The Dead Prince

The Dead Prince is a short story written by Matthew Reilly, released online and available to read on his website.

Synopsis

At Mont Saint-Michel in 1454, the Dauphin, Crown Prince Phillip of France, is found dead, murdered and crucified above the cathedral's altar. With the King of France due to arrive in two days, the Abbott asks Robert De Christo, a former army commander and now the Royal Architect, to investigate. De Christo - who has been repairing the monastery following the end of The 100 Years War - has only just returned to the Mont, and thus can be ruled out as the killer, is on good terms with the King, so the Abbott wants him to investigate the murder as an impartial investigator. Knowing he has no other choice, and after receiving permission for complete freedom of action during his inquiries, De Christo agrees to the Abbotts' request.

As he examines the scene, De Christo moves to overlook the cathedral from a nearby balcony, where he notices crushed pebbles identical to the kind used in the monastery's garden paths on the floor. Upon asking if anyone has left Mont Saint-Michel since the morning, the Abbott confirms no one has, and De Christo determines that the killer is still on the island, giving the order that no one be allowed to leave the Mount.

De Christo sets about speaking to potential witnesses, beginning with the aged caretaker Brother Michael. The caretaker quickly and openly admonishes the behaviour of the First Prince during his time at the Mount, labelling him as a spoiled blasphemer. Though this doesn't surprise De Christo given Phillip's reputation, Brother Michael reveals that the Prince had deflowered some of the young nuns of the abbey. Noting that Michael cherishes the cathedral and has been observing him closely during his own repair work, De Christo asks how the Brother missed the murder of the Dauphin. Michael points out that he has to sleep at some point, and that his brethren will verify that he was asleep at the time of the murder.

Later, De Christo interviews the young nun Sister Madelene, who immediately breaks down upon being questioned and admits to having been deflowered by the Dauphin after he had plied her with alcohol to dull her senses and convince her that laying with him was part of God's will. Madelene further reveals that the Dauphin, his younger brothers and their followers held orgies with several nuns on more than one occasion, including the night of the murder. When pressed by De Christo as to how she felt about being used, Madelene confessed that while she was angered at feeling powerless under the Dauphin, she in fact greatly enjoyed the pleasures of the flesh.

Next, the second Prince, Louis, is interviewed by De Christo, on the suspicion that he may have killed his brother to become the first in line to the throne. Louis denies this despite having previously considered doing so, and has witnesses to verify his whereabouts during the murder. While he doesn't give names, his words allow De Christo to correctly guess that he had been lying with a nun at the time. While Louis doesn't appreciate the Master Builder's tone, he admits that he had left the greater orgy with two of the nuns, with the Dauphin still alive when they left.

When he eventually finishes interviewing everyone, De Christo notices Brother Michael talking to a large monk whom he didn't speak with, the Abbott identifies him as Brother Barnabas, Michael's assistant. Though described as a mute simpleton, the Abbott knows Barnabas to be thoroughly devout and worships Michael, and doesn't think him capable of murder. Nonetheless, De Christo decides he will speak with the monk later.

De Christo later returns to examine the cathedral before proceeding to the Prince's bedchamber, which he realises is too small to have hosted the number of people at the previous evening's orgy Madelene described. Rushing into the nunnery, he demands Madelene tell him where it took place; she informs him that it was held at the cathedral by the altar. De Chriso determines that the unholy proceeding was noticed by someone standing up on the viewing balcony, who then waited until the other participants had left before killing and crucifying the Dauphin. Knowing that it had to be someone so devout while also strong enough to lift the Prince's body, De Christo concludes the Barnabas is the culprit.

When the King arrives two days later, De Christo gives him his findings, and Barnabas is brought before him. The King silently appraises the mute halfwit, then decides to let Barnabas keep his life; he only acted as he had because his son was foolish enough to commit sinful acts upon one of God's own altars.

Afterwards, the young nuns who had taken part in the orgies - however willing or unwillingly - are forgiven, and granted to choice to remain at the abbey or leave; Madelene and three others choose to leave while the others repent their actions. A week later, De Christo also leaves Mont Saint-Michel, never to return.

Characters

• Robert De Christo
• The Abbott
• Brother Michael
• Sister Madelene
• The Dauphin, Crown Prince Phillip
• Crown Prince Louis
• Brother Barnabas
• Sister Arabelle (mentioned only)
• Sister Phillipa (mentioned only)
• Sister Margarita (mentioned only)
• The King of France

Trivia

.