The Devil's seal

CHAPTER SEVEN

Eadulf spotted Dego’s horse outside the tavern of Rumann on the western side of the town square. Dego was inside with Egric enjoying the local ale, which was a product of Rumann’s own brewery at the back of the tavern. They looked up as Eadulf came across to join them. Rumann was already following him with another pottery mug of his ale.

‘It is not often we see you in here, Brother Eadulf,’ the big alehouse-keeper greeted him cheerfully. ‘I suppose this is a special day with the arrival of your brother. How is the lady Fidelma? And your son?’

‘They are both well, Rumann. And your own family?’

‘My son is well and a great help to me.’ With a smile at the company, Rumann turned towards his other customers, a couple of local shepherds seated in a corner.

Eadulf raised his drink towards his companions. Egric was regarding him with an odd expression — something like apprehension. Dego, however, did not seem to notice his companion’s discomfiture.

‘I have shown your brother around our town,’ he reported. ‘Not that it took long so I thought I should introduce him to the most important place.’ He waved a hand to encompass his surroundings. ‘Oh, I saw Della as we passed, and she asked me to pass on a message — that if Fidelma calls by soon, she has some special herbs for her. It seems that now Aibell is living with her, Della is able to spend more time cultivating her land.’

Della was a longtime friend of Fidelma, who had successfully defended her from false accusations of murder. A few months ago, Della had begun to look after the wayward young girl, Aibell. Found near Della’s home, it turned out that she had escaped to Cashel, having been illegally sold as a bondservant and mistreated in the country of the Sliabh Luachra. Fidelma had given the girl her protection.

‘I’ll pass the information on to her,’ Eadulf assured him.

‘Did you come here in search of me?’ Egric wanted to know. He frowned. ‘Is anything wrong?’

‘Nothing is wrong that we did not know already,’ replied Eadulf. ‘I just wanted to ask you a few more questions.’ He glanced at Dego apologetically. ‘Would you give us a few moments?’

Dego rose. ‘Old Nessán is over in the corner. I haven’t seen him for a while. I need a few words with him.’

When they were alone, Egric challenged: ‘What is this about?’

‘The same matter,’ Eadulf said with an easy smile. ‘I just wanted to clarify that the Venerable Victricius gave you absolutely no hint about the purpose of his journey here.’

‘I have told you that he did not.’ There was irritation in his brother’s tone.

‘I just wanted confirmation. You had no idea that you would find Brother Cerdic here?’

There was a slight hesitation before Egric replied. ‘I also told you that I did not know Brother Cerdic.’

‘Very well.’ Eadulf sat back, watching his brother keenly. ‘Tell me again, when did you first meet the Venerable Victricius?’

Egric’s eyes narrowed in suspicion. ‘I met him in Canterbury.’

‘How exactly did you come to meet him? It is important.’

‘How exactly? I arrived there, having taken the sea route from Streonshalh with some other members of the religious.’

‘You did not know him at Streonshalh?’

‘I did not. Was he there?’

‘So where and how in Canterbury did you meet him?’ went on Eadulf without answering.

‘I was going to find a band of religious or merchants heading to a new abbey that I had heard about in the east of the Kingdom of Kent and. . I think I met him in a tavern.’ He saw the expression on Eadulf’s face and grimaced. ‘Where else would one pick up news of a merchant band leaving Canterbury?’ Eadulf was about to point out that there were plenty of religious houses and hostels in Canterbury, but Egric was continuing. ‘I was despairing of finding such a band when I fell into conversation with the Venerable Victricius. He told me that no less a person than Archbishop Theodore had given him a special commission which would take him here. I mentioned that I had been in the land of the Cruthin; I knew something of the common tongue, though I had never been here before. All this I told you earlier.’

‘And so he asked you to accompany him?’

‘He needed my skill; also the fact was that he was old and I was young.’

‘And you agreed without knowing the purpose of the trip, to come on a long and arduous journey into an unknown land? It seems strange.’

‘How so, strange?’ Egric challenged.

‘That you set out from Canterbury to accompany the Venerable Victricius, without knowing him and without any idea of his purpose.’

‘Strange but true, brother. I had no other urgent task to occupy me and the prospect of adventure seemed good. Did you never set out on a journey without knowing where it would lead you?’

