Fidelma chuckled. ‘Poor Ruadán. He is merely stating the old adage that we know so well. There’s nothing revolutionary in that view.’
Radoald snorted indignantly. ‘Those views have landed him in trouble. To call the Bishop of Placentia illiterate and an ass is flirting with death. Besides which there are other tensions among the religious here.’
‘I have been told about the conflict between those who uphold the Nicene Creed and those who support the views of Arius.’
‘Then be warned, Fidelma of Hibernia. Brother Ruadán barely escaped with his life from Placentia. Bobium is an island surrounded by powerful nobles who support the teachings of Arius. It is wise not to be so forthright in declaring one’s beliefs at this time. Remember that a scholar’s ink lasts longer than a martyr’s blood.’
Fidelma considered the young man’s words seriously. ‘I appreciate your advice to a stranger from a strange land, Radoald. Out of interest, as you are lord in this valley, are you one of these nobles that you speak of?’
Radoald chuckled and shook his head. ‘I am not that powerful, Fidelma of Hibernia. However, I do try to protect this valley – and that includes Bobium. This is a small valley with few people. The influence of the Abbey at Bobium is strong here and we live in comfort with one another. Beyond the valley, it is different. Have you heard one of the old sayings of this country – cuius regio eius religio?’
Fidelma smiled and inclined her head in confirmation. An easy translation, for the saying was – who rules the country, dictates the religion.
‘Then let me tell you, outside the protection of the valley you must have circumspection. Brother Ruadán should have learned diplomacy. But, from the few people from Hibernia that I have encountered, I have gathered that you do not treat rank and privilege with the same respect that Longobards are used to.’
‘We have a saying,’ Fidelma replied. ‘“No one is better than I am, but I am no better than anyone else.” That means everyone should be treated with the same respect.’
Radoald grimaced in amusement. ‘Treated with respect according to their station in life – for everyone is allotted his or her place by the Creator and it would be blasphemy to Him should they be dissatisfied with their lot.’
‘That is a curious philosophy,’ remarked Fidelma.
‘Not for us,’ replied Radoald. ‘Why, think of the chaos if it were otherwise. Wulfoald, who commands my guard, might one day come to believe that he is equal to me. Being dissatisfied, he could attempt to overthrow my rule and take my place. I was born to protect my people, to rule the weak and guide them when they seek my help.’
‘In my land we say that the people are stronger than a lord, for it is the people who ordain their chief and not the chief who ordains the people.’
‘How can the people be allowed to choose their lord?’ The young man sounded astonished by the idea. ‘A lord is chosen by the Creator Who ordains him with power to rule.’
‘In my land, it is the best among the family, the most intelligent and strongest, who is chosen to rule by his family and his people. I know in this land it is merely the eldest son; whether he be an idiot or a great philosopher makes no matter. So how can you say the Creator has ordained him?’
Radoald smiled quickly. ‘If the ruler was an idiot, he would not last long as ruler.’
‘So he would be removed?’
‘Of course.’
‘And often with violence either within the family or by the people?’
Radoald suddenly saw the point she was going to make but shrugged, allowing her to accept it as confirmation.
‘Would it not be better to choose him in the way we do, rather than let nature choose the course and then have to correct nature?’
‘But to give people choice … If they had choice to choose their ruler, why – they would think they had choice in all things.’
‘Why not? People live in each other’s shelter.’
Radoald took a moment to understand the old proverb. Then he laughed sharply.
‘I do not think we shall agree on this, Fidelma of Hibernia. But at least I begin to see why your people have a reputation in my land as stubborn and irreverent towards their superiors. But be careful what you say and to whom, as these are difficult times and I strive hard to keep the peace between this valley and its neighbours.’
Fidelma nodded. ‘I shall remember your advice, Radoald of Trebbia. But there is a saying among my people that you cannot have peace longer than your neighbours choose peace.’
‘I can see that you are truly a King’s daughter, Fidelma of Hibernia,’ replied Radoald with grudging admiration. ‘But, so far, the neighbouring nobles have not troubled the people of this valley since Grimoald became King.’
