‘I have answered that I am not.’
‘I would not blame you. I like your Saxon friend. He is good company in spite of being a son of his people.’
Fidelma made no reply. There was silence for a while and then Colgú stretched himself languidly in his chair and his expression became troubled as his mind seemed to turn to another subject.
‘In truth, Fidelma,’ he said at last, ‘I need your services.’
Fidelma’s expression was grave.
‘I was expecting something of the sort. What is it?’
‘You are skilled in problem solving, Fidelma, and I wish to take advantage of that gift once more.’
Fidelma bowed her head.
‘What talent I have is yours to command, Colgú. You know that.’
‘Then I will confess that I did ask you here with a specific purpose in mind.’
‘I had no doubt of it,’ she replied solemnly. ‘But I knew that you would have to approach it in your own way.’
‘Do you know the mountains to the west known as the Cruacha Dubha?’
‘I have never been amongst those mountains but I have seen them from a distance and have heard stories about them.’
Colgú leant forward in his chair.
‘And have you heard stories of Laisre?’
Fidelma frowned.
‘Laisre, chieftain of Gleann Geis? There has been some talk about the man recently among the religious here at Cashel.’
‘What have you heard? You may speak freely.’
‘That his people still follow the old gods and goddesses. That strangers have not been welcome in his lands and that the brothers and sisters of the Faith go into his lands at their own risk.’
Colgú gave a sigh and lowered his head.
‘There is some truth to this. But the times change quickly and Laisre is apparently a man of intelligence. He now realises that he cannot remain a barrier to progress for ever.’
Fidelma was surprised.
‘Do you mean that he has converted to the Faith?’
‘Not quite,’ admitted Colgú. ‘He is still a fierce adherent of the old ways. However, he is willing to consider the arguments with an open mind. There is much opposition among his people, however. So the first step is a negotiation …’
‘A negotiation?’
‘Laisre has sent word to us that he is willing to negotiate with me a means whereby he will give permission for members of the Faith to build a church and a school in his territory which will eventually replace the old pagan sanctuaries.’
‘The term “negotiate” implies that he wants something in return. What is his price for allowing the building of a church and school in his land?’
Colgú shrugged slightly.
‘That price is one that we have to find out. But I need someone who can negotiate on behalf of both this kingdom and the Church.’
Fidelma stared thoughtfully at her brother for a moment or two.
‘Are you suggesting that you want me to go to the Cruacha Dubha and negotiate with Laisre?’
Inwardly, she was surprised. She had thought that Colgú was merely seeking her advice on the matter.
‘Who is more assiduous in negotiating and who is more knowledgeable about this kingdom and the needs it has?’
‘But …’
‘You can speak as my voice, Fidelma, as well as that of Bishop Ségdae. Find out what Laisre wants; what he expects. If the terms be reasonable, then agree with him. If they be unconscionable then you may tell him that the king and his council must take them into consideration.’
Fidelma was thoughtful.
‘Does Laisre know that I am coming?’
‘I did not presume on your agreement, Fidelma,’ smiled Colgú. ‘He merely asked for an envoy of the Faith to be in his lands by the start of next week and that it should be an emissary worthy of my charge. Will you accept?’
‘If it is your wish that I represent you and Bishop Ségdae. Why isn’t the good bishop here, by the way, to express his views on this matter?’
Colgú grimaced wryly.
‘He is. I have the old “hawk of the borderland” waiting outsideuntil I had talked the matter over with you. He will advise you of his views on the matter later.’
Fidelma examined her brother suspiciously.
‘You were sure that I would go then?’
‘Never,’ Colgú assured her with a smile which did not give weight to his reply. ‘But now that you are going, I want you to take a company of my champions with you. My knights of the Golden Collar.’
‘And what would Laisre say if I came riding into his territory with a band of Niadh Nasc at my command? If I am sent as an emissary, then an emissary I must be. He would only see the company of warriors as an insult and an intimidation to a negotiation. Warriors have no place in the negotiation of the establishment of a church or a school. I will ride alone.’
Colgú shook his head vehemently.
‘Alone into the Cruacha Dubha? No, that you will not. Take one warrior at least.’
‘One warrior or ten, they are all warriors and will cause affront. No, I will take only another member of the Faith to express our peaceful intent.’
Colgú studied her face for a moment and then gave a grimace of resignation, realising that she had made up her mind and when his sister had made up her mind Colgú knew that it was useless to attempt to change it.
‘Then take your Saxon along,’ he insisted. ‘He is a good man to have at your side.’
Fidelma glanced swiftly at her brother but this time did not blush.
‘Brother Eadulf may have other things to do — it is surely time that he returned to the archbishop of Canterbury who sent him to you as an envoy?’
Colgú smiled gently.
‘I think that you will find that Brother Eadulf is willing to bide a while longer in our kingdom, sister. Nevertheless, I do wish you would allow yourself to be accompanied by my warriors.’
Fidelma was adamant.
‘How can we demonstrate that the Faith is the path of peace and truth if we go with force to make converts? No; I say again, brother, if I am sent to negotiate with Laisre and his people, I must go demonstrating that I place my trust in my Faith and my reliance on a truthful tongue not a sword.
Colgú was amused.
‘Truth may well conquer all things but knowing when and towhom that truth should be spoken is the secret. Since you are fond of Latin tags, Fidelma, I give you this advice —
Fidelma bowed her head gravely.
‘It is advice that I shall bear in mind.’
Colgú arose and went to a cupboard, taking from it a small wand of white rowan wood on which was fixed a figurine in gold. It was the image of an antlered stag, the symbol of the Eóghanacht princes of Cashel. Solemnly, Colgú handed it to his sister.
‘Here is the emblem of your embassy, Fidelma. By this wand you derive authority from me and speak with