Eadulf paused, for his brother had a point. ‘I do not have to be convinced, Egric. But the fact that Brother Cerdic arrived here to tell us that there was a deputation coming from Canterbury and then was murdered. .’

Egric frowned quickly. ‘Are you accusing me?’

‘Don’t be so touchy, Egric. You did not arrive at Cashel until after Brother Cerdic was found murdered. What I am trying to find is some thread that would lead me into untangling this mystery.’

‘You were always trying to resolve riddles when you were a boy.’ Egric sounded disgusted.

Eadulf sighed. ‘Isn’t it curious that Brother Cerdic came here from Canterbury and was killed here? That you and the Venerable Victricius came here from Canterbury and were attacked here, leaving Victricius dead? Surely there is something more you can tell us.’

Egric was shaking his head firmly. ‘All I know is what I have said. It might well have something to do with the Venerable Victricius’ purpose in coming to this kingdom — I don’t know.’

‘Bishop Arwald will soon be here in the company of the Venerable Verax. You said that you had heard of Arwald — but what of Verax?’

Egric was silent and covered the silence by taking a sip of his drink.

‘So you do not know the Venerable Verax?’ pressed Eadulf.

‘Eadulf, I am a lowly cleric — not one who mixes with highly placed members of the Faith.’

‘Yet you were travelling as companion to the Venerable Victricius,’ Eadulf said patiently.

‘That is different.’

‘How different?’

‘When is this deputation due in Cashel?’ asked Egric, without replying.

‘They were reported as being about a day’s ride away.’

Eadulf sat watching his brother for a moment. He knew instinctively that Egric was keeping something back. But what was it? He could hardly accuse him of complicity in the death of Brother Cerdic because, as he pointed out, Brother Cerdic had been murdered before Egric arrived at Cashel. But he was sure that his brother knew far more than he was telling him.

‘I must get back to the palace,’ Eadulf finally said, rising. He tried to conceal his exasperation. ‘I have things to do before the Venerable Verax and his party arrive. I will see you later.’

Egric glanced up at his brother. ‘I am sorry to give you such trouble.’

‘Don’t worry. As soon as this deputation has come and gone, we must get together properly and catch up on all that has happened to each of us. I’ll take you fishing along the Siúr; the river circles to the west of us here and further north there is good fishing. I remember how you liked to fish in the Fromus where it passed by our father’s house. .’

‘That was long ago.’

‘Not so long that it has passed from memory. But there is good fishing here. Good hunting, too.’

Egric was suddenly looking thoughtful. ‘You are right, brother. Maybe I should take time to relax.’

‘That’s the spirit.’ Eadulf leaned forward and patted his brother’s shoulder approvingly. ‘You’ve had a bad time. Once we find out what the Venerable Verax wants, things should feel a lot easier.’

He turned. Raising a hand to Rumann, and to Dego and the others, he left the tavern.

Arriving back in the palace, Eadulf went to their chambers to see if Fidelma was there. Muirgen was actually tidying up while Alchú sat watching her.

‘Hello, little hound,’ Eadulf greeted him as he came in.

The boy looked up and peered around Eadulf as if expecting someone to be behind him.

‘Where is that strange man, athair?’ he asked.

‘Strange man?’ Eadulf was puzzled.

‘He means your brother,’ Muirgen offered sheepishly pausing from her work.

‘That is no strange man, little hound.’ Eadulf shook his head reprovingly. ‘That is Egric, your uncle.’

The little boy pouted. ‘I don’t like him.’

Eadulf sat down opposite his son with a strained smile. ‘So what makes you not like your uncle?’

The child stared intently at his hands then mumbled: ‘I don’t know. I just don’t like him.’

Eadulf wondered how best to deal with the situation.

‘You must have some reason,’ he said gently. ‘Why, you don’t even know him. Tell me, what do you feel about your uncle?’

The little boy did not respond but stared stubbornly down, not meeting his father’s eyes.

Eadulf raised his eyes in a helpless gesture to Muirgen. She motioned him with her head to come to the far side of the chamber and then spoke quietly.

‘He seemed strangely silent after you had introduced your brother to him this morning. Some children — indeed, most children — have an intuitive feeling for certain things. To ask them to explain those feelings by means of logic is futile.’

‘I have great respect for your abilities as a nurse, Muirgen. Indeed, that is why we brought you and your husband, Nessan, all the way from Sliabh Mís to look after our son. But I have no understanding of this.’

