The Haunted Abbot

Chapter Seven

In the sudden confusion of thoughts, only one made any sense to Eadulf. Now he knew why he found Aldhere’s face so familiar. He was looking at an echo of Abbot Cild’s features.

Aldhere was chuckling at his bewilderment. ‘You look surprised, holy gerefa.’

Eadulf drew his thoughts together. ‘I am shocked that Abbot Cild is so violent against his own brother — to the point where he seeks him out to kill him.’

The outlaw grimaced. ‘Fratricide is no stranger to our people, my friend, especially among those who seek power.’

‘You will have to explain that to me.’

‘It is easily explained. Cild and I are both the sons of Bretta. Cild was the elder-’

‘But you became thane of Bretta’s Ham.’ Eadulf frowned quickly.

‘Exactly so. Our father, Bretta, did not like my brother. Cild was often given to rages and tantrums as a child. Once, he went so far as to slaughter a black cat which belonged to our mother on the altar of our chapel and declare his allegiance to Woden instead of Christ. Even when he grew up he could be overcome by a terrible temper. He became a warrior who relied on the power of his battle-axe and not his brain to win his victories. He was an individual, not one who could marshal his forces and devise plans. Bretta felt that he had no qualities for the just leadership of our people. He disinherited him and proclaimed that I would succeed him as thane after he died.’

‘And Cild disliked you for that?’

‘Of course. All through our youth, Cild had assumed that he would become thane. Now I was placed over him — his young brother to whom he would have to bend the knee. He was angry with our father and with me. It was not at first apparent because Cild announced that he was joining the brothers of the faith.’

‘Did that come as a surprise?’

‘A complete surprise. Cild was not interested in anything but fighting, drinking, womanising and power. My father was right — Cild would have made a bad thane. Anyway, he left Bretta’s Ham and the next thing we heard was that he had gone to Connacht in the land of Éireann to enter the service of the faith. Our father died whilst he was away — died in the service of the King fighting his enemies, the forces of Wulfhere of Mercia. Then I became thane. This was three years ago.’

‘When did Cild return?’

Aldhere rubbed the bridge of his nose and frowned at the question.

‘I suppose it was just before the big council in the kingdom of Northumbria …’

‘The Synod at Whitby?’ asked Eadulf.

‘Indeed, the council at the abbey of Hilda.’

‘When did you first know that he had returned?’

‘When I heard that he was appointed abbot. After his wife died he chased most of the brothers out of Aldred’s Abbey and declared it to be a closed community.’

‘Your tone tells me that you think this was illegally done,’ pointed out Eadulf.

‘Not illegally done, holy gerefa, for he had the support of Ealdwulf, our King, who followed Oswy of Northumbria in proclaiming that he would follow the Rule of Rome rather than the Rule of Columba.’

Eadulf recalled that the Blessed Colmcille was called Columba by the Angles and Saxons.

‘But you suspected … what?’

‘Suspected …? I do not believe that a fox may turn into a lamb.’

‘Nor could your brother change his personality to a man of peace and Christian charity,’ muttered Eadulf.

Aldhere grinned broadly but said nothing.

‘He must hate you a great deal to wish you dead,’ Eadulf observed. ‘Have you met him since he returned?’

‘I met him once only. When I heard that he had become abbot at Aldred’s Abbey, I went to see him.’

‘There was no other meeting?’

‘He did come to see my disgrace before King Ealdwulf,’ grinned Aldhere. ‘But I disappointed him by not keeping the appointment.’

‘Did you ever meet his wife?’

‘He did not deserve her,’ Aldhere said quietly. ‘She was a gentle young thing. Gélgeis was her name. Yes, I met her. That was when I went to the abbey. Cild had not then claimed the tonsure of Roman and declared for celibacy. Gélgeis was still alive then. They came to Aldred’s Abbey together.’

‘How did she die? Do you know?’

A curious expression crossed Aldhere’s features.

‘What makes you interested in Gélgeis, holy gerefa?’

Eadulf told him of the events of the previous night in the chapel.

Aldhere sat back with a soft smile.

