The Fabric of Sin at the Castle

Tracy must be very pleased - the main room of the Castle was packed out, and everyone enjoyed the cakes she'd baked for the occasion.
Richard Booth said something about the national economy of new books meshing with the international economy of secondhand books - and what a wonderful part of the world Phil Rickman was writing about. He also mentioned that they are hoping to do up the Castle (not for the first time) and that the Castle gate is the oldest in Europe (possibly - certainly the oldest in Wales).
Phil Rickman talked a little bit about his book, and what an amazing place Garway is. As one example, he said that the village used to have four pubs - called The Sun, The Moon, The Globe and The Stars.
And Rob Soldat, as Jacques de Molay, last Master of the Templars, expounded upon the importance of the number nine. Nine knights met to form the Templars, and they were recognised as an order nine years later - and lasted 180 years before they were wiped out by the French king, Philip the Fair. Jacques himself was burned at the stake on the ninth day of the ninth month of 1314 (which adds up to 9).
To continue the theme, The Fabric of Sin is the ninth in the Merrily Watkins series, and the launch was happening on the only day they could book the Castle - the 27th September, 2007. 27 is 3 x 3 x 3, or 9 + 9 + 9, in the ninth month, and 2007 adds up to 9.
"And there are 36 people in this room," Rob added, having just counted them.
"We're all doomed," Phil said. "Fortunately, we have Father Richard here to counteract the curse."
"Well, I'll do my best," Father Richard said doubtfully, from his position on the floor where he was making a fuss of Jimmy the Curate (who is a standard poodle, in case this gives the wrong impression).
"The only way to be saved is to eat one of the Templar cakes!" declared Phil, and sponge cakes with white icing and red crosses were duly handed round. He also said that they had thought of calling the book "The Power of Nine", "but that would have been a bit too 'Batman'. The Fabric of Sin is more sophisticated."
And with that, the signing began.
I slipped out early, clutching my copy and a very nice calendar showing scenes from the books, and went down to Wool and Willow, to sit in for Joyce so she could go up for a bit.
And later, Rob brought my sword back, well pleased with the day's work. He'd also done a bit of wandering round town to encourage people to go up to the Castle. On the corner by Addyman's, he met me coming one way with Islay and Alfie, and Brian coming the other way with Belle. Having admired the costume, Brian turned to me and said "You should have brought your sword."
Rob and I grinned. "That is my sword," I said.