Credo
Melvyn Bragg
Language: English
Pages: 505
ISBN: B01A0BFNMI
Format: PDF / Kindle (mobi) / ePub
Britain during the Dark Ages is the setting for the fascinating story of Bega, a young Irish princess who became a saint, and her lifelong bond with Padric, prince of the north-western kingdom of Rheged. This dramatic, far-reaching tale brings to life a land of warring kings, Christians and pagans, and tribes divided by language and culture, illuminating a little-known yet critical period in British history.
which would throw them into the original, tight-sealed formation. The force of Padric’s thrust had caught his man flat-footed but before he could finish him, he was forced to cross swords with another who darted round and came in behind. As they were engaged, the first man, winded, got up and attacked Padric on the other side so that his shield was swung, now this way now that, and his long sword swayed before him, keeping both at bay. Riderch had run forward the furthest and spreadeagled his
watched him walk away far beyond the point when the blackness captured him. But by straining she could see the occasional wisp of movement which was his cloak, the flutter of an animal which marked his passage, until he must have reached the woods and only then did she turn away. Dear God, she thought, help this worthless servant. Dear Padric, she thought, I cannot believe you were here. She paced the moonlit shore for some time until, the turbulence of her feelings subdued by the habit of
The boy, our hostage, refused to speak to us and would take food from none of us, though the little thief was quick to pinch it when he thought we were not looking. He could not have been more than thirteen but a fine brave youth, insolent and feisty as they come, full of lip and fearless as a banty cock. ‘Padric organised us and we waited. “Let them be worried about us,” he said. “The worst they can do is burn down the building and the Picts would not do that, not with such a fine building.
voices of spirits and with true knowledge they could be understood. Bega loved the sound and the sensation it bred inside her and again the contentment swelled up. She must remember and protect good times like these, and others now came to mind. It was good to recognise the gift of happiness and the deep, too-often unacknowledged joy of her vocation. The drizzle began again, and she got up from the rock rather stiffly. She had sat too long and her slight frame had to be forced on up the curve of
execute the law.’ ‘I know the law,’ he said brusquely. ‘The law is the law and it will be employed. In full measure. But it is difficult.’ ‘Why?’ ‘She cannot speak.’ ‘She can point.’ ‘What if the man denies it? How will she press her accusation?’ ‘I will do it for her. I will ask questions for her. I have learned enough from her – even though she cannot speak.’ ‘Today is your wedding day, Bega.’ ‘This is more important.’ ‘Your father will not agree with you.’ ‘My father believes in the