Free Absolution by Murder by Peter Tremayne Page B

proposing?’
    ‘That you, sister, join forces with one who favours the Roman faction. If you investigate jointly no one will be able to accuse us of partiality when the result is made known. Will you agree to this?’
    Sister Fidelma stared at the king for a while.
    ‘It is the first time that I have heard it impugned that a dá/aigh of the Brehon courts would make a biased decision. The motto of our profession is “the truth against the world”. Whether the deed was done by one of my church or by that of Rome, the
result would still be the same. I am sworn to uphold the truth, however unpalatable.’ She paused, then shrugged. ‘And yet … yet I do see a logic in your suggestion. I will agree. But who will I work with? I confess that my Saxon is almost non-existent and I know that few of the Saxons have any knowledge of Latin, Greek or Hebrew, tongues I have some fluency in.’
    Oswy’s face had relaxed into a smile.
    ‘In that there is no problem. Among the party of the Archbishop of Canterbury is a young man who is ideally suited to this task.’
    Abbess Hilda had turned to her cousin with a look of interest.
    ‘Who is this?’
    ‘A brother named Eadulf from Seaxmund’s Ham in Ealdwulf’s kingdom of East Anglia. Brother Eadulf has spent five years as a student in Ireland and a further two years studying in Rome itself. He therefore speaks Irish, Latin and Greek as well as his native Saxon. He has a knowledge of law. In fact, had he not become a religieux he would have been hereditary gerefa – that, Fidelma, is an officer of our laws. Archbishop Deusdedit informs me that he is an inveterate solver of puzzles. So, would you object to working with such a man, Sister Fidelma?’
    Fidelma was indifferent.
    ‘So long as truth is the objective of us both. But how does he feel about working with me?’
    ‘We may ask him, for I sent a message for him to come here and wait outside. He should be here by now.’
    Oswy strode to the door and threw it open.
    Sister Fidelma’s lips parted in surprise as the young monk whom she had encountered in the cloisters of the abbey on the previous evening entered and bowed his head before the king.
Then he raised his eyes and caught sight of Sister Fidelma. His own face momentarily mirrored the astonishment on Fidelma’s and then it became an impassive mask again.
    ‘This is Brother Eadulf.’ Oswy introduced the newcomer, continuing to speak in Irish. ‘Brother Eadulf, this is the dálaigh of whom I have already spoken, Sister Fidelma. Do you agree to work with her, bearing in mind what I have told you of the importance of resolving this mystery as soon as possible?’
    Brother Eadulf’s brown eyes met the fiery green sparkle of Sister Fidelma’s.
    Again Fidelma felt the curious thrill of contact that she had experienced on the previous evening.
    ‘I am willing.’ His voice was a rich baritone. ‘If it is agreeable to Sister Fidelma.’
    ‘Sister?’ pressed Oswy.
    ‘We should begin at once,’ Fidelma said dispassionately, hiding her feeling of confusion under the Saxon’s gaze.
    ‘In that I agree,’ replied Oswy. ‘Your investigation will be done in my name. You may question anyone, of whatever station in life, whom you wish to question and my warriors stand ready to act upon your commands. I would only say, before I depart, that urgency is the priority. For every hour that rumour and speculation runs unchecked in this place, then the enemies of peace will have increasing power and civil war looms ever nearer.’
    Oswy gazed from one to another, smiled briefly and left the room.
    Sister Fidelma found her mind racing. There was so much to take in, not least the death of Etain.
    She suddenly became aware that Abbess Hilda, Colman and Eadulf were all watching her.

    ‘I am sorry?’ She was aware that a question must have been asked of her.
    Abbess Hilda sniffed.
    ‘I asked how you wished to proceed.’
    ‘It would be best to view the scene of the outrage,’