The Sting of Justice Read Online Free PDF Page A

closely, a tiny scroll in one hand.
    At the same moment, Turlough recognized the likeness. He took the little figure affectionately in his huge hand and held it up to the light.
    ‘I’ve never seen anything so beautiful in my life!’ The words exploded from him. Mara gave him an affectionate glance. Turlough was a man who never could keep his feelings secret. If Sorley had hoped to sell this set to the king, he could probably ask any price for it now.
    Mara looked keenly at Daire; more than ever, she was certain that Daire had made this magnificent chess set, something which any king would be proud to own. She looked at the figures again; the set was obviously inspired by Daire’s visit to Cahermacnaghten a year ago. He had come back with Fachtnan after the festivities of Samhain; she had persuaded him to stay the night in the scholars’ house, as the evening had turned very foggy. Sorley had never seen her wolfhound, Bran, but Daire had; and Bran made great friends with the young silversmith that day. Only Daire could have copied Bran’s characteristic pose with such exactitude. If it were true that Daire had made this chess set, then why was he still an apprentice? However,
if the master said that he did not do the work, then matters could be difficult. Mara glanced back at Daire and saw him look covertly at Sorley. There was a look of black despair mingled with hatred in the young man’s eyes.
    ‘This is one of the most beautiful objects that I have ever seen,’ she said with sincerity. ‘The man who made this set is a real artist.’
    The dark look on Daire’s face lightened slightly and he smiled, his hand lightly touching the head of one of the little wolfhound pawns and then his face fell again as he shot another resentful glance at his master. ‘Shall I put them away now before we eat?’ he asked dully.
    ‘No, no, leave them where they are.’
    So that the king will continue to be tempted, thought Mara and then, as she saw the silversmith’s eyes rest appraisingly on her, she changed her mind. I believe they are meant for a bribe for me, she thought, feeling more amused than annoyed.
    ‘Lawyer Bodkin is ready now, Father.’ Una appeared at the door, giving the chess set a quick look of comprehension and then turning back to Sorley.
    ‘Bring him in, my dear,’ he said, and Una left the room without a word returning a few minutes later with the lawyer. She made no effort to introduce him, Mara noticed, but allowed him to make his own way through the room.
    Lawyer Bodkin was a tall, thin, distinguished-looking man, dressed in a black lawyer’s gown. He had a small pointed beard tinged with grey and a pair of intelligent pale blue eyes. He greeted the king with respect and Mara with interest.

    ‘I’ve heard of you,’ he said with a smile. ‘It’s a great privilege to meet you.’
    ‘And a privilege for me, also,’ said Mara with sincerity as the food was carried into the hall and the servants moved around filling plates and replenishing wine from silver flagons. ‘I’m going to pick your brains about English law. I’m ashamed I know so little about it.’ She leaned towards him eagerly as he took his place beside her.
    Ulick began to flirt with Una across the table. However, Una made no response and Ulick turned his attention towards Sorley. He met his match there, thought Mara keeping one amused ear open while listening to Lawyer Bodkin’s long explanation about common law and Roman law and then telling him of her responsibilities for maintaining law and order on the Burren and educating her young law scholars. Sorley seemed to be taunting Ulick with his poverty and Ulick, she noticed, was beginning to lose his temper, clenching his fist and giving short replies.
     
     
    ‘Excellent food!’ Lawyer Bodkin placed his fork with mathematical precision in the centre of his empty plate and leaned back.
    ‘And drink,’ said Ulick. He quaffed another goblet, full of wine, saying to the lawyer,