‘What devils?’ he asked. ‘Out in the woods,’ Godric replied. ‘Dancing round Beltane’s fires! Wearing goat skins, they were!’ ‘And did you see any blood?’ Corbett asked. ‘On their hands and faces. Oh yes,’ Godric continued. ‘You see, sir, when I was greener, I was a poacher. I can go out and hunt the rabbit and take a plump cock pheasant without blinking. Since early spring this year I’ve tried my luck again and twice I saw the devils dance.’ ‘How many devils?’ Corbett asked. ‘At least thirteen. The cursed number,’ Godric replied defiantly. ‘And have you told anyone else?’ Corbett asked. ‘I told Brother Angelo but he just laughed.’ Godric laid his head back on the bolsters. ‘That’s all I know and now old Godric has got to sleep.’ The beggar turned his face away. Corbett and Ranulf left the infirmary. They followed Brother Angelo out, down the stairs and into the still busy yard. ‘Have you heard such stories before?’ Corbett asked. ‘Only Godric’s babble,’ the friar replied.
What do You think about Hugh Corbett 10 - The Devil's Hunt?
