The young man’s eyes glinted in the shadow of his cowl. ‘I did,’ he replied and there was truculence in his tone.
‘Under what law?’
Brother Adamrae’s jaw came up aggressively. ‘Under the just laws of the Penitentials, the Canon of the Church. Does not Canon Four state that a thief found in possession of stolen goods may be put to death?’
For a moment or two Fidelma stared at the man in surprise.
‘You have allowed the taking of this man’s life under these Penitentials which are contrary to our laws. Tell me, young Brehon,’ there was a hint of sarcasm in her voice, ‘where did you study and qualify in law?’
‘I studied at the Abbey of the Blessed Machaoi on the island of Oen Druim,’ he replied after a slight hesitation.
‘In the country of the Dál nÁraide of Ulaidh? I have heard of it,’ Fidelma said. ‘But I do not hear the accents of the Kingdom of Ulaidh in your voice. Your voice has the accent of these parts.’
The young man shrugged. ‘That is because I was sent to be fostered by Uí Fiachrach Aidne before I return to my own clan.’
‘The Uí Fiachrach Aidne? Their territory touches on the northern border of this kingdom. I would have placed your accent further to the south. Anyway, it is a long way even for fosterage links.’
‘It was my family’s choice,’ asserted the man in a stubborn tone. It was hard for Fidelma to decide whether he was a youth or just youthful-looking.
‘And what is your degree?’
It seemed for a moment that Brother Adamrae was going to refuse to answer. Then he said: ‘I am of the level of freisneidhed.’
‘You have studied law for three years only?’ Fidelma’s eyes widened.
‘It is enough when there are laws yet to be written to bring our barbaric society into keeping with the laws of the Church,’ retorted the man.
‘Ah, so you make up the law as you proceed?’ Fidelma’s tone was sarcastic. She turned to Conrí, who now seemed uncertain. ‘I would advise you to have a care of who you appoint as your advisers as to law. After three years of study, this youth has a lot to learn about the laws of the Fénechus.’
‘What right have you to say so?’ protested Brother Adamrae in anger.
Gormán, who had so far been silent, moved threateningly forward. ‘You are speaking to Fidelma of Cashel, sister to King Colgú, dálaigh of the courts of the Five Kingdoms, qualified to the level of anruth. That is her right to say so.’
Brother Adamrae’s reaction was marked. Almost as if he had received a blow, he took a step backwards. His features tightened.
‘An Eóghanacht?’ he breathed in surprise.
‘You have a problem with that?’ snapped Gormán.
‘I had not realised the lady’s legal rank,’ muttered the man. The qualification of anruth was only one below the highest degree that the secular or ecclesiastical colleges could award.
‘What brings someone from Ulaidh to the land of the Uí Fidgente?’ asked Fidelma.
‘I came to turn people from the ways of heresy and to teach the law of the True Faith.’
‘Did you now?’ mused Fidelma. ‘Would it not be best to return to the Abbey of Oen Druim and learn something of the laws of your own people before coming and misleading others with your own?’
Brother Adamrae flushed. ‘I protest,’ he replied. ‘The laws of the Faith take precedence over barbarian laws. We should adhere to the words of the truth Faith coming from Rome and—’
‘I think even a student in their first year would know the introduction to the first of our law texts, Brother Adamrae,’ Fidelma said.
‘I don’t understand,’ he replied hesitantly.
‘I quote that introduction – “What did not clash with the word of God in written Law and in the New Testament, and with the consciences of the believers, was confirmed in the laws of the Brehons by Patrick and by the ecclesiastics and the princes of Éireann, and this is the Senchus Mór”. Do you not know that Patrick, and his blessed companions, the bishops Benignus and Cairnech, agreed to confirm those laws on behalf of the new Faith?’
Brother Adamrae looked confused.
‘I suggest you retire and think about it, Adamrae,’ Fidelma advised. ‘Perhaps your thoughts might take your footsteps back to where you may continue your studies. Even though you are scarce qualified to pronounce any judgement, you are qualified enough, I see, for your cheeks to become blotched – which, we are told, is the blemish of one who gives false judgement.’
The young man’s hand automatically went up to his red cheeks.