‘If I have understood you well on this business of ritual fasting,’ he finally said, ‘then these poor fools do not stand any chance of forcing justice upon Cild at all. Who understands this ritual among us? They will simply be killed by my brother’s men if given the opportunity.’

Eadulf leaned forward. ‘Do you think Gélgeis was murdered by your brother?’

Aldhere hesitated. ‘It is possible. I cannot say. She disappeared while crossing the marshes near the abbey one day.’

‘Did Botulf ever speak of the matter? I am told that he knew the girl well.’

‘Botulf? He never spoke of it to me.’

Eadulf sat back in disappointment. ‘What do you know about her death?’

‘I know little enough. When I heard that Cild had returned from Connacht, I was prepared to greet him as a long lost brother. As I said, I came to the abbey. Cild’s wife showed more friendship and courtesy to me than he did. She was very sweet and charming but frail and gentle. I could not believe that my brother had been able to attract such a creature …’

He paused for a minute in his remembrance, then continued. ‘As soon as I saw my brother and realised the enmity that he still held for me, I resolved to have no more to do with him. Then came the battle and my downfall. When I was outlawed, mybrother went to King Ealdwulf to claim my rank and possessions. Ealdwulf is a wily monarch. He sympathised, approved of my brother’s appointment as abbot but said he could not also make him thane of Bretta’s Ham nor give him all my possessions. In truth, Ealdwulf wanted them for himself, but he gave Cild one eighth share of my father’s treasure. This did not mollify Cild but he could not argue further with the King.’

Aldhere paused and reached for the flagon of mead which stood on the table and poured himself a beaker, draining it with two swift gulps.

‘That, holy gerefa, is my unhappy story, and indeed the unhappy story of my brother.’

They sat in silence for a moment or two.

‘It does raise some further questions,’ Eadulf pointed out.

‘Which are?’

‘Was it Cild or Botulf’s presence in the abbey that caused you to set up your base in these marshes?’

Aldhere grinned. ‘In truth, it was a mixture of both.’

‘How would one set about finding this man, Garb, and his father, Gadra of Maigh Eo? For Garb to come to the abbey in the snowstorm last night and proclaim this ritual would indicate that these Irish warriors must be dwelling in the vicinity. I would like to speak with them and maybe save them from Cild’s wrath.’

The outlawed thane pursed his lips in thought.

‘A band of Irish warriors would find it hard to conceal themselves in this country. But there are still a few religious houses where the Irish missionaries have refused to abandon them to Roman clerics. That may be your answer.’

Eadulf was suddenly hopeful.

‘Do you know where there are such houses?’

Aldhere nodded slowly.

‘But I fail to see your interest in this, holy gerefa,’ he countered. ‘You are surely a stranger to all these matters — what are you interested in?’

‘I am interested,’ returned Eadulf, ‘in bringing to justice the murderer or murderers of my friend Botulf. If I have to unravel a ball of twine to reach that end, then so be it. I will do so.’

‘You sound a determined man, my friend. Are you such a man? And are you without fear?’

‘You may rest assured that I am determined and you may judge whether I am without fear or not.’

‘It is not I who will judge that. I think you are up against some strange mysteries, my friend. Strange mysteries and evil people. Be warned.’

‘The nearest houses of Irish missionaries — you were about to tell me their whereabouts?’

‘I am told there are a few elderly missionaries from Éireann in Domnoc’s Wic to the north of here, but that might be too far away …’ Aldhere paused, then smiled. ‘There is the forest of Tunstall, the place of the farmstead, that is much closer, just south of the river. I heard tell that a monk named Laisre and some of his brethren were hiding there.’

Eadulf was eager.

‘I know the forest of Tunstall. It is close enough to the abbey to be accessible but it is large and would be impossible to search single-handed. It would be like looking for a needle in a haystack.’

‘There is only one place in that forest where Laisre would be, and that is the old farmstead itself. That is easy to find. But there is no guarantee that these Irish warriors are there. However, it is the nearest place where they might receive refuge.’

‘It is worth a try,’ agreed Eadulf, feeling positive. ‘I think that this Garb and his father might know much of the mystery of your brother’s wife. And I believe it is linked to the murder of my friend, Botulf.’

