The Devil's Seal by Peter Tremayne Read Free Book Online Page A

relationship to Fidelma.
    ‘I am from the Kingdom of the East Angles, while Brother Cerdic was from the Kingdom of Magonsaete. So, if you wish to be accurate, we are
not
Saxons,’ Eadulf replied, his voice slow but with emphasis.
    ‘Angle! Saxon! What does it matter?’ Aillín replied aggressively.
    Before Eadulf could respond, Fidelma had intervened.
    ‘Eadulf went to see this religieux on behalf of my brother, in order to discover his purpose in coming to this place. My brother specifically invited Eadulf to meet with him and Abbot Ségdae this morning in order to ask his advice about the matter. It was the King himself who suggested Eadulf seek him out. So if this does not answer your question, any further information on the matter should be addressed to my brother, the King.’
    Brehon Aillín blinked; the muscles in his face tightened a little.
    ‘I am your brother’s Chief Brehon,’ he said slowly. His voice seemed to be propelled like a harsh breath through an almost closed mouth. ‘It is my task to investigate this death. I will
not
have my rôle usurped.’
    Fidelma actually smiled, albeit without humour. ‘I know of no one who is seeking to usurp your rôle, Aillín. Therefore I suggest you accompany us to consult my brother, who would be anxious to hear what has transpired from Eadulf’s own lips. My brother will be most anxious about this entire matter.’
    With a quick glance at Eadulf, she turned and led the way towards her brother’s council chamber. Eadulf immediately fell in step with her and, after hesitating a moment, Brehon Aillín scurried after them.
    Colgú greeted the news glumly. ‘We must inform Abbot Ségdae. Now we know nothing of this Brother Cerdic. How do we begin to cast around for suspects?’
    Brehon Aillín cleared his throat. ‘There is one person of his nation in the palace . . .’ he began.
    Colgú turned to him expectantly and then realised what the man was about to say.
    ‘Oh, you mean Eadulf here? Well, that doesn’t help, does it? I am talking about the person responsible for his death. We have no suspects.’
    ‘But Brother Eadulf was with him when he died,’ Brehon Aillín persisted. ‘Therefore . . .’
    ‘Don’t be ridiculous, Aillín,’ Colgú said irritably. ‘It’s no joking matter. We must think sensibly about it.’
    Brehon Aillín’s mouth closed in a thin, bloodless line. Colgú had interpreted the man’s words as a joke. However, Eadulf knew that the elderly, prejudiced Brehon was far from saying it for amusement. He would have to be careful of the man.
    Fidelma had moved on rapidly. ‘Brother Cerdic and Brother Rónán called on Abbess Líoch and invited her to this council. She has apparently decided to stay in the township instead of coming to the palace. As I know her, I shall ask her if she was already acquainted with this Brother Cerdic and whether he said anything specific when he called at her abbey at Cill Náile.’
    Colgú shrugged. ‘If you think it worthwhile, then by all means do so. You should also persuade her that we have better guest facilities here than any lodging down in the township.’
    Brehon Aillín intervened with another dry cough: ‘May I remind you that as your Chief Brehon, it is
my
duty to conduct all these enquiries.’
    Colgú turned to the man with a look of irritation. ‘I was not overlooking that fact. But now you will be faced with more important tasks, for I wish you to liaise with Abbot Ségdae over the matter of this forthcoming deputation. That is a priority. The death of this religieux can be handled by Fidelma, as she is used to such matters.’
    ‘But . . .’ Brehon Aillín began to object.
    Colgú held up his hand to silence him. ‘I suggest that the sooner you consult with Abbot Ségdae, the better. Of course, if you hear anything that you think pertinent to Fidelma’s enquiry about Brother Cerdic, you will naturally inform her.’
    The Brehon stared sullenly at the King for a moment