Behold a Pale Horse by Peter Tremayne Read Free Book Online Page B

Arius.’
    ‘Then be warned, Fidelma of Hibernia. Brother Ruadán barely escaped with his life from Placentia. Bobium is an island surrounded by powerful nobles who support the teachings of Arius. It is wise not to be so forthright in declaring one’s beliefs at this time. Remember that a scholar’s ink lasts longer than a martyr’s blood.’
    Fidelma considered the young man’s words seriously. ‘I appreciate your advice to a stranger from a strange land, Radoald. Out of interest, as you are lord in this valley, are you one of these nobles that you speak of?’
    Radoald chuckled and shook his head. ‘I am not that powerful, Fidelma of Hibernia. However, I do try to protect this valley – and that includes Bobium. This is a small valley with few people. The influence of the Abbey at Bobium is strong here and we live in comfort with one another. Beyond the valley, it is different. Have you heard one of the old sayings of this country – cuius regio eius religio ?’
    Fidelma smiled and inclined her head in confirmation. An easy translation, for the saying was – who rules the country, dictates the religion.
    ‘Then let me tell you, outside the protection of the valley you must have circumspection. Brother Ruadán should have learned diplomacy. But, from the few people from Hibernia that I have encountered, I have gathered that you do not treat rank and privilege with the same respect that Longobards are used to.’
    ‘We have a saying,’ Fidelma replied. ‘“No one is better than I am, but I am no better than anyone else.” That means everyone should be treated with the same respect.’
    Radoald grimaced in amusement. ‘Treated with respect according to their station in life – for everyone is allotted his or her place by the Creator and it would be blasphemy to Him should they be dissatisfied with their lot.’
    ‘That is a curious philosophy,’ remarked Fidelma.
    ‘Not for us,’ replied Radoald. ‘Why, think of the chaos if it were otherwise. Wulfoald, who commands my guard, might one day come to believe that he is equal to me. Being dissatisfied, he could attempt to overthrow my rule and take my place. I was born to protect my people, to rule the weak and guide them when they seek my help.’
    ‘In my land we say that the people are stronger than a lord, for it is the people who ordain their chief and not the chief who ordains the people.’
    ‘How can the people be allowed to choose their lord?’ The young man sounded astonished by the idea. ‘A lord is chosen by the Creator Who ordains him with power to rule.’
    ‘In my land, it is the best among the family, the most intelligent and strongest, who is chosen to rule by his family and his people. I know in this land it is merely the eldest son; whether he be an idiot or a great philosopher makes no matter. So how can you say the Creator has ordained him?’
    Radoald smiled quickly. ‘If the ruler was an idiot, he would not last long as ruler.’
    ‘So he would be removed?’
    ‘Of course.’
    ‘And often with violence either within the family or by the people?’
    Radoald suddenly saw the point she was going to make but shrugged, allowing her to accept it as confirmation.
    ‘Would it not be better to choose him in the way we do, rather than let nature choose the course and then have to correct nature?’
    ‘But to give people choice … If they had choice to choose their ruler, why – they would think they had choice in all things.’
    ‘Why not? People live in each other’s shelter.’
    Radoald took a moment to understand the old proverb. Then he laughed sharply.
    ‘I do not think we shall agree on this, Fidelma of Hibernia. But at least I begin to see why your people have a reputation in my land as stubborn and irreverent towards their superiors. But be careful what you say and to whom, as these are difficult times and I strive hard to keep the peace between this valley and its neighbours.’
    Fidelma nodded. ‘I shall remember your