The Shapeshifter’s Lair

Pedlar, Cetach, has brought a body to the Abbey of the Blessed Caemgen.  But why?  Abbot Daircell recognises the body of a brehon.  Cetach informs the abbot that he had followed a group of three along the trail nine days after they left.  The other two in the group included Princess Gelgeis and her steward Spealain.  Where were they?  Cetach had seen no other bodies, nor other evidence of them.  Could the shapeshifters have taken them, as Cetach believes?

Princess Gelgeis is the betrothed of Colgu, King of Muman.  Daircell decides to send his master of the stables, Brother Eochai, to inform Colgu of the situation.  Colgu resides at Cashel.  He turns to his sister, Fidelma, for help.  Fidelma is a lawyer of a high degree, and along with her husband, Eadulf, has done numerous investigations.  Fidelma decides that the best thing would be for them to travel to the abbey disguised as religious.  They will take their friend and soldier Enda to ensure their safety.

At the abbey, they learn from Brother Lachtna, the physician who had examined the body that the man had been shot at close range by an arrow, and then his throat was slashed from behind by a left handed person.  The man’s clothing had been given away.  The only thing in his purse was a pebble, which the abbot has.

Fidelma and her companions go to the nearby town to speak to Cetach.  Before going there, Eadulf questions a fletcher about the arrow.  He learns that it was made by a left handed fletcher.  Going on to Cetach’s cabin, they find the man dead.  His throat had been slashed by a left handed person.

While going to examine the spot where the body was found, Fidelma’s group is taken hostage.  They are then escorted to the stronghold of Dicuil Dona.  Fidelma is not intimidated.  They begin a discussion of the situation.  Dicuil Dona suggests that the princess has been taken by brigands.  He also informs Fidelma and Eadulf of a mysterious mining operation going on that is stealing gold and silver from his territory.  Can he and Fidelma work together or will they be at odds?

Author Peter Tremayne’s latest saga in the adventures of Fidelma and Eadulf has plenty of twists and turns in the mountains of Ireland as the pair gather evidence.  It is a couple of similar words that will lead Fidelma to the solutions.  However, it will mean some more tribulations before she can present her case before the court.

An entirely enjoyable read from Tremayne once again.  I’ve already got my eyes on the sequel.