Atonement of Blood by Peter Tremayne Page B

evidence there is to be garnered?’
    ‘Naturally,’ agreed Finguine solemnly. ‘And since Fidelma has investigated thus far, and with some notable success, I would suggest that she continues to fulfil this task.’ He turned to Fidelma. ‘And in accepting it, I suggest that our friend Eadulf be at your side as always.’
    Fidelma bowed her head so that her amusement was not seen by Brehon Aillín.
    ‘I will carry out the wishes of my cousin, the
tánaiste
,’ she forced a sombre note in her voice. ‘And I am sure that Eadulf, in spite of his stated reluctance,’ she glanced meaningfully at the old judge, ‘will be happy to accompany me.’
    ‘But you cannot go into the country of the Uí Fidgente alone.’ It was Caol who protested. The commander of the élite warriors of Cashel turned anxiously towards Finguine. ‘They must be accompanied by a bodyguard of warriors.’
    But Fidelma was already protesting. ‘If we go into the country of the Uí Fidgente with a company of warriors, we will be asking for trouble. There is peace between Prince Donennach and Cashel. Armed warriors riding into his territory will be seen as a sign of aggression. Best go there as what we are – two people who travel in peace.’
    ‘We cannot trust the Uí Fidgente,’ Caol said obstinately. ‘I have fought against them at Cnoc Áine, and I am responsible for your safety as a Princess of the Eóghanacht. Remember that Abbot Nannid of Mungairit is the uncle of Prince Donennach. I cannot allow …’
    Fidelma’s eyes flashed suddenly. ‘Cannot allow?’ she demanded coldly.
    Finguine once again raised his hand for silence. ‘I am inclined to agree with Caol, Fidelma. It crosses my mind that this is an interesting time for this attack to have happened.’
    ‘Why so?’ Fidelma was impatient.
    ‘Because Prince Donennach is due here before the next full moon. He is coming to negotiate a new treaty with Colgú to supersede the one concluded at the end of the Uí Fidgente uprising against us four years ago.’
    Fidelma was surprised. ‘I was not told this. I had heard that he was going to pay his respects to the High King at Tara, but not that he was returning through Cashel.’
    ‘It was felt best not to make the negotiation too widely known.’
    ‘Donennach is a wily politician,’ muttered Caol. ‘That is why I should go with you. You stand in need of protection.’
    ‘Eadulf and I can protect ourselves …’ began Fidelma.
    Finguine intervened again: ‘Your brother has come close to assassination. If there is a danger in the country of the Uí Fidgente then you must take what steps you may for your protection. On the other hand, Fidelma, I can appreciate your argument that it would be ill-advised for you to take an entire band of warriors as your escort. That would draw too much attention to yourselves and might well restrict your enquiries.’
    ‘What middle path do you suggest?’ Fidelma asked.
    ‘I would suggest that one warrior of the Nasc Niadh, the Golden Collar, should accompany you.’
    Fidelma thought about it and then shrugged. ‘Very well. One warrior will not attract as much attention to us as a band of warriors.’
    ‘Then it is agreed,’ confirmed Finguine.
    ‘I will make sure that you are both kept safe,’ Caol promised them with a confident smile. ‘It will be like old times.’
    Finguine was shaking his head. ‘I did not mean you, Caol. As commander of the warriors in Cashel your task must be to remain close by my side during this time of unrest. If news of the severity of the King’s injuries becomes known among his enemies, then we may stand in need of your skills.’
    Caol’s expression fell in disappointment. ‘But I know the Uí Fidgente,’ he repeated. ‘They are not to be trusted. I was one of the warriors who went with Uisnech, the lord of Áine, to pacify them after they were defeated at Cnoc Áine. And didn’t they assassinate Uisnech before they agreed the peace with Cashel? You must