'But he was hardly more 'n a boy…' Dogman paused, counting the winters in his head. 'Shit. It's that long ago?'

'That long ago.'

'You've grown some.'

'That's what boys do.'

'You got a name now?'

'Shivers, they call me.'

'How come?'

He grinned. 'Because my enemies shiver with fear when they face me.'

'That so?'

'Not entirely.' He sighed. 'Might as well know now. First time I went out raiding, I got drunk and fell in the river having a piss. Current sucked my trousers off and dumped me half a mile downstream. I got back to the camp shivering worse than anyone had ever seen, fruits sucked right up into my belly and everything.' He scratched at his face. 'Bloody embarrassment all round. Made up for it in the fighting, though.'

'Really?'

'I got some blood on my fingers, over the years. Not compared to you, I daresay, but enough for men to follow me.'

'That so? How many?'

'Two score Carls, or thereabouts. They're not far away, but don't get nervous. Some o' my father's people, from way back, and a few newer. Good hands, each man.'

'Well, that's nice for you, to have a little crew. Been fighting for Bethod, have you?'

'Man needs some kind o' work. Don't mean we wouldn't take better. Can I put my hands down yet?'

'No, I like 'em there. What you doing out here in the woods alone, anyhow?'

Shivers pursed his lips, thoughtful. 'Don't take me for a madman, but I heard a rumour you got Rudd Threetrees over here.'

'That's a fact.'

'Is it now?'

'And Tul Duru Thunderhead, and Harding Grim, and Black Dow an' all.'

Shivers raised his brows, leaned back against a tree, hands still up, while Dogman watched him careful. 'Well that's some weighty company you got there, alright. There's twice the blood on you five than on my two score. Those are some names and no mistake. The sort of names men might want to follow.'

'You looking to follow?'

'Might be that I am.'

'And your Carls too?'

'Them too.'

It was tempting, the Dogman had to admit. Two score Carls, and they'd know where Bethod was at, maybe something of what he'd got planned. That'd save him some skulking around in the cold woods, and he was getting good and tired of wet trees. But he was a long way off trusting this tall bastard yet. He'd take him back to the camp, and Threetrees could weigh up what to do.

'Alright,' he said, 'we'll see. Why don't you step off up the hill there, and I'll follow on a few paces behind.'