‘I know it. However, there are a couple of things I would like to know from you, before you call the council.’
‘Which are?’
‘I just wanted to clarify something that happened during the Battle at Cnoc Áine. I understand that you were wounded there. I heard it was a grievous wound.’
‘Stories spread after battles. Not everything you hear is strictly accurate. It was not serious at all,’ Colgú said. ‘Stupidly, it was in the first charge: a blow from a spear hit against my head and knocked me unconscious. As I was being hurriedly carried to my tent, to a physician, I came to and demanded to return to my men. You see, in such moments come victory or defeat: if the men are dispirited by seeing their leader injured, then a battle can be lost. Why, the blow did not even break the skin but caused a bruise, that’s all. Why the concern now?’
‘I presume that it was in this incident that you lost your shield?’
‘That’s a curious question,’ replied Colgú.
‘I just need to have it confirmed.’
‘As a matter of fact, I don’t remember. I suppose that when I was unconscious and the attendants picked me from the battlefield, they left my shield lying where I had fallen. Anyway, due to the privileges of a King – I had three shields in my tent ready for use.’
‘I have brought the one you lost back to you,’ Fidelma said. ‘Back from the Abbey of Mungairit.’
Colgú stared at her in surprise. ‘I don’t understand.’
‘I will tell you everything later, during the council. But now a third question. When the battle was won, when Prince Eoganán fell, and his nobles were dead or had fled, you appointed your commanders, members of the Golden Collar, to take charge of various Uí Fidgente territories. It was my understanding that this was only a temporary measure to ensure the country stayed at peace until Prince Donennach had negotiated a peace with you. Is that so?’
‘That is exactly so. It worked well except …’ He hesitated. ‘Except that I made the mistake of appointing Uisnech, of the Eóghanacht Áine, in overall command. It was a bad choice. He bore a deep hatred against the Uí Fidgente that I had not counted on. I later heard reports of many evil things he did. When these stories came to me, I was on the point of recalling him, but then I heard that the Uí Fidgente had taken matters into their own hands. They ambushed and killed him.’ Colgú shrugged eloquently. ‘I cannot blame them. Thankfully, about that time, the derbhfine, the electoral college of the Uí Fidgente, had met and Prince Donennach was made Prince. He had been the son of Óengus, whom Eoganán had displaced years before, so the choice was a just one.’
Fidelma had waited patiently while her brother explained. ‘Can you recall what territories your commanders were given?’
Colgú frowned for a moment and then said: ‘I don’t think so.’
‘South of their territory, along the border with the Luachra … who was sent in charge there?’
‘I can’t recall. Capa was the commander at that time and made those dispositions. Then came the peace treaty and so there was no reason for our warriors to be in Uí Fidgente territory at all. They were all withdrawn. Why do you want to know?’
Fidelma smiled in satisfaction and shook her head. ‘It does not matter. It is of no significance now.’
‘And are you going to tell me everything?’ Colgú demanded.
‘As I said, brother, all in good time. Call the council to meet this evening.’
‘It shall be before the evening meal. I shall be impatient to hear what you have to say,’ sighed Colgú as she and Eadulf rose and left.
Outside, Fidelma turned to Eadulf. ‘There is one more thing I need to do. Will you go back to little Alchú and I’ll be along shortly?’
Eadulf wondered what she had in mind. He knew there was something she was not sharing with him. However, he was sure she would reveal it in her own good time.
After he had left her, she turned to Dego, another of the King’s bodyguard, who had replaced Caol on guard duty, and asked where she might find the commander.
‘He has retired to his chamber, lady,’ Dego replied. ‘It was my turn to guard the King’s chambers.’
Caol was alone in his chamber when Fidelma entered. He rose to his feet and stood nervously while she closed the door behind her. For a moment they stood facing one another without speaking.
‘Well, Caol?’ she said.
Caol shifted his weight.
‘Well, lady?’ he repeated.
She motioned for him to be seated and lowered herself into a chair opposite.