‘Just so,’ agreed the young man. ‘My father insists on the continuance of this custom and many have been the times that he has beaten me for not observing it. So, even in his absence, I follow the rule in case word gets back to him.’ He stared with apparent distaste at the array of weapons stored there. ‘Thankfully, I am no warrior. Fighting and bloodshed — I abhor them. There are better things to occupy one in life.’
Eadulf smiled in agreement, saying, ‘We of the religious do not carry weapons but only a knife to cut our meat.’
‘Then enter freely and receive the hospitality of the son of the mac’htiern of Brilhag,’ replied the young man, finishing what was obviously the ritual. He shut the door and motioned them towards the fire in the great hearth at the far end of the chamber. ‘May I offer you all refreshment?’
They chose cider, which was the main drink of the country, and Macliau relayed their wishes to the attendant who duly hurried away to fulfil them. He waved them to seats and, as he slouched into his own chair, the little dog rose and came forward to spread itself at his feet with a contented sigh.
‘So what brings you to our shores, lady?’ asked the young man, reaching down in an absent fashion to fondle the ears of the animal whose tail began to beat contentedly on the floor. ‘It is not often that we see wandering religious, especially one who is referred to by a noble form of address. I am sure Brother Metellus, who is a stickler for protocol in such matters, did not make a slip of the tongue when he introduced you.’
Fidelma had made up her mind to stick to the truth. It was pointless to pretend otherwise. She told their story briefly and without mentioning the dove emblem that had brought them to Brilhag.
The young man seemed to accept the news of the attack on the merchants with equanimity.
‘I knew Biscam,’ he said. ‘He often traded with us. You say that he and all his men are slain?’
Fidelma had neglected to mention the one survivor and did not enlighten him, merely saying: ‘Biscam is dead and all his pack animals and goods have been stolen.’
‘And the thieves? Do you know where they have gone?’ demanded the young man.
‘They have disappeared through the marshy area near here,’ Fidelma replied.
The young man was silent for a moment and then shook his head sadly.
‘I am afraid that during the last week we have begun to hear stories of several robberies, attacks on isolated farmsteads on this peninsula. It is said that the raiders come from a ship and each time grow bolder. My father is away at the court of King Alain and means to escort him and his entourage here. But he is not due to return for several days yet. I will send four of my men to retrieve the bodies and take them to the abbey. Doubtless, Abbot Maelcar will want to perform the obsequies over them.’
Brother Metellus expressed his approval.
‘Your men should have a care, for we do not know whether the cut-throats have entirely left the area,’ he advised.
‘I fear there is little we can do to trace the thieves at this late hour. However, I will order Boric to keep a special watch.’
Fidelma was regarding Macliau thoughtfully.
‘Did you say that your King is coming here?’ she queried.
‘King Alain,’ the young man confirmed.
‘Does he visit here often?’
Macliau shook his head. ‘He comes as my father’s guest to hunt. This area is famous for its deer and boar.’
‘It could be dangerous for the King and his entourage with such murderers and thieves about,’ Fidelma pointed out.
The young man gave a confident laugh.
‘I think not, lady. Rather it would be more dangerous for the thieves once the King and my father arrive here, for they will come in the company of their warriors. Meanwhile, my own men are on the watch for these brigands — and when they catch them…’He made a sharp gesture with his hand.
‘Even so, the Lady Fidelma is right. Forewarned is to be forearmed,’ Brother Metellus said cautiously. ‘Perhaps word should be sent to King Alain and your father?’
‘I take your point, Brother Metellus. But I assure you that they have nothing to fear here. If these thieves and warriors have managed to sneak into my father’s domain, then they will not like the reception my father shall give them.’
Just then, they heard voices beyond one of the doors. Macliau put his head to one side and grimaced. The dog raised his head and gave a little growl but did not move.
‘I think this is my sister, returning.’
As he spoke, the door was thrown open and a girl entered. Even from across the shadowy great hall, Fidelma and Eadulf could see that she was the twin of Macliau. Behind her came a tall young man with fair hair. The girl flung off her cape in an almost petulant gesture and was about to speak when she saw the group by the fire.
‘We have visitors who bring us worrying news,’ announced Macliau. ‘And we are in need of your skills, Bleidbara.’
He continued to speak in Latin and the girl responded in the same language.
‘Worrying news?’ she repeated, and her voice held the same high timbre as that of her brother. It was unattractive.
Fidelma and her companions rose from their chairs as the newcomers came forward. Macliau waved a hand in introduction.
‘This is the Lady Fidelma, who is sister to a King of Hibernia; her companion is Brother Eadulf and, of course, you will remember Brother Metellus from the abbey. This is my sister, the Lady Trifina. And this is Bleidbara, who is the commander of my…my father’s bodyguard.’
The young man inclined his head towards them in a brief gesture. He was quite handsome, Fidelma thought. His features were regular, and his bright blue eyes seemed to have a discerning and caring quality about them.
The girl regarded Fidelma with a suspicious gaze as she seated herself.
‘You are a long way from home, lady,’ she said. ‘We heard no word of a ship from Hibernia putting in around our coasts. What brings you here?’
‘Nothing that is of my choice,’ responded Fidelma, feeling hostility in her tone.
‘Indeed,’ interposed Macliau, and quickly outlined the situation as they had told him.
‘And this is the worrying news?’ drawled the girl.
Again it fell to Macliau to tell her about the attack on the merchant Biscam and his men. He turned to Bleidbara: ‘I was about to give orders to Boric to take some men and gather their bodies and transport them to the abbey.’
‘I will instruct him now,’ the young commander said grimly. Then he glanced to Trifina. ‘Biscam, now. The attacks increase.’
‘We need fear no attack by brigands here,’ Trifina said. ‘We have enough warriors to protect us. And our father should return within a few days.’
‘I have already assured our friends of that.’ Macliau wore a thin smile. ‘And, indeed, I feel we should insist that they remain as our guests until he does, rather than face the hazards of a return to the abbey. These marauders may not be gone entirely,’ he added, ‘and we would not wish anything to happen to you.’
Eadulf felt an uncontrollable shiver on his spine. Was there some hidden meaning to the young man’s words? He glanced at Fidelma in expectation that she would make the excuse of returning, but Fidelma remained calmly smiling.
‘It is a tempting offer,’ she replied. ‘You may be aware that Abbot Maelcar seems to dislike the presence of women at the abbey and we have had to rely on the hospitality of a nearby village.’
Macliau chuckled. ‘Then it is settled. I will hear no protests. You are the guests of the house of Brilhag. I know that Brother Metellus here has little love for the Abbot and I am sure he will accept our invitation as well.’
Brother Metellus inclined his head in polite acquiescence, saying, ‘I have offered my services to my friends here as translator and guide until such time as they can find passage back to their own land of Hibernia.’