Fidelma sat back with a deep sigh. ‘This presents more questions than it does answers.’

  ‘Such as?’ Brother Failge wanted to know.

  ‘Why were they trying to remove the altar slab when I think they would have been well aware that Feradach and his warriors were on guard outside the building in the courtyard? Logic would have told them loud and clear that that was where the treasure was kept. That is, if the treasure was what they wanted. Why try to kill the Abbot, after he was rendered incapable, and then flee the abbey? And an ox-wagon is neither the most silent means of transport in which to escape, nor is it the fastest. One cannot get very far in an ox-drawn wagon if there are mounted warriors in pursuit! So how did they disappear? And where did they hide?’

  ‘You raise some good points, lady,’ Feradach said. ‘But what else could these people be after, other than the treasure? There is nothing else of value here.’

  ‘Perhaps you are right,’ she said. ‘Still, this raises one more sinister mystery that we must look into.’

  ‘Sinister mystery?’ repeated the Abbot, looking apprehensive.

  ‘The man called Ultan and his companion Ultana left the abbey in the wagon. They were last seen to be fit and well, fleeing towards the Mountains of the High Fields or the great marshlands beyond. Would you agree that this is a fair assessment?’

  ‘After I was attacked, I was in no condition to observe anything,’ Abbot Saran replied distantly.

  ‘My men believed the tracks of the wagon went westward – that is all,’ confirmed Feradach. ‘Then those tracks disappeared. It seems obvious they reached some shelter. Why do you think this is sinister?’

  ‘Because in the day or so after leaving here, the man called Ultan was dead. He had died from poison. The girl Ultana had also been poisoned but she lasted a few more days than the man. The wagon had been in the marshes and then emerged on the marsh road to Cashel, where Ultana joined the Cleasamnaig Baodain, whose wagons were travelling to the Great Fair at Cashel. This was where she died. At that time someone also tried to set fire to the wagon but it was quickly put out.’

  ‘I don’t understand any of this,’ said Abbot Saran in bewilderment. ‘I trust you are not implying that they were poisoned before they left here, lady.’

  ‘I never imply things,’ Fidelma replied in an even tone. ‘If there is an accusation to be made, I make it. I am merely asking questions. Since the couple were here, this is obviously the place to start our investigation. The fact remains that they left here and were both dead within a few days. We must try to find the answers to certain questions in order to get to the bottom of this mystery. The first question is, what brought them here: what were they looking for? The second question is, what happened between the time they left here and when they were found dead? I do not believe they were treasure-hunters, at least not in the sense you believe.’

  Brother Failge swallowed nervously. ‘I understand why you must ask these questions. But I can assure you that no one in this abbey poisoned them.’

  ‘It is not assurances that a dálaigh seeks,’ Fidelma replied coldly, ‘it is facts. Give me facts – because I do not have any that make sense.’

  Abbot Saran spread his hands; the same curious gesture without moving his arms, just a motion of the hands themselves. ‘Then we can supply no further facts other than those we have told you. When these two would-be thieves left here, they were certainly alive and well. They disappeared before our warriors could catch up with them.’

  ‘Apart from their names, which sound false, and their mention of coming from the north, from Tethbae, you say that you found out nothing more about them?’

  ‘It is as we have said.’ The Abbot sounded tired.

  There came the nearby sound of a tolling bell and Brother Failge coughed anxiously, saying, ‘It is the last service of the day…’

  The Abbot rose and they all followed his example. ‘The hour grows late,’ he said. ‘You and your companions are offered the hospitality of the abbey for the night, lady, and you are welcome to join us in the chapel for the service.’

  ‘We will accept both your hospitality and the invitation to join you in the chapel,’ Fidelma replied politely. She did not add that it was the chapel she wanted to see rather than a wish to attend the service.

  The warrior, Feradach, had important duties that summoned him back to the township, so he took his leave of them.

  Brother Failge said, ‘I will request one of our brothers to take your saddlebags to our guest chambers and I will escort you there after the service.’

