18 - Dancing With Demons by Peter Tremayne

Author:Peter Tremayne [Tremayne, Peter]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: _NB_fixed, _rt_yes, Adult, blt, Clerical Sleuth, Fiction, Historical, Mystery, Suspense, Medieval Ireland
ISBN: 9780312587413
Google: v6AQmAEACAAJ
Barnesnoble:
Goodreads: 6918322
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Published: 2008-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

When Eadulf had related his conversation with Irél, the commander of the Fianna, Fidelma merely commented: ‘It is background information that helps to paint a picture of our assassin, but not much else. There is still much to discover.’

‘What did Brehon Barrán have to say to you? Did Gormflaith tell the truth?’

‘I am afraid that both Gormflaith and Barrán tell stories that are impossible to reconcile. Barrán said that so far as he knew, no divorce was arranged and he was never asked to draw up a settlement to be agreed by them.’

She was about to speak further when the dowdy young woman who had been serving in the guesthouse, Cnucha, came hurrying by. Fidelma called to her and the girl, seeing who it was, came over immediately, her hands demurely folded before her.

‘May I help, lady?’ she asked, eyes downcast.

‘I am looking for Brother Rogallach. Would you know where he is?’

The girl indicated towards the back of the Tech Cormaic.

‘At this hour you will find him in the kitchen, lady. The door at the back is open, so you may go through the house to the kitchen.’

Fidelma was about to thank the girl when the figure of Brónach appeared on the steps of the royal residence and glowered angrily at them.

‘Cnucha! What are you loitering there for? I sent you to help Báine in the guesthouse. Be off with you!’ The woman turned on her heel and went inside.

Cnucha, in an uncharacteristic show of temper, suddenly stuck out a tongue in her direction and then, realising that the others had seen her, she blushed and lowered her head.

‘I am sorry, lady. Sometimes it is difficult to put up with all the insults that have to be endured when people think you have no feelings and no ability to fight back. I am sure Brónach is usually a good person. Recently, however, she has become increasingly irritable. I think it is because her lover may have left her.’

Fidelma was disapproving. ‘It is not seemly to speak of such things, Cnucha.’

The girl tried to appear contrite. ‘It just slipped out, lady. Brónach is a nice woman, very attractive, and it was sad when her husband was killed. I am surprised that she did not take another husband. Someone like her could have many suitors. I am sure she had a lover until a few weeks ago – not that she ever told us or that we knew – but she has been so miserable and snappy of late, and—’

The girl caught sight of Fidelma’s frown and stopped dead. ‘Sorry, it’s just … sorry.’ She moved off quickly on her errand.

Eadulf was smiling at Fidelma’s expression. ‘Well, if there was gossip or rumour to be had, which might help us, we know where to come to,’ he joked.

Fidelma pulled a face at him, indicating mock offence. ‘It is not gossip we look for, Eadulf, but evidence.’

Eadulf raised his eyes towards the sky for a moment and said piously: ‘Much truth in gossip, as your old saying goes.

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