‘Presumably he was the successor to Perctarit of whom you spoke?’
‘He was, and since then there has been peace in this valley.’
‘So it is unusual for bandits to make attacks in it?’
He was silent for a few moments as he regarded her thoughtfully. ‘Do you imply there was something unusual about the attack?’
‘I am unable to imply anything for I am a stranger here. I am merely an observer. Magister Ado at first wanted me to believe we were attacked by bandits, quickly confirmed by Wulfoald, and then you ascribed the attack to bandits. However, you did point out that it was unusual for bandits to operate in this valley when the richer merchants do not pass this way. Those are facts. I would not imply anything from them.’
‘You have a sharp mind, lady.’ Then Radoald fell silent for the rest of their journey as if in brooding thought.
The fortress of Radoald dominated a bend of the river, strategically placed on the southern bank where it turned almost at a forty-five-degree angle. From the northern bank a tributary of a smaller stream joined it. Behind that rose a great peak among the mountains which bordered the length of the valley on both banks. It was obvious that no army could attack in strength over the mountains or along the valley in either direction without having to reduce the fortress before they could proceed. It had been built initially, so Fidelma was to learn later, by the Romans when their legions invaded the territories of the peoples of Cisalpine Gaul. At first glance, it seemed dark and ominous, a brooding complex of buildings, its lower walls were covered by creeping moss-like plants which she could not identify. There were two or three farm dwellings set outside the walls and the fortress dominated the area. As they approached, one of Radoald’s men placed a hunting horn to his lips and let forth a series of blasts. Fidelma saw several warriors patrolling the walls and realised that their approach had already been observed.
She could not help but ask quietly: ‘For a peaceful valley, your warriors seem well prepared?’
Radoald actually grinned. ‘Si vis pacem para bellum,’ he replied. If you want peace, prepare for war. ‘I have found much wisdom in the Epitoma Rei Militaris of Vegetius, an old Roman military philosopher.’
They entered an inner courtyard where servants came hurrying forward to take their horses and Sister Gisa’s mule to the stables, to remove the carcass of the deer and presumably transport it to the kitchens.
As Radoald dismounted he called to Sister Gisa, ‘Take Brother Faro to Suidur’s apothecary so that he may be looked after.’ It was obvious that she knew the fortress for she took her companion by the arm and assisted him across the stoneflagged courtyard.
Radoald himself conducted Magister Ado and Fidelma to what appeared to be the main building, and led them into a great hall. There were fires alight at both ends of the hall while tapestries hung the full length of the high walls. Several men and women rose respectfully as he entered. An elderly man, who proved to be Radoald’s steward, came forward and bowed. The young lord shot a series of instructions at him before turning to them with a smile.
‘I have asked for rooms to be made ready for all of you. Baths will be prepared and this evening you will feast and rest with us. And tomorrow you will journey on to Bobium in com
fort.’ He turned to the rest of the company and said, ‘Magister Ado has come back to join us and this is Fidelma of Hibernia, a princess of her country, who travels to Bobium.’
The names of his family and his entourage passed over Fidelma’s head. Several of them spoke colloquial Latin but it seemed the main language was the more guttural tongue of the Longobards. As she was passed from one group to another with polite meaningless words, she was suddenly confronted by an ornate, carved wood chair on a dais. She presumed it was Radoald’s chair of office. But it was not that which struck her. Above the chair hung a shield. It had a black background with what appeared to be a flaming sword and a laurel wreath painted on it.
A hand jerked on her sleeve and a high-pitched voice asked, ‘Do you eat human flesh?’
Shocked, she turned to look down into the ancient face of a woman, bent over, with grey hair and leaning on a stick.
‘I do not,’ she replied, wondering if she was about to be offered some horrendous dish of the valley.
‘But you must,’ the old woman insisted sharply. ‘People from Hibernia are cannibals. I have read the Blessed Jerome and was he not of the Faith? In Adversus Jovinianum he writes that he witnessed, as a young man, the Irish cutting the buttocks off shepherds and their wives and eating them.’
