Valley of the Shadow

Chapter Fifteen

A conflict of expressions flitted across Fidelma’s features as she considered what he had said.

‘What is it?’ Eadulf demanded.

‘You have just observed the obvious, Eadulf. I think I may know where we might find these missing cows.’

Eadulf was startled.

‘Come with me,’ Fidelma said, turning and leading the way from Artgal’s farmstead. In bemusement, Eadulf followed her as she confidently swung her way down the hill, following the path directly towards the group of buildings dominated by Ronan’s farm. They walked in silence for the most part as Fidelma appeared plunged into deep thought. Eadulf knew better than to attempt to interrupt her when she was in such a meditative mood.

He was astonished when, reaching the bottom of the hill, she turned aside from the main track and approached the small house of Nemon the prostitute. She rapped confidently on the door.

Nemon came out immediately and regarded them in surprise. Then she forced a twisted smile which was not entirely one of welcome.

‘You two again? I thought they said that you had killed the man about whom you were asking — what was his name, Solin?’

‘They thought wrongly,’ Fidelma assured her firmly.

‘Well, I can tell you no more about this Solin other than what I have told you already,’ sniffed the woman, attempting to close the door.

‘It was not Solin that I came to speak to you about. May we come in?’ Fidelma had noticed that the burly wife of Ronan, Bairsech, had come out of her house and had taken up her apparently favourite position, standing with folded arms watching them with undisguised hostile curiosity.

Nemon was indifferent. She merely stood aside and allowed Fidelma to push by with Eadulf following.

‘Time is money,’ the fleshy woman remarked, looking pointedly at Eadulf.

‘As you told us last time,’ agreed Fidelma affably. ‘But this time I am acting as a dálaigh investigating a murder. What was the price you asked for your three milch cows?’

Eadulf was more surprised than Nemon, for the woman did not even react.

‘I asked the going price. One sed per cow. A cumal for the three of them. I shall not give it back and nor am I going to milk them any longer. Artgal should have collected them or, at least, the two he promised to collect this morning. That was the arrangement.’

Fidelma turned to look out of the window at the cattle munching in the field outside.

‘What made you accept money? I thought barter was the usual form of exchange here?’

‘I am not going to live all my life in this place. Money can buy freedom outside Gleann Geis.’

‘True enough. What arrangement did you make? That you would look after the cows until Artgal came to collect them and take them to his farmstead?’

Nemon inclined her head in agreement.

‘He should have collected them today after milking. Well, two of them at least. I was to keep the third one for a further week and then let him have that one as well.’

‘And you were paid in advance?’

‘Of course. I am not stupid.’

‘No one said you were, Nemon. Did Ibor of Muirthemne give you any other instructions?’

For the first time Nemon looked bewildered.

‘Ibor of Muirthemne? What has he to do with it?’

‘Wasn’t he the one who bought your cows?’ Fidelma asked hesitantly.

‘That one? Ha! He would not even come to visit me. He stayed over there with Ronan and his wife. I met him on the path but he was not interested in my services. It is the first time I have met a merchant who was far from home who refused to avail himself of the services of a woman. Why would he buy the cows from me?’

Fidelma waited patiently until the end of her observation.

‘If it was not Ibor of Muirthemne who bought the cows from you, who was it?’

‘The boy, of course.’

‘The boy?’

‘The boy, what is his name? He is one of you — he has his head shaved like this foreign man. I have seen him with Solin.’

‘Brother Dianach?’ interposed Eadulf slowly.

‘Dianach, that is his name,’ confirmed Nemon.

Fidelma was standing staring at her with an expression of perplexity.

‘When did Brother Dianach come here and buy the cows?’

Nemon thought about it.

‘In the middle of the night, it was. Well, not long after dawn. I was fast asleep when he came knocking. I thought that he wanted my services but he nearly jumped a mile into the air when I suggested it. What is wrong with those who follow your God? Why are they such cavilling prudes? Are there no men among them?’ She paused and reflected with a derisory smile. ‘Well, the thick-set one … Solin could not be called a prude. I have no complaints of him on that account.’

‘You were telling us about Brother Dianach,’ interrupted Eadulf hurriedly.

‘The young boy? He awoke me early in the morning and said he wanted to buy my three milch cows. He explained the conditions. A cumal is hard to come by and I could do much with it. Besides, I never really wanted the responsibility of milking cows in the first place.’

‘So Brother Dianach bought your cows. How did he explain the arrangement? Did he offer any reason why he should suddenly buy the cows and give them to Artgal? I presume he told you that these were for Artgal at the time?’

