The Leper's Bell by Peter Tremayne Read Free Book Online Page A

events.’
    ‘It can only be some unknown traveller who took the opportunity to seize a child, any child.’ Brehon Dathal’s voice was heavy. ‘That is my conclusion, and when Sárait, the nurse, tried to defend the baby, they killed her and made off with it.’
    Even Eadulf saw the flaws in his argument before Fidelma spoke. He caught her antagonistic movement out of the corner of his eye, and intervened quickly.
    ‘With respect, Brehon Dathal, that is contradictory to the evidence that we have already discussed.’
    Brehon Dathal’s eyes narrowed. ‘What do you mean, Saxon?’ His voice held a degree of restrained belligerence.
    ‘If Sárait had just chanced to be out at night with the baby, then yoursuggestion might have to be considered. But the evidence seems to point to Sárait’s deliberately being lured from the palace to her death. If she was not lured, then - and we have posed the question - she went out knowing whom she was about to meet. In either situation, the identity of the child - the strange mute child who came to the palace - is crucial. The fact that this child, whose identity no one knows, came with a message for Sárait throws everything into confusion. That is one of the paths we must follow.’
    ‘But there are no paths to follow now,’ protested Brehon Dathal, spreading his hands and appealing to his fellow council members.
    ‘When there are no logical paths to follow,’ Fidelma observed in a tight voice, ‘the only thing to do is follow the paths that are open, however illogical they may seem.’
    Colgú glanced at her with a frown. ‘What have you in mind, sister?’
    ‘I will ride to Imleach and question those religious travellers. It may be that they heard or saw something on their travels.’ She glanced towards Finguine and smiled apologetically. ‘I am sure that you observed them well and questioned them diligently, but I would feel better if I did so as well.’
    Finguine answered with a polite smile and the suggestion of a shrug. ‘It is your prerogative, cousin.’
    ‘I think it will be a wild goose chase,’ Brehon Dathal asserted.
    ‘It is the only goose there is to chase,’ Fidelma returned shortly.
    Colgú rose and, respectfully, they all rose with him.
    ‘This council has ended. Finguine, you may dismiss the witnesses to their homes, but organise a company of our best warriors to search the countryside once more. Lead them yourself.’
    Capa made to intervene indignantly, for the command of the warriors should rightly be his and he wanted to protest that he and his men had already scoured the countryside with no result. However, Colgú spoke before he could articulate his protest.
    ‘I have a special task for you, Capa. Take the opportunity to tell your wife that you will be away for a few days and then choose two trusty men. You will accompany my sister.’ He turned swiftly to Fidelma. ‘Remain with me a moment. You as well, Eadulf. We will discuss this matter in private.’
    The king waited in silence until the rest of them had left the chamber before returning his worried gaze to his sister and Eadulf.
    ‘Come to the fire and sit down,’ he instructed. ‘Some mulled wine?’
    They sat but neither felt in the mood to drink. Fidelma still had the sickly taste of Eadulf’s sleeping brew in her mouth. Alcohol on that would surely make her nauseous.
    ‘Are you absolutely determined to set out after these pilgrims?’ Colgú began, helping himself to a goblet of wine and stretching before the blazing hearth.
    ‘I have said as much,’ Fidelma replied shortly.
    ‘And you agree?’ Colgú turned to Eadulf. ‘You will go as well?’
    ‘Of course,’ Eadulf was about to add that he felt insulted that such a question should even be posed but compressed his lips. Colgú knew how he felt about Fidelma and must know how he felt about his lost child. ‘We must take any opportunity, however slight, of tracking down those responsible for the disappearance of Alchú