‘I am afraid so. Caol has undoubtedly informed you of the facts?’
‘He has, and I have explained them to Blathmac.’
‘I simply require him to be held long enough for me to question him,’ Fidelma explained.
‘You are no longer suggesting that he killed Muirchertach?’ inquired Blathmac.
‘I have long ago learned to refrain from speculation until I know all the facts. I know that he has taken a curious interest in one of the Cill Ria group — Sister Marga. I want to know why, and until I have put these questions to him I cannot allow him to range across the country at will, which is what he is intent on doing. Do you know anything about him, Blathmac?’
The Ulaidh king made a negative gesture.
‘I try to avoid having anything to do with the abbey of Cill Ria,’ he confessed. ‘You have doubtless talked to my cousin Fergus Fanat on that subject, since he had some interest there. But Abbot Ultán was not a person I favoured. God forbid, but I think the judgement of the wind and waves was wrong on the day that he was washed back to shore and claimed conversion to the Faith.’
‘Did you believe that conversion was not genuine?’
‘Whether I did or not, the Comarb of Patrick thought it was and welcomed Ultán into his circle of friends and senior clerics. And Drón, as you may know, was trained at Ard Macha and sent as a scribe to Ultán. What I am saying is that Abbot Ultán and Brother Drón have powerful friends at Ard Macha. So we must walk softly in their shadows. Even a king such as I has to be careful.’
‘I understand,’ Fidelma said. ‘I will ensure that Drón is held no longer than is necessary. In fact, I came only to reinforce what Caol has told you before I go to question him.’
‘You have my gratitude, lady,’ Blathmac acknowledged. ‘I hope this whole matter will come to a speedy conclusion.’
Fidelma left them and went to find Caol before making her way to the back of the palace complex and the gates of the area separated from the rest of the buildings by a high wall.
The same wiry little man that Fidelma had already encountered during the release of the Uí Fidgente prisoners was still the giallchométaide, or chief jailer. Fidelma found that she still did not trust him but put it down to his unfortunate ferret features: the close-set eyes, thin lips and ready smile. However, it did not signify whether she liked the jailer or not, provided he was efficient in his job.
He unlocked the gate at their approach, smiling and bobbing his head in obeisance.
‘Welcome, lady, welcome, commander. How may I serve you?’
‘We have come to question Brother Drón whom you hold here,’ Fidelma replied, trying to hide her irritation at the man’s ingratiating behaviour.
‘Brother Drón?’ The man’s smile suddenly seemed fixed and he echoed the name as if it had no meaning.
‘I do not have much time,’ she said tersely. ‘Come, take me to him.’
The jailer looked at her and now dismay was registering on his face. ‘But, lady, your brother the king ordered Brother Drón’s release an hour ago.’
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Fidelma’s brows drew together in anger as she stared at the jailer’s bewildered features. ‘Don’t be silly, man! I have just come from my brother, and am here to question the prisoner.’
The man’s face was pale. ‘But. . but. .’
Fidelma was impatient. ‘Take me to the prisoner immediately.’
‘But I tell you the truth, lady,’ replied the dismayed jailer. ‘I released Brother Drón over an hour ago. The Brehon Ninnid ordered his release in the name of King Colgú.’
Fidelma stared aghast at the man. ‘Brehon Ninnid did what?’
‘He ordered the immediate release of Brother Drón,’ the man repeated helplessly.
Fidelma was already turning to Caol and issuing curt orders. ‘Find out whether Brother Drón is still in the fortress. I suspect he is probably gone by now. Seek out Brehon Ninnid. If you find him, bring him to Colgú’s chamber at once — bring him under duress if necessary. If you see the Brehon Barrán ask him to come there straight away. I have never. .’ She was shaking her head in disbelief even as Caol hurried off on his errands.
Fidelma erupted into her brother’s chamber in the violence of anger. Colgú was alone and started up in surprise as his sister burst in.
‘Brother Drón has been released in your name!’ she thundered before he could speak.
Colgú looked at her in bemusement. ‘But you know I did not order. .’ he began, but Fidelma interrupted.
‘It was Ninnid. He dared to go to the jail and order Drón’s release in your name.’
At that moment Chief Brehon Barrán entered behind her. ‘What has happened?’ he demanded. ‘I was asked by the commander of your guard to come here with all despatch. Is something wrong?’
Colgú had realised the seriousness of the situation and assumed a steely glint in his eyes that matched his sister’s.
‘Brother Drón was being held in the jail here under my authority, with the knowledge of Blathmac of Ulaidh. My sister tells me that Brehon Ninnid of Laigin has ordered his release in my name without my knowledge nor permission. He must answer for this.’
Even Brehon Barrán appeared momentarily shocked at this news, but his surprise was tempered with curiosity. ‘What had Brother Drón done to deserve being incarcerated in the first place?’
Fidelma swiftly sketched in why she had agreed to Caol’s taking the unusual step of keeping Brother Drón secured. She had barely finished speaking when Caol himself entered.
‘Brother Drón has, indeed, left the fortress,’ he said quickly. ‘So has Brehon Ninnid. Using the brehon’s authority, they took their horses from the stables and rode off.’
‘Is it known what direction they took?’
Caol shrugged eloquently. ‘They were last seen riding down into the township. After that, who knows? I have sent men to see if they can find anyone who can tell us.’
Brehon Barrán’s countenance was bleak. ‘I have no understanding of Ninnid’s actions, except they are of great affront to you, Colgú. First, we must try to repair the damage,’ he said firmly, turning to Fidelma. ‘Are you saying that Brother Drón is guilty of one or other of these murders?’
‘He is an important witness,’ Fidelma replied. ‘Something links him to Sister Marga and that is the mystery I must elucidate. It is a mystery that apparently makes it imperative that he control her movements. What it is, I was hoping to find out by questioning him. I suspect that Marga’s life is in danger now.’
‘I was told that Sister Marga had fled during the night after there was an attack on the Ulaidh warrior, Fergus Fanat.’
‘Another matter that needs clarification,’ Fidelma said. ‘Marga did leave here and Drón attempted to follow her. As it was, it was on a false trail.’
She quickly told the Chief Brehon what had happened at Patrick’s Well. Brehon Barrán looked puzzled. ‘It sounds a complicated story.’
‘Due to Ninnid’s intervention, Drón has eluded me. I think he will now try to track down Sister Marga.’
‘Track?’ Colgú turned abruptly to Caol. ‘Who is the best tracker we have?’ he asked.
Caol had no hesitation. ‘Rónán.’
‘Of course.’ Colgú smiled briefly. ‘Fetch him to me. The only thing we can do is attempt to trace Drón’s tracks and see where he is heading.’
Caol was just leaving when one of his warriors halted him in the doorway and whispered something. The commander turned back with a grim smile.
‘Brehon Ninnid has just returned to the fortress. My men have brought him hither protesting innocence of any wrongdoing.’