The Dove of Death

skills of an apothecary.’

‘But why not simply kill him?’ Trifina demanded, and then added hastily, ‘Thanks be to God that they did not. But I do not understand the logic of this.’

‘I think the logic is easy to follow,’ Fidelma intervened. ‘Didn’t you tell us that you thought this Dove of Death, as you call him, was trying to disgrace your family? To follow your logic, we have your brother accused of murder and nearly strung up by a mob for something he didn’t do. Isn’t that precisely what you claim this Koulm ar Maro’s purpose is?’

‘So you believe Macliau is innocent?’

‘I would add the word “probably” to “innocent”. Having been too long in dealing with such matters, I cannot be dogmatic about anything until it is proven one way or the other,’ Fidelma replied.

To their surprise, at that moment, another warning call of a trumpet was heard from the gates.

‘That is a signal of approaching danger from the lookouts!’ cried Trifina, her face white. ‘The mob are coming for Macliau!’

‘Calm yourself,’ replied Bleidbara. ‘The mob won’t get into this fortress. Anyway, Barbatil has given his word.’ The young warrior hurried from the great hall. He was back within minutes.

‘It is Riwanon and Budic. They looked distressed.’

Within a short time, the Queen had entered, followed by Budic. Riwanon made for a chair and slumped into it, breathing heavily. She was dishevelled and covered in dust. There was a tear in Budic’s cloak, blood on his face, although there did not seem to be an obvious wound. He, too, was covered in dust.

Fidelma immediately poured wine for them. All present waited in silence, no one asking the obvious question. Riwanon did not speak until she had gulped several mouthfuls of wine.

‘We were attacked,’ she announced flatly.

‘Attacked? What — by the mob?’ demanded Trifina.

‘Where and by whom?’ asked Fidelma more cautiously.

‘Make sure the gates of the fortress are secured,’ Budic, having recovered himself, ordered Bleidbara. ‘They were riding close after us.’

Bleidbara went to ensure that the gates were firmly shut and that a watch was kept on the highway.

By now, Riwanon had calmed down a little.

‘We were nearing the little oratory, which I wanted to visit. I was riding in front with Budic, going through a stretch of forest. All I knew was that there was a cry and glancing behind I saw two of our men had fallen with arrows in them. Dead, I think. I heard Ceingar give a scream. Budic whipped my horse and we bounded forward. Only Budic and I escaped. He saved my life, yelling for me to ride as I have never ridden before. I am sure that they are pursuing close behind.’ She shuddered, before asking, ‘Are the gates closed?’

‘You are safe now in the fortress of Brilhag,’ asserted Trifina coldly.

Riwanon ignored her, looking directly at Fidelma and saying, ‘I need your assurance, Fidelma of Hibernia, that I am safe.’

Fidelma stared at her in astonishment, as there was a sharp intake of breath from Trifina.

‘Do you doubt it?’ Fidelma asked incredulously. For the implication was surely a direct insult to her hosts.

‘I ask it because I glimpsed one of our attackers — and he held a banner in his hand,’ said the Queen.

It was Budic who added grimly, ‘The banner belonged to the mac’htiern of Brilhag. We cannot deny the evidence of our own eyes.’

Bleidbara had just returned and overheard what Budic had said.

‘So you think that it was my men who attacked you?’ he said quietly. ‘We have had better things to do this day.’

‘Riwanon, there seems some conspiracy to bring discredit on the family of the lord of Brilhag,’ Fidelma intervened as Budic was about to respond. ‘We do not know the details, but we believe that whoever attacks under this flag is not connected with your husband’s friend.’ She turned to Budic. ‘How many were in this attacking party?’

‘Perhaps half-a-dozen, maybe even a dozen,’ replied Budic hesitantly. ‘We did not see them all.’

‘And you had two warriors and yourself in the party?’

‘The attack came by stealth. My men were shot down from behind the trees and bushes.’

‘And yet one of the ambushers came forward with this banner, thus ensuring that they might be identified? Did you not think that strange?’

‘Strange?’ Budic frowned.

‘To go to such lengths to ambush you, shooting from behind with the intention of killing you all, but then coming forward that you might identify them. I believe that is why you were allowed to survive.’

‘I only glimpsed the banner over my shoulder as Budic whipped up my horse,’ replied Riwanon thoughtfully. ‘Perhaps they emerged to give chase to us?’

Fidelma turned to Trifina. ‘I suggest that Bleidbara take some men and see if he can track these attackers. At least, he can recover the bodies of Riwanon’s maid and guards.’

‘You want Bleidbara and his men to leave the fortress now — when we might be attacked?’ Trifina was astonished.

‘But that will be dangerous!’ cried Riwanon in agreement.

Fidelma smiled at them both.

‘I am sure that these ruffians will not launch an attack here.’ She turned to Eadulf with an apologetic smile. ‘I would like you to accompany Bleidbara and his men. I need your expert eyes, for you know what it is I would like to see. However, I feel that I must remain here for the moment.’

Eadulf looked carefully at her. ‘I do not understand,’ he said. ‘Why is it you want me to go?’

‘Stet pro ratione voluntas,’ she whispered, glancing at the company. Let my will stand as a reason. Then she added quickly in their common language: ‘I don’t want to prejudice you by saying what I think you will find — just observe and report directly back to me. I do not think you will be in any danger.’

‘Very well,’ he replied.

‘I am willing to go, lady,’ Bleidbara now stated. ‘If it means finding out who is behind these attacks.’

‘Bleidbara is a capable warrior,’ Trifina said, ‘but your request places him and your husband in danger.’

‘I disagree, lady. The raiders only attack when the odds are in their favour. I am hoping that Bleidbara might be able to track them to their lair, wherever that is.’

‘Then I should go with them,’ Budic announced, apparently feeling that his reputation as a warrior was in question.

‘As commander of the Queen’s bodyguard, your place is here with her,’ Fidelma pointed out.

‘Where is it that this ambush took place?’ asked Bleidbara.

Budic hesitated, as if trying to recall the exact location. ‘It was along the track, just south of the oratory.’

‘A good place for an ambush, as the road passes through a heavily wooded area. I know it well. We shall proceed carefully. I shall take six men, for it will be best to leave the others here, to prepare for all contingencies. I’ll take Boric the Stout for he is not only a good warrior but the best tracker we have. I hope your optimism that the attackers have fled is not proved wrong, lady.’

‘I would not like to be responsible for sending these men into danger unnecessarily,’ Riwanon said, looking distraught.

‘Be reassured, lady.’ Fidelma’s voice was earnest. ‘There is necessity to this. And I do not believe there is any danger for them.’

Only Eadulf seemed to pick up a hidden meaning in her words.

Every so often, Boric halted the group of riders and slid from his horse, peering at the tracks that they were following. They were some way from Brilhag by now, and he had examined the tracks several times already.

‘I can see signs of two horses heading for Brilhag, but no sign that they were being followed at this point, certainly not along this track,’ he told Bleidbara.

Bleidbara glanced at Eadulf.

‘So Riwanon was mistaken when she thought they were chased to the gates of Brilhag,’ Eadulf said.