Whispers of the Dead by Peter Tremayne Page A

statement.
    “The circumstances were as follows: Sochla worked in the hall of the King of Tethbae. Do you know where that is?”
    Fidelma nodded automatically.
    “It is a petty kingdom bordering on the west of Midhe, not far from here,” she answered. Fidelma prided herself on her geographical knowledge.
    “Indeed,” muttered Firbis, as if disappointed that his question had received a correct answer. “It was a small kingdom founded two hundred years ago by Maine, a son of the High King, Niall of the Nine Hostages.”
    Fidelma also knew this information but did not say anything further.
    “As I was saying,” began Firbis querulously, as if she had interrupted him, “Sochla worked in the hall of Catharnaigh, the King. In a casket, in the hall, the Kings of Tethbae kept an oak and bronze casket. In this casket was the preserved skull of Maine, founder of the kingdom, who died in battle. Maine of the Bright Deeds was how the poets described him. His skull was preserved in the ancient tradition as the rallying symbol of his people in Tethbae. It was valued beyond price by them.”
    “There are many similar icons in other kingdoms,” observed Fidelma quietly.
    “We are not speaking of other kingdoms,” snapped Firbis. “I speak of Tethbae! The skull of Maine was beyond price and kept in pride of place in the hall of Catharnaigh.”
    He stared at Fidelma, challenging her to speak. When she did not, he continued less querulously.
    “Catharnaigh and his retinue had left the hall to go to the Field of Contentions to attend a game of hurley. No one was left in the hall except for Sochla, whose task was to prepare the feasting hall for the King’s return. When Catharnaigh returned, he found the casket, containing the skull, was missing. Only Sochla had been in the hall during Catharnaigh’s absence and she was summoned. She denied any knowledge. Yet Catharnaigh was suspicious. Sochla’s quarters were searched and the casket was found under the woman’s bed. A learned Brehon was summoned and the case was heard. Sochla was found guilty of the theft.”
    Firbis paused and sat back.
    “This was the case. Did the Brehon render a true or a false judgment?”
    Fidelma sat quietly for a moment. Then she raised a slender shoulder and let it fall.
    “It is impossible to make an answer based on the facts that you have cited.” She glanced quickly at Brehon Morann. “I presume that I am allowed to ask questions of the
Druimcli
before expressing any opinion?”
    Firbis interrupted before the Brehon could answer.
    “I thought the facts were plain enough, young woman. The casket was found under the bed of Sochla. Have you overlooked that fact?”
    “I have not,” replied Fidelma.
    “Bearing that fact in mind, do you tell me that you do not think it is a simple, open and shut case? Surely you do not wish to waste time here? The answer is simply a negative or positive one. Was a true or false judgment rendered when Sochla was pronounced guilty of the crime?”
    Fidelma turned to Brehon Morann.
    “I think it is right that I should ask questions,” she said stubbornly, determined not to be cowed by the
Druimcli.
“No one would be able to express support for a judgment without knowing all the facts.”
    The Brehon smiled gravely.
    “You may ask, but do not waste time.”
    Fidelma turned back to Firbis.
    “What was the motive according to the Brehon who pronounced the woman guilty?”
    Firbis blinked and glanced at Brehon Morann with a raised eyebrow. Then he turned back to Fidelma and shrugged indifferently.
    “With a priceless relic, I would have thought that the matter of motive was obvious.”
    “Really? I would have thought that the motive became more obscure.”
    Firbis’s eyes narrowed. Before he could respond, Fidelma asked another question: “Was this Sochla an intelligent woman? Was she half-witted or did she have any other defects that would cause her a lack of common sense?”
    “She was intelligent,”