Then Fidelma took charge. ‘Tell us what you know of Liamuin,’ she instructed. Aibell was trembling uncontrollably so Della went to get a beaker of corma and motioned her to sit down again. She cast a reproving look at Fidelma before turning back to the girl. It was some time before Aibell was calm. ‘There, my dear, take your own time and answer lady Fidelma’s question,’ Della said comfortingly. ‘No harm is going to come to you.’ ‘Tell us what you know of Liamuin,’ Fidelma said again. ‘If you know the name of Liamuin, then you will know that she was my mother,’ Aibell replied tightly. Fidelma and Eadulf exchanged a surprised glance. Fidelma lowered herself onto a chair opposite the girl. ‘Liamuin was the wife of Escmug, your father?’ The girl sniffed sourly. ‘What do you know of my mother?’ she grunted. ‘Nothing unless you tell us,’ Fidelma replied. ‘Does she still live?’ For a moment Aibell hesitated before saying: ‘I do not know.’ ‘That needs an explanation,’ Fidelma commented, surprised by the girl’s answer.
