The Council of the Cursed (21 page)

There were murmurs of congratulation from many while Abbot Ségdae clapped Eadulf wordlessly on the shoulder. Eadulf paused for a few moments before, as the abbey bell tolled, following the example of the others as they moved to the refectory for the evening meal.

The next day, after morning prayers and the ritual breaking of the fast, Eadulf went directly to Brother Gebicca’s apothecary.

Fidelma was sitting up and sipping at a hot broth that Brother Gebicca had prepared from various herbs. That it was unpleasant in its taste was obvious from her expression. She looked up in relief as Eadulf entered.

Brother Gebicca turned to him with a look of satisfaction.

‘All is as I said, Brother. She has a painful swelling on the leg but nothing worse.’ He turned back to Fidelma. ‘I was asking, how it was that you did not recognise the poisonous serpent to avoid it? They do not attack unless they feel threatened.’

‘We do not have such serpents in Hibernia,’ Fidelma answered simply. ‘I have not seen such a poisonous reptile before.’

‘It is true,’ Eadulf confirmed, seeing Brother Gebicca’s look of disbelief. ‘There are no reptiles of that sort in the five kingdoms.’

‘Yet I have heard that they exist in the island of Britain, so why not in Hibernia? Are they not in close proximity? Is the warning of hidden danger not international–
latet anguis in herba
–a snake lies concealed in the grass? How can it be a warning if there is a country without snakes?’

‘That is a mystery,’ Fidelma replied firmly. ‘Yet it was told long ago that our people were destined to live in a land without snakes.’

Brother Gebicca sniffed cynically and it was clear that he did not believe it so Fidelma decided to explain.

‘The progenitor of our race, Goidel Glas, son of Niul, in far-off times, served in the army of the Pharaoh Cingris in Egypt. A poisonous snake bit him but an Egyptian healer and holy man, who had been befriended by his father Niul, healed the boy. But the wound left a green mark on his skin. That is why he was called
glas
, which means green in our tongue. The healer then prophesied that he would eventually lead his people to an island at the edge of the world where no poisonous snakes would dwell. It was Goidel’s descendants who brought our people to the island that you called Hibernia.’

‘A pagan belief,’ dismissed Brother Gebicca. ‘Superstition.’

‘Pagan or not,’ Eadulf put in, ‘it is now being said that this miracle was wrought by Patrick when he came to convert the island. It was he, we are told, who drove out all the poisonous serpents.’

Fidelma stirred restlessly. ‘How long before the swelling disperses and the wound heals?’ she asked.

The physician began to bind the wound again.

‘There is no infection now. The wound is healing well and the swelling will go down in a day or two. I would advise rest, lest unnecessary movement causes the blood to circulate any residual venom through your body. Are you sure that you feel no ill-effects?’

‘None.’

‘The application of yellow snowdrop and vervain seems to have worked well. However, for a few days, drink a cup of the infusion of vervain and that will finish the attack of the poison.’

‘But can I get up now, for there is much I must do.’

Brother Gebicca showed his disapproval.

‘You must do as you think best,’ he shrugged. ‘I have done
my
best and you are healed of the immediate effects of the poison. My advice is that you go to your room and rest for at least today.’

Eadulf was in agreement. ‘The apothecary is right, Fidelma. If there is anything that needs to be done, I can do it.’

‘At the moment, you may help me to our chamber,’ Fidelma replied grimly. It was clear that, in spite of her question, she was not able to move without help.

Supported by Eadulf, with her arm around his shoulder, Fidelma thanked the apothecary and, limping a little, made her way to the main building of the abbey. One or two of the delegates greeted her and asked after her health. Abbot Ségdae also met them and pressed his profound relief at seeing her in a better state than on the previous night. Finally, they reached their chamber and Fidelma collapsed on the bed, exhausted by the effort.

Eadulf went to get her some water and she sipped at it gratefully.

