She wore a light expression. This game was one they both enjoyed. The fisherman’s wife eyed him with disdain, for what kind of master put in an appearance at market, a place only for women? He frowned and cleared his throat to rid himself of laughter. ‘Seems an unreasonable high price. Would have to be taken from your pay.’

Bett shrugged at the woman, who sighed and added two extra fish. Staring past them she gasped and dropped the silvery bundle into the basket, pressing her hand to her mouth. Turning, Daniel saw a group gathered around a man who held a sobbing boy by the neck of his tunic.

Moving before he really knew why, Daniel pushed through the crowd. Many stood aside willingly. He would one day inherit the only farm in the village, after all, whatever they thought of him. He recognised the child, a boy whose father was recently lost to sea, face pale and mouth stretched wide, hanging from the fist of a man Daniel had never seen. The child’s fear drove him to act, and the words were out of his mouth before thought of the consequences even occurred.

‘Unhand that boy.’

The man looked Daniel up and down. ‘He is a thief.’

‘He is no such thing.’ The boy’s family now lived with his mother’s sister and her husband. One small wage and many hungry mouths. ‘He is on an errand for me, I forgot to give him the coins.’

A claim not supported by the fact that the child had already eaten most of the radishes he had taken and his mouth and hands were smeared with juice and mud. Nevertheless, Daniel handed a coin to the seller. He crouched before the child and gently pulled him free of the man’s grip. The boy wept and gulped.

‘Who are you? His father?’

‘A friend to the family. Who are you, stranger?’

A cold light flared in his eyes. ‘I am your magistrate, boy. I have come to introduce myself in the village. And not before time, I see. Thieves must be punished, not indulged.’

The boy wriggled free of his grip and darted away. Those gathered around whispered and jostled. He had given them even more to tattle over than usual.

‘He is no thief,’ he said. ‘He was helping me with an errand.’

The magistrate cast his chill gaze around the crowd. ‘I have observed enough to know there is much work to be done. Your ways have grown slovenly and corrupt. Do not think I cannot see what passes amongst you. Know now. It will be stopped. Those that transgress shall be punished, and I shall ensure I learn all there is to be known of this foul and wicked place. You may well look afraid. A turning of fortune was due and it arrives today.’