‘Will you tell my brother that you have seen me?’

‘There is an old proverb,’ reflected Eadulf. ‘Let not your tongue cut your throat.’

Aldhere smiled wanly. ‘You are right. And I will give you another old saying of our people that you would do well to remember while you reside at my brother’s abbey — be afraid and you’ll be safe.’

Eadulf glanced towards the sky beyond the open window. Darkness came early in these winter months and he estimated that it would be less than an hour before it was dusk.

‘Speaking of safety, it is time that I returned to the abbey.’

He rose and Aldhere rose with him.

‘I’ll send Wiglaf to put you on the right path. At least the skyis clear and the snow has stopped falling. Your journey back will be easy.’

‘Should I want to get in touch with you again …?’ Eadulf left the question unfinished.

Aldhere smiled. ‘There is a clump of trees a few hundred yards upriver from the abbey. I will have Wiglaf there who will know how to find me. That was how we used to keep in touch with poor Botulf. The copse was where I was due to meet with Botulf yesterday.’

Eadulf thrust out his hand. He found himself liking and trusting the outlaw.

‘God be with you, thane of Bretta’s Ham.’

‘And luck follow your path, holy gerefa.’

The journey back was longer than Eadulf expected and Wiglaf, the former honey thief, was a loquacious travelling companion. He chattered constantly. In desperation, and trying to convert the conversation to something more positive than just idle gossip, Eadulf interrupted to ask him how he had joined up with Aldhere.

The man laughed uproariously and leaned forward towards Eadulf, pulling down his collar. There were faint red marks around his neck.

‘See that? Marks of a slave collar, gerefa. That was the price of the path I started on in my youth. I’m afraid your birching did not persuade me to alter my ways. I progressed, was caught and became a slave. It so happened that when Aldhere raided the King’s fortress at the mouth of the Yar, in search of his men, I was there and chained to one of them. That is why I am now here. He couldn’t take his man without taking me.’

Eadulf looked at him suspiciously. ‘And you have not repented of your ways? Are you still a thief?’

The man smiled broadly. ‘And still a good one. Aldhere does not need the religious, he needs thieves to help him stay alive in this marshland. It is all very well taking a stand against injustice, but when one is still declared outlaw, then one must live without the law.’

He roared with laughter at his own joke.

‘Do you have any principles, Wiglaf?’ Eadulf demanded in disapproval.

‘Why, yes, gerefa. To stay alive and not be caught again,’ replied the thief, unabashed.

‘Aldhere, for all his outlawry, appears to me to be a moral man. I wonder that he has any dealings with you.’

Wiglaf turned towards him. The gloom of descending dusk obscured everything but Eadulf was sure that the man winked at him.

‘Appearances? Remember that they are not all saints who use holy water, gerefa.’

Eadulf shook his head sadly. ‘I wish that you had learnt the lesson which I tried to give you when I was gerefa, Wiglaf.’

‘I have no illusions as to what I am nor what my fate will be,’ replied the thief.

‘Do you not? I wonder. Surely, you must know that the path to crime leads to one destination? You cannot have sunshine without shadows.’

‘Spoken well, gerefa,’ agreed Wiglaf with humour. ‘But there is a saying that a man born to be hanged will not drown. I don’t doubt I will probably hang but I will not drown first.’

‘So be it. Tell me, you were rescued by Aldhere and his men simply because you were chained to one of the men he wanted to rescue. Is that right?’

‘You have the truth of it, gerefa.’

‘How did you manage to persuade him to accept you in his band? I would have thought that he would have left you to your fate, he being a moral man and fighting to clear his name and those of his men from any hint of wrongdoing.’

Wiglaf chuckled. His sense of dark humour was constant.

‘You have a good mind, gerefa. That was the very thing he proposed to do.’

‘Then how …?’

‘Good luck was on my side. He was persuaded.’

‘And how was that?’

‘My cousin persuaded him, knowing that he would need someone who knew these marshes well and could move about them with speed; someone with my special talents.’

‘I see. So your cousin was known to Aldhere?’

