‘If you remember, Glaed was once a cleric.’ Abbot Nannid’s tone was even. ‘He studied at the Abbey of the Blessed Machaoi on the island of Oen Druim and even won the degree of freisneidhed in law. That much was made clear in your previous encounter with him; even Conri will bear witness to that. For whatever else he has done, Glaed still respects the Church and my person as Abbot. That is my explanation of how I met Glaed and secured possession of the murderer of Abbot Segdae.’
There was a whispered exchange between Brehon Faolchair and Prince Donennach before the Brehon turned to Fidelma.
‘Fidelma of Cashel, Abbot Nannid has given an explanation of his behaviour at the Hill of Truth. Before you speak, remember that he has admitted that he was there, spoke with the rebel leader Glaed and has returned here with the escaped prisoner, Gorman, having purchased the services of mercenaries. Do you have any evidence or witnesses that disprove his account?’
‘It is a story as unlikely as believing a cat is innocent after shutting it in a room with a bowl of cream and then entering to find the cream has vanished,’ Eadulf said contemptuously.
Brother Cuineain grinned in derision at him. ‘Evidence is needed, Angle, not speculation.’
Fidelma stood silent for a moment, head bowed. Then she heaved a sigh. ‘We admit our observations were made from a distance. All we can swear to is that Abbot Nannid and his steward met Glaed and his marauders. And all we can give evidence to are the facts and not their interpretation.’
Brehon Faolchair waited a moment, looking uncertainly from Fidelma to Abbot Nannid as if expecting further argument. Then he had a whispered exchange with Prince Donennach before announcing: ‘We must first deal with the implied question of Abbot Nannid’s disloyalty to me in meeting with the brigand Glaed. The arguments have been listened to. The evidence presented by Fidelma of Cashel is deemed inadmissible inasmuch as it is too circumstantial and indirect. I take my authority from the Berrad Airechta, which clearly states the case. I am sure, Fidelma, you will have also considered this matter as it relates to what you have said?’
Fidelma conceded the reference, knowing what was about to happen.
Brehon Faolchair went on. ‘In view of Abbot Nannid’s explanation of his behaviour, and there being no clear evidence in contradiction to that explanation, then, indeed, the authority I quote must stand as the judgement on the matter of implied disloyalty.
‘There is then the matter of compensation for tarnishing the reputation of the abbot,’ intervened Brother Cuineain with an air of triumph. ‘It is well known that the law system stipulates compensation for making accusations which damage the reputation of a person. The compensation for doing so for an abbot or bishop of high degree, whose honour price is seven cumals, the worth of twenty-one milch cows …’
Brehon Faolchair held up his hand to silence the gloating steward.
‘Brother Cuaneain feels the law should consider restitution or compensation since the abbot’s honour has been besmirched. Do you share your steward’s opinion, Abbot Nannid?’
The man shrugged indifferently. ‘My steward raises a good point.’
‘He raises it under the law of the Brehons, not under your proclaimed Penitentials.’ Brehon Faolchair’s voice was bland but his eyes glinted. ‘And if I pronounce a judgement now, you will not object?’
‘Do so and let us get it over,’ Abbot Nannid grumbled as if unconcerned.
Brehon Faolchair turned to Fidelma. ‘I ask the same question of you, Fidelma of Cashel.’
Eadulf muttered something under his breath but Fidelma held the eyes of the Brehon steadily. ‘I have accepted your ruling that the evidence does not completely sustain my interpretation of it. I will accept your judgement on restitution to Abbot Nannid’s honour.’
Brehon Faolchair’s lips formed a grim smile. ‘Very well. Both parties being willing to accept judgement, I shall now give my ruling under the laws relating to aircsiu.’
Eadulf frowned, not having heard the word before. ‘What’s that?’ he whispered.
Brehon Faolchair must have heard him for he went on: ‘Aircsiu is the law of “looking on”, and I will explain that. Fidelma and Conri came to the Hill of Truth and, because of the presence of Glaed and his brigands they wisely hid themselves. So they became onlookers to the scene. Now the law says that everyone who witnesses an offence and does nothing consents to it. The onlooker is obliged by law to intervene. For example, to put this simply, if a farmer sees that his neighbour’s cattle are in danger, he must go to help them or pay a penalty for not doing so. Similarly, if he does intervene but is unable to prevent danger, he is not liable for the result. If the farmer is mistaken in his observation and intervenes when it turns out that the cattle are not in danger, he has fulfilled the obligation of the law and is also not liable for the result.’
Brehon Faolchair smiled briefly at Fidelma. ‘What I rule under this law is that Fidelma and her companions saw what they thought was a crime being committed. They had not the ability to intervene immediately but intervened as soon as they were able – that is, when they returned to Dun Eochair Mhaigh and reported the matter. The evidence has been examined and it has been judged that there was no sustainable evidence that wrongdoing had been conducted. Following on, under the law relating to aircsiu there is no argument for compensation.’
There was a silence and Eadulf could not help grinning broadly at the infuriated Brother Cuineain opposite.
‘Is there any objection to this?’ Brehon Faolchair demanded. His question was aimed more at Abbot Nannid than at the obviously satisfied Fidelma.
The abbot’s features showed little emotion apart from a certain tightening of his thin lips. He shook his head.
‘Si finis bonus est, totum bonus erit.’ Prior Cuan smiled, speaking for the first time during the proceedings. If the end is good, everything will be good.
At that point, Airmid rose from her seat and inclined her head towards her brother.
‘I bid you excuse me from any further counsel, brother. I am sure that I have heard the essential matters that affect my position as your heir-apparent. But as a physician, other duties now call me.’
‘You are so excused, Airmid,’ Prince Donennach replied. They waited until she had left the great hall before resuming. The atmosphere was still tense.
‘Can we proceed now to the more important matter that arises since Abbot Nannid has returned with the prisoner Gorman?’ the prince suggested.
‘Abbot Nannid admits that he holds Gorman of Cashel a prisoner,’ Brehon Faolchair stated. ‘We are grateful that Gorman has been recaptured. However, the abbot holds him captive in the Abbey of Nechta. It is now his duty to hand Gorman into my custody as Brehon to Prince Donennach, so that we may formally complete our hearing under the laws of the Brehons and, if now proven guilty, decide what is to be his punishment.’
Everyone now looked expectantly towards the Abbot. The thin face of the religieux twisted as he spoke.
‘Not so,’ he said.
There were puzzled looks and Brehon Faolchair leaned forward, saying, ‘I do not understand.’
‘I have already made my views known. My duty is to a greater authority than yours. I say that you have failed in your duty to keep your prisoner safe. You allowed him to escape: that cannot happen again. The man who killed Abbot Segdae is judged guilty according to the law of the Faith. He is now my prisoner and will remain my prisoner until …’ he paused dramatically ‘… until he is executed tomorrow at noon in accordance with the Penitentials that have now been adopted as the rules of the Abbey of Nechta and the New Faith.’
CHAPTER SIXTEEN