‘I have never heard that Jerome was ever in Hibernia,’ Fidelma replied, trying not to let her temper rise. ‘So no credence can be given to such a ridiculous, malicious and false statement.’
‘But he wrote it.’
‘People write many things and they are not all true.’
‘But he wrote it,’ the old woman repeated as if it were a mantra.
Radoald appeared at her side and took Fidelma’s arm. He spoke to the old woman roughly in the local language and then guided Fidelma away. ‘Let me show you some of the treasures of my fortress,’ he smiled. Out of earshot of the old woman, he added, ‘She was my mother’s nurse. I keep her here as a retainer, for there is nowhere else for her to go.’
Fidelma was about to open her mouth when he shook his head and placed a finger against his lips. ‘She reads to occupy her time. Sadly, she believes that if something is written then it must be true. There is no reasoning with her on this matter.’
‘Then she must have difficulties when she comes across two accounts that are opposed.’ Fidelma smiled thinly.
‘An interesting proposition. Sadly, it seems that eventuality has not yet presented itself.’
‘I was looking at your chair when she spoke to me. Is it your chair of office?’
Radoald nodded assent.
‘I noticed the design on the shield above it. Is that your crest?’
‘It is one which serves many of the Longobard nobles, for it is the insignia of the Archangel Michael who has become our patron. It is said that he appeared to our armies at Sipontum three years ago when we drove back the armies of the Byzantines. It is Michael’s name which is now our war cry, for he is captain of battle and defender of Heaven.’
‘So any one of your people would bear that crest?’
‘Only the warriors of our King Grimoald,’ confirmed the young noble. ‘Indeed, my sword arm is at the disposal of Grimoald. Why do you ask?’
‘Tell me something of this Grimoald,’ invited Fidelma, ignoring the question. ‘When did he become your King?’
‘After he seized the throne from King Godepert and married his sister, Theodota. That was four years ago.’
‘I thought you said he succeeded Perctarit … ?’
‘Ah, you have a sharp memory. Perctarit was a joint king with his brother, Godepert. But the two brothers were at war with each other. Both were as bad as one another. Grimoald was then Duke of Benevento. He assassinated Godepert and eventually drove Perctarit into exile. It is Grimoald who hails Michael as the warrior-protector of our nation. We need that protection for we have many enemies. Even now Grimoald is campaigning against the Byzantines in the south. In his absence, Lupus the Wolf, the Duke of Friuli, is Regent. Friuli is a city far to the east of here.’
‘You seem to live in turbulent times,’ Fidelma observed.
‘It is the nature of my people,’ Radoald replied grimly. ‘Centuries ago we were forced from our homelands far to the north and, each time we tried to settle, we were driven further south and west by those who came behind us. We had to carve new territories, new homelands with the help of our swords.’
‘And yet you also fight each other over matters of kingship?’ Her comment was posed as a question.
‘Strength must be the catchword of a ruler.’
‘Have you no laws of succession? Laws by which your judges can challenge an unjust ruler?’
Radoald stared at her in surprise for a moment and then he smiled, shaking his head in amusement.
‘Do not tell me that in your land there are such laws?’
‘A king must obey the law as willingly as a cowherd,’ pointed out Fidelma.
‘We believe a king is the lawgiver. We obey his law.’
Radoald then took Fidelma on a tour of his fortress and, she had to confess, she was surprised at the wealth of tapestries and paintings, which she learned were from Byzantium. There were statuettes from Ancient Rome and many other decorative items. Radoald took a pride as he showed her these treasures. It seemed to her that the young man was going out of his way to impress her that he was a man of refinement and appreciative of the arts. Indeed, after a little while, he said, ‘When our people, the Longobards, came into this land about a hundred years ago, we were pagans, not having heard the word of Christ. All we knew was conquest and how to govern by the sword. Thankfully, times change.’
