Peter Tremayne - Penance of the Damned

Fidelma, however, was still angry. She felt that Prince Donennach had shown weakness in actually pleading with Abbot Nannid. ‘You cannot allow this man to flaunt your authority and the ancient laws of this land.’ Her voice was icy.

‘What more can I do?’ Prince Donennach almost wailed.

‘You have your warriors here.’ She pointed at Conri. ‘Send them to the abbey to bring Gorman here by force. Abbot Nannid has only four of Glaed’s murdering brigands to defy them and they are no match for trained warriors.’

Brehon Faolchair felt he had to defend the prince. ‘And what would happen then? The word would spread among the Ui Fidgente that their prince dishonoured his most senior abbot by sending warriors to attack an abbey. That is against all the rules of the Faith as well as our laws. It would be rumoured that Donennach did this in order to release a murderer. Whether judged rightly or wrongly, it would be claimed that he did so because he feared retribution from the King of Cashel. How long would it be before the people rose up against him?’

‘Glaed and his men are encamped not far from here,’ added Prince Donennach. ‘I have no doubt that Glaed is waiting to intervene in this conflict. It may even be that this is planned. It could provide the very excuse that Glaed wants so that he can take advantage of the tumult that will ensue. If we thought our land was devastated after the defeat of Cnoc Aine, then it will be seen as paradise compared to what will follow if civil war is followed by war with Cashel.’ Prince Donennach rose abruptly. ‘My regrets, Fidelma. Truly, my regrets. If we are to descend into war, whether it be between Ui Fidgente and Ui Fidgente, or whether it will be against our old enemies, the Eoghanacht, we must prepare. I suggest that you and your companions make ready to leave our territory as soon as you can, for your own safety’s sake. Return to Cashel and tell your brother, the King, that I have tried my best to choose the peaceful road. Prior Cuan, you and your companions should also return to Imleach. I can do no more.’

Brehon Faolchair after a moment’s hesitation, followed him from the hall. Conri, with bow to Fidelma, went after them.

Prior Cuan looked ruefully at Fidelma. ‘I hear you are fond of quoting some of the Latin philosophers, lady. As Virgil says – fata obstant . Fate has opposed us.’

Fidelma thrust out her chin, a habit she had adopted when she was arguing a case that was not going to her liking. ‘There is a saying that we should not willingly surrender to fate.’

‘Abbot Nannid is an immovable object,’ the prior lamented. ‘Well, we will not be able to depart for Imleach until tomorrow. We’ll wait until … until the afternoon.’ He cleared his throat. ‘Perhaps I should make a representation to Abbot Nannid that we might take Gorman’s body with us so that he can be interred in his own territory?’

Prior Cuan did not meet Fidelma’s eyes as he limped towards the doors of the hall. His silent steward, Brother Tuaman, with the scribe, Brother Mac Raith, followed despondently.

Fidelma sat staring at the table before her as the hall emptied. Eventually there was a curious stillness. Eadulf had remained at her side, numbly contemplating the inevitability of what was to happen.

‘What now?’ he asked, breaking the silence. ‘Nannid has managed to get out of any accusation of being involved in a conspiracy with Glaed, and, he has even forced Prince Donennach to capitulate to his will.’

‘Abbot Nannid is determined to execute Gorman and I don’t doubt he will carry out his threat,’ Fidelma said.

‘So what can we do?’

Fidelma glanced around to make sure they were not overheard. ‘There is only one thing left that we can do.’

Eadulf met her gaze for a moment and then nodded, his expression grim. ‘So we’ll attempt to rescue him tonight?’

At the doors of the great hall they found an agitated Enda waiting for them.

Fidelma looked at him with a frown. ‘I thought you were taking care of Aibell in the guests’ rooms?’

‘We could not help wanting to know what has happened. We heard that your arguments did not go well, lady. And we heard the worst.’

‘So where is Aibell?’

‘She had an idea and has left the fortress.’

‘Alone?’ Fidelma groaned.

‘She said she would be quite all right and will meet us shortly by the bridge off the town square.’

‘You let her go unguarded?’ she demanded incredulously.

‘She is a hard person to argue with,’ replied the young warrior. ‘Come, we must go and meet her.’

Fidelma raised her eyebrows at Eadulf. His amused expression told her that he knew someone else who was similarly stubborn. They passed swiftly through the main gates and went down to the square. Only a few people were standing about and the atmosphere was uneasy; there was a mood of fearful anticipation. The three hurried on towards the bridge, wishing they could make themselves inconspicuous.

It wasn’t long before Aibell emerged from the township to join them. Patience was not one of Fidelma’s virtues and she greeted the girl with irritation rather than relief.

‘What on earth do you think you are doing!’ she snapped. ‘It is very dangerous to be wandering alone out here.’

Aibell looked her straight in the eye. ‘Anyone could have told you that Nannid is as cruel as he is narrow-minded. That is why I have been discussing a plan.’

Fidelma was astounded. ‘Discussing a plan with whom?’

‘Come, follow me,’ urged the girl, instead of answering. ‘We do not want to be seen here.’

Before Fidelma could question her further, the girl had disappeared into a small passageway. She set off at such a quick pace that there was nothing to do but hurry on after her. The girl hastened with ease among the buildings until she came to a little house on the southern edge of the township. It was shrouded by trees on the edge of thick woodland. The girl paused before the stout wood door and knocked on it, calling as she did so: ‘It’s Aibell.’

The door was opened by an elderly woman, her slightly bent shoulders covered by a thick woollen shawl and her long grey hair tied away from her forehead. She glanced at Aibell’s companions with sharp grey eyes, then stood back for them to enter without a word. The door closed behind them and they found themselves enveloped in warmth. Although it was summer, the central hearth was obviously not used just for cooking.

Aibell laid a hand on the elderly woman’s arm and looked at the others.

‘This Etromma, Ciarnat’s mother.’

They stood awkwardly for a few moments before the woman.

‘I do not understand,’ Fidelma said.

‘Aibell was my daughter’s friend,’ Etromma said as if this explained matters.

‘I know, but …’

Aibell broke in. ‘You told me that Ciarnat was purposely given the wrong information to pass on to me, Fidelma. I have asked Etromma about it, and she has confirmed that it was part of a plot to make me persuade Gorman to escape so that he looked guilty.’

Fidelma was taken aback. ‘How were you able to confirm this, Etromma?’ she asked suspiciously.

The elderly woman lowered herself into a chair. ‘I was born in this township and worked in the fortress all my life. I have many friends.’

‘I don’t doubt it, but how …?’ prompted Fidelma again.

‘I have a good friend at the so-called abbey here, and he overheard something which worried him. You know that Abbot Nannid has taken up residence there? Well, my friend was passing a half-open door when he heard a voice saying that my daughter, Ciarnat, had been told to warn Aibell that you planned to abandon Gorman to his fate in order to preserve the peace with Cashel and your brother, the King. The person said that it had been suggested by a third party to Ciarnat that she must advise Aibell and Gorman to flee from the fortress. The same person also said that Aibell and Gorman would be tipped off that the guard could be bribed. Once they had fled, then Gorman’s guilt would be clear to all.’