Shroud for the Archbishop Read Online Free Page A

raiding throughout the Mediterranean against all the ships and ports of our Emperor Constans. They continually ravage our southern ports. Thanks be to God, that your ship was safely delivered from their hands.’ Gelasius paused to reflect a moment before continuing: ‘And do you have good accommodation in the city?’
    ‘Thank you, I have. I am lodging in a small hostel not far from here next to the oratory of the Blessed Prassede by the Via Merulana.’
    ‘Ah, the hostel administered by the deacon Arsenius and his good wife Epiphania?’
    ‘Exactly so.’
    ‘Good. I shall know where to contact you. Now let us examine the messages you have brought from Ultan of Armagh.’
    Fidelma’s well-shaped chin raised a little pugnaciously.
    ‘Those are for the eyes of His Holiness alone.’
    Gelasius’ brows drew together in annoyance, he stared at the bold green eyes confronting him and then he seemed to change his mind and nodded with a broad smile.
    ‘You are quite right, sister. But it is the rule here that they pass through my office as nomenclator. I must also examine the rule that you have brought for the Holy Father to bless. That is in my jurisdiction to examine,’ he added with mocking emphasis.
    Sister Fidelma reached within her robes and drew forth the rolls of vellum. She handed them across to the bishop. He unrolled them, glancing through their contents before setting them aside on his table.
    ‘I will read them at my leisure and then ask my scriptor to
examine them. If all is well, we can arrange an audience with His Holiness seven days from now.’
    He saw the corners of her mouth turn down.
    ‘No sooner?’ she asked in disappointment.
    ‘Are you, then, in such a hurry to leave our beautiful city?’ Gelasius asked mockingly.
    ‘My heart yearns for my own country, lord bishop, that is all. I have been away from her shores for many months now.’
    ‘Then, my child, a few days more will not matter. There is much to see here before you return, especially as it is your first pilgrimage to this place. Doubtless you will wish to visit the Vatican Hill where the basilica of the Blessed Peter stands over the tomb of that saintly man, that saintly rock upon which Christ ordained that his church should be built. On that very hill we are told that our blessed Lord appeared to Peter as he was leaving the city where Nero was persecuting his brethren. There Peter turned and retraced his footsteps to the city to be crucified with his flock and there he was taken for burial.’
    Fidelma lowered her head to hide her irritation that the Bishop presumed her so lacking in knowledge.
    ‘I will await your summons then, Gelasius,’ she said, rising from her seat and standing as if waiting for his dismissal. Indeed, Gelasius had to hide his astonishment again that this young girl seemed to be effortlessly in control when he was so used to being in charge.
    ‘Tell me, Fidelma of Kildare, are there many like you in that country of yours?’
    Fidelma frowned, trying to understand his meaning.
    ‘I have met many men from your country, we even have some working here in the Lateran Palace, but my experiences
with the women of your land are limited. Are they all as forthright as you?’
    Fidelma smiled evenly.
    ‘I can only speak for myself, Gelasius. But, as I have told you, in my land a woman is not subservient to a man. We believe that our creator made us equal. Perhaps, one day, you should journey to the land of Ireland and see its beauty and its treasures.’
    Gelasius chuckled.
    ‘I may well do so. I may well, though I am afraid the passing of my years have been too many to contemplate arduous journeys now. In the meantime I hope you will enjoy our city. You may go. Deus vobiscum.’
    Satisfied that he had finally managed to take control of the ending of the interview he reached forward and rang a tiny silver handbell.
    He held out his left hand and once more, to his irritation, Fidelma simply took the hand and inclined