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which she acknowledged. Fidelma had the impression from their appearance that here, in spite of a difference of religion, dwelt a content and self-sufficient people. It puzzled her for it did not seem to balance with the terrible sight which had met their eyes in the glen outside this valley.
    As they approached the grey granite walls of the ráth, Fidelma saw that it was no mere ornamental fortress. In spite of the natural defences of the valley which surrounded it, its great walls and battlements, as well as its situation at the head of the valley, were so constructed that, should a hostile force break through the gorge, a few warriors could still defend it from an entire army. It had been constructed by experts in the martial arts. Again the question crossed Fidelma’s mind why such a small clan would need to have such defensive structures in a valley already naturally defended?
    Of course, in the old days, when tribe fought against tribe for the best territories and to increase their wealth, such fortresses were widely spread throughout the five kingdoms. Cashel itself had been raised to protect the E6ghanacht from their more jealous neighbours, just as the other great fortress capitals of Tara, Navan, Ailech, Cruachan and Ailenn had also been built. But, while this ráth was nowhere near the size of the others, it was a strong and well-built fortress with several buildings of two and even three storeys in height. She could even observe a large squat watch tower.

    She was aware of several sentinels staring down at their approach from the walls of the ráth and women as well as men were crowding to see their arrival. Two warriors stood before the open gates of the fortress. Fidelma noticed that these were heavy timber doors of oak, reinforced with iron and iron hinges. She noticed that the hinges were well greased and the doors, though standing wide open, had the appearance of being other than mere ornaments. Above this gateway, a banner of blue silk on which was embroidered a hand holding a sword aloft, was fluttering in the breeze – the emblem of the chieftain of Gleann Geis.
    A tall, fair-haired warrior, standing by the gate, held up his hand in respectful greeting.
    ‘You have returned without your escort but with two strangers, Orla. Is anything amiss?’
    ‘I am escorting the emissary from Cashel to my brother, Rudgal. Artgal and the others will follow soon. There was … was a matter they had to investigate.’
    The fair warrior’s eyes narrowed suspiciously as his glance fell first on Fidelma and then on Eadulf. But he stood aside respectfully while Orla led the way through the gates into a large flagged courtyard surrounded by a large complex of buildings. The square was traditional with a large oak tree growing in its centre. Eadulf was now observant enough about custom to know that the tree was the crann betha, the tree of life, or totem of the clan. Eadulf knew that the tree symbolised the moral and material well-being of the people. If disputes arose between opposing clans that one of the worst things that could happen was that the rival clan raided the other clan’s territory to cut down or burn their rival’s sacred tree. Such an act demoralised the clan and caused their rivals to claim victory over them.
    Two young boys came running forward as Orla slid from her horse.
    ‘The stable lads will take your horses,’ Orla announced as Fidelma and Eadulf followed her example and dismounted. The boys took the reins from them while they unstrapped their saddle bags.
    ‘I presume you will want to refresh yourselves from the arduous journey before you meet my brother and the others?’ the wife of the tanist continued. ‘I will show you to our guests’ hostel. After you have bathed and eaten, my brother Laisre will doubtless want to greet you in the council chamber.’
    Fidelma indicated that arrangement suited them well. One or two people crossing the courtyard of the ráth greeted Orla and then
turned