‘I remind you that you stand in the presence of Colgú, King of Muman, who is the fifty-ninth direct descendant of Eibhear Fionn, the son of Golamh, who led the children of Gaedheal Glas to this land in the time before time; Eibhear Fionn, who was given this land to rule by the. .’
Colgú raised a hand and motioned him to silence. His eyes had not wandered from the face of Bishop Arwald since the man had spoken.
‘Our guests are strangers, and perhaps they have no understanding of the protocol that prevails in this place.’ He spoke softly, as if addressing Gormán but looking directly at Bishop Arwald. ‘In our uncivilised ways, we still place great store in courtesy and the observance of rules. It is custom to acknowledge the King when you are brought before him. If a King invites you, then you may sit in his presence. It is also important to learn that we have no slaves here. The only people you will find who have restrictions on their freedom are criminals of various classes, and hostages.’
Bishop Arwald’s sallow skin had taken on a paler hue. His thin red lips seemed to disappear entirely in a slit. The muscles in his jaw were working, as if he were trying to find expression for his rage. But Colgú was now looking at the Venerable Verax.
‘In view of your exhaustion, having been forced to travel through our uncivilised countryside, we invite you, Venerable Verax and your companion, Bishop Arwald, to be seated while we speak of what brings you to face the hardships and difficulties that obviously beset your journey.’
The Venerable Verax took a step forward, his features formed into a masklike smile.
‘It will not be necessary, Colgú of Muman. You will excuse us for our lack of knowledge of your customs.’
‘Yet they are the same customs that prevail in the Kingdom of Laighin, where you surely must have been guests of Fianamail the King?’ It was Fidelma who, in her irritation, could not suppress the observation.
Bishop Arwald turned swiftly, eyes narrowed as if noticing her for the first time.
‘And who are you?’ The tone was almost a sneer.
‘This is the lady Fidelma, my sister,’ Colgú replied in an icy tone. Clearly, Bishop Arwald was not one to be immediately cowed. ‘Beside her is Brother Eadulf, who is from your own country but who has made his home here, having married my sister. He is a respected friend and adviser of this court.’
‘Eadulf — from my country?’ queried Bishop Arwald. He looked at Eadulf with great suspicion, then glanced at the Venerable Verax with a look that seemed full of meaning.
‘Not exactly your country, Arwald of the Magonsaete,’ Eadulf replied. ‘I am from Seaxmund’s Ham, in the Land of the South Folk, of the Kingdom of the East Angles.’
‘Eadulf of Seaxmund’s Ham?’ Bishop Arwald examined him carefully. ‘I believe that you have only recently arrived here.’
Eadulf wondered at the sinister tone in the other’s voice. ‘I have not. Why do you ask?’
‘Were you not in Canterbury only a short while ago?’
‘You are mistaken,’ Eadulf replied. ‘The last time I was in the Kingdom of Kent was during the winter of five years ago.’
Bishop Arwald did not seem satisfied. ‘Yet I heard a story that you departed Canterbury in the company of an elderly man only a few weeks ago. In Laighin we were told that you were seen landing in the country with that same man at one of the southern ports.’
Eadulf blinked in astonishment and exchanged a look with Fidelma. Was Bishop Arwald mistaking him for his brother? If so, what was the meaning of that undertone in the bishop’s voice? He was about to put the question when Colgú, oblivious to the tension, interrupted.
‘I can assure you that our friend Eadulf has been here these many years and, with my sister, has carried out many missions for me.’
The dark eyes of Bishop Arwald swivelled to him. ‘Missions? What missions — and why with a woman?’
It was the second time that a general feeling of astonishment spread, that this stranger should dare to question the King in such a tone. Once more Colgú decided to answer, overlooking the breach of protocol.
‘Is it possible that you have not heard of my sister, the lady Fidelma who, with her husband, Eadulf, has represented my interests in many parts of the Five Kingdoms and beyond? My sister is a dálaigh, a legal advocate and adviser in law to me.’
This time the information had an effect on the Venerable Verax. He turned to look at Fidelma more closely and exclaimed: ‘Of course! I have heard the Venerable Gelasius extolling her wisdom. Did she not perform valuable service in Rome when Wighard, the Archbishop Designate of Canterbury, was murdered in the Lateran Palace? Oh yes, now I have it. The same Fidelma was part of the delegation arguing against the changes made by His Holiness which were debated at Streonshalh and later at the council in Autun. Oh yes, we have heard of her.’
Eadulf picked up a warning note in the last sentence, but was unsure whether it was aimed at Bishop Arwald or at Fidelma.
Colgú relaxed back in his chair. ‘Well, let us hope you will hear many tales from my bards of their deeds while you are here. But now. . we hope that your immediate needs after your journey have been met?’
Bishop Arwald was still staring at Eadulf and seemed reluctant to change the subject of the conversation but at a look from his companion, he addressed Colgú with his customary belligerence.
‘We have an escort of four warriors provided for our personal protection by King Fianamail and the Abbot of Fearna. Your own warriors refused them entrance into this place.’
Gormán coughed to attract the attention of the King. ‘Four warriors of the Clan Baiscne escorted the religious here. I have issued instructions that they be given quarters in Rumann’s tavern in the town below.’
‘That is so,’ Bishop Arwald confirmed, obviously annoyed. ‘I strongly protest. The warriors should be quartered here so that I can call when they are needed.’
‘I trust you do not imply that you will need protection while guests under the King’s roof?’ Abbot Ségdae could not restrain himself from speaking. He had already taken exception to the man’s arrogance.
Bishop Arwald glanced angrily at him. ‘When we arrived, I was told that my emissary, Brother Cerdic, not only came into danger within these walls but has been murdered. I do not think I need imply anything.’
‘We are investigating that matter,’ Colgú assured him quickly.
‘What?’ Bishop Arwald feigned surprise. ‘Has no one been seized and executed for this outrage? Then the murderer is still at large — and yet you say there is no cause for alarm! I am most displeased, for Brother Cerdic was but newly joined to the. . to my group of pilgrims. He had volunteered to come here alone to prepare you for our arrival. Why was he killed?’
‘Investigations take time.’ Colgú was irritated that he had been put on the defensive. ‘Here we are governed by our ancient laws and so do not seize and execute people without just cause. I have appointed my sister and her husband to investigate.’
The sneer broadened in the voice of the bishop. ‘Ah! Then it is understood why there has been no resolution.’
Colgú raised his eyes at Fidelma, signalling to her not to react to the provocation, before he began to address the newcomers in a severe tone: ‘Since you are strangers, we will explain why your armed escort are not allowed within the confines of this palace. Relations between the Kingdoms of Muman and Laighin have not been of the closest. Sometimes, warfare can be the result of mistakes or arrogance, leading to quickening tempers. It is a custom now, between us, that no armed warriors of Laighin may be admitted within the walls of this palace of Cashel, especially none of the Baiscne, who are Fianamail’s élite bodyguards, just as the Nasc Niadh are mine. Nor would I expect any of my warriors to be admitted with their arms into the Laighin fortress at Dinn Ríg or even Fearna.’