‘We have come to request your help,’ Vrawn said, four palms open, glistening. ‘My sister Vrax has a breeder for impregnating. She is healthy, six-segments high, of very fine nature, amenable, and will bear many spawn we believe.’

Ula risked a look. T’Shawn had paled.

‘What happened to her last buck?’

‘This will be her first insemination,’ Vrawn said. Vrax leant forward.

‘You would be doing me a tremendous duty. I have given my breeder much land, a fine nest, all the comforts she could wish for, much as my sister has given you. A union would not only bring powerful spawn, but would elevate your status.’

‘We would be honoured,’ Vrawn added, ‘if you could do us this service.’

Ula stood, bowing to each guest in turn.

‘Thank you for your request. You must be tired from your ride and we’ll have a long journey back to Daar Orr in the morning. I have guest rooms just behind this building. We’d be honoured if you would stay.’

Stay, stay, they whispered, getting to their feet. Ula had his back to his wife but he could feel her distaste, even in her silence.

‘I’ll show you to your rooms,’ he said, and led them into the night.

When the guests were settled and his son was put to bed, Ula checked on the cattle. Low winds had brought the temperature down a good few degrees. The night was only broken by a distant chatter of nocturnal creatures. The moons rose slowly above dark mountains. He walked the perimeter, and when everything was secure, he activated the energy field surrounding his land. His last task done, he retired for the night.

In the bedroom he undressed, silent as the evening. He could feel T’Shawn’s stare, and continued to ignore her. When he climbed into bed she seemed entranced by the ceiling. Ula closed his eyes, drifted.

‘What time will you leave?’

He was almost asleep. He opened his eyes.

‘First light. I’ll need to saddle up.’

‘Will you come back?’

Ula rolled his head to the right. ‘Of course I will.’

‘I knew she’d come. Since our wedding, I knew she’d come.’

‘They always do.’

‘I’m scared.’

Her jaw was set, eyes fierce. She didn’t seem scared.

‘So am I. But you have to remember, it’s there and back. Plenty of people have done it.’

‘Not us.’

‘No. Not us.’

They kissed and held each other.