‘And to you also, gerefa. Have you forgotten that I come from Seaxmund’s Ham also?’

Eadulf was not following his logic and said so.

‘Why, my cousin is … was,’ Wiglaf corrected with a droop of his mouth, ‘Botulf.’

Eadulf sat up in surprise, jerking slightly at the reins of his mule which snorted in protest.

‘Botulf was your cousin?’ he asked incredulously.

‘Did I not say so?’ replied the thief with humour.

Eadulf was furiously trying to remember back to his youthful days in Seaxmund’s Ham. Vague memories did come back then, of course. Botulf had spoken of his cousin who had been disowned by the family. Wiglaf had been brought up on a farmstead outside the tiny village and did not enter it much.

‘You know that I was Botulf’s close friend, don’t you?’ Eadulf said after a while.

‘He spoke often of you, gerefa, and wished that you had not left the land of the South Folk in your journeying.’

‘Did you know it was because of him that I have returned?’

‘I do. It was I who took his message on the first stage of its journey to you at Canterbury. Botulf was pleased when he heard that you were there. I took the message to the port at Domnoc’s s Wic and entrusted it to a sea captain I knew.’

‘So you knew that it was urgent? You were told that Botulf’s need to see me was imperative?’

‘That’s a long word that I have no understanding of, gerefa. But I knew that he wanted to see you urgently, if that is the meaning of it. I knew that he also wanted to see Aldhere. I brought the message to Aldhere from him. Botulf did not confide everything to me. Of that which he told me, I remember little.’

‘But why did he want to see Aldhere? Why did he want to see me?’ cried Eadulf in frustration.

‘If I knew that, there would be no mystery. He did say this, and you must interpret it as you like — he said that there was great danger to the kingdom lurking in the abbey. He said that it was an evil which had to be confronted before we all perished.’

Eadulf frowned. ‘An evil?’ It was that word ‘evil’ again that caused a shiver of apprehension to go through him. ‘And danger to the kingdom — to Ealdwulf’s kingdom? From whom?’ He sighed in his frustration. ‘This is more baffling than ever.’

They rode on in silence for a while as darkness began to descend across the marshes.

‘Not far now, gerefa. Soon you will see the river and to the right the dark shadows of Aldred’s Abbey.’

It was as they were rounding a bend in the road that they came upon a figure hurrying in their direction. It suddenly appeared out of the gloom before them, startling their mounts, and by the time Eadulf had brought his mule under control the figure had scrambled from the roadside. It was lost among the dark trees to their left, away from the low, flat marshlands. Eadulf could hear the panting scramble and breaking of twigs as it progressed through the growth.

‘In the name of …!’ he exclaimed.

He retained an image of a slim figure, a woman, long hair and no more.

Wiglaf was chuckling to himself.

‘What do you find amusing?’ demanded Eadulf. ‘Who was that?’

‘That was Lioba. She’s a … a friend of Aldhere and others, if you know what I mean.’ He chuckled lewdly. ‘A local girl.’ He paused for a moment and then continued. ‘As I was saying, we are not far from the abbey now.’

Eadulf nodded absently. His mind immediately returned to their conversation. He wanted to pursue it further before he bade farewell to Wiglaf.

‘When did you last see Botulf?’ he asked as they set off again.

‘A few days ago. I was Aldhere’s intermediary and would take messages to and from the abbey. But my cousin was no fool. He kept his own counsel in these matters. I was just a messenger. As I have told you, all I know is that he felt there was danger in the abbey.’

‘But you must have had some idea of what was happening at the abbey?’ Eadulf pressed. ‘Your cousin is dead, Wiglaf, and I desire to bring his killers to justice.’

‘I understand that. I do not think that you have to come out of the gates of the abbey to find his killer.’

‘Do you mean that you think it was the abbot who killed your cousin?’

‘Abbot Cild is a ruthless man, and if he suspected Botulf of being in league against him …’ He ended with a shrug.

‘But he must have known that Botulf was in touch with Aldhere? That much is obvious.’

Wiglaf did not reply. It was now too gloomy to see each other’s faces clearly. It was going to be a dark night, cloudy, with no stars nor moon to reflect off the white carpet of snow and provide some illumination.