‘Yes. Artgal is Ronan’s cousin. I only see him when he has won at some game of chance. When the boy told me that the cows were for Artgal, I presumed that the boy was in debt to Artgal over some wager or other. I don’t care anyway. The boy simply told me that Artgal would collect two of the cows later today. The third cow would be collected in a week or so. Artgal then came to see me soon afterwards to ensure that I had the cows. He confided in me that he thought the boy had been joking with him. He was surprised that I actually had the cows to give him. He said that he would collect them later today but I have seen nothing of him since.’

Eadulf compressed his lips in annoyance.

‘So Artgal knew the real identity of his mysterious benefactor all along. He lied to the court when he said it was not Brother Dianach.’

‘That much is obvious.’ Fidelma was phlegmatic. ‘More importantly, Brother Dianach lied. Why would he want to ensure I was incarcerated or found guilty?’ She turned back to Nemon. ‘Have you seen Brother Dianach since this dawn transaction?’

Nemon shook her head.

‘And when was the last time that you saw Ibor of Muirthemne?’

‘That was a few hours ago. I saw him saddling his horse over in Ronan’s field,’ the woman replied. ‘He rode off with both his horses. He went as if the hounds of Goll of the Fomorii were chasing him. Then Ronan came riding down in search of him. What is that about?’

There came the sound of horses outside.

Fidelma turned and glanced through the door.

‘It seems Murgal and Rudgal have returned. Eadulf, tell Murgal we are here. I want a word with him before he proceeds to Artgal’s farmstead.’

Eadulf hurried outside to stop the horsemen before they passed by.

Nemon was puzzled.

‘What is happening? What is all this activity?’

‘Are you sure you have not seen Artgal since this morning when he came to see the cows Brother Dianach had given him?’

‘I have already told you that. Now tell me what is amiss!’

‘Artgal seems to be missing.’

Nemon did not even register surprise.

‘So long as he appears to collect his cows.’

‘You may have to keep them longer than you have anticipated. Not only has Artgal disappeared but Brother Dianach has been found murdered on his farm.’

Nemon’s features remained stony.

‘Well, if I keep the cows,’ she finally said, having apparently thought the matter over, ‘at least I will not have to return the money. Dead men kill their liabilities.’

Even Fidelma was nonplussed at this unscrupulous attitude. She decided there was nothing more to be said and left the cabin. She found Eadulf at the gate talking with Murgal and Rudgal; both men were still mounted.

Murgal greeted her with immediate disapproval.

‘You were told not to leave the ráth until your business with Laisre was finished.’

‘Have you been told that Brother Dianach is dead?’ she replied, ignoring his reproof.

‘Rudgal brought me the news.’

‘You will find his body on Artgal’s farm. Artgal himself is missing. It was, however, Brother Dianach who gave the cows as a bribe to Artgal and not Ibor of Muirthemne. Your foster-daughter … Nemon is the witness to the transaction. Andthere stand the cows, still in her field because Artgal has not collected them.’

Murgal regarded her with narrowed eyes.

‘Are you telling me that Artgal has killed the young man Dianach?’

‘I am not telling you anything,’ replied Fidelma solemnly. ‘As you have pointed out, I am not allowed to investigate, according to you and your chieftain. You may conduct what inquiries you wish. Eadulf and I are now returning to the ráth.’

They left Murgal seething with irritation and proceeded to walk back to the ráth.

It was obvious that Rudgal had not told anyone else of the discovery of Brother Dianach’s body other than Murgal. There were a few people about but no one seemed interested in them and the sounds of festivity were emanating from the feasting hall.

It was dusk when they entered the hostel. There was no one about. Fidelma lit the lamps and made a search for something to eat. While she prepared a meal, Eadulf sat at the table resting his hands on his chin.

‘I don’t understand it.’ He finally broke the silence. ‘Why would Brother Dianach pay such a large sum to Artgal, simply to ensure that he did not change his claim that you killed Brother Solin?’

Fidelma put down some dried bread and cheese on the table, all she could find, and sought out a jug of mead.

‘I think we can speculate. Dianach was involved in whatever Solin was involved in. If we knew what that was, we would know why he was prepared to risk much to ensure that I was imprisoned or tried for murder. I think there is some inevitable link in the chain of events from the murder of the young men to Dianach’s own slaughter. But I do not know where the chain even starts. Why would Dianach want to do me such harm?’

Eadulf cut himself a slice of cheese.

‘Retribution? He believed that you killed Brother Solin. Perhaps he was emotionally tied to Solin to the point where he wanted vengeance?’

She shook her head firmly.

‘No. It does not make sense. He would have waited until the outcome of the hearing. Why spend a whole cumal in a bribe which he did not have to pay? Artgal was prepared to swear against me anyway.’

Eadulf grimaced negatively.

‘I don’t know.’

Fidelma’s expression was firmly set.

