Peter Tremayne - Smoke in the Wind

Fidelma nodded approvingly as she followed his narrative. ‘You seem to be a sound strategist, Cathen.’

‘Even a good strategist needs luck, Sister.’

Fidelma gave him an appreciative look. Cathen was certainly no vain leader.

Gwnda cleared his throat. ‘So now, Prince Cathen,’ he said, ‘thanks to you peace returns to Pen Caer. You have rounded up and captured our local band of robbers. And Sister Fidelma will tell you that our other mysteries are resolved. Si finis bonus est, totum bonum erit .’

Fidelma shook her head quickly. ‘If this is an end to the mystery, it is not good nor is everything good that comes from it.’

Prince Cathen looked uncertain. ‘I would agree that there are several questions to be answered before we can resolve all these matters. Do you have the answers to those questions, Sister?’

‘First tell me, Cathen, when Dewi came to your father Gwlyddien, did he make a specific request on my behalf?’

Cathen nodded. ‘That you be given the authority of barnwr to investigate all those matters you felt important.’

‘Do I receive that authority?’

‘My father was most willing to give you that authority. As I said before, we merely thought you might need a little physical backing.’

Gwnda was looking on in disapproval.

At that moment, a tap came at the door and one of Cathen’s warriors entered. ‘It was easily done, Prince Cathen. We have the man called Iestyn. He was at his farm with a couple of outlaws. We surprised them before they could even draw their swords, so no one has been hurt.’

Cathen grinned at Fidelma. ‘Excellent. So do we have all the rats in our trap now, lady?’

Fidelma did not reply for a moment but turned to the young warrior. ‘Was one of the outlaws a man with a metal skull cap? A war helmet? A man of some arrogance?’

‘That must be the one who answers to the name of Corryn. He was arrogant,’ agreed the warrior.

‘Corryn was the man I wanted.’ Fidelma sighed in satisfaction.

‘There was another outlaw, apart from the man Iestyn. His name was Sualda.’

‘Sualda?’ Eadulf’s eyebrows rose a fraction. ‘So he survived?’

‘Luck is definitely on our side,’ Fidelma told him.

Cathen glanced questioningly at her. ‘Are these men special?’ he asked. ‘I thought that Clydog was their leader?’

‘Very special,’ she confirmed. ‘Keep them all separate but closely confined. They are all important in this game of intrigue.’

Cathen gestured for his warrior to obey Fidelma and turned back to her. ‘I am not sure I understand any of this,’ he began.

‘I shall explain tomorrow. In the morning, with Gwnda’s consent of course, let us gather in this hall. I will then endeavour to bring all the ends of these matters together.’

Gwnda was frowning in annoyance. ‘I thought the matter was concluded? We have rounded up all the outlaws. What else is there?’

Fidelma gave him a sympathetic smile. ‘There are many deaths to be accounted for, Gwnda, and also an explanation of the conspiracy against King Gwlyddien.’ She turned to Cathen. ‘Do I have the right and your approval to present the explanations?’

‘Of course,’ the prince replied.

‘Then I shall need one of your men to act as steward for the court that I propose should sit in Gwnda’s hall at noon.’

‘Cadell is my trusted lieutenant, Sister.’

‘Very well. Let me speak with Cadell and issue him with instructions on what should be done tomorrow, for I need this business conducted in a precise and special way.’

Cathen and Gwnda were clearly at a loss to understand what was in her mind. However, Cathen turned to the door and called for one of his men, asking that Cadell be found and sent to him. A moment or so later a young warrior entered. Cathen spoke quietly to him and the man crossed the hall to Fidelma, raising his hand in salute.

‘I am at your service, Sister,’ he said. He seemed brisk and efficient.

‘Remain while Brother Eadulf and I give you instructions. ’ She turned to the others. ‘The night is almost gone and it has been a long and tiring one. I suggest that you all retire. Brother Eadulf and I will not be long in following your example.’

They hesitated and then, seeing the glint in her eye, began to disperse.

The morning was intensely bright. There were no clouds in the sky and the sun shone with that late autumnal brightness which causes people to narrow their eyes in order to focus through its glare. In spite of the sun’s rays, the air was chill and there was a hint that a frost had come and gone in the predawn hours. Droplets of water glimmered and sparkled on bushes and trees and even the grasses.

Fidelma had slept late. In fact, it was approaching the noon day. Even so, she was stirring long before Eadulf and went down to the kitchen to find Buddog washing dishes there. The woman greeted her dourly.

‘There is much movement in the township this morning, Sister. Many are crowding into Gwnda’s hall to hear what you have to tell them.’

Fidelma seated herself at a table and began to pick at a bowl of apples.

‘Let us hope they will not be disappointed,’ she said tightly. Buddog frowned and left her alone.

A moment later Eadulf entered. Fidelma noticed that he still looked exhausted. She probably looked haggard herself, for they had not gone to bed until dawn. They had spent some time questioning Sualda, who had recovered from his infectious wound thanks to Eadulf’s treatment, and Fidelma’s speculation had been confirmed.

‘I see people are gathering in the main hall,’ Eadulf said in greeting, helping himself to an apple. He had barely bitten into it when Prince Cathen entered with Cadell at his side.

‘It is a fine day,’ he announced. ‘The sun is near its zenith. Cadell has been scrupulous in obeying your instructions. Those whom you asked him to request to attend are already in their places. Clydog and his band of outlaws are still imprisoned, with the exception of Iestyn who has been brought to the hall under guard.’

‘Have the smith Goff and his wife Rhonwen arrived?’ asked Fidelma.

‘They have come with their son, Dewi,’ agreed Cadell.

‘And the girl Elen?’

‘She was most reluctant to return. It was lucky that she had broken her journey at Goff’s forge and we did not have to send all the way down to Llanrhian to fetch her. I do not think she is happy to be back.’

‘Everything stands in readiness, Sister,’ Cathen summed up. ‘Just as you ordered it should be.’

‘And is Gwnda in attendance?’

‘He is, and very unhappy about it,’ replied Cathen. ‘As lord of Pen Caer he would normally seat himself as judge, but I will take precedence in this court in accordance with your request.’

‘It will be up to you, Prince Cathen, to ensure that this hearing is properly conducted. I have no judicial authority and it will be your decision what legal path must be taken after I have presented the facts.’

‘It will be as you say.’

‘Then go before us and we will follow in a moment.’ He and Cadell left and went into the hall. Fidelma could hear the hum of voices grow silent with expectancy.

Buddog was still busying herself in the kitchen.

‘Buddog? Are you not joining us?’

The tall, blonde servant shook her head. ‘I am only a servant, lady. I am not allowed to enter Gwnda’s hall during official business other than to attend to the wants of the guests.’

‘But you have the right to attend and listen to what has taken place. Eadulf will take you in and secure you a seat.’

Eadulf rose and motioned for Buddog to go with him. She did so, but only with reluctance and some protest. For a few moments Fidelma sat at the table drumming her fingers on its wooden top and frowning into space. Then she gave a deep sigh, stood up and entered Gwnda’s hall.