‘I rather think the apothecary is right,’ she admitted, after handing the mug back to Eadulf. ‘I need more rest than I thought. That walk was quite tiring.’ She noticed the basket of fruit and another of various herbs in the room. ‘The abbey, at least, seems to be concerned for my health,’ she said.

Eadulf glanced at the baskets.

‘Bishop Leodegar brought those in. Apparently, the Lady Beretrude sent them, fruit and healing herbs, and with all good wishes for your recovery.’

Fidelma frowned suddenly. ‘Lady Beretrude?’ She remembered the moments in the garden with Beretrude encouraging her to look more closely at the shrubbery…at what was it–the oleander?

Eadulf saw her frown. ‘What is it?’

‘I just wondered if Beretrude knew there was a poisonous snake in the shrubbery.’

Eadulf was surprised at the question. ‘Why would she know that?’ he demanded.

‘She was encouraging me to go near the shrubbery just before you came.’

‘She could not have known a poisonous snake would be there.’

‘There was a wooden border around those shrubs. It was of such a
height that a snake would not be able to move over it. Perhaps the creature had been purposely placed there.’

Eadulf was dubious. ‘Are you saying that she deliberately tried to kill you?’ He looked unconvinced. ‘The bite of a viper does not necessarily mean death. Even Brother Gebicca likened it to a bee-sting, affecting only the young and those with weak constitutions.’

‘It is debilitating nonetheless for that,’ replied Fidelma in annoyance at his argument. ‘It might have been an attempt to prevent me from pursuing the investigation.’

It was then that Eadulf remembered what he had been about to tell her at the moment that the snake had bitten her.

‘I think we were right to suspect that Beretrude might have some connection with the women from the
Domus Femini
,’ he said slowly. ‘Last night I saw something at the villa that shocked me, and that was when I came to find you in the garden.’

Fidelma turned an enquiring look at him.

‘After we had agreed to part and look round,’ Eadulf told her, ‘I went along the eastern side of the villa. I had some idea of finding a back entrance and having a look inside.’

‘Go on,’ she said, when he paused.

‘I came to an area where stone stairs led downwards into a cellar. At the foot of these stairs was a door–a solid wooden one with no grille in it and no handle or lock, so it seemed. I presumed it could only be opened from the inside.’

‘And so?’

‘I was about to go down the steps to examine it further when I heard the cry of a child.’

Fidelma’s eyes widened a little. ‘A child? This came from behind the door?’

‘No, it came from beyond an iron gate in the wall. I heard a man’s harsh commands so I hid behind some barrels. The gate opened and a child and two women were pushed through by a warrior. The women were clad in the robes of religieuses. They had their hands bound in front of them, even the child. As well as the warrior, who had his weapon drawn, there was someone else…’

Fidelma was irritated by Eadulf’s dramatic pause. ‘And who was this someone else?’ she prompted. ‘An old friend of ours.’ ‘Old friend? Stop speaking in riddles, Eadulf. Just tell me who it was.’ ‘Verbas of Peqini.’

Fidelma had lapsed into a thoughtful silence at the news of the presence of Verbas of Peqini at Lady Beretrude’s villa. Eadulf sat and waited, not wishing to interrupt her thoughts as she considered the ramifications of his news. But it was not long before she told him, ‘The fact that Verbas is here does not alter the basic mystery around the murder of Dabhóc, although it puts an interesting slant on matters.’

‘He could not have known that we were here, surely?’

‘I agree–it must be a bizarre coincidence although, as I have said before, I have never really believed in coincidences. However, he could not have known we were here before arriving. He must have arranged to trade with Lady Beretrude some time ago.’

‘But to trade in what?’ wondered Eadulf.

‘You say that there were two religieuse and the child and they seemed to be prisoners?’

‘Verbas and a warrior were taking them into an underground room at Beretrude’s villa,’ confirmed Eadulf.

‘Then I fear this has something to do with the disappearance of the religieuse at the
Domus Femini
.’