‘I have made up my mind what we should do,’ she announced. ‘This is too important to wait until after the negotiations. Ibor of Muirthemne remains the one link from which we might trace our chain. If we find him, we will start on the path to a solution. The way to Ibor lies in tracing those tracks from the site of the ritual massacre. I am sure of it.’

‘So what shall we do?’

‘We will leave here before dawn tomorrow, when everyone is asleep, and make our way to the site.’

‘Laisre will not be happy,’ Eadulf sighed.

‘Better for him to be unhappy and get these mysteries solved so that there is no bad blood between Cashel and Gleann Geis,’ she replied firmly. ‘The more that I have thought about this, the more I believe that the answer to this mystery is of greater importance to Cashel than agreeing with Laisre about the placing of a church and school here.’

Eadulf stirred uncomfortably.

‘More important than converting this corner of the kingdom to the Faith?’ he queried. ‘Surely Ségdae of Imleach will not agree?’

Fidelma shook her head.

‘I fear that there is a common answer to what has been happening here. According to Brother Solin, he was involved in something that would bring about the fall of Cashel before the summer ended. My oath to my brother and the laws of this land forbid me to ignore such a threat.’

There was a tap on the door of the hostel and before either could answer it was opened and Orla’s young daughter entered. She carried a basket on her arm. A momentary expression of irritation passed over her features when she saw Fidelma but then her eyes brightened as they alighted on Eadulf.

‘I knew Cruinn was not here,’ she said in a husky voice. ‘I have come to make some supper for you.’ She glanced quickly at Fidelma and added: ‘For you both.’

Eadulf rose and glanced down at the dried bread and cheese that he had been contemplating eating. He grimaced wryly then smiled.

‘It will be very welcome, Esnad.’

The girl placed her basket on the table and began to unpack fresh bread, cold meats, boiled eggs and some vegetables. She had even brought an amphora of wine.

‘Do your mother and father know that you are here?’ inquired Fidelma.

Esnad raised her chin defiantly.

‘I am of the age of choice,’ she replied in an annoyed tone. ‘I was fourteen last birthday.’

‘Yet your parents might be angry that you are consorting with us after what has happened.’

‘Let them be,’ the girl said dismissively. ‘I do not care. I am old enough to make my own decisions.’

‘There is no denying that,’ observed Fidelma gravely.

The girl finished unpacking. There was, at least, enough food for a passable supper.

It was clear that the girl felt uncomfortable in Fidelma’s presence and it appeared that she wanted to speak with Eadulf on her own. That intrigued Fidelma. She was also amused that Eadulf seemed embarrassed at the young girl’s attentions. Nevertheless, she hoped that Eadulf would have the sense to see that the girl wanted to speak with him.

She rose with a smile.

‘I promised to discuss something with Murgal,’ she said with a meaningful glance at Eadulf, hoping that he would understand her motive.

The Saxon looked thoroughly alarmed but he apparently understood that she wanted him to stay and discover what it was that Esnad wanted of him.

Esnad was looking pleased.

‘I hope that I am not interfering with your plans,’ she observed coyly.

‘Not at all,’ replied Fidelma. ‘I will be back shortly, so save me some of that excellent supper.’

She left the hostel and found herself in the gloom of the courtyard.

For a few moments she walked without purpose, wondering if Esnad had some information which could add anything towards a solution of the mystery of Gleann Geis. Then she found herself retracing the route that she had taken on the previous night when she had followed Brother Solin. She had not gone far when she saw a portly figure of a woman leave the building which contained Murgal’s apartment and begin to hurry across the courtyard. The figure was easy to recognise. Fidelma quickened her step.

‘Cruinn!’

The rotund hostel-keeper paused and peered round. She recognised Fidelma within an inward hiss of her breath. She would have moved on had not Fidelma quickly moved to block her path.

‘Cruinn, why have you not come to the hostel?’ Fidelma asked reproachfully. ‘Why are you so angry with me?’

The woman turned and scowled at her.

‘You should know the laws of hospitality, you being a dálaigh. You insulted your host by insulting his sister.’

‘That is unjust,’ Fidelma pointed out. ‘I know that Orla is well respected but I can only tell the truth. I, myself, was wrongly accused.’

‘You only escaped justice on a technical point of law,’ Cruinn returned sharply, much to Fidelma’s astonishment.

‘You seem to suddenly know much about the law, Cruinn,’ she replied. ‘Where did you learn so much?’

Even in the gloom, Fidelma saw that Cruinn looked uncomfortable for a moment.

‘I only repeat what everyone is saying. Had Artgal not been so foolish as to accept the cows then his evidence would have been proven.’

‘I did not kill Brother Solin.’

Cruinn turned away quickly.