‘Well, a child will suddenly say they don’t like eggs, or some other food. You ask them why, and often they can’t explain. The same goes with people. Sometimes, someone will come along and you will take an instant dislike to them. Why? You, being older and more mature, might try to find reasons but usually you fall back on instinct.’

‘So you say I shouldn’t force Algú to like him?’

‘What I say is that it will be up to your brother to win the boy over.’

Eadulf grimaced. ‘Easier said than done. Alas, Egric doesn’t seem to have a way with children.’

‘Well, from what I have picked up from gossip, he might be finding it hard to be open with people here at the moment. Having survived an attack, his companion killed, he finds himself a stranger in a strange land. Whom can he trust? No wonder he is awkward with everyone, not just our Alchú.’

Eadulf stared at the nurse for a moment, surprised at her understanding. ‘I swear that you would make a good philosopher, Muirgen.’

She chuckled. ‘Why, sir, I was raised in a family of country folk. Being close to nature, we are closer to all living creatures than most people who are raised in townships. Your brother keeps his thoughts and emotions to himself. That is all.’

‘So you advise me to let matters take their natural course?’

‘Yes, that is my advice.’

‘And not try to challenge or correct the boy?’

‘Exactly so.’

‘So be it,’ agreed Eadulf. Then: ‘Have you seen Fidelma? It must be nearly time for the eter-shod.’

The eter-shod was the midday meal.

‘There is food prepared in the adjacent chamber and the lady Fidelma has said she would return for it after she had finished speaking with her brother.’

‘Is there a place laid for Egric?’

‘Naturally.’ Muirgen seemed slightly offended and Eadulf apologised immediately.

But Egric did not return to eat with them. Fidelma and Eadulf made no mention of the fact in front of Alchú as they ate the light meal which was usual at this time of day. Only after they had finished and Muirgen had removed the boy did Fidelma broach the subject. Eadulf described the stilted encounter between their son and his uncle, and then spoke of Alchú’s dislike and Muirgen’s views on the situation.

Fidelma sighed absently and asked: ‘Egric knew he was to eat with us?’

‘He did.’

‘Perhaps you had better check on him. I want to have a further word with Brother Conchobhar.’

Eadulf did not really want to return to Rumann’s tavern to remonstrate with his brother for not joining them for the midday meal. He was sure that Egric would resent the fact. However, as he made his way down to the courtyard he saw Gormán, and some instinct made him ask if the guard commander had seen Egric return to the palace.

‘I think he is still in Rumann’s tavern, friend Eadulf. I was on my way back from my mother’s place and had cause to have a word with Rumann. He and Dego were still in there. They are as thick as thieves and talking about fishing or something.’

Eadulf said in bewilderment, ‘I am surprised he is so interested that he has forgotten to come back for his meal.’

They were interrupted by a shout. It was from Enda, who was on watch-duty in the tower above the gate. ‘Riders!’

‘From the east?’ called Gormán, having been warned to watch for the arrival of Bishop Arwald’s deputation.

‘No, from the south. Six men — four look like warriors. One of them carries a banner.’

‘Whose banner?’ demanded Gormán.

‘I can’t see it from here. They are crossing through the township and making for the palace.’

‘Sing out when you can identify the banner,’ Gormán replied, turning back to Eadulf. ‘Well, at least they don’t appear to be the visitors that the King expects. I have some men placed on the hill to the east, so they should give us ample warning of their approach.’

‘There is certainly a lot of tension about their coming.’

Gormán was in agreement. ‘To be honest, friend Eadulf, some people are a little unnerved by the pronouncements of Deogaire.’

‘Evil from the east?’ Eadulf feigned a laugh. It sounded hollow and he knew it. ‘I would take little notice of that.’

‘I am not personally concerned,’ replied the warrior, ‘but there are others who cleave to the old superstitions.’

‘The riders are approaching!’ Enda called down. ‘I can see the banner now. . yes, it’s that of Cummasach.’

Gormán whistled softly. ‘Whatever brings the Prince of the Déisi to Cashel? That’s a rare occurrence.’

‘Wouldn’t it be because of the attack on my brother and his companion?’ Eadulf asked, coming to the logical conclusion.

