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wisest among them. The study of the heavens,
nemgnacht,
was an ancient art among the people of Éireann, and most who could afford to do so had a chart cast for the moment of their children’s birth which was called
nemindithib,
a horoscope.
    The more ancient forms of astrology used by the Druids before the coming of Christianity had fallen out of use because the New Faith had also brought in new forms which were practiced among the Greeks and Romans and originated in Babylon.
    “The abbot did not approve of astrology, Sister,” interrupted the steward of the community, Brother Cass, who had been standing quietly by during the initial exchange. “The abbot disliked Brother Eolang on account of his practice of astrology. The abbot had read apassage in one of the Scriptures which denounced astrology and so he took his teaching from it. He tried to forbid its practice within our community.”
    Fidelma smiled softly.
    “Forbidding anything is a sure way of encouraging it. I thought we were more tolerant in such matters? The art of the
réaltóir,
the astrologer, has been one that has its origins from the very time our ancestors first raised their eyes to the night sky. It is part of our way of life and even those who have accepted the New Faith have not rejected the fact that God put the stars in the sky for the obedience of fools and the guidance of the wise.”
    There was a silence, then Brother Cass spoke again.
    “Yet there was an animosity between Eolang and the abbot over this matter.”
    “Over a week ago,” commenced the Brehon, “according to certain members of the community, and as they will testify, Brother Eolang became so worried about the animosity that he cast a chart, what is a called a horary chart, to see if he was in any danger from the abbot. He did this because the abbot’s language had grown quite violent in the denunciation of Brother Eolang’s beliefs.”
    Fidelma did not make any comment but waited for the Brehon to continue.
    “Eolang told certain of his comrades among the brethren that within a week from the time he had cast that chart, he would be dead. The chart, he said, showed that he was powerless against the abbot and would suffer death at his hands either by drowning or poisoning.”
    Brehon Gormán sat back with a smile of triumph.
    Fidelma regarded him with some skepticism.
    “You appear to believe this.”
    “I have seen the chart. I am an amateur in such things but my knowledge is such that the accuracy of the prediction becomesobvious. I shall accept it into evidence along with the testimony of those of the brethren with whom Brother Eolang discussed the meaning of it before his death.”
    Fidelma considered the matter silently for a moment. Then she turned to Brother Cass.
    “Do you have someone available who could take a message to Cashel for me?”
    Brother Cass glanced at the Brehon, who frowned.
    “What do you propose, Sister Fidelma?”
    “Why, since this chart is apparently central to the abbot’s supposed guilt, I would send to Cashel for an expert witness to verify its interpretation.”
    “What expert witness?”
    “Doubtless, as someone who has dabbled in the art, you have heard of Brother Conchobar, the astrologer of Cashel? He was taught by the famous Mo Chuaróc mac Neth Sémon, the greatest astrologer that Cashel ever produced.”
    The Brehon’s frown deepened.
    “I have heard of Conchobar, of course. But do we need worry him when everything is so clear?”
    “Oh, for the sake of justice,” smiled Fidelma, without humor, “we need to ensure that the abbot has the best defense and that implies someone who is an expert in the evidence against him. You have admitted to having only an amateur’s knowledge. I also have but a passing knowledge so it is best to consult a real expert.”
    The Brehon examined her features carefully. A suspicion crossed his mind as to whether she was being facetious. Then he glanced to Brother Cass and inclined his head in