Connacht, judging by his name, and perhaps he is the son of religious. So what better place for him? I have put the idea to him and he is willing.’
‘An excellent resolution to the matter,’ Fidelma said decidedly.
‘The boy would like to see you both to also thank you for your intervention at the river. So before you depart for Cashel, you will find him staying with Brother Rogallach.’
‘That reminds me of another thing,’ Eadulf suddenly said. ‘That ancient relic, the silver disc. It was the source of much trouble, and if your legends are correct, it could well be used again by those who want to overthrow the Faith.’
‘We have talked much about it, the High King’s advisers. Cenn Faelad has agreed that what does not exist cannot be used as a weapon. The High King’s smith has already melted it down and the proceeds will help rebuild the ruined abbeys and churches.’
‘Another good resolution,’ approved Eadulf,
However, Brehon Sedna was watching Fidelma’s expression. ‘You do not entirely agree?’ he asked.
‘Part of my mind agrees,’ she replied slowly. ‘Yet I cannot help thinking, it was made in good faith by our ancestors long before the coming of the word of Christ. It was a sacred and dear object to them. By melting it down, we are in danger of cutting ourselves off from our forefathers. Is that a good thing?’
‘But it could have been used as a weapon in the future to destroy our faith and forment bloodshed,’ repeated Brehon Sedna. ‘It surely is better to prevent such an eventuality. Such objects can provoke an evil fanaticism.’
‘That does not arise from the object itself — that arises from the interpretations people place on it,’ countered Fidelma. ‘Part of me is worried that we are creating a deep abyss between our new world and those of our ancestors in the old world. Once that chasm has been made, we will never be able to re-cross it and know their thoughts, their fears and their hopes.’
Brehon Sedna was not convinced. ‘Perhaps we are too busy trying to deal with our own thoughts, fears and hopes,’ he pointed out.
‘Just as a child is,’ agreed Fidelma. ‘But a child has parents to advise him. And through the parents’ experience, knowledge and example, the child is guided. I fear we may soon be stumbling forth in the world, neverknowing what knowledge and example our parents would have bequeathed to us.’
She stopped and then smiled fondly at Eadulf, ‘Speaking of the examples of parents, I would like to start back on the road to Cashel as soon as possible.’