‘And the cries that Gillucán heard? Could they have been the cries of children?’

‘Let us not leap too far ahead.’ Fidelma swung off the bed and tried to stand but immediately sank back with a word that was unusual for her to utter.

‘Brother Gebicca said that you should rest,’ Eadulf admonished.

‘I know what he said,’ she replied coldly. ‘The point is that the time is passing swiftly. There is much to be done, especially in view of this information. I want to have a further word with Abbess Audofleda.’

‘I can do that,’ offered Eadulf. ‘I know what it is that I must look for.’

Fidelma was not persuaded.

‘Oh, come,’ protested Eadulf. ‘I know enough about your methods and this matter. True, I am not as well versed in the law of the Brehons but I am an hereditary
gerefa
of my own people–and are not my people closely related to these Franks or Burgunds–closely enough that I might understand their way of thinking?’

Fidelma was slightly surprised at the vehemence in his tone. The thought occurred that perhaps she was being selfish. Eadulf had his pride as well. She knew that if she had a fault it was the belief that only she could gather the evidence and resolve a mystery. And even as that thought came to her, she remembered the many times that Eadulf had almost single-handedly resolved a case. There was the time in Gleann Geis, when he had had to argue on her behalf in front of Murgal the Brehon when Fidelma herself was charged with murder. It was Eadulf’s arguments that had secured her release. Then, of course, there was the time they had arrived at Aldred’s Abbey where she had fallen ill and was confined to her bed while Eadulf had done all the investigation so that together they had solved the mystery of Abbot Botulf’s murder. She had, indeed, to remind herself that Eadulf was an hereditary
gerefa
or magistrate of his own people. His mind was just as sharp and penetrating as her own. Indeed, was that not part of the mutual attraction that had brought them together?

She sighed deeply and held out a hand to him.

‘Eadulf, Eadulf,’ she said softly, ‘you have great patience with me. I tend to be a little selfish in these matters.’

Eadulf felt awkward. He was unused to Fidelma apologising.

‘It’s just that I can save time in this matter,’ he said gruffly. ‘It is best that you spend a day recovering and come to the matter fit and well tomorrow.’

‘You are right. Just remember not to say anything to the abbess or to Sister Radegund that might compromise Sister Inginde. Let us keep her
information to ourselves–and beware in your dealings with Sister Radegund.’

A frown started to gather on Eadulf’s face. ‘Why her particularly?’

‘You saw Beretrude. Compare her features with Sister Radegund’s. If there is not a likeness there, and a relationship, then I am no judge of such matters. Also, remember that we followed her to Beretrude’s villa in the first place.’

Eadulf realised that Fidelma might be right. He had not thought about it before. There
was
a strong likeness between the older and the younger woman. He was about to comment when there was a tap on the door; in answer to Eadulf’s response it opened and Brother Chilperic entered.

‘I came to see if there is anything you require, Sister,’ he said, with a nod of acknowledgement to Eadulf. ‘We were all alarmed to hear the news of your accident.’

‘I am told that I need to rest here today so that the swelling on my leg has time to disperse and heal.’

Brother Chilperic expressed his sympathy. ‘Bishop Leodegar asks whether he can have a word with you if you are able.’

‘Indeed, if he has time to spare now, I would appreciate it,’ she replied with resignation.

When he had gone, Fidelma said: ‘You had better wait to hear what Bishop Leodegar has to say before going to see Abbess Audofleda.’

‘Are you sure that you should be left alone today?’

‘I will ask Ségdae if he or one of his brethren can spare some time to sit with me,’ she replied.

Eadulf was approving. Fidelma was never one to be nervous. However, he was anxious that she should have some protection in his absence after the incident in Beretrude’s garden. While it could have been an accident, it was better to be cautious.

Bishop Leodegar entered with a worried frown.

‘Ah, it is good to see you looking better, Fidelma.’ He sounded thankful. ‘Lady Beretrude was most concerned. Her servants searched the grounds and apparently found the viper and killed it.’