The warrior clicked his tongue in annoyance. ‘Of course, that must be it! But even an event like that makes it unusual to get the Prince of the Déisi to stir himself north of the Siúr. They have a strange history, these Déisi.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Time was when they were a wealthy and powerful people, living in the fertile lands of Midhe — the Middle Kingdom. Legend has it that an argument broke out and their chieftain cast a spear at the High King and took out his eye. The Brehons met and decided that one half of the Déisi, under that Prince, Aonghus of the Terrible Spear, should be banished across the water to the east. They settled and created a kingdom called Dyfed. The other half of the Déisi were sent south where the King of Cashel allowed them to settle south of the great River Siúr.’

Eadulf was startled. He recalled how he and Fidelma had been shipwrecked on the shores of Dyfed and realised that there was some close affinity with the people there and those of the Five Kingdoms.

‘When were they sent into exile?’ he enquired.

‘Oh, that was centuries ago. Don’t worry — the Déisi of Muman are peaceful enough and pay regular tribute to Cashel.’

‘I realise that,’ Eadulf replied, a little defensively, ‘for have I not often accompanied Fidelma through their territory?’

A horn suddenly sounded from the path leading up to the palace gates. It was customary for armed strangers to announce their presence in such a fashion.

‘Make the response,’ called Gormán to Enda. ‘I will greet them.’

Enda drew his hunting horn and gave an answering blast as Eadulf followed Gormán across the courtyard to the main gates. By the time they reached them, the band of horsemen were entering and Eadulf stood back in the shadows while the Commander of the King’s Bodyguard went forward to formally greet them.

The leader was a broad-shouldered man, with wiry brown hair and beard and an expression of authority. His colourful clothes, the cloak and arms, proclaimed him as a man of rank. Next to him rode a warrior carrying a pole with a banner — the emblem of the Déisi. Behind them came a man of advancing years, his dress and insignia proclaiming him to be a Brehon. It was the youth who accompanied him who caught Eadulf’s attention, for his hands were tied with rope before him. His clothes were torn and dirty. There was dirt and blood on his face and his mouse-coloured hair was ragged and askew. In spite of his appearance, the boy wore a smile of superiority and seemed to concentrate his gaze upon the middle distance. Bringing up the rear of the group were two warriors.

Gormán moved forward and greeted the leader.

‘Welcome to Cashel, Cummasach. I am Gormán, Commander of the Nasc Niadh, Bodyguard to the King.’

Cummasach glanced down at the warrior, his glance neither friendly nor antagonistic. The ritual of greeting was a formality.

‘I thank you for your welcome, warrior of the Golden Collar. I have come, with my Brehon, Furudán, to speak with Colgú.’

‘I will have Colgú informed of your arrival, Cummasach. Your escort will be attended to, but who is it that accompanies you as a prisoner?’

‘His name is Rudgal and he is, alas, a renegade of my people.’

Gormán glanced quickly at the indifferent prisoner. ‘Is he. .?’

Cummasach interrupted irritably, ‘You were to inform your King, if you please. It has been a long and tiring ride and I do not wish to tarry longer than can be helped.’

Gormán remembered protocol and turned quickly to one of his warriors.

‘Call the echaire and attend to the horses. Have the warriors conducted to the House of Heroes and offered refreshment.’

Eadulf stepped forward and said to Gormán: ‘I will inform Colgú.’

He was aware of the sharp gaze of Cummasach directed at him as he turned and hurried off. As he left, he heard Cummasach telling Gormán that he wanted his prisoner taken to a secure place under guard. Eadulf bumped into Fidelma as he hurried along the corridor to the King’s council chamber.

‘I heard there are new arrivals,’ she said breathlessly.

‘Cummasach and his Brehon,’ Eadulf informed her. ‘They have a prisoner with them. I think it is one of the men who attacked Egric and his companion on the river. Cummasach has demanded to see your brother.’

Fidelma’s eyes had grown wider. ‘That is good news. At least one of the attackers has been caught. But why does Cummasach need to see Colgú?’

‘We’d best not keep them waiting,’ was all Eadulf said. She accompanied him to her brother’s council chamber. Colgú was inside meeting with Abbot Ségdae and Beccan, the steward. The King looked up in surprise as they entered. Fidelma waited while Eadulf quickly explained the reason for the interruption.

‘Cummasach has brought his prisoner here in person?’ The King was puzzled. ‘That is unusual behaviour for a Déisi prince.’

‘I believe he must be one of those who attacked my brother and his companion, the Venerable Victricius,’ Eadulf confirmed.

