“And the reason for the murder?”
“The key to that lies in two things that happened in the confusion immediately after the bodies were discovered. When everyone else was shocked and bewildered, Wigelm calmly made off with Wilf’s treasury.”
“Really?”
“And then someone stole mine.”
“This changes everything.”
“It means Wigelm is making a bid for power.”
“Yes—but that doesn’t prove he was the murderer. His power grab might be opportunistic. He could be taking advantage of something he didn’t instigate.”
“Possibly, but I doubt it. Wigelm is not sufficiently quick-thinking. This whole thing seems to me to have been carefully planned.”
“You may be right. It smells of Wynstan.”
“Exactly.” Ragna was pleased and relieved. Den had questioned her closely but had ended up coming around to her point of view. She moved on quickly. “If I am to defeat this coup, I need Carwen to tell her story at the shire court.”
“She may not be believed. The word of a slave...”
“Some people will believe her, especially when I explain what drove Wynstan to do this.”
Den did not comment on that. He said: “Meanwhile, you’re penniless. Your treasury has been stolen. You can’t win a power battle without money.”
“I can get more. Edgar will have money for me from the sale of stone at my quarry. And in a few weeks I’ll have my rents from Saint-Martin.”
“Presumably Wilf’s will was in the same chest?”
“Yes—but you have a copy.”
“However, the will has no force without the king’s approval.”
“All the same I’ll read it out in court. Wilf’s intentions prove Wynstan’s motive. The thanes will be influenced by that: they all want their dying wishes to be respected.”
“True.”
Ragna returned her attention to the day’s challenges. “None of this will matter unless you can catch Carwen.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“But don’t lead the hue and cry yourself. Send Wigbert.”
Den was surprised. “He’s reliable...”
“And as mean as a starving cat. But I need you here. They’ll do a lot of things, but they won’t actually murder me if you’re in town. They know you’d go after them, and you’re the king’s man.”
“Perhaps you’re right. Wigbert is more than capable of leading a hue and cry. He’s done it many times.”
“Where might Carwen have gone?”
“West, presumably. I imagine she wants to go home to Wales. Assuming she left here around midnight, she will have walked at least ten miles along the Glastonbury road by now.”
“She might take shelter somewhere near Trench, perhaps?”
“Exactly.” He glanced through the open door. “First light. Time for them to get started.”
“I hope they find her.”
