Free The Monk Who Vanished by Peter Tremayne

to assassinate Donennach by Cashel. There remain three alternatives.’
    ‘Only three?’ demanded Donndubháin moodily.
    ‘Only three that makes sense. Firstly, it could be counter-claimed that the Uí Fidgente were plotting against Cashel; that this was an elaborate hoax to lay blame on us. Secondly, it could be argued that the assassins were part of a blood feud; that they acted on their own account seeking vengeance against Colgú or Donennach. Thirdly, it might be contended that the assassins acted on their own account merely to destroy the peace now being negotiated between the Uí Fidgente and Cashel.’
    ‘Do you favour any one of these, Fidelma?’ asked Colgú.
    ‘I have an open mind though I would say the first possibility was unlikely.’
    ‘The possibility that the Uí Fidgente are behind would-be assassins? Why so? Because Donennach was shot also?’ Colgú queried.

    ‘Because, for all that I dislike Donennach, he accepted arbitration and nominated the Brehon Rumann of Fearna easily enough. I know Rumann and his reputation. He is a fair man and not given to bribery. If this were some plot, I would expect the Uí Fidgente might want to weight the odds more in their favour for much will depend on the decision of this third independent judge.’
    Colgú turned to Donndubhain. ‘You had best devise the protocol and I shall sign it with Donennach. Then we must send emissaries to Rumann at Fearna, also Solam of the Uí Fidgente.’
    When Donndubhain had departed to fulfil his task, Colgú turned anxiously to Fidelma. ‘I still do not like this, Fidelma. The onus is still on us to refute the Uí Fidgente’s accusations.’
    Fidelma was not reassuring. ‘Then, as your dálaigh, my brother, I will have to start finding something with which we can refute the accusations.’
    ‘But we have all the evidence there is … unless you can find a sorcerer to resurrect the assassins.’
    Eadulf, not used to such humour, genuflected swiftly. Neither Colgú nor Fidelma took any notice of him.
    ‘No, brother. I mean to start where our only real clue allows us to start.’
    Her brother frowned. ‘Where?’
    ‘In the country of our cousin, Finguine of Cnoc Aine, where else? Perhaps I can discover who made those arrows. If I can do that, perhaps I can discover the identity of the archer.’
    ‘You have only nine days.’
    ‘I am aware of it,’ agreed Fidelma.
    Colgú’s face suddenly brightened. ‘You can seek the hospitality of Abbot Ségdae of Imleach, for he is an expert on ecclesiastical art. He might be able to provide you with information about the crucifix. I am sure it is familiar but I can’t think where I have seen it before.’
    Fidelma had already thought of the idea but instead of confessing as much she smiled and nodded.
    ‘However,’ she replied, ‘while I can take one of the arrows as a sample, I cannot take the crucifix, which must remain here as evidence for Donennach’s dálaigh . If I take it, I will be accused of interfering with the evidence. I will get old Conchobar, who is a rare draughtsman, to make me a sketch of it.’
    ‘Excellent. Perhaps there is a small ray of hope in this confusion after all?’ cried Colgú. ‘When will you start for Imleach?’
    ‘Old Conchobar willing, I can start within the hour.’
    Eadulf coughed discreetly.

    Fidelma hid a smile. ‘I would hope, of course, that Brother Eadulf will see his way clear to accompany me to Imleach.’
    Colgú turned to Eadulf. ‘Could we persuade you … ?’ He let the question hang in the air without finishing.
    ‘I will do my best to render every assistance that I can,’ Eadulf offered solemnly.
    ‘Then it is arranged.’ Colgú gave a quick smile to his sister. ‘My best horses are at your disposal to hasten your journey.’
    ‘How far is it to Imleach?’ asked Eadulf anxiously, wondering if he had let himself in for a lengthy journey.
    ‘Twenty-one miles or so, but the road is straight. We can be there before