‘It will snow before daybreak,’ remarked Wiglaf absently. Then he added: ‘I don’t think Cild knew that Botulf was in contact with Aldhere. That was not the reason for their enmity. There was something else. What it was I am not certain.’

‘Last night, at the funeral, Cild was claiming to have been a close friend of Botulf and lamenting his passing. Do I understand that you are saying his statement was far from the truth?’

Wiglaf gave a sardonic bark of laughter which answered Eadulf’s question.

‘Are you sure there is nothing you can suggest that might shed a light on these matters?’ Ealdulf asked desperately.

‘A word of advice, gerefa. There is a saying that a habit does not make the religious-’

Wiglaf stopped short and Eadulf, seeing the tension that suddenly filled his body as he stared out across the flat marshlands, also halted and glanced in the same direction.

Several hundred yards away across the gloomy white-carpeted marshland he could see a strange fluorescent glow. At its centre was a blue light which dispersed across an area of ground, flickering now faintly now brightly.

Eadulf felt a chill run through him and quickly crossed himself.

Wiglaf caught sight of his action and guffawed.

‘No need to seek the protection of the Almighty, gerefa,’ he said. ‘That is only-’

‘I know what it is,’ snapped Eadulf in annoyance. ‘Ignis fatuus …’

‘Aye, fool’s fire. We call it firedrake.’

‘I said, I know what it is. But can you explain why it is?’

‘The marsh dwellers have many tales to tell about firedrake.’ Wiglaf smiled. ‘I believe none of them. If I did, I would neverventure into the marshlands at all, far less ride them in dead of night. Look, it has already vanished.’

Eadulf shivered and nearly crossed himself again but he did not want to give his companion the opportunity to mock him. In his youth the ignis fatuus was called corpse fire for it was said that the spirit of the troubled dead rose in the form of a blue flame to appear to those from whom it wished to seek justice. Indeed, at this very time, the beginning of the feast of Yule, the gods and goddesses allowed wronged spirits to visit their vengeance on the living.

‘Anyway,’ Wiglaf was saying, ‘from those trees ahead you will see the lantern outside the gate of the abbey. A short ride, that is all. Have courage, gerefa!’

Eadulf opened his mouth to chide the insolence of the thief, but Wiglaf turned his horse and went trotting back along the track into the darkness.

Eadulf glanced again across the marshes but saw no sign of the blue fluorescent light. He felt another shiver course down his back as he urged the mule forward. It seemed to sense that it was nearing home for it trotted at a speed with amazed him, coming up to the trees from which he caught sight of the river before spotting, a little way ahead, the dark walls of the abbey. There was the lantern flickering by the gates. He felt a wave of relief come over him. It was still only very early evening. If he estimated the hours correctly, it was not even time for the evening Angelus bell to sound, and yet he felt it was so cold and dark that it could be midnight.

It was the dominus, Brother Willibrod, who swung open the abbey gates for Eadulf to enter after he had tugged at the bellrope. Thankfully, Eadulf slid from his mule and stretched his aching limbs.

‘God be praised that you have returned safely, Brother Eadulf,’ the dominus began immediately, his single dark eye blinking rapidly. ‘It was early morning when you left and now the hour grows late. We had presumed that you had met with an accident or something worse …’

‘Something worse?’ mused Eadulf.

‘Aldhere’s outlaws wander the marshlands, as well you know. The abbot returned after the noon Angelus having given up hisattempt to track them down. He said that you had not overtaken him and was angry with me for letting you go after him.’

Eadulf tried to keep his features impassive.

‘As you see, Brother Willibrod, I have returned safely.’

Brother Willibrod gestured to a passing member of the brethren to take Eadulf’s mule and instructed him to unsaddle and feed and water the animal. Eadulf started to walk across the main quadrangle. To his surprise, the dominus hurried after him. Eadulf began to get the impression that he was concerned about something other than Eadulf’s late arrival. He felt that the dominus was trying to find the right words to approach the subject. Eadulf was initially determined that he would not help the man. However, he could not help feeling some sympathy for him as he saw the anxious expression on his features. Finally, as they reached the far side of the quadrangle, Eadulf asked: ‘Is there something on your mind, Brother?’

