
In a secluded monastery, the monks face an unsettling summons from their powerful patroness: one of them must travel to her court to educate a notorious, mischievous boy. The community debates heatedly, each offering flimsy excuses, until the Prior reluctantly selects the young brother Peter—still inexperienced, yet deemed stern enough for the daunting task. Their reluctance hints at the strange, perhaps dangerous nature of the patroness’s household, and the monks whisper about curses, witchcraft, and the boy’s devilish reputation.
Meanwhile, in the bustling bake‑house, the novices John and Samuel exchange gossip while scavenging remnants of food, their rough camaraderie offering a glimpse of monastic life beyond the cloister walls. Their chatter about the impending mission foreshadows the challenges Peter will soon confront, blending humor with a sense of foreboding. Listeners are drawn into a world of ancient rituals, secretive patrons, and a young priest thrust into an unfamiliar, morally complex arena.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (253K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2007-12-23
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1825–1904
A towering figure of 19th-century Hungarian literature, he wrote with astonishing range and energy, producing novels, short fiction, plays, and journalism that made him one of his country’s best-loved storytellers. His work often blends romance, adventure, history, and a lively sense of national life.
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