The Lair of the White Fox (e-novella) (Kindle Single) by Peter Tremayne

Author:Peter Tremayne [Tremayne, Peter]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3, mobi
ISBN: 9781472238672
Publisher: Headline
Published: 2016-05-05T06:00:00+00:00

VIII

The sharp notes of a trumpet resounded from beyond the gates. They heard the challenge of a warrior on the walls, an answering call, and a moment later two horsemen rode through the gates. The sight of them sent the fleshy figure of the steward hurrying forward to greet them. Clearly it was the arrival of someone of importance.

The leading rider dismounted and, catching sight of Fidelma, seemed to brush aside the bowing form of Sranacháin to make his way directly to her.

He was a scholarly looking man who seemed to have something of Lúach’s looks about him. He came forward and held out both his hands in greeting. His hair was fair, almost the colour of ripening straw, and he had the same light blue eyes as Lúach’s. He would have been considered tall but there was a certain stoop and roundness of his shoulders which detracted from his full height.

‘You are Fidelma of Cashel, aren’t you?’ he greeted her eagerly. Not waiting for her answer, he went on: ‘The merchant who brought you here arrived at my fortress last night and told me about your arrival. My niece has often spoken of you. I am Mugrón of Fochard. When news came to me that you had arrived here, I rode here this morning with my steward, Beicc.’ He gestured with his head towards his companion who had now dismounted to join them. He was a tall, dark-haired young man with a full beard, who looked more like a warrior than someone who administered a household. ‘What news is there?’

‘Alas, Mugrón,’ Fidelma responded, ‘I have no information about Lúach’s disappearance. I did not even know she was missing until I arrived here. In fact I was thinking of coming to Fochard tomorrow, as I wanted to speak with you and reassure myself of what I have been told.’

The lord of Fochard was clearly disappointed for a moment before the disappointment was replaced by grief.

‘I suppose I did not really expect you to bring news because I am sure that we are too late to protect her. Her enemy has triumphed.’

‘Her enemy?’ Fidelma was mystified but tried not to show it.

Mugrón glanced about him as if to ensure he was not overheard. ‘That last time I saw her, the day before she disappeared, she told me that she feared for her freedom.’

Fidelma had been surprised too many times to react.

‘What did she mean by that?’ she demanded.

‘I thought she meant this proposal to get her married. However … Lúach has so often told me that you are possessed of a sharp intellect which is able to ferret out the answer to the most difficult conundrums. We need to talk alone…’

A voice hailed Mugrón from the other side of the courtyard.

Prince Ossen came hurrying towards them.

‘Mugrón! I heard the sound of your arrival.’ He glanced to Fidelma. ‘I see you have met Fidelma of Cashel – a friend of Lúach.’

The lord of Fochard nodded quickly. ‘I came to see if there was news of my niece, Ossen.

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