Cromwell's visit to Shaftesbury Abbey has undone him. His confidence in himself and in his decisions past and present has been shaken to the core, and he is no longer able to summon up the memory of his most beloved master, Cardinal Wolsey, to help him navigate the perilous shadows of Henry's court. The court is more than usually dangerous in the autumn of 1536. A rebellion in the north country, fanned by the king's cousin Reginald Pole with intent to force England back to Rome, is spreading south. The rebels are demanding a stop to the religious reforms of the past three years, a return to Rome and Cromwell's head, perceiving him to be the architect of their misfortunes.