Eye of the Law Read Free

that no one will tell a lie to a priest on his or her deathbed. I must say that it is something that I have always had difficulty with. My experience is that a mother’s love for her first-born may be stronger than her fear of hell. She might even reason that God would forgive a mother for doing the best for her son.’
    And, of course, she thought, this would be a splendid prize for any boy to inherit. Ardal was by far the richest taoiseach on the Burren. The O’Lochlainns had been kings of the Burren in the past, before it was conquered by the O’Briens of Thomond. The land, of course, was clan land and should go to the taoiseach of the clan as well as many of the sheep and cattle. Ardal, however, had a large personal fortune amassed by breeding and selling horses and by his efficiency as a farmer and this would be a rich prize for any heir, even if Iarla were not declared to be the tánaiste . Ardal, of course, would be aware of all this.
    ‘But does the law say that I must recognize this boy as my son?’ There was a note of deep distaste in his voice.
    ‘I would be cautious for the moment, Ardal. Admit nothing. Say little. Leave this to me. Now, I think, since I know the facts about the matter, this might be the moment for me to meet this Iarla.’ Suddenly a thought struck her. ‘But who is the older man? You said that the blacksmith is dead.’
    ‘That’s the present blacksmith from Inisheer. He’s the brother of the boy’s father, or previously acknowledged father.’
    ‘I see,’ said Mara. ‘Interesting that he comes here with the boy! You would not imagine a man would welcome his brother being known as a cuckold.’
    ‘Shall I bring them in so that you can speak with them?’ Ardal winced slightly at her plain speaking, but tried to sound detached.
    ‘Yes, do that, Ardal.’
    This should be interesting, she told herself. There seemed to be something odd about the story.
    When Ardal returned, Mara was not surprised to see that he was accompanied by Liam as well as the two strangers. Liam had been steward to Ardal, and to Ardal’s father before him. He was a strong, active man, reputedly about sixty, though he looked a good ten years younger. Ardal relied on Liam, not just for managing his estate and its revenues, but also for companionship.
    What a shame that Ardal had not remarried, thought Mara. If he had married again ten years ago, after the death of his young wife, and now had a string of sons ready to inherit his lands and fortune, then this young Iarla might never have bothered turning up on his doorstep. No doubt the story of Ardal’s wealth and his childlessness had penetrated to the Aran Islands.
    ‘This is Iarla, Brehon, and this is his uncle, Becan.’ Liam made the introductions with aplomb, but like his master, he looked shocked.
    ‘Sit down, Iarla, and you, Becan.’ But before she could move, Liam, efficient as always, proffered the only chair in the room to Mara and pulled out two stools for the men. Then he went and stood quietly beside his master who was leaning against the wall.
    ‘I’ve heard the purpose of your arrival,’ said Mara, addressing Iarla directly. ‘When did you first hear this tale?’
    He flushed angrily. The word ‘tale’ had stung.
    ‘Three days ago,’ he said briefly.
    ‘At the deathbed of your mother?’ Mara softened her voice. It was not for her to take one side or the other, she reminded herself. The fact that she was fond of Ardal and had known him since they were both young should have no place in this enquiry.
    Iarla nodded.
    ‘Tell me about it.’ As he launched into the explanation she studied him carefully. There was no look of Ardal about him. He was below medium height, with dark hair, a swarthy skin, heavy nose and a full-lipped mouth.
    ‘Thank you,’ she said as he finished. ‘Now, can I see the letter from the priest?’
    He fumbled under his arm. Over the léine he wore a short jacket of unsheared sheepskin. It seemed to have some