‘I have things to do,’ she muttered. ‘But do not look for me in the hostel. There are few people here who welcome your presence now, Fidelma of Cashel. The sooner you leave Gleann Geis the better.’

The portly figure hurried away into the darkness. Fidelma watched her go with some regret. It was discouraging how people changed their attitudes because of false information and prejudice.

A door opened and a light fell across the courtyard. Fidelma saw the light came from the apothecary of Marga. Two figures were framed in the door. One was Marga and the other was Laisre. Fidelma stood bathed in the light from the doorway. Laisre’s figure stiffened as he turned in her direction. Then he bowed his head to Marga.

‘Thank you, Marga. How many times must I take the infusion?’ His voice came clearly.

‘Only once in the evening, Laisre.’

The attractive apothecary turned and closed the door, cutting off the light from the courtyard.

Laisre stepped away in the gloom which had descended towards Fidelma.

‘Well, Fidelma of Cashel,’ he greeted her heavily, ‘I have just been told by Murgal that you disobeyed my orders and left the ráth earlier.’

‘It was not an order as I recall. You stated that it was only your preference,’ Fidelma replied solemnly.

Laisre snorted angrily.

‘Do not play with words. I did not sanction you leaving the ráth.’

‘If I had not left the ráth do you think that Brother Dianach would have been any the less dead?’

‘You bring death in your wake. The ravens of death are forever fluttering over your head,’ grunted Laisre sourly.

‘Do you really think that I am responsible for the deaths that have occurred?’

Laisre made an impatient gesture.

‘All I know is that such deaths have never occurred in our community before you came. The sooner that you are gone from here the better.’

He left her abruptly and hurried away towards the council chamber.

Fidelma sighed and decided to return to the hostel. She reasoned that she had allowed enough time for Esnad to unburden herself to Eadulf and say whatever it was she had wanted to say.

She was about to open the door when it was flung open and Esnad nearly collided with her. Fidelma almost lost her footing as the young woman pushed into her and, without faltering herself, hurried off into the night.

A moment later another figure came out of the hostel.

‘Esnad! Wait!’

The figure of Rudgal hurried by without even seeing Fidelma in the shadows.

Fidelma stared after his vanishing figure with an expression of perplexity. She entered the hostel and closed the door behind her. Eadulf was seated where she had left him. The food was barely touched.

He looked up with some relief.

‘What’s happened?’ Fidelma demanded. ‘Esnad came hurrying out and nearly knocked me over. Then Rudgal came out apparently chasing after her.’

‘I’ve no idea,’ confessed Eadulf. ‘I begin to think there is a madness in this place.’

‘Why was Esnad so keen on speaking to you alone? I thought she had something of importance to tell you which might have helped us solve this puzzle.’

Eadulf shook his head.

‘She was more anxious to ask me questions about who I was,where I came from and what life was like in the land of the South Folk.’

Fidelma was disappointed.

‘Is that all?’

Eadulf became embarrassed.

‘Actually, no. She wanted to know why I was travelling with you and what our relationship was.’

Fidelma gave a mischievous grin.

‘Our relationship?’

Eadulf gestured half-heartedly.

‘You know,’ he said lamely.

Fidelma decided not to tease him further.

‘Why do you think she was asking such questions? Was there a purpose in it?’

Eadulf was perplexed.

‘None that I could see. If she was older …’

Fidelma examined him closely. There was still some humour in her eyes.

‘If she was older?’ she prompted. ‘Remember she is already beyond the age of choice now.’

Eadulf, red with embarrassment, protested.

‘She is only a child.’

‘Fourteen is the age of maturity for a girl in this land, Eadulf. A girl can be married at that age and make her own decisions.’

‘But …’

‘You felt that she was being more than simply friendly towards you?’

‘Yes, I did. To be truthful, I have noticed her wanton attitude before. Well, it is probably only infatuation,’ he ended lamely.

Fidelma could not help smiling at his discomfiture.

‘So, she could add no more pieces to our puzzle? Very well. But what was Rudgal doing here and what was the meaning of that scene just now?’

‘He came in presumably because he had promised to prepare a meal for us, knowing that Cruinn was refusing to come to the hostel.’

‘Why was he so put out with Esnad?’

‘Maybe because Esnad brought us a supper before he did. He came in and when he saw her he seemed very ill-tempered.’

‘And how did she react?’

‘I do not think that she was pleased to see him. She left immediately.’

‘And he followed,’ mused Fidelma. ‘Interesting.’

Eadulf stood up.

‘It is beyond my understanding, however, it is time we had our supper. The hour grows late and if you still have a mind to depart in search of Ibor of Muirthemne …?’

Fidelma asserted that she did.

‘In that case, let us eat and go to bed early. Who knows what tomorrow may bring.’