  Fidelma glanced at Aidan and Enda. ‘We will get an early night’s rest. It may be that the answer to our question lies back in the direction from which we have come.’ She said the words pointedly in front of Abbot Saran and his steward.

  It was Enda, who had hardly spoken since arriving at the abbey, who now articulated what was troubling her.

  ‘What of Eadulf, lady? Cannot we find men who will volunteer to scour the marshes for him?’

  In fact, she had been thinking about what she should do. Now she turned and explained the situation to their hosts.

  ‘We seem to have learned what we can here,’ she concluded. ‘So tomorrow we will retrace our steps to the marshes in search of my husband.’

  Brother Failge immediately offered assistance. ‘If your companion is lost in the marshes, then we must speak with Feradach. I am sure he can send his men to Brehon Ruán, who dwells on the edge of the marshes and will advise on how and where to scour the most likely places in search for your husband, lady.’

  Fidelma thanked him solemnly as the bell clamoured with a new urgency to summon them to the chapel.

  * * *

  Amidst the darkening woodland, well screened from the Hill of Ruán, Eadulf and Ríonach finally reined in their horses. Eadulf was breathing heavily, as if it was he who had just galloped across the plain rather than his horse! The girl meanwhile was bewildered and trying to calm the little terrier, Rían, who was clearly fretting about the sudden burst of speed.

  ‘I don’t understand,’ she said, also out of breath. ‘Why did we flee from Brehon Ruán’s homestead? You say that you saw your horse in his field – but what significance does that have?’

  ‘Do you remember me saying that I was captured by Rechtabra and his companion?’ Eadulf said. ‘I was with my horse at the time, the little white cob with black markings on its forehead. I was blindfolded and the man, this mysterious lord for whom your husband and his friend were working, came to question me. I am sure he took my horse away with him when I was left alone in the marshland to perish there.’

  ‘You told me that, but how can you be sure that the horse you saw was your cob? You have told me that you are not a very good horseman.’

  ‘I can be sure because I still have the use of my eyes,’ he snapped. ‘Did I not see the dark mark on the beast’s forehead? I have ridden that horse enough times to know it. It was the same mark. It means that my suspicion about Brother Finnsnechta was right. He was sending us directly into the arms of the man your husband served.’

  ‘You mean he is a member of the Fellowship of the Raven? I cannot believe it of him.’ The girl looked horrified.

  Eadulf had been peering back along the path through the trees. ‘I think that you had better believe it,’ he said flatly. ‘I can make out two riders crossing the plain from Ruán’s homestead; they are riding fast in this direction. I think we were spotted as we rode away.’

  The girl took one glance and confirmed his observation.

  Eadulf looked desperately around. It would soon be dusk – but not quickly enough for the darkness to conceal them from their pursuers.

  ‘When I was a little girl, my father brought me this way to avoid highway thieves,’ Ríonach reflected once again. ‘There is a small track up the hill which eventually leads to an abandoned ring fort. We might try to hide there … we’ll never outrun them on this path.’

  ‘Lead on,’ Eadulf ordered, ‘and let us pray that they are not good trackers.’

  The girl urged her horse forward with Eadulf close behind. It was but a little distance before she turned sharply left through what seemed to Eadulf’s eyes to be just a tangle of overgrown bushes and shrubbery. It turned out to be a steep, hidden path. Ríonach brushed through, leaning low over her horse’s neck as the upward path rose precipitously through the densely growing vegetation. It was even more difficult than the climb to Brother Finnsnechta’s hermitage.

  Behind them, Eadulf imagined he heard the sound of pursuing horses, blowing and snorting at their heels. He felt an uncomfortable prickling sensation in his back spine. It was a feeling of utter vulnerability as he waited for the shout that would say they had been spotted. He shivered.

  The pathway came to a curious ledge on the hillside. It almost appeared manmade for, under a large overhanging rock, there was a fairly substantial cave with rocks and boulders forming a natural protection around it. Eadulf saw that the path actually passed on and upwards, but Ríonach had halted. She slid from her mount, holding her terrier under one arm, and led her horse into the cave. Eadulf had no option but to copy her.

