Stephen Thorne

Even before he could move, the full realisation of what confronted him blazed in the Pharaoh's mind. This was the foul and loathsome thing that Taita, with his clairvoyant powers, had smelt in the air. The light was strong enough for him to make out every detail of the enemy he had loved as a friend. The magic of the gods. The treachery of man. In his long life, Taita has gone from slave to warlock, and now his wisdom and abilities are known throughout...

Brother Cadfael is called from his herb garden to investigate a murder which seems to have its roots in heresy.

When two social workers appear at Brenda Scupham's door claiming to investigate reports of child abuse, her fear of authority leads her to comply with their requests concerning her daughter.