‘Something strange has happened, Brother Eadulf.’

‘Strange?’

The concern in the voice of the dominus was apparent. Then a sudden thought hit Eadulf.

‘Sister Fidelma … her illness has not worsened?’

To his relief, Brother Willibrod shook his head immediately.

‘No, her illness has not worsened. It is young Brother Redwald who …’

Eadulf was frowning. ‘Who is Brother Redwald?’

‘The young man who attends to the chores of the guests’ hostel.’

‘Yes, I remember the boy. What is the matter with him?’

‘He has had to be locked in his cell and given strong liquor to calm him.’

Eadulf waited a moment and then gave an exasperated sigh.

‘For goodness’ sake! Am I to extract this story sentence by sentence? You are clearly upset at something which concerns Brother Redwald, though how it concerns me I do not know, nor probably care unless you can explain to me why I should.’

‘Be seated a moment, Brother,’ said the dominus, pointing to a nearby stone bench, ‘and I will tell you.’

Compressing his lips to hide his irritation, Eadulf allowed himself to be guided to a bench and be seated. Brother Willibrodsat down beside him. His features were lit by a flickering storm lantern above them. It produced an eerie effect.

‘It happened just after dusk had fallen,’ began the dominus. When Eadulf groaned, Brother Willibrod reached out a hand. ‘Patience, Brother. Redwald is ill and now confined for his own protection. His mind is quite frantic.’

Eadulf controlled himself. The dominus continued.

‘Redwald went into the chamber of Sister Fidelma to see if she needed anything. By the bed of your companion Brother Redwald saw a woman standing. Brother Redwald recognised her.’

Brother Willibrod paused dramatically.

‘And who was the person whom Brother Redwald recognised?’ Eadulf asked wearily.

‘Redwald came to our community when Abbot Cild’s wife, Gélgeis, was still alive. Redwald recognised this woman … it was Gélgeis or the shade of Gélgeis. He went out of his mind with fear because he knew that she was dead. But there she stood, pale but almost as if she were in life. She stretched out a hand to him and he went screaming from the chamber. We have barely made sense from his story …’

Eadulf felt a coldness creeping up his back. He remembered the figure of the woman he had seen the previous night near the chapel and everyone’s reaction to it.

‘This … this apparition was in Fidelma’s room?’

‘It was.’

‘But you said that she was all right?’ Eadulf began to rise hastily.

‘She was in a feverish sleep; we could not rouse her when we went to investigate. There was no sign of the woman.’

Eadulf was keen to be gone. ‘I am sure you are eager to attend to Brother Redwald, but now I am equally anxious to ensure that Sister Fidelma has come to no harm through this incident … whatever the reason for the incident may be.’

‘Wait, Brother,’ cried the dominus, rising to restrain him. ‘Wait, I have not told you all.’

Eadulf whirled round, his eyes narrowed in sudden apprehension.

‘What have you not told me?’

‘Abbot Cild came to investigate. He told me that you had alsoseen what you claimed to be a woman near the chapel and that you had described Gélgeis to him. You told me that you had seen such a woman by the chapel. Now Brother Redwald has seen her. And the abbot is almost beside himself with fear, though I should not tell you that. Cild claimed several times that this wraith had been seen by him. Now it is appearing to others. It is clearly black witchcraft.’

Eadulf snorted sardonically. Inwardly, he felt a fear born of the age-old beliefs of his people.

‘That is Abbot Cild’s problem,’ he said in irritation, turning again.

‘Abbot Cild believes that it is the ghost of his dead wife,’ cried the dominus. ‘Further, he believes that this witchcraft came into the abbey when you and your companion arrived in this kingdom. There can only be one explanation.’

Eadulf had whirled back towards Brother Willibrod, his heart beating fast.

‘One explanation? What do you mean?’

‘The abbot believes that your companion has conjured the spirit of his dead wife by foul rites. We have locked Sister Fidelma in her chamber to await her punishment for witchcraft.’