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greeted Caol and Gormán in turn as Fidelma introduced them.
    ‘The hospitality of Tara is yours,’ he said with a gesture that encompassed them all, before adding significantly, ‘Such hospitality as can be obtained in this troubled time.’

    ‘What is the situation here?’ asked Fidelma, as Abbot Colmán signalled to the waiting gilla scuir , stable lads, to take their horses and remove their saddlebags.
    ‘It is best that Cenn Faelad tells you directly,’ the abbot said. ‘He desires to see you. However, the rituals of hospitality must first be observed. Rooms have been prepared in the guests’ hostel and orders already given for water to be heated. Come, I will show you to where you may refresh yourselves.’
    Fidelma fell in step beside Colmán while Eadulf and the others followed. Caol and Gormán had taken the saddlebags from the stable lads and kept close behind Fidelma and Eadulf.
    ‘Who knew that I had been sent for, aside from the Great Assembly?’ asked Fidelma.
    Abbot Colmán glanced at her, surprised by her question. ‘It was no secret. All the members of the Great Assembly who met to debate the situation after the death of Sechnussach knew it and there has been talk of little else. Why do you ask?’
    ‘I just wondered. It’s of no consequence,’ she replied. ‘I presume that the obsequies have been conducted for Sechnussach?’
    ‘He rests among his predecessors and ancestors in the compound of royal graves,’ replied the abbot, a trifle unctuously. ‘It was not possible to wait for all the cóicedach, the kings of the five kingdoms, and their nobles to attend the ceremonies. However, it is the intention of Cenn Faelad to invite all the kings and nobles to a memorial feast once the investigation into his brother’s death has produced its findings.’ He added with emphasis, as if it needed explanation, ‘Your investigation, Fidelma, and your findings.’
    ‘Sechnussach was a great king and a generous man,’ Fidelma observed softly. ‘I hope Cenn Faelad stands in likeness to his brother.’
    ‘A wise sentiment and heartily echoed, Fidelma,’ agreed the abbot. ‘I have known him many years and I think the five kingdoms will notice little change, for he and his brother agreed on most things.’
    ‘And when will be Cenn Faelad’s inauguration as High King? That will certainly need the presence of the cóicedach. ’
    The worried look on the abbot’s face deepened.
    ‘It has been decided, on the advice of the Great Assembly, that there must be a delay before Cenn Faelad can take the sword of the High Kings in his hand and place his foot on the Lia Fail to proclaim his accession.’
    ‘The Lia Fail ?’ queried Eadulf, remembering what the old woman had said at the river crossing.

    Abbot Colmán smiled indulgently. ‘It is part of our inauguration custom here, Brother Saxon. You probably do not know of it, but those about to be installed in the office take the ancient sword of the High Kings in their hand and place their foot on an ancient stone, which we call the Lia Fail , the Stone of Destiny. It was said in pagan times that when the sacred stone feels the foot of a just ruler it responds with a shout of joy. You may see the stone in the royal enclosure, beyond those buildings …’ he indicated with his hand ‘ … for it stands here still.’ For a moment, the abbot looked embarrassed. ‘Do not think it is merely a pagan custom, Brother. Our ecclesiastical scholars have concluded that the stone was used by Jacob as his blessed pillow, and was brought out of Ancient Egypt by Goidel, son of Scota, daughter of the Pharaoh Cingris, after whom we Gaels take our name. And it was the descendants of Goidel, the worthy sons of Mile Easpain, who brought it hither to this land so that all our rightful rulers can rest their foot upon it and receive the blessing of the one true god.’
    Fidelma sniffed impatiently. ‘It is an old legend … ’ she saw Abbot Colmán frown and corrected