MacHeth had sent a message the night before to the bishop and Lady Nicolaa advising them of d’Arderon’s intent to send the brothers out on patrol. The eight soldiers of Christ, he told them, would split into pairs, each comprising a knight and one of the men-at-arms and, in rotation, visit each of the places of worship in Lincoln, timing their arrival to coincide with one of the daily services so that once news spread of their presence, the townsfolk would feel protected while they attended Mass. The militant monks made an impressive sight as they rode through the deserted Minster; all were armed and wearing coats of mail, and the cross patté was emblazoned on the white surcotes of the knights and the black ones of the men-at-arms. In the van, the Beauséant, the banner that was carried into battle, was held aloft. When they arrived at the cathedral entrance, Bishop William was there to greet them, dressed in the black robes of the Benedictine Order, Dean Roger by his side, and a group of lesser clerics behind.
