yours?" bristled the Archprior.

"No, Your Grace," Cyric responded, "merely that I must report what I know to you. It is for you to decide what must be done."

"At last," said the Archprior, "you have reached the crux of the matter. Tell me, what details have you? I shall need names and dates if you have them."

"I shall make all of that available to you, Your Grace."