‘I hope that you will assure Lady Beretrude that I am recovered. The physician says I should rest for today.’

‘So Brother Chilperic tells me. He will ensure your meals are brought here. I merely wanted to express my pleasure that the snake has done no permanent harm to you.’

‘I am told such venom can even kill?’

Bishop Leodegar nodded absently. ‘It has been known to.’

‘Then I was very lucky. I hope Lady Beretrude will ensure that there are no other poisonous reptiles in her villa.’

The bishop missed the double meaning. ‘It was lucky that Brother Eadulf was with you and rushed you straight to Brother Gebicca’s apothecary.’

‘I trust the reception was not entirely ruined?’ asked Fidelma.

Bishop Leodegar looked uncomfortable. ‘After the delegates from Hibernia accompanied Eadulf back to the abbey, the reception broke up.’

He was about to leave when Fidelma said: ‘I am told that Autun is a trading centre in this country.’

‘It has been a centre of trade since the Romans built it.’

‘And what does it trade in?’

‘It produces wine, of course, and olives. We trade with livestock and cheese.’

‘And slaves?’

Bishop Leodegar seemed to pause before he added: ‘And slaves.’

‘Are the traders all local, or do you attract foreign traders here?’

‘The rivers are good highways. But, of course, we are a long way from the sea in most directions. Trade tends to be mainly local otherwise our goods would perish on the long journey. But sometimes foreign merchants call here.’

‘Have you heard of Peqini?’

The bishop considered for a moment and shook his head. ‘It sounds a strange name.’

‘I understand it is a land in the east.’

‘Then I have not heard of it.’

‘There are no eastern traders passing through this city?’

‘I cannot see why eastern traders would be interested in this place. They have their own wines and olives. I have heard their riches surpass ours. The foreign merchants who pass through our city are not usually from places of far distance.’

‘Does Lady Beretrude trade much?’

The bishop looked horrified at the suggestion. ‘Lady Beretrude is a noble. Merchants and farmers pay her tribute. What a curious question you ask.’

‘I am merely interested in how things are governed, that is all. So she would not be interested in trading with eastern merchants?’

‘If eastern merchants were interested in trade in Burgundia then they would go to Divio or to Nebirnum, both of which stand on great river-ways where traffic is easier. They would also have a wider choice of goods. If they did come here, then they would usually be found in the market by the northern gates. Why are you so interested?’

‘Just curiosity,’ sighed Fidelma. ‘Thank you. You have satisfied it. Now I feel rather tired and will rest.’

Bishop Leodegar excused himself and left.

‘You were angling to see if he knew about Verbas of Peqini?’ Eadulf regarded her with a serious expression.

‘Either he does not, or he is a good liar. I wonder if he is as much a friend of Lady Beretrude as he maintains?’ She sighed deeply. ‘You had better be off on your quest. On your way, can you ask Abbot Ségdae to attend me?’

Eadulf was walking up the wagonway towards the courtyard that gave entrance to the
Domus Femini
, mentally rehearsing how to face the formidable Abbess Audofleda, when he noticed with surprise that the door was opening. A tall man emerged, followed by a young-looking woman. They were both clad in the robes of the religious. The man saw him and said something to his companion, who immediately withdrew inside and closed the door.

The man did not seem to be perturbed and walked on towards him with an easy stride. As he drew nearer, Eadulf saw that the religieux was young and quite handsome. He had dark brown hair, brown eyes, a swarthy skin and a firm chin. His teeth shone brightly each time he smiled. There was something, however, that Eadulf distrusted about his smile and his manner.

‘Good day to you, Brother Eadulf,’ he stated as they drew together. ‘It
is
Brother Eadulf, is it not?’

Eadulf halted with a frown. ‘That is my name. I do not know you.’