  She turned and leaned close to him, whispering: ‘They will hear the noise of our passage if we go any further. It’s best to stop here and remain quiet.’

  Eadulf felt a quick sense of admiration for the young girl’s courage and presence of mind. He whispered anxiously, ‘I hope you can keep the dog quiet.’ However, she had no time to respond before the sound of horses on the path below them became audible. Without consulting each other, they found themselves crouching behind the rocks as if it would assist their camouflage. Then, to their horror, the horses progress suddenly halted – almost directly below them. A voice cried out in annoyance: ‘Why have you stopped?’

  To Eadulf’s ears, the voice seemed familiar.

  ‘Because I don’t believe they are stupid enough to head towards Cill Cainnech over these hills. That foreigner is quite intelligent. He would know that we would assume he was heading there. So I reckon he has doubled back the other way – back along the road towards Durlus or even Cashel.’

  ‘Why do you think that?’ demanded the familiar voice.

  ‘Because, Duach, I am not a fool like you.’

  Eadulf felt the girl start as she, too, recognised the two men. He pressed a finger against her lips.

  ‘I have a score to settle with him,’ Duach snarled.

  ‘We both do. With him – and with that traitorous little bitch. Rechtabra was a good comrade and died a terrible death. Come, it’s no use wearing ourselves out going further. We’ll pick up their tracks along the marsh road.’

  ‘Should we not tell Dar Badh what we are about, Cellaig?’

  ‘And waste time? I doubt she will appreciate that! Did she not scold us enough for allowing ourselves to be tricked into captivity? Had that gullible shepherd and his son not arrived, we’d still be trussed like a pair of idiots.’

  ‘True enough, and thank the powers they had horses, or we would not have been able to come back to forewarn him. She’ll tell him, and the only way to redeem ourselves is by getting hold of Rechtabra’s woman and the man.’

  ‘Come – we are wasting time,’ commanded the man they recognised as Cellaig. ‘Let us be on our way.’

  Eadulf and Ríonach listened to the sound of the horses cantering off back down the track towards the main highway. They waited until the sounds faded completely before allowing themselves to relax and breathe deeply.

  ‘I hope nothing has happened to the shepherd and his son for offering to feed the livestock,’ the girl fretted.

  Eadulf was thinking the same thing. ‘Who is Dar Badh?’ he asked. ‘Have you heard the name before?’

  ‘It means Daughter of Badh, the Raven Goddess.’ The girl shuddered. ‘I don’t think I want to meet her.’

  ‘The sooner we can find Fidelma and my companions, the better. There is much here that I do not like.’

  ‘It will soon be dark now.’ The girl was practical. ‘We cannot ride on along this path in darkness. And even if we had a lantern, which we do not, it would be seen at a distance and the track would still be dangerous.’

  ‘Have you a suggestion?’

  ‘Let’s continue up to the abandoned ring fort. We can use it to make the horses comfortable and we can rest the night there. Then we can move on to Cill Cainnech at first light.’

  ‘Won’t our pursuers realise by then that we did not double back? Won’t they turn round and try to overtake us again – and it will be broad daylight then.’

  Ríonach shook her head. ‘Even if they do, they will think we have joined the main highway into Cill Cainnech and will attempt to overtake us there. It is best to stick to these deserted tracks. Because my father always used them, I am sure I can remember the way.’

  ‘Very well,’ Eadulf acknowledged. ‘Your advice has worked well enough so far. Lead on, Ríonach.’

  * * *

  Fidelma, as exhausted as she was, found herself unable to sleep. After she had returned from the chapel, she was shown to a small but comfortable chamber by Brother Failge. It was one of several chambers provided for visiting dignitaries and where women could stay. Aidan and Enda were given an adjoining chamber to share. As Fidelma lay on the bed, her mind was in turmoil; filled with concern for Eadulf and what unimaginable events could have befallen him. Then came the agonising sense of duty, that she had a task to complete as a dálaigh. She had always had a strong sense of duty which often forced her to overrule her personal feelings. That had certainly been put to the test for the first time when her close childhood friend and anamchara, her soul friend, to whom she would confess intimate secrets, became suspected of murdering her husband and her own child. Fidelma had pursued the case relentlessly and felt no remorse when she realised that her friend was indeed guilty and had conspired with her lover in the terrible affair. Duty forced her to bring her friend to justice.

