The Council of the Cursed Read Online Free PDF

abbey.’
    ‘An impressive building and an impressive town, from the little I have seen,’ Eadulf replied politely after they had introduced themselves.
    Bishop Arigius gave a smile of pride.
    ‘Indeed. When the great Julius Caesar marched the Roman legions into this land, he chose this spot as a military depot for his legions. The Aedui, the Gauls who lived here, had a hill fort on this very spot, which Caesarrefortified; hence the name of this place, which was Noviodunum– novus , the Latin for new, and dunum , the Gaulish word for a fort. So it was “new fort” and since then, changing accents have brought about its current name. It was one of the earliest places in which the Faith was established in this land, and for a while it became known as Gallia Christiana. The bishops here were renowned.’
    ‘You have great knowledge of this town,’ Fidelma said solemnly.
    ‘ Scientia est potentia ,’ smiled the bishop.
    ‘Knowledge is power,’ repeated Fidelma softly. It was a philosophy she had often expounded.
    The young steward returned with a jug and beakers, which he filled with a golden-coloured wine. It was cold and refreshing.
    ‘We make it from our own vineyards,’ explained the young man in answer to their expressions of praise.
    ‘Now,’ Bishop Arigius said briskly, ‘I presume that you have heard the news from Autun?’
    Fidelma exchanged a puzzled look with Eadulf. ‘The news?’ she repeated.
    ‘We only heard it ourselves yesterday afternoon.’ The bishop looked from one to another expectantly as if all was explained.
    ‘We are still at a loss,’ Fidelma said. ‘What news from Autun?’
    Bishop Arigius sighed and sat back. ‘Forgive me. Foolishly, my steward thought you might have been on your way to Autun because of the news.’
    Fidelma tried to be patient. ‘We have been travelling along the river for many days. We have heard no news for all that time.’
    ‘One of the abbots from your land of Hibernia was murdered there.’
    Fidelma was shocked.
    Eadulf immediately asked: ‘Do you know the name of this abbot? It was not Abbot Ségdae?’
    Bishop Arigius shook his head. ‘I know only that he was of your land.’
    ‘What else can you tell us of what has happened?’ Eadulf pressed.
    ‘Nothing beyond that simple fact,’ replied the bishop promptly. ‘A passing merchant brought us the news yesterday.’
    ‘No name was mentioned?’ queried Fidelma.
    ‘No name was mentioned,’ affirmed the bishop.
    There was a silence. Then Fidelma said: ‘It is imperative that we should continue on to Autun as soon as possible. But the boatman who brought us hither said that it is a two-or three-day journey by horse from here.’
    Bishop Arigius glanced out of the window. ‘It is no use continuing on now, for the best part of the day is gone,’ he declared. ‘Stay and feast with us this evening and continue in the morning.’
    Fidelma smiled sadly. ‘Alas, we have no horses, and…’
    The bishop waved his hand deprecatingly.
    ‘One of our brethren leaves tomorrow at dawn with a wagon carrying goods destined for the brethren in Autun. You may ride on that and welcome. The road is good, especially at this time of year, being dry and hard, and it will take no more than four days to reach the town.’
    ‘We accept,’ Eadulf said hastily. The prospect of racing along strange roads on an equally strange steed had not been a pleasant one. Being seated comfortably on a wagon was a much better prospect.
    ‘Excellent.’ Bishop Arigius stood and they followed his example. ‘My steward will show you to our hospitia , our guests’ quarters, where you may rest and refresh yourselves. We gather shortly in the refectory; my steward will guide you there. The bell will toll for the services in the chapel. We rise at the tolling of the bell, just before dawn. I will instruct our brother to await you in the quadrangle to commence your journey tomorrow.’
    ‘And the name of this brother?’ asked