Colgú turned to Beccan. ‘You had better inform Brehon Aillín that his presence is required, and find Eadulf’s brother, Egric.’ As an aside he said to Eadulf: ‘If this is the man, your brother should be available to identify him. You and Fidelma should stay to hear what this is about.’

It was almost as if Brehon Aillín were waiting outside the door, for Beccan had hardly left when the elderly judge came in. A few moments passed before there was a tap on the door and Beccan re-entered.

‘Cummasach, Prince of the Déisi,’ he began ponderously, only to be interrupted by an impatient Colgú.

‘I know, I know. Bring them in.’

‘Prince Cummasach and his Brehon, Furudán,’ the steward announced, as they entered, followed by Gormán.

Eadulf could not help but notice that the greetings between Cummasach and Colgú were fairly stilted. Colgú resumed his chair of office but, while the others stood, a chair was placed for the Prince of the Déisi. The ceremonial drinks were offered and an attendant hurried round dispensing them.

‘And now, lord Cummasach?’ prompted Colgú.

‘I will let my Brehon tell the story.’ Cummasach made a motion with his hand in the direction of his companion. ‘It will save time.’

There was silence for a moment until Colgú realised that the Brehon was waiting for his formal permission to speak. He gave it impatiently.

‘I heard from the Brehon at Cluain Meala about the attack near Brother Siolán’s chapel on the river. My lord, Cummasach, had been having trouble with a band of wild young men who refused to obey the elders of the clan and ignored the laws of the Brehons. My suspicions immediately fell on these troublemakers, for they had attacked several travellers passing through the mountains of the confluences, even as far as the church of Míodán.’

‘Míodán’s church?’ interrupted Fidelma. ‘That lies just south of the Siúr before you reach the harbour of Láirge?’

‘That is so, lady,’ Furudán agreed. He evidently knew Fidelma by sight. ‘They attacked a merchant boat coming up the river some time ago. Therefore, when I heard of this attack, I felt it sounded like their work. It so happened that we had information about where they were hiding that very day. They had fled south from the river into their lair in the mountains. My lord Cummasach summoned a score of his warriors and we made our way there, attacking their camp just before dawn.’

As he paused, Cummasach put in: ‘They were foolish young men. They chose to resist rather than give themselves to justice. They fought and were so determined that two managed to escape but the others fell to my men’s swords.’

Brehon Furudán added softly, ‘Except one.’

‘The one you have brought here as a prisoner?’ Eadulf asked.

Cummasach glanced at him with a frown.

Seeing the look, Colgú said immediately: ‘You may speak freely to the husband of my sister, for he has our complete confidence.’

‘The prisoner’s name is Rudgal,’ confirmed the Brehon.

‘What of the two that escaped?’ asked Eadulf.

‘They have not been found. But they cannot hide forever.’

‘If their companions fought to the death, why did your prisoner surrender?’ Colgú mused.

‘He did not appear to me to be in any apprehension of punishment when I saw him in the courtyard.’ Eadulf could not help making the observation aloud. ‘Yet he certainly seemed the sort who would fight rather than surrender.’

‘I congratulate your sister’s husband on having a sharp eye,’ commented Cummasach with a grim smile. ‘Indeed, he would have probably fought on, but seeing that his companions had fled or fallen, he decided to make a bargain.’

‘What bargain could he make?’ Fidelma asked.

‘We still do not understand completely. He lowered his shield and sword and shouted — truce!’ The word essomon which the Brehon used was one which Eadulf realised meant a cessation of conflict for a moment to speak.

‘So I presume the fighting stopped and the young man was taken captive?’ Colgú was clearly eager for the story to end and for his visitors to come to the point.

‘Yes, the fighting stopped,’ replied the Brehon gravely. ‘Rudgal told us that he would bargain for his freedom with information that would be of benefit only to the Chief Bishop of the Kingdom.’

Abbot Ségdae was startled. ‘What would a thief know that is of benefit to me?’

‘I can only relate what he said. Furthermore, he said he would only reveal this knowledge if he were taken before Abbot Ségdae and the King. He would speak to no other person.’

‘Have you questioned him further?’ asked Colgú.

‘We did, but he was firm in his resolve. He did, however, reveal one important fact. He said that he and his companions had been given a cumal each to attack the two foreign religious on the river and kill them. Whatever happened, they were to ensure that the elderly one was killed. As well as money, they were told they could help themselves to the goods that these religious carried.’

