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he think God created men and women?’
    ‘Now do you see why I think it is odd, that, at the same time, these Saxons have arrived here?’
    ‘Quam saepe forte temere eveniut,’
quoted Eadulf. ‘How often things occur by mere chance.’
    ‘I had no idea that you had read Terence,’ Fidelma exclaimed.
    ‘I found a copy of
Phormio
in the library here,’ he replied complacently.
    ‘So how well do you know these Saxons?’
    Eadulf was suddenly thoughtful. ‘I cannot say that I can place my hand on my heart and declare that I truly know them. I met Berrihert when I was studying at Tuam Brecain – he was a pupil there too. In fact, he is not really a Saxon but an Angle from Deira, which is part of the kingdom of Northumbria,’ he added with tribal fastidiousness, knowing full well that all Angles and Saxons were deemed Saxons in Irish eyes. ‘Then when I was sent to Witebia to attend the great council, where I met you, I saw him again. He had returned to his homeland and converted his younger brothers. I have no reason to doubt their motives. After all, they did leave their homeland to follow Colmán to this country so that they might practise the Faith in the way that they had been taught.’
    Fidelma did not seem reassured, but she shrugged. ‘Perhaps I am being overly suspicious.’
    ‘Because they are strangers in your land? I have heard a saying: “Cold is the wind that brings strangers.’ ”
    Fidelma shot him a glance of disapproval. ‘Then learn the meaning. It is a saying used by some of our coastal peoples and refers to what they might expect when the sails of raiding ships are sighted.’
    Eadulf heard the familiar sharpness in her voice and sighed. ‘Then why be suspicious of these compatriots of mine? It is probably chance that brought them here at this time. After all, it is chance that rules men and not men chance.’
    ‘So you have indicated before,’ she observed. Then she smiled and shrugged. ‘I am probably just restless. Something that old Brother Conchobhar mentioned …’
    Eadulf smiled. ‘What has that old soothsayer been up to? Looking at patterns in the night sky again and foretelling doom and gloom?’
    Fidelma knew that Eadulf respected Brother Conchobhar in spite of the levity in his voice so she did not rise to the bait. ‘He believes that we should have a care over the next few days, that is all.’
    Eadulf saw the seriousness in her eyes and was serious himself for a moment before smiling again. ‘Have no fear. There is little that can go wrong now. Caol has been telling me that even the High King is coming to acknowledge the ceremony. And with all the nobles and warriors come to pay their respects to you, what is there to fear?’
    There was a tap on the door and Muirgen returned.
    ‘The bath is ready,’ she announced, ‘and, lady, your brother the king wishes you both to attend the feasting tonight.’
    Eadulf rose and drew his robe round him. ‘Then I shall go and soak myself in the tub. I am even getting use to this daily bathing custom of yours,’ he added with a grimace.
    He left the room. Muirgen was about to follow when Fidelma stayed her with a gesture of her hand. The nurse closed the door after Eadulf and waited patiently.
    ‘How is little Alchú?’ Fidelma enquired.
    The nurse’s face softened. ‘He is sleeping peacefully, lady.’ She hesitated. ‘Is something troubling you?’
    Fidelma started to shake her head, and then admitted: ‘I am just a little worried, that’s all. Have the guests started to arrive?’
    Muirgen nodded quickly. ‘Some have, but I am told that tomorrow is when the majority of guests are expected. Prince Finguine is going to arrange the erection of tents on the plains below, for many arecoming and the fortress cannot accommodate them all.’ Finguine was the king’s
tánaiste
or heir apparent. ‘Are you nervous, lady? All five kingdoms are coming to rejoice for you.’
    Fidelma hesitated. ‘I am not worried about the ceremony.