Peter Tremayne - The Devil's seal

‘One iron bar looks like another,’ Deogaire replied nervously.

‘Not exactly. I am told that this is a tool often used by builders.’

‘I am no builder, lady.’

‘So you have not seen it or a tool like it?’

‘I have seen tools like it used for shifting rocks embedded in the soil or to prepare the ground for planting; maybe even used for moving stones into place when buildings are constructed.’

‘Have you seen it specifically here in Cashel?’

Deogaire shook his head stubbornly. ‘I have no use for tools and weapons. I am a philosopher.’

Fidelma told Gormán to set down the tool outside before turning back to the prisoner. ‘Now, tell me again, how you came to be in the guest quarters.’

‘But I told you last night,’ protested Deogaire.

‘You said you were thrown out of Brother Conchobhar’s house and then went to ask Beccan, the King’s steward, for a room to sleep in — a room in the King’s own guest quarters; in fact, rooms reserved for special guests. Is that the truth?’

‘More or less,’ admitted the man.

Gormán grinned sceptically. ‘How much more?’

‘It is the truth!’ Deogaire said. ‘I was thrown out of Conchobhar’s apothecary, the silly old fool; he was lecturing me on this new morality from the east. I told you that was what we were arguing over. We always argue over it, but last evening, my uncle really lost his temper.’

Fidelma did not volunteer that Brother Conchobhar had confirmed the story.

‘Arguing about what, for example?’ she asked.

‘I told him that at least the old gods, the Children of Danú, made no pretence to omnipotence. They aspired to justice but had all the traits, failings and good points of mortals.’

‘I don’t see your point,’ Gormán intervened. ‘That is not something to lose one’s temper over.’

‘I said that this new God from the east is purported to be the one and only God. Omnipotent, all-seeing, all-knowing. He knows everything that has happened, is happening and is about to happen. It is claimed that He has all the power.’

‘That is according to the Faith,’ agreed Fidelma.

‘So, having the power to prevent war, He permits it. Being able to prevent disease, He promotes it. I asked how people can believe in the goodness of such a God Who permits these things when He could stop them? I said that there is no logic in this eastern faith unless this God is evil or possessed of a sadistic sense of humour. That was when Conchobhar fell into a rage. I had never seen him so angry! He warned me that any attempt to reason along those lines would lead me to eternal damnation: I could end up in this place of eternal punishment — Ifrenn — that has become part of your religion.’

‘Did you know Brother Madagan was witness to your argument?’

‘I know he came to collect something from Conchobhar, but he left immediately.’

‘So having quit Brother Conchobhar’s apothecary, you went to see Beccan?’

‘Not exactly. I was wondering what to do when I met Beccan crossing the courtyard. He saw how upset I was and asked me what was wrong. I told him that I had just been thrown out by Conchobhar and would probably have to set out for Sliabh Luachra. He replied that it was late and not the best time to start out on the road. I said there was no alternative as I had no bed for the night. He told me that he could help me — but on certain conditions. If I could return to the apothecary and get some remedies for a sick relative of his — he told me what he wanted — he would find me somewhere to sleep. He asked if I could do this without Conchobhar knowing. I said yes.’

Fidelma hid her surprise. ‘Did Beccan know the names of the medications he wanted? What sort were they?’

‘They were remedies for fever and colds. There was nothing that was harmful, if that is what you are thinking.’

‘And when you had “acquired” them, what then?’

‘He said that if I came around to the kitchen door at the time when the King and his guests were sitting down to the evening meal, he would take me to a room in the guest quarters that was not being used that night. All I had to do was stay in the room until after the guests broke their fast the following morning. That was the time when the King’s bodyguards would disperse. He explained that they usually stood sentinel in stairwells and at the doors of the palace. When it was daylight, I could then sneak out and be on my way.’

‘And all this was in exchange for some medication which you provided?’

‘It was.’

‘And after you had left the palace, where were you going?’

‘I intended to return to my home in Sliabh Luchra.’

‘A further question: where were the kitchen servants at this time?’ asked Fidelma. ‘I mean, the time when Beccan let you in?’

‘There was no one in the kitchens when Beccan took me through them.’

‘Isn’t that curious?’ Fidelma mused.

‘I don’t like any of this story,’ Gormán interrupted. ‘Beccan should know more than anyone else that the King’s security is paramount, especially after the attempted assassination of Colgú a few months ago. For that reason, the guest quarters are closely guarded.’

Deogaire bridled, his head rising belligerently. ‘It is not in my philosophy to wish harm to anyone.’

‘That we must prove,’ Fidelma said.

‘You doubt me?’

‘I would doubt even myself until a solution is found,’ Fidelma replied calmly. ‘Beccan will have to explain several things, including his behaviour, which is not consistent with the standard expected of a steward in my brother’s household.’

Deogaire glared at her. ‘I am no liar, lady. I have told you the truth.’

‘Then the lie will pass away and the truth will remain,’ she said confidently, rising from her seat.

Deogaire gritted his teeth for a moment. ‘Isn’t it said that lies often go further than the truth?’

‘Lies only run a short course,’ Fidelma assured him. ‘Truth is great and will prevail.’

‘I wish I had your faith in the truth, lady,’ he replied bitterly. ‘Two deaths in this place already, and you and your man have escaped death by a miracle. No one knows who is responsible. Where has the truth been hiding these last days?’

Gormán said stalwartly, ‘Truth will emerge, count on it.’

‘We will wait until Beccan returns,’ confirmed Fidelma. ‘That means that you must remain here in the Laochtech until he does.’

Deogaire seemed about to make an angry retort, but then he sighed philosophically. ‘At least it provides me with a dry bed and food.’

They left Deogaire and, in spite of his being locked in the room, Fidelma insisted that a guard should continue to remain close by.

Gormán cast a questioning glance at her. ‘You still doubt that he is the guilty one, lady, and fear that someone might attempt to harm him?’

‘Rudgal was certainly guilty of the attack on Brother Egric and the Venerable Victricius. He was under the protection of your warriors, Gormán, and yet he was killed because we were not watchful enough. What if Deogaire is telling the truth — although his story sounds unlikely — and someone else is responsible? He might be in harm’s way. Better we ensure against that possibility.’

Gormán was about to reply when the sound of a warning horn caused them to hurry outside towards the gates.

One of the warriors called down to them from the watchtower: ‘A small party is approaching from the east, lady. Four warriors and three clerics. One of the warriors carries the tree banner of the Clan Baiscne.’

Gormán turned to Fidelma in dismay. ‘The Baiscne, lady — the bodyguard of the King of Laighin! This must be the party of Saxon religious that the King is expecting. And Beccan is not here to perform the ritual welcome and arrange matters.’