The conversation was suddenly interrupted by the entrance of a tall man of striking appearance. His age was almost impossible to discern, since although his hair was snow-white, his features seemed young. His eyes were dark, almost without pupils; his lips thin and unusually red; his nose prominent and thin. From neck to feet he was clad in robes of black, the sleeves wide and loose so that they hid his hands. There was no jewellery as relief to the blackness of his dress.
‘Suidur, this is Fidelma of Hibernia, not only of the Sisterhood but a princess of that land,’ introduced Radoald. ‘This is Suidur, my physician.’
The dark eyes examined Fidelma without emotion. Then the physician raised his left hand and placed it over his heart, making a short bow.
‘Hibernia? You are welcome in our valley, lady. Gisa has told me of your meeting and journey here.’ His voice was dry, without feeling. ‘She tells me that you were once a pupil of old Ruadán of Bobium?’
‘She tells you correctly,’ Fidelma confirmed. ‘I trust Brother Faro is recovering?’
‘Faro is well enough, my lady,’ answered the physician. ‘Thankfully, the wound is clean and there are no signs of infection. Gisa is a good student. I have also treated the wound with herbs and bound it. Apart from soreness, he has no ill effects. Therefore, he may continue his journey to Bobium tomorrow and make a good recovery. But he must move slowly and easily.’
‘Then that is a good outcome.’ Radoald spoke with satisfaction.
The physician was looking around at the people in the hall, as if seeking someone. ‘I heard that Magister Ado is of your party? I do not see him here.’
Radoald answered: ‘Magister Ado begged to be excused for he says he is tired from the journey. He will take some refreshment in his chamber.’
Suidur the Wise turned his dark eyes back to Fidelma. ‘Have you known him long then?’
Fidelma wondered why Suidur asked her exactly the same question that Radoald had asked.
‘I encountered him in Genua and he told me of Bobium and it was mentioned Brother Ruadán was here. I could not leave your country without seeing my old mentor, especially when I heard he was ailing.’
‘You did not know Magister Ado before you met him in Genua?’ Suidur continued to gaze at her thoughtfully.
She was about to respond when the young noble interrup
ted hurriedly. ‘Apparently she did not know about the magister nor of Bobium until she met Magister Ado by chance at the seaport. She was on her way back to Hibernia from Rome. You will forgive us, lady, but we are always curious about visitors in our small community.’ A horn was suddenly blown and Radoald appeared relieved. ‘The meal is prepared. Come, sit with us.’
Only Magister Ado was absent from the meal. Sister Gisa with Brother Faro alongside came to take their places. Fidelma was seated between Radoald and Suidur. The conversation veered between questions about Hibernia and information on the Valley of the Trebbia and the Abbey of Bobium. Radoald seemed intent on keeping the topics light, about the different customs of his people to those of Hibernia; about the local food, the wine and other subjects. Fidelma was not sorry when, at long last, she could excuse herself for the night. Radoald ordered one of his servants to conduct her to a guest chamber.
She was led into the main courtyard by the servant holding high an oil lamp. Only one or two people were still about, and they acknowledged her with a look or a few words of greeting as she walked across the cold flagstones. They ascended stairs into a squat building of several storeys high. Her chamber was small, with one window that gave on to a balcony overlooking an inner courtyard lit by the bright light of a waxing moon. The chamber was furnished with a bed and a table with tallow candles in holders, one of which had already been lit. In a corner was another table with a bowl of water to wash in and a linen cloth. There was also a pitcher of fresh water to drink from with a cup. Her escort left and Fidelma yawned with exhaustion and went to the window. The moon cast an eerie twilight over the Trebbia Valley and a chill wind was rustling its way along the valley trees and undergrowth. It was almost with relief that Fidelma climbed on to the bed and closed her eyes.
Fidelma was not asleep. She had not been able to settle at all in spite of her exhaustion. She had started to turn over in her mind the events of the last few days and began to wonder if she had been right in making the decision to accompany Magister Ado and his companions to Bobium. Perhaps she should have remained in the port of Genua, seeking another ship to continue her journey instead of setting off into the alien countryside.
Behold a Pale Horse Page 5