‘Forgive me. I do not wish to appear to have the gift of second sight. I have seen you in the refectory and at prayers, of course. Bishop Leodegar announced your name to us in the chapel–your name and that of the Sister from Hibernia, Philomena…?’

‘Fidelma.’ Eadulf was annoyed that the man thought he could not possibly work out how he knew his name and would ascribe it to some supernatural effect. ‘Her name is Sister Fidelma.’

‘Ah yes, such a curious Hibernian name. But you are a Saxon, are you not?’

‘I am from the kingdom of the East Angles,’ corrected Eadulf in a heavy tone. ‘And you are?’

‘Forgive me again. I do not mean to create mysteries. I am Brother Andica. There is no mystery about me. I am from Divio and I am a Burgund.’

‘I thought the male community of the abbey were not allowed to visit the
Domus Femini
,’ Eadulf remarked, indicating the building with a movement of his head.

‘And neither are they–generally speaking,’ Brother Andica said condescendingly. ‘But here you are, presumably on your way to the
Domus Femini
.’

Eadulf reddened as the man turned his implied question into one directed at himself.

‘As you have already remarked, Brother Andica, Bishop Leodegar has explained why I am here,’ he replied.

‘Your investigation? You seek information among the women? How interesting. How does the investigation go? Are we soon to hear who killed the Hibernian abbot?’

‘You will hear no doubt when the investigation is concluded,’ Eadulf replied. ‘So why are you visiting the
Domus Femini
?’

Again came the flash of Brother Andicca’s white teeth. He was, thought Eadulf, an extremely vain young man.

‘Although our communities are separated, we do occupy the same abbey, and this necessitates some communication.’ Eadulf could hear his patronising tone. ‘I assure you, Brother, there is nothing sinister to my being there.’

Eadulf bridled. ‘I did not suggest there was,’ he snapped.

Again the flash of teeth.

‘Of course not, Brother,’ the man said in a pacifying tone which made Eadulf almost grind his own teeth. ‘I heard that a poisonous snake had bitten the Sister from Hibernia. I hope it is nothing serious.’

‘No, it is nothing serious,’ replied Eadulf.

‘That is good. At this time of year the vipers in this part of the world are active. They can cause fatalities.’

‘She has been well treated.’

‘Ah, by the excellent Brother Gebicca, no doubt? That is good. One should have a care of snakes.’

Eadulf stared at the annoying young man.

‘I agree, Brother Andica. We shall have an especial care of snakes from now on. And now, if you will forgive me, I must be about my business.’

‘
Vade in pace
,’ replied the young man in a grave voice but he was smiling as if it were a jest.

With a brief nod, Eadulf strode on to the door of the
Domus Femini
and reached for the bell chain. He tugged on it, his ill humour somewhat increased. It was some time before the hatch swung back and the sharp eyes peered at him.

‘Brother Eadulf to see the
abbatissa
,’ he announced curtly.

The hatch slid shut and he heard the bolts rasping, metal against metal, before the door opened and he stepped inside without awaiting an invitation. The door shut behind him and he turned to see Sister Radegund sliding the bolts back into position.

‘Who was the young Sister letting out Brother Andica a few moments ago?’ he asked the stewardess brusquely.

Sister Radegund blinked. She seemed surprised at his question. ‘Who? Brother who?’

Eadulf sighed impatiently. ‘It is a simple question, surely?’

Sister Radegund coloured. ‘I assure you, Brother Eadulf,’ her tone was cold, ‘only
I
have opened and closed this door this morning.’

‘Are you telling me that Brother Andica did not pass through this door a few moments ago?’

‘Brother Andica? I can assure you that no brother has been here.’

Eadulf opened his mouth and then snapped it shut. That such a barefaced lie could be told was beyond his capability to deal with. If Sister Radegund had argued that the blue sky was, in fact, red in colour, there was no means to discuss the matter. So it was with this denial.

‘You wish to see Abbess Audofleda?’ the stewardess asked. ‘If so, come with me.’