There was a shocked silence. ‘Who would pay them to carry out such a deed?’ whispered Abbot Ségdae.

‘That he would not tell us. He said he would reveal this only to you, Abbot Ségdae and the King.’

‘You searched the camp of these assassins, I presume?’ Fidelma asked. ‘Did you find any of the objects stolen from the victims?’

‘We found a store of coins — several were bright cumals which seemed to support Rudgal’s claim. There were various pieces of booty that they had taken at various times, some of which probably belonged to the religious who were attacked, but there was nothing specific. There were also signs of burned parchment and other materials — perhaps books and other items such as would be carried by religious, but nothing that was truly identifiable.’

Colgú beat a tattoo on the arm of his chair with his fingers. Then he sighed.

‘So let us see what information this man has which he believes will buy him freedom from the punishment for these heinous crimes. Gormán, you and Eadulf will go and fetch this. . what is his name?’

‘Rudgal, lord,’ Brehon Furudán repeated.

‘Then go and bring this Rudgal here and we will listen to what he has to say. If his claim is true — that someone paid for the assassination of these religious visitors to our kingdom — then we must find the culprit at once.’

‘Well, friend Eadulf,’ Gormán remarked, as they left the King’s council chamber and made their way down to the courtyard, ‘these are strange times. I have no understanding of what this means.’

‘Alas, you are not alone, Gormán,’ muttered Eadulf. Aware that the King had asked for Egric to formally identify the man as one of his attackers he was hoping that his brother had returned to the palace. However, the guard at the gate reported that Egric and Dego were still in the township. The two men crossed the flagstones of the courtyard to the Laochtech, the House of Heroes, which housed the King’s élite bodyguard. Enda was sitting in the anteroom to the barracks with another warrior called Luan. They were playing a board game with the warriors of the Déisi. It was called brandubh, Black Raven, which was popular among the warriors, though less skilful than fidchell, the Wooden Wisdom, at which all nobles aspired to become masters.

Enda looked up as they entered, and then he and Luan rose in the presence of their commander and Eadulf.

‘We’ve come to collect the prisoner,’ Gormán told them.

‘He’s in the storehouse at the back. We’ve kept his hands tethered, just in case.’

‘No guard outside the barn?’ Gormán asked in surprise.

Enda smiled complacently. ‘With hands tethered and a bar on the door, what need was there? Anyway, the prisoner doesn’t seem inclined to escape.’

Gormán nodded and motioned the warriors to reseat themselves and continue their game. ‘We’ll fetch him ourselves.’

He and Eadulf went around to the back of the building where there was a general storehouse, mainly used for storing weapons and equipment for the warriors. As they approached, Gormán came to an abrupt halt and swore. Eadulf glanced at him in surprise, for profanity was hardly ever used by the young warrior. Gormán pointed.

‘Enda may have left his prisoner with hands tethered, but he is so sure of himself that he didn’t bother to put the bar properly in place to secure the door. A slight push and it would swing open. Damn his eyes! He’ll be doing extra guard duty for that omission.’

Eadulf saw that the heavy wooden bar should have been swung across the double doors, making them impossible to move. Instead, only a fraction of the bar had spanned the division, as if it had been hurriedly slotted into place.

Gormán pushed it aside and swung open the doors. Inside the storehouse it was gloomy. They stood for a moment at the open doors and heard a soft rhythmic creaking sound, like someone swinging a heavy object on the end of a piece of rope.

Eadulf was peering into the shadows beyond. Then, as his eyes grew used to the darkness, he exclaimed, ‘Quod avertat Deus! Gormán, get a light in here.’

Eadulf stood waiting at the door while Gormán ran back to the Laochtech. It was a moment before he returned, bearing a lantern and followed by Enda and Luan, with the latter carrying a second lantern.

‘I tell you, the bar was pushed fully into position. It was completely secure,’ Enda was protesting.

They came to a halt at the entrance behind Eadulf. Gormán and Enda raised their lanterns.

A body was swinging gently from a rope tied to one of the rafters. The dead man’s feet were only a short distance from the ground, but far enough above it so that there could be no weight resting on it. The position of the rope around the neck, the odd angle of the head, was enough to show that he had been hanged. The body was that of Rudgal.