Tola has found the body of a young nobleman on his property. He
immediately goes to Cashel to get a Brehon. Fidelma takes Eadulf to
help her investigate. If this nobleman is a member of a royal family,
it could spell trouble. Part of an envoy's wand is found with the body,
ensuring a royal connection. They take the body to a nearby church for
burial. However, the priest is not there, but at a nearby tavern. He
is falling down drunk when Fidelma's group arrives. He passes out
moments later, and is put to bed.
While discussing the case, a cousin of the priest arrives. He asks to
see him and is directed to the cottage where the priest was put to sleep
it off. A short time later the cousin returns to the tavern
proclaiming that his cousin is dead. Eadulf determines that the priest
has been murdered. The cousin is regarded as a potential suspect, but
he escapes custody. The chase is on.
On the trip following the escapee, Fidelma is kidnapped. Eadulf and
Gorman, one of the king's bodyguards go in pursuit. Fortunately they do
find, Fidelma, but she is near death. Can Eadulf save her? The team
continue their search eastward and come upon a newly built fortress.
How did it come to be built without the knowledge and permission of
Fidelma's brother? Have they come upon a rebellion in the offing?
Author Peter Tremayne picks up the pace of this mystery at this point.
Can Fidelma solve this case before more trouble brews for her brother,
the king? Or will he have to fight his way through a mess? Another
excellent medieval thriller in this series by Tremayne. A very good
read.
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