Peter Tremayne - The Devil's seal

‘A boy may grow to maturity,’ shrugged Egric. ‘I decided to follow the Faith and not the army.’

‘But it is amazing to meet up after all these years — and to meet here, of all places in the world!’ Eadulf exclaimed.

‘Our paths never seemed to cross after you left Seaxmund’s Ham, brother. I found myself among a band of brethren at the court of Oswy at Streonshalh. It was there I heard your name spoken of in connection with the Great Debate that had been held there. But it was said that you had gone on to Rome.’

‘True enough,’ agreed Eadulf. ‘That was my second journey to Rome.’

‘Oswy had accepted the Rule of Rome, even though there were still some among his priests and bishops who favoured the ways of the missionaries of Aidan of Iona, who brought the Faith to Northumbria,’ explained Fidelma. ‘Eadulf and I made the journey to Rome together. So what abbey did you join when you were in Streonshalh?’

‘I did not,’ Egric replied. ‘Oswy wanted new missionaries to preach the Faith among the Cruthin over whose kingdom he ruled as lord. Thus I went to that land and spent some years preaching among them as well as learning their language.’ He paused and then went on: ‘Last year, before spring was on us, Oswy died. The Cruthin were then ruled by Drust, son of Donal, who had been a client king under Oswy. The Cruthin had long chafed under what they saw as rule by foreigners, and now they rose up in rebellion. I had to flee for my life. I managed to make my way back to Streonshalh.

‘Things were also changing in Oswy’s kingdom. There was a confusion of sub-kings of Deira and Northumbria, each vying for power. Wilfrid, who had led the pro-Roman faction at the Great Debate at Streonshalh, had obtained almost a king-like power. He began ensuring the removal of many of those who were of the old Columban Church, like Bishop Chad. Presumably he wanted them removed from any position where they might harm his Roman party. Even Oswy’s wife, Eanfleda, and her daughter had fled for safety into the abbey of the dead King’s relative, Hilda, who also still favours the teachings of Colmcille. Apparently, Wilfrid had full permission of Theodore of Canterbury to pursue these policies, and now Theodore had designated Wilfrid as Bishop of Northumbria.’

He paused to sip thoughtfully at his drink.

‘Anyway, Oswy’s Kingdom was not mine and so I was thinking of going south. I made my way to the town of the people of Kent. It was there I met an aging cleric from Rome, the Venerable Victricius of Palestrina. He told me that he had been given a mission from Theodore, Archbishop of Canterbury, to journey to this kingdom and contact some people here. The Venerable Victricius knew little of the tongue therefore asked me to accompany him as translator and companion.’

‘So it was Theodore who sent you hither?’ Eadulf was regarding him in surprise. ‘This is a curious tale, brother, for I myself was adviser to Theodore during my short time in Rome and accompanied him to the Kingdom of Kent. Then it was as his emissary that I came here — and here I have remained.’

‘Understand that I did not meet with Theodore, but all my dealings were with the Venerable Victricius,’ Egric said hurriedly.

‘Why did Theodore of Canterbury send this Venerable Victricius hither to this corner of the world?’ asked Eadulf. ‘Is it the same mission that brings Bishop Arwald of Magonsaete to this kingdom?’

Egric sat up, suddenly alert. ‘Is Bishop Arwald here?’

‘He is expected to arrive any day soon. So, there is some connection?’

Egric seemed to relax with a slight shrug. ‘Perhaps. Alas, Victricius never shared the objective of his mission with me; I was merely asked to act as companion and interpreter on his journey here.’

Fidelma and Eadulf glanced at one another in surprise.

‘He never gave a single hint of his purpose during the long journey here?’ demanded Fidelma. ‘Did he mention Bishop Arwald?’

Egric shook his head. ‘Bishop Arwald was known at Canterbury, but I have never met him.’

‘Then, by the holy rood, this is a curious tale,’ Eadulf declared in astonishment.

‘The Venerable Victricius did not explain anything,’ insisted Egric. ‘He had a box with him and was very careful of it. When we were attacked, the contents were destroyed or carried off by the raiders. I never found out what was in it.’

‘So never once, on the long journey between Canterbury and here, did your companion take you into his confidence about the purpose of your journey,’ clarified Fidelma.

‘That is the truth, lady. The Venerable Victricius was the type of person who keeps his own counsel. I know it is hard to believe that I could journey with him under those conditions, but I did so — and willingly. My allegiance was to Venerable Victricius; his was to Theodore of Canterbury; and Theodore’s allegiance was to Vitalian of Rome. It was as simple as that. I accepted that I would be told the purpose, when the time was right for me to be told.’

Fidelma bowed her head. Her voice was slightly cynical when she responded: ‘In such blind faith and obedience, you certainly differ from your brother. But now the Venerable Victricius is dead and his papers disappeared, how then will you be able to fulfil his purpose if you do not know it?’

‘I cannot,’ replied Egric simply. ‘All his papers seem lost.’

‘I suppose you will be told when Bishop Arwald arrives with his companions,’ Fidelma said.

‘His companions?’ There seemed uneasiness in the way Egric asked the question.

‘A Roman cleric named Verax.’

Egric sighed. ‘I do not know him.’

‘What about Brother Cerdic — do you know him?’ Fidelma asked suddenly.

Egric turned to her, startled. ‘What name do you say?’

‘Brother Cerdic,’ she repeated carefully.

This time, Egric tried to assume a blank expression but it was clear the name had registered. ‘Brother Cerdic? I don’t think so. Who is he?’

‘An emissary sent here to announce the imminent arrival of a deputation from Theodore of Canterbury.’

There was an awkward silence and then Egric said: ‘Are you saying that Brother Cerdic is here already? Perhaps he could explain everything.’

‘He can’t,’ Eadulf replied shortly.

‘I don’t understand,’ his brother returned with a puzzled glance.

‘He is dead.’

Egric paled. ‘Dead? Cerdic is dead?’

‘He was murdered this morning in the chapel here. We don’t know by whom or why.’ Eadulf went on: ‘You seem disturbed, Egric, yet you said that you don’t know him.’

Egric passed a hand slowly across his brow. ‘Nor do I,’ he maintained. ‘But a Saxon visitor to this place. . I may be in some danger. I have already survived one attack that killed my companion.’

‘It is true there is a mystery here,’ Fidelma said patiently. ‘So that is why we require all the information we can get in order to resolve it.’

‘Of course,’ Egric nodded. ‘I am but newly arrived here and my first encounter with any animosity was the attack on my companion and myself on the river.’

‘We will do our best to bring the culprits to justice.’ Fidelma rose. ‘Meanwhile, the news of your coming will have spread through the palace. It will be a breach of protocol and manners to keep you to ourselves any longer. First, we will take you to meet the King. You must also meet with Abbot Ségdae who is the Chief Bishop of the Kingdom.’

‘Is it really necessary for me to meet the King and his bishop?’ Egric seemed reluctant. ‘My journey has been long and not without incident. I feel quite exhausted.’

‘You are Eadulf’s brother,’ Fidelma said. ‘Eadulf is my husband. The King is my brother. Thus your arrival becomes a family matter. The King will want to meet the brother of my husband, especially in view of the circumstances.’