Shadows of the Slain by Matthew Harffy

Author:Matthew Harffy
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Bernicia Chronicles
ISBN: 9781804548677
Publisher: Head of Zeus

Chapter 23

The heavy door slammed shut, then swung slightly ajar, such was the force with which it had been closed. Coenred heard a hissed exchange outside and then the sound of footsteps receding down the corridor.

Baducing let out a breath.

“What do you make of that?” he asked.

“Wilfrid has somehow caused this,” said Coenred. “I know not what he has done, but this is his doing.” In a sharp motion he swallowed down the rest of his sweet wine and slammed the empty cup onto the tray with a clatter. “The man is a menace. He lusts like a rutting stag, uncaring for how his actions harm others. I just pray his foolishness has not gone too far.”

Neither of them could think of reading now and they stood in uncomfortable silence. Baducing awkwardly sipped his wine.

“Priano has been the best of hosts,” he said suddenly. “I was hoping to be able to come back and read as many of his books as possible. You know he has copies of epistles from Paulus I have never heard of before? And the Almighty alone knows what other treasures can be found on those shelves. Whatever Wilfrid has done, I do hope it doesn’t colour Priano’s feelings towards me.”

“You mean beyond bedding the man’s thrall?”

Baducing shrugged.

“In Wilfrid’s defence, Priano did offer.”

“The Devil comes in many guises,” said Coenred, scowling. “Both you and I stood firm in the face of the same temptation.”

Baducing tried to emulate Coenred’s sombre look, but eventually gave up and laughed.

“Interesting choice of words,” he said. “I imagine Wilfrid stood firm too!”

Coenred shook his head.

“Let us hope we can all laugh about this later.”

“From the sound of it,” said Coenred, “I am not so sure that will be possible.”

From the open door the sound of raised voices reached them. They could not make out the words, but they recognised Priano’s voice. He was clearly furious. The second voice was quieter, less shrill, but it was loud enough for them to place it as Wilfrid’s.

The angry exchange continued for some time, becoming louder and more intense with each passing heartbeat. As Wilfrid’s senior in the Church, Coenred felt it his duty to find out what Wilfrid had done and see whether he could intercede.

“Come,” he said, “let us go and see what is happening.” It might be his duty, but he felt nothing but anger towards the young man who caused trouble wherever he went. He knew he should be more forgiving, but it was not easy. The voice of Priano had reached such an intense pitch now that Coenred began to fear this might escalate beyond all reason. Men of Priano’s standing, with wealth and power, did not take well to being crossed and he had many guards in his employ. Could Wilfrid have offended him so much that it might end in the shedding of blood?

Stomach churning once more and his headache returning, Coenred rushed to the door and pushed it open. The guard was not there. Perhaps he had

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