‘Then, in justice, the High King must not rush to judgement, pursuing law and expediency rather than truth.’
Sechnassach sighed deeply. ‘You have made your case. I have said that you will receive more time to hear the evidence, Fidelma. But that time is not unlimited.’
‘That is so,’ agreed the High King. ‘But for mortals such as we, time is not infinite. Our decisions must be measured in days, not left to eternity. I will speak to Dúnchad Muirisci and also to Blathmac. They are civilised people. But once news of what has happened here is voiced through their kingdoms, they may have difficulty controlling the hotheads who will cry vengeance. Time may not grace us with solutions.’
Fidelma rose and inclined her head towards Sechnassach.
‘I will bear that in mind,’ she said quietly. ‘But I will attempt to present the solution in days and not wait until eternity.’
She found Eadulf waiting with Gormán in the corridor outside her brother’s chamber.
‘Has any word of Muirchertach Nár’s death been leaked?’ she asked Eadulf anxiously.
‘We think not. Only Rónán the tracker and two others who helped cover the body and bring it here know of its identity and they have sworn to keep silence until word is released. But it cannot be long before the news spreads. Someone will notice that Muirchertach is missing.’
Fidelma nodded thoughtfully. ‘First, we must tell Aíbnat. Then we should see Dúnchad Muirisci, for he is now heir assumptive to Muirchertach’s throne.’
‘What about Brother Drón?’
‘What has been done with him?’
‘We handed him over to Caol, who has taken him to one of the chambers and stands guard over him,’. Gormán said quickly. ‘I am told that he is still protesting his innocence. Quite volubly.’
‘We will not keep him waiting longer than we have to,’ Fidelma replied. ‘You may tell Caol that Brehon Ninnid is allowed to see him. Eadulf and I first have to speak with the lady Aíbnat.’
Aíbnat met them at the door of her chamber. She stared with open hostility at Fidelma before glancing at Eadulf with an expression that left him in no doubt what she thought of him.
‘What do you want now? My husband has not returned from the hunt,’ she demanded, her voice brittle.
‘We have some bad news for you, lady,’ Fidelma said softly.
Aíbnat stiffened slightly. ‘Bad news?’
‘It is your husband. He has. . been hurt.’
Aíbnat’s expression was controlled. Then, as Fidelma hesitated, she recognised something in her expression.
‘He is dead?’ she whispered.
Fidelma tried to express sympathy towards this arrogant woman. ‘I am afraid he is,’ was all that she could say.
Aíbnat turned quickly away and stood with her back to them, her shoulders slightly hunched. Fidelma followed her into the room, Eadulf at her side. He closed the door gently and they waited awkwardly for a moment.
‘Who killed him?’ Aíbnat asked after a while, turning back to them.
Eadulf exchanged a glance of surprise with Fidelma.
‘What makes you think that someone killed him, lady,’ he said, ‘and that it was not an accident in the hunt?’
Aíbnat swung her gaze round to Eadulf, her features under perfect control. There was now no hint of moisture in her eyes.
‘I know my husband’s abilities. He was a good horseman. Also, it was obvious from the threat that his life was in danger.’
‘The threat? Danger?’ queried Fidelma in surprise. ‘Has he been threatened?’
‘A raven’s feather was found on the pillow of our bed last night when we returned from the evening meal.’
Fidelma’s eyes widened a little. ‘Did you report this to the guard? I was not told.’
Aíbnat shook her head. ‘Muirchertach dismissed it, thinking it was just a silly gesture from one of Ultán’s followers. That man Drón has been muttering dark curses of vengeance. But we thought we were well protected by your warriors. You have failed us. You failed to protect us, just as you failed to protect Ultán.’
‘You should have reported this,’ Fidelma said, ignoring her anger.
‘Whether we did or not, there can be no excuse for not protecting Muirchertach,’ she snapped.
Eadulf was frowning. ‘What is the relevance of this raven’s feather?’ he asked Fidelma.
‘It is a symbol of death and battles,’ she said quickly. ‘The goddess of death often appears in the form of a raven. Where is the feather now?’
Aíbnat shrugged. ‘My husband had it.’
The woman seemed to be emotionally bearing up quite well, but then Fidelma remembered that she had not seemed particularly close to her husband when she had interviewed them on the previous day.
‘Your husband’s body has been taken to the apothecary of Brother Conchobhar here, lady. It will be washed and prepared, and taken to the chapel where the High King wishes it to receive all honour while you and Muirchertach’s
‘Its fate?’
‘As king of Connacht, it is his right that his remains be taken back to his kingdom in pomp and state.’
Aíbnat nodded slowly. ‘That will be up to Dúnchad to decide. Muirchertach’s father lies in the abbey of Cluain Mic Nois with many other kings of Connacht.’ She paused and added: ‘Has the man who killed Muirchertach been captured?’
‘Man?’ queried Fidelma softly.
Aíbnat’s face was without emotion. ‘I presume whoever killed Muirchertach was a man.’
‘We are investigating.’
‘Well, all you have to do is look among Ultán’s followers. There is only one among them capable of the deed of vengeance. However, I shall have my attendants prepare for my leaving here tomorrow. There is no need for me to remain. Dúnchad Muirisci will doubtless take care of the obsequies and the disposal of Muirchertach’s body.’
Fidelma stared at her thoughtfully for a moment. ‘I am afraid, lady, you will have to remain here until there is a resolution of this matter,’ she said quietly. ‘You will leave only when I say so.’
Aíbnat blinked in surprise at being contradicted. ‘Do you know to whom you speak? You may be sister to the king of Muman but I am wife to the king of Connacht.’
Fidelma smiled coldly. ‘You are now the widow of the king of Connacht who lies murdered and unburied in our chapel. I am the
Aíbnat’s eyes Nárrowed. ‘I will see Sechnassach, the High King, and tell him of your impertinence.’
‘Excellent. Sechnassach is well acquainted with the law and how things must be governed. In the meantime, should you wish it, a guard will continue at your door. . for your protection. You may also speak to the Chief Brehon Barrán.’
Aíbnat stared at her as if not believing her ears. ‘I will certainly speak to him,’ she snapped. ‘You may send the Abbot Augaire to me. I have need of some religious solace.’
Fidelma did not reply but merely turned and, followed by Eadulf, left the room.
Outside, Eadulf noticed that she was trembling slightly in anger.
In answer to his glance she shrugged. ‘There are few people who have such an effect on me, Eadulf. The woman is so arrogant and cold that I feel I would like to strike her on the cheek.’
Eadulf reached out and squeezed her arm. ‘That is unlike you. However, I have to say that she did not leave a favourable impression on me. In fact, her coldness at the news of her husband’s death was surprising.’
