Two monks come from the ruined Ramsey monastery to the monastery of Saints Peter and Paul to ask for help from their brothers in the Order. At this time, due to heavy rains, the Severn overflows its banks. Saving their shrines, the monks move them to a safe place. It turns out that the reliquary with the relics of Saint Winifred has disappeared. Cadfael considers the search for the reliquary his vital work.