  Try as she might, she could not banish Eadulf from her thoughts. She knew that she had to concentrate on trying to resolve the murder of the strange couple. She had to discover their motivation for their search of the abbey chapel, and moreover, find out who had poisoned them. Yet every time a thought occurred to her, it was wiped aside by her fear for Eadulf’s safety. So she tossed and turned restlessly on her bed.

  It was a slight noise – the scrape of leather on the stones outside the door and then a moment of silence – that caused her to raise her head to listen. She heard a handle turning slowly and realised it was the door to her room. She began to swing down from the bed, her body tensed and ready to defend herself.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Eadulf came awake, cold, stiff and aching in every joint. He groaned, blinked and tried to ease himself up into a sitting position. He had been lying on the damp grass by a stone wall with only his saddle and horse blanket for comfort. A short distance away Rían, the terrier, was seated looking at him almost with a quizzical expression; his tail thumping the ground. On the grass before it lay the bloodied, long-tailed remains of a wood mouse that had obviously been the terrier’s meal. Eadulf turned and examined his surroundings. Ríonach was filling the goatskin water bag from a nearby spring. The horses were munching steadily from tufts of grass in a corner of the large stone wall enclosure. The sky was clear and blue, but the sun was barely above the distant eastern hills; it was pale and without warmth.

  ‘Have I slept long?’ he asked, getting to his feet and stamping them to eliminate the cramp.

  The girl came over and offered him the water bag to drink from.

  ‘I thought that you deserved to sleep a little longer,’ she said kindly.

  He thanked her and then gestured at the horses. ‘I don’t suppose we have any oats or other grain for them?’

  ‘There were some berries that wild horses seem to like,’ she said, indicating some bushes with her head. ‘I picked some and gave them to them and made sure they had a drink.’

  ‘Is there any of Brother Finnsnechta’s bread left?’ he asked hopefully, knowing that they had eaten most of it for their meal on the previous evening.

  ‘A little.’

  ‘Have you had some?’ When she shook her head, he insisted that they divide the remaining bread and cheese between them.

  ‘How long do you think it will be before we reach Cill Cainnech?’ was his next question.

  ‘We should be there well before midday,’ she said confidently. ‘If we avoid the direct route and keep to the higher ground, it’s a longer way but safer. It reaches the river well north of the township and then we can head into it from there.’

  Eadulf smiled at her. ‘It sounds like a good plan.’

  ‘This way is also through woods for much of the journey, which gives us cover, and the path is not too arduous.’

  Eadulf glanced at the sky for a moment. ‘The sooner we start out, then the sooner we shall arrive.’

  He packed up the saddlebags and secured them. Then he stretched, looking around at their temporary shelter.

  ‘Was this really a fort?’ he asked, his gaze on the circular stone walls.

  ‘Probably not,’ the girl shrugged. ‘These places are more likely to be old cattlepens or places where other livestock were kept. But some people think of them as forts.’

  He was glad now that he had spent time with the warriors of the Nasc Niadh, for he knew that without the knowledge they had imparted, he would not have survived thus far. Thanks to them, he was able to approach and saddle his horse, albeit with a little difficulty. Ríonach scarcely needed any assistance at all. They mounted their horses and Ríonach began to lead the way eastward along a level track on the far side of the stone-encircled area. Eadulf was pleased that he did not have to re-negotiate the overgrown steep path again, to go back down to the track that they had left. His thoughts turned to his wife. Where was Fidelma now?

  * * *

  At that precise moment, Fidelma was on her hands and knees examining the base of the stone altar in the chapel while Feradach, with Aidan and Enda at his side, stood looking on. Over an hour before that, she had been disturbed before first light by a man’s sudden, shadowy appearance at the door of her chamber.