Peter Tremayne - The Devil's seal

‘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.’

Once again, as it seemed Bishop Arwald was about to respond angrily, it was the Venerable Verax who spoke in a conciliatory tone.

‘Then we would not wish to interfere with this custom and provoke any antagonism.’

‘My guard will always be at hand during your stay, so that you need have no fear,’ Gormán added coldly.

‘There are quarters for special guests here in my palace and these have been provided for you,’ Colgú went on.

Abbot Ségdae leaned close to Colgú and whispered into his ear in their common language: ‘Let us find out what these arrogant prelates want before we are all too exasperated to even speak with them.’

Thankfully, Brother Bosa did not appear to hear the remark. Colgú inclined his head in agreement. ‘Now, we are sure you will want to rest from your long journey. However, before you do so, and so that our Chief Bishop, Abbot Ségdae, may be prepared for the coming discussions, perhaps you can indicate to us the reason of your coming. What is it that you wish to discuss?’

The Venerable Verax turned to examine the abbot. ‘We have heard much about Abbot Ségdae. By accounts given to us he is an influential and powerful ecclesiastic. Why is he content to be merely an abbot?’

Receiving a nod from Colgú, Abbot Ségdae replied: ‘I am afraid that, once again, you are not aware of the customs of this country. Here, we deem an abbot of higher rank than a bishop.’ He stared directly at Bishop Arwald as he spoke, ignoring the man’s angry gaze.

‘Yet there is much talk about a primacy among bishops among your people. There is a bishop — or is it abbot? — at a place called Ard Macha, who claims that it was there that Patricius the Briton first taught the Faith in this land, and thereby this abbot should be appointed Archbishop, chief of all the bishops and abbots on this island.’

‘We will disagree on many points, Venerable Verax,’ replied Abbot Ségdae. ‘This will be one of them. Is it to discuss this that you have come all this way?’

The Venerable Verax was silent for a moment. ‘Perhaps it is one point where we might usefully exchange views,’ he conceded.

Abbot Ségdae shook his head. ‘Poor Brother Cerdic made no mention of the subject that has caused your visit. He merely summoned me from my abbey at Imleach and, it seems, he summoned Abbess Líoch from Cill Náile, who also stands before you. Naturally, we are all curious to learn what brings such distinguished prelates into this kingdom.’