Free The Council of the Cursed by Peter Tremayne Page B

Ordgar. The Britons, Gauls and Armoricans denounce Ordgar and demand the release of Cadfan. Those clerics from Hibernia call down a plague on both houses and demand reparation for the death of the representative of the bishop of Ard Macha. So what am I to do?’
    Fidelma stood up abruptly, so abruptly that she caused some surprise. She glanced though the tall windows at the darkening day.
    ‘You are following the right path,’ she declared. ‘You may announce what we are doing at evening prayers. Tomorrow morning we will start in earnest upon this quest and begin by speaking with Brother Sigeric. I presume the chamber where it happened is now empty?’
    Bishop Leodegar nodded. ‘As I said, we removed Ordgar to a more secure room.’
    ‘Then we will visit the original chamber after we have seen Brother Sigeric.’
    ‘I will ensure that all is ready for you.’ Bishop Leodegar became more assertive. ‘I only hope that you are both as clever at solving conundrums as Abbot Ségdae has assured me that you are.’
    ‘That will be for you to judge, Leodegar of Autun,’ Fidelma replied quietly. ‘Eadulf and I can only do what is in our power to do, and trust the riddle is one that can be solved.’

Chapter Four
    Fidelma and Eadulf were awakened just before dawn by the sound of singing. Eadulf lay for a while trying to adjust to the unfamiliar music. It was Fidelma who recognised it.
    ‘It must be the matutinae laude –the gathering for morning praise. I have heard that in Rome. It seems some of these abbeys sing Psalms to greet the dawn.’
    Eadulf groaned. ‘I hope we are not expected to adopt these ways while we are staying here. I am often told that I am tone deaf.’
    ‘You will recall that our arrival, after so long a journey, has excused us from attending this morning’s prayers,’ Fidelma replied cheerfully. ‘Nonetheless, it is dawn and perhaps we should wash and be ready for the day.’
    It was wise advice, for no sooner had they finished than Brother Chilperic knocked at their door carrying a tray of fruit, bread and cheese with which to break their fast. He seemed to read the question in Fidelma’s eyes as he set the tray on the small table.
    ‘The bishop thought it might save some embarrassment on this first day to allow you to break your fast here in the hospitia . Abbot Ségdae will speak with you about meals in the refectory. You will appreciate that our refectory is not used to the presence of women.’
    ‘You do not have to explain,’ Eadulf said, helping himself to a piece of fruit. ‘But I wonder who would be embarrassed if Fidelma walked in?’ he added mischievously as he bit into the fruit with relish. His eyes widened appreciatively as he munched on the juicy pulpy mass. ‘I have not tasted the like of this for a while. What is it?’
    ‘ Malum Persica , Brother Eadulf,’ replied Brother Chilperic. Then he added: ‘The bishop thought I could wait and, after you have breakfasted, conduct you to the chamber where the killing took place.’
    ‘We are ready to commence the day’s task once we have done so,’ Fidelma replied, as she took a similar piece of fruit to that which Eadulf was enjoying. ‘What was it that you called this–a Persian apple?’ she asked, as she tasted it gingerly.
    ‘Yes, that is correct,’ confirmed the steward.
    ‘It is very soft and sweet. Do you buy them from Persian merchants?’
    Brother Chilperic shook his head. ‘Some centuries ago, when the Romans conquered this land, they brought with them seeds of this fruit and planted them. The abbey gardens grow a fine crop. Thank you, but I have eaten,’ he added when Eadulf pushed the bowl of fruit in his direction.
    ‘Well,’ Eadulf smiled as he finished and wiped his mouth, ‘the earth did not tremble last night when Bishop Leodegar announced that a woman would be stalking the corridor and halls of this abbey?’
    Brother Chilperic was uncertain how to take his humour.
    ‘The Rule of the bishop has