4- The Subtle Serpent by Peter Tremayne

Author:Peter Tremayne [Tremayne, Peter]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: _rt_yes, Church History, Fiction, tpl, _NB_fixed, Mystery, Historical, Clerical Sleuth, Medieval Ireland
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Published: 2012-03-19T04:00:00+00:00

Munther Beara beata

fide fundatacerta,

spe salutis ornata,

caritate perfecta.

Fidelma wondered whether the Abbess Draigen had purposefully chosen the chant. The words were simple. ‘The blessed community of Beara, founded on certain Faith, adorned with Hope of salvation, perfected by Charity.’ The sisters sang with an unquestioned conviction in their message.

As Fidelma led Berrach forward the voices lost their unison and raggedly died away. Heads raised and there was a nervous tension which swept along the rows of the congregation.

Fidelma squeezed gentle encouragement on Berrach’s arm.

The chant died away and Abbess Draigen moved majestically from her position and came to stand before the altar.

‘My children, I come before you to ask your forgiveness, for I have been guilty of a grievous fault. And allowing someone young and inexperienced to act wrongly on my advice.’

The opening words caused a sudden silence to descend; so silent that even the rasping winter breath of some of the congregation could be heard.

‘Moreover, I am guilty of a terrible injury to one of this community.’

The congregation began to understand now and were casting ashamed glances towards Berrach and at Fidelma. Berrach stood leaning on her staff, eyes downcast. Sister Brónach stood with head held high as if she was the one accepting the apology. Fidelma, on the other side of Berrach, also kept her head erect, her eyes fastened to those of the abbess.

‘Things have happened in this abbey which are the cause of alarm among our community; alarm and fear. This morning, as you will know, our rechtaire, Sister Síomha, was cruelly slain. Acting in partial knowledge, I accused one of this community. In impetuous enthusiasm to punish the person I deemed to be the culprit, I forgot the teachings of Our Lord, for is it not said in the book of John — “he that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her”? I was with sin and I cast a stone. For my unjust actions, I crave forgiveness and will do a daily penance for a year from this day. That penance may be prescribed by you, my sisters, meeting in this congregation.’

She turned to look at Sister Lerben. The young novice stood with head held high and defiant. Fidelma glanced at her and was troubled by the depth of suppressed rage on her features. There would be problems with Sister Lerben before long, she thought.

‘Furthermore, I advised our young Sister Lerben erroneously and, having appointed her as my new rechtaire, asked her to go forth and act on my advice. For this I accept full responsibility. Lerben had not sufficient experience to know that I was in error. I apologise on her behalf.’

Before the astonished eyes of the gathered sisters, Sister Lerben suddenly made her way noisily from the chapel, like a petulant child.

Abbess Draigen stared somewhat sadly after her. There was a silence before she turned her attention to Sister Berrach.

‘Sister Berrach, before God and this congregation, I ask your forgiveness. It was fear and abomination of the

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