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awkwardly.
    He was a youthful man with a shock of raven-black hair, a fair skin and eyes to match the colour of his hair. He was well muscled, and a scar on his arm showed that he had already served in combat. In spite of his youth, he wore the golden torque of the élite bodyguard of the king and his clothes were well cared for. His features were pleasant and seemed vaguely familiar to Fidelma. She presumed that she must have seen him about the palace. His eyes held a look of anxiety, and she controlled her impatience at being waylaid.
    ‘Well, warrior? You wish to speak to me?’
    The young man swallowed. ‘Lady, my name is Gorman.’
    ‘Well, Gorman?’ Her voice was frosty and not encouraging.
    ‘Lady, I have heard that Capa, our captain, is looking for a couple of warriors to accompany him. The rumour says that he is to escort you to Imleach in search of Sárait’s murderer, the kidnapper of your child. Capa has already chosen Caol for this task.’
    ‘And?’ snapped Fidelma, angry that the news had spread so rapidly.
    ‘I would like very much to go with you, lady.’
    Fidelma’s annoyance increased. ‘It is no concern of mine what choice Capa makes. You must speak to him.’
    The young warrior shook his head. ‘Capa has taken a dislike to me, lady, although I have done him no wrong. But I must, I must go with you.’
    Fidelma stared at him in surprise for a moment.
    ‘Must? Why?’
    The young man shrugged awkwardly.
    ‘I… I knew the lady Sárait. I feel… feel…’
    Fidelma’s forbidding features softened as the young man stood with reddening face.
    ‘I presume that you were in love with her?’
    The young warrior coloured hotly, dropping his gaze as if he were confessing to some heinous crime.
    ‘I am … was.’
    ‘Why does Capa dislike you that you need my intervention with him to ensure you come on this journey?’
    ‘My youth, I suppose. I think that is why Capa ignores me.’
    He hesitated and Fidelma felt that he was holding something back.
    That is not the real reason, is it?’ she pressed.
    The young man blushed. ‘I am baseborn. My mother was a prostitute.’
    ‘But you wear the golden torque,’ Eadulf pointed out. ‘I thought that…’ He hesitated, feeling awkward. ‘I thought that only nobles could join the élite bodyguard?’
    ‘Donndubháin, who was heir apparent to Colgú before Finguine, promoted me to the élite bodyguard when I was instrumental in turning back an Uí Fidgente attack at the battle of Cnoc Áine. Capa thinks only sons of nobles should serve in the Nasc Niadh - the bodyguard. I want a chance to prove myself to him.’
    Eadulf sniffed in dismissive fashion. ‘A young man wanting vengeance to prove himself with his commander disliking him…’ He shook his head. That sounds a recipe for disaster to me.’
    Gorman turned pleading eyes on Fidelma.
    ‘Please, lady…’
    ‘Gorman!’
    It was the stern voice of Capa, who appeared behind them on his way back from Colgú’s chambers. The commander of the guard raised his hand in salute as he recognised Fidelma and Eadulf.
    ‘I beg your pardon, lady. I wanted a word with young Gorman here.’ He glanced at the warrior, now stiffening to attention. ‘You will be ready to accompany Caol and me within the hour. We are to be escort to the lady Fidelma and Brother Eadulf.’
    The young man dropped his jaw in surprise at the announcement. Capa inclined his head in salute again and turned down the corridor.
    Fidelma smiled at the confused young man.
    There, you did not need to ask for my intercession. Have you heard of the saying si finis bonus est, totum bonum erit?’
    The young man shook his head.
    ‘If the end is good, everything will be good.’ Eadulf smiled. ‘We will see you at the main gate within the hour.’

Chapter Four

    I t was just before midday when Fidelma and Eadulf, followed by Capa, with Gorman and Caol riding behind, reached the dark flowing waters of the River Suir, west of Cashel, at the