You go to the gatekeeper and ask him where the Abbot might be. He looks at you uncertainly, and says "You really shouldn't be disturbing him unless it is very important."
"It is very important, or I would never dream of bothering him," you insist. With a sigh, the gatekeeper points to a window in a small building just by the chapel. "That's the window of his office," he says. "But don't be telling him that I sent you, please."
You agree, and set off across the courtyard to the small building. The door is unlocked, and you walk hesitantly down the hall, hoping you will find the right door. You pass a slightly open door, and hear the voice of the Prior inside, talking to someone. Your heart races, but you hurry on.
You find a door that looks like it should be the right one. It is a huge oak door, with gold inlay and ornate carving. You tap on it, afraid to knock too loud lest you should attract the Prior's notice.
"Come in" calls a deep, rich voice.
You pull open the heavy door with an effort. Well, at least it is solid and no one should be able to overhear any conversation from the hallway.
The Abbot looks up in some surprise as you enter. He is a tall, slightly plump man with a pleasant face and ready smile.
"I was expecting one of the brothers," he says to you, but motions to a chair. You sit gratefully, realising that your knees were feeling a bit weak.
"What can I do for you?" he asks.
"I just want you to listen to what I have to say," you begin.
He nods expectantly.
You tell your story. Throughout, he looks at you suspiciously, and you are quickly losing heart. It seems you have made the wrong choice after all, in confiding in this man. Of course, you should have realised how silly your story would sound, and no one would get away with accusing a Brother without strong proof.
When you are done, he sits quietly for a very long time. Finally he says to you, "Well, if there is one sin which Prior Ian can be accused of, it is greed and pride. I should never have thought him capable of murder or even plotting murder, though. I will be honest with you. I find your story difficult to believe, both of my Prior, and of the Baron. However, I like to believe that I am a fair man. I should hate to have you die because I was too proud to take action. I shall have one of the Brothers attend you, inconspicuously. He will partake of your food with you, and he will go to your chamber with you tonight, and lie awake while you sleep. I suggest that if nothing happens to you for the space of two days, you concede that you have made a mistake; perhaps you were still asleep and believed you overheard this conversation. You may then leave in peace. If something does happen, there will be